400 Life, August 2023

Meet the women of Shameless Aesthetics: From left, Tammy Eichler is the Patient Care Coordinator; Owner/ RN Jenn Cathers is the Nurse Injector at the business in Cumming; and Heather Ferrell is the licensed esthetician.

Medspa team creates personal experience for every client

Helping people has been at the core of Jenn Cathers’ career for two decades, starting as an EMT and paramedic, then followed by becoming a registered nurse working in the emergency room.

Knowing she was walking into a crisis to help people in need was something she felt called to but that calling was put to the test during COVID. Despite the burnout that came with working through a pandemic, Jenn felt the need to continue to help people, but she wasn’t sure in what capacity that would be.

For the first time in her career, she was considering getting out of emergency medicine – but wasn’t sure where that leap would take her. It was when she started looking at aesthetic medicine, she found a perfect fit.

Making women feel beautiful and empowered has always been a passion for Jenn, who also opened Mirrored Images Boudoir, a female empowerment studio, in Gainesville in 2017.

“I felt that with my artistic eye, in addition to my experience as a registered nurse, it would be a natural transition into aesthetic nursing,” she said.

Jenn completely immersed herself into learning everything she could about aesthetic nursing. She attended classes, conferences, and one-on-one training with industry experts.

Her unique gift for helping women feel comfortable and well cared for led to a dear friend mentioning her wonderful Botox experience to her husband, a well-respected local physician, and a beautiful partnership was born. Dr. Stephen Crabtree, D.O., J.D., immediately called Jenn and the dream for Shameless Aesthetics came to life.

The decision to open the practice in Cumming was a natural one as they both have served the community through their careers in emergency medicine, and both have strong professional ties and friendships in the community.

What started out as a small injection practice saw tremendous, quick growth. In less than a year, they expanded into the current location at 203 Pirkle Ferry Road in Cumming and brought on additional staff, while adding more services and products for patients.

Continued, Page 6

Story by Sudie Crouch |

Photo by Vicki Alsup Photography

‘It can positively change how people see themselves’

“The rapid growth of our practice has been incredibly humbling and we’re so grateful for the love and support we’ve received from the community,” Jenn said.

As Shameless has grown, Jenn and Dr. Crabtree, who is also the medical director, have added an experienced esthetician and a patient care coordinator to help meet the needs of their patients.

Some of the services Shameless Aesthetics offers include dermal fillers, Botox, anti-aging treatments, customized medical facials, microneedling, and they are the first practice in Forsyth County to offer Morpheus8, the award winning treatment that has been endorsed by celebrities such as Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Jessica Simpson, and Eva Longoria.

“We received specialized training from the top Morpheus8 provider in the Southeast and we’ve been so pleased with the results we’ve had with our patients,” Jenn said.

The popular service combines micro-needling with radio frequency to tighten skin, remodel fat, reduce scarring, and banish pesky fine lines and wrinkles.

The benefits of receiving a medical aesthetic treatment go beyond just visible appearance. Just as Jenn has helped women feel empowered, confident, and beautiful from her photography sessions, she’s noticed that women – and men – are experiencing increased confidence when they come in for their follow-up appointment and treatments.

“Our goal is not to make you look like someone else,” Jenn said of Shameless Aesthetics’ approach. “We focus on rewinding the clock a few years and helping you to look well rested and more youthful. We believe in natural enhancements and not overdoing any treatments.”

Perhaps one of the most important benefits for patients is the education and support they receive at Shameless from Jenn and the team in a judgment-free space where they can feel accepted.

Rather than just a cosmetic procedure, each appointment is

medical in nature, and explained to the patients so they will understand exactly what to expect from pricing to procedure and post-care.

“It’s easy to see a med-spa as being glamorous and something only the ‘rich’ can afford.

We service a very broad range of women and men, from all backgrounds and income levels,” Jenn said. “We want every patient that walks through our door to feel accepted and valued as a human, we want to connect with them and offer them guidance throughout their journey with us.”

And she said it’s important that clients feel safe and not judged by the staff.

“We never push services on our patients just to make a buck,” she said. “It’s truly not about the money for us, which is why we keep our services at a more affordable price range.”

