Compounding and Creative Medicines Now In Branson MO

http://www.lakelandrx.com/#!lakeland-compounding/clzx

 

 

 

Make sure to click around on our page and contact our team for more information.

YOUniversity!!! December 2015 HOT TOPIC "Collagen Induction Therapy"

 CLASSES FORMING NOW!!! As promised, YOUniversity will kick-off December 10th, 2015. 

The collaborative team of Professionals at Providence Medical Spa, Lakeland Wellness, and Cornerstone Christian Counseling have a desire to help YOU.  So much so, that we have decided to put our expertise and efforts together to allow a one-stop wellness forum using our provider network to present information, provide demonstrations,  and answer the common questions that we so often get asked.   This is a great opportunity to gain key information on the relevant HOT TOPICS of anti-aging, health, and wellness. 

What treatments are available?
What are the costs?
What skincare products work best?
Do I have a hormonal imbalance?
How do I go about testing and treatment?
How do I battle stress, emotional swings, anxiety, and depression?
What changes can I anticipate with aging?

 ~Imagine all of the questions that you might have  related to hormones, skincare, wellness, aesthetics, supplements, weight management, fatigue, scarring, pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, emotional health, and MORE.  We intend to answer these questions by providing a monthly program focused on a certain health and wellness topic each month.  Here's what's up FIRST!!!


DECEMBER CLASS FORMING NOW (12/10/2015 @ 6pm)

Make plans to join our December program where Jana Kueck R.N will be sharing on the topic of COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY. It's one of the most popular procedures for men and women coming into the Medical Spa.  Jana will be covering these 5 key YOUniversity "notes" of interest. 

1.  What are the common signs of aging after 40 years old?

2. What are the effective ways to prevent collagen loss with aging?

3.  What are the advantages of Collagen Induction Therapy/MicroNeedling ?

4.  A live demonstration to show you what the procedure involves.

5. What about the after care and associated costs with the treatments provided in the Spa?


YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!!  Jana serves clients with excellence and great compassion.

Make it a part of your New Years Resolution to own your health in a better way.   Join our
 "CommYOUnity of Wellness" where relevant issues will be highlighted and discussed each month.   We hope and expect that you will make some new friends along the way. 

Also, Make sure to mention this BLOG and call the number listed on the coupon to get registered for the class.  The class if FREE ($25 value) but you must RSVP due to limited space.  417-334-4032 or
417-231-4544.
YOUniversity Classes will be held in the Conference Room of Providence Medical Spa. www.providencemedispa.com

Saliva Testing of Hormones and Cortisol

Estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S and cortisol are routinely measured in saliva. Steroid hormones in the bloodstream are mostly (95-99%) bound to carrier proteins, and in this form are unavailable to target tissues. Only the unbound fraction freely diffuses into tissues, including the salivary gland. Hormone levels in saliva therefore represent the quantity of the hormone that is currently available to target tissues and actively exerting specific effects on the body.



http://youtu.be/KURpZSXA7u8


Often I'm asked how to go about testing for hormonal imbalance.  It's so simple and affordable and such a life changer for those struggling to make it through their days.  And if you can't make it through your days, how will you ever make it through your years?  Simply click on the link above to find out more about the testing kit that I can provide conveniently by shipping it to your home address. The same kit is used for both women and men and a simple call to our staff can help you determine which testing panel is best for you and your symptoms. 

So is Hormonal Imbalance Affecting You? 

Infertility
Loss of pregnancy
Erectile Dysfunction
Irritability
Anxiety
Night sweats
Incontinence
Fibroids
Sexual dysfunction
Insomnia
Fatigue
Difficulty losing weight or gaining unexplained weight
PMS
Vaginal Dryness
Yeast Infections
Continual infections and immunity issues
Palpitations
Migraines
Memory concerns
Lack of focus
Loss of stamina
Loss of muscle mass




It's exciting to have helped so many  and extra exciting to see so many getting the help that they need in these areas.  Don't put this off another day.  Your "normal" is not acceptable when it affects your body, your health, and your longevity.  Don't allow another dismissal of your symptoms with your provider with an "it's just the way it's going to be" mentality. Give me a call and I can help you get started towards a "NEW and IMPROVED YOU"!!  Yay!!!

To your good hormone health,
Dr. Sonja

Let's "Face" It, Healthy Skin Is In- The HydraFacial-Available in Branson MO

Oh My Goodness!!  My skin feels amazing today.  #wow

Read to the end and enjoy a special DISCOUNT CODE (Sept 15th- Nov 1st) to allow a pre-Holiday appointment time.  Your skin will look and feel fabulous for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Thanks to the expertise of Jana Kueck and Dr. Robin Talley, owners of Providence Medical Spa www.providencemedispa.com in Branson MO....(my ONLY go-to girls for all-things-skincare, #truth), I feel like a new woman today.  So good, that I can't keep this amazing anti-aging secret to myself.  I wanted to be able to show each of you out there in BLOG-land how amazing this technology is and why YOU should consider this for yourself.  If you have a SPECIAL EVENT coming up, get an appointment and treat yourself to younger looking skin for that occasion.  If you are a local to Branson, lucky you.  If you have a vacation planned for the Branson area, lucky you.  Either way, it's a win. Why?  Because this is an exclusive option that you will not find in most other medical spas.  It's cutting edge technology with immediate results and Providence is the only place you'll find it in this area.   It's very affordable, you don't have to hide from the public for a week after having a session, and it's effective. VERY, VERY effective.

 I told Jana we needed to film the session so that others could see (catch some of the videos below).  When Jana walked me through the procedure and explained each benefit, I was so enlightened and now I'm even more committed to my skin care. Who better to make a judgement call on the session than MYSELF so that I can inform my 59,000 blog guests who check in for anti-aging, hormone, and skincare information what this is like.  I understand now why women are coming in once every month or two to give their face a breath of fresh 'hydration'.   Give the MediSpa a call and set up your appointment.

