Fresh Vancouver Issue #13 by Fresh Magazine

a nti-aging, bea uty, lifestyle...

VA N C O U V E R

ageless, beauti ful, fresh

Beauty Buzz 411 A Gracious Beauty:

Hawaii 5-0’s

Grace

park

Your Summer Style Guide Face Lift or Soft Lift?

Page 38

Fountain

of Youth

Issue 13•June/july 2012 FRESHVANCOUVER.COM

Ten Years Younger:

The Newest Non-Surgical Treatments

7 Ways

to Spice up your Sex Life

Peel your way to

Beautiful Skin

At SKN we create Peels for all skin types and concerns: Acne – “After two peels, and finally using the right products, the breakouts on my forhead have completely disappeared!” Anti-Aging – “I was a sun bunny and it left my skin looking weathered and sun damaged. The firming and toning peel took 5 years off my face and chest.” Dehydration – “The texture of my skin is so much smoother and brighter since starting my peel series at SKN. I just book an hour and let them work their magic.” Rosacea – “I was amazed at how effective the Vitamin A infusion Peel was at reducing the redness in my skin. It is my go to peel.” Hyperpigmentation – “The brown spots on my cheeks are really starting to fade. I recommend the Melanin Lift Peel for people with sun spots.” Visit www.SKNclinic.ca to find a Peel that’s right for you!

SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic

Come in for a consultation with one of our dedicated skin professionals and find out which peel is right for you. During your initial complimentary consultation your skin issues and goals will be discussed and an appropriate plan of action will be established. At SKN you can feel confident knowing our staff are highly trained, accredited, and insured practitioners who have your best interestes in mind. Our educational, no pressure approach will leave you informed and empowered. Come and find out what makes us Yaletown’s best choice for skincare. Give us a call today at 604.568.6333 or email info@SKNclinic.ca

SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic Inc.

Mention This Ad...

Mention this ad when you book a regular priced Vitamin A Infusion Peel and receive a complimentary Microcurrent Facial Treatment or one session of Cosmetic Acupuncture. Expires July 31st 2012

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604.568.6333

#150 - 1152 Mainland Street,Yaletown www.SKNclinic.ca info@SKNclinic.ca

contents I SSUE 1 3 J UNE / J ULY 2 0 1 2

The “Soft” Approach to Facial Rejuvenation By Dr Marcia Fleming A “soft lift” can create a younger you – without the need for surgery.

The Fate of His Smile By Dr Kelvin Mah An art teacher’s teeth are destined for artistry.

The Vitamin A Infusion Peel: Restore, Remodel, Rejuvenate By Amanda Beisel A soothing experience with clinical results.

Summer Ready Body Blitz By Tanya Hunt, NSCA It’s not too late to start your swimsuit season workout!

The Answers Are Within You By Heather White How to find the answers to life’s biggest questions.

What Does Your Nail Colour Say About You? By Katie Saxton Nail expert Katie Saxton dishes on personalities and nail colour.

18 19 20

Nurse Practitioners Are Here to Help

Beauty Buzz 411

Face Lift, Breast Lift, Tummy Tuck, Body Lift... Where Do We Draw the Line? By Liberty Craig With cosmetic surgery on the rise, how are we faring psychologically?

Freshly Launched: Black Hills Winery’s New “Wine Experience Centre”

Estrogen Dominance: The Hormone Triangle By Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS Rebalance your hormones for comfort and health.

Grace Park: The Art of Beauty By Liberty Craig Vancouver actress Grace Park on beauty from the inside out.

fresh Vancouver

Publisher Trent Nellis thepub@freshvancouver.com Editor-In-Chief Shelly Lynn Nellis shelly@freshvancouver.com Editor Liberty Craig editor@freshvancouver.com Copy Editor Dan Tidsbury copyeditor@freshvancouver.com Art Director Michelle Beaudry www.beaudrystudio.com For Advertising Inquiries National Account Manager Erin Jeffery 604 839-1272 erin@freshvancouver.com or 604 591-9991 advertising@freshvancouver.com

Contributors

t’s been a busy spring for Fresh Vancouver and we are looking forward to an eventful summer, too! Between fashion shows (like the fabulous show at the Shops at Morgan Crossing in April), art shows (like the Art World Expo at Telus Science World in May, headlined by last issue’s beloved cover story Bif Naked), and industry events (like the Black Hills Estate Winery VIP event featuring artist Jason Gogo), my staff and I have had full calendars! We are gearing up for the Black Hills Winery 5th Annual Nota Bene Release Party and the 2012 Vinos Wine Film Festival, presented by the Thompson Okanagan Tourist Association, all taking place in Osoyoos, BC, June 8th and 9th. The incredible wine, food, scenery and people at this event make it one of the most spectacular we’ve ever attended, and we can’t wait for this year’s festivities! Join us if you can – tickets are available at www.blackhillswinery.com – and if you can’t make it, be sure to put a visit to this amazing winery on your bucket list. We are honoured to have Vancouver beauty Grace Park gracing the cover of this issue of Fresh. I have personally been a huge fan of hers since her days on Battlestar Gallactica, and now my daughter is crazy about her on Hawaii 5-0. Grace is not only gorgeous, she is also grounded, introspective and warm, and completely in tune with the inner workings of mind and body that are such vital components of health, happiness and beauty. As we welcome summer to our beautiful city, let’s remember to keep our skin beautiful, too. This issue of Fresh is full of excellent advice and medical advancements to help us ensure we look and feel our best at any age. And remember to let your inner beauty shine! You are beautiful – from the inside out. It’s feeling that way that’s the trick.

Shelly Lynn Nellis Editor-In-Chief

Amanda Beisel, Crystal Jensen, Denise J Charles, Heather White, Katie Saxton, Dr Kelvin Mah, Liberty Craig, Lorna Vanderhaeghe, Dr Marcia Fleming, Dr Paul G. Swingle, Roger W. Graham, Dr Sachit Shah, Sam Hari, Tanya Hunt, Dr William McGillivray, Zara Durrani COVER PHOTO Photographer: Florence Leung www.flotography.ca Styling: Krista Sung for THEY Representation Makeup Artist: Vanessa Mills at www.vanessamills.com Hair & Nails: Stephanie Park at VMMA Makeup Artistry Studio Photography Assistant: Frank Yeh Location: Sugar Studios Dress by: Obakki

Fresh Vancouver publishes six issues per year. Send all questions, comments and inquiries to: Fresh Vancouver 13256-55 A Avenue Surrey BC V3X 3B3 Tel 1-877-905-7771 Fax 604-591-1989 email info@freshvancouver.com www.freshvancouver.com

Fresh Vancouver assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of Fresh Vancouver publishers, editors or staff. Readers are encouraged to consult with their health professional before embarking upon exercise, medical or nutritional changes. Contents of Fresh Vancouver are copyright 2011, all rights reserved. Fresh Vancouver may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without written permission of the publisher. To subscribe to Fresh Vancouver and receive delivery to your home or office bimonthly, send $29.95 + HST = $33.54 Include your address and we’ll ship you our next issue. Single copies are also available for $5.95 plus HST = $6.25.

| fresh Vancouver Issue 13

contents I SSUE 1 3 J UNE / J ULY 2 0 1 2

Ten Years Younger: The Newest Non-Surgical Treatments By Dr William McGillivray A multi-faceted approach to erasing the markers of time.

30 34 35

Crystal Carson Summer Style Guide

Canada’s Best Beauty Talent Is.... Caylee Wasilenko!

Why Doesn’t Your Business Have Online Video? By Roger W. Graham If pictures are worth 1000 words, consumers think videos are priceless.

Injectables Report: Beware of Fraud By Dr Sachit Shah Who is injecting what into your face?

The 2012 Art World Expo Art, fashion, music and more!

38 40

Fountain of Youth

Seven Tips to Spice Up Your Sex Life By Denise J Charles Counteract “bedroom boredom” with these proven tactics.

Ayurvedic SkinCare By Sam Hari How to care for your skin type according to the principles of Ayurveda.

A Night of Fashion By Zara Durrani Red carpet, champagne, paparazzi, models and local celebrities.

Wellness, Vitality and Olympic Gold: Biofeedback for the Body and Brain By Dr Paul G. Swingle Heal what ails you by learning to control your body.

h June, you long-lost beauty, how truly wonderful it is to see you. As we bridge the gap from spring to summer, the minds of women everywhere inevitably turn to how they’ll look in a bathing suit this season, how their skin will fare in the harsh summer sun, and whether blond highlights are really acceptable after a certain age. Sure, we think about more serious things, too! But if we’re being honest with ourselves and each other, isn’t there always an element of these ponderings lurking in the backs of our minds? If we’re being really honest, we’ll admit that for most of us, our bikini days didn’t last much beyond our twenties or thirties (maybe forties for the lucky few). We’ll confess that our grey streaks are more prevalent than the blond ones, and our skin is showing signs of summers spent lolling in the lazy, golden sun. And that’s okay, because we’ve earned the marks of our years; and there are plenty of rewards that come with them (and plenty of options to help us deal with them!). But how do we feel our best during the bare-skinned season? First, it’s all about the fabulous sunhat. Thankfully, those wide-brimmed, elegant head toppers are back in style and widely available. Pair them with oversized sunglasses and throw on some physical sunscreen (containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically screen your skin, rather than using chemicals) to keep your face and shoulders sun-spot free. Toss out the bikini and opt for a chic low-cut one-piece (it’s a great trick: the deeper the “V” in the front, the broader your shoulders look – and the narrower your waist). Next, add some elegant linen in the form of flowing pants or an oversized beach shirt, and you’re ready for summer sun in a safe, sophisticated, age-appropriate manner. Take note of our cover story, Hawaii 5-0 actress Grace Park, who at age 38 appears at least a decade younger. She partially credits rainy Vancouver for her youthful skin, but more important is the emotional and nutritional work required to make us glow from the inside. The marks of our years can be positive or negative, and it’s up to us to remember that healthy equals happy, and beauty is a state of mind.

Liberty Craig Editor Corrections from previous issue: Photos from Lynn Colliar wedding should be credited to Dan Rizzuto. Photos from Show Off 2012 event should be credited to Kevin Spence and Alex Law Photography.

The “Soft” Approach to Facial Rejuvenation By Dr Marcia Fleming

hether you’re in your thirties, forties, fifties or sixties, you’ve probably noticed some changes in the contours of your face and the texture of your skin. That dewy blush of youth begins to noticeably decline after our late twenties, and by around the age of 35, we really understand how our faces begin to age, and what the next steps might be. Increasing fat loss beneath the eyes results in dark shadows that make us appear aged and tired. The fat pads in our faces begin to descend and our cheeks begin to flatten. By 50, our collagen levels are dramatically down and lines are deeply etched. Our skin is thinner and less elastic than ever before. Fat may hang in the loose skin beneath the eyes, neck and jaw. Whatever stage you are at in this natural process, you may not be willing to take drastic measures to address the effects of age and collagen loss. Yet you may feel uncomfortable with the way the lines in your forehead and around your mouth make you look angry. You may bemoan the loosening of skin that creates the look of “jowls.” You might be considering a little Botox between the eyes, but nothing so dramatic as a surgical face lift. If you, like many others, have reached this point in your decision-making process, it will be beneficial for you to learn more about a revolutionary advancement in cosmetic pro-

cedures known as Soft Lift™. The Soft Lift™ approach is particularly efficacious because its aim is to effect a complete and total “refresh” of your natural, youthful beauty, rather than pinpointing a particular frown line or deflatedlooking area of the face. Skilled practitioners combine the use of Botox Cosmetic and Juvéderm™ dermal filler to smooth lines, restore fullness and bring facial contours back to their former taught beauty. The end result is natural and balanced, fresher and younger. With a Soft Lift™ procedure, you will never be asked if you have had work done; instead, you will have friends and family wondering if you’ve been on vacation, or what has happened in your life to make you look so happy. Here’s how it works: An experienced practitioner can use multiple applications of both Botox Cosmetic and Juvéderm dermal filler to literally “touch up” any signs of aging apparent in your facial features. Each procedure is completely customized to the individual. Botox Cosmetic is used to relax and smooth frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles. Juvéderm is used to reduce smile lines and marionette lines (nasolabial folds), to enhance lips and cheeks, and to contour the jaw line. The procedure is undertaken incrementally, bringing you step by step back to a more youthful complexion that looks completely and naturally like you – only more youthful and vibrant.