Every medical patient is evaluated by Dr. Crabtree or a nurse practitioner prior to treatment, and patients also have direct access to their providers, even after hour, ensuring the patients are fully supported from the beginning of the process through follow up care is an important step that proves that extra touch can go a long way.

“We understand the education and information we provide can be a lot, so we want to make sure that it all makes sense and there are no unanswered questions,” Jenn said. “We’ve received countless amounts of positive feedback on how we support our patients throughout their treatments.”

Feeling that need to make a major career change a few years ago may have been scary – but if anything, Jenn has proven that following your passion is always a positive step forward.

“I believe in what we do,” she said, “and how it can positively change how people see themselves.”

To schedule an appointment or check out the services that Shameless Aesthetics offers, visit shamelessga.com.

Photos by Repurposed Photography

The Power of Breathing

Practice these techniques to help daily anxiety

By Sudie Crouch | Health & Wellness columnist

Stress and anxiety have somehow become an accepted part of our daily lives. It is such a chronic condition that it affects over 50 percent of the population and can be the first domino in a host of other diseases that we face.

More than likely, we know we’re dealing with a tremendous amount of stress and feel it physically in our bodies.

It manifests as headaches, muscle tension, stomach aches, as well as other issues such as increased blood pressure, production of cortisol, and disrupts sleep – and this is by no means an exhaustive list of all the ways stress affects us. Often, stress is accompanied by anxiety, which can heighten those feelings and emotions.

Our stressors have seemingly increased at such a rate it has been difficult to find ways to effectively deal with them.

One of the simplest, yet most effective ways I have found is by using breathing techniques.

The reason these are a favorite tool in my personal toolbox of wellness, is because you don’t have to buy anything special in order to do them, they’re free to do, and they don’t take up a lot of time.

Basic Breathing

For many people, just being conscious and focused on their breathing can help them release some of the stress or anxiety. It helps to bring them back into the present moment, rather than having a mind cloudy with worry and stress.

Some people also like repeating a mantra or affirmation with breaths. For instance, with the inhale, think or say, “Inhaling joy,” and releasing the breath with “exhaling fear” to help focus on what they want, versus what they are experiencing.

The 4-7-8 Technique

A very straightforward approach where you breathe in for a count of four seconds, hold the breath for seven seconds, and then exhale for eight seconds. This technique can be especially helpful if you’re feeling anxious and can be done practically anywhere.

Box Breathing (or the Navy SEAL technique)

This technique may be better if you’re seated or it can also be done lying down as well, which makes it a great breathing exercise to release stress to help you go to sleep.

Start by breathing out slowly to release all the air in your lungs, as if you’re breathing out the stress.

Then, inhale through your nose slowly for a count of four. Feel your lungs and abdomen being filled with each breath. Hold your breath for a count of four.

Lastly, you’ll exhale through your mouth for a count of four, expelling all the air from your lungs and abdomen. You can then hold your breath for a slow count of four again before repeating these steps.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

For this technique, you can be lying on the floor or a bed, whichever one is most comfortable for you. Take a few deep breaths to help relax and clear your mind.

Starting with your feet, you want to breathe in as you tense the muscles in your feet; breath out as you release the muscles.

You’ll move up your leg and the remainder of your body, breathing in when you tighten the muscle and breathing out when you release. Don’t forget to do your fingers and hands, because they can hold tension, too. This exercise can be so helpful and make you feel very relaxed as you consciously work on your breath and each of those muscle groups.

Lion’s Breath

This is a fun way to focus on breathing and can also be a great way to just get your energy flowing again. Breathe in through your nose and let your lungs fill with air.

When you feel like you can’t possibly breathe any more air in, open your mouth as wide as you can – think of a lion yawning in the jungle – and release the breath with a “Ha” sound. It’s almost like a light, friendly lion roar. Repeat this as many times as needed to help you release the stress and anxiety.

We sometimes forget to breathe when we’re stressed or anxious and will hold our breath, so practicing some of these techniques can help us remember. Plus, when you hold your breath, it also creates a heightened fight or flight response, which only serves to increase that feeling of stress.

Focusing on your breathing can be a great – and free – tool to have in your stress/anxiety busting toolkit and is one that can bring some results as well.