So here goes…

Step 1

Step 2





Step 3

Step 4

Now here's the best part.  Call Providence Medical Spa 417-334-4032 and mention this PROMO CODE as a benefit of reading this blog.  It gives you a 20% discount on a HydraFacial session and if I were you, I would consider taking advantage of multiple appointments at this rate.  

PROMO CODE: "HOLIDAY HYDRAFACIAL"  You'll be happy you did.  

To your good skin health, 

Dr. Sonja

While Fats Are Going Down Are Carbohydrates Going Up?

https://youtu.be/ex37b2aRP9w

It's Not Coincidence, It's Providence!

I want to introduce you to a couple of fantastic women that I met a few years ago.  I remember walking into their Medical Spa just to give a friendly hello, and to introduce myself, and then walking out about 45 minutes later with a sense of calm and joy regarding the connections that took place in their office that day.  Faith, family, friendships, and our unique concern for how we could each provide great care to people through our special God given gifts was the common thread of conversations.  What we didn't realize AT ALL that day, was that we would fast-forward to a time when we would all serve in our specialties under one roof.   It wasn't coincidence, it was definitely providence which if you talk to these women is the whole foundation of their business and their care.  The kind of encounter where you look back...or maybe better stated, look UP, with a smile and gratitude.  I could not make a better referral to two people that I trust more than Jana Kueck, RN, and Dr. Robin Talley, MD.    Here's their story and bio's so that you can get connected to them as well.

Providence Aesthetics and Medical Spa was established in 2009 by owners Robin Talley, M.D., and Jana Kueck, R.N.   They began their 30-plus year friendship as roommates at Cox School of Nursing.  Both Talley and Kueck received their nursing degrees and began working in local hospitals.

 Talley went on to University of Kansas Medical School and obtained board certification in anesthesiology.  (No better person to use anesthetics for aesthetics than an anesthesiologist if you ask me.....wow that was a mouthful.  Seriously though, right?)  This is a physician who is serving in her specific field of expertise.   That's HUGE and why I feel so strongly about the excellent care that you will receive from Dr. Talley.  Not only that, but Dr. Talley went on to do advanced training and a fellowship in aesthetic medicine through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.  Over the last 9 years, she has administered thousands of injections of dermal fillers and anti-aging treatments.

Jana Kueck, R.N. is a Branson MO native and has more than 25 years experience in women's health services within the local hospital setting.  Jana is skilled in countless anti-aging procedures  but some of her common requests and appointments are for laser treatments, collagen induction, skincare, and Venus therapy sessions.  Jana's years working as a nurse with patients in the medical/surgery realm of healthcare have prepared her for her current love of aesthetics and in treating the WHOLE person to live, look, and feel better.   Jana believes that cosmetic nursing is an amazing art form that brings the individuals natural inner beauty to the surface.  I can verify that Jana practices what she believes and exudes a warm and inviting spirit when you are in her care.


Team Providence 2017

Providence Medical Spa
Cornerstone Christian Counseling
Lakeland Wellness
Enhanced Health

To say that it is an honor to be connected with these professionals would be an understatement.  What I can tell you is that since we made the decision to come alongside each other in one place to help others in our specific areas of expertise, it has been NOTHING short of amazing.  You'll definitely want to call ahead for an appointment and we can make sure that you get connected to the right provider on our DREAM TEAM here in the Midwest.   417-334-4032


May your day be filled with providence,
Dr. Sonja O'Bryan, Pharm.D., ABAAHP
Lakeland Wellness

An Anti-Aging Plan to "LIVE" By

The residents of Okinawa, Japan, live longer and in better health than anyone else on earth. Could their diet hold the secret?

We should all be so lucky to be born in Okinawa. This tiny group of islands off the coast of Japan boasts a higher percentage of centenarians (people aged 100+) than any other place on earth. “There are more than 700 centenarians there now; that’s 5 times as many than in the United States, if you adjust for population,” says Dr. Bradley Willcox, a geriatric specialist who has been studying the Okinawan people since the 1970s.
Not only do the Okinawans live longer, they live healthier–largely avoiding the common diseases of aging, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s. It’s not uncommon to see a 92-year-old Okinawan woman climbing nimbly up a fruit tree to to pick guavas for her farm stand, or a 95-year-old Okinawan man jogging briskly down the beach.
So what’s their secret–great genes? Not according to Dr. Willcox, who confirms that while genetics play a role, the Okinawan lifestyle, including their unique diet, is perhaps the most important factor. In fact, over the last several decades, the gradual introduction of a more western diet in Okinawa has coincided with a rise in cancer and heart disease rates in the younger generations, suggesting that genetics plays much less of a role than food.
We spoke to Dr. Willcox, who shared 7 key tenets of the Okinawan diet, and why they might help you live Fab Over One Hundred.