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The effectiveness of Botox Cosmetic is now an important and well-known component in any man or woman’s anti-aging arsenal. The purified protein simply relaxes muscles so that wrinkles are smoothed away. The treatment can effectively target horizontal lines on the forehead as well as frown lines between the eyes, plus the crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes. With these lines diminished, the effect is a more relaxed, refreshed appearance. Juvéderm is an injectable dermal filler made with hyaluronic acid, which is a sugar that is naturally present in the body. The injectable filler is used to soften marionette lines as well as other deep lines on the forehead and surrounding the eyes. The application of these tools is where the artistry lies; with a skilled and experienced practitioner, you can achieve a completely natural, younger-looking appearance with the soft lift technology – without any need for surgery. Consult a qualified cosmetic physician to discover what Soft Lift™ can do for you. Dr Marcia Fleming, together with Dr Diane Finding, has been practicing in the field of cosmetic rejuvenation in the Vancouver area for over 12 years, now with locations in Delta and Burnaby. Their goal is to help everyone achieve beautiful skin for life, beginning at any age. Dr Fleming and Dr Finding can be reached at Delta Laser & Skin Care Centre; call 604-543-8965 or visit www.deltalaser.ca.

revitalize your look Were you on vacation? Just back from the spa? It’s great when people notice how refreshed and rejuvenated you look... and even better when no one knows why Who wouldn’t want smoother, firmer-looking skin? JUVÉDERM® is designed

SOFTENED SMILE LINES & ENHANCED CHEEKS

to replenish what natural aging takes away, for a fresher, rejuvenated look. replenish what’s been lost over time Sun exposure, hormonal changes and aging can all have an impact on your skin’s appearance. Over time, your skin begins to lose hyaluronic acid and collagen, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and a loss of fullness and elasticity. Healthcare professionals can now reverse these signs of aging by correcting the wrinkles and folds and adding volume to sunken skin. refresh what nature gave you JUVÉDERM® is a soft, injectable gel filler that your doctor uses to help replenish and refresh your appearance. It uses hyaluronic acid (a naturally

before

after*

SOFTENED SMILE LINES & ENHANCED CHEEKS

occurring sugar found in your body), which combines with the water in your skin to instantly restore lost volume

cheek enhancement

and reduce lines and wrinkles.

smile lines

Hyaluronic

lip enhancement

have also been shown to

lines around mouth

stimulate collagen production.

chin and jaw contouring

Not only that, JUVÉDERM®

acid

injections

works to enhance and define

before

after*

ENHANCED CHEEKS & CONTOURED JAWLINE

lips, cheeks and jawline. take comfort in JUVÉDERM

JUVÉDERM® with lidocaine is a unique formula that lets you feel less pain, during and after your JUVÉDERM® treatment. The addition of lidocaine, an effective localized pain reducer, to JUVÉDERM® provides an injection experience that’s gentle and comfortable. natural-looking results that last up to a year 1 A JUVÉDERM® treatment can be done in one session with no downtime. The results are instant and natural looking, and last for up to a year.1

Delta Laser

& Skin Care Centre www.deltalaser.ca

Lougheed Laser Centre

www.lougheedlaser.com

before

after*

For more information on safety and side effects and to find out if JUVEDERM® is right for you, talk to your doctor. * In addition to JUVÉDERM® the women in these photos received a wrinkle-smoothing injectable to treat the eye area and forehead. Actual treatment results may vary. JUVÉDERM® is a registered trademark of Allergan Holdings France SAS. All other ® trademarks owned by Allergan Inc. All rights reserved. ©2012 Allergan Inc.

Dr Kelvin Mah

The Fate of His Smile

By Dr Kelvin Mah

ne of the things I love the most about my job is that every single one of my patients has a unique, interesting and meaningful story to tell. However, there are times when a patient tells me about the journey that he or she has travelled, and I find myself instantly thinking: “Yes, that’s the one I need to share with my readers!” The first thing that intrigued me about Edmund wasn’t why he needed my help, but rather how he found out about me in the first place. Not that long ago, Edmund had just completed a cleaning appointment at another practice. As usual, he received a clean bill of health – he’d always been diligent about oral hygiene. But there was something else on his mind: he wasn’t happy with his smile, and wanted to know if some kind of treatment or service was available to help him do something about it. Surely, he thought, there must be more to dentistry than getting your teeth cleaned. However, the response he received wasn’t positive, and he left the appointment thinking that nothing could be done. It was a gloomy feeling. But fate sometimes has a funny way of showing up when you least expect it – and this was one of those occasions! To shake off his disappointment, Edmund went to his favourite coffee bar, picked up a copy of Fresh Vancouver, read my article on smile makeovers, and realized that there just might be some hope for his smile after all. And so, without delay, he headed straight to Smile City Square Dental. Edward shared with me that he’d been unhappy with his smile for more than 20 years. He felt that his teeth were too short and flat and, to use his expression, were “worn down to the nubs and had become little stumps instead of normal-sized teeth.” They had also become discoloured and yellowed over time. Now that his kids had grown up and left the nest, and he had retired from a long and distinguished career as an art teacher, he wanted to “give himself a gift” by doing something for himself. Even now, I can vividly recall how touched I was upon hearing Edmund’s story. Here was a man who had spent a lifetime putting other peoples’ needs ahead of his own. And now he wanted to receive a meaningful and rewarding dividend for so many years of sacrifice and hard work. In light of this, I felt that helping Edmund was more than a request – it was a duty! I also asked Edmund about his hobbies, his personality, his goals and his aspirations. Why? Because as an artisan dentist, I view a patient’s smile as an authentic expression of their unique identity. By learning more about who they are, how they feel and what they want, I’m able to envision the special smile that truly belongs to them – the one that exists below the surface, and is just waiting for the right time and opportunity to emerge. Edward shared with me that he wasn’t so much focused on becoming more attractive, but that he wanted to regain the smile he had as a younger man. He felt that the years had caught up to him, and he wanted to get back something he had lost along the way. He wanted, in his words, to simply “be a normal guy again.” And most important, he wanted to enjoy and celebrate his life, whether he was travelling with his wife, interacting with his tenants in his new role as a landlord, or going to his favourite coffee bar (and yes, reading Fresh Vancouver!). He had spent the last 20 years longing for a better smile, and wasn’t about to spend the next 20 years or more doing the same.

Edward and I began enthusiastically discussing possibilities and options. After reviewing some digital photos of his smile and its imperfections, we quickly agreed that the swiftest, most comfortable and most effective way to achieve the smile he truly wanted was through a smile makeover. I started by placing Edmund in a customized whitening program to lighten his teeth, and followed with some gentle re-shaping of his gums to help create symmetry when he smiled. I then applied ten veneers on his upper teeth, which allowed me to precisely ensure that colour and shape matched his complexion and facial architecture. When I finished Edmund’s smile makeover, I’m not sure who was happier with the result – him or me! The transformative possibilities of modern dentistry in the hands of a skilled dentist are truly spectacular; and the impact that a nice, natural smile has on a person’s life cannot be underestimated.

Before

After Dr Kelvin Mah’s relaxing, stylish and ultra-modern practice, Smile City Square Dental, is located inside Vancouver’s City Square Shopping Centre. Dr Mah and his warm and inviting team provide a variety of patient-first dental solutions, including general dentistry, smile makeovers, restorative dentistry, and oral health procedures. Dr Mah is a graduate of UBC’s prestigious Dental School, and is a member of the exclusive, invitation-only California Center for Advanced Dental Studies – a postgraduate education program that creates today’s and tomorrow’s elite-level dental professionals. www.smilecitysquare.com

| fresh Vancouver Issue 13

After Befo r e

“

I had no idea this was possible. For years, I asked dentists if there was something they could do about lengthening my teeth, and they never responded in a positive way. But Dr Mah was completely different. He not only told me that it could be done, but he made it simple, comfortable and surprisingly affordable. My only regret is that I didn’t do this years ago. Two decades is a long time to live with a smile you don’t like. Fortunately, that’s in the past. The future is now, the possibilities are endless, and I’m really happy with my smile. Thank you Dr Mah!

”

Before

After

The Vitamin A Infusion Peel:

Restore, Remodel, Rejuvenate By Amanda Beisel

| fresh Vancouver Issue 13

hen we hear the word “peel,” we tend to immediately think “chemical peel,” but in the past few years, new approaches to peeling and rejuvenating the skin have emerged. One of the most effective and innovative of these is the vitamin A infusion peel. This non-acid peel is transforming the way people think about peels, and the results are incredible.

The Superior Peel

The vitamin A infusion peel is non-acid retinaldehyde peel that is boosted with powerful antioxidants and nutrients that help repair and remodel the skin. It is a great choice for face, neck and chest. Retinaldehyde is the most potent and least irritating form of vitamin A. An added benefit of retinaldehyde is that your skin can store it. All these features make retinaldehyde the superior form of vitamin A on the market. The vitamin A infusion peel is customized to meet each client’s specific skin needs and concerns. The skincare practitioner creates a custom blend of antioxidants and nutrients that is mixed with the concentrated vitamin A prior to application. Some of the most common ingredients used are COQ10, hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, beta glucan, mandelic acid and niacinamide. The vitamin A peel is extremely safe and tolerated well by all skin types. You may see mild to moderate flaking two to three days after the peel, which can last another two to four days. The peel is gentle but the results are significant. The vitamin A infusion peel works much differently than a chemical peel. Rather than peeling from the outer layers, it works from the inside out. This is made possible using a concentrated form of Vitamin A that is liposomecoated to help it easily pass through the skin barrier. It is then further penetrated deep into the skin through massage or with micro-current technology. Once the vitamin A has penetrated deep within the skin to the dermal layer, it stimulates the formation of new, healthy cells and the magic begins. The following changes are enacted by the vitamin A infusion peel, resulting in vibrant, healthy and fresh-looking skin: • Increased fibroblast activity • Increased number of fibroblasts

• Increased capillary flow to help increase food supply to the skin • Thickened dermis (deeper layer of skin where collagen and elastin reside) • Calmed acne and rosacea symptoms • Lifted hyperpigmentation • Reduction in fine lines and improved skin tone and elasticity • Normalized oil production

A Peel for All Skin Types

There are a number of different types of infusions available with the vitamin A infusion peel, allowing the practitioner to address specific skin conditions and concerns. Discuss with your dermatologist the right peel for your specific skin type. Antioxidant anti-aging infusion: This infusion provides the skin with a burst of antioxidants and collagen and elastin stimulators that will feed the skin and keep it youthful and healthy. Retinaldehyde is the most potent anti -aging ingredient; not only does it stimulate collagen and elastin, but it also ensures we are replicating healthy, well formed cells. Firming anti-aging infusion: This will provide the skin with a deep firming and remodeling of damaged skin. Both retinaldehyde and vitamin C are essential when it comes to stimulating and synthesizing collagen. This infusion is packed with both these amazing ingredients. Rosacea infusion: This is the perfect peel for rosacea because it is gentle and delivers remodeling support to the deeper layers where inflammation occurs. It is also calming and restoring. Retinaldehyde is one of the few ingredients that have been proven to effectively reduce rosacea. Acne infusion: This peel will calm and remodel scar tissue while clearing acne outbreaks and controlling oil and bacteria. Beta glucan is a key ingredient in this infusion; it cleans up debris and scar tissue, allowing the skin to function effectively.

