A Special Advertising Supplement To The Hour, The Stamford
Transcription
A Special Advertising Supplement To The Hour, The Stamford
Yellow Red Blue Black T U E S D AY, J A N U A R Y 1 6 , 2 0 0 7 PA G E B 1 A special advertising supplement to The Hour, The Stamford Times and The Wilton Villager Form left to right: Tom Farrell (patient), Cheryl Rivera, Julio Moron, Dr. Michael Hodish and Julia Zhang by JUDIE SZUETS Special to The Hour Phone, HDTV, Dash Navigation, V Cast TV, Vista, Powercast . . . The recent 2007 International CES electronics show in Las Vegas featured yet another slew of cutting edge, high tech product and service names and acronyms . . . CEREC®, Diagnodent®, Invisalign, implant, digital X-ray . . . Hold on, those aren’t electronics. High tech has hit dentistry in a big way. The advent of computer based dental practices has been accompanied by laser and digital technology to impact the way dental patients today receive both necessary and elective cosmetic dental care. Long gone are the dental offices of your father’s day. However, in the Hodish family the career lineage continues, albeit in a sleeker, higher tech, cutting edge dental practice. Michael Hodish, DMD, joined his father’s practice—whose doors opened over 50 years ago—in 1983. In 1999, having established the practice as his own Advanced LASER Dental Group, Dr. Hodish took the practice into the new millenium by enthusiastically embracing the technological revolution, giving patients the most advanced dental laser and digital tech care in the area. “These have been remarkable times of change for practicing dentists,” says Dr. Hodish. Not only do computers handle the administrative portion of a dental practice—tasks like appointment scheduling, insurance tracking, treatment planning, billing, and appointment reminders—but there are treatment techniques offered today that can allow for dental surgery without bleeding and cavity filling without shots of anesthesia. Dr. Hodish’s practice stays abreast of all technological advances and integrates them into the practice. The following are just some of the very latest dental techniques you will find at his 454 Main Avenue offices in Norwalk. i LASER dentistry Use of lasers in dentistry is a remarkable, treatment-altering advance in the dental world. It allows for filling cavities without drilling or numbness, surgery without bleeding, and sterilization of gum infections. Filling with a laser also means that children as well as adults no longer need to be given an anesthetic-filled needle to do dental work. Cerec® 3D (CERamic rEConstruction) Dr. Hodish’s Advanced LASER Dental Group has been an area leader in the introduction of one of the most revolutionary technologies in the dental profession—Cerec®, short for CERamic rEConstuction—which is a digital technology. In conventional dentistry, a compromised tooth requiring a crown, porcelain laminate, inlay, or onlay involved extensive drilling, taking of impressions, temporary restorations, and waiting for the lab to send back, hopefully, a result that would fit the tooth. That classic technology is over a hundred years old and is, at best, time consuming, requiring several visits. Instead of making uncomfortable impressions of the teeth, Cerec® technology allows the dentist to take pictures with a digital camera. Then, using CAD/CAM technology, the dentist designs the restoration using a computer. “The computer guides a microscopic milling machine, which makes the restoration out of strong ceramic, on the spot. The whole process usually takes less than two hours, and is the closest thing I have seen to being able to replace natural enamel,” says Dr. Hodish. “We can often do things with it that are impossible with ‘traditional’ dentistry, ranging from dramatic reconstructions to making fillings that are unusually durable.” Resulting restorations are totally tooth colored, metal free, and allow the preservation of more of the patient’s natural tooth than conventional methods did. The Cerec® system has been used in Europe for approximately 20 years, resulting in extensive clinical data on durability and biocompatibility of these restorations. Having studied Cerec® all over the world, Dr. Hodish is one of only a very few trainers in Cerec® certified by the International Society of Computerized Dentistry. In 2006, he was named a Fellow of the Academy of Computerized Dentistry of North America, signifying great achievement in education in advanced technological dentistry. Periodontal plastic surgery (gum lift / gum sculpting / contouring) Excessive or asymmetrical gums can be surgically contoured with laser, aesthetically balancing gum tissue and creating an even smile. Because the laser eliminates bleeding—gums can bleed excessively—this surgery has become remarkably simple and causes little discomfort, whereas when performed with scalpel it was a painful ordeal for the patient. Using laser for gum lifts also causes little damage to tissue and results in no scarring, so the gum See HODISH B3 Yellow Red Blue Black Yellow Red PAGE B2 ■ TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2007 health • beauty • fitness Maintaining healthy skin t used to be a complicated process to repair the effects of time, genetics, and environment on your skin, sometimes requiring surgery and other risky and time consuming techniques. Today, a variety of minimally invasive procedures can restore healthy, clear skin and maintain a healthy, vibrant appearance with little or no down time at a fraction of the risk. Dr. Nicholas Antoniades, of the Doctors’ Cosmetic Laser Center in Stamford, has dedicated his medical career to this exciting and evolving medical niche. Having trained and practiced with the nation’s top laser pioneers and developers, Dr. Antoniades brings a decade of laser and skincare experience, with all the latest technology for turning back the clock. Technologically advanced laser treatments can now improve or eliminate such problems as rosacea, brown spots, wrinkles, acne scarring, and spider veins. I • Fraxel Skin Resurfacing can fractionally treat areas of sun damaged, pigmented or acne scarred skin, allowing regeneration of fresh, healthy skin without the down time involved with more invasive surgical techniques. • Coherent Versapulse C, a state of the art vascular laser, can eliminate broken capillaries, vascular birthmarks such as port wine stains, and rosacea on the face. This laser is also effective in removing pigmented brown spots and tattoos. •The Candela SmoothBeam laser stimulates collagen synthesis resulting in the smoothing and softening of acne scars. • The LightSheer Diode laser is the most efficient and effective treatment for the removal of unwanted, Blue Black Pounds peel off using acupuncture ooking for the latest, most successful, and easiest way to lose those pounds and inches? Westport Chiropractic and Acupuncture’s Dr. Patrick Guerin has designed an innovative program to help his patients lose weight. And it is not another fad diet. Dr. Guerin has created a personalized program of auriculotherapy (acupuncture to the ear), herbs, and meal supplementation that helps control clients’ weight without hunger, cravings, or calorie counting. L How does the auriculotherapy work? Dr. Guerin says: “Acupunc- Contributed photo Dr. Nicholas Antoniades of Stamford’s Doctors’ Cosmetic Laser Center. pigmented hair. Thermage is a revolutionary treatment to tighten skin without surgery or recovery time. Utilizing radio frequency technology, the ThermaCool system delivers heat to the skin’s lower layers resulting in the gradual tightening and rebuilding of the collagen structure, producing thicker skin, and giving a more healthy, youthful look. Cosmetic dermal fillers, such as Restylane, restore volume and fullness to skin that has undergone moderate or severe wrinkling; it reduces and softens deep lines and can redefine the shape of the lips. Its effects can last for six months or longer. Botox® Cosmetic, a purified protein that is administered as several tiny injections, blocks nerve impulses, thus reducing the involuntary muscle movement that promotes frown lines and crow’s feet. Over time, Botox® treatment smoothes the skin surface, softening the lines between the brows and on the forehead. Improvements in skincare technology can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your skin. Advancements in approaches to cosmetic care, laser technology, and medically designed skincare products offer the opportunity to improve the health of skin and reverse the aging process. Dr. Antoniades’ advice to maintain a healthy look is a proper, supervised skincare regimen combined with good eating habits, and the protection of skin from harmful environmental effects. Open six days a week, the Doctors’ Cosmetic Laser Center invites new patients to call at 203.325. 3252 to arrange for a consultation. Also visit their website at www. doctorscosmeticlaser.com. ❦¶ turists have known for many years that there are specific points in the human ear that can be stimulated to help dramatically control various addictive behaviors. These are well documented and are in use in clinics throughout the world to aid recovery from all sorts of addictions regnancy can be a daunting journey, especially for firsttime mothers. There are so many unanswered questions about birthing and baby care; having someone to lean on throughout the experience can be both important and comforting. Many pregnant women place their trust in the knowledge and support offered by Birth Partners, a comprehensive resource for pregnant and new mothers that provides high quality pregnancy, birth, and postpartum doula care, childbirth education, elegant pregnancy and postpartum photography, “pregnant belly” masks, • Children’s specials • Handicap accessibility • Parking at the door $30 OFF any complete pair of RX glasses. See optician for details. Norwalk store only. Expires 02/15/2007 How much of a commitment does a patient have to make? “Pa- tients ask me how many treatments I recommend and I always have the same answer. ‘Let’s start with one treatment and see if you are comfortable with this approach.’ I find that about 25% of patients have a breastfeeding education, and counseling to women and families. What is a birth doula? A doula who accompanies a woman in labor mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth. A postpartum doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics. And what makes birth doulas of Birth Partners so special? Women and their partners have expressed a desire for a birth doula with whom they can build trust and rapport prenatally, meet with often, and have come to their homes during early labor, then continuing that supportive care in the birth setting of choice. Said founding director Janet Hall, “We are told over and over that our assigned doulas, unlimited prenatal home visits, and system of prenatal support, and the high quality of care and services are what set Birth Partners apart. Though other doulas or companies may offer similar services, many women hire Birth Partners for our more comprehensive services.” Birth Partners requires a stringent internship of one year. Hall believes that those who complete the internship are the most highly qualified, professional, educated, and experienced doulas available anywhere. Postpartum doulas nurture and support the new family during this very special time—the birth of a new baby. In the comfort and security of weight loss varies from person to person depending on several variables in each patient’s environment. We can only make recommendations but it is up to the individual to follow through. I find the patients who have the most desire do best. Our treatments make a big difference in that if you are not hungry, you won’t want to eat.” Westport Chiropractic is located at 256 Post Road East in Westport. Call them today at 203.227.4474 for more information or to schedule a consult. ❦ the client's home, the doula helps ease transition for the new mother and the family, who may be also need individualized care, encouragement, and practical information. In addition to doula services, Birth Partners offers a childbirth education program that Hall believes is the best offered anywhere. “Our comprehensive, personalized course embraces our philosophy that with knowledge and support, couples can make the best and safest choices for themselves and their families. Taught only by our highly qualified birth doulas, Birth Partners' six-week series includes discussion of nutrition, exercise, relaxation techniques, stages of labor, birth options, and breastfeeding and the newborn. Our doulas bring years of birth experiences to each class, offering couples an honest perspective on the process of labor and birth.” Enhanced by videos and a lending library, and limited in size, Birth Partners' classes focus on each individual family's needs and desires for birth, not on rigid ‘methods.’ Since classes concentrate on the emotional as well as physical and spiritual aspects of labor and birth, they are appropriate for couples birthing in a hospital, birth center, or at home. Private, condensed, and refresher classes are also offered. Held in the comfort of your own home, on a time schedule that works for your family, this series of private classes is geared toward your specific needs. For more information, call Birth Partners at 203.729.9963 or visit www.birthpartnersdoulas.com. ❦ program ACU-THIN Weight Loss Without Diet or Hunger Guaranteed* Fitness and Nutrition Program PLUS a chance to WIN $50 every day!** 50% OFF Enrollment “...lost almost 10 pounds ...did not feel hungry or deprived!” Ladies Workout Express Exclusively for Women 420 Westport Rd Westport, CT 203.227.8344 Call 203-845-9100 Conveniently located in The Rainbow Plaza 205 Main Street Route 7 www.ladiesworkoutexpress.com (Lower level, back o f shopping center) • No Extreme Diet • No Cravings or Hunger • No Increase in Exercise • Just Lose Weight & Inches The ACU-THIN program is a system of weight loss based on the principle of Auriculotherapy (Ear Acupuncture) to decrease the desire for food. In combination with herbal and nutritional support. This program has been effective without increasing exercise or involving extreme changes in diet. Results can be seen in as little as 3 treatments. Here is an example of great results... (No Obligation - Nothing to Pay) You may have one of these 16 DANGER SIGNALS OF PINCHED NERVES: 5. Dizziness 6. Migraines 7. Neck Pain 8. Disc Injuries How fast can the average patient attain their goals? “The rate of The Top notch certfied trainers for results! 30 Minute circuit Widely varied classes easy equipment! Pristine showers, steam & sauna Warm & Fresh Towel Service 1. Low Back Pain 2. Headaches 3. Shoulder Pain 4. Arthritis great response to acupuncture, 50% have a good response, and 25% seem to have a diminished response. If the patient leaves my office with a sense that they are feeling more relaxed or serene, it is a good indication that this patient may be a better candidate.” Dr. Patrick Guerin introduces ... A New You 10 Days for 10 Dollars! • • • • • by relieving cravings. I have been using five points in my treatments, which have resulted in appetite suppression without side effects. This, in combination with minimal herbal and nutritional supplementation, has given my patients more than enough support to become successful in losing weight.” Does acupuncture hurt? “Most people don’t feel anything because the bore of the pin is so small. For those people who are still worried about ‘pain,’ in spite of assurances, I suggest needleless acupuncture, which is done by micro stimulation to the points via slight electrical charge.” Birth Partners provides support to families from pregnancy through postpartum P BeHealthyin2007 • Owner operated practice • Broad variety of eyewear • Priced to fit your budget THE HOUR 9. Numb Hands 10. Bursitis 11. Pain Down Legs 12. Muscle Spasms Drs. Brenda and Erik Slovin Chiropractors 13. Numb Fingers 14. Hip Pain 15. Tight Muscles 16. Aching Feet FIND OUT NOW whether careful, professional chiropractic care can relieve your aches and pains. This examination will include a spinal alignment check, an examination for restricted or excess motion in the spine, an examination for swelling and muscle spasms around the joints of the spine and a private consultation with the doctor to discuss the results. This entire examination is FREE. If you want more care and treatment, we do all the paperwork! FREE LIMITED TIME OFFER. Call for your appointment TODAY! “I started the Acu-thin program about a month ago & have lost almost 10 pounds! This was a great way to lose weight that I know I can keep off and not gain back. The acupuncture treatments were quick & painless and I have to say I could tell that my appetite was reduced. The weight loss was a consistent 1-2 lbs a week & the best part is that I did not feel hungry or deprived! I did not make too many changes to my diet, I just ate less because I just did not feel hungry. I can now fit into those clothes that I was keeping at the back of my closet & feel more confident because I know I look better as a thinner me! Thank you for this program!” Janice B. 9/1/06 $25 OFF 25% 1st Auriculotherapy Call (203) 840-0000 Slovin Family Chiropractic Center 205 Main Avenue Norwalk www.SlovinChiropractic.com Expires 4/30/07 Offer expires Dec. 31, 2006 * Due to Federal Regulations, this offer may not apply to Medicare/Medicaid or Federal Insurance programs. FC 2007 Dr. Patrick J. Guerin, D.C., F.I.A.M.A Yellow Red Blue Black Call 227-4474 256 post road east, Westport, CT Yellow Red Blue Black TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2007 ■ PAGE B3 health • beauty • fitness THE HOUR Darien’s Elements Yoga inspired by ‘heroes’ poses by Donna Kuebler, Elements Laura Kuebler, SFWMD t’s that time of the year when people are starting to carry out the New Year’s resolutions they set for themselves back at the beginning of the year. After overindulging and all the hustleand-bustle that goes along with the holidays, it is easy to find yourself with a few extra, unwanted pounds. You say to yourself, “Now is the time to start anew, to start fresh, to lose weight, to live fit and healthy!” You’re gung-ho, ready to dive into a new fitness program with enthusiasm and resolve. To help you stick with your regimen, reach your goal, and maintain a new fit lifestyle, local yoga studio Elements Yoga in Darien conducts daily classes that guide you to a new life of fitness, one that strengthens you physically and mentally. There are so many fitness programs out there. “Which one is right for me?” you wonder. You may energetically begin a fitness plan towards your New Year’s resolution, but what happens after a couple of weeks? In past years, have you reached your goal? Maybe you started strong and tapered off, then gave up, as so many people do. What if this year you decided to tackle a program that uses a multidimensional approach—one that integrates physical activity with mental acuity? What if you started a program with staying power? What if you began one that has sustained for over five thousand years? Maybe then you’ll be more likely to enjoy your fitness program instead of counting the minutes till each session is over. So why not try yoga? I HODISH, from cover can be sculpted to the desired shape without shrinking as the healing process occurs. Porcelain veneers/ Dental porcelain laminates A vast majority (80 to 90 percent) of gum lifts are done in conjunction with porcelain veneers, which are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of teeth to create a cosmetic improvement for a tooth. Porcelain veneers are routinely used by dentists to make cosmetic changes for teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned. The Cerec® technology, used by Dr. Hodish, allows for laminates to be constructed in the office instead of the lab, giving the patient a complete smile makeover in just one day. Invisalign (invisible orthodontic treatment for adults) ® Invisalign® braces are a transparently clear, highly effective orthodontic alternative to the metal braces of yesteryear. Invisalign® is a proven technology that has been used in over 500,000 patients nationally. Results are often seen in six months to one year. Invisalign® uses a series of clear aligners that are custom molded to fit the patient. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition the Yoga works on both a physical and a mental level. It strengthens and stretches muscles, but each yoga pose also strengthens and stretches your psyche as well. Certain poses are intended to build confidence, ing the month. Each teacher contributes something new and different to each expression of the selected pose—as a result, students experience a quick, yet safe evolution to the pose physically and also emo- The team at Elements Yoga tells stories about some of their ‘heroes.’ First is Steve B., a handsome, young man who shows up at each class with a bright smile and a warm, outgoing personality. Despite a recurring illness he attends daily classes with grace and resolve. A few weeks ago Steve was the only member of class who succeeded in performing a new and ultra challenging pose—Mayurasana, or peacock pose. Steve inspires many at Elements to remain positive during difficult times, being grateful for blessings. Another ‘hero’ deserving recognition is Maria L., a local school teacher who has been fighting cancer for several years. On many occasions, Maria has felt a safety within Elements to honestly express fears, receiving compassionate support from many at the studio. She has displayed tenacity, resolving not to give up and to use yoga as one means toward healing herself. She attends class each and every day, though sometimes having difficulty even walking. She wholeheartedly continues her practice and inspires all to persevere. Meet Leslie, a busy mom who somehow manages to find time to fund-raise for the Women’s Mentoring Network, a Stamford-based organization that helps women in need sustain themselves through training and mentoring. Through her creative efforts, Leslie designed a yoga fundraiser as a means to generate money for the organization and to introduce yoga to its recipients. Leslie inspires the Elements team of instructors and practitioners to be resourceful and take action toward helping others. However, one does not need to survive a disease or raise money for charity to be a hero. At Elements Yoga, the ancient practice has encouraged nurturing bonds, overcoming challenges, and the giving of support through its introspective and committed practice. So this year, Elements Yoga invites and encourages you to try something new, to set a higher standard for yourself, and resolve to not only look and feel great, but to achieve something mentally and emotionally valuable as well. They invite you to be your own hero. For more information on Elements Yoga visit www.elementsyoga.com or call 203.655.YOGA (9642). ❦ Winter session heating up at My Gym Contributed photo Bruce Bassock, owner of Elements Yoga, with two students in studio. some reduce anxiety, and others promote restfulness. Yoga is essentially a medicine cabinet full of naturally attained tried-and-true prescriptions for what ails your physical and mental being. Plus, the added benefit is looking and feeling great. This ancient form is perfect for the modern multi-tasker of today. To teach students how poses impact physical and mental levels simultaneously, Elements Yoga has initiated a ‘pose of the month.’ This concept enables students to practice, hone, and fully experience a specific pose that is taught in every class dur- tionally. The team at Elements Yoga developed January’s pose with the intent of recognizing individuals who have inspired them, so the pose selected for this month is the Virasana or Hero Pose. Instructors hope to inspire others to make and sustain resolutions toward a new lifestyle by acknowledging students who inspire them. Not only is it possible to lose weight, feel great, and increase overall health, but you can learn to become more determined, more compassionate, and more patient by practicing the art of yoga. patient’s teeth without the pain and anxiety that came with metal braces and their regular tightening appointments. And because they are invisible, teenagers and adults can confidently smile throughout orthodontic treatment (Invisalign® treatment is not suitable for children, whose second molars have not fully erupted, making typical age to begin between 13 to 16 years). The aligners are invisible, comfortable, and removable for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Each set of aligners is used for about two weeks, and is replaced with the next set of aligners in the series until the patient’s teeth gradually move into the position prescribed. Digital radiography (digital x-rays) Diagnodent® An exciting new tool in dental diagnosis is the Diagnodent® system, a laser used by Dr. Hodish for early detection of cavities while they are still very small and can be fixed using laser or air abrasion. Frequently, this breaks the old cycle of cavities forming, fillings being placed, and failing over and over again, leading to major dental problems later in life. To diagnose decay on a tooth the Diagnodent® projects a beam of laser light onto the tooth. A reading is taken of the way the tooth flouresces from the laser. This will change if there is decay, and is