New Hampshire Women Magazine by New Hampshire Women Magazine

COMPLIMENTARY

November 2019 Issue

NEW HAMPSHIRE

WOM EN MAGAZINE Amazing Business

ROCKSTARS who GIVE BACK! Erica Sarcione Joy Quest Pg. 4

Jen Sebeny CycleFierce Pg. 5

Kelly Aresnault Keller Williams Realty Pg. 7

WOMEN LEADERS WHO GIVE BACK A conversation with philanthropist Jude Blake

Photo Provided By: Alyssa Duncan Photography, alyssaduncan.com

Shara Katos Doggie Investigation Gang Pg. 8

Inside: Ask the Pediatric Surgeon Page 14. MD M.M.Sc. Elizabeth S. Soukup, Pg. 14

Pg. 14

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

WOMEN MAGAZINE Melissa Diorio Editor-in-Chief Melissa@nhwomenmagazine.com

SUMMIT TITLE GIVES BACK! Summit Title is proud to support: Affordable Housing Education & Development Amherst Patriots Animal Rescue League of NH BeBold Bedford Police Department Best Buddies Champion of the Year CASA of NH Children’s Scholarship Fund of NH Elliot Hospital — Pediatric Department End 68 Hours of Hunger Farnum Center, a program of Easter Seals Friends of Aine Friends of the Manchester Animal Shelter Granite United Way Home Health & Hospice Care Liberty House Manchester Police Athletic Association Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation

Movement Foundation My Breast Cancer Support Nashua PAL National Family Partnership National Multiple Sclerosis Society New Horizons NH Food Bank NH Healthy Families Officer Sean Collier Memorial Fund Operation Overseas Queen City Rotary Club Sophia’s Fund Special Olympics St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital The Jenny Fund The Londonderry Athletic Field Association The Travis Mills Foundation The Way Home

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NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Photobiomodulation can help! Written By: Peak Recovetry & Health Center SAD is a serious seasonal depression that affects just about four percent of the population. About six times that number suffer from a milder form, known as SSAD (for subssyndromal SAD) — a persistent sadness and apathy that falls short of clinical depression. By the time we add up everybody who feels the effects of SAD and SSAD, we are talking about nearly one in four people. For many people, there’s plenty of reason to be depressed about the approach of winter. But the waning daylight seems to be a major contributing factor to those diagnosed with SAD & SSAD. Folks with these disorders may experience a heightened sensitivity to social rejection, feelings of hopelessness and sadness, fatigue, heavy-feeling limbs, weight gain, difficulty concentrating, and even suicidal thoughts. Light therapy has been used for many years to treat these symptoms and has been proven to nearly eliminate symptoms in patients. It’s important to recognize that light therapy is more than just brightening a room by turning on the lights. It’s a very specific dosage of LED and Infrared light to improve tissue repair and reduce pain and inflammation wherever the light is applied.

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Kelly Arsenault New Hampshire Women Magazine’s print publication is published by Melissa DiOrio of Gracant Communications (melissa@nhwomenmagazine.com). The name ‘New Hampshire Women Magazine’ is registered as a trade name with the State of New Hampshire by Sullivan Grueter Communications, LLC and is used herein with its permission. The term ‘New Hampshire Women’ is registered as a trademark with the State of New Hampshire by Sullivan Grueter Communications, LLC and is used herein with its permission.

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SPOTLIGHT COLUMN | NHWM

Helping Others Find Joy Spotlight on Erica Sarcione Written by Crystal Ward Kent

In today’s world, it can be easy to get caught up in the drive for success and acclaim. Society, the media, sometimes even well-meaning friends and family, all push us to achieve. However, it is key not to lose sight of what actually makes us joyful. When we try too hard to please others, but not ourselves, there can be consequences, as Erica Sarcione learned. Sarcione is the owner of Joy Quest, a holistic health center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire that provides guidance to those dealing with physical, mental and emotional health issues, as well as those struggling with various addictions—from food to substance abuse. Sarcione is well-qualified to help, as she herself has dealt with food addiction and alcoholism. She knows what it’s like to be on the corporate fast-track and has experienced the frustration of “sitting in a box all day.”