The Peel Experience

The vitamin A peel requires a series of five treatments. This progressive system begins with the peel being left on the skin for 20

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minutes; the second peel will be left on for 40 minutes and eventually you will begin wearing the peel home for varying periods of time. The concentration and potency of the peel is also adjusted at each treatment, depending on the presenting skin type and concern. However, if you are a long-term user of retinaldehyde or retin-A, your practitioner may choose to advance you in the peel system. One of the best features of the vitamin A peel is that it is 100 percent relaxing and rejuvenating because it is non-acid and it works at a deeper layer, so you do not feel any burning. The treatment experience is similar to a facial but the results are clinical. You can take the treatment a step further with the addition of micro-current face toning. Micro-current helps to further penetrate the peel while simultaneously toning the muscles of the face. Another popular combination is the addition of cosmetic acupuncture. This boosts the overall results achieved by the peel. It works to stimulate collagen and elastin while stimulating blood and oxygen flow to the skin, essentially feeding the skin from the inside out. Plus, if you have extended benefits for acupuncture, a portion of this treatment can be covered.

Book a complimentary skin consultation to learn more about this exciting treatment and get started on a healthy skin program. Healthy skin is beautiful skin and the team at SKN Clinic are here to guide you every step of the way. Come find out why the vitamin A infusion peel has been one of the most popular treatments for two years in a row! Amanda Beisel is the owner of the award-winning SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic in Yaletown. Amanda and her team are continuously researching and pushing the boundaries of modern skincare. Through SKN, she offers clients innovative and non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatments, all in an effort to repair, restore and replenish the skin and body. Amanda’s mission is to provide great skincare and services while both educating and inspiring others. Contact 604-5686333 or www.sknclinic.ca.

Summer Ready Body Blitz By Tanya Hunt, NSCA

ancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but more often than not, the weather turns from months of rain to beautiful sunshine literally overnight! This can leave us squeezing into last Tanya Hunt year’s shorts and bikinis at a moment’s notice. If you haven’t had time to get your body ready for summer, here are a few tips to have you looking and feeling leaner by the weekend! Your body truly is a reflection of its activity and nourishment. To reduce bloating, speed up a sluggish metabolism, and start to tighten and tone your muscles, you will need to take action immediately. Losing 1 to 1.5 pounds of body fat per week is an attainable goal and, by adopting the right habits, you can lose stored waste and water weight very quickly. That can add up to

as much as seven pounds in seven days! Follow the lifestyle advice, workout, and outdoor cardio programs suggested below, and I guarantee you will feel the difference in as little as one week. It’s not too late to get the summer body you want if you get started today!

Your Summer Ready Lifestyle 1. Drink eight 8 oz glasses of water with fresh lemon a day to flush out toxins. 2. Consume water or green tea, which serves as an antioxidant, and skip any beverages with calories. It is easy to drink enough calories to put on 4 to 5 lbs of body fat a week! 3. Don’t skip meals; instead, be sure you eat at the same time every day to get your metabolism into high gear by dividing your daily intake into three meals and two healthy snacks. 4. Practice eating a medium-sized fresh salad with lemon before your lunch and dinner meals to add the fibre needed to keep your digestion running efficiently, and to cut down on meal size. 5. Get a minimum of eight hours of sleep per

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night to let the body regenerate, tighten and firm. No sleep = No progress. 6. Avoid adding salt to food and keep daily intake under 1000mg per day. 7. Do three 30-minute sessions of interval training cardio per week, preferably first thing in the morning (cardio program below). 8. Follow the workout plan below three days a week. 9. Cut out as much sugar as possible; this will curb cravings for sweets. 10. Resist late-night snacking as it can add pounds to your waistline in a very short time.

Tanya Hunt, NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, began her career training with fitness coaches and competitive fitness models, and along the way she recognized what it takes to achieve positive, lasting results. Today, Tanya is certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, is licensed to train all over the world and has recently appeared in Inside Fitness Magazine’s Hot and Fit 100. www.conquer180.com

Summer Ready Workout Program

Complete the following program on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week. Briskly walk for five minutes prior to starting the circuit, and repeat the circuit twice. Rest for 30 seconds after a cardio burst if necessary. Cool down by walking for five minutes after circuit is complete. Walking Lunges

Body weight

10 per side

Bench Dips

Body weight

10-15 reps

Cardio Burst: Skip

45-60 seconds

Push Ups

Body weight

10-15 reps

Bicep Curls

8 lb dumbbells or resistance band

12-15 reps

Cardio Burst: Jumping Jacks

1 minute

Shoulder Press

8 lb dumbbells or resistance band

15 reps

Bent Over Row

15 lb dumbbells or resistance band

15 reps

Cardio Burst: Jog in Place

1 minute

Abdominal Crunches

Body weight

15-20 reps

Lying Leg Raises

Body weight

12-15 reps

Cardio burst: Skip

45 seconds

Summer Ready Outdoor Cardio Program

Complete the following outdoor cardio program any three days of the week, on top of your workout program. Repeat the program below twice during each session. Walk briskly

5 mins

Jog

1 min

Walk briskly

30 seconds

Jog

2 mins

Walk briskly

30 seconds

Jumping Jacks

1 min

Walk briskly

30 seconds

Jog

1 min

High knees in place

30 seconds

Walk briskly

30 seconds

Jog

1 min

Cool down

5 mins

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The Answers Are Within You By Heather White

orking as a coach and adviser, I get asked a lot of questions. What should I do? What should I say? What should I charge? The list goes on…. I have no trouble providing my opinion; however, what’s even more powerful is asking the right questions in response, so clients can see that they had the answer within them all along. It’s a common belief to think that you need to look outside yourself for the answers to your deepest questions; none more pertinent than who am I? However, what I’ve discovered on my own journey, and what I’ve seen countless clients discover, is that the answers are always within you. Who are you? Why are you here? What are you meant to do with your life? Are you making a difference? Do you matter? Who is really answering these questions? Are you still trying to live up to the expectations that others have of you? Are you putting your efforts into fulfilling someone else’s dream for you? Well, if you are, don’t worry – you’re not alone. When I look back at my life, I can clearly see when I was living to fulfill the expectations of others. I made decisions about my life not because of a deep calling within my heart, but because I hoped that I’d be liked, that I’d be accepted, that I’d be loved. In my early twenties, as a sales rep in a competitive marketplace, I found myself trying to “keep up” with everyone else. I bought in to the idea that status was a

sign of success – the nicer the suit, the better the rep. Though my paycheque was bigger than ever before in my life, it would be gone and then some as I grasped “out there” to be seen as successful. When I look back, I see how much emphasis I put on what everyone else thought about me, and how completely disconnected I was from the source of my truth. No wonder I was so miserable. Never underestimate your ability to change your life. If you’re living outside of your own truth and values, if you’re following someone else’s rules, you are only one decision away from changing that. Here are three steps to help you make the change you desire in your own life, your own way.

Step 1: Gain Awareness

The first thing we must do if we ever want to make change is to become still and quiet, and look closely and specifically at the areas in question. Whether it’s a job, a relationship or just your way of being that just doesn’t feel like “the real you,” take a magnifying glass to your circumstances and get really honest about what’s not right for you.

Step 2: Decide What You DO Want

No matter how lofty your true desires are, put them out there. Stop holding back and humbly asking only for what you think you can get.

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You deserve to live the life that may once have been only a dream, but you can’t live it if you don’t get clear and get specific about what that dream is.

Step 3: One Step at a Time

If your dream is a big one, that’s great! But remember that everything is accomplished one step at a time, one foot in front of the other. Once you’re clear about what you want, simply start. Momentum is an incredible thing, and life will support you and guide you if you start moving towards your dreams. You already know what’s not working in your life, you know what you need to change, you know what you really want, you know that you deserve it. Deep within your heart lives the soul of you. Whenever you feel off course, just sink into that place with a few deep breaths, ask the question and hear the response. The answers are within you.

Heather White is the CEO of 2020 Communications Inc. She is a business development advisor who helps clients strike the sweet spot between grounded selfcare and accelerated profitability. A sought-after speaker and trainer, Heather travels throughout North America injecting vital energy into companies with a vigorous drive for expansion.

What Does Your Nail Colour Say About You? By Katie Saxton

o you ever look at other people’s nails and immediately get an impression about their personalities? For example, whenever you notice a woman’s perfect French manicure, do you get the idea that she has a Katie Saxton confident and sophisticated character? Likewise, if you notice that someone’s nails are adorned in crackle polish, do you get the impression that she has a spunky and outgoing disposition? Whether they are glammed up with sparkly polish or left plain and unadorned, nails can tell you a lot about a person. With all of today’s polish and decor options, there are countless ways to give off an impression via your nails. This may make you wonder: what do your nails say about you? Discover the first impression your nails are creating for you. Use the list below to understand the effect of your nails, or for ideas to express a different side of your personality! 1.

Red nails: Perfectly polished, fire engine -red nails tell others that you are daring, outgoing and highly confident. Wear these out to the club to show off your diva side. Dark blue and black nails: These shades tell others that you are outgoing and live on the wild side. When people see these nails, they get the impression

that you live an adrenaline-filled lifestyle full of constant excitement. Nail wraps: Adorning your nails with wraps in designs like cheetah, lace or polka-dot tells others that you are trendy, fashionable and fun. Adorn your nails with wraps when you want to garner attention at your favourite nighttime hotspots! Pink polish: Pink polishes tell others that you have a flirty and feminine personality. Polish your nails with pink hues whenever you want to show off your sweet, girly side! Crackle polish: Crackle polishes tell others that you are spunky and highspirited. Decorate your nails with this style when you want to be noticed at a concert or dance party. Colourful stiletto nails: Loved by fashion icons Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, colourful stiletto nails tell others you are a diva with attitude. Wear these when you want the paparazzi snapping pictures wherever you go! Nude polish: Clear and nude polishes tell others that you are laid-back and have an easy-going personality. Natural hues give the impression that you are relaxed and enjoy the little things in life. Neon nail polishes: Polishes in neon pink, green, orange and yellow hues let others know that you are an extrovert who loves a good party! Unpolished and unadorned nails:

Leaving your nails as they are lets others know that you are confident and unstressed about your appearance. 10. Chipped polish: When people see chipped nail polish, they can tell that you live a busy lifestyle and don’t have a lot of time to relax. If you see that your polish is chipped, take ten minutes out of your day to get your nails primped and ready for the spotlight again. 11. Painted designs and sparkle polish: Decorating your nails with sparkle polish and polish designs like stars tells others that you have a creative imagination! Choose this style when you want your nails to show off your artistic side. If you have been wondering for a while about what your nails truly say about you, the above list should help. You can easily match your nails to your personality and create the first impression you want to present to the world.

Nail expert Katie Saxton is the President of Custom Nail Solutions, a revolutionary artificial nail product that offers custom nails that uniquely fit only your nail beds, are reusable and chemical-free. They are thinner, stronger and virtually indestructible. Because they are everlasting, you will save thousands of dollars by not having to make expensive and inconvenient nail appointments. You can have lovely, natural looking, salon-style nails on your own schedule and in the comfort of your own home. www.customnailsolutions. com or www.facebook.com/customnails

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Nurse Practitioners Are Here to Help

njie Gibson was a Registered Nurse with an extensive history in critical care before returning to UBC to complete her Nurse Practitioner (NP) certification. The Nurse Practitioner role is a relatively new addition to the BC medical community. NPs are advanced practice registered nurses who have taken steps that enable them to provide patient care, referrals and prescriptions, thereby increasing health care options in the community, cutting wait times, and providing much-needed support to those who don’t have access to a doctor. NPs can be found in community clinics, health-care centres, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, hospitals and NP-led clinics throughout BC and beyond. Fresh Vancouver spoke with Anjie Gibson about the role of NPs in today’s medical community – and the valuable service they provide.

What is an NP and what does an NP do?

“NPs are Master’s and Doctoral prepared advanced practice nurses who diagnose, prescribe, and refer to specialists when they deem necessary. They educate and support their patients, who range from those with very simple health concerns to patients that have very complex chronic diseases such as diabetes, COPD or hypertension. Patients in BC can choose

to have an NP as their primary care provider. NPs work independently or in partnership with other health care providers. NPs are very effective in health prevention and health promotion, and look at the whole patient mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.”

How are NPs trained?

“NPs are experienced Registered Nurses who choose to further their education to a Master’s degree at minimum. NP students complete additional course work and clinical experience in order to qualify for an NP certificate. Once they have successfully passed their schooling, NP students must pass a written clinical exam and an OSCE in order to become registered by the college (CRNBC). After successful completion of two separate examinations, CRNBC licences the NP to practice. NPs must then ensure on a yearly basis that they meet CRNBC’s requirements in order to maintain licensure.”