measurable. Advanced LASER Dental Group uses digital radiography in the practice, giving instant access to high quality x-rays, as needed, with up to 90% less radiation than conventional x-rays give out. Digital x-rays don't need developing and there is no chemical waste to the environment. There is the added advantage of the images being many times larger than conventional x-rays. Because the images are viewed on a computer screen, the additional diagnostic value is the ability to adjust lightness, darkness, and contrast. Dr. Hodish can also zoom in on a tiny area of an image under great magnification to see details that would not be visible in a postage stamp sized film. Dental implants For many years, the “state of the art” technology used for replacing missing teeth required cutting down the teeth on either side of a missing tooth to place a fixed bridge. With the advent of dental implants, there is a newer, more naturally comfortable alternative for the replacement of missing teeth than crowns and bridges or dentures. A dental implant is, essentially, a false root. Implants are made of titanium, which the body will not reject. In fact, the body thinks titanium is bone, and the adjacent bone will No Pain, Great Gain My Gym Children's Fitness Center of Fairfield County, with locations in Stamford, Norwalk, and Fairfield, is currently registering for their next 10-week session, which begins January 29th. At My Gym, the groundwork is set for a lifetime of health, fitness, and fun. With classes for children from three months to 13 years of age, kids participate in structured, ageappropriate classes incorporating gymnastics, sports, fitness, games, relays, rides, dance, and music. Children gain strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, and social and motor skills as well as confidence and self-esteem—all in a safe, state of the art facility with highly trained instructors. heal to the false root, fusing it in place. By using dental implants, bone that was destined to slowly and permanently disappear can be preserved. Teeth can be replaced without compromising surrounding teeth. Teeth restored with implants are aesthetically natural and pleasing. The procedure involved for dental implants requires surgically placing the implant in the bone, a procedure which is done in the denstist's office, requiring only local anesthesia. Patients report that it is less traumatic than the removal of the natural tooth. During the healing period, the bone fuses to the implant, which then serves as a foundation for replacement teeth, bridges, or a denture (which would then be solidly anchored in place). Dr. Hodish’s Advanced LASER Dental Group does, of course, still perform all the more conventional dental procedures, including cleanings, whitening, endontic therapy (root canals), preventive care, surgeries to remove wisdom teeth, and periodontic (gum) care. Yellow Red Contributed photo Norwalk MY GYM teachers Gina Ramsden, Katie Niemczyk, and Megan Tarantino ensure that every class and birthday party is a fun fitness experience camp schedule, call 847.3496 in Norwalk, 327.3496 in Stamford, or 256.0496 in Fairfield, or visit them at www.my-gym.com. ❦ Contributed photo Dr. Michael Hodish, DMD, of Advanced LASER Dental Group in Norwalk, surrounded by some of the latest technological equipment he uses in his practice. For patients who experience some level of anxiety with dental work, Dr. Hodish is experienced in utilizing several relaxation modalities for relieving the anxiety patients sometimes experience when scheduling a dental visit. Dr. Michael Hodish took his B.S. degree from the University of Rochester and his DDS from the UConn School of Medicine and Dentistry in Farmington, Conn. He completed his residency at the University of London Dental Institute in London, England. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call Dr. Hodish at Advanced LASER Dental Group, 203.849.1776 or visit www.smilenorwalk.com. ❦ TRUST THE LEADER IN DENTAL TECHNOLOGY Minimally invasive lower trauma dentistry for all of your family ADVANCED LASER DENTAL GROUP Advertorial Those with chronic back and neck pain can now breathe a sigh of relief thanks to Dr. Adrian Marcus and his FDA cleared non-surgical technology, the DRX-9000 System. The DRX-9000 treats herniated, bulging and protruding discs, sciatica, facet syndrome, post-surgical pain and degenerated discs. The treatment has developed as a clinically proven, non-surgical option for those who Gerard Gerard Picard had severepain painfrom from two two herniated Picard had severe herniateddiscs discsininhis hislower lower suffer from lower back back. back. Now pain-freefollowing following his DRX-9000. Now hehe is is pain-free his treatment treatmenton onthe the DRX-9000. and neck pain. MRI studies taken D.C., the first doctor in fortable and most patients before and after treatment Connecticut to utilize the fall asleep during their 30minute treatment session. show that herniated discs DRX-9000 System. “Since I began using In many cases, the pain may be repositioned and re-hydrated using this this technology, I have resolves within the first technology. Long-term performed over 9,000 few minutes of being on studies have shown lasting treatments on patients who the machine. thought there was no hope, “Most patients I see results for many patients. “It’s like a modern mir- some even had prior sur- have tried everything from acle”, raves PGA golf pro- gery”, says Dr. Marcus. medication to surgery. fessional Frank Nobilo. “I “In one study, up to 86 Thanks to this technology, was in agony, I can actual- percent of those treated I am able to help patients this technology quickly without any of the ly have a normal life that I with never thought was possi- reported significant pain risks or side effects of surrelief and showed gery”, explained Dr. ble”. “In many cases, the improved mobility follow- Marcus. For more information, DRX-9000 is better and ing therapy.” Treatment for the call 203-629-0202 or visit safer than surgery”, says Dr. Adrian M. Marcus, patient is extremely com- GreenwichPainRelief.com. My Gym also offers festive birthday parties where children romp and play in the private use of My Gym’s fully decorated facility, to personalized games and events with a fully trained staff. Your child will be the star and party planning can’t get easier. My Gym is excited to introduce their hottest new fitness class— Family Fun Time!. This hour-long program was developed to promote family bonding, and includes interactive games, dance, sports skills, relays, and gymnastics. My Gym offers special introductory family rates. To register for the new session, schedule a free trial class, book a birthday party, or inquire about their 2007 summer LASER CEREC IMPLANTS INVISALIGN ORTHODONTICS COSMETICS See us online at www. smilenorwalk.com Advanced Care for Adults & Children from an Educator in Advanced Technology Dentistry 454 Main Avenue, Norwalk CT 06851 (203) 849-1776 Blue Black DR. MICHAEL HODISH Yellow Red PAGE B4 ■ TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2007 Blue Black health • beauty • fitness THE HOUR Conditions of the eye seeing new treatments by Scott Spector, M.D. The eye: A study in teamwork The ability of the eyes to see well is the result of amazing coordination. In healthy eyes, muscles work in tandem to keep the eyes straight and balanced as well as to make them turn together in any direction. The pupil and the ciliary muscles attached to the lens control the entry and focusing of light rays. The retina registers the focused image, which passes via the optic nerve to the brain. The brain fuses, or blends, the images sent by each eye into a three-dimensional image. All these members of the vision team work automatically, without our conscious effort. All of them are needed if we are to see as well as nature intended. However, there are a number of conditions that affect the ability to see well. GLAUCOMA Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because, in its most common form, it progresses gradually before victims realize they’re losing their sight. Eventually all vision may be lost. Sight lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, but glaucoma can usually be controlled if it is detected early. Because it is silent and strikes adults, Dr. Spector recommends yearly eye exams for people over 35 years of age. A serious eye disease, glaucoma is caused by buildup of pressure inside the eye. This excessive pressure can cause the retinal cells and optic nerve fibers to die. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to total, irreversible blindness. Chronic Glaucoma. Chronic glaucoma, the most prevalent type, is painless. It slowly destroys vision without warning. By the time a vision problem is noticeable, irreversible damage may have occurred. Those at higher risk for this form of glaucoma are people with a family history of normal tension glaucoma, people of Japanese ancestry, and people with a history of systemic heart disease, such as irregular heart rhythm. Chronic glaucoma can be detected through a routine eye exam. Acute glaucoma. Acute glaucoma is marked by a sudden, severe pain in and around the eye, sharply decreased The parts of your “Vision Team”: Cornea. The clear cover at the front that lets light in. Iris. Colored ring that opens and closes to adjust amount of light entering the eye. Pupil. Hole in iris through which light enters the eye. Lens. Transparent structure that focuses light rays on the retina. Ciliarymuscles. Muscles inside the eye that change the lens’s shape to focus images on the retina. Retina. Lining at the back of the eyeball that receives the images focused by the lens. Opticnerve. Nerve at the back of the eye that transmits images from the retina to the brain. vision, nausea and vomiting, and halos around lights. Acute glaucoma can lead to blindness in less than 24 hours. To alleviate the pressure, emergency treatment is required. Surgery or laser treatment may also be necessary to prevent further attacks. Those at higher risk for this form of glaucoma are people with a family history of normal tension glaucoma, people of Japanese ancestry, and people with a history of systemic heart disease, such as irregular heart rhythm. Normal tension glaucoma is usually detected after an examination of the optic nerve. Watch for these warning signs While glaucoma can occur without warning, any one of the following symptoms is possible and warrants a complete eye exam. • Rainbow colored halos around lights • Narrowing of your vision • Frequent changes in prescription glasses without improving vision. • Abnormally poor vision in dim light • Fuzzy or blurred vision, which may come and go • Headaches, especially after watching TV or movies in the dark. Glaucoma treatment The most common treatment for Glaucoma is the use of medications in the form of eye drops and pills. In some cases laser surgery is required. Both eye drops and surgery work by helping the fluid to drain from the eye and/or decreasing the amount of fluid that is produced in the eye. length of time with diabetes, and genes. DIABETES AND YOUR EYESIGHT Treating retinopathy People with diabetes do have a higher risk of blindness than people without diabetes. If you are between 10 and 29 years old and have had diabetes for at least five years, you should have an annual dilated eye exam. If you are 30 or older, you should have an annual dilated eye exam, no matter how short a time you have had diabetes. But most people who have diabetes have nothing more than minor eye disorders. You can keep minor problems minor. And if you do develop a major problem, there are treatments that often work well if begun immediately. It is estimated that 90 percent of diabetic patients may experience some form of diabetic retinopathy over the course of their life. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes mellitus, which causes abnormality in the tiny blood vessels nourishing the retina. These vessels weaken, leak fluid and blood, and fail to provide nutrients necessary for good health in the retina. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can result in severe visual loss, including blindness. Huge strides have been made in treating diabetic retinopathy. The sooner retinopathy is diagnosed, the more likely these treatments will be successful. Dr. Spector recommends a yearly eye examination, early diagnosis and treatment are the key to saving a diabetic’s vision. Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a general term for all disorders of the retina caused by diabetes. There are two major types of retinopathy: Nonproliferative retinopathy is the common, mild form. It usually has no effect on vision and needs no treatment. But after it is diagnosed, have your eyes checked at least yearly to make sure it's not getting worse. In some people, retinopathy progresses after several years to a more serious form called proliferative retinopathy. Your retina can be badly damaged before you notice any change in vision. Most people with nonproliferative retinopathy have no symptoms. Even with proliferative retinopathy, people sometimes have no symptoms until it is too late to treat them. For this reason, you should have your eyes examined regularly. Who's at risk Several factors influence whether you get retinopathy, including blood sugar control, blood pressure levels, CATARACTS With a clear normal lens, images are focused clearly on the retina and vision is sharp. With a cataract, the lens is cloudy, causing the image to become blurred and yellowed. Vision is hazy, colors become faded. Over 50 percent of people over the age of 60 suffer from cataracts. A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye’s natural lens that interferes with light passing through the retina. Sufferers usually describe the condition as being similar to looking through a waterfall or a piece of wax paper, with a gradual blurring or dimming of vision. Cataract sufferers may also be troubled by bothersome glare, halos around lights, or even double vision. Currently there is no treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, the only way to achieve clear vision is to remove the cataract from the eye. LASIK Vision Correction LASIK is a refractive treatment for the eye. Refractive surgery is a procedure that alters one’s need for glasses or contact lenses. Dr. Scott Spector of Dr. Spector’s Eye Care Centers performs LASIK correction on an “outpatient basis” using the latest VISX Excimer laser. Persons who suffer from myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or combinations of these challenges can now seek help with LASIK. While you may feel pressure, the technique is generally not painful. DR. SCOTT SPECTOR Dr. Spector, certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, conducts lectures to professionals and community groups, along with his practice. Spector Eye Care are located in Norwalk, (203.853.9900); in Stamford (203.327.1003); or call toll free 800-New Vision or visit www.spectoreye.com. ❦ Contributed photo Angela Cosmai, third from left, with staff at Stamford’s Angela Cosmai Salon; from left—Michael Muscaro, Simone LaGatta, and Kerry CrowleyPauletti Angela Cosmai, hair colorist extraordinaire, weaves New York City style with New England charm ngela Cosmai, world renowned haircolorist, with salons in New York City and Palm Beach, opened her elegant salon in the heart of Stamford in 2003. Since then, her expertise and reputation have filled to overflowing her appointment books in all locales. All her life, Angela Cosmai has been tangled up in hair. Her mother ran “Funny Girl” salon in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and from the day she was old enough to reach the sink, Cosmai has been tending to hair. In her early twenties, she got a job as right hand to Robert Renn, then one of New York’s superstar colorists, and worked with him for seven years. When Renn died in 1985, he left his salon to Cosmai. On her own, she started with one assistant. The staff at Stamford’s Angela Cosmai Salon are all professionally trained and travel from New York City daily to come to the spacious, decorated salon on High Ridge Road. Always on the lookout for bright and fresh talent to join her staff, her colorists are trained for two years before working with actual clients so that their technique is perfected to the high standards Cosmai expects. With private clients in London, Paris, Los Angeles, and Dallas, and a satellite salon in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Cosmai has an international cadre of clients—celebri- A angela cosmai S A L O N A REVOLUTIONARY WAY OF COLORING HAIR When it comes to choosing a LASIK surgeon, do your homework. Ask how many years of experience a surgeon has. Ask what technology will be used in your procedure. When you have the facts, you’ll choose Dr. Scott Spector at Spector Eye Care. Call 1-800-NEW-VISION to schedule your free consultation. It’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Ask about our 18 month no interest plan until 2008! The staff at Angel Cosmai Salon in Stamford. From left, Michael Muscaro, Simone LaGatta, and Kerry Crowly-Pauletti SUPER SPECIAL Hair: Color and Cut For a head of subtle, natural looking highlights spend only $75. (prices usually start at $250.00) You will also only pay a mere $50.00 for the cut. (prices usually start at $100.00). First time clients only and appointments based on times available with Ms.Cosmai’s staff. 1026 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905 Tel 203.461.8252 | www.angela cosmai.com the whole t ties and the ordinary mortal, men as well as women. She’s been seen in Vogue, Glamour, New York Magazine, and Mirabella. And many find their way to her by way of recommendation from fellow colorists, often to mend a too-platinum tint that’s turned to straw. Angela’s services are in high demand. She stretches her time between her Angela Cosmai Salon in Stamford (she is personally there every other Monday and Saturday); she sees private clients every six weeks in Palm Beach, Paris, and Los Angeles, and also works with Hiro Haraguchi Salon in New York City. A hair colorist contrarian, Angela is an outspoken pragmatist who avoids this season’s or any season’s trends. Her signature is subtly nuanced, natural-looking color that never strays far from her clients’ original tones. Those who come to her for dramatic change simply won't get it. “There are too many chemicals and too much maintenance involved,” says Cosmai, whose overriding concern is always the health of the hair. Practicing a less-is-more philosophy, Cosmai often custom mixes her own long-lasting, no-peroxide formulas, whips up lustrous, nondrying color glosses unlike anyone else’s, and applies highlights practically to the roots, which takes somewhat of a magic touch. Her forté is finding the believable, perfect tint. The beauty industry recognizes Cosmai as a color corrector. But those who know her work beyond its reputation regard her as something more: In the pressurecooker, trend-a-minute world that is New York City and Fairfield County, Angela is considered an artist with color and tints. Over the years, Cosmai’s clients repeatedly asked her to recommend home products to help maintain their color. But nothing out there met her specifications. So, with considerable "clinical" experience already behind her, she created the Angela Cosmai Color Protective Hair Care System, comprised of seven unique, wonderfully mild, cruelty-free products, rich in natural botanicals. Her product line has been recognized by and awarded the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Insider’s Choice Beauty Award. Not only do Cosmai’s color clients swear by her line of shampoos, conditioners, sprays, styling gels, and amazing masques, but so do many women who have never tinted their hair but seek to give their hair every benefit possible. ❦ th Breakthrough Orthodontic Treatment Gives Adults & Teens Something to Smile About Now you can have straight teeth without braces using the new, innovative Invisalign System. The Invisalign System uses cutting-edge 3-D computer graphics technology to straighten teeth with a series of clear,plastic, removable and nearly invisible “aligners.” These “aligners” straighten teeth without the wires and brackets of traditional braces. Now adults and older teens can have the smile they’ve always wanted without the braces they’ve always dreaded. It’s a completely new, virtually invisible way of straightening teeth. Invisalign is: • • • • • Nearly invisible: You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. Removable: You can eat and drink what you want Better oral hygiene: You can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth. Comfortable: There are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasion. More Convenient: Fewer doctor visits because fewer “adjustments” are needed. DAVID M. OSHEROW, D.D.S. ORTHODONTIST DARIEN Yellow Red Blue Black Yellow Red Blue Black health • beauty • fitness THE HOUR Model for 21 century healthcare at The Center for Women’s Health st he Center for Women’s Health, located in Darien, is a fully integrated holistic health center, providing comprehensive, state of the art care for women and their families. Whether women are looking for cutting edge medical care or are seeking advice on holistic medicine, the Center for Women’s Health (CWH), located in brand new, freshly renovated office space in Stamford, provides a supportive environment where all treatment options are discussed responsibly and with a clear understanding of the strengths, as well as the limitations, of the scientific literature. Women come to CWH seeking care that equally respects the technology of biomedicine as well as the history of ancient healing traditions. This approach is the foundation of their belief system about health and illness, and allows them to integrate the best of modern medicine with the wisdom of tradi- T tional healing in a way that is unique and appropriate for each individual. The CWH was founded in 1996 by Joel M. Evans, MD, a board certified OB/GYN, in response to his personal observations on the successes of “alternative” treatments. After many years of study, attending conferences, and working with leaders in the field, Dr. Evans has now achieved a highly respected level of proficiency in holistic medicine in Fairfield County. A frequent lecturer on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), Dr. Evans is an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and women’s health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. In January of 2001 he was honored as a founding diplomate of the American Board of Holistic Medicine, and is recognized as the first physician in Connecticut to be board certified in both holistic medicine and obstet- rics and gynecology. Dr. Evans’ book, “The Whole Pregnancy Handbook,” published by Gotham Books in April 2005, has been critically acclaimed by Publishers Weekly and Bookpage.com. He has been featured in American Baby and Parents magazine as well as interviewed on television and radio shows across the country. Dr. Evans helped create a clinical study at Columbia University Medical Center on the use of the herb black cohosh in breast cancer, which was presented at the 2001 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists and later published in their journal. As a member of the senior faculty of The Center for Mind/Body Medicine in Washington, DC, he teaches health professionals about the medical benefits of relaxation therapies at The Center’s basic and See 21st Century B8 Take five for a healthier lifestyle veryone needs time out from the daily rigors of life to refresh, renew, and revitalize during a busy day. Periodically taking short five-minute breaks can result in greater productivity, a more pleasant disposition, and ultimately a healthier life if that time is effectively used. However, in this high-speed era we’re living in, it seems justifiable to use the excuse of ‘not enough time’ when it comes to nurturing ourselves. Yet, it is for this very reason it becomes even more imperative that we do. When it comes to our health, technology has been both a blessing and a curse. Of course, it has been a vehicle for great strides in healthcare research, diagnosis, and surgery. On the other hand, the fact that information is now moving at light speed means that we, too, must attempt to keep up with the pace to be effective in business and other communications. The demand on the human body to deal with processing the massive amounts of information received daily has become a tremendous challenge physically, mentally, and emotionally. Information moves from any point on the planet directly to our desktops in an instant and we are expected to process it and offer a reply just as quickly. Despite the benefits of this worldwide web culture, it also delivers a workload that puts an enormous amount of stress on our systems. The good news is that running alongside the race of information processing is an equally increased availability of therapeutic modalities that can reduce stress levels and help maintain balance in the body and mind. Alternative therapies aim to relieve the stress associated with the cause of so many of today’s ailments while simultaneously tapping the inherent resource of healing energy in the body. There are many fundamental and diverse techniques offered in the vast realm E of holistic therapies that can be practiced. With a brief education, it is simple to incorporate them into a daily routine that takes just a few minutes. For instance, drawing upon the practice of reflexology by simply rubbing your feet or hands with lotion and applying pressure with the fingertips can stimulate a flow of energy throughout the entire body, improving circulation and relieving stress. Another effective stress-buster derived from breathing therapies is taking a time–out for full and deep connected breathing. A long inhale (diaphragm fills, stomach expands) followed by a relaxed exhale (air released and pushed from diaphragm) repeated continuously for a few minutes will increase oxygen to the brain and the body, improving mental alertness and physical stamina as well as relieving emotional stress. Or even just sitting quietly in meditation for five minutes, allowing the mind a short vacation from the incessant inundation of thoughts, concerns, and tasks can reduce the risk of burnout, depression, ADD, anxiety, and other ailments of mental and emotional source. By educating yourself in these and other simple techniques, then applying them daily, you will be taking a positive step toward a healthier, more productive and joyful life in these fastpaced times in which we live. Carol Piro is a healing arts practitioner and educator with a private practice in Norwalk and delivers the ‘Take Five!’ seminar series to corporate and private organizations. Carol can be reached for more information on her techniques and seminars at 203.554. 