1. Fill your plate with plants. Long before Michelle Obama redesigned our plates to include more veggies, the Okinawans were making it a way of life. The average Okinawan consumes at least seven servings of vegetables daily–mostly dark leafy greens, seaweed, bean sprouts, green peppers and sweet potatoes. “Most Okinawan centenarians were and are farmers,” says Dr. Willcox. “Even if they’re no longer working large farms, they have fruit and vegetable stands. They eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruit from their own trees.” If you’re a gardener, you’re half way there. If not, head to your local farmer’s market or join a CSA.
2. Consider the sweet potato.
   Atkins, be damned, Okinawans love their sweet potatoes. Until recently, the tubers made up almost 70 percent of the Okinawan diet. “Sweet potatoes contain a powerful Flavonoid and they have a low-glycemic index,“ says Dr. Willcox, referring to the measure of how much a carbohydrate effects blood sugar levels. This is a major difference between the Okinawan diet and that of mainland Japanese, who eat primarily white rice, a high-glycemic-index carb. Since the recent introduction of more rice into the Okinawan diet in place of sweet potatoes, rates of obesity and type II diabetes have increased. “According to classic Okinawan diet, carbs are okay as long as they’re low-glycemic carbs,” says Dr. Willcox. For a complete list of foods and their Glycemic Index number, click here.
3. Eat soy every day.
   Okinawan women tend to avoid many of the typical issues that come with menopause, such as osteoporosis and heart disease. Dr. Willcox attributes this, in part, to their high intake of soy. “Most Okinawan women were farmers or tofu makers, and you still see women in their 90s walking around carrying pots of fresh tofu on their heads. Tofu, miso and other forms of soy are a main source of protein–they’re eaten every day.” Why soy? “Most of the literature shows a protective effect for soy against many diseases, like breast cancer, because it’s a weak estrogen that occupies the estrogen-receptor and prevents the damaging effects of the body’s natural estrogen.” Other isoflavones in soy have been shown to actually slow the development of prostate cancer, which is virtually unheard of in Okinawa.
4. Learn some recipes that call for turmeric. Turmeric is one of the Okinawans’ favorite culinary spices, ever since they began importing it from India in the 6th century. Long used in Ayurvedic medicine, Turmeric is now being studied by Western medicine as a tool for cancer prevention and treatment. It’s active ingredient, curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory proven to kill cancer cells in a lab dish and shrink tumors in animal specimens. Studies in humans are still in the early stages, but if the Okinawans are any indication, a diet rich in the spice might be a good idea.
5. Make meat a rare treat.
   Okinawans are not vegetarians. In fact, unlike the rest of Japan, they aren’t Buddhists, so they have been able to cook with pork and beef. That said, meat is used sparingly. “Historically, Okinawans would slaughter a pig at the beginning of the year and nip away at it for months,” explains Dr. Willcox. “They’d save it for special occasions and use every part–even boiling the hooves and snout for stew.” Beef is even rarer. Their primary source of protein comes from soy, legumes and fish.

1. Drink green tea like it’s going out of style.
   Traditionally, Okinawans spent all day drinking unsweetened green tea–dipping their cups in a big bucket of home brew while they fished or worked in the fields. The unique Okinawan tea blend–called Sanpin–appears to be even more potent than regular green tea, with antoxidants shown to protect against everything from cancer and heart disease to the aging effects of UV rays. A recent study shows that one ingredient actually burns calories, while another induces a feeling of calm and well-being. Bottoms up!
2. Forgo the “all-you-can-eat buffet” mentality.
   Before tucking into a meal, Okinawans typically toast with the words hara hachi bu, which translates to “eat until you are only 80% full.” “There were times when food was scarce,” explains Dr. Willcox. “Okinawans learned to eat conservatively and exist on fewer calories.” That doesn’t mean they’re constantly hungry–rather, they tend to eat slowly, stopping before they’re completely full to spend 20 minutes sipping green tea before finishing a meal. “This reflects their cultural belief in balance and moderation. There’s no such thing as ‘all you can eat’ in Okinawa.” This type of calorie restriction–eating small, highly nutritious meals–has been scientifically shown to extend life, both in animals and humans. A typical Okinawan elder subsists on 1200 calories per day. Compare this to the average American male, who eats 3500 calories per day.

Author

Bradley Willcox MD, MS PhysicianBradley Willcox MD, MS, is a physician specializing in geriatrics and long-term care. He studied geriatrics at Harvard, and currently serves as a Medical Director at The Queen’s Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii and a Professor at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii. Along with his brother, Dr. Willcox is Co-Principal Investigator of the Okinawa Centenarian Study and the co-author of The Okinawa Program and The Okinawa Diet.

Before you take that "Statin" Medication for Cholesterol, KNOW THIS

Healthy Patients on Statins 87% More Likely to
Develop Diabetes

Dallas—Statins substantially increase the risk of developing diabetes, even in generally healthy patients, according to a new database study of TRICARE beneficiaries.

The study of nearly 26,000 beneficiaries of the Military Health System’s insurance program found that those taking the cholesterol-lowering drugs were 87% more likely to develop diabetes compared to a control group.

The report, published recently in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, also found that patients on statins had much higher risk of developing diabetes with complications as well as a much greater likelihood of becoming overweight or obese.

The researchers from the Veterans’ Affairs North Texas Health System and the University of Texas Southwestern, both in Dallas, noted that, while past research has described a link between statins and diabetes, theirs was the first study to only include participants who were free of heart disease, diabetes, and other severe chronic diseases at baseline.

“In our study, statin use was associated with a significantly higher risk of new-onset diabetes, even in a very healthy population,” said lead author Ishak Mansi, MD. “The risk of diabetes with statins has been known, but up until now it was thought that this might be due to the fact that people who were prescribed statins had greater medical risks to begin with.”

Among 3,351 pairs of similar patients—part of the overall study group—patients on statins were 250% more likely than their non-statin-using counterparts to develop diabetes with complications, looking at medical records from October 1, 2003, to March 1, 2012. “This was never shown before,” Mansi pointed out.

The group taking statins to lower their cholesterol also were 14% more likely to become overweight or obese after initiation of the drug regimen.

The study also found that the effect was dose-dependent, i.e., the higher the dose of any of the statins, the greater the risk of diabetes, diabetes complications, and obesity.

About three-quarters of the statin prescriptions in Mansi’s data were for simvastatin, marketed as Zocor.

“No patient should stop taking their statins based on our study, since statin therapy is a cornerstone in treatment of cardiovascular diseases and has been clearly shown to lower mortality and disease progression,” Mansi emphasized. “Rather, this study should alert researchers, [clinical] guideline writers, and policymakers that short-term clinical trials might not fully describe the risks and benefits of long-term statin use for primary prevention.”

He urged further trials to better understand the long-term effects of statin use.

“I myself am a firm believer that these medications are very valuable for patients when there are clear and strict indications for them,” he says. “But knowing the risks may motivate a patient to quit smoking, rather than swallow a tablet, or to lose weight and exercise. Ideally, it is better to make those lifestyle changes and avoid taking statins if possible.”