How do NPs benefit the BC health care system?

“Research continues to show that NPs provide several key benefits that include improving access to care, improving patient care and outcomes, and cost effectiveness. If NPs were used to their full potential and funding mechanisms

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were in place, the cost savings to our health care system could be significant. More important, NPs have the ability and training to offer patients ongoing care for those who are unable to find a GP.”

What is your favourite thing about being an NP?

“I appreciate that I have the ability to spend time with my patients. Because we have adequate time, we are able to build proper relationships and really get to know our patients. In return, my patients feel valued, heard and motivated to make changes towards a healthier life. You can’t properly care for a patient with depression, diabetes, hypertension and obesity in a ten-minute appointment. With more flexibility in my appointment times, I can deal with all four problems during one visit. If someone is depressed and not motivated to care for themselves, I guarantee you they are not properly looking after their diabetes and hypertension.”

Contact Anjie Gibson at Saunté Medical Clinic for more information or to become a patient. Call 604542-7788 or go to www.sauntemedicallaserspa.com.

The buzz on the best, latest and coolest beauty products from beauty blogger Crystal Jensen! Check out BeautyBuzz411.com

Purity Made Simple

I found a one-step facial cleanser from Philosophy that is a true triple threat. Not only does this cleanser clean, tone and moisturize; it’s a makeup remover, too. It’s suitable for all skin types and is great to use all year round. I love using this after my morning run, for a perfect post-workout cleanse. Start your day off right with “Purity Made Simple.” Available at Sephora or philosophy.com. Revive & Balance

After a recent haircut, I’m learning to style short locks. I have tried many products, but most leave my hair feeling either crunchy or greasy and tend to weigh it down. Not with R&B hair moisturizer from LUSH! With ingredients like olive oil, avocado butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil, my tresses are full of soft, bouncy curls. It’s perfect for scrunching hair that’s wet or smoothing fly-aways. The best thing about this cream is the exquisite scent of jasmine. You will be wrapped in romance! Pick up yours today at lush.ca.

Salty & Sweet

If you could, wouldn’t you want that spa feeling at home? Principessa has created the perfect scrubs. Introducing “Amore Afterglow” smoothing salt buff & “Delizia Mia” creamy sugar polish. These two magnificent scrubs leave my skin touchable, soft and glowing, plus they leave the most incredible scent lingering on your skin. I love the whipped, frothy texture and how they illuminate my skin when applied. Both contain the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle, along with luscious organic extracts and shea butter. I cannot get enough of this line and am constantly replenishing my supply. Stock up at

principessabeauty.com.

The Ultimate Cup of Tea

Lip Love

I think many of you will agree that we all love to pamper ourselves from head to toe. I have always been an advocate of making sure to exfoliate my body and face. I recently came across the lip scrub “Brown Sugar” by Sara Happ and don’t know how I ever lived without it. After just one use, my lips were softer and smoother than ever before, making my lipstick and gloss glide on like silk. This scrub makes your pucker perfect! Say goodbye to chapped lips forever. Oh, and did I mention it smells like brown sugar? Check out sarahapp.com.

Who doesn’t love cozying up and relaxing with a warm cup of tea after a long day? Well, I have now found the ultimate luxury when it comes to indulging, and tea time is being taken to a whole new level. Salontea bath tea sachets fill your tub with sultry, sensual fragrances of spices and herbs. “The Writer” for the Chai tea devotee, “The Lover” for chocolate fans everywhere and “The Society Hostess” in us all: you will be immersed in heavenly scents. I must warn you, you may enjoy the bath time so much you will want to stay in there forever. Discover yours today at salontea.com or visit the new Granville Street location.

Face Lift, Breast Lift, Tummy Tuck, Body Lift... Where Do We Draw the Line?

osmetic procedures have never before been so accessible – or so acceptable – and North Americans have never had quite so many. Between 1997 and 2011, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of cosmetic procedures in the US increased by 197 percent. Of these, surgical procedures increased by 73 percent, while nonsurgical procedures increased by 356 percent. Obviously, the evolution of injectable fillers and anti-wrinkle formulations like Botox has been responsible for the dramatic nature of this rise. But any way you look at it, North Americans are getting more and more procedures each and every year. Most of us undertake a cosmetic procedure after careful consideration and perhaps a little

By Liberty Craig

research. Our intention is usually to improve some element of our appearances, thereby improving the way we feel about ourselves. We know that outward appearance does not make you who you are. What’s on the inside is what counts – yet there is a great deal to be said for feeling your best on the outside as well. When we feel good about ourselves, we are more confident, more outgoing, more positive; perhaps more energetic and full of a certain joie de vivre. And cosmetic procedures can indeed help us achieve these goals. But, as with many situations in life, there are those for whom the relationship between intention and outcome is not quite so clear cut. The psychological impact of cosmetic surgery is positive for most of us, yet we’ve all heard of those people who become “addicted” to plastic surgery and have one pro-

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cedure after another. We’ve heard of client dissatisfaction following cosmetic procedures. As cosmetic procedures become increasingly common, we need to be aware of the psychological elements involved in our decisions.

The Psychology of Surgery

The field of psychology continues to debate the effects of cosmetic surgeries on a woman’s psychological wellbeing. A 2004 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery monitored 37 patients’ psychological and psychosocial functioning before and after cosmetic surgery. The study showed positive outcomes in many patients, with improvements in body image and possible improvements in quality of life. However, the same study also showed less positive outcomes for patients with unrealistic

expectations, and for those with a history of depression and anxiety. Those patients experienced dissatisfaction and adjustment problems post-surgery, and some exhibited anger or selfdestructive behaviours. Another study, published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, showed that one year after receiving cosmetic surgery, 87 percent of patients reported satisfaction with the surgery, improvement in their overall body image and improvement in the body feature on which the surgery was performed. Other studies also show contradictory results and are often conducted with small sample sizes that may not provide particularly reliable information. Yet researchers, physicians and psychologists alike note a link between dissatisfaction after surgery and patients who fall into certain categories – particularly those with a personality disorder or body dysmorphic disorder.

Disorders Lead To Dissatisfaction

Certain personality “types” are understood to render patients undesirable candidates for cosmetic surgery. According to Dr Anthony P Sclafani, MD, in his article “Psychological Aspects of Plastic Surgery,” the personality types categorized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, including schizoid, paranoid, histrionic and depressive personality disorders are unfit for cosmetic surgery. Another disorder to be wary of is called body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD. Surgeons are cautioned to watch for the following signs to determine if a prospective patient is fit for surgery. 1. People with schizoid personality disorder tend to be socially withdrawn and introverted. They cannot express a concrete reason behind their desire for aesthetic surgery and cannot state their precise goals. They may avoid eye contact and show little emotion. 2. Those with paranoid personality disorder have a pervasive skepticism of others. The individual is most commonly a young, unmarried male. They are loners who see themselves as victims, often argumentative and moralistic. They have trouble overcoming their suspicion and may have great difficulty relaxing during an appointment. 3. Individuals with histrionic personality

disorder seek constant approval and reassurance. They are emotional and attention-seeking, disorderly and non-punctual. They are excessively concerned with seeking attention through their external appearance. 4. People with depressive personality disorder may seek cosmetic surgery to improve their self-esteem, rather than their physical appearance. They may be demanding regarding guarantees, repeat questions, and have little optimism regarding the procedure. Often, people in this category are dealing with a major life event, such as the loss of a loved one. 5. People with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) experience an excessive preoccupation with their appearance, to an extent that affects other areas of their lives. BDD is a psychiatric illness, first introduced in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1987. Those affected may be concerned with their entire appearance or may fixate on a particular area of the body. BDD is more commonly associated with bulimia, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in women, and is as common in men as in women. Studies show that seven to 12 percent of plastic surgery patients have a form of BDD; the majority of which do not show improvement in their symptoms and often request multiple follow-up procedures.

Patient Assessment

As any qualified aesthetic surgeon will relate, the initial step of patient assessment is fundamental to a positive outcome. Diagnostic indicators are used to ensure a patient is fit for surgery and to avoid post-surgical disappointments or psychological difficulties. A prospective patient’s motivations for surgery are taken into account, to determine whether the patient is seeking treatment for appropriate reasons (rather than to please a relative or lover, due to outside pressures or to advance one’s career). The surgeon might look for positive diagnostic indicators, including an actual disfigurement (minor or major) and emotional stability, while being wary of poor prognostic indicators like patients with repetitive psychiatric illnesses, patients who have received multiple cosmetic surgeries with which they are dissatisfied, or patients who have decided to have surgery on a “whim.” If the surgeon does not feel the patient

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is a good candidate for cosmetic surgery, it is his or her responsibility to refuse treatment. “If you are not a good candidate for cosmetic surgery, a doctor who saves you from going under the knife is doing you a great service,” says Dr Arthur Perry, board certified plastic surgeon and Clinical Associate Professor of plastic surgery at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, NJ. “You should heed that advice well, and think carefully before shopping around for another surgeon who is willing to accept your risks. The benefits of surgery should far outweigh the risks.” “Each week I refuse to operate on patients for cosmetic surgery due to unrealistic expectations, psychological reasons, or just not an appropriate candidate for the surgery,” says Dr Stuart Linder, Beverly Hills board certified Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon and author of The Beverly Hills Shape: The Truth About Plastic Surgery. “We board-certified plastic surgeons have the responsibility to provide ethical care that meets the high standards of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.” For some, cosmetic surgery can have detrimental psychological effects, or can at least fail to produce the desired psychological change. For some, especially those with BDD, cosmetic surgery can lead to a series of unsatisfactory surgeries and can become a kind of addiction. For most people, however, a carefully considered cosmetic surgery with a qualified surgeon results in positive change in body image and even quality of life. If you know you have one of the disorders discussed here, you should know that you are not a good candidate for cosmetic surgery. If you are not aware of your disorder, it is up to your surgeon to spot it. If one surgeon tells you that you may not be a good candidate for cosmetic surgery, think carefully before finding a doctor who will do anything you want – at any cost. Cosmetic surgery should be a positive experience with positive results. It is between you and your physician to ensure that happens.

* A portion of this article was adapted from “Psychological Aspects of Plastic Surgery” by Dr Anthony P Sclafani, MD.

Freshly Launched:

Black Hills Winery’s

new “ Wine Experience C ent re”

Visitors are invited to relax and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views n June 10th, 2012, esteemed Okanagan winery Black Hills Esof the Okanagan Valley while the Black Hills “wine evangelist” takes you tate is celebrating the opening of their brand-new, world-class through your tasting experience, sampling “Wine Experience Centre” the entire portfolio of Black Hills wines in overlooking their lush Black Sage “The Okanagan has evolved into a world-class wine tourdeluxe Riedel glasses. Learn more about Road vineyard in the stunning Okanism destination, and we wanted to move away from the the “terroir” (the landscape, climate, soil agan. The sleek, sophisticated design crowded, impersonal tasting rooms of the past. Our vision and environment that make each grape of this million-dollar architectural is to create special moments for each guest so they can distinctive) of the Black Hills Winery feat is inspired by some of the most walk away having gained a wonder ful connection to our vineyards while tasting the complex and innovative wineries in the world, craft and to our terroir,” says Glenn Fawcett, president of subtle influences of the Okanagan’s unique while blending seamlessly with its Black Hills Estate Winery. microclimate on this sumptuous suite of natural surroundings and making wines. Reservations are recommended – the most of the exquisite views and go to www.blackhillswinery.com to find out more or to make your resnatural light of this unique location. Wine tasters from around the globe ervations today. are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the very setting in which the grapes themselves are grown, while enjoying a sit-down tastFor more information, contact 250-498-0666 or www.blackhillswinery.com. ing experience to remember.

