April 2009 Blog Archive
Thursday, April 30, 2009
BEAUTY & HEALTH ONLINE NETWORK INTRODUCES FIRST FREE "DEALS" APP FOR IPHONE AND IPOD TOUCH
Looking for a Health and Beauty Bargain While on the Road? New Free Application Gives You Mobile One Touch Access to Local Experts and Discounted Services
IRVINE, Calif. (April 00, 2009) – Now you can find the latest in beauty and health bargains and resources in your local community while on the go, thanks to the new free iPhone and iPod touch application called Beauty & Health Deals from HealthNews.org, an Irvine, California online health information referral network. The free app is available from the Apple iTunes App Store.
Mobile, one touch access to local health and beauty resources that are offering discounts is also enhanced by a search button that will locate health care and fitness experts based on your current or customized location, according to officials with HealthNews.org. Profiles and bios of local health and fitness experts are also featured as well as directions and direct contact information.
"For those on the go, this app can provide the most up to the minute deals in the beauty and health industry, from the nearest yoga studio, day spas or personal trainer to tattoo removal, pilates, beauty and fitness pros," said Ali Jahangiri, chief executive officer of www.healthnews.org, which counts thousands of local and regional health and beauty experts on its search applications.
Also featured on the iPhone and iTouch app are the site's built-in glossary and a customized "favorites" section for easy access.
About HealthNews.org
Offering online health and wellness information for a better life, www.HealthNews.org is one of the nation's leading health, fitness and medical online referral and resource directories. Its online directories include: OnlineSurgery.com for liposuction and tummy tuck procedures, DermaNetwork.org for laser hair removal, VeinDirectory.org for varicose veins, and many others."
CONTACT: Jay Geer/Sandy Nesheiwat, MGA, Inc. (562) 467-2020 Mobile: (714) 606-7075
Kamyar Amiri-Davani, HealthNews.org (949) 502-4591
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Dangers of Do-It-Yourself
Although it may be a time for penny-pinching, do-it-yourself Botox kits are
not the right way to approach cutting-costs. Many kits have been found to be
on sale on the internet. For those of you keen on dabbling into the world of
do-it-yourself, think twice about your decision. A few months ago a woman
addicted to plastic surgery injected herself in the face with silicon, which
ultimately resulted in a completely disfigured face.
The Press Association reported on the at home Botox kits, "Botox injections
are used to prevent wrinkles and lines. But the procedure is dangerous to
carry out without medical expertise. Sarah Kidner, Editor of Which?
Computing said: "It's easy to forget that Botox is actually a poison, which
if injected in the wrong area could produce some shocking results."We were
appalled that we were able to buy a DIY Botox kit so easily and we are
concerned that the internet is becoming a marketplace for cut-price cosmetic
treatments."
These kits offering to help you cut-costs and remove wrinkles are not
certified nor are their products. Over 30 cases of uncertified
do-it-yourself Botox have been found in the UK alone. Botox injections and
any other cosmetic dermatology treatment must always be performed by a
dermatologist or a trained and licensed expert.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
More Botox Perks
Now we have all heard the story about Botox curing our wrinkle issues,
aiding migraine relief and stopping excess sweating, but who knew Botox may
now be a useful tool for prostate conditions in men. Porstate issues plague
nearly half of men over age 60, so numbers are considerably high. Generally
we do not think of Botox as having benefits for serious ailments, but this
may be promising news for men and physicians.
PR Newswire said, "The two-stage, multi-center, double-blind, randomized
study showed that two different dose levels of Botulinium Neurotoxin Type A
(BOTOX) injected into the prostate was both safe and efficacious for the
management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common noncancerous
enlargement of the prostate that can cause difficulty in urination. "These
data indicate that BOTOX is an effective, fast-acting treatment option that
does not require daily dosage. We are excited to see what the long-term data
will show us."
The research for aiding prostate related problems is still preliminary and
doctors are recommending that patients of course consult their physicians
prior to getting Botox injections. But it is well worth it to note that
Botox is being used for things other than cosmetic dermatology.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
From Manicures to Makeovers
If you thought that primping and pampering your face was the key to looking
and feeling younger, please raise your hands. In fact, new ideas have
spurred not in facial rejuvenation but hand rejuvenation. Many men and women
say you can tell a person's age from their hands. With the demand for
anti-aging procedures, dermatologists are coming up with ways to make
people's hands look younger.
The News Star reported, "The appearance of a woman's hands is a "big deal"
because "they're always out, and they're always exposed - and it's a
giveaway for aging," says Dr. Thomas Haas, a plastic surgeon at Imaage
Plastic Surgery Center and Medi-Spa in Louisville, Ky. "As we age, we lose
fat in our hands, so there's less plump tissue between the veins in the skin
and the structures below," Palazzo said. As a result, the hands take on a
bony appearance, with tendons and veins becoming "more obvious," she said."
