Blair Walpole, Ryder Walpole, and Seasons Donation Drive winner, Jeannie Tinker.

Seasons Wellness Clinic was thrilled to support the fight to end breast cancer by participating in the 2011 Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure on Saturday, September 24th. Seasons organized a team of twenty-one participants made up of patients, friends, survivors and staff members. Seasons team members wore a “Wellness Warrior” t-shirt designed especially for the event. The “Wellness Warrior” theme was chosen to represent Seasons’ commitment to conquering disease, celebrating survivorship, and honoring those who have lost their battle with breast cancer.

Seasons "Wellness Warrior" Team T-Shirt

“At Seasons, we believe in making a positive impact on the lives of those fighting to be healthier. We were honored to have had an amazing team of patients, friends, survivors and staff members who are all as passionate about wellness as we are.” said team captain, Sarah Jeffords. “We were excited to be able to participate in this event for the second year in a row,” Jeffords continued.

With registration and individual donations, Seasons raised over $650. Seasons – The Spa & Tassi donated prizes to be awarded to those who raised the most money for Susan G. Komen. First place winner, Jeannie Tinker, raised the most and received a Clarisonic Pro Face & Body and Tassi headband (package valued at $215). Second and third place winners, Sheila Keyes and Karen Hood, received Tassi headbands.

“Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.” – Josh Billings

Dr. Nathan Goodyear

The rising cost of healthcare is a big topic today, and rightly so.

In 2009, the cost of healthcare was $2.5 trillion. That is 17% of the United States’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is the highest annual jump as percentage of GDP in history.

And what about health insurance premiums? They are on the rise, too, due to the increase in mandates through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as ObamaCare.

Government healthcare mandates account for up to 50% of the costs of health insurance.  According to the Congressional Budget Office, the new federal mandates in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will cause a significant increase in individual health insurance premiums.

What are we getting for these rising costs? Are we healthier? Are we seeing less disease? Are we seeing less cancer? Are we seeing less depression and anxiety? Are we seeing fewer prescriptions? No. The exact opposite is true. Unfortunately, the poor health of Americans is on the rise. In fact, the US consistently ranks low in quality and efficiency of healthcare and ranks #1 for the highest percentage of obesity with 30.6% of all Americans considered obese.

When we talk about health, we are not talking about the cure of disease or about early detection. Instead, the conversation needs to begin with prevention. And prevention can only occur through healthy lifestyle choices.

A snapshot of poor health is to simply look at obesity. We are losing that battle. Obesity is the doorway to disease. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 67% of Americans are overweight and over half of those are obese. In 2010, 38 states had obesity rates above 25%. Contrast that to 1991 when no state had an obesity rate that exceeded 20%.

What about the kids? Ten percent of kids 2-5 are obese, 20% of kids age 6-11 are obese, and 18% of adolescents are obese.

So, what is the cost of poor health? According to a study by the CDC and RTI, the direct and indirect healthcare costs are as high as $147 billion annually. Overweight individuals pay about 42% more in healthcare costs than comparable healthy individuals. This equates to an extra $1,429 out of your pocket annually. And that figure reflects 2009.  This amount will only increase annually.

What about individual costs?  Remember, obesity is the doorway to disease.  So, let’s follow the path of disease development.  According to a report released by the George Washington University School of Public Health, the direct individual costs of obesity are $4,879 for women and $2,646 for men annually.

Let’s add the cost of disease to the cost for obesity.

• Diabetes. The diagnosis of diabetes increases by 1 million annually. According to the American Diabetes Association, the annual, individual costs of diabetes is $11,744.

• Cardiovascular disease. For our discussion purposes, this will include high blood pressure, cardiac events, strokes, and associated treatments for an initial event. Kaiser Permanente did a 7-year study of the direct, annual costs of cardiovascular disease. In this study, they found that the direct, individual costs of an initial cardiovascular event was $18,953.  A second event would increase the costs by 4.5 times.

• Cancer.  According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the direct total costs were $93.2 billion in 2009. For our discussion purposes, let’s use prostate cancer (the highest incidence in men) and breast cancer (the highest incidence in women).

For prostate cancer, the average costs were divided into 2 categories: watchful waiting and treatment. The costs were followed over 2 years for more than 9,000 men. The direct individual costs of watchful waiting was $24,809. Compare this to the 2-year individual costs of $59,286 for the treatment group.

For post-menopausal women, the annual direct costs of breast cancer was found to be $13,925.  The costs of cancer are known to be a “U” curve. The highest costs concentrate in the initial phases and the last phases of disease treatment.