“I struggled with food all of my life,” she recalls. “It really kicked in when I was a teen-ager and dealing with all the issues that teen girls face. Did I look a good enough? Was I getting the grades I needed? Could I get into the right school and be in the right circle of friends? I was trying so hard to be so many things, that I was overloaded. However, I made it through high school, college and graduate school, and actually landed my dream job. I managed the design and development of footwear for a major company and traveled the world. I was going to amazing places, doing work I loved, and clearly on the rise in the corporate sector, but inside, I was falling apart.” Sarcione had started to drink to “take the edge off,” but she knew that her drinking was getting out of control. “I was battling anxiety, and my mind was racing all the time,” she says. “Alcohol quieted things, but I knew I couldn’t continue down this road.” One day, she woke Is Your Health Limiting up and knew changes Your Life? had to be made—that day. She joined AlcoContact Joy Quest holics Anonymous, and WELLNESS RETREATS yourjoyquest.com started working with REIKI TREATMENTS two therapists—one a traditional psychotherapist—and the other a holistic health coach. She began to feel better, and realized she wanted a different life. Impressed by how the holistic health coach looked at all aspects of her life, Sarcione deERICA SARCIONE cided to help others as she had been helped and enrolled at the Institute of Integrative Women’s Welllness Nutrition in New York Retreat City. “I was in bad shape, and yet I got WELLNESS COUNSELING January 15-19 2020 better,” she says. “That ADDICTION TREATMENT Sedona, AZ made me want to help others. The integraONLY 10 SPOTS tive approach looks at what’s behind the Erica (603) 918-8357 physical and mental OurJoyQuest@gmail.com health issues and the addictions. It helps you face the ‘why.’” Sarcione has since opened Joy Quest. Joy Quest provides individual and group treatments for physical, mental and spiritual / VOL 2 ISSUE 7 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

JOY QUEST

healing, as well as addiction counseling, Reiki treatments and wellness retreats (She is hosting a women’s wellness retreat in Sedona, Arizona in January 2020). In working with clients, Sarcione looks at the items that “feed” our souls, such as homelife, relationships, and work, as well as sound nutrition and lifestyles for a healthy body. While it was initially challenging to get the word out, she now knows that she is in the right place. “I had been working with two very different woman for about three weeks on very different issues. Then, in the same week, it was apparent that something had changed. They were both incredibly transformed. It was like a miracle. I know this is what I’m meant to do. But, I want to be clear—they did the work. I just shine a light on certain subjects or issues in people’s lives. I help them let go of things that are holding them back and help them move forward, but it is their strength that gets them through the process.” Sarcione actively gives back to the community as well, opening her office for Women in AA, offering them free counseling, and also working with those under age 20 for a reduced fee. “It’s important to help young people with issues early on. These can be very damaging years and early intervention can often prevent issues from developing.” She is excited for the future, and to have recently moved her practice to Portsmouth, where she is adjacent to the Center for Wellbeing. “I am eager to partner with them in rejuvenative and functional medicine aspects,” she says. “I am also going to India for the month of November to receive indepth training in the physical, mental and historical aspects of yoga. I plan to keep evolving so I can bring my clients as many tools as possible to help them find their joy.” To learn more, visit www.yourjoyquest.com, email OurJoyQuest@gmail.com, or call (603) 918-8357.

SPOTLIGHT COLUMN | NHWM

JEN SEBENY: GETTING FIT & GIVING BACK WORDS: Crystal Ward Kent

Jen Sebeny is fiercely committed to many things—indoor cycling, personal empowerment, and giving back. As a master instructor and owner of CycleFierce in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the Seacoast’s first and only indoor cycling studio, she has found herself in a unique position to combine her passions. the Seacoast’s first and only indoor cycling studio, she has found her self in a unique position to combine her pasJen Sebeny is fiercely committed to sions. “I many things—indoor cycling, personwas committed to having us be al empowerment, and giving back. As a place of positivity, connection master instructor and owner of Cycle- and empowerment,” says Sebeny. Fierce in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, “It has become all of that and more.” Sebeny, who is originally from the Washington DC area, has been teaching indoor cycling for more than 18 years. She worked on the business side of DC law firms CycleFierce is the Seacoast’s only for 20 years, dedicated indoor cycling studio. but always dreamed of owning an Our studio is a place and space where all levels of fitness indoor cycling are celebrated and elevated, a place of positivity, connection, and empowerment. A place where you will discover your studio. “I inner athlete and true best self. found that riding offered me Our rides will leave you DRENCHED and INSPIRED. an escape from the stresses of work and daily life,” she says. “When I left my corporate job and moved here, I knew this was the 2454 Lafayette Road fierceinfo@cyclefierce.com right time to Portsmouth, NH 03801 603.433.BIKE (2453) go out on my own. I wanted

