Seasons Team Members Take Advanced Course in The Big Easy

Susan McWhorter, RN and Anna Stephens, WHNP, recently returned from New Orleans where they received comprehensive Aesthetic training for Botox and dermal filler procedures. Anna has previously received advanced training but it was Susan’s first opportunity to complete a course in Botox and dermal fillers. The Aesthetics course was a comprehensive certification program that provided Anna and Susan with extensive, hands-on, live patient training along with lectures and written materials. They learned essential physiology and anatomy of unique facial skin types to help in determining the best treatment for their patient’s desired results.

Being a nurse has always been my passion. In 2005, I became a Registered Nurse and have always been interested in furthering my education to help my patients. I wanted to complete a course on Botox and dermal fillers because I have had Botox and was thrilled with the results. I wanted to be able to offer that experience to others. Being a nurse for the past 5 years, having extensive knowledge about the human anatomy and giving injections on a daily basis has prepared me for this next step in my career. I felt I could successfully apply my knowledge towards the use of Botox and dermal fillers.

The course I recently completed was an in depth muscle training course with lots of hands-on practice. I studied the uses of Botox and creating desired looks for patients such as: bringing up the eyes, helping to move the eyes further apart, and relax and smooth the muscles to lift the eyebrows. Botox is also great for pre-existing conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), brow asymmetry, frown lines, sad smile (down-turned smile), gummy smile, bunny lines (nose), and smoker’s lines (mouth). Our course instructor is an expert physician who worked closely with me to ensure my sculpting technique with dermal fillers were sufficient. I now have ease and comfort and feel 100% confident in performing procedures. This course provided me with the ability to use Botox, Juvederm, Prevelle and other collagen products on patients.- Susan McWhorter, RN.

I love my job and I love New Orleans. Taking an advanced course on Botox and Dermal fillers in The Big Easy? Yes, Please! Susan and I were more than happy to support the city’s economy while furthering our education in aesthetics.

I have previously completed an advanced course in Botox and dermal fillers but I wanted to learn different techniques and stay up on the newest and best products. The instructor was really engaging and taught more efficient methods. One interesting fact: Botox isn’t just for your “mean face”- There are over 90 different uses for Botox! This advanced course taught cosmetic applications that focus on the art and science of Botox and dermal fillers. At our training course, we were introduced to a new product, Prevelle Silk. Prevelle Silk is a dermal filler that compliments Botox because it lasts 3-4 months. This product is great for those who may be interested in dermal fillers but not ready for a longer lasting product like Juvederm or Radiesse. The Prevelle Silk is mixed with lidocaine which makes the procedure virtually pain-free. I enjoyed how smooth Prevelle Silk was to inject so I decided to jump in the chair – I had Susan inject my lips! This was my first opportunity using Prevelle Silk and I really enjoyed the results. -Anna Stephens, WHNP

Book your next appointment with Anna or Susan at Seasons – The Spa at 318.255.1155 or It’s Permanent at 318.340.1778.

Delta Style Makeover Contest Winner – Tiffany Spillers

Seasons – The Spa, Seasons Medical Aesthetics and It’s Permanent have teamed up with Delta Style Magazine to provide aesthetic services to one hopeful makeover candidate. The lucky lady, West Monroe resident Tiffany Spillers, is a wife and new mother looking to revamp her image and give herself some much needed tender-loving-care.

At Tiffany’s initial consultation, Tiffany, Terri Grayson of It’s Permanent, Elizabeth Drewett of Seasons, and Sarah Jeffords of Seasons discussed some of the cosmetic procedures that she was interested in and the results that she was hoping to accomplish. Following her consultation, Tiffany decided to enjoy the following services:

• Electrolysis
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for hair growth reduction
• Spray Tan
• Sudatonic Wrap
• Permanent Makeup – Eyeliner
• Microdermabrasion
• Obagi-C Facial Cleansing Kit

One of Tiffany’s concerns was hair removal. To address that concern, Tiffany had electrolysis on her eyebrows and upper lip and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) under her arms to reduce hair growth.

To give her a healthy glow without the risk of tanning, Tiffany enjoyed several spray tans throughout her makeover journey. “I really enjoyed the streak-free glow. And it lasted over a week,” she said.