Sudie Crouch is a health & wellness coach, helping clients create healthy, attainable changes using positive psychology and cognitive behavior approaches.

13 essential vitamins the body needs

The human body is a marvel. When working correctly, the body automatically performs scores of metabolic functions. It is vital to supply the body with the nutrients it needs.

This includes the essentials:

A, C, D, E, K, and the eight B vitamins.

t VITAMIN A: This vitamin helps ensure the health of the skin, corneas, lining of the urinary tract, lungs, and intestines. Vitamin A also helps protect against infection. It also is important for vision, as it improves vision in dim light.

t VITAMIN C: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, plays a vital role in immune system function, helping to protect cells from free radicals. Since the body cannot store vitamin C, it needs to be consumed daily.

t VITAMIN D: Vitamin D assists in calcium and phosphorous absorption, which helps to keep bones and teeth strong. The body can produce vitamin D naturally by spending time in sunlight. That is why it’s often called “the sunshine vitamin.”

t VITAMIN E: This vitamin maintains muscles and red blood cells. It also protects fatty acids.

t VITAMIN K: Vitamin K is necessary for blood to clot and helps to keep bones and other tissues in the body healthy.

t THIAMINE (B1): B1 is needed for metabolism and for nerve and heart function.

t RIBOFLAVIN (B2): Another important nutrient for metabolizing foods, B2 helps maintain healthy mucus membranes, such as those in the mouth and nose.

t NIACIN (B3): This vitamin helps to release energy from food and keeps the nervous system healthy.

t PANTOTHENIC ACID (B5): B5 is another vitamin that aids energy metabolism. It also plays a role in normalizing blood sugar levels.

t PYRIDOXINE (B6): People rely on B6 to metabolize food energy. It also has a role in proper nerve function and helps in the creation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen around through red blood cells.

t BIOTIN (B7): This is only needed in small amounts to make fatty acids.

t FOLATE (B9): Folate is very important for healthy red blood cells. Folate also helps to prevent birth defects, which is why it is recommended as a prenatal vitamin. The manufactured form of folate is called folic acid.

t COBALAMIN (B12): B12 is needed to make red blood cells, DNA, RNA, and myelin for nerve fibers.

Launch your writing career with help from your library

Whether you secretly dream of writing a novel or you already have a manuscript ready for publication, Forsyth County Public Library’s August Writing Series, Forsyth Writes Together, has a number of free events this month to help you take your passion for writing to the next level.

THE AGENT CHASE

Thursday, August 3, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Post Road Library

Are you writing a book? Have you written a book and now want to publish it? Save yourself hours of internet research and join us for a workshop led by author David Darracott about how to find a literary agent to publish your book. David Darracott is the author of novels and short stories, as well as nonfiction publications and sponsored television and film productions. His awards include a Hambidge Fellowship in 2009-2010 and Georgia Author of the Year in 2015.

FROM JOURNALIST TO NOVELIST

Tuesday, August 8, 7:00–8:00 p.m.

Sharon Forks Library

Successful journalist and award-winning novelist Will Leitch will share his experience as a journalist and fiction writer and offer his perspective on writing and publishing. Mr. Leitch will also discuss his latest novel, The Time Has Come, a suspenseful and timely mainstream fiction novel set in Athens, Georgia.

Mr. Leitch’s 2021 novel, How Lucky was an Edgar Award Nominee for Best Novel in 2022. The novel also won the Alex Award in 2022 which honors novels written for adults that have special appeal for young adults.

BUILDING YOUR AUTHOR

SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT

Sunday, August 13, 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Cumming Library

Social media looks easy when you’re scrolling through Instagram or the TikTok videos play one after another. But when it comes to building your own personal brand, you can find yourself staring at your phone with a

big question mark over your head. And what is a personal brand, anyway? J. M. Tompkins will help to demystify the intimidating social media world, help you build your own personal brand, and guide you through drawing a line between your personal and professional image.

Author J. M. Tompkins has organized multiple writing groups, including the Next Level Writing Group and The Indie Group; is the founder of the ASPC (Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference), which takes place annually in late spring; and has taught classes on self-publishing and writing science fiction.