Generally, it was said to use sunscreen, moisturizer and avoid too much sun
damage. But with ropy, gnarled and discolored hands visible to all, new
practices have emerged. Dermatologists are injecting fillers, performing
microdermabrasian and even chemical peels to reduce aging and wrinkling.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Botox Age Increase
Generally we have seen an age decrease in Botox patients, it started off
with mid-life crisis candidates, to twentysomethings injecting for
prevention. But now the newest trend to hit cosmetic dermatology is older
users. It is noted that over 15% of Botox patients are over the age of 60.
Clearly the Joan Rivers and Goldie Hawn's are influenced the older
baby-boomer demographic to age more gracefully or attempt to impede aging as
a whole.
PR News Wire released the report saying, "More and more women over 60 are
having non-surgical treatments including Botox, dermal fillers and skin
peels and treatments, as well as plastic surgery such as breast implants and
facelifts. Encouraged by their daughters and the increasing high profiles
and media coverage of amazing looking celebrities who are in their 50s, 60s
and 70s, such as Joan Collins, Jane Seymour and Lulu, UK's Botox Grannies
are driving a new demand for non-surgical cosmetic treatments."
The press release and subsequent articles have referred to this trend as
"Botox Grannies." A key factor permitting this growth in consumers is the
fact that people in their 60s generally are near-retirement and have a more
disposable income. Meaning they can afford to splurge on cosmetic
enhancements unlike penny-pinching youngsters.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Skin Cancer Month
Not only does May bring flowers, but the sunny spring month is also national
skin cancer awareness month. In light of raising awareness about the
dangers of skin cancer, and Ithaca based dermatology clinic is offering free
check-ups and scans for patients. The clinic is hoping to teach the public
about the dangers of skin cancer and educate members of the community about
various preventative forms of scans and check-ups.
WVBR News said, "Dermatologist Dr. Kimberly Silvers of Ithaca Dermatology
says that one of the keys to skin cancer prevention is early detection. She
added that: "Your skin will give you signs that a potentially cancerous
problem may be developing, such as a red, crusty scab that doesn't heal, or
a mole that changes color or shape. It may be a benign situation such as a
rash or infection, but the best thing to do is to have it checked by a
dermatologist to find out for sure if there's a problem, and of course,
always use sunscreens when you're outside."
The clinic will be offering a mobile screening center, starting on May
2nd going around Malls and households around the area. So in lieu of skin cancer awareness month, take a bit of time and actively pursue taking better care of your skin health.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Older Men and Skin Cancer
A recent study has been released outlining the risk factors of skin cancer
for older men. Physicians are urging older men to take caution in their
health and actively look after their skin and check for life threatening
skin cancer - melanoma. In the United States alone there are over 60,000
melanoma cases each year, and of those nearly 9,000 will die. With numbers
as astronomically high as that, it's no wonder dermatologists are
recommending regular check-ups.
Forbes said, "Detecting a melanoma early, while it is thin, is an essential
first step in surviving the skin cancer, said Dr. June K. Robinson, editor
of the journal and a professor of clinical dermatology at the Northwestern
University Feinberg School of Medicine, who wrote an accompanying editorial.
"The numbers are startling," she said. "If it is diagnosed at an early
stage, the chance of survival is 90 percent. At a later stage, it is 20
percent."
Of the cases, doctors say that, a large number of melanoma instances are
found on the backs of men. A spot that we rarely thoroughly examine. So
whether you do it yourself or you ask a loved one, it's also important to
check your back, as we are constantly exposed to sunlight.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Psoriasis Negative Effects on health
A study shows that women with psoriasis may have an increased chance in
developing diabetes and high blood pressure. The link between the skin
ailment and other health issues is said to be due to an over-active immune
system, however it may only affect 3% of cases.
BBC News reported on the study done by the Harvard Medical School, "Women
with psoriasis were 63% more likely to develop diabetes and 17% more likely
to develop high blood pressure than women without psoriasis. The link
remained strong even after taking into account factors such as age, body
mass index and smoking."
The researchers are saying that psoriasis should also be considered a
systematic disorder not solely a skin issue. They also are saying that
further research must be done to come out with definitive results.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Seasons Greetings
With the warm weather emerging and our bikinis coming out for beach season,
it may be a wise choice to greet the spring and summer with some sunscreen.
Over the winter months, many of us hibernate away from the sun and fail to
soak up any rays, so our skin is more susceptible to burning when we first
sunbake in the warm months. So as April heats up and summer shines around
the corner, take a tip from dermatologists and lather your skin in 30+
sunblock.