www.cyclefierce.com

to share my passion and help others the same way.” Sebeny wanted CycleFierce to be more than a cycling studio and to offer clients more than a great workout. “Giving back and fundraising was part of the mission from the start. It’s part of our soul, part of what we do. When people connect to do good, they are empowered and everyone benefits from the positive environment. We know that everyone is passionate about something, so by offering people a platform, we can help. And when people leave, they feel good, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—that’s the power of giving back.” CycleFierce has a fundraising program called “Your Cause— Fierce Effect,” and does one to two fundraisers each month for worthy causes. The company donates the studio and instructor and a two-hour time block. The charity can charge whatever they want for the studio’s 32 bikes, which the charity “sells” to guests looking to help the cause. “They can charge $20 a bike, $50 a bike—whatever will help them reach their fundraising goals,” explains Sebeny. “One hundred percent of the funds raised go to the charity. They can also serve refreshments and hold a raffle. It’s a pretty easy way to raise money and get a great workout at the same time. It’s a win-win.” Sebeny feels that the fundraisers have been successful because cycling is popular and indoor cycling is a very accessible form of fitness. “It’s very adaptable to a wide range of fitness levels. Whether you are attending a fundraiser or coming to the

studio for exercise, we make it work for all levels and we guarantee a good workout. We’ve also found that when you do good, you feel good—we love to give back and so do our clients.” CycleFierce is always looking for ways to support the community and build partnerships. They plan to continue their outreach going forward. They also want to encourage others to join them. “We have people at all levels of fitness here,” says Jen. “We have elite athletes and weekend riders, as well as people who have never done any kind of fitness. All are welcome and we find that everyone connects here. It’s because we all have the same motivations—doing good and being our best selves. When you start helping others, you become more motivated, and when you are motivated, good things happen. You start seeing transformation in other parts of your life as well. It’s amazing how one good thing leads to another.” Positivity. Connection. Empowerment—CycleFierce’s motto, but perhaps a recipe for life change as well!

To learn more about CycleFierce, or fundraising opportunities, please visit www.cyclefierce. com, call (603) 433-2453, or email at fierceinfo@cyclefierce.com.

NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 7/ 5

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SPOTLIGHT COLUMN | NHWM

A “Pawsitive” Force Spotlight on Kelly Arsenault

“These dogs deserve to find real homes—not just continue living at the kennel,”

Written by Crystal Ward Kent

Kelly Arsenault of Sandown, New Hampshire makes “going to the dogs” a good thing. In her Keller Williams real estate business, her slogan is “Specializing in People with Pets,” and in her nonprofit career, she heads PRONE—Papillion Rescue of the Northeast, an organization that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes Papillions and Pomeranians. “I’ve always loved dogs and had a bond with animals,” says Arsenault. “I got my first Papillion 12 years ago, even though it was against my better

judgment to get a puppy. He was so ‘You know you want to help.’ And hoping to work more with breedsmart and sweet that he convinced me he was right. This time, I decided ers who are retiring dogs from the that everyone should have a Papillion. to create my own nonprofit, and show ring. “These dogs deserve to At that time, you didn’t see as many of PRONE was formed. I am a certi- find real homes—not just continue the breed up here, so I started looking fied 501c3 and approved for resliving at the kennel,” she explains. on rescue sites. I saw that there were cuing. The state doesn’t approve “These dogs may be three, five or a great many in the South that needed of foster care, unless there are eight years old and have never had homes. I got involved with PAP911 medical or training needs; then, a real home experience, yet would South and before long, had helped they can stay longer as we work still make wonderful pets. I’d like rescue so many dogs that we joked on meeting those needs. We take to partner with these breeders to that I would some day become PAP911 in Papillions, Pomeranians and transition these dogs into the homes North! Later, I left that group and occasionally small dogs under 15 they deserve.” joined another southern organization pounds.” that was rescuing Pomeranians. I love When Arsenault has a rescue To learn more about PRONE, adopt, both breeds and there was so much to that is ready for adoption, she donate or get involved, please visit be done. But, after a time, I needed a puts the word out on her own www.pronepups.org. break, so I stepped down.” Facebook page. She personally The break didn’t last long. Arsenault’s approves adopters and says, “I name was still well known in the rescue don’t care if it takes two weeks or world and when the economic downtwo years, I will keep a dog until turn of 2012 hit, pet owners who had we find the home that is right for fallen on hard them. That’s what matters.” times began Going forward, Arsenault is reaching out. “The phone just kept ringing,” she recalls. “People were calling who could no longer keep their dogs, or someone’s mother had died and her dog needed a home. There were so many sad stories and so many dogs in need. My husband finally said, Flight to rescue a small poodle, jack russell mix and 2 tiny chihuahuas.