To boost her weight-loss efforts, Tiffany received six Sudatonic wrap treatments. “I really loved the Sudatonic wraps,” said Tiffany, “and I saw a dramatic difference in inches lost and water weight.”

Tiffany was also interested in having permanent cosmetics but was hesitant to do something permanent and possibly painful. Following the procedure, her anxiety was replaced by joy. “I am so glad I decided to have the permanent eyeliner done,” said Tiffany. “I love it!”.

To exfoliate and improve the appearance of her skin, Tiffany had two microdermabrasion treatments. In conjunction with the microdermabrasion treatments, she used the Obagi-C Facial Cleansing Kit. Obagi, the leader in cosmeceutical products, is designed to prevent and improve the most common and visible skin disorders in adult skin. “I will never use anything else,” said Tiffany. “My skin is so soft and clear, and I love adding the sunscreen as part of my daily routine.”

While Tiffany’s makover results are obvious in the photographs on the pages of Delta Style, the team at Seasons and It’s Permanent noticed the biggest difference in Tiffany’s self-confidence and personality. “We were so pleased to play a part in transforming Tiffany into the bubbly, outgoing, and gorgeous girl that was already on the inside. We just helped the inside and the outside match!” said Terri. “We enjoyed every second of working with Tiffany and being a part of her transformation.”

For more information about the services Tiffany enjoyed at Seasons and It’s Permanent, call 255-1155 (Ruston) or 340-1178 (Monroe).

Celebrate the Peach Festival with Healthy Peach Recipes

Ruston is known for harvesting delicious peaches. During the month of June, Lincoln Parish celebrates this fabulous fruit by hosting the Squire Creek Louisiana Peach Festival. Seasons – The Spa is celebrating the Peach Festival with our brand new Peach Facial. We want to help YOU celebrate by creating delicious, low-fat peach dishes with fresh fruit from the Ruston Farmer’s Market.

Peach Facial. This sweet scrub exfoliates and softens while it moisturizes and brightens your skin. The Peach Facial includes cleansing, exfoliation, aromatherapy, steam and extractions. The pampering continues with an upper body massage followed by a custom mask and a moisturizer to finish. 60 minutes, $65. To schedule your appointment, call 318-255-3223.

Peaches à la mode

You will need:

• 2 medium peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup low-fat granola
• 1 cup fat-free vanilla ice cream

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly coat a small baking dish with cooking spray.

Place the peaches in the baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and granola. Bake until the fruit is bubbling, about 30 minutes. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes.

To serve, divide the ice cream into two bowls (1/2 cup each). Top each with 1/2 of the baked peaches. Serve immediately.

Serves 2. Under 200 calories per serving!

Peach Honey Spread

You will need:

• 3 ripened peaches
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

In a large bowl, add the peaches, honey and cinnamon. Using a fork, mash until the mixture is a consistency of chunky applesauce. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serves 6. 60 calories per seving.

Recipes adapted from Mayo Clinic.

Social Media, Medicine, and a Great Story!

At Seasons, we love social media. Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, You Tube — they are all great tools to help us communicate with our patients/clients and for our patients/clients to communicate with us. Seasons has been using social media for well over a year. That process began with a blog-based website, introduced over two years ago.

While this approach to communicating in the medical industry is rare, it is working. Case in point? Watch this video which tells a great story about a woman who had a misdiagnosed wrist injury. Twitter helped her find a correct diagnosis and then treatment and recovery from her injury.

Our thoughts? This is super cool and we will continue to use social media to interact and educate our patients and clients about the pursuit of wellness!

Confession #11: Goals, Progress And A Non-Runner’s Venture Into The Running World

I’m a big fan of goal-setting. My mother cultivated this idea in my brain from childhood. She always said, “Elizabeth, you’ll always do better if you are shooting for a goal.”

So from my earliest remembrances, I have had a goal. And it’s when I haven’t had a goal in mind that my life becomes a little derailed. When my mom notices my derailment, she will always ask, “So what’s your goal?” Sometimes I had no answer.

One thing I love about getting older is gaining wisdom. And I now truly appreciate the wisdom of my mother’s words. And in November of last year, I decided to set a goal. When spring rolled around in 2010, I wanted to wear the clothes that stayed in the back of the closet last year. However, one thing I’ve learned about myself over the years is that I cannot diet. It won’t last. For me, it’s about a healthy lifestyle.