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Estrogen Dominance: The Hormone Triangle

e are bombarded by environmental estrogens, also called xenoestrogens or estrogen mimickers. These man-made chemicals act exactly like estrogen in the body. Estrogen mimickers are found in everything from plastics, cosmetics and pesticides to dry cleaning chemicals, dairy products and more. Too much estrogen upsets the body’s delicate balance of hormones. Some of the most common female estrogen-dominant conditions are PMS, endometriosis, abnormal PAP tests, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, cystic breasts, heavy periods, low thyroid, hormonal acne, severe menopausal symptoms, breast cancer and the list goes on. Too much estrogen can block the uptake of thyroid hormone, promoting low thyroid. Over 23 percent of Canadians take thyroid medication for low thyroid and an estimated 30 percent have undiagnosed low thyroid with symptoms that include hair loss, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, night sweats, recurring miscarriage, heavy periods, high cholesterol and so much more. Women need estrogen, but not the toxic type found in the environment. Women are supplied with estrogen from their ovaries, adrenal glands and fat cells. When the ovaries take a much-needed rest at menopause, or if the ovaries are surgically removed during a hysterectomy, the adrenal glands become the main source of estrogen. The adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys and help us deal with stress and control water balance in the body. When our adrenal glands become exhausted from too much stress, hormone havoc ensues. Classic symptoms include insomnia, where you fall asleep fine but wake up several hours later and can’t fall back to sleep, caffeine and salt cravings, no energy, difficulty handling stress and weight gain around the middle. The liver, the key organ for detoxifying excess hormones, breaks down and distributes estrogen and other hormones. Your liver decides if your estrogen is going to stay in the healthy form or be converted into cancer-causing estrogens. Our livers become sluggish due to a diet of too many bad fats (from lard, margarine and refined oils), sugars and artificial sweeteners, fried foods, and not enough vegetables and good protein. Regular alcohol consumption also negatively affects the liver’s ability to maintain hormone balance. The liver, thyroid and adrenal glands must operate at peak performance to ensure hormone harmony. The basis of a healthy hormone program is a diet full of cruciferous vegetables and lean protein from wild, free-range sources, plus key herbs and nutrients that support the adrenals, liver and thyroid.

Adrenal Support

Eight hours of deep, restful sleep will reverse

By Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS

adrenal exhaustion quickly. At bedtime, take a natural sleep aid containing melatonin, chamomile, hops, valerian and passion flower to help with sleep. The following herbs should be taken in combination to nourish the adrenals and help reduce the effects of stress: Rhodiola increases the body’s resistance to all types of stress, enhances mental and physical performance, and regulates the heart by increasing oxygen utilization. Sumais is called “para todo,” which means “for everything.” It is considered a regenerative tonic for the nervous, reproductive and digestive systems and is used to treat hormonal disorders, sexual dysfunction, fatigue and stress. Schizandra berry is a general tonic that promotes liver health and counters the effects of stress and fatigue. It is also used for insomnia associated with changing hormones. Ashwagandha increases energy to improve overall health and longevity. Studies have proven powerful anti-stress effects as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and immune-modulating properties. Ashwagandha not only supports the adrenals but has also been found to improve thyroid function.

Support a Low Thyroid

The adrenal glands and the thyroid are directly linked, so once the adrenals become exhausted, the thyroid goes low. The following nutrients have been found to help support the thyroid. These nutrients can be safely taken along with thyroid medicines. Never stop your thyroid hormone drug without your doctor’s recommendation. Tyrosine is an amino acid necessary for the manufacture of thyroid hormones. Tyrosine assists a sluggish thyroid and can aid the loss of those unwanted pounds. Ashwagandha supports the thyroid gland. Studies show that it enhances thyroid function and produces a significant increase in T4 thyroid hormone. Guggal extract supports complete thyroid health while enhancing the conversion of T4 hormone to the more potent T3 hormone. Guggal extract and ashwagandha should be used together to support thyroid health. Potassium iodide is essential for the manufacture of thyroid hormones, and was initially added to salt to combat the epidemic of low thyroid in Canadians. Since many people now avoid salt for fear of high blood pressure, low thyroid and goitres are on the rise in Canada.

Environmental Estrogen Protection

We must avoid products containing environmental estrogens such as cosmetics containing parabens, plastics with BPA, and synthetic

hormones in dairy and meat, to name a few. Detoxification of these estrogens using saunas and dry brushing the skin will help to eliminate excess estrogens, as does eating organic broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. Supplementing with the following nutrients can help protect you from the dangerous effects of environmental estrogens and balance hormones. If you have any of the estrogendominant conditions mentioned earlier, you need the following food-based nutrients every day. Indole-3-carbinol (I-3-C) is powerful plant nutrient from cruciferous vegetables. I3-C prevents the conversion of good estrogens to cancer-causing estrogens. I-3-C maintains a healthy cervix, protects against HPV cervical lesions and controls abnormal cell growth found in those with uterine fibroids, breast lumps and endometriosis. It is very effective for heavy periods caused by a thickened uterine lining. D-glucarate is a powerful detoxifier of excess estrogens via the liver. It helps to maintain healthy hormone balance. Green tea extract contains polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids shown to be protective against estrogen-related cancers and it stops abnormal cell growth. (Note: Although uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and breast lumps may not develop into cancers, they are cells growing out of control). Curcumin is the yellow pigment of turmeric. This powerful anti-inflammatory agent works to inhibit all steps of cancer formation: initiation, promotion and progression. Curcumin also supports the liver. Rosemary extract, a potent antioxidant, protects cells from cancer-causing agents, inhibits the growth of cancer cells and helps to detoxify toxic estrogens. Sulforaphane, from Broccophane™ broccoli sprout extract, has been shown to stimulate the body’s production of detoxification enzymes that eliminate environmental estrogens. Sulforaphane is a powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer agent.

Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS, is Canada’s leading women’s health expert and has been researching nutritional medicine for over 25 years. With degrees in nutrition and biochemistry, she is the author of ten books including her newest, A Smart Woman’s Guide to Weight Loss and A Smart Woman’s Guide to Heart Health. Visit www.hormonehelp.com and sign up for her free monthly eletter.

Photographer: Florence Leung www.flotography.ca Styling: Krista Sung for THEY Representation Makeup Artist: Vanessa Mills at www.vanessamills.com Hair & Nails: Stephanie Park at VMMA Makeup Artistry Studio Photography Assistant: Frank Yeh Location: Sugar Studios Dress by: Obakki

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By Liberty Craig

The Art of Beauty

Grace park:

he’s a firmly established beauty and sex symbol: a three-time member of the Maxim Online Hot 100 List and subject of a Maxim Magazine photo shoot that gets plenty of air time on the internet. People fell in love with her as the tough but sexy cylon in Battlestar Galactica. She continues to raise resting heart rates across the continent as the bikiniclad detective on the CBS remake of Hawaii 5-0. Nobody in their right mind would argue as to the hotness of Grace Park.

Yet Park is full of, well, grace on the subject of beauty. At 38, she appears not a minute more than 25. Her skin glows; her lean, lanky body seems flawless. Park credits the rain of Vancouver for part of her anti-aging (or “youthing,” as she prefers to call it) regimen, but more important is her drive to achieve an internal equilibrium. With an approach to wellness that focuses on nutritional and emotional health, Park finds balance in her life that erases fear and doubt from the corners of her eyes, blemishes from her skin, and frees her from the constraints of external pressures and judgement. Home to Vancouver from the beaches of Hawaii for a brief hiatus from the show, Grace Park spoke with Fresh Vancouver about the secrets of true beauty – from the inside out.

tional, meditation. I get my hair and makeup done at work, but even if I don’t feel like I look great that morning, I’ve realized that if I just sort of change the way I hold my eyes, my entire face looks better. One of the things that contribute to that is fear. You can hold fear in your shoulders, and you can hold it in your facial muscles. Anxiety is not sexy. On those days when we don’t feel like we look good, we need to connect with ourselves – but most of us don’t actually know who we are. Most of us think it’s the version we’ve created, cobbled together from experiences, pride, ego and self-defense, with maybe a splash of something we like about ourselves. But that’s not really who we are. “For simplicity, you can meditate and calm your mind, but there’s also a journey of being curious about who you are. Why do you like the things you like? Why do you feel compelled to do certain things that other people don’t want to do? You really start learning to adore yourself, to actively love yourself – and not only treat yourself well, but also learn about the things you don’t like about yourself. If you can calm yourself and be aware of whether you’re putting stress into your face, that will change the way you look. If we can just take time for ourselves on a day-to-day basis, it makes a re-

ally big difference – whether it’s just to have a cup of tea, breathe deeply or listen to relaxing music. It helps take the fear, stress and tension out of our bodies and faces.”

Beauty of Maxim Proportions

“The thing with the Maxim Online Hot 100 List is that, of course it has something to do with looks, but you have to be known. I know way hotter people than some of the people on those lists! And why are certain people always at the top? For all the people who like you, there’s a massive contingent who don’t. Everyone’s going to have their opinion. When I first got asked to do the Maxim shoot, I wasn’t thinking about it as a career move, though I do think it helped me get my foot in the door for auditions. I had done a little bit of modelling before, so I was used to photo shoots. There’s an element of trust, too, that they’re going to airbrush you and make you look good.”

Gearing Up for a Red Carpet Event

“The way I approach things if I have an event is first, figure out wardrobe, hair and makeup ahead of time. You don’t want to be stressing out, 20 minutes late, having done your hair three times and still hating it. Then, when the

Day-to-day Beauty Routines

“A lot of people look for something in a jar, or something they can do in an hour. And those things have value, but there are a lot of approaches you can take: psychological, nutri-

“Don’t give yourself over to that external judgement. Figure out how to accept and love yourself.” Dress by: Obakki

day is upon you, take that day to chill out, have a bath, have your favourite tea, play your favourite tunes and just cut loose and dance, and feel awesome, joyful and alive. I think all these things have an effect physiologically as well as emotionally. Talk to your best friends about what you’re worried about, or write a letter of unexpressed feelings you may have, even if you don’t send it. Enjoy yourself as you get ready, and don’t give yourself over to that external judgement. Figure out how to accept and love yourself.

“If you’ve missed the spiritual cues and you’ve missed the mental and emotional cues, it will finally manifest as physical.” “If you have a week or two of lead time and you want to feel really good about yourself, or if you’re gearing up for bikini season, go to a naturopath and get yourself tested to see which foods you’re sensitive to. If you can even just reduce those foods, you’ll find that you’re less bloated, your skin clears up, your digestion is smoother, and you start to glow from the inside. You might even want to get muscle testing to determine if your organs are overloaded. Muscle testing is amazing – it’s like a language through which your body can express what’s wrong. You can use a drainage program to eliminate the toxins that are overloading your organs. If your liver is overburdened, then all the toxins overflow into your bloodstream. With drainage, it’s like opening a trap door so these toxins can leave your body the correct way – rather than through your skin, for example, which can cause breakouts and other skin problems. You have to go to your naturopath to find out what drainage remedy is right for you. I’ve been using the one my naturopath recommended, and my makeup artist keeps commenting on how good my skin looks! It’s ridiculously simple to do and everybody should be doing it.”

The Red Carpet as Judgement Day

“I used to feel absolutely paranoid about the big events. What’s the dress code? Where will I get an outfit, what kind of hair and makeup should I have, and so on. There are a lot of smarmy people out there, and it’s really easy to take pot shots at other people – especially people they don’t know. They don’t know how the actors got there or why they deserve to be there. They don’t know what it took to get ready for the night. They don’t know about the one thousand failures behind the successes. I’ve already had an incident where I got slammed really badly, and I’ve realized that when people do that, it’s because they don’t feel good about themselves. Anybody can take shots at anybody else, but if you feel really good about yourself, why would you ever do that?” Black Dress by: Obakki Shrug by: Obakki

How to Look Ten Years Younger 26

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“Number one, live in Vancouver – where we

have less UV! Of course, exercise and fresh air and drinking water are great, but honestly I don’t do those things as much as I should. However, I am completely dependent on my green powder drinks. I’m up to two massive tablespoons in my daily drink, and I add nutrient-dense green food blends, plant-based proteins and superfoods, with goji berry powder or phytoplankton or medicinal mushrooms – the lists I have are exhaustive. The stuff I got recently, Shilajit, seeps out of the Himalayan mountain ranges in India, and it is one of the highest ranked Ayurvedic remedies. Another one, called Mucuna Pruriens, is really high in L-DOPA, which help makes dopamine (the feel-good chemical in your body). I’ll mix it all together with a crazy list of ingredients. If you just add a green food blend to your regimen and don’t change anything else, it really makes a difference. It’s easy and accessible – anyone can do it.”