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SPOTLIGHT COLUMN

SPOTLIGHT SHARA KATSOS: HER DOG DETECTIVES SAVE LIVES In the movie, “The Secret Lives of Pets,” people learn that their pets have a world of their own and engage in all sorts of funny activities. In Shara Katsos’ world, her pets open a detective agency and their adventures are featured in four children’s books about the Doggie Investigation Gang, with the proceeds going to a good cause. Katsos, who lives in New Hampshire and is a full time clinical social worker for the Veterans’ Administration, was inspired to create the books in order to help animals. “About eight years ago, my husband and I were watching an HBO documentary called ‘One Nation Under Dog’ on the plight of homeless animals in the South. We were horrified that so many dogs and cats were euthanized— and often not humanely—because overpopulation is such an issue there. At the end of the documentary, they highlighted a nonprofit group called PAWS New England which was working to bring adoptable animals north. They knew that many of these southern animals simply needed a chance at a good

home.” Katsos and her family already had dogs, so were not looking to adopt, but immediately signed up for the PAWS foster program. All of the animals that they cared for were quickly adopted, even though some had health issues. “We took in a little miniature Pinscher 8 / VOL 2 ISSUE 7 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE

who had heart worm and eye issues,” she relates. “PAWS paid for all of his medical care, and it was expensive. This opened our eyes to their fundraising needs.” As Katsos pondered how she could help, she noticed that the little “mini-pin,” who they had named Pedro, had formed a special bond with their dog, Cooper. Cooper helped Pedro navigate the house (his eyesight continued to fail) and became his “social bridge,” teaching him to trust people. Katsos decided to keep Pedro, and realized that her trio of dogs had triggered an idea. “I had never written before, but suddenly, I had all of these ideas about a dog detective agency and how they would solve mysteries,” explains Katsos. “My dog detectives have personalities based on my real dogs, which makes it fun. I was fortunate to have a friend, John Bulens, who is an illustrator. He offered to illustrate the books at no charge. We produced the books and got great feedback, so we started selling them, with all proceeds going to PAWS New England and Tipton Animal Shelter in Tennessee.” The Doggie Investigation Gang (DIG) is run by Cooper, a big yellow Labrador, who is smart, and always ready for adventure; also on the job are Charlie, a medium-sized spaniel, who’s a bit of a worrier and always aware of his surroundings, and Pedro, a little blind mini pin with a fast smelling nose. After her first book debuted, Katsos was invited to speak to the second grade class at her local elementary school. She

brought two of her dogs, and the kids were thrilled to read the books and meet their real-life counterparts. Katsos talked about the writing process and story development and was excited to see how engaged the children were. “One little girl told me that she loved Pedro because she had a disability, too, and he taught her that she could still do whatever she wanted.” Today, Katsos has four books out, with a fifth scheduled to arrive later in 2020. Each of the four books also has a matching lesson plan which is available for teachers to use in class. The plans were created pro bono by thirdgrade teacher Kara Lynch and relate to today’s curriculum. Both books and lesson plans are available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble and all proceeds go to PAWS New England. Despite her full-time job, Katsos is still available to speak to schools, although she admits it’s challenging finding time to write. “This whole experience has been so rewarding,” she says. “I love interacting with the kids and the teachers, and I’ve been introduced to a whole world of writers and illustrators that I never would have entered if I had not written the books. Most important, I know that my books are helping animals, and we are inspiring kids to help animals, too. It’s been an incredible journey.” To learn more about PAWS New England, please visit www.pawsnewengland.com. You can find the Doggie Investigation Gang on Facebook and on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online, as well as at their website Digthebooks.com.