U.S. Pharmacist Weekly Report.

Your New Favorite Place To Go While In Branson MO

 Good afternoon blog readers.  I wanted to take a moment and share an amazing back story with you.  We didn't necessarily realize how amazing this was going to be, but one phone call led to another, which led to another, and then to another.  The final result of those interactions and conversations was an agreement amongst Missouri's finest integrative care providers (Providence Medical Spa, Lakeland Pharmacy/Wellness, Cornerstone Christian Counseling, and Enhanced Health Clinic) to take a big step and to mesh our services into a 1-stop multi-professional Medical Spa setting.   WOW!

Imagine experiencing some "me-time" for Spa services with a professional dream team. Imagine a functional health center where you get healthcare management to the WHOLE person and not just one little thing you have to try to mention to your practitioner in a seven minute average contact time. That's exactly what has taken place, and the response has been incredible. When you read the list of services at the bottom of this blog, you will see why. We've got you covered!

How do we know that this is what the Midwest wanted …….and needed?  Because we are getting phone calls and people are expressing how amazing this is.  We love serving our local residents, but we also know that many of you come to Branson as a getaway place for vacation and some R&R once or twice a year.   Either way, YOU are important to us.  It will become your 'new favorite place' to go when in Branson . On your next visit to the area, make sure to call ahead about getting a Spa service with one of the members of our Spa team.   Those things that you have wanted to try or have read about in anti-aging and healthcare news are now available in one place with professionals that you can trust.  

Medical-Scientific-Professional-Expert-Advanced.  You'll find this and more inside the Medical Spa.

Providence Medical Spa 417-334-4032

800 State Hwy 248

Manchester Village Suite 3-A

Branson MO 65616

(***just behind the Keller Williams building and next door to Quest Lab) 

MENU of SERVICES

Professional Counseling (Individual/Family)
Saliva Hormone Testing
Boston Heart Profile testing (a VERY comprehensive ALL-ABOUT-YOU health profile) 
Thyroid Testing and Management

Cosmetic Injections

Facial Fillers

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Collagen Induction Therapy

Advanced Flourescent Therapy (IPL/BBL)

Yag Laser (fades capillaries on the face and nasal area)

Venus Legacy (SKIN TIGHTENING and body contouring of cellulite and stretch marks)

HydraFacials

Microderm

Dermaplaning

Corrective Peels

Customized Facials

Laser Hair Removal

Waxing
Professional Counseling

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Adrenal Fatigue Testing

Cortisol Testing

Customized Vitamin/Supplement/Anti-Aging Support Therapies

Weight Loss/Detox Support

Fibromyalgia, Pain, Stress, Fatigue testing and protocols

Iodine Testing

Neurotransmitter testing and treatment (headaches, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression)

AND SERVICES CONTINUE TO  BE ADDED AS WE CONTINUE TO GROW!!!

We are delighted to be your one stop INTEGRATIVE CARE TEAM.  For appointments or more information call:  417-334-4032 to get connected to our expert team.

All the best in beauty, aging, health, and wellness.  We hope to see YOU soon at your NEW FAVORITE PLACE. 

A Natural Remedy For Allergies

I think I found an image that would adequately represent how an allergy sufferer feels.  Would you agree?

40 Million People Suffer From Seasonal Allergies!  It's true. You probably are one of them, or know a family member that struggles with allergies if you're reading this blog.

Allergic reactions come about through a few key mechanisms.  Histamine release, mast cell instability, leukotriene flares, and inflammation through prostaglandins.  What if there was a product that could combat all of those allergy responses at the same time? 

There is -->1 Capsule with 4 Distinct Allergy Busting Ingredients and Without a Prescription!

So here we are in the middle of a season with high allergen counts right?   For allergy suffers what that can mean is total misery from itching eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sinus pressure, and sometimes mild headaches.    I'm writing this blog today because I have been flooded with questions related to seasonal allergies.  "Is there something that I can take?  The antihistamines and nasal sprays don't seem to be working.  They make me tired.  I already have five allergy formulas in my medicine cabinet and I'm getting nowhere. Can you recommend something that is natural and works?"    Yes, I can!

For more than two decades a natural blend of agents, in one convenient capsule, has made a name for itself with seasonal allergy sufferers.   I have been suggesting this product for several years and for those who know about it, they come back EVERY season to get their immune system ramped up and ready for the Fall allergy symptoms.  For those that don't, you've just found your new best friend.  And BONUS, it comes in a Jr. (kids) formula as well.  NON-DROWSY and EFFECTIVE.

So what's in D-Hist?  These are it's allergy busting components.

Quercetin: a mast cell stabilizer.  This magical ingredient basically halts the histamines, leukotrienes, and inflammatory mediators in their tracks.  The key information for you is that YOU HAVE TO START NOW TO GET THE BEST RESPONSE.

Stinging Nettles:  This ingredient helps to control mast cell degranulation, and formation of prostaglandins which lead to inflammation, and also halts histamine release. 

Bromelain: this agent basically helps to stop the hyper sensitivity of the immune system and inhibits the alliances of protein complexes from forming.

NAC: this ingredient serves as the mucus buster.  Your airways and lungs will feel much more clear and you won't have to take three different pills and syrups to find something that works.

I've already ordered 3 shipments just this season and you probably see the reason why.  A natural blend of 4 key ingredients in the RIGHT mixture that helps ease allergies in 4 distinct ways.  What's not to love about that right?

So before you go out and buy another thing to cope with your itchy, sneezy, watery, allergy suffering self, please call and ask our team about this product and we can get some shipped your way.  Or go online and order through the website www.lakelandrx.com.  Click on the MORE tab, drop down to BUY Nutraceuticals, and click the DHIST product. 

Don't suffer any longer with seasonal allergies.  Get started right away!!