8433. ❦ A shot of flu protection Dr. S. Green and Dr. M. Patel of Immediate HealthCare, LLC, remind you that flu season is here now—protect yourself. It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine and the price now is only $25! Immediate HealthCare, LLC Urgent Care & Family Practice Open 7 days a week 235 Main Ave., Rte. 7 Norwalk 203.847.2600 Lifetime LASIK guarantee offered by OneVision ver 20 years of collective experience in providing laser vision services to the tristate area has made OneVision the largest LASIK practice in the Northeast. Matthew Pruitt, OneVision’s executive director, began in this medical field almost ten years ago. “I have seen the practice of LASIK change over the last three years. Most practices are now run by corporations, with central leadership leaving the patient in the hands of business people rather than doctors.” OneVision wants to see that change. After performing more than 30,000 successful LASIK procedures, the doctors at OneVision are now offering a lifetime guarantee. “OneVision will stand behind your distance vision results for life,” says Pruitt. “We have confidence in our surgeons and in the stability of our patient’s long-term results. They call it the “OneVision Lifetime Guarantee.” The primary benefit of the program is OneVision’s assurance that if a retreatment is necessary to maintain distance vision results, patients will receive the retreatment at no charge. Pruitt explains that at OneVision they combine all the most important elements of LASIK that patients look for: experience, technology, and predictability. OneVi- O Joel M. Evans, M.D. Monique T. Class, MS, APRN, BC are pleased to announce the relocation and expansion of Women’s Health & Gynecology Optimal Wellness Through Functional Medicine Adolescent Gynecology & Health Education Bio Impedence Analysis & Body Composition Assessment Breast Cancer Prevention & Thermography Psychospiritual Counseling & Mind/Body/Spirit Groups Reflexology, Reiki, Craniosacral Therapy 1011 High Ridge Road • Stamford, CT 06905 Tel : 203.321.0200 Fax : 203.321.0300 email : [email protected] • www.centerforwomenshealth.com TAKE FIVE! On-site Lunch and Learn Program CD and Booklet Improve Productivity~Decrease Absenteeism Support the health and well-being of your staff and employees. ************************************ Stressed Out? Rundown? Aches and Pains? Try REFLEXOLOGY for deep relaxation, increased energy health maintenance and prevention ************************************ Private sessions, Booking and Consultation 203-554-8433 [email protected] Give Your Body A Bath...On The INSIDE! with a Gentle Gravity fed, filtered water colonic Nothing on earth is more gentle and yielding than water. Cleanse and detoxify for true vibrant health. Alleviates Constipation, Bloating, Allergies, Acne, Rashes, Increase Weight Loss, P.M.S., Candida and much more. We Now Offer Ionic Detox Foot Bath which purges Heavy Metal, Detoxifies Liver and More 914-737-0646 or visit our website at ColonicsbyJacquelyn.com Healt h is Wealt h 206 bones. 650 muscles. Millions of nerves. Your body uses teamwork every day. So do we. Orthopaedic Specialists Neurosurgeons Sports Medicine Specialists Physiatrists Physical Therapists MRI Suite Digital X-ray Electronic Medical Records System Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists, pc Greenwich, Connecticut 203-869-1145 www.onsmd.com Yellow Red TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2007 ■ PAGE B5 Blue Black Contributed photo OneVision patient Jean Sweet: “I felt more comfortable knowing that my surgeon stands behind her results. The OneVision Lifetime Guarantee gave me the confidence I needed to schedule my LASIK procedure.” sion offers the latest technologies available: Custom Vue and no blade Intra-lasik. In addition, their diagnostic technology is the most reliable found today. What makes one person a candidate for one procedure over another is primarily dependent on their corneal thickness or any irregularities on or near the surface of the cornea. Identifying these unique characteristics through a thorough diagnostic evaluation is crucial for a reliable and predictable result. OneVision doctors understand that the best advertising is word of mouth. Positive word of mouth is earned when delivering the best results and standing behind your work. A compelling study recently released the results of safety between LASIK and contact lenses. According to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, October 2006, researchers have confirmed that LASIK surgery as performed this year is safer than contact lens use. Sight threatening infections from contact lens use occur in one in 2,000 contact lens wearers, whereas the study confirms that only one in 10,000 patients risk significant vision loss due to complications from LASIK, making LASIK the safest elective procedure being performed today. Experience, technology, and predictability are OneVision’s promise. For a limited time, they are offering their lifetime guarantee free of charge, as well as exclusive 24 month interest–free financing.To get more details, call OneVision at 800.926.2015, or visit their website at www.onevisioncenters. com. ❦ Yellow Red PAGE B6 ■ TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2007 Blue Black health • beauty • fitness Inactive women more at risk for heart disease and death than sedentary men I Step over the threshold into the Dorr Way to Health t seems that every week for a three-year period year brings with it a maintained the bone minernew fitness fad. al density (BMD) in their From high impact aerobics spines and hips. The BMD to kickboxing classes to of study participants who yoga, the fads come and did not exercise, meango. Yet Jazzercise is one while, was severely reduced. exercise program still The loss of estrogen going strong after 37 years. through menopause triggers For instructor and a rise in cholesterol and owner, Kristen Hallett triglycerides, important risk Rzasa, the secret behind factors for heart disease. Jazzercise’s success is simThe German study also ple: “Jazzercise classes are found that menopausal fun! Plus, it works for women who exercised expeContributed photo everyone, regardless of age rienced decreases in both. Instructors and trainers at the Jazzercise studio. or fitness ability.” Finally, physical fitness is Blending jazz dance an even more important with exercise science, the 60- to 65- you’re not going to stick to any pro- predictor of death for women than minute total body workout classes gram, regardless how much weight for men, according to separate include high energy routines for a you may lose initially.” research conducted at Chicago’s When it comes to good health, rigorous cardiovascular workout, Rush Heart Institute and Johns along with muscle toning and everyone needs exercise. Regular Hopkins Medical Institutions in stretching, choreographed to exercise is key to long-term weight Baltimore. loss and subsequent weight maintetoday’s hottest music. Exercise ability was so strongly But if that sounds like your nance, which plays a huge role in correlated with the risk of death mom’s aerobic classes, think again. reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, that even with desirable blood choAs the fitness industry has evolved, heart disease, and other illnesses. lesterol and blood pressure a nonso has Jazzercise. Rzasa, like every For women, there are gender-specif- smoking, sedentary woman had six one of the more than six thousand ic benefits as well, including a times the risk of dying from heart certified instructors worldwide, is reduced risk of breast cancer, osteo- disease as a very active woman with required to keep abreast of the lat- porosis, and menopause symptoms. the same profile. Despite the overwhelming eviest developments in fitness. “In “It’s time for women to take a addition to emphasizing a low- dence that exercise improves the hard look at how their lifestyles impact high-intensity workout, quality and length of one’s life, 72 impact their health. Even more we’re also using the best elements of percent of women are not physical- imperative, it’s time for women to Pilates, kickboxing, and yoga in our ly active on a daily or even near be strong role models for the girls in classes these days,” she explained. daily basis, according to data from their lives,” explains Rzasa, “and of “In fact, Jazzercise is often cited as the 2000 National Health Inter- course all the health related reasons an industry trend-setter. Not bad view Survey. Yet, walking briskly are compelling, but when it comes for just 75 to 150 minutes per week after 37 years.” down to it results come easier when Rzasa attributes Jazzercise’s long- is enough to lower a woman’s risk of you’re having fun. That’s what term success to the program’s breast cancer by 18 percent, accord- Jazzercise is all about!” founder, Judi Sheppard Missett. “It’s ing to reports from the Centers for For information about Jazzercise amazing that Judi is still going Disease Control and Prevention. in Stamford and Norwalk contact In a study by German researchstrong. Every 10 weeks, she sends us Rzasa at 203.845.8856 or info@jazers, reported in Medicine & Science new routines, all checked for safety, zct.com go to www.jazzct.com. ❦ effectiveness, and fun—because if in Sports & Exercise, women ages 52 you can’t enjoy what you’re doing, to 58 who exercised four times a alking into Norwalkbased Dorr Way to Health you are ensconced by soothing hues, serene music, bamboo shoots, and trickling fountain water. Comprised of four experts in their individual fields, the firm delivers a four-pronged approach to the holistic treatment of clients. Owned by nutritional counselor Laura Dorr, NC, CH, Dorr Way to Health promises an exciting journey to vitality under the guidance of professionally trained counselors who help you stay on track keeping you inspired to dedicate yourself toward healthy lifestyle goals. While there is no magic pill for developing a healthier, more fit way to live, the Dorr Way team works with each client to integrate a nutritional program, customize a personal training regimen, use hypnosis, and deliver massage therapy to treat the entire being. Nutrition/Meal Planning. In a balanced state the body will absorb 80 to 90 percent of all the nutrients from the food you eat. Nutrition counselors Dorr and Lisa Kern, NC, teach you healthier eating behaviors, which, when combined with proper supplementation, can bring about weight loss and overall wellness. They also work with a local caterer to provide well balanced and complete meals. Prepared meals are delivered on a weekly basis to ensure freshness, and can include turkey meat loaf, roasted salmon, and seasonal soups. Personal Training. Whether you have never worked out before, are a fitness enthusiast, are 15 or 75, each strength and fitness program developed by personal trainer Anthony Scire, CPT, is individually customized to the client’s particular needs once a fitness assessment is completed. Sessions are practical and functional. Always willing to take workouts outside the studio W For Greenwich surgeons, ACL reconstructions are routine ach year, one in three thousand