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Written by Crystal Ward Kent

NHWM COVER WOMEN | Inspiring Women

JUDE BLAKE: GIVING THE GIFT OF OPPORTUNITY Jude Blake of Portsmouth, New Hampshire may be slight in stature, but she is impressive in her ability to make a difference.

Photo Provided By: David J. Murray, ClearEy Photo.com

Since moving back to the state in 2010, she has made it her personal mission to assist worthy nonprofits that make a difference in building community, creating engaged citizens and providing the kind of critical education that opens doors to better lives. Among those she has helped are her beloved University of New Hampshire (UNH), The Music Hall, Crossroads House, The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire and Families First. Blake is originally from Philadelphia, but has long felt that New Hampshire was her true home. “My family moved around a great deal when I was growing up,” she

relates. “My junior year of high school, we were going to move again, but I was accepted to early admission at UNH and went there. When I arrived in Durham, I immediately felt at home. I loved UNH; I thrived there, and when I graduated, I knew that one day I would be back to stay.” Blake went on to graduate school at the prestigious Wharton School of Business, then launched into a marketing career with General Mills, one of the country’s largest food manufacturers. She flourished professionally, but the seeds had already been planted that hinted at a different life,

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one committed to giving back. “My father grew up poor; he had no real chance at education,” she explains. “He served in World War II and then went to college thanks to scholarships and the GI Bill. Education provided opportunities for a better life and he never forgot that—he never forgot that someone else’s gifts changed his life. He became successful and was also very philanthropic. He was also my best friend and mentor and a wonderful role model.” Blake’s interest in making a difference was encouraged at General Mills, a company that was also invested in helping local communities. “As a young executive, I had a mentor who showed me that when companies get involved, they can be a force for positive change. I became involved with a program which was supported by General Mills that taught business skills to students who came from rural communities in Minnesota. I saw firsthand how such a simple effort transformed their opportunities. I knew then, that whatever my career path, I wanted to make a difference.”

UNH’s Biggest Fan Blake’s career kept her on the move for several years, as she lived in Minnesota, Chicago, Zurich, Switzerland and California, where she became involved in the wine business. However, she frequently journeyed back to New Hampshire and a visit to UNH was always on the schedule. Early on, she had started donating to UNH, which led to conversations with some key University representatives. Since she cared so much, why not get involved? She agreed, and so began a long history of active involvement with her alma mater. Blake still serves on the UNH Alumni Association Board of Directors, which she joined back in 2006. She also chairs the Peter T. Paul College Advisory Board and her generous bequest to this new business and entrepreneurship school supports student scholarship and programming. Blake is also involved in a hands-on way, occasionally teaching classes on the wine business. She has served as a USNH trustee, where she was an officer and played a leadership role, and she was on the board of directors for the UNH Foundation. While she supports the entire University and its mission, she is particularly passionate about the Paul College, Shoals Marine Lab and Northeast Passage. Now that she lives locally, she helps organize fundraisers, garner support and in short, does all she can

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to shine a light on these programs. Northeast Passage, for example, provides high-tech adaptive sports equipment to youth and veterans. “The equipment is developed by UNH engineering students and literally transforms lives,” enthuses Blake. “People can now hike, do sled-hockey, ski and much more thanks to these innovations. I’ve helped to plan an annual event at the Wentworth-bythe-Sea for several years now. We tell people to come in casual clothes so they can experience the equipment; they also see a demonstration, and meet our inspirational speakers. In five years, we’ve gone from raising $90,000 annually at the event to more than $160,000. It’s one of the most exciting things I’ve been involved with.”

or a university.” Blake supported The Children’s Museum in its move to Dover because she believes they are another important resource for children. “They offer an educational experience that is fun and inspires creativity and learning,” she says. “They are an important component in creating a vibrant community.” Creating a vibrant community and being a good citizen are recurring themes with Blake, which is one reason why she has given generously to The Music Hall in Portsmouth and continues to serve on two committees there. “The Music Hall has become the heart of Portsmouth,” she states. “They offer top entertainment which draws people not only to the downtown but also to Portsmouth and the Seacoast in general; they offer educational programming that enriches the community and opens the world of the arts to kids; they bring in speakers and authors, and support local artists. Their impact is multifaceted and far-reaching.” While each charity she chooses has special meaning to Blake, UNH is closest to her heart. “UNH gave me my life and helped me become who I am today,” she says. “Because I flourished there, I was able to get into Wharton, and then build a successful career. It was the