To your good health,
Dr. Sonja

Even More Reason To Give Up Soda

Carcinogens in a Can

Posted on April 2, 2015                                                                         

 

 

4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) has been recently suggested to be a potential human carcinogen.  The chemical is formed during the manufacture of some kinds of caramel color, thus is present in cola beverages.  Tyler Smith, from Johns Hopkins University (Maryland, USA), and colleagues estimated exposure to 4-MEI from caramel-colored soft drinks and modeled the potential cancer burden related to routine soft drink consumption levels in the United States.   The team’s analysis revealed that between 44 and 58% of people over the age of six typically have at least one can of soda per day, possibly more, potentially exposing them to 4-methylimidazole.  Reporting that: “Routine consumption of certain beverages can result in 4-MEI exposures > 29 [micrograms]/day,” the study authors urge that: “State regulatory standards appear to have been effective in reducing exposure to carcinogens in some beverages. Federal regulation of 4-MEI in caramel color may be appropriate.”

WHN Longevity News.  American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)

ACNE 9-1-1 BEAUTIFUL SKIN AGAIN

NOW AVAILABLE IN BRANSON MO!!!

Clearer Skin Stories

Jennifer, age 34
I’ve had acne since I was 12. I had it worse than anyone in my school, and I still have worse acne than anyone my age. My skin is very oily and sensitive, and every treatment system I tried actually made me break out more. SilverSkin was totally different. In three weeks most of the spots had disappeared. My skin is still oily, but the blemishes are almost gone, and I’m starting to like the woman in the mirror again
.
Mike, age 16
I’ve had pimples for about four years. When I would talk to people I could see their eyes darting around my face. I’ve tried several products on the market, including some expensive ones. I even went to a dermatologist, and he put me on a prescription. Nothing worked as good as SilverSkin. After six weeks my face is almost totally clear. I still have a little bit of acne, but nothing like before. It really helps my self-confidence, and I feel like people are looking at ME again
.
Kim, age 25
I’m actually a pretty person inside, but you wouldn’t know it you had seen me two months ago. My face has always had big sores all over it. I really feel like my acne hurt my job opportunities, my dating relationships, and my self-esteem. I was 25, and wasn’t feeling good about my prospects. Since I’ve been using the SilverSkin system, all that has changed. I feel great, and my face is the clearest it has been since I was 13. I will never stop using SilverSkin.





BOTANICAL INGREDIENTS

The Right Ingredients – A Natural Botanical Skin Care System

Can Products be Too Harsh on Acne Prone Skin?

 

Do you have dry skin and acne? How is that possible? Unfortunately, with combination skin, dry skin and acne actually can co-exist. Since many acne treatments dry out the skin, if you use them on your combination skin you may end up solving one problem only to aggravate the other. If you have dry, sensitive skin, try to avoid acne treatments that are too drying and seek solutions that are good for combination skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide. One of the most popular over the counter medications for mild to moderate acne is benzoyl peroxide. However, benzoyl peroxide is also very drying for normal skin and very difficult to deal with for dry skin acne. The use of benzoyl peroxide for spot treatment may work well, but as an all over face treatment for dry skin, it can be too harsh. Redness, blistering, and even scarring can result from the improper use of benzoyl peroxide.

Retin-A. This is a prescription acne medication, is also very drying to the skin and can sensitize the skin to sunburn. While it is an excellent treatment for acne, it is often used in combination with some moisturizing lotion to help treat any dry skin acne.

Make sure to check the cleanser with which you are using to wash your face. If should be a natural, gentle cleanser with some moisturizers in it. Preferably, the moisturizers should be natural oils and not petroleum-based products.

There are natural oils that work very well on acne and provide the moisturizing that is needed for dry skin. In combination with a healthy diet, vitamins, minerals and a proper skin care routine; the oils can be one solution to a very tricky problem.

Fact: Although washing your face helps to remove dirt and oil from your pores, washing too much can lead to dryness and irritation, causing more breakouts. Also, avoid scrubbing your face, which can irritate the skin. As a general rule, wash your face twice a day with Silverskin in a circular motion and gently pat dry when you’re done.

Fact: Because acne medication contains drying agents like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, using too much medication may cause over drying, leading to irritation and more blemishes.

SilverSkin. This system clears the skin, removes make-up, evens out the skin tone, fades sun spots, and maintains the skin’s natural moisture factor. It can help deep clean, prevents dryness, improves the health of your skin and also evens out the skin discolorations caused by sun-damaged skin.

SilverSkin is suitable for ALL skin types.

SilverSkin delivers its active ingredients directly into the dermis layer of the skin, via the pore. The particles are dramatically reduced in size, reaching deep below the surface, eliminating bacteria, minimizing wrinkles, moisturizing and feeding vital nutrients to the skin.

SilverSkin is also organic, natural, fragrance free, alcohol free, paraben free, paba free,
non comedogenic, not tested on animals, contains organic ingredients, toxin free,
petro chemical free, synthetic free, dye free

How to Use our Clearer Face and Acne-Prone Skin System

 

• Step 1:  Wet face with warm water.  Apply one pump of Pore Cleanser (shake well before use), to your hands and massage gently into pores for one minute. Splash water onto face to rinse and pat excess moisture dry. 

 

• Step 2:  Apply PH Balance with a cotton pad and wipe onto skin to help reduce pore size.

 

• For bad spots, apply a dot of Pore Cleanser foam and rub into area and let dry. (Can be left on under moisturizer and make-up).

• Step 3:  Pump a nickel size amount of Moisture Lotion onto your palm and apply to skin to complete treatment.

 

• Once a week wet face with warm water and apply an ample amount of Masque to skin and work into pores. Let dry for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Apply PH Balance and Moisture Lotion.

 

NOTE: For best results, sleep on one side of your pillow each night, then after two nights, change to a new pillow case and repeat.