Beach days are great, but even with a bit of overcast we may still be
vulnerable to the UV rays of the sun. So rather than learning the hard way,
prevent skin cancer and sun damaged skin all in all by wearing and
continuously reapplying sunblock. It is not uncommon to forget the strength
of the sun during the cold and dry winter months.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Hot Commodity
Botox has become a jack of all trades, it may be infamous for smoothing out
wrinkles, but Allergen is keen on expanding the uses of Botox. In fact,
many non-cosmetic Botox uses have already been researched and administered.
Allergen says this may make Botox the hottest commodity on the market: from
wrinkles, speech impediments and migraines Botox injections are being widely
used and regarded.
Fox Business said, "She said this stock is a three- to five-year investment,
but predicted the stock will make an upward movement within the year. Her
price target for 2009 is $55. As for competition, Caughey said she is not
worried. "Pyott has done a great job of branding the drug. Botox has become
a verb, like Kleenex… and that's what consumers and doctors are comfortable
using."
This positive publicity may be beneficial to Allergen and Botox because
within weeks the soon-to-be cosmetic rival Reloxin will be making its way
onto the market.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Botox Bandits Strike Again
Orange County dermatology spas and clinics have been hit by a wave of Botox
crazed women. The first incidence happened a few months ago, and since then
a series of unidentified women have been terrorizing clinics all over the
county. This time around two women have hit a Yorba Linda based spa called
Luxe MedSpa, the two women received thousands of dollars worth of treatments
and injections. The women wrote fraudulent checks made out for $3,300.
The Orange County Register has reported on the series of Botox crime, "The
Yorba Linda report harkens back to a similar incident in Huntington Beach,
where police sought the "Big-Bust Bandit." A woman identified as Yvonne
Pampellonne, allegedly used a false identity to get breast implants and
liposuction then skipped out without paying. Pampellonne turned herself in
to police last month. In January and February, a "Botox Bandit" struck at
two Newport Beach clinics, where an unidentified woman had $1,000 to $3,000
worth of injections of Botox and dermal filler, then walked away without
paying."
As we fall deeper into recession our wallets and wrinkles begin to take a
hit, which is why some officials and industry observers say there is an
influx of dermatology-related crime. This may lead to clinics and beauty
spas deploying more stringent regulations on patients and more security
checks.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Delay for Reloxin Release
The soon to be Botox rival – Reloxin – has yet to receive FDA marketing approval. The release date has been delayed due to issues in branding, labelling and marketing. The delay should only be a matter of weeks as officials are discussing the new anti-aging treatment's forthcoming strategy.
According to Bloomberg, "Reloxin may be priced 15 percent lower than Botox, helping it take almost a third of the market over time, said Gary Nachman, an analyst at Leerink Swann & Co. in New York, in a phone interview last month. He estimates annual sales of Reloxin will be $160 million by 2012. Nachman and other analysts have said they expected the FDA to delay Reloxin approval until later this year over questions about how the company plans to track use in order to minimize potential risks seen with other botulinum toxins. Yesterday was a deadline for the FDA to make a decision on Reloxin."
Reloxin is dubbed the next best thing for cosmetic dermatology, and may in fact be a competitive rival to the longstanding Botox. However, some specialists are wary and sceptical of its possible success, because many believe Botox has too dominant of a stamp in wrinkle-smoothing. Users are devoted to Botox and usually fearful of new procedures.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Botox Perks
Alongside it's known four FDA approved uses, Botox injections are being
administered to patients experimentally to research dozens of new
treatments. Allergen the company that owns and produces Botox claims that
they have 90 new uses for Botox in the works. The newest to join in on the
party is Botox injections for speech impediments. The New York Times
reported just this weekend that some dermatologists are injecting patients
in the larynx to aid in curing speech issues.
The New York Times said, "But now, with the popularization of new medical
uses, therapeutic applications of the drug are poised to outstrip the
cosmetic treatment in both revenue and prominence.In the hunt to discover
the next blockbuster medical use for Botox, doctors have injected it
experimentally into muscles and glands all over the body, making it
medicine's answer to duct tape. According to recent medical journals,
physicians have used it to treat chewing problems, swallowing problems,
pelvic muscle spasms, drooling, hair loss, anal fissures and pain from
missing limbs."
Many of these new methods to utilize Botox are still in the expiremental
stages of testing, however doctors are thrilled at the prospect of using
Botox injections for methods other than anti-aging and wrinkle-ridding.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Church Funds for Botox
A Staten Island pastor has been caught stealing from his Church for Botox
injections and plastic surgery procedures. Over the course of the past
month we have seen the Orange County 'Boob Job Bandit' and the Newport Beach
based Botox theif. All of which have gone to drastic means for anti-aging
procedures and injections. Clearly, the recession blues seem to be causing
deep wrinkles and desperate measures for a primp and pamper.