So, let’s add this all together assuming a 5-year window of treatment and assuming aggressive treatment, not watchful waiting.

Again, assuming a 5-year window of treatment, the total costs for men would be $314,930 and $247,505 for women.

Remember, these costs include direct costs only. They do not include indirect costs.  Additionally, these numbers are all pre-2011 dollars and are only calculated over 5 years, so the costs are even higher today.

This disease/cost hypothesis assumes the coexistence of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer simultaneously. Though the coexistence of all 4 diseases simultaneously is not common, it is very common for obese individuals to have diabetes and cardiovascular disease simultaneously. Then, give time, the risk for the examples of prostate and breast cancer increase significantly. These costs may be spread out over a lifetime, but still would exist.

Obviously, America is not getting healthier and the costs of healthcare continues to increase due to the prevalence of disease. The disease-focused model of healthcare is not working to improve the health of Americans.

We need a disease model to treat disease when it exists. However, the disease model is not effective in producing GOOD health and PREVENTING disease. We need a new health and wellness model. This can only be accomplished through an individual, metabolic analysis and treatment plan. This is the type of treatment we offer at Seasons Wellness Clinic in Ruston, Louisiana and Seasons of Farragut in Tennessee.

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” – Thomas Edison

According to Wikipedia, the definition of health is this: the level of functional and (or) metabolic efficiency of a living being. Health implies being free from illness, injury or pain.

The cost of healthcare is directly proportional to the lack of health of our citizens. It is by practicing true preventive medicine, increasing the metabolic efficiency of the body, that we will actually reduce the cost of healthcare and provide good health for our nation.

One word can sum up the root of most illnesses in America today. And the word is…stress!

Stress can cause a variety of problems from wrinkles, to ulcers, to more severe illnesses such as cancer. At Seasons, we offer services to help manage stress including Facial Reflexology. Not only is Facial Reflexology relaxing, but it is a natural way to improve the body’s function and appearance from the inside out. A soothing Facial Reflexology treatment is performed by the practitioner applying pressure on different points of the face and scalp, as well as massaging specific areas searching for deposits or “knots” under the skin. These deposits will reveal problematic areas that can act as the base of future treatments. Symptoms can be treated over time through working with these deposit areas. Each client is unique and some treatments are recommended through a series of 4 or more treatments.

Bethany Cox, LMT & Certified Facial Reflexologist

 

“Following a Facial Reflexology session, most clients feel deeply relaxed with a healthier complexion. Individuals should get plenty of rest and consume plenty of water to support the body in its transition.”  – Bethany Cox, LMT & LFR

 

What is Facial Reflexology?

Facial Reflexology combines the modern science of neurology with ancient therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine, South American Zone Therapy, Vietnamese face maps, and Acupuncture points. This technique of Facial Reflexology was developed by Lone Sorenson. Sorenson’s technique is based around the idea that by using finger tip pressure, you can stimulate a release of endorphins and serotonin, leaving the face feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. This stimulation sends impulses through the central nervous system and the meridians to the physical body and the major organs. Sorenson’s technique of Facial Reflexology stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in addition to balancing hormones and leveling emotions. The technique calms the body and allows it to heal naturally.

Want more information about the benefits of Facial Reflexology? Check out our other blog posts:

• 10 Natural Ways to Cure Your Bedtime Blues
• Top 10 Pregnancy Tips
• The Proof Is In The Practice – A Journey to Reflexology
• Treat The Inner and Outer You with Facial Reflexology

To schedule your Facial Reflexology session or a consultation with our Facial Reflexologist, call Seasons – The Spa at 318.255.1155.

Valerie Costanza, RD

Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month make February a month to celebrate sweethearts. What a perfect time to show your loved one how much you care by preparing a meal with heart-healthy superfoods such as omega-3 fatty acids and fresh vegetables. Adding superfoods to your daily diet has the ability to decrease the risk of cancer, improve heart function, and fight infection. Make heart healthy dishes for you and your sweetheart and you will be doing your part for a healthier heart!

Examples of superfoods:

Beans • Blueberries • Broccoli • Oats • Oranges • Pumpkin • Salmon • Soy • Spinach • Tea (green or black) • Tomatoes • Turkey • Walnuts • Yogurt

Baked Grouper with Chunky Tomato Sauce

Ingredients :

• 3 1/2 cups chopped seeded tomato (about 4 medium)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon capers
• 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 (6-ounce) grouper fillets

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425°.