The Back Story

SilverSkin was Developed by a Compounding Pharmacist

“Because of my own personal lifelong battle with acne, I have developed a botanical, vitamin and mineral element enriched formula that has been professionally proven through human testing.

Most available products over-dry and strip skin of its natural acid mantle that helps skin to protect from dryness and irritation. This protective barrier is what helps keep bacteria from invading the underlying tissue and creating infection. Once the skin has been stripped of the natural barrier, we see redness start to increase, and major flaking around the reddened areas. What was once starting to improve now will become irritated and will start to look raw and increase in acne breakouts. The more we wash and treat, the more red the area becomes, and continues to dry more and more.

After many years of trial and error, I found that it is more important to recondition the skin naturally with botanicals, vitamins and minerals, and block the invading bacteria from growing on the skin by creating another barrier that helps the irritated lesions heal. Also, after working with wound care products over the last few decades, I found that there are several elements available that can also help the skin improve. We have used all these in SilverSkin.

This line of cosmeceuticals will help block the problems associated with acne-prone skin, while helping recondition skin for a healthy, smooth texture. SilverSkin has been tested on all skin types, and we have been pleased to find that great results have been seen across the board.”  Dr. Donna

SilverSkin is also organic, natural, fragrance free, alcohol free, paraben free, paba free,
non comedogenic, not tested on animals, contains organic ingredients, toxin free, petro chemical free, synthetic free, dye free.

We want you to succeed as well in your battle with acne prone skin.”
  

FULL KIT   ($99.00 plus S/H)  That's a GREAT DEAL  for a full set of products to help heal the skin.  Teenagers will find confidence in facing their peers with clear and clean looking skin.  It's worth the investment to help them in this very common area of concern.  Great for adult acne sufferers too. 
 

 

ORDER TODAY BY CALLING!  417-231-4544

 

To your good skin health,

Dr. Sonja

 

 

 

Fat-Binding Fiber

Clinical evidence shows that not all "fibers" are created equal.  In reviewing various products and trying to help patients in their fight to combat weight gain, high cholesterol, and insulin sensitivity, I needed something that I felt confident in recommending to target each of these common concerns for men and women.  I partner with a company that opens up many lines of healthcare practitioner driven products, provides clinical databases for review, and gives me access to consultants when necessary.  I was delighted to find this product, and as is not uncommon for me, I gave it a try for about 1 month to offer myself as a 'test dummy' and I have had no tolerance issues whatsoever.  That's important because you should see the collection of 'test dummy products' that now rests on my office shelf which have failed MY testing and never got to the recommendation stage.  Funny story on that note: I brought in a collagen product and every time that I try to take it I almost gag from the taste which our staff thinks is quite hilarious.  For some reason I think it's going to go better the next time…..NOT!   Tolerability, affordability, and effectiveness are essential in guaranteeing that someone can maintain a regimen.

**"N"** is what I will refer to in this blog as the product name.  If you are interested, you will have to give me a call for a special order that I will be placing later this afternoon for this and other patient requests. 

Here are some of the key details on "N":

-N contains a naturally occurring soluble fiber which is patented.
-Decades of preclinical and clinical research have established its supportive effects on body weight, insulin sensitivity, and serum lipid levels.
-Typical dietary fibers adhere to dietary fat in an approximate ratio of 1:1, but N has demonstrated a capability of up to 1:9
-Each serving (3/day) binds 18grams of dietary fat (~162 calories) which by using at the recommended dose can prevent absorption of up to ~480 dietary calories/day.
-The complex pass through the GI tract without being absorbed and is eliminated without unpleasant side effects.  (i.e. steatorrhea...I'll let you 'google' that term)
-By inhibiting dietary fat absorption, N can help to support healthy Triglyceride and cholesterol levels especially after meals or snacks. 
-N has a dose-dependent effect on glucose and insulin levels.
-The best results for N for weight management are to combine the product with a calorie restricted diet and exercise program.
-Stimulant FREE


If you would like for me to place your order for this specialty product, give our office a call today. 417-231-4544 and we can coordinate ordering and shipping to your home address.  $23.99+S/H.  Mention this blog and we will give you a 10% discount.

For those that would simply like an informational packet on this product along with weight management and hormonal imbalance issues, give us a call as well.  $19.99 for a professional kit fee.


To your good health,
Dr. Sonja

Answering Common Questions

Ever since I went into menopause I feel like I’m living in a different body…and have a much harder time losing weight…is this the new normal?

Menopause is a new normal for women but it need not be a nightmare! The extent to which you are gaining weight and feeling like a stranger in a strange body, is very often tied to how far your hormones are out of whack. Shifting, declining hormones along with a slowing of metabolism are to be expected at menopause, but their effects are made worse by lack of sleep, chronic stress, and exposure to “hormone disrupting” toxins (pesticides, BPA, growth hormones in milk, etc.) in the environment. At the same time additional burden is placed on the adrenal glands as they take over hormone production from the ovaries at menopause. That can lead to tired adrenals that cannot keep up with demand, so this is prime time to start taking better care of ourselves with improved nutrition, sleep, and stress management. We know that cortisol rises when stress rises, triggering us to refuel by eating more. If stress stays high, blood sugars and insulin will stay high with continued overeating, and inevitably, weight gain. It bears mentioning that the belly fat we women love to hate happens to be the body’s favorite depot for storing energy reserves, which is why doctors often refer to belly fat as the body’s answer to stress.

I think I may be deficient in Vitamin D but I take a multivitamin every day…isn’t that enough?