LOCAL AUTHORS SHOWCASE

Sunday, August 20, 2:00–4:00 p.m. Sharon Forks Library

Forsyth County is home to many talented and dedicated authors. Celebrate their work at the Local Authors Showcase where you will be able to meet local authors and, if desired, buy their books. Some of the authors who will be featured are: David Darracott, Laurel Hamby, Larry Freeland, G.A. Morris, Chris Negron, Linda Roberts-Betsch, Meg Robinson, J.M. Tompkins, George Weinstein, and Kathryn Wyvern.

George Weinstein, author and Executive Director of the Atlanta Writers Club, will kick off the event with his keynote address ‘We’re All in this Together: The Importance of Finding a Writing Family.’ Afterwards,

enjoy meeting many local authors whose works can be found in the library collection.

SEC FOOTBALL: SATURDAYS IN THE SOUTH

Author G.A. Morris III

Monday, August 21, 7:00–8:00 p.m. Cumming Library

Join author G.A. “Gus” Morris III, author of Saturdays in the South, as he pulls back the curtain of officiating football in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). College football brings people together from all walks of life with a common thread: cheering for their team. Strangers and adversaries become friends for a common purpose. The pageantry and traditions are absolutely amazing. And Gus, an automotive mechanic and small business owner, was thrust right in the middle of it to make sure the games followed the rules and were played fairly. Come and listen to Gus’s firsthand experiences with the really good things of college football, the not-so-good things, and everything in between.

HOW TO WRITE POETRY LIKE A PROFESSOR

with Jeremiah Johnson

Thursday, August 31, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Hampton Park Library

Poetry can be an intimidating genre, especially since the rules for writing good poetry seem to be murky. Jeremiah Johnson will guide you through the basics of poetry and offer guidance on structure, rhythm, and word choice so you can put pen to paper and write poems you’re happy with!

Jeremiah Johnson is a professor in the University of North Georgia English department and published poet.

Leslie Marinelli has lived in Forsyth County for 20 years with her husband and three children and is the Communications Manager at Forsyth County Public Library.

Forsyth County Public Library cards are available at no charge to Forsyth County residents, property or business owners, employees of Forsyth County government, currently enrolled students or employees of any public or private educational institution in Forsyth County.

Immunization guidelines for newborns to 15 months

New parents have a lot on their plate. The birth of a child is a special time in the lives of a family. Shortly after the birth of a child, new parents learn how significant a role their child’s pediatrician plays in the early months of the youngster’s life.

New parents rely on pediatricians to help them get through the first months of a child’s life, when every sneeze or sniffle can raise an eyebrow. Protecting newborns and young children from illness is a priority for new parents, and one way to do just that is to adhere to vaccination schedules.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend various vaccines for newborns and children up to 15 months old, a period when parents tend to be especially mindful of illness.

t Hepatitis B: Children should receive the first dose at birth, and then the second dose between one month or two months of age. A third dose is recommended between six months and 15 months.

t Rotavirus: The rotavirus vaccine schedule will depend on which vaccination children receive, so parents can discuss that with the child’s pediatrician. The CDC notes the first dose should be given at two months and the second at four months. Subsequent doses depend on which vaccine was administered.

t DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis): The first dose should be administered at one month, followed by a second doese at four months and a third dose at six months. Parents can discuss when a child should receive a fourth dose with the pediatrician.

t Inactivated poliovirus: The first dose should be administered at two months and the second at four months. A third dose can be administered between six and 15 months, but the timing can be discussed with the child’s pediatrician.

t Influenza: The CDC recommends annual vaccination against influenza beginning at six months. Vaccines may be single- or two-dose.

t Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13, PCV15): The first dose should be administered at two months and the second at four months. A third dose should be administered at six months, and parents can discuss the time of a fourth dose with their pediatrician.

t Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): The first dose should be administered at two months and the second at four months. Additional doses will be necessary, but the timing will depend on which vaccine a child receives.

t COVID-19: The recommended vaccination schedule for COVID-19 shots for kids between the ages of six months and four years will depend on which vaccine the child receives. The Moderna vaccine is a two-dose series, while the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is a three-dose series.

t Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): A routine MMR vaccination is a two-dose series that begins at age 12 to 15 months.

t Varicella (VAR): The first dose of the VAR vaccine should be administered at age 12 to 15 months.

t Hepatitis A: A routine vaccination for the two-dose Hepatitis A vaccine is administered at age 12 to 23 months.