I am a healthy eater. But the big issue for me (and most women my age) is the exercise issue. I love to walk. But it just wasn’t enough. I have always wanted to be a runner (there’s nothing more beautiful than a lean runner’s body) but one ache from a knee was all I needed to quit.

And then….the opportunity arose to have THE GOAL.

I am on the advisory council for Healthy Woman at Northern LA Medical Center in Ruston, Louisiana. During a meeting with the Healthy Woman Coordinator, Audrey Buskirk, we were brainstorming ideas to help women become more educated on being healthy. With the new year rapidly approaching (our meeting was in November 2009), we were seeking to create some sort of event or series of events that would help motivate women to pursue their fitness and nutrition resolutions they might make at the beginning of the new year. You know. THE RESOLUTION. I think I have made that resolution every year for the last 20 years. The lose weight resolution. Ugh. I said it out loud. I HATE the words lose weight.

And so, the Healthy Woman Wellness Challenge was born. Who knew it would end up changing my life. The one thing I’d been looking for was THE GOAL — a reason to take that first step. As I worked on putting together tools for women to become healthier such as nutrition presentations (by Valerie Costanza, RD, and staff member at Seasons) and customized fitness programs (by Sharon Jackson, CPT and owner of Sharon’s Slammin’ Boot Camps), I found myself in therapy. Yes. What I was creating for others would end up helping me as much or even more than those who have attended!

The Healthy Woman Wellness Challenge began in January with a kickoff party. Every good event begins and ends with a party, right? Then every three weeks was another session which included healthy food (with recipe cards for each menu item), and a nutrition and fitness presentation. As I write this column, I am preparing for the fourth and final wellness session. However, the real life-changer of the Healthy Woman Wellness Challenge is the final event — a fitness goal for me and all my friends — the Healthy Woman Wellness Challenge 5K Run/Walk.

One of my greatest pet peeves in the whole world is a hypocrite — say one thing, do another. And so my own hypocrisy immediately convicted me. I CANNOT RUN A 5K. I cannot even run to my mailbox.

There you go. The beginning of the journey.

And here I am. The non-runner. I now own my first pair of running shoes purchased from Sport Spectrum in Shreveport. I love that place! Great customer service! They even watch how you walk to make sure that you are fit with the proper pair of shoes. I bought 2 running outfits. Every girl needs the right outfit for the occasion! And I downloaded the Couch-to-5K running program for my iPod. If you’ve never run before, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this program. In 9 weeks, you can go from couch potato to running a 5K.

It hasn’t been easy. I have had to make myself get out of my warm , cozy bed and run in 27 degree weather. I have posted my running status on Facebook to force myself into accountability. And it’s working. It’s not an overnight-wake-up-the-next-morning-and-your-skinny sort of solution. It’s a life change. And that’s what it takes for a 40-something to be healthy into her 50’s, 60’s, and beyond.

I WILL RUN that 5K on Saturday, April 24th. (Actually, since I’m in charge of the race, I may have to run it the afternoon before so I can work during the race!) I may lay down on the ground after I cross the finish line, but I will cross the finish line.

If you can’t run, then come join us and walk. The point is this: everyone needs a goal. I know. My mother said so! And just for the record, I AM wearing one of those outfits that hung in the back of the closet last spring. Oh happy day!

Click here for more information about the Healthy Woman Wellness Challenge 5K Run/Walk, Saturday, April 24, Lincoln Parish Park, Ruston, LA at 8 a.m.  Train Hard. Live Well.

Seasons has moved!

Confession #8: Hair Today. Gone Tomorrow.

I love a good birthday card. Maxine cards are my favorites — you know, the little old lady with the purple hair. I even have some Maxine slippers with purple hair that my sister-in-law gave me when I turned 40. My kids think they are hilarious. 

Well, I found another hilarious birthday card at the Beehive the other day. I just have to share it with you. It’s not a Maxine card, but it shares the same sarcastic view of life-as-an-aging-woman. “These aren’t chin hairs…they’re stray eyebrows!” is the comment on the front of the card. Those words are decoratively written on a sign held by an obviously-more-mature-but-trying-to-look-younger lady wearing a sash that says “Miss Optimistic.” Inside the card are the words “Happy Birthday to an ageless beauty.”