Of Botox and Emotional Healing

“People love to do Botox, and yes, it works, but we should also try to figure out why we’re using those muscles so much in the first place. Whether it’s furrowing your brow or the way you hold your body, it’s because of your emotional state. If you’ve missed the spiritual cues and you’ve missed the mental and emotional cues, it will finally manifest itself as physical. I’m always about getting to the source. Get yourself good nutrition and do the emotional work on yourself, because that will ‘youth’ you like nothing else.”

“Who needs to hate themselves? Let’s do away with that.” A Diet for Beauty from the Inside Out

“I used to eat a lot of sweets and I knew it wasn’t healthy. I know it was emotional. As an adult, there are layers upon layers of incidents where you’ve felt criticized or judged or isolated, and all those incidents add up until there’s a giant elephant in the room, and you just want to know why you’re eating the whole bag of chips! I find that when I’m totally topped up nutritionally, I’m never hungry until early afternoon. I can walk by hot steaming waffles with whipped cream... and sure, I might like a bite, but I’m not craving it. I think most people don’t realize that your cravings come from your body trying to get you the nutrients and minerals that you’re lacking to function better and feel better. It comes from eating the exact same things every day – cooked, dead food like meat, white bread or junk food. If you supplement your diet with nutrients that are really good for you, you’re not going to be fighting all day long with your cravings or your weight. You’re healthier. I don’t exercise that much and yes, I have a fast metabolism; but if I eat horribly, I gain weight just like anyone else. With my green drinks, I just feel better and naturally energetic all day, and it automatically changes how I eat. Who needs to hate themselves? Let’s do away with that – this is very practical, doable, easy.”

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Ten Years Younger:

The Newest Non-Surgical Treatments By Dr William McGillivray

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ften, when I see patients for a cosmetic consultation, they say they would like to look ten years younger. That may mean different things to different people. Sometimes it speaks to a time when they felt and looked more rested and invigorated. Perhaps they have gone through a difficult personal journey, and feel that the stress has taken a toll on their appearance. Studies have shown that women and men in their forties, fifties, sixties and beyond are feeling better for their age than ever before. However, when they look in the mirror, the face they see often does not reflect that feeling. It is at that point they may seek advice in order to “look as good as they feel.”

Turning Back the Years

The rate at which our faces age depends on genetics and environment. As we get older, the skin’s surface deteriorates, and this shows as pigmentation, vascular changes and wrinkling. There may be more serious problems in areas of the skin, including precancerous changes or even loss of fat in areas of the face, resulting in deflation. Loss of collagen and elasticity in the face shows as sagging skin. Later in life, bony resorption gives the soft tissues less support. Simply put, we get browner, blotchier, redder, more sunken and saggy. In order to get that “ten years younger” look, we need to address the changes specific to the individual. The majority of my patients whose faces and bodies are literally postcards from years of fun and adventure in the sun prefer a step-by-step process of renewal. A comprehensive analysis of a patient’s concerns, followed by a careful examination, comes first. Then, an evidence-based approach using the latest technologies applied with appropriate skill and artistry will give the best results. Most of the patients in my practice want to look naturally younger, and this means balancing intervention with reality. The choice of

procedures will depend on the amount of acceptable downtime, as well as expected results. The process can be a more gradual one with a series of reduced-down-time procedures, or a more accelerated program with more aggressive treatments. More often than not, I recommend a combination of therapies so that different aging issues are all addressed. Hence, the improvement is much more comprehensive, natural and fresh.

The Latest Techniques

What is new and exciting in the world of antiaging? Frankly put, some tried and true treatments are being used in new and better ways to offer better results. Botox is and always has been a mainstay, but technique advancements allow improved brow lifts, as well as lower face and neck uses. Newer types of dermal fillers, and new techniques for administering them, have improved that approach as well. We can now re-inflate the face with safe fillers in innovative new ways. Restoring volume in the forehead, temples, corners of the mouth, folds and cheekbone areas can dramatically improve an aged deflated face. Fillers such as Voluma, Perlane and Radiesse not only last longer, but can be injected using advanced techniques. A recent innovation for injection of fillers is cannulas, which, after being introduced into the skin, can be manoeuvred around delicate structures to reduce trauma, such as bruising, and allow areas such as the backs of hands to be injected much more easily. An experienced aesthetic physician will approach volume loss in an individual using an artistic approach, keeping in mind principles of beauty, symmetry and proportion as well as using the appropriate amount of filler for the desired result. Recovery is quick and improvement is instantaneous. The Thermage procedure for non-surgical, no-down-time tightening and firming of the face is not new, but has improved considerably over the years. The latest version, the Ther-

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mage CPT, is better in a number of ways. The use of a vibrating tip and more even heating reduces perceived discomfort. This means less pain with more gain, as the treatment is both more comfortable and more effective. Ulthera is a new device that uses intense focused ultrasound to create tightening, and is showing good promise. It can also work synergistically with Thermage. As with Thermage, fractional resurfacing devices have continued to progress and there is a lot of research in this area. The Fraxel Restore Dual now combines two different wavelengths, one for deeper wrinkles and the newer wavelength for pigmentation, fine lines and precancerous actinic changes to the skin. Hence, texture and sun damage can both be addressed with this latest generation Fraxel. However, if you can spare a week for recovery, the more aggressive Fraxel Repair can do wonders in one treatment. Areas such as the neck, upper chest and hands can be a dead give-away to aging. Upper neck laxity can be improved with Thermage, while combination vascular laser and Fraxel Restore Dual combination treatments can really improve redness, pigmentation and texture on the neck, chest or hands with little lifestyle interference. Put all of these possible treatment combinations together, and most patients looking for a more rested, vital look, combined with a renewed sense of confidence, will see years vanish from their appearances.

Dr William McGillivray is one of Canada’s most accomplished and well respected cosmetic physicians. His commitment to excellence has been recognized by his peers both nationally and internationally. Dr McGillivray is actively involved in original clinical research as well as being a national preceptor and speaker for various lasers, Botox Cosmetic and dermal fillers. His dream to develop a centre of excellence was accomplished in 2007 when he co-founded Pacific Dermaesthetics in downtown Vancouver. www. vancouverskin.com

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>>>> Vancouver Vibe

Canada’s Best Beauty Talent Is....

Caylee Wasilenko!

ix of Canada’s top makeup artists joined forces with six of the country’s leading hair artists to create the group of twelve contestants competing for the honour of becoming Canada’s Best Beauty Talent. The show, hosted by supermodel Coco Rocha, aired six two-part online episodes over April and May, culminating in the big win by Vancouver’s own Caylee Wasilenko. Each episode saw the hair stylists paired with different makeup artists to work together to create a look for that show’s theme – including “Hollywood Icons,” “Bridal Dos,” “Flare Cover Looks,” and “Red Carpet Stars.” One team faced elimination at the end of each episode. The last remaining makeup artist, Marcia Garnes, won Canada’s Best Makeup Talent and the last standing hair artist, Caylee Wasilenko, won Canada’s Best Hair Talent before the two were pitted against one another for

the supreme title of Canada’s Best Beauty Talent. In a daring finale, Caylee swept the competition with dramatic and controversial final looks. Caylee’s and Marcia’s hair and makeup looks will be featured in Flare, Hello! Canada and LouLou magazines, the editors of which will also review both artists’ portfolios. Both winners will have beauty blogs on chatelaine. com and both will attend the Toronto International Film Festival. In addition, as Canada’s Best Beauty Talent, Caylee will have the opportunity to travel to Paris to experience the world of L’Oréal. “I want to thank everyone for all the support I received,” says Caylee. “The last challenge was viewer voting and I had friends, staff and family emailing me every day to tell me they were voting for me!” Caylee is the owner of

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Hype Hair Studio on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver. “I had a baby 14 months ago and I’m expecting another one in October,” says Caylee, “so these days I’m doing less work behind the chair and more behind-the-scenes editorial work, which is my true passion. I’m busy, but it’s great!” Caylee is backed by her team of 10 stylists at Hype Hair Studio, each of whom was hand-picked and personally trained by Caylee. “They all have their strengths,” she says. “I love to talk to new clients and help them make sure they are paired with the right stylist. It’s no use giving a great haircut to the wrong person! You need to find the right personality and style match, and that’s one of my strengths.” Contact Hype Hair Studio for more information or to book an appointment: 604-732-4973 or www. hypehairstudio.com.

Fresh Business Ideas

<<<<

Why Doesn’t Your Business Have Online Video? A

By Roger W. Graham

s the CEO and founder of a Vancouver marketing and advertising firm, the question “Why doesn’t [business name] have online video?” is one that I often hear from consumer focus groups. They simply don’t understand why a business would overlook such a critical – and large – piece of the communication puzzle. And what’s my seasoned, insightful, and dare I say it, profound answer to this serious question? It’s this: “I have no idea.” Really, I don’t. A business today without online video is like one 10 years ago without a website, 50 years ago without a phone, and 100 years ago without electricity.

Great Expectations

Today’s consumers aren’t merely demanding videos – they’re expecting them. That’s one of the key reasons why they’re buying up smart phones and tablets faster than manufacturers can make them, and why wireless carriers are selling huge data packages for pennies a megabyte. It’s all about video, video and more video. YouTube – that phenomenon that was once little more than a haven for people to do odd things deemed too risqué (or too stupid) for public access television – is now a multi-billion-dollar platform that is among the top three search channels, alongside super heavyweights Google and Facebook. And we haven’t even begun to discuss Justin Bieber. A 60-second video from “the Beeb” and a dizzying amount of social media sharing launched him from obscurity to mega-celebrity. Just try to imagine a world without Justin Bieber on your radio four times an hour. What would that be like? (For some of you, maybe that wasn’t best example, but you get the idea.) The fact is, consumers love videos. They love them on iPads, iPhones, YouTube, shared links on Facebook and Twitter, and the list goes on. Why? Because it’s increasingly through videos that they learn about a business, see its work and achievements, and connect with satisfied customers. And it’s through videos that a business gives them a reason to engage, stay and buy (vs. ignore, leave and do business with a competitor). Of course, quality is mandatory here. In my experience, nothing says “please don’t buy from my business” more than videos that look like home movies. High production values are an absolute must! That means slick editing, storyboarding, and professional sound quality, lighting and scriptwriting. If videos look like grainy handi-cam videos of a trip to Niagara Falls, or little Joey’s hilarious attempt to feed whipped cream to the dog, they might as well be advertisements for the competition. We’re also talking about an approach that is a major shift from old-fashioned commercials that, in essence, interrupted the engagement between viewers and what they were watching. These days, business videos are the engagement. And that means they have to be authentic, informative, interesting and relevant. Anything less and – you guessed it – we’re back to Joey, the dog, and the whipped cream.

Good to Great: Videos that Work

Let’s not forget tactics. Videos need to be properly tagged for SEO and categorized appropriately. They also need to have compelling headlines, relevant descriptions, supporting copy, and be cross-promoted through a suite of digital assets (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, blogs and so on.) Without this, it doesn’t matter how wonderful videos are – they won’t be seen or shared. What kinds of videos should your business have? Below is a list of

possible options that can effectively help attract and serve your customers. Consider including… • A video on the homepage to welcome visitors and assure them that they’re in the right place at the right time. • A video on the “about us” page to convey competitive advantages and brand promises. • A video on the services page(s) to explain what your business does and for whom. • A video on the team or staff page to introduce the wonderful people who make customers happy. • A video (or most likely several videos) on the FAQ page to provide easy answers instead of an overwhelming “wall of text.” • A video on the “contact us” page to outline how your business can be reached. • A video on online press releases to add more colour and flair to newsworthy messages. From this list of possibilities, which ones are right for you? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and any so-called “video consultant” who tells you otherwise should be avoided. In fact, flee for the hills as fast as you can.