Vaccinations can protect children in both the short- and long-term. More information about childhood vaccinations can be found at cdc.gov.

The following CDC guidelines can help parents ensure their youngster stays on schedule with their vaccinations.

How to safely transition to a vegan diet

People choose to follow a vegan lifestyle for a variety of reasons.

Some may be concerned about livestock’s effects on climate and the environment in general, while others have strong feelings about the way animals are treated during the food production process.

Others may have been told that a plant-based diet can help reduce the risk for diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Whatever the reason for embracing a vegan lifestyle, you should do the research first so the transition is safe and smooth.

Familiarize yourself swith vegan rules

Being vegan is different from vegetarian eating. Rather than simply avoiding meat like vegetarians, vegans do not bring any animal products into their homes.

This includes eggs, milk, cheese, and any other ingredient derived from animal sources, including honey. Vegan.com says a vegan diet never contains any byproducts of animal agriculture, such as lard, gelatin or whey.

Explore vegan foods

Certain foods are staples of a vegan diet. These include grains, beans, nuts, tofu, tempeh, nut milks, fruits and berries, and vegetables. In addition to these items, a greater number of vegan-friendly products are available to help those who are vegan enjoy their favorite indulgences without compromising their ideals. These include vegan chocolates, “cheeses,” coffee creamers, and more.

Most natural food stores and even mainstream supermarkets sell at least one vegan alternative for every popular non-vegan food. Vegan food companies continue to produce delicious and innovative items to make vegan living even more convenient.

Speak with a doctor

Those who want to switch to vegan eating can schedule chats with their doctors about the pros and cons of removing animal products from their diets. This is a safer way to know if there will be any medical complications to doing so.

Avoiding animal-based foods does not typically lead to any negative consequences, though individuals may need to rely on supplementation to ensure they get enough vital nutrients in their diets.

Start gradually

Rather than focusing on what a person can’t eat, he or she can be inspired by all of the new products to try and recipes to make at home. This can make veganism seem less like a sacrifice and more like an

active choice. One can try switching over for a few weeks to see how he or she feels.

Dr. Neal Barnard of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine recommends starting by collecting a couple of plant-based recipes first and trying them out over the course of one to two weeks. Then follow that with a three-week commitment to veganism.

The transition to a vegan lifestyle can be made gradually and with purpose for those who no longer want to consume animal products.

Float these dessert ideas to guests

National

A traditional root beer float is made by pouring bubbly root beer over vanilla ice cream. Frank J. Wisner, owner of Colorado’s Cripple Creek Brewing, is credited with creating the first root beer float on August 19, 1893.

Wisner concocted the drink after the snowy peaks of Colorado’s Cow Mountain reminded him of ice cream floating in soda. So he combined the two and called the beverage a “Black Cow.” Most people now refer to it as a root beer float

Root beer floats can be made with any variety of root beer. Some of the popular choices include Barq’s, Dad’s, Mug, IBC, A&W, Stewart’s, and Dr. Brown’s. Take a tall glass designed for malted drinks or ice cream shakes and spoon in two scoops of vanilla ice cream. Then pour in enough root beer to submerge the ice cream. Top with whipped cream and a cherry.

A classic root beer float can’t be beat, but those looking to create a “Float Bar” for a special party dessert offering, can whip up many different combinations of ice cream and beverages.

HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS

t Make the root beer floats pintsized with root beer float shooters.

t Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate and have an even richer root beer float.

t Use cherry cola and vanilla or black cherry ice cream for a sweet surprise.

t Pair orange soda with vanilla ice cream and make a creamsicle in a cup.

t Pour your favorite iced coffee beverage over coffee or chocolate ice cream for a mocha-style treat.

t Grape soda and peanut butter ice cream creates a drinkable version of a PB&J sandwich.

t Recreate the appeal of chocolate-covered strawberries with strawberry soda poured over chocolate ice cream.

t Pina coladas take on new life when pineapple soda and cream of coconut are mixed with scoops of vanilla ice cream. Add a dash of rum for an adult version.

t For another spirited concoction, skip the ice cream and use limeflavored sherbet and tequila for a margarita-inspired treat.

t Chocolate soda or other chocolate drinks can be added to marshmallow-flavored ice cream and topped with a dusting of graham cracker crumbs for a s’moresflavored float.