If you are overweight you will want to make sure that you are not D-deficient, given what researchers are finding is a strong association with increased body fat and obesity onset. The so-called ‘sunshine vitamin’ is actually a ‘prohormone’ made in the body by the action of sunlight upon the skin. So those of us who live in the grayer, northern altitudes are typically low in D, but deficiency occurs even in sunny climates where you would least expect it, attributed to overuse of sunscreens and covering up against the D-enriching rays of the sun. As humans increasingly spend more time indoors in front of computers, and less time working or exercising outside when the sun is shining, the problem is taking on epidemic proportions. Sensible sun exposure, from15 minutes to a half hour a day can help boost D levels as nature intended.
To circle back to your question about supplementation, the amount of D3 contained in the average multivitamin may not be enough to raise D levels into the healthier ranges. If testing your D levels reveals a deficiency (30 ng/ml or below) talk to your provider about increasing your daily D intake. Supplementing between 2000 and 5000IUs of Vitamin D3 is generally suggested to bring levels into the optimal (50-80 ng/ml) range.

Could an imbalance in Estrogen/Progesterone cause low cortisol? I have low cortisol across the board.

This is certainly to be considered, particularly when there is too much estrogen relative to too little progesterone, an all too common imbalance known as estrogen dominance. This often shows up in the test results of women in menopause and perimenopause, when waning ovaries no longer make estrogen and progesterone in balanced proportions. This is also not atypical in younger women on birth control, with anovulatory (lack of ovulation), or erratic cycles.
Progesterone being high up in the hormonal cascade is also a precursor (source) of  primary adrenal hormones, so if it is in short supply, DHEA and cortisol, the key arbiters of adrenal health will also be down with some level of adrenal fatigue to follow. So your question is a good one: imbalances of estrogen and progesterone can and will negatively impact cortisol levels down the line. If you feel this is what’s going on with you consider testing your hormone levels to identify hidden imbalances and work with a provider to restore balance naturally.

If a patient is on birth control pills, can a saliva test be accurate?

Hormones levels tested while ‘under the influence’ of the pill will reflect its’ contraceptive effect and test at lower levels than would be the case in the absence of contraception. To get a true baseline level of hormones, it is suggested that birth control be suspended for four to six weeks before collecting hormone samples. Having said that, women who do test their hormones while taking contraceptives may use the results of testing to guide decision making about hormonal vs. non-hormonal birth control methods.

I am estrogen dominant, taking lots of supplements, I do bioidentical progesterone the last 2 weeks of my cycle; I’m perimenopausal, periods now 6 weeks apart, I have really high cortisol in the morning and in the evening, I do yoga, exercise and all the supplements -what else can I do? 

Sounds like you are doing many things right, but if you still have depression, weight gain, and stress demands high enough to spike your cortisol levels morning and evening, look to your adrenal glands. These master stress responders need extra support especially during perimenopause when hormonal shifts and fluctuations trigger imbalances that can amplify stress demands upon the body.
Supplements like Vitamins C, B-complex, adaptogenic herbs, and natural progesterone, etc., when taken in the right amounts are essential adrenal supports, and the practice of yoga with its stretching and deep breathing is known to help lower stress hormones. All good, but if as you say your cortisol levels are still high, you may have to drill down a bit more and ask yourself how you are dealing with stress. If you’re overworked, overbooked, over-caffeinated, or feeling overwhelmed in general, it’s time to take stock of your stress, figure out where it’s coming from and how you can alleviate it at the source. That may be as simple as turning off your cellphone after 8pm and going to bed earlier, or as complicated as switching careers and walking away from the ‘dream job’ that drained you dry.
Lack of sleep by the way is one of the biggest contributors to cortisol imbalance, and a serious disruptor of appetite hormones, leading to sugar cravings and increased hunger. Getting by on just 5 or 6 hours a night will undermine your best efforts to stay healthy and balanced and a number of studies show that ‘short sleepers’ are more prone to weight gain. Aim for 7 to 8 hours a night at minimum, and “sleep in on the weekends whenever possible,” says Dr. James Wilson in his must read book: Adrenal Fatigue, The 21^st Century Syndrome. 

Do you feel saliva over blood tests is better?

If you want to test active bioavailable hormone levels that correlate more closely to the symptoms you are experiencing, saliva can be a better way to go. That’s because this method (see also blood spot collection) captures the ‘free’ fraction of hormone that has left the blood stream to become active in the target tissues of the body; in contrast the standard blood test measures inactive hormones still bound by their carrier proteins in the blood stream. Saliva testing has another big advantage: collection is non-invasive, that is without needles, so all one has to do to collect hormone samples is spit into a tube – a painless change from the stress of a blood draw that can skew results.

My doctor did a blood test and said my hormones are fine and that I’m just depressed. Now I’m on Prozac, and gaining more weight!

I have a one-line response to your comment: Depression is NOT a Prozac deficiency. (see question above regarding blood tests.)

What is the "call to action?"  

In a nutshell; become aware of, and determine your own symptoms of hormone imbalance, test your hormone levels to identify imbalances that match up with the symptoms you are experiencing, and last but not least find a natural hormone friendly provider who will work with you to rebalance your hormones. A savvy practitioner will test not guess using hormone test results as a guide to individualizing treatment. After all, each of us has a unique body chemistry, so what works for one woman does not necessarily apply to her friend, sister or next-door neighbor.  Today’s more enlightened and effective approach to a woman’s hormonal health is bound to include lifestyle and dietary improvements, stress lowering techniques, key vitamins, minerals, herbs and/or bioidentical hormones as needed, to replenish and restore balance.

Article compliments of ZRT lab.

Could Hormones Help Your Heart? Are Bio-Identicals Best?