Develop Your Strategy

Based on my years of experience, and the fact that my company specializes in producing and distributing high-impact business videos, my advice is to connect with an experienced marketing and advertising partner who will evaluate your current market positioning, scan your competition, assess and develop your marketing messages and strategy, and help you create a video marketing plan that fits your unique business and budget. And speaking of budget, when you work with an expert partner, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how affordable videos are – especially when you compare the cost of losing customers to video-savvy competitors. Before I sign-off, let’s return to the question that started the ball rolling: why doesn’t your business have online video? If your answer was initially a shrug or maybe even a scowl, then I hope this article has given you a few reasons to pause, reflect and realize that if pictures are worth 1,000 words, consumers think online videos are priceless! Use this new awareness to take action, thrive in a competitive marketplace, and elevate your business to the next level. Hey, if the Beeb can do it… why can’t you?

Check Out These GREAT Business Videos!

I’ve hand picked some GREAT business videos to help see what “works.” You’ll find them on the Castle Communication Systems website (www.CastleCS.com/videos). Visit today, watch the videos, and share your comments with the CastleCS community.

Roger W. Graham, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Castle Communication Systems (www.CastleCS.com). He is an expert on the behaviour of today’s consumers and at developing marketing strategies that drive revenue and customer satisfaction. His company provides integrated and multimedia Branding, Marketing and Advertising solutions, including complete end-to-end video packages, for forward thinking businesses who want to elevate to the next level. Roger can be reached at rgraham@ castlecs.com.

Injectables Report:

Beware of Fraud By Dr Sachit Shah

or licensed physicians in BC who have been doing injectable treatments (Botox and injectable fillers) for some years, it is no surprise to see that there are many cases of fraud involving injectable treatments. The CBC highlighted this in February 2012, in a special report about persons who were not licensed physicians who were giving injectable treatments using dubious materials that were not directly obtained from the manufacturer. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC can regulate physicians that perform Botox treatments; however, no one is regulating any other profession or persons administering these treatments. Consumers must be aware of this, and must follow some general guidelines in order to ensure their safety with these procedures. It is important to note that Botox is classified as a drug and, as such, Health Canada has strict rules that Botox should be prescribed and administered only by a physician. To use it in any other way would be considered a contravention of the Food and Drugs Act. Any person offering Botox or injectable fillers should meet the following five criteria.

What makes a good injector? Someone with a good understanding of human anatomy and a great sense of aesthetics, who puts safety first. Of course, the more experience, the better. In plastic surgeons’ and dermatologists’ offices, you will often find nurse injectors as opposed to the doctors themselves doing the treatments. If it is important to you that a doctor perform the treatment, then be sure to ask who will be doing the treatment, and go by your comfort level. Nurses cannot inject without a physician’s orders, so if you visit a facility where you have never seen a physician, then be sure to ask if

2. Experience

Your choice of physician should depend on how long the physician has been doing injectables and cosmetic treatments. If a physician is serious about cosmetic treatments, then he or she will have invested time and money in equipment and training in order to provide cosmetic services, and not just have injectables as an add-on to their regular practices.

4. Price and Product

If you are receiving Botox injections at prices that seem very cheap or too good to be true, then there is a good possibility that corners are being cut in your treatment. Ask to look at the packaging of the product you are receiving, whether it is Botox (which comes in a holographic bottle) or injectable fillers. If the clinician objects, you might consider that a red flag.

5. Advanced Injectables

1. Licensing

You will often hear that only Board Certified Physicians should inject Botox or injectables. In Canada, that means only physicians registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons are entitled to perform injections. Your first step should be to look at the College of Physicians and Surgeons’ website and check whether the person you want to see is a licensed physician in BC.

disastrous, and you may not be able to get that injector to fix the problem once the damage is done. Instead, go to a dedicated facility where you know you can be seen again if there is a problem. Even the best injectors will sometimes get complications; it is how they deal with complications that should matter most to you as a consumer.

there is a medical director and when he or she is in the office.

3. Procedures

Any physician who is serious about Botox and injectable treatments should use a complete informed consent procedure and take photographs prior to treatment with Botox. If you go to a spa and you are hanging off a pedicure chair while being injected, then I would seriously question the credentials and ethical behavior of the individual injecting. It is all too easy to see that many women want to get a “quick fix” while at the spa, but the consequences can be

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Injectable treatments using hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane tend to be used by most physicians. Experienced physician injectors may offer advanced fillers such as Sculptra or Radiesse, which are also collagen builders. There are only five physicians in BC currently able to offer Sculptra treatments. Dentists, who are able to give Botox injections as part of their dental treatment plan, are not licensed to provide filler injections. If you are looking for treatments that combine Botox and fillers to give you a “soft lift,” then be sure to see a physician who offers these treatments. I will leave you with the thought that the bitterness of poor quality lasts much longer than the sweetness of low price. Be sure to do your homework prior to getting any treatments, and be sure that whomever you choose regards these procedures as medical treatments and takes appropriate care with your face.

Dr Sachit Shah is the Medical Director of BC Laser and Skincare Clinic in Surrey, BC. He has been performing cosmetic treatments since 2001 and has over 22 medical and aesthetic devices aimed at bringing you the best in cosmetic treatments. He has a Diploma in Practical Dermatology, is licensed in BC and is an advanced injector using Juvederm, Radiesse and Sculptra as well as Selphyl in his practice.

Vancouver Vibe <<<<

The 2012 Art World Expo

Art, fashion, music and more!

culminated in a raucous body art competition later in the evening. The Shelley Klassen Fashion Show helped set the stage for chic style and girly indulgence, and a silent auction gave lucky bidders an occasion to walk away with fabulous art finds. An opening performance by hip hop artist Discreet Da Chosen 1 got the crowd in a rollicking mood just in time for a live appearance by Vancouver icon Bif Naked, whose acoustic song set and on-stage charm truly thrilled us all. Fresh Vancouver is already looking forward to the 2013 Art World Expo!

Photo credit: Erich Saide | www.erichsaide.com

ore than 80 local and international artists were ready and waiting to wow the crowds at the 2012 Art World Expo, held Friday, May 4th at Telus Science World. The event, presented by MAB Ventures, was a benefit for the Make and Break Arts Foundation, which supports local arts and culture through various programs and initiatives. Artists showcased their paintings, photography, sculpture and mixed media throughout the unique location. All the while, â&#x20AC;&#x153;walking artâ&#x20AC;? toured the crowd in the form of exquisite body art, which

From top left: Monika Blichar CEO & Owner MAB Ventures Inc. Creative Producer & Founder Art World Expo and Rob Brody Owner of Twin Peaks Construction & Art World Expo Sponsor; rocker Bif Naked and guitarist Doug Fury; body art models with artist Lori McPhee; Bif naked poses with artist Stacey Wells (Artist Rockstar Reflections); R&B artist Discreet Da Chosen 1; Bif Naked and Doug Fury entertain the crowd; body art models, competitors, and competition winners; media personality Zara Durrani.

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Lippy Girl: Makeup Not Madness Ex-model Darcey knows better than most the impact good makeup can have on bringing out the best of our features. Finding ethical choices in makeup left her feeling she was compromising the fashion she also lives by. As a chemist, Darcey strongly believes that ingredients are best unaltered. So she created a range of professional quality lipsticks and blush in fun, flirty shades, using only natural ingredients.” Available on www.ebeauty.ca For more information please contact Darcey Diehl darcey@lippygirl.com or call: 1 888 70708767 and follow the latest at lippygirlmakeup.blogspot.com

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| fresh Vancouver Issue 13

Seven Tips

to Spice Up Your

Sex Life By Denise J Charles

| fresh Vancouver Issue 13

here are couples who love to have great sex, and I mean love with a capital “L.” There is, however, one condition. They only want to have that great sex with the person to whom they are committed. Sex for such individuals is not an end in itself. It’s not a case of “any sex will do.” Do such couples experience boredom in the bedroom? Of course! Their boredom could be as palpable as the next guy’s. What distinguishes their response is their level of commitment to the relationship and their intuitive understanding of the value of a good sex life to the health of the relationship. Because they understand the basics of relational health, they are willing to put in the extra work to alleviate the bedroom blues. They also understand that love is really about putting the needs of another individual before their own. This means that if each partner focuses on what to do to please the other sexually, then the result is likely to be one sexually fulfilled couple. Regardless of the response mode you and your spouse may have found yourselves in when it comes to the bedroom blues, the following tips represent a starting point for your continued sexual renewal as a couple. • Tip #1: Schedule lovemaking sessions, especially when there are kids around. This ensures that sexual intimacy becomes as regular a part of your couple’s repertoire as taking a shower is to the individual. • Tip #2: Don’t underestimate the power of the quickie. Yes, the long, drawn out, steamy, lovemaking sessions à la Hollywood and the romance novel may be well known to some of us, but a short, sweet sexual encounter may be better than none at all. • Tip #3: Get deliberately creative. Using the powers of imagination from time to time can always add flavour to your love life. This may involve using sexy lingerie, silk boxers and other little tricks like scented candles, fragrant oils, music, feathers, flavoured condoms, satin sheets, carefully positioned mirrors – you get my drift, I’m sure. • Tip #4: Cultivate a “touchy-feely” relationship. Couples who understand how to be physically demonstrative to each other out-

side of the bedroom get to preserve a certain level of sexual tension, which just goes “kaboom” when they come together. • Tip #5: Have a regular date night. Regularly spending time together in other social settings helps an individual to see his or her partner in a different light. Taking the effort to dress up and go out together sends a powerful message that the individual is not being taken for granted. • Tip #6: Communicate, communicate, communicate. Couples who fail to share what they really feel about their love life run the risk of harbouring anger and resentment, which can contribute to further rifts in the relationship. It is important for couples to practice emotional intimacy if they expect to have great sexual intimacy. This comes only through honesty, openness and a shared vulnerability. • Tip #7: Have lots of sex! Scientific studies have proven that the more sex we have, the more sex we want. So there is perhaps no greater way to jump-start a flagging sex life than with some attempt at a sexual marathon (of course, not forever; but just so you could get those hormones racing again). Couples could perhaps set themselves an attainable sexual goal as an experiment or a challenge; for example, sex every day for five or seven straight days. According to researchers, this is guaranteed to straighten out those hormones and have them and other parts of your anatomy in tip-top working condition.

Denise J Charles is the author of a new and exciting book, How to Have Mind Blowing Sex Without Losing Your Brain! An experienced family life educator, counselor and relationship coach, she holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialization in Psychology, and is also a trainer-of-trainers. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Better Blends Relationship Institute, a registered counseling and training entity, which focuses on issues of relationships, marriage, sexuality and personal development. Check out her popular blog at redredapples.wordpress.com.

| fresh Vancouver Issue 13

Ayurvedic Corner:

Ayurvedic SkinCare By Sam Hari

ith summer just around the corner, it’s important to remember that while we are outdoors enjoying the sunshine, we should be attentive to how our skin reacts, making sure that we don’t damage it in the process. Skin is our largest organ, covering the entire body. It has many important functions including maintaining body temperature, releasing toxins via sweating, serving as a protective barrier against pathogens as well as being the organ of touch. When you look at a person’s skin, you can get a good sense of a person’s health as the skin is a good indicator of what’s going on inside according to Ayurvedic principles. A healthy person’s skin glows with a radiance that comes only with optimal health. Ayurveda looks at skin in terms of Ayurvedic body type. Let’s examine the types and discuss tips for caring for each skin type.

Vata Skin

Vata skin tends to be thin, porous, and cool to the touch. The predominant elements are air and space. When it’s in optimal shape, it has a gentle, light glow. In an imbalanced state it’s often dry and, in severe instances, can be flaky and rough. Problems that are common for Vata skin are eczema, fungal infections and premature aging of the skin. Vata skin, being the thinnest of all skin types, coupled with the tendency for people with a Vata body type to worry, often leads to premature aging. Hydration is the key to caring for Vata skin, since it tends to be dry. Drink plenty of warm water: 8 to 10 glasses a day. Oiling of the body is also important, as it helps maintain moisture and a healthy glow. Try to do Abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage) at least three times a week before you shower. Your diet should include warm food that incorporates sweet and salty tastes, as these tend to balance Vata best. This doesn’t mean load up on junk food. Try to eat foods that are naturally salty or sweetened. Also, try to avoid using anything on the skin that can dry it out. Many skin cleansers have alcohol in them, which can be drying. Instead, try to use something natural that has a hydrating and protective impact on your skin. Most important, avoid worry and stress. Live happy and be healthy.