and its research and programs are creating new industries and jobs for the future.” One of the things that Blake is most passionate about in her support of the University is mentoring students. When she talks about them, one really sees the warmth and caring that are at the heart of this philanthropist. “I have many ‘adopted’ kiddos!” she laughs. “I mentor about 10 students at a time, choosing two or three new ones each year. However, even after they graduate, we stay in touch. Many evenings will find me hosting kiddos past and present for dinner—I love to cook and we have a great time fixing meals together and catching up. Some of my kiddos live far away now, but we are frequently on the phone. I’ve been Building Communities to weddings, family get-togethers. I Blake enjoys supporting local causes cherish the relationships we’ve built because she knows that gifts given here and they know I’m there for them can make a bigger difference. “I don’t do any time! I didn’t have kids of my a lot of national philanthropy because by own, so these are my kids! I love giving locally, I can see the impact of my working with young people—I’m donations,” she says. “I know I can be a people person by nature—it’s a force for positive change here.” Blake exciting to help people realize chooses her charities carefully, looking their potential and find their path. for those that are fiscally responsible and It keeps me energized and feeling stable, have sound long-term plans, and positive about the future.” are capable of making a real difference. Blake hopes that others, And her support is not just financial; including young people, will realize early on, she joined the Crossroads the importance of House board, serving for eight years. philanthropy, no “Crossroads House helps individuals matter the size of and families get back on their feet. their gifts. “When If you are homeless and hungry, it’s we help others, we hard to get to a better life without a are being good helping hand. Crossroads House helps citizens—and we people get back on track and become are helping create contributors to the community.” good citizens for Families First is another Blake the future. Giving cause, because they help low-income builds communities. families with healthcare and offer Supporting the discounts for the uninsured. Blake arts or education, wants to be sure that as many children helping families-as possible get a good start in life. these things keep “I got involved with Families First our communities and No Kid Hungry because kids and our need to be well-nourished and they state Jude Blake and two of the students she’s mentored. At left, Lincoln Crutchfield, UNH 2017, and a former student trustee. Crutchneed to be educated. If they do not vibrant and field is also a leader in the Seacoast Alumni. At right, Alexys Gilcrest, UNH 2018; Gilcrest serves as a young alumna on the get that good start, then their road Paul College Advisory Board and often speaks at UNH events. Photo Provided: University of New Hampshire moving is that much harder,” she explains. forward. “An educated child becomes a good start of everything. I also see UNH as Giving benefits not just the citizen later on. Not everyone needs important not only for nurturing the recipient, but everyone. And it feels to go to college, but everyone needs futures of so many young people, but really good!” opportunities, and should have the right also as being an important economic to choose their path, whether that is engine for the state. It supports the community college, technical school, economy in many different ways, NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 7/ 11

MEDICAL SPA | SPECIAL SECTION

IT’S NECK-VEMBER—LEAVE THE TURKEY NECK FOR THE BIRDS! Written by Dr. Lisa Vuich, Owner of Renew Medi Spa

Dr. Lisa Vuich is a graduate of Tufts University (1988) and Tufts University School of Medicine (1992). She opened Renew MediSpa in 2006 and has worked steadily since then to ensure that Renew MediSpa remains at the cutting edge of the latest advancements in nonsurgical aesthetics. She is a nationally recognized injector, a member of numerous aesthetic organizations, a Key Opinion Leader for several aesthetic companies, and a Master Clinical instructor for Specialty Med Training. She is board certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and regularly instructs physicians and other providers on injection technique, platelet-rich plasma therapies and other aesthetic procedures through the Renew MediSpa Training Institute.

called “Vampire Facial”). At Renew MediSpa we utilize (PRP) for many regenerative needs, from facial collagen restoration to sexual wellness procedures and even the treatment of scars and stretch marks. It has also been used for decades in orthopedics, burn centers and even for nerve injuries and thinning hair.