Combine first 10 ingredients in a medium bowl.

Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat. Place fish, skin sides up, in pan; cook 2 minutes. Turn fish over; top with tomato mixture. Bring to a boil. Place pan in oven; bake at 425° for 8 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

This Nutrition Update is brought to you by Seasons. For a personalized nutrition consultation with Valerie Costanza, call Seasons at 255-3223 and schedule an appointment.

"Not Just Surviving. Thriving." T-shirts are available at Seasons Wellness Clinic in Ruston.

Seasons Wellness Clinic was thrilled to support the fight to end breast cancer by participating in the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure 5K on September 25th, 2010. Seasons organized a team of twenty-five participants made up of patients, friends, survivors and staff members. Each member of the Seasons Race for the Cure team wore a “Not Just Surviving. Thriving.” t-shirt to represent Seasons approach to wellness, celebrate survivorship, and honor those who have lost their battle with breast cancer.

At Race for the Cure, Seasons was awarded ‘Highest Fundraising Healthcare Team’ by raising $2,150 and the ‘Largest Healthcare Team’ with 25 participants (both categories were awarded for teams outside of Ouachita Parish).

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to help raise funds and awareness for the fight against this life threatening disease, Seasons is donating to Susan G. Komen. You can help us raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the following ways:

• For every October Beauty Bonus purchased, Seasons will donate $10 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
• For each “Not just surviving. Thriving.” t-shirt purchased, the total amount of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Not just surviving. Thriving.” t-shirts can be purchsed at  Seasons Ruston location.
• For each gift card purchased during the month of October, 10% of the total amount will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
• Donations can be made at Seasons Wellness Open House on October 21st.

The lobby of Seasons Wellness Clinic in Ruston, La.

Seasons Wellness Open House will be October 21st from from 5-8 p.m. Guests can take a tour of Seasons’ new location at beautiful Northpointe Office Park in Ruston, learn about the many new services they now offer, and help raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Come and meet Seasons’ friendly and highly-trained aestheticians Lisa Best and Joy Smith, massage therapists Bethany Cox and Aaron Jennings, RNs Susan McWhorter, Jennifer Johnson, and Amanda Williams, registered dietitian Valerie Costanza, nurse practitioner Anna Stephens, as well as board-certified and fellowship trained Metabolic Specialist Dr. Nathan Goodyear. In addition to the entire Seasons staff, representatives from respected companies such as Guinot, Xymogen, Allergan, Sprayology, and more will attend.

Help make a difference in the lives of our patients, our mothers, our sisters, our friends, and others who have been affected by breast cancer.

Dr. Nathan Goodyear

The staff at Seasons would like to invite the public to wine and dine with them at their Wellness Open House from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 21. Guests can take a tour of Seasons’ new location at beautiful Northpointe Office Park in Ruston, learn about the many new services they now offer, and help raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

On hand will be Seasons’ friendly and highly-trained aestheticians Lisa Best and Joy Smith, massage therapists Bethany Cox and Aaron Jennings, RNs Susan McWhorter, Jennifer Johnson, and Amanda Williams, registered dietitian Valerie Costanza, nurse practitioner Anna Stephens, as well as board-certified and fellowship trained Metabolic Specialist Dr. Nathan Goodyear. In addition to the entire Seasons staff, representatives from respected companies such as Guinot, Xymogen, Allergan, Sprayology, and more will attend.

Lobby of Seasons Wellness Clinic in Ruston, La.

Guests can freely make their way through Seasons Wellness Center and Seasons — The Spa by following the event maps available at the door. They’ll find stations set up throughout the facility where they can test Seasons’ products and services, ask questions and learn more about what Seasons has to offer.
With the purchase of a gift card during the event and during the entire month of October, the business will donate 10 percent of the total to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Gift wrapping is complimentary.

Relaxing Hot Stone Massage by Bethany Cox, LMT of Seasons - The Spa

Purchasing a gift card or just simply making a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure at this event enters guests into a drawing to win a Seasons Spa Package featuring Smooth Shapes. The lucky winner will say good-bye to cellulite with this pain-free treatment that uses dynamic laser and light energy to tighten and smooth skin. The Smooth Shapes treatment also regenerates collagen, improves circulation, and restores metabolic processes. The package includes a series of eight treatments and is valued at $2,000. Additional door prizes will also be awarded.

So, save the date, get a babysitter, and come join us for a fun event for a good cause.