courtesy of Shutterstock

More Hair, No Plugs Necessary
If you've been struggling with hair loss or a receding hairline, you know that most products that claim to restore your hair... don't. And while there are some pharmaceuticals that do bring back some hair in some people, the side effects are often too difficult to manage long term - and once you stop using the product, hair can stop growing. These frustrations often drive hair-loss sufferers towards hair plugs - but the surgical process is frequently painful and the results can look anything but natural.
Today, an innovative treatment can help patients suffering with hair loss grow more hair, faster. This procedure is done with precision placement and without an incision by grafting thousands of individual hairs per session. This technique yields natural-looking results and the opportunity to grow your own real hair. Dr. Justin Heller of Heller Plastic Surgery offers this procedure by providing patients with a comfortable experience and a dramatic transformation. Individual hairs are implanted, one by one, with a graft vacuum system that removes, then deposits and places the follicles beautifully.
"People who've suffered from embarrassment or frustration because of hair loss can now implant real hair-bearing tissue into eyebrows, scalp and other desired areas. Male-pattern baldness issues can be alleviated without the harsh look of hair plugs. Hair lines can now look lush and natural," says Dr. Heller.
Curious? Call Heller Plastic Surgery for more information. 233-4949

Aviclear is your Acne Solution
A future without worrying about your acne could be three quick 30-minute treatment sessions away. Aviclear is the first and original FDA-cleared energy device for the treatment of mild, moderate and severe acne - and it has even longtime acne sufferers singing its praises.
AviClear specifically targets the source of the oily substance on your skin. After treatment, you will produce less oil - and your acne will get better and stay better.
Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Care 254-3686

courtesy of Shutterstock

CMS Awards Five Stars to Providence Holy Cross
Two Providence hospitals in Southern California - Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills and Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica - earned five-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency recently announced.
The two Providence hospitals are among 483 (10.4 percent) of US hospitals that received this year's top designation for quality and safe care.
Four stars were awarded to Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center, Torrance; Providence Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo; Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, Burbank; and Providence St. Jude Medical Center, Fullerton. Nationwide, 803 hospitals earned four stars, 17.3 percent of those rated.
"The CMS star rating system is the gold standard for measuring quality and safety," said Teresa Frey, chief quality officer for Providence in California. "Providence is committed to advancing both by sharing expertise across our system, and having many of our hospitals earn four and five stars is evidence this practice is improving care for our patients."
The star ratings are a key source of information for consumers to choose quality hospitals in their communities. CMS cautions consumers that ratings alone are not the only criteria in deciding where to get care. Physician guidance, other quality assessments and results of patient experience surveys also should be considered.
The overall star rating for hospitals addresses readmissions to hospitals and deaths after heart attacks or pneumonia. The ratings, from one to five stars, summarize a variety of quality measures across five areas: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience and timely and effective care.
"From our housekeeping and food services staff to our doctors and nurses, the constant focus is on the quality care and safety we provide to each and every patient, every day," said Bernie Klein, MD, chief executive Providence Holy Cross. "I'm both honored and extremely grateful to work among people who truly care about the people whom we serve."
All six of the four- and five-star Providence hospitals have received numerous accolades over the past year. In US News & World Report 2022 quality ratings, Providence Holy Cross and Providence Saint John's tied for Number Nine in the Los Angeles Metro Area and Number 17 in California.
Additionally, Providence Holy Cross was named among Healthgrades America's Top 50 Hospitals 2020-23, earned Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award 2022-23 and was among the nation's top 170 hospitals for cardiac intervention. In 2022, US News ranked it Number 35 for orthopedics and Number 36 for obstetrics/gynecology nationally.
Providence Holy Cross Medical Center providence.org/holycross

Finland in Santa Clarita
The Sweat Shack Hosts Social Sauna & Cold Plunge Nights
Enjoy an evening with your friends with hours of authentic Finnish sauna bathing at The Sweat Shack in Newhall and Saugus!
For only $50, you and your friends will travel back and forth between the saunas and the Cold Plunge for a rejuvenating experience that centers the health and healing of temperature therapies. Bring a bathing suit and robe - as well as your favorite drinks and snacks - so you can settle into this memorable experience.
Call now to reserve your spot for Newhall's events on August 19 and September 16 or Saugus events on August 18 and September 15. All attendees will have a chance to win a four-session package and other Sweat Shack swag, too.
The Sweat Shack 678-0880

courtesy of Shutterstock

Should You Join a Support Group?
by Charlene Perrone
Facing any kind of family crisis can be isolating and both physically and emotionally challenging. I can tell you, as a support group facilitator, that joining a group with others facing similar challenges can often provide the sense of support, community and kinship that you need to cope with, understand and get through that crisis.
Joining a group can initially feel intimidating - and sharing your personal feelings and intimate details of these challenges can be daunting. Please don't let that stop you; these spaces are empowering.
The groups are typically formed around a common condition - from depression to addiction to family caregiving issues surrounding the health or cognitive decline of yourself or a loved one. Support groups often fill in a gap between what doctors provide with medical treatment and the emotional support that loved ones may try to offer but can't, due to a lack of understanding.
Support groups offer a safe, supportive and non-judgmental setting where participants can be heard while gaining insight and perspective about their own journey. These groups offer a very safe space for you to voice your concerns, fears and hopes. And they provide a compassionate environment where you receive the encouragement and support you need to survive. More than that, as you go through challenging circumstances, they offer coping skills and a psychological toolbox filled with ideas and suggestions to navigate your challenges.
You are not alone. Talk to your doctors, your religious leaders, or search online for groups that deal specifically with the challenges you're facing. You'll find there are both online and virtual meetings that will be welcoming and accessible. If you need assistance finding a group, call me and we'll search together.
Charlene Perrone is an Alzheimer's support group facilitator and owner of
Home Instead Senior Care for Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys. 254-8701