Bioidentical (Natural) Hormones and Heart Disease

HOPKINS HEALTH WATCH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Bioidentical Hormones, Used Wisely, May Reduce Heart Disease Risk in Women
Q: Thanks for the important info on C-reactive protein [Heart Disease, Crestor and C-Reactive Protein] in the last issue of your newsletter. Can  you tell me if bioidentical hormones affect CRP and other heart disease risk factors?
A: It’s long been known that conventional synthetic hormones (e.g. PremPro) tend to raise CRP levels, but thanks to outstanding research by Kenna Stephenson M.D. and her team at University of Texas Health Science Center in their year-long CHOICE study, we now know that women who use bioidentical (natural) hormones can significantly lower their CRP levels, by as much as 37%. This study also found that bioidentical hormones lowered blood pressure, and reduced fibrinogen and triglyceride levels. Stephenson recently presented the results of her year-long study to the American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.
It's important to know that, in the CHOICE study, the women's hormones were measured with a saliva test, and then bioidentical hormone creams were prescribed accordingly, in physiologic doses. A physiologic dose is one that approximates what the body would make when hormones are in balance. The women were retested at two months and doses were adjusted as needed. The typical progesterone dosage ranged from 20 to 40 mg daily.
A 2008 review of transdermal (creams or patches) bioidentical hormones in the prestigious European journal Maturitas, points to abundant evidence showing that progesterone lowers blood pressure, helps control insulin and glucose levels, improves cholesterol profiles, reduces heart disease risk factors associated with inflammation, helps prevent blood vessel spasm, does not increase the risk of stroke, protects the brain and the nervous system, and does not increase the risk of breast cancer. They conclude:
“HRT started at the menopausal transition and optimized through expert personalization (for example combining low doses of E2 [estradiol] given transdermally and micronized progesterone), will be cardioprotective and avoid an increased incidence of thromboembolic events as well as of breast cancer; it could eventually prevent to some extent the development of diabetes mellitus and possibly protect cognition.”
L’Hermite et al, “Could transdermal estradiol+progesterone be a safer postmenopausal HRT? A review,” Maturitas, Volume 60, Issue 3, Pages 185-201.

And From a Livestrong Article

Relationship Between Estrogen and Cholesterol

Physicians at the Mayo Clinic state that declining estrogen levels during menopause and peri-menopause can lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol, commonly called "bad" cholesterol. This increase in the bad cholesterol and concurrent decrease in HDL cholesterol, or the "good" cholesterol, increases the risk of heart disease. Estrogen appears to have a protective effect on the vasculature of the body against diseases. Estrogen stimulates the release of nitric oxide and decreases the contraction of smooth muscle cells. This relationship appears to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels while estrogen levels remain high during a woman's childbearing years.

Hormone Testing At-A-Glance

http://youtu.be/KURpZSXA7u8


Often I'm asked how to go about testing for hormonal imbalance.  It's so simple and affordable and such a life changer for those struggling to make it through their days.  And if you can't make it through your days, how will you ever make it through your years?  Simply click on the link above to find out more about the testing kit that I can provide conveniently by shipping it to your home address. The same kit is used for both women and men and a simple call to our staff can help you determine which testing panel is best for you and your symptoms. 

So is Hormonal Imbalance Affecting You? 

Infertility
Loss of pregnancy
Erectile Dysfunction
Irritability
Anxiety
Night sweats
Incontinence
Fibroids
Sexual dysfunction
Insomnia
Fatigue
Difficulty losing weight or gaining unexplained weight
PMS
Vaginal Dryness
Yeast Infections
Continual infections and immunity issues
Palpitations
Migraines
Memory concerns
Lack of focus
Loss of stamina
Loss of muscle mass




It's exciting to have helped so many  and extra exciting to see so many getting the help that they need in these areas.  Don't put this off another day.  Your "normal" is probably not "optimal" if you're having any of these symptoms. Give me a call and I can help you get started towards a "NEW and IMPROVED YOU"!!  Yay!!!

To your good hormone health,
Dr. Sonja

Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, Insomnia, Headaches...Which Medication Is Best?

Our nervous system is a master controller of so many things when it comes to health, wellness, vitality, coping, and so on.  Within the brain and nervous system exists chemicals called neurotransmitters which control so many life sustaining functions such as sleep, breathing, digestion, energy, and immunity to help us out when our body is in need. But what if something goes haywire or a traumatic life event occurs which causes our system to short circuit? The answer is that symptoms such as anxiety, headaches, poor sleep, fatigue, and depression can result. Anti-depressant and anti-anxiety remedies can be helpful to a person, but often trial and error processes take place in trying to find the right medication or therapy for a person and their symptoms. This can delay benefit and improvement and sometimes cause unwanted side effects. 

Did you know that neurotransmitter testing exists? I am a provider of a testing kit that you can do affordably and conveniently from your own home. 

Let me highlight some of the neurotransmitters and their associated symptoms. You can certainly do some reading on each of them individually as it would be difficult to cover their details in a short blog such as this.  Here's a listing of some of the BIG symptoms (connected to neurotransmitters) that people struggle with:

Poor Sleep: Serotonin, Taurine, GABA, Glutamate, Histamine, Phenylalanine(PEA), Norepinephrine (NE), and Epinephrine (EPI)

Fatigue: Glutamate, Histamine, NE, and Epi

Anxiety: Taurine, GABA, Glycine, Glutamate, PEA, NE, Epi

Depression: Serotonin, Glycine, Glutamate, PEA, and NE

Attention Deficit: PEA, Dopamine, and NE

Excessive Energy: Taurine, GABA, NE, and Epi

Cravings: Serotonin, Glutamate, and Dopamine

Intestinal Complaints: Serotonin

Poor Cognitive Performance: Glutamine, PEA, and Dopamine

Weight Management: Serotonin and Epi

Excess Stress: Serotonin, Glycine, NE, and Epi

Headaches: Serotonin and Histamine

Immunity: Serotonin, Glycine, Glutamate, Histamine, and NE


A profile test to determine deficiencies of one (and often more) of these neurotransmitters can help in matching up a correct therapy for a person.  Who knew this option existed right?  It does, and let me tell you that it's been very critical to some of the patient needs that I have had the opportunity to take part in with caring physicians who want to discover more about the symptoms their patients are describing.  Various anti-depressants exist and their neurotransmitter connections vary from class to class. Knowing which one to pick as a better match to a person's deficiencies is certainly the best approach to take in my opinion. It's a win-win!   That's simply GOOD MEDICINE!


To your good brain health,
Dr. Sonja