USA Today reported on the story saying, "Rev. William Blasingame, 66, who
resigned in January as pastor of St. Paul's Memorial Episcopal Church, is
accused of stealing $84,537 over the three years starting in January 2005.
The reverend is charged with second-degree grand larceny and second-degree
criminal possession of stolen property and could face up to 15 years in
prison, the paper reports."
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Summer Sun and Skin Cancer
With sunny days starting to peek into Spring, it may be a good idea for our readers to take note of some health precautions before endless beach days take over and so too does skin damage. A study reported on by Reuters said that a gene may have been found that links to increased skin cancer rates.
Reuters in the UK said, "Up to 70 percent of melanoma skin cancers may be triggered by a gene mutation that causes cells to become cancerous after excessive exposure to the sun, researchers said on Monday. The discovery could lead to better treatments for the most deadly form of skin cancer after scientists at Britain's Institute of Cancer Research established the BRAF gene mutation is often the first event in the cascade of genetic changes leading to melanoma."
Overexposure to the sun coupled with this gene significantly increases chances of developing cancerous malignant melanoma. Doctors are hoping this will aid in the creation of prevention and treatment drugs for skin cancer.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Texas Tightening Tanning Laws
Following the footsteps of international counterparts in Australia, the US
is making strides to stiffen tanning laws. Texas is hoping to pass a bill
that would restrict teenagers under 18 from going to tanning salons without
permission from a physician.
ABC news affiliate in Texas reported, "State law-makers are considering the
change because tanning can be a health hazard and even lead to skin cancer.
The American Cancer Society says the risk for skin cancer is also greater
for teens, leading the organization to fully back this proposed bill.
Proposed House Bill 1310 forces those under 18 to have a doctor's permission
to tan. The American Cancer Society says indoor tanning is more harmful than
many think."
Physicians and lawmakers are hoping to limit the sun exposure of youth
because they are worried that adverse affects of the sun happen most often
at a young age. Many of the affects from childhood are not visible until
adulthood, so preventing skin cancer at a young age is vital to your skin
health later in life.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Skin Cancer Test
Researchers at University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) have developed a test to diagnose skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths, and to have a test that can pinpoint whether the melanoma is of harm is vital to better prevention and treatment. The researchers are hoping this test will help eliminate misdiangoses and aid in detection of skin cancer.
ABC news reported on the story, "Melanoma researcher Dr. Mohammed Kashani-Sabet from UCSF Melanoma Center said the stakes are high. "Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer and when it shows up in its later stages, the advanced stages, the treatments that we have are not very effective. So really our best defense against melanoma right now is to catch it early," said Dr. Kashani-Sabet. Now he and his team have developed a test to distinguish malignant melanomas from harmless moles"
Within two years the UCSF doctors and researchers are hoping to commercialize the test and promote the widespread use and practice of early detection and proper diagnoses.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Let the Battle Begin
For decades now Allergen and Botox have had a stronghold on the anti-aging cosmetic dermatology industry. But with a possible new heavyweight – Reloxin – coming on board, the battle of the best wrinkle-ridder has begun. The New York Times has been writing about the possible blood bath between the two competitors. If Reloxin stays on track and gains the FDA's nod of approval, Botox and Allergen will have their plates full with marketing Botox.
The New York Times said, "The buzz among doctors that has been spreading in the news media and on beauty-oriented Web sites like realself.com that Reloxin works more quickly and lasts longer than the roughly four months Botox does. Dr. Leslie Baumann, a University of Miami dermatologist who did some of the clinical trials for Botox and Reloxin, recently said on NBC's "Today" show, "It's time that we have something that lasts a little bit longer" than Botox."
The battle that may be tough for Reloxin to win is that Botox has die-hard users, who rarely stray from their go-to injection. If Reloxin can get FDA approval and consumer approval Botox may have their hands full. So let's get ready to rumble....
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Turn that Frown Upside Down
According to new research not only does Botox have the ability to wipe away those physical aging lines and frowns, but it can alter your mood for the better too. The notion that Botox removes frown lines and lifts the face, also then incites lifting spirits, it removes the ability to frown so therefore people are perceived to be happier.
The Press Association says, "Patients who received botox treatment were found to be significantly less depressed, anxious and irritable than those who did not. Botox injections paralyse the forehead muscles, preventing frowning. The research findings support the theory that expressions feed back and impact emotions, Dr Lewis said. By blocking frowning, botox prevents expressions of negative emotion, resulting in a happier mood."
Scientists are hoping this can aid in the progress of diagnosing and researching anti-depressants and helping people with depression and anxiety issues.
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