What is ageless beauty? And how about those stray eyebrows? I’ll save the ageless beauty column for a rainy day, but sister, we are going to talk about those stray eyebrows.

One of the most difficult parts of growing older is hair. And hair is one of those outside garnishments which envelopes the self-esteem of every self-respecting, card-carrying Southern woman! You know, we already have the challenges of heat and humidity around here. But there are also internal challenges that wreak havoc on our pursuit of a “good hair day”.

Did you know that hormones, the body’s communication system, can greatly affect your hair? Two years ago, I was suffering from a great amount of hair loss due to an undiscovered thyroid issue. Handfuls of hair, I’m telling you! Clean out my hairbrush every day kind of hair loss. And to make matters worse, I was growing hair in places I didn’t want it — my ears, my face, my chin, etc.! That was due to an elevated testosterone level. After having my hormones tested and discovering how out-of-whack my hormone levels were, I tried bioidentical hormones, achieved a better hormone balance and the hair started staying on my head instead of jumping off my head and into my hairbrush! Plus, the random hair growth in unwanted places decreased dramatically!

So why am I bringing up a subject we’d rather not talk about? Especially in the holiday/New Year issue of The Minute Magazine? Well, here’s my answer. ‘Tis the season! We’ve got to look good for our holiday parties. And then there’s that whole issue of “New Year/New You” for 2010. With holidays and New Year resolutions approaching, there’s no time like the present to talk about hair!

Hair Tip #1: Hormone Balance

It doesn’t matter what you do, if you don’t solve your body’s mysteries, you will just have to continually deal with this problem. So let’s start with hormone testing. If your doctor doesn’t test hormones, then find one who does. And make sure that you are retested on a periodic basis. Hormones can become unbalanced again due to stress or other events in your body. So this is a constant monitoring process. You and your doctor should have an ongoing dialogue about your hormone levels. And moms, this can affect your teenagers, too. As their hormones fluctuate, hair growth can result. Hormone testing can  be beneficial for teenagers, too.

Hair Tip #2: Waxing

Waxing is a method of semi-permanent hair removal which removes the hair from the root cause. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, bikini area, legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet. New hairs will not grow back in the waxed area for two to eight weeks. I’ve used this method of hair removal since I was a teenager for my brows and lip. It works well, is relatively inexpensive, and available at most salons.

Hair Tip #3: Waxing with Epilar Treatment

This treatment begins with waxing, followed by application of an inhibitor gel and an activator gel. This treatment works on all skin and hair types and can be used on all body parts. The procedure targets hair follicles left empty after waxing, specifically hairs that are active and in the growth phase. Epilar application will also increase the intervals for depilation and leave skin smooth and soft between treatments. I haven’t personally tried this, but I know it is very effective for women who might have a lot of hair on their cheeks and would just prefer to have smoother skin.

Hair Tip #4: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

FDA approved for permanent hair reduction, intense pulsed light is fast and very effective in eliminating large areas of unwanted hair. Light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and converted to heat in the follicle. The heat damages the follicle and disables it from growing new hair. IPL is excellent for areas such as the lip, under arms, or even the bikini area. This treatment lasts only 10 to 15 minutes, works best on darker hair, and is usually recommended in a series of four to six treatments. I have had IPL treatments under my arms. And yes, I rarely have to shave there anymore. This is truly one of my small joys in life! No more itchy, scratchy, five-o’clock shadow in my pits!

Hair Tip #5: Electrolysis

FDA approved for permanent hair removal, electrolysis is a procedure in which individual follicles are destroyed with chemical or heat energy. The hair is then removed with tweezers. Once the follicle is destroyed, it can never reproduce hair. Electrolysis can only be performed by a Licensed Electrologist. Electrolysis works on all hair and skin colors and is great for small areas that can’t be treated with IPL like ears, eyebrows, and for white-blonde, red or gray hair. Many factors influence hair growth, so the number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from an area will vary. Treatments typically occur once a week and last 15 minutes to one hour. Electrolysis is on my list of things to do. I’d like to never again see a hair on my big toe again! Can anyone relate to that? This is also great for those “stray eyebrow hairs” that show up on your chin!