Pitta Skin

Pitta skin tends to be fair and have a medium thickness. Warm to the touch, it often has many freckles or moles. In optimal shape, the skin is nice and rosy and has a good inner radiance that comes out in the form of a healthy, golden glow. When Pitta skin becomes imbalanced, there is a tendency for problems like rashes, rosacea and acne to occur. Problems with pigmentation of skin are also common. Pitta skin has a predominance of the fire element, according to Ayurveda, so it does not do very well in the warmth of the hot sun. As a

result, try to avoid being in the sun as much as possible. Cover yourself well if you must go, or sit in the shade. Drinking cool water helps by hydrating and flushing out any impurities in the skin. The diet should avoid spicy and salty tastes as they tend to aggravate Pitta. Bitter and sweet tastes should be incorporated into the diet as they have good Pitta reducing qualities. Fruits like watermelon, pears and cantaloupes are excellent for Pitta skin. Avoid using abrasive body scrubs and products with harsh chemicals as they are most likely to irritate the sensitive Pitta skin. Emotionally, try to keep calm as emotions like excessive anger can adversely affect your skin. Maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle though diet and exercise. Recommended exercises would be swimming, going for walks in the evening when its cooler, and calming yoga. Hot yoga should be avoided as it will aggravate Pitta Dosha further.

Kapha Skin

Kapha skin tends to be the thickest of all skin types. Often oily, it is cool to the touch. Optimal Kapha skin has a smooth, radiant glow said to be comparable to the beauty of the full moon on a dark night. Since its primary elements are water and earth, it has a long durability and is least prone to aging. In an imbalanced state, Kapha skin can become excessively oily and have problems like acne or blackheads. The main thing to remember when caring for Kapha skin is that it needs cleansing often. The majority of Kapha skin problems are due to blockages. One of the best ways to enhance your skin quality is to have good digestion. Avoid eating heavy fried foods like heavy meats and cheeses, as these are often hard to digest. Incorporate spices in the food to aid digestion. The tastes one should include in the diet are spicy and bitter, as they help balance Kapha. Use natural cleansers to clean the skin often. Avoid greasy lotions and creams, as they have a tendency to clog up pores and cause the blockages that are detrimental to the health of the skin. Do exercise at a moderate to invigorating pace based upon what you can do comfortably. Try to sweat during workouts, as sweating is an excellent way to release toxins and maintain optimal skin.

Sam Hari is an Ayurvedic practitioner at West Coast Ayurveda. They specialize in Ayurvedic consultations, along with diet and lifestyle recommendations to help maintain a happy and healthy life. Assistance using traditional Ayurvedic methods to manage many ailments is also available. To find out how this ancient wisdom can help you maintain and achieve optimal health or help manage chronic conditions, visit us online at www.ayurvedichealing.com or call 604.569.3596.

This month ’ s Ayurvedic tip Use a traditional Ayurvedic face pack used to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon gram powder ¼-½ teaspoon turmeric Milk Honey (natural unpasteurized)

Directions: • Mix the powdered turmeric and gram together in a small bowl. Add a few drops of honey along with a few drops of milk. Mix until you get a paste, adding milk as needed to gain the desired consistency. • Wash your face before applying the paste and be sure to remove any makeup so that you receive the full benefits of using this herbal pack. • Apply evenly to all areas of the face, avoiding contact with the eyes. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes fresh vancouver Issueoff 11 with warm water. • Wash

Vancouver Vibe <<<<

A Night of Fashion pril 27 was a day dedicated to glamour and fashion at The Shops at Morgan Crossing in South Surrey. The Shops at Morgan Crossing boasts over 60 shops and services in the little village with restaurants, cafés, premium-brand retailers and a pedestrianfriendly streetscape with a vibrant neighbourhood feel. Some of the daytime activities included consultations with esteemed fashion stylist Claudia Da Ponte, makeovers courtesy of London Drugs, and exclusive deals offered by Blo Dry Bar, Pure Nail Bar and Noir Lash Lounge to get everyone ready for the evening. The lovely Fiona Forbes from Shaw TV’s hit show Urban Rush was the MC for the evening. Evening festivities began at the Calvin Klein store with makeup touch-ups, champagne, music and celebrity style photo ops. This was followed by fashion shows at Banana Republic and

Hudson Madison, featuring work, casual and party looks for spring and summer. Whiskey tasting and hot shaves were offered by donation at the men’s lounge at Dunn’s Taylors. All proceeds from the night’s raffle and by-donation services benefited the bursary fund for Arts Umbrella at Morgan Crossing. A Night of Fashion was a great success and I will be returning soon to Morgan Crossing for my fashion fix.

Zara Durrani is a renaissance woman. Born and raised in Pakistan, her family lived throughout southeast Asia before settling down in Vancouver. She has held many titles including model, actress, activist and recently Creator, Host and Executive Producer of Life and Style with Zara as seen on CHEK, Shaw and Novus.

| fresh Vancouver Issue 13

Photo credits: Matt Chen and Alan Newman

By Zara Durrani

Wellness, Vitality and Olympic Gold:

By Sam Hari

Biofeedback for the Body and Brain

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By Dr Paul G. Swingle

hat do older folks like me have in common with a young skier receiving an Olympic gold medal? We both do biofeedback to keep the mind sharp and the body fit. Biofeedback is a natural and holistic approach to the treatment of many conditions. With biofeedback, we use instruments to gain awareness of physiological functions of our bodies; then learn to control those same functions to promote Dr Paul G. Swingle wellness. Remarkable advances in the science of self-regulation of body and brain have occurred over the last two decades. Biofeedback for the body and particularly the brain is now the treatment of choice for a wide range of disorders including autism, stroke, ADHD, depression, addictions, anxiety conditions, and cognitive declines. Reuters News Health Information (March 23, 2012) reported that, according to the head of research of the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, research has been discouraging in that there is only a five percent difference between the positive response of antidepressant drugs and placebos (dummy pills). Brain biofeedback, on the other hand, has an outstandingly good record in the treatment of the various forms of depression. This brings us to the first important concern for anyone considering biofeedback, particularly for the brain: who is working on your brain? If you want help relaxing with muscle tension biofeedback, for example, little harm can be done if the practitioner lacks training. If you want help with muscle re-education after a serious injury, on the other hand, only trained and licensed healthcare providers should be considered. This is particularly true when working with the brain. Biofeedback is enormously effective for helping motivate and selfregulate. Feeling blue? Try what the old-time psychologists and psychiatrists recommended: sleep (stay in bed) a maximum of seven hours per night and get a pedometer for feedback. Work up to a minimum of 10,000 steps per day (normal for an active person). Have a small migraine headache problem? Get yourself a couple of cheap thermometers. Gently hold the thermometers between the thumb and index finger. Sit quietly while vividly imagining your hands in warm (not hot) water. After a few sessions, when your finger temperature gets above about 33 degrees C (92 F), try cooling by imagining your hands in cool (not cold) water. As you gain facility with increasing and decreasing your hand temperature, you are very likely to be headache-free. Biofeedback for the body (called peripheral biofeedback) includes muscle tension, blood flow (e.g., hand temperature), heart rate and variability, skin resistance and respiration. When done by professionals, peripheral biofeedback is effective for treating many conditions such as headaches, heart irregularities, sleep problems, and anxiety conditions. It is used by many professional sports teams and elite athletes to help with achieving profound states of focus or relaxation. It is used for improving the vocal performance of singers (check YouTube for some

| fresh vancouver Issue 11

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examples) and the accuracy of Olympic archers. Peripheral biofeedback can help one achieve profoundly restorative states of relaxation. As practitioners of other relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can attest, systematic relaxation can manifestly improve feelings of wellbeing. Peripheral biofeedback is a very effective method for achieving those states and, more importantly, for training one to be able to reach those states naturally, without any aids. Brain biofeedback, or neurotherapy, requires great care and precision; when efficiently administered it can be life-altering. Children with ADHD or autism, the older adult who is experiencing mental declines, those with severe anxiety and/or depression, those with seizure disorders or other chronic conditions: all are suitable clients for neurotherapy. The first step is to do a brain assessment to determine precisely what brain inefficiencies are causing the problem(s). Once identified, these neurological conditions are then treated with neurotherapy. As the brain inefficiencies improve, so does the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disorder associated with that brain area. Neurotherapy is very straightforward, but should only be administered by a licensed clinician trained and certified in neurobiofeedback. Clients have wires attached to their earlobes and various locations on the head. When the brain is moving in the right direction (that is, improved functioning), the client hears a tone and/or sees something move on the computer monitor. For kids, they play a video game with their brain! We let adults play, too! For some conditions, more aggressive braindriving procedures are used in which specific sounds, lights, and other forms of stimulation are administered based on moment-to-moment brain activity to nudge the brain into more efficient functional ranges. The latter procedures can be used with clients unable to do biofeedback such as infants, the severely demented and those in coma. Whether you want to sharpen your golf game, get better sleep, really relax, improve your ability to make decisions under stress, or treat some physical or mental problem, check with your licensed and certified provider. Biofeedback will likely change your life.

Dr Paul G. Swingle was Professor of Psychology at the University of Ottawa from 1972 to 1997 prior to moving to Vancouver. He was Lecturer in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School from 1991 to 1998 and during the same period was Associate Attending Psychologist at McLean Hospital (Boston) where he also was Head of the Clinical Psychophysiology Service. Professor Swingle was Clinical Supervisor at the University of Ottawa from 1987 to 1997 and was Chairman of the Faculty of Child Psychology from 1972 to 1977. Dr Swingle is a Registered Psychologist in British Columbia, Board-Certified in Biofeedback and Neurotherapy, and is currently Director of the Swingle Clinic in Vancouver. www.swingleandassociates.com

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! e u s s I ext

N g n i m o

Interview with Glowbal Group’s

Shannon Bosa Yacoub COMING NEXT ISSUE! • • • • • • • • •

Fight Aging While You Sleep Antioxidants for Your Skin, Body and Brain Complementary Therapy: Reflexology Hyperpigmentation: Your Options Beauty Secrets of the Far East Advancements in Adult Braces Beauty Buzz 411 Fountain of Youth Love Thy Lines: Selective Botox

Photo Credit: Jamil Rhajiak - Yellow Hat Media

| fresh vancouver Issue 11

Afternoon

Charity Tea &Friends

with Kate Linder

Featuring selected cast members from

The Young and the Restless

Watch For

Saturday, July 21st, 2012 Hyatt Regency, Vancouver Noon - 2 pm (plus autographs)

Tickets on Sale June 1st, 2012 at

katelinderandcastmatestea@gmail.com Photo courtesy Charles Bush

For further information contact

604.836.7929

Black Hills Wine Experience Center In June of 2012 Black Hills Estate Winery will be opening a unique, world-class, sit-down tasting room right in the middle of our vineyard on Black Sage Road. The design of our new $1.0 million “Wine Experience Center” has been inspired by the some of the most innovative wineries in the world. Its purpose is to allow guests like you the opportunity to experience our wines in a relaxing and spectacular setting right beside the vines that make our wine. Your Tasting Experience will be hosted by our impassioned “Wine Evangelist”. During your experience you will get the opportunity to taste the entire portfolio of Black Hills wines in deluxe Riedel glasses while marvelling at a 360 degree view of the South Okanagan Valley. This is a great way to feel and learn the connection of our terroir to the wines you are enjoying.

OLIVER

OKANAGAN HWY 97

We look very forward to hosting you at Black Hills Estate Winery. Please contact us in advance, as reservations are recommended.

BLACK SAGE ROAD

CROWSNEST HWY OSOYOOS

www.blackhillswinery.com 48

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71ST

OSOYOOS LAKE