Americans between the ages of 14 and 55 tear an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while exercising or playing sports. The potentially disabling injury is particularly feared by athletes in basketball, soccer, football, and skiers. However, risk for this injury in not limited to a particular level of athlete or age group. Fortunately, a successful reconstruction surgery makes it possible for both amateur and professional athletes to get back into action. The ACL is one of four ligaments in the knee that connects the shinbone (tibia) to the thighbone (femur). The ACL is a stabilizer and helps prevent the shinbone from sliding forward under the E thighbone. When the knee undergoes a severe twist or excessive pressure, the ACL can tear, leaving the knee to feel wobbly and easily dislocated by sudden stopping or pivoting on the leg. The ligament is not repairable. Physicians at Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists (ONS) in Greenwich treated nearly 130 ACL injuries in 2006. According to orthopedist and sports medicine specialist Dr. Paul Sethi, athletes of various levels and ages tear their ACLs for several reasons. “Young athletes often put heavy demands on their bodies, many playing sports year round. Female college athletes and dancers are up to eight times more likely to incur an ACL injury than men due to biomechan- ics and other factors. Baby boomer/ weekend warriors frequently do sports inconsistently with inadequate conditioning.” Jason Mager, a 24 year-old from Cos Cob was playing basketball with friends when he tore his ACL. He jumped to reach a ball coming off the basket rim. As he grabbed the basketball, his body twisted in the air. When he came down slightly off balance, his left foot planted hard onto the court. He fell to the floor and pain shot through his left knee. Almost immediately, it began to swell. An x-ray at Stamford Hospital indicated he see an orthope- Know the truth! There are dozens of remedies and drugs promising relief. None of them will do this: “This is my third year of using your tea. After first year PSA went down to 4.5; after the second year to 2.9 and after the third year to 2.3. I highly recommend this tea. A real life saver.” Thomas M. Thurston, Forsyth, GA Had to get up every hour at night! Now I get Unbelievable how well Ezee Flow Tea up 1-2 times. 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Edward Powers, Port Orange, FL AVAILABLE IN NORWALK AT: Professional Pharmacy 84 North Main Street; ● NORWALK: Natural Foods 36 Main Street ● BETHEL: English Drug 140 Greenwood Ave. ● DANBURY: Chamomille Natural Foods 58-60 Newton Road ● GREENWICH: A Touch of Nature 1057 North Street ● FAIRFIELD: Lupe’s Drug Store Inc. 2035 Black Rock Trunpike ● RIDGEFIELD: Nature’s Temptations 18-20 Prospect Street ● STAMFORD: Siladi Pharmacy 1071 High Ridge Road ● STRATFORD: Supplements Unlimited 1625 Main Street ● WESTPORT: Achorn’s Pharmacy Inc. 166 Main St.; Fountain of Youth 1789 Post Road East; Organic Market 285 Post Road East ● WILTON: Wilton Organics 33 Danbury Road ● CROSS RIVER, NY: Nature’s Temptations 890 Route 35 (although there is a fully equipped onsite training studio), Scire can meet you at the track, your own neighborhood, the beach, or your backyard. Regardless where, Scire’s objective is to see you realize your fitness goals and achieve them with a more positive outlook and overall sense of wellness. Hypnosis. Characterized by extreme suggestibility, relaxation, and heightened imagination, hypnosis is a state of mind brought about by facilitating a series of progressively more relaxing images or situations. When in a hynotic state, the individual is alert and fully conscious the entire time, but can tune out most external stimuli to focus intently on the subject matter. Hypnosis is a powerful tool that can help you accomplish goals, adjust thinking, and implement positive change in your life. Evidence supports the use of hypnosis for stress reduction, weight control, smoking cessation, and increased sports performance. tion,” said Dr. Cunningham. The procedure lasted about an hour and a half and Jason went home later the same day. Five days later he began physical therapy, which he continued three days a week for the first month and then gradually reduced over the following few months. Now he’s back to playing basketball with his friends. An estimated 100,000 ACL reconstructions are performed annually in this country. On average, 80 percent of ACL patients at ONS elect to undergo the procedure. Lose Weight, Relieve Stress, Feel Great! SWELLING OF THE PROSTATE Store locations on our web-site www.BellLifestyleProducts.com or call 1-800-333-7995 Store inquiries welcome. dist. The next day, he visited James Cunningham, M.D. at ONS. A physical exam determined he had most likely ruptured his ACL, confirmed by a subsequent MRI. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, ACL reconstruction is recommended for individuals who want to continue to be active in sports, or whose knee is unstable in normal daily activities like walking. The surgery is 95 percent successful. “An avid basketball player and all-round athlete, Jason was a good candidate for an ACL reconstruc- Contributed photo The staff members of Dorr Way to Health, LLC, from left, Lisa Kern, NC; Michelle Speranza, LMT; Anthony Scire, CPT, and president/owner Laura Dorr, NC, CH. Dorr Way to Health will be holding a cooking class on Saturday, January 27th from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., which will focus on different salads and cooking with legumes. These classes will be conducted monthly on an ongoing basis with a per-session fee. Call Dorr Way to Health for more information at 203.604.1844 Massage therapy. Licensed massage therapist Michelle Speranza, LMT, NCTMB, earned her degree from The Swedish Institute for Massage Therapy. She specializes in Swedish relaxation/deep tissue technique, fibromyalgia treatments, cranio-sacral therapy, foot reflexology, and lymphatic drainage therapy, among others. Dorr Way to Health, LLC, is located at 161 East Avenue. Call to make an appointment at 203.604. 1844 or visit their website at www.dorrwaytohealth.com. ❦ Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists is the largest multi-specialty orthopaedic and neurosurgery practice in Fairfield and Westchester counties. ONS physicians provide expertise in all musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, sports medicine, minimally invasive orthopaedic and spine surgery, joint replacement surgeries and trauma. For more information, visit www.onsmd.com or call 203.869.1145. ❦ New Year New You! Relieves poor flow, burning and The only natural prostate medicine on the market with a Money Back Guarantee: Bell Prostate Ezee Flow Tea works in 99% of all cases in 3-5 days. Stops dribbling, burning and rushing to the bathroom every half hour or hour. No side effects. Ask yourself why there is no guarantee on all other prostate remedies including drugs? Because customers say nothing else works as well as our tea! Read on our web-site dozens of full length testimonials. Excerpts: “Doctor said to keep on taking the tea, drugs did not help”; “Stopped getting up every hour during night”; “God bless you! 100% relief”; “Tea saved me from prostate surgery”; many others. Available in health food and drug stores across America. THE HOUR WINTER SESSION BEGINS 1/29 DON’T MISS OUT... REGISTER NOW! • Award winning programs for children 3 months to 13 years Specials! • Enhance strength, flexibility and self-esteem CALL NOW for Complimentary Consultaton. • • • • • • Weight Loss Services Massage Therapy Personal Training Hypnosis Complete Meals Vitamins & Supplementation • Noncompetitive gymnastics, sports, fitness, games, song, dance and more • Cardio strength building classes for children 8 to 13 years • Highly trained and caring instructors • Fantastic Birthday Parties and special events 161 East Ave. Suite 101 Norwalk, CT 06851 Tel : 203-604-1844 Fax : 203-604-1846 www.dorrwaytohealth.com Spotlight your strength. New Programs start next week! • Lose weight • Increase strength energy and flexibility • Reduce stress Call Now to reserve your space w w w. e l e m e n t s y o g a . c o m Classes in Stamford & Norwalk jazzercise.com (800)FIT-IS-IT 203-845-8856 www.jazzct.com 354 Heights Road, Darien 203-655-YOGA (9642) Another Elements Opening Soon ~ Stamford/Greenwich line Yellow Red Blue Black Yellow Red Blue Black TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2007 ■ PAGE B7 health • beauty • fitness THE HOUR Endocrinology: Could it be hormones? by Michael E. Doyle, M.D. century ago, America’s foremost physician, Sir William Osler, taught that listening to the patient was the key to the practice of medicine. This point was so important that to this day, American medical students are taught Osler’s famous saying, that if you listen long enough, “the patient will tell you his (or her) diagnosis.” This was about the same time that European doctors discovered a new condition called hypothyroidism (low thyroid). In 1914, Eugene Hertox, M.D., was invited from Europe to New York’s International Surgical Congress to describe his groundbreaking work with low thyroid patients. Hertox taught the physicians in attendance how to diagnose and treat this problem using only the patient’s story, a physical examination, and natural thyroid extract. This address is credited with founding the specialty of endocrinology in America and A many thousands of patients suffering from hypothyroidism benefited. But as science advanced, the practice of listening and examining became less central to medical care. Medical skills were largely replaced by tests. In the case of hypothyroidism, a parade of thyroid tests were developed. All the while, many people with classical signs of low thyroid function, such as fatigue, low body temperature, depression, and weight gain were told that they were “fine” and went untreated. Meanwhile synthetic thyroid treatments were developed and marketed. While these newer medications certainly helped many patients, they did not contain all four thyroid hormones and some noticed that they often didn’t work as well as the older medications. A few doctors, such as Broda O. Barnes, M.D., refused to accept this “modern” approach and continued to rely on medical judgment and natural extracts. Barnes devoted his point was that cortisol is not toxic unless taken at doses that exceed the body’s needs. This opinion on the safety of low “physiologic” doses of cortisol has been strongly supported by recent scientific reviews. Jefferies also pioneered the use of another adrenal hormone, DHEA. This hormone acts as a compliment to cortisol and can reduce fatigue and help control autoimmune disease and blood sugar. Like Osler, Hertox, and Barnes, Jefferies focused on his patients’ health, not just test results. He has pointedly advised doctors faced with confusing test results, “when in doubt, treat the patient.” Remarkably, in the 1970s Hertox’s grandson, Jacques Hertox, M.D. (a third-generation endocrinologist), could find no effective thyroid medication for his patients in Belgium. Jacques Hertox flew to America to work with Barnes and life to thyroid research and treating patients with thyroid disorders. In 1942, Barnes wrote his classic article on body temperature testing as a means to help diagnose hypothyroidism. Barnes’ Basal Body Temperature technique was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Unfortunately, this simple test is now largely forgotten. In the late 1940s, William McK. Jefferies, M.D. was at Harvard making remarkable discoveries about adrenal hormones. Jefferies was an award-winning research fellow and was among the first doctors to work with the newly discovered hormone cortisol (hydrocortisone). Jefferies noted that this natural form of cortisone was necessary for life and that many illnesses could be caused by its lack. Dr. Jefferies also wrote that small doses of this natural hormone could reverse such conditions as allergies, chronic fatigue, and auto-immune disease. Jefferies’s most controversial See HORMONES B8 Doctor offers hope for spinal pain sufferers W hile spinal pain is among the most common complaints in medicine today, finding a reliable noninvasive treatment has proven elusive. That’s why Dr. Adrian Marcus, a Greenwich based chiropractor, offers numerous nonsurgical treatment options. “I have found that by broadening my scope of practice, it has enhanced my ability to help patients,” says Dr. Marcus. Many people who suffer from chronic back pain try several prescribed remedies to help ease their discomfort—frequent bed rest, high doses of pain medication, even nontraditional approaches. Even surgery can be at