Root Beer Float Day is celebrated each year on Aug. 6. The day is a chance to dig into a frosty sensation, but root beer floats are ideal just about any time of year.

What to know about dogs and vertigo

How to help pets shed extra pounds

Overweight and obesity can affect the family pet. Carrying excess weight has similar consequences for dogs and cats as it does for people, namely increasing risk for certain diseases. According to the pet retailer Chewy, being overweight can contribute to hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer.

It is vital for pet parents to help their companion animals maintain a healthy weight. Despite this, Rover.com says more than half of America’s dogs can be classified as overweight.

Did you know?

Though it might be most instantly associated with a popular film directed by famed director Alfred Hitchcock, vertigo is a serious condition that can affect anyone in a household, including the family dog.

Also known as vestibular disease, vertigo primarily affects older dogs. The vestibular system helps dogs maintain their balance, and vertigo is marked by the sudden disturbance of that balance.

According to Union Animal Hospital in Spokane, Washington, dogs afflicted with vertigo usually stagger, but some may be unable to stand and, in rare cases, dogs may roll over and over. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that head tilt and a irregular jerking eye movements known as nystagmus are additional symptoms of vertigo in dogs.

Various factors can cause vertigo in dogs, including inner ear infections, drugs that are toxic to the ear, trauma or injury, tumors, and hypothyroidism. Though symptoms of vertigo can be unsettling for dogs and their owners, VCA Animal Hospitals notes many pets begin to improve within 72 hours, and most fully recover within two to three weeks.

Treatment for vertigo can be discussed with a veterinarian, and the persistence of symptoms for more than two to three weeks may indicate the presence of another underlying disorder.

A healthy weight range varies depending on the breed and age of the pet. However, individuals can speak to their veterinarians to identify an ideal weight for their furry friend.

In fact, it is always advisable to maintain a dialogue with a veterinarian regarding a pet’s weight, especially when the pet is a cat. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, feline physiology differs from humans and canine physiology. If a cat does not eat for as little as two consecutive days, it can develop a life-threatening liver disease called hepatic lipidosis.

Pet owners can keep these tips in mind as they seek to help their companion animals lose weight.

t Get ready to count calories and adjust food accordingly to create a calorie deficit that is right for your pet. Most pets need less food than their owners may think. In addition, the food measurements on pet food bags tend to overestimate the amount of feeding. Determine calorie need and then measure carefully. Also, cut back on allowing animals to eat treats and table scraps.

t Consider a specialty food that is designed to balance nutritional needs. Many “diet” foods contain higher amounts of protein or fiber to help the pet feel fuller, rather than other foods that offer more carbohydrates and fillers. The food may be more expensive, but it will come with the benefit of potentially helping your pet have a better quality of life after it loses excess weight.

t Introduce new foods gradually as many pets can be finicky eaters. VCA

Animal Hospitals says to transition cats with one-quarter of the new food and three-quarters of the old one for four to five days, then slowly increase the proportion of new food. It may take cats between two and three weeks to start eating a new food. Wet foods tend to be more palatable to picky cats than dry foods.

t Use a slow feeder to help your pet drag out feedings to feel satiated with less food.

t Increase exercise by taking dogs on more walks and engaging in active play with cats whenever possible. Adding 30 to 60 minutes to walks can help, and using a laser pointer for cats to chase can help them burn energy and shed excess pounds.

t Move the food bowl around the house so that pets have to travel to find it, thus exerting energy. Cats in particular may lounge near bowls for an easy meal.

t Rather than one large meal a day, split up feedings to two to three times per day to stretch satiety across the day.

t Keep the water bowl full. Sometimes dehydration can mimic the symptoms of hunger. Plenty of fresh water also can help pets feel full.

These steps can help pets lose weight and feel better. Vets may suggest certain intervals for weigh-ins to monitor progress.