Whew! That’s it. Five tips for hair! And none of them involved cutting, highlighting, styling, weaving, extensions, horse shampoo, or other strange products. While this conversation has been geared towards my lady friends, it applies to our men as well. The ear hair that you would like to see disappear from your honey’s ears (this will help him actually hear the honey-do list you so lovingly give him) can be permanently gone, not to mention the nose hair. I do recommend that you LOVINGLY and DELICATELY talk to your honey about getting his coiffure in order PRIOR to the company’s Christmas party! After all, guys are as sensitive about their hair as we girls are. They just use fewer products — hair gels, straighteners, hairspray, to name a few. This is the moment when you can educate your man about hair removal. And after you make your own appointment, make him an appointment, too!

So if you, like me, would like to reduce or eliminate the hair issues in your life, then join me on the appointment calendar at my favorite two places for hair reduction and removal: Seasons Medical Aesthetics and It’s Permanent. You can find Seasons Medical Aesthetics & Spa in Ruston at 411 E. Vaughn Ave., Suite 201. You can find Seasons Medical Aesthetics in association with It’s Permanent in Monroe at 1033 N. 6th Street. And to make an appointment or get more information about any of these procedures, contact our Ruston office at 318-255-3223 or in Monroe at 318-340-1778. In the meantime, girls, let’s put our best hair (and hair removed) forward!

All Estrogens Are Not Created Equal

There is a lot of confusion in the medical and non-medical communities regarding estrogens. Many today think there is only one estrogen. Many today think bioidentical estrogens and synthetic estrogens are identical in structure and function. Many today think estrogen production stops after menopause or after a total hysterectomy. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The body never stops producing estrogens. The body, in fact, produces 3 types of estrogens: estradiol, estrone, and estriol. These are the natural estrogens native to the body and the foundation of bioidentical hormone replacement of estrogen.

A woman’s body produces estrogens in various places. Most people knows that ovaries produce estrogens. But did you know that the adrenal glands and fat cells produce estrogens, too? Think about that for a minute. This explains why women of all ages continue produce estrogen. Our adrenal glands don’t disappear at menopause. And fat cells certainly don’t. So how do we know if a woman needs estrogen?

Let’s look more closely at the 3 main estrogens produced in the body.

• estradiol
• estrone
• estriol

Estriol is a good place to start. Estriol is the weakest of all Estrogens. A woman’s placenta produces very large amounts of estriol during pregnancy. However, estriol is not confined to pregnancy. The liver produces small amounts, too. Estriol primarily affects a woman’s hair, nails, skin, and her vaginal lining. Studies also suggest estriol has potential in breast cancer prevention because estriol binds to specific receptors (beta-receptors) in the breast that inhibit breast cell growth. All other estrogens would be expected to increase breast cell growth (which can lead to cancer) through activity with alpha-receptors.

Estrone is the second most potent estrogen. Estrone is predominately produced in fat cells after menopause. Overweight women have high circulating estrone levels. Unfortunately, 63% of American women are overweight or obese, so many women have high estrone levels. Estrone levels rise even more after menopause, and estrone has been implicated in breast tumors in animal studies. (Scientists say this because estrone has a 5:1 affinity for alpha breast receptors, but that’s pretty technical.) Just remember that alpha-receptors increase breast cell growth. You could say estrone encourages breast cell growth, and that can lead to uncontrolled breast cell growth. We call that breast cancer.

Estradiol is the most potent estrogen. Estradiol is produced predominately from the ovaries. This means a woman will have less estriadiol after menopause because her ovaries are producing less. Estradiol is the main stimulus for growth of the lining of the uterus in the first 2 weeks of the monthly cycle, and it helps in triggering ovulation. Like estrone, estradiol has been implicated in breast tumors. It has a 3:1 affinity for alpha-receptors in the breasts, which promote breast cell growth and can lead to cancer.

That’s a lot of information for one blog post, I know. But remember the overall point. Bioidentical hormone therapy is much more than the use of bioidentical estrogen. It is about which estrogens your body needs to maximize efficacy, reduce side effects, and prevent disease.

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