best a temporary solution. Many simply expect to live with pain. Dr. Marcus is the first doctor in Connecticut to introduce the DRX-9000 Spinal Decompression System, a revolutionary technology used to treat back and neck pain. The DRX-9000 System treats herniated, bulging, and degenerative discs, sciatica, facet syndrome, and post-surgical pain. “In an ideal situation, the doctor should use a combination of techniques for the most effective results,” says Dr. Marcus. “I obtained a degree in acupuncture as well as chiropractic, so I can utilize a comprehensive approach with my patients.” Dr. Marcus uses chiropractic, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, physiotherapy, rehabilitative and core strengthening exercises in his nonsurgical approach to pain management. For more information, visit www.GreenwichPainRelief.com or call 203.629.0202. ❦ Revolutionary laser for hair removal & skin rejuvenation You can eliminate shaving, waxing, and painful laser treatments with the introduction of a revolutionary new laser treatment—the PPx™—now being offered in Wilton. Dr. Carlo Honrado, MD, a board certified facial plastic surgeon, along with Dermage Aesthetic Center & Spa, have introduced the first clinically proven painless treatment for permanent hair reduction and skin rejuvenation. Often referred to as a “lunchtime procedure,” Photopneumatic Therapy™ (PPx™) developed and marketed by Aesthera™ Corporation (Pleasanton, CA, www.aesthera.com) is a breakthrough noninvasive light based treatment with no downtime and no pain. Cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the PPx™ painlessly effects permanent hair reduction as well as the removal of pigmented lesions (brown spots from sun damage and aging skin) and vascular lesions (redness caused by broken capillaries, flushing, as well as fine facial veins). “Until PPx™ therapy, all medically supervised laser or light based treatments for hair removal and skin rejuvenation were painful, time consuming, and involved the use of topical anesthetics and messy treatment gels. Hair reduction patients who were pain sensitive were left with no alternative but to keep waxing or shaving. Prior to PPx™, it was common for patients to start on a series of hair reduction or skin rejuvenation treatments but drop out due to the extreme discomfort associated with traditional technologies,” explains Dr. Honrado. “PPx™ therapy is a breakthrough combination of broadband light and pneumatic energy (vacuum). The treatment is unique in that a vacuum momentarily draws the skin into the treatment handpiece. Treatment targets, such as hair follicles, pigment, and broken capillaries are drawn closer to the skin’s surface. A therapeutic light is gently pulsed onto the skin, destroying the unwanted hair, pigment, or unsightly veins. Unlike other laser treatments, this true lunchtime procedure is very quick. Underarm hair reduction takes about five minutes, a whole back about 20 minutes, while facial rejuvenation can be performed in under seven minutes. The treatment requires no anesthetic creams or treatment gels. A natural cooling process called evaporative cooling activated by vacuum keeps the skin even safer for the entire duration of the treatment,” continues Dr. Honrado. To learn more about the PPx™ treatment and/or other advanced skin care treatments, call Dermage Aesthetic Center & Spa, located at 300 Danbury Road in Wilton, at 203.761.9200 or go to www.DermageSpa.com. ❦ Exercise: The miracle ‘medicine’ for stress, anxiety, and depression by Judy L. Klein, M.S. eeling blue after the holidays? Stressed at work? Anxious about a project deadline? It’s time to reach for that magic pill, but it won’t be found in your local pharmacy. Instead walk into your local fitness center and start moving. Exercise causes the brain to release endorphins, which are opium-like substances that ease pain and produce a sense of comfort and euphoria. Exercise also encourages the nerve cells in the brain to secrete other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which improve general feeling. Deficiencies in these F hormones and enzymes have been linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, impulsivity, aggression, and increased appetite. Researchers have found that when depressed patients exercise, they are able to increase their levels of these natural antidepressants. Approximately 33 percent of people suffering from depression and anxiety do not respond to medications, and for others, medications can cause unwanted side effects. Exercise should be considered as a viable option. Exercise may also be very beneficial in alleviating depression and anxiety, and reducing stress because the exerciser is actually taking an active role in trying to feel better. Taking a pill is very passive, whereas Conventional & Alternative Medicine Michael E. Doyle, MD Effective Natural Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Thyroid • High Blood Sugar • High Blood Pressure • • Low High Cholesterol Weight Control • Menopause • Nutrition • • • And Much More ing your exercise program, consult with your doctor, especially if you have not exercised for some time. When you exercise in a fitness center you are with other people, which can make the workout a more social event. Socializing with others helps alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression and stress. A fitness center also offers a variety of aerobic machines. Using two or more aerobic machines in one workout (cross-training) decreases boredom. Stress is an inevitable part of life. The key is how you deal with stress. Clearly, exercise is an extremely effective means to cope with the many “curve balls” that life throws at us. It’s time to get off the couch and into the gym. exercising is very active—therefore, depressed, anxious, or highly stressed individuals who exercise may feel a greater sense of mastery over their condition and so feel a greater sense of accomplishment. According to The National Institutes of Health, researchers have found that working out improves the ability to relax or sleep, promotes self-esteem, enhances energy, concentration, and even memory. So what is the best form of exercise for managing depression, anxiety, and stress? Any activity that gets your heart pumping (aerobic exercise) will release endorphins. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 20 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise, three to five times a week. However, before start- FLU VACCINE AVAILABLE at PHYSICAL INTEGRITY A unique personal fitness and wellness center SERVING WILTON AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES FOR 19 YEARS “COMMIT TO GET FIT” SALE NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 15TH Call for your complimentary training session (203) 762-3323 • No appointment necessary • Only accepting medicare insurance 00 For others price is $25 • Open 7 days We are a community based health care center and all are welcome Se habla Español 235 Main Ave. Norwalk 203.847.2600 Achieve a healthier lifestyle through exercise, education and motivation. Call 324-4747 107 Glenbrook Rd. Stamford , CT 06902 Dr. Doyle is a Board Certified Physician and graduate of Cornell University Georgetown Medical School The Jewish Home for the Elderly Stamford and Fairfield Adult Day Centers PHYSICAL INTEGRITY PERSONALIZED FITNESS CENTER 142 Old Ridgefield Road Wilton, CT 06897 located in Wilton Center, across from the library • www.physicalintegrity.com Experience Your Personal Best – Healthy and Beautiful Skin Now through January Two for the Price of One THERMAGE SPECIAL! “Your home away from home” • Wellness and Case Management • Comfortable social and secure environment • Nursing supervision • Nutritious meals • Supportive personal care • Success-focused therapeutic activities • Lively exercise and music sessions • Respite support for caregivers 26 Palmers Hill Rd. Stamford, CT 06902 203-363-1023 Contributed photo Judy Klein of Physical Integrity Fitness Center in Wilton works with a client. Judy Klein is co-founder and owner of Physical Integrity Personalized Fitness Center, located in Wilton Center. She holds an M.S. in exercise physiology from the University of Arizona, and a B.S. in physical education from Brooklyn College. Her expertise includes exercise testing and prescription, personal training, coaching, and public speaking. She has also completed 25 marathons. Judy has worked with a variety of populations from high level athletes to those with heart disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and osteoporosis. For more information on Physical Integrity Fitness Center, please call 203.762.3323 or visit them at: 142 Old Ridgefield Road in Wilton Center. ❦ 175 Jefferson St. Fairfield, CT 06825 203-365-6470 聽 聽 Tightens and Contours 聽 Improves Tone 聽 No Down Time 聽 Face – Eyes – Body Teen Skin Clinic education, treatment, maintenance program Free Skincare or IPL Photofacials with every laser package! Gift Certificates make great holiday gifts! Call or visit the skin care specialists at Doctors’ Cosmetic Laser Center 1990 West Main Street, Stamford, CT 06902 Phone: 203-325-3252 Toll free: 866-955-3252 Check our website for Holiday Specials www.doctorscosmeticlaser.com ©2006 Thermage, Inc. Botox® Cosmetic ©2006 Allergan Fraxel® ©2006 Reliant Technologies Inc. Restylane is a registered trademark of HA North American Sales AB Yellow Red Blue Black MASSAGE, FACIAL, BODY TREATMENTS, WAXING AND LASER HAIR REDUCTION Yellow Red PAGE B8 ■ TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2007 Blue Black health • beauty • fitness Get ‘unstuck’ from emotional ‘mud puddles’ desire to enter into any type of therapy most often results from some feeling of paralysis—a feeling of ’stuckness.‘ For instance, to use a very simple metaphor, if one’s feet are stuck in the mud it makes it hard to move forward! So let’s look at some of the situations in life that seem to make moving forward difficult: —Being attached to a partner in an unsatisfying relationship —Desiring a person who does not return your feelings —Being stuck in a job or with a boss you don’t get along with —Not having enough money, whether from want or need —Feeling lonely and not being able to find the social life you would like —Not feeling in control of eating, drinking, smoking, drugs, etc. —Feeling “fed up,” uninterested in life, tired, sad, lacking energy, depressed —Not feeling understood, heard or supported by family or friends —Afraid of asking for what you need and standing up for yourself —Dealing with serious illness, whether yours or someone close to you —Feeling angry and helpless A over the behavior of others—children, parents, etc. These are some of the “mud puddles” that can seem difficult from which to extricate ourselves. By acknowledging that these and other issues are holding us back, we understand that working with an objective, experienced therapist helps to sort out these issues. Ultimately this leads to a new and clearer path on which to move forward in a direction that makes sense and will produce success and self-esteem. There are many ways to enter into therapy, coaching, and/or counseling, and usually it is a combination of the three. Psychotherapy looks at early socialization, role models, and experiences of life that influence all of us as human beings. Counseling deals with the present and how to remove roadblocks that stand in the way of forward movement. Coaching consists of practicing definitive, positive behaviors and carrying them out in order to move ahead on a clear and successful path. Jean Richardson has practiced in New York City and Connecticut for the last 25 years and believes in a positive approach to the issues we all face. Following are some of the approaches she presents to the issues listed above. Here are just a few of many approaches to therapy modalities, decided upon by you and your therapist. —Traditional once or twice a week individual therapy lasting 55 minutes. —Conjoint: Relational therapy in which you and your significant other meet for 55 minutes or longer. —Group therapy, usually once a week for one and a half hours (sometimes less often but more hours). —All day (with a break for lunch) or half day sessions (held as seldom or as often as the group decides) that concentrate on one subject, such as sex, relationships, parenting, grief and loss of all kinds, dating, finding the right relationship. —Two or three person groups for those who have similar problems and can be of help to each other; these groups are typically shortterm, but not always. Richardson has many ways to accommodate the individuals involved and the issues with which they need to deal in as may constructs as possible. This makes therapy, counseling, and coaching a collaborative construct. Clients and therapists must work together to assure the best possible results. The person or couple who come into therapy do not have to know just what their issues are at the beginning of the process. They do, however, have to be willing to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behavior in order to make the changes necessary for a fulfilling and successful outcome. The goal of therapy is to be able to meet life’s challenges while honoring one’s emotions. The desired outcome of investing oneself in counseling, coaching, and therapy is to enjoy a fulfilling and exciting life. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Jean Richardson, call her in Norwalk at 203.354.8732 or at her NYC office at 718.938.6149. ❦ Julia Gray, M.D. Women’s healthcare a specialty for Stamford doctor ulia Gray, M.D. has practiced gynecology in Stamford for over 20 years. Dr. Gray has practiced gynecology in Stamford for over 20 years. A solo gynecologist, she has a reputation as a doctor who takes the time to listen to her patients, giving them personal, full attention. Because she does not work with a nurse practitioner, she returns all patients’ calls herself with undistracted attention. The services she provides women include all aspects of cancer detection and prevention screening, a wide range of curative surgeries, treatment for postmenopausal concerns, sexual concerns and dysfunction, incontinence, and changes in anatomy, among others. Dr. Gray is knowledgeable in and includes holistic alternatives in J office, and first many of her trimester early treatments, pregnancy care or using biocounseling servidentical horices are available mones, massage from her. The and acupuncoffice performs ture, therapeuroutine testing tic nutrition, for and informaand stress reduction to tion about pregachieve total nancy and sexuand successful ally transmitted diseases. treatment. Appointments Although for her patients her office does are usually availnot follow pregable within 48 nant mothers JULIA GRAY, M.D. hours. all the way to If a subspecialist is needed for term, it does assist in pregnancies either a consultation or therapy, Dr. and treats infertility. Ultrasounds— for pregnant patients or sufferers of Gray's office will promptly arrange chronic pelvic pain or ovarian the appointment. Dr. Gray takes great pride in being practiced at growths —can be done in the treating all ages of women's health, from very young women to older women, with a caring, attentive manner. She is happy to meet for an initial consultation or to provide an additional opinion on what your present doctor has suggested. She carefully reviews all records herself and discusses them directly with the patient. Julia Gray, M.D., trained at Brown University Medical School and did her residency training at New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center. She is board-certified and has been practicing in Stamford since 1985. Easy parking is available and some early morning and evening hours are available. Her office accepts most insurance plans. For more information, call 203.325. 9247. ❦ THE HOUR HORMONES, from B7 study the natural thyroid treatment that Barnes used. Jacques Hertox was so convinced of the superiority of this natural thyroid extract that he used it to treat his hypothyroid patients for the rest of his career. The scientific and clinical evidence for the benefits of natural thyroid extracts over the commonly used synthetic treatments has become so strong that in 2003, the former president of London’s Royal Thyroid Academy, Sir Anthony Toft, M.D., stated that ”the treatment of hypothyroidism is about to come full circle.” Dr. Jacques Hertox continued to build on the work of colleagues. Dissatisfied with blood tests that did not correlate with his patients’ symptoms, he helped develop a urine test that more consistently identified his patients with low thyroid status. Continuing to focus on his patients’ well being, Hertox at times recommended using combinations of hormones to restore health. Hertox’s work included the use of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone for women with evidence of deficiencies. Remarkably, during a lecture for 21st Century, from B5 advanced training programs. He also lectures on nutrition and supplements at the Center’s CancerGuides™ and Food as Medicine conferences. With a special interest in providing service to those affected by the tragedies of war and terrorism, he has worked intimately with the FDNY to help NYC firefighters handle the many stresses caused by 9/11. Working closely with Dr. Evans is Monique Class, MS, APRN, certified family nurse practitioner. Monique shares Dr. Evans’s philosophy of integrative medicine and teaches as a clinical instructor at Yale University School of Nursing and as an adjunct professor at The College of New Rochelle School of Nursing. Monique received her degree as a clinical nurse specialist and her post Masters as a family nurse practitioner at the College of New Rochelle, having received the Charles Allen Vaughn Award for excellence. Her BS in nursing is from The University of Virginia. Monique is certified by the Psychosynthesis Institute in Imagery and Visualization and is currently enrolled in the Foundations in the Broda Barnes Research Foundation in the 1980s, Dr. J. Hertox stated that reproductive hormones should only be used in their natural forms because the synthetic variants available caused serious problems, such as cancer and heart disease. This was about the time when most doctors were beginning to use synthetic progesterone derivatives (progestins) and modified horse estrogens to protect menopausal women from these same illnesses. Nearly 20 years later, Dr. Hertox was proven correct when large scientific studies showed increased rates of these illnesses in women who were given the common synthetic hormones. Unfortunately, the response of many doctors has been to stop using female hormones completely, although recent science continues to reinforce Hertox’s conclusions. heir patients on the road to health. Michael E. Doyle, M.D., is a board certified family physician whose practice combines conventional and alternative approaches and includes the use of natural (bioidentical) hormones and nutritional supplements. He is in practice in Stamford and may be reached at 203.324.4747. ❦ Herbal Medicines Certification program. As clinicians with prestigious academic appointments, Dr. Evans and Monique Class both specialize in women’s health and gynecology. However, their expertise in both traditional and holistic medicine has resulted in the establishment of “specialty areas” where they have achieved dramatic clinical success. These areas include an individualized approach to menopause and the use of natural hormones, treatment of uterine fibroids and endometriosis without the need for surgery, breast cancer prevention, adolescent gynecology, optimal wellness, a comprehensive approach to cancer care involving the latest nutritional and supplement recommendations, attaining ideal body composition and, finally, a holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth based on Dr. Evans’ book. At the Center for Women’s Health, Dr. Evans and Ms. Class believe that good health is not simply a matter of chance, but requires making the right choices. The entire staff of the Center for Women’s Health is proud to represent the model for healthcare in the 21st century. ❦ Foods to eat and guidelines to follow for help fighting disease by Douglas Ouellete Home Choice Senior Care With contributions from The Senior’s Choice, the nation's leading network of senior care providers W hen it comes to food and illness, we can't ignore the facts—or the science! A healthy diet translates to a healthy life. Research shows a healthy diet can help or prevent a number of health issues, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Adopting a disease-fighting diet is easier than you probably think. When you shop, choose fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains, such as brown rice and wholewheat bread. Always avoid foods high in sugar and fat. Here are some tips for arming yourself against disease with goodfor-you foods: Where can you find a HEARING AID that... -provides a natural sound? -eliminates feeling like you are in an "echo chamber"? -won't plug-up your ears? -is lightweight and barely visible? Follow the food guide pyramid. This is the federally recommended guideline for creating a balanced daily diet. It is a good starting place for creating a meal plan. It recommends: 2–3 servings of milk, yogurt or cheese 2–3 servings of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, or nuts. 2–4 servings of fruit 3–5 servings of vegetables 6-11 servings of bread, cereal, rice, or pasta Think color. When it comes to fruit and vegetables, eat lots of deep colored produce. The darker colored produce is especially rich in antioxidants that can protect you against diseases like cancer and heart disease, according to the American Dietetic Association. Remember fiber. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables will give your body extra water and fiber, which will help keep your digestive tract clean and healthy. Beans, bran, whole grain breads and brown rice, and high-fiber cereals are also good sources of fiber. Make good bacteria your friend. Fermented foods like yogurt are especially good for you as you get older because they contain “good” bacteria that keep your digestive tract healthy. Eat “good” oils. Your body needs some fats to stay healthy, but saturated and trans-fats can be very unhealthy. Instead, replace these “bad” fats with “heart-healthy” fats like fish oil (salmon and sardines are particularly good for Omega 3 oils) and vegetable oils like olive and canola oil. Try soy. Eating about one to two ounces of soy protein daily can help lower cholesterol and unhealthy fat in your diet and protect you from heart disease. You can find many different soy products, which come from soybeans, in your food store. The most popular are tofu, soy milk (in different flavors), and soy “meat” products like burgers. Drink plenty of water. To stay healthy, drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Don't abstain if you don't have to. Beer and red wine, in modera- tion, are another rich source of antioxidants. One glass a day for women and two for men can be heart–healthy. Eating right will take the weight off. Following a healthy diet, along with regular exercise, will prevent you from gaining weight, which is important for good health. Losing 10 percent of your body weight, for instance, could be enough to lower your cholesterol. Choose healthy foods for a longer and healthier life! For more information about premier homecare services, call the care center at 203.227.5040. ❦ Easy! At the Hearing, Balance and Speech Center. Hearing Balance and Speech Center Founder and Director, Dr. Natan Bauman, invented the Vivatone hearing aid. Designed based on the needs of a patient, it was the first "open-ear" hearing instrument ever developded. It's available wordwide in addition to the Hearing, Balance and Speech Center. www.birthpartnersdoulas.com CALL TODAY for an APPOINTMENT 1-800-432-7481 or 203-287-9915 Counseling, Therapy and Coaching Gay and Straight Individual, Couples, Family and Group The Hearing, Balance & Speech Center is Connecticut's Premier Facility for Audiological Services! Digital Hearing Aids Audiological/Vestibular Testing - Assistive Listening Devices Batteries - Minor Repairs - Custom made Hearing Aid Lab on site- 5 Convenient Locations in Hamden, Norwalk, Branford, Guilford, and Bristol (for Bristol call 860-585-6000.) . Is your New Year's Resolution to "ACHIEVE HEALTHY HEARING"? Bring this ad in and receive $500 off a pair of VIVATONE Hearing Aids. Expires 2/28/07. Offer not valid on prior purchases. Janet Hall, President and Founder Westport ~ www.HomeChoiceCT.com ~ Serving Fairfield County Julia C. Gray, M.D. SOLO GYNECOLOGIST SPECIALIZING IN ALL ASPECTS OF WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE For details please visit my website: www.jeanrich.com • Trained at Brown University Medical School, residency at NY Hospital, Cornell Medical Center Norwalk: 203-354-8732 New York City: 718-938-6149 I look forward to meeting with you! JEAN RICHARDSON, Yellow Red Blue Black MS, MFT • Care is never rushed and appointments are usually available within the same week. • Cancer detection, prevention screening, curative surgeries, holistic approach. • Routine testing and information about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) • Easy parking, early morning and evening hours available. 107 GlenBrook Road, Stamford, CT 06902 • 325-9247