One of the most common complaints we hear from our clients is their concerns about the appearance of their jaw line and neck. Loss of collagen and elastin in the skin, coupled with some facial volume loss due to age, come together to give a loose and sagging appearance that cause us to look older, tired and sometimes even “sad” due to a down turning of the corners of the mouth. Many ads and commercials would have you believe that drinking collagen or applying it to your skin is the solution. Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth. Although topical skin care products and lifestyle changes can help to protect your collagen, putting it back requires much more effort! Fortunately the fibroblasts in your skin are still

there and capable of making collagen if properly “motivated”. The most effective way to restore collagen to the skin is by means of what we call a “micro-injury”. This means that a controlled injury is created which sets off the healing cascade, resulting in new collagen formation. Examples of this abound and include micro-needling, laser, and many other devices which can be used to generate heat in the deeper dermis (often via radiofrequency energy or micro-focused ultrasound energy) to trigger your cells into action. The quality of the result and the number of treatments needed will vary depending on the device, the depth of penetration of the injury, and the skill of the technician. Another way to get an enhanced collagen response is through the use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) which can be delivered via injection or even micro-needling (the so

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PRP is a concentrate of your own platelets, obtained from a blood draw at the time of your procedure. Your own platelets contain more than 30 growth factors and, when activated and placed in an area where injury has occurred, they will further enhance the repair response which in the skin means even more collagen response for more results from your procedure. Your blood is processed through a single use sterile kit, to remove the red cells and excess water but leave behind a concentrate of platelets for use during your procedure. One of the most important things to understand about PRP is that dose and quality matter! There are over 25 different PRP preparation devices on the market but they are not all created equal. The amount of blood drawn will also affect your growth factor dose- the more blood drawn, the more platelets there will be and thus the more growth factor that will be delivered. This can definitely impact your results from a PRP procedure. On average about 1 ml of high quality PRP will come from every 10 ml of whole blood. A 30 ml blood draw is good for facial aesthetics in our experience, but other regenerative procedures may require 60 to 120 ml of blood depending on the amount of

PRP the protocol requires. For the dreaded “turkey-neck” our favorite procedure is to combine a treatment called Profound RF with PRP. Profound RF is a device which delivers heat at the tips of tiny micro-needles, after the region has been numbed with lidocaine. The patient gets the benefit of the micro-needling, plus the benefit of the heat micro-injury delivered, and then the PRP is administered to the treatment zone to further enhance the collagen response and to speed healing. Results are visible at a couple of weeks and continue to improve for up to 6 months. The collagen formed will last years, making this an exciting and gratifying way to turn back the clock by using your body’s own regenerative capabilities. Medical grade micro-needling without heat can also be combined with PRP for collagen formation, but this will require a series of procedures rather than a single session in order to achieve satisfying results. Also, this will smooth the surface of the skin but will not be sufficient to tighten and lift, and may not be adequate to treat more advanced cases of collagen loss. Our bodies have amazing regenerative capabilities regardless of age. Platelet Rich Plasma will continue to be at the forefront of regenerative medicine for years to come, so keep it on your radar for anti-aging methods.

Grand Opening Specials you do NOT want to miss!

WE’RE MOVING!

DO NOT MISS OUT! We’re planning a fantastic Open House Event and Amazing Grand Opening Specials! Our state-of-the-art Medical Spa is expanding into a breathtaking new facility on Crystal Avenue in Derry - opening soon!

HIPPO BEST OF 2019

Southern New Hampshire’s Premier Medispa since 2006 603-894-0070 | Check out our website for services, pricing, before and after images, and videos! RenewMediSpa.com NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 7/ 13

MAULING

Elliot Hospital: Ask the Pediatric Surgeon

Dear Dr. Soukup, My 14 year-old son has gone through a growth spurt in the past few months and I noticed this summer at the beach that his chest seems “sunken” to me. Why does it look this way? Is it dangerous? Thanks for your help, Caroline

Dear Caroline,

Your question is perfectly timed! Dr. Meghna Misra is a pediatric surgeon that just joined us at the Elliot Hospital and has special expertise in this problem, so I have asked her to answer your question: Your son likely has a condition called Pectus Excavatum, also called “sunken chest” or “funnel chest” to describe its appearance. Pectus excavatum is the most common chest wall anomaly that we see in teenage boys. It happens in boys 4 times more frequently than it happens in girls, approximately once in every 400 births. It also can run in families. Pectus excavatum develops when the rib cartilage grows with an abnormal shape where it connects to the sternum (breast bone). Frequently, the depression of the chest wall starts in the first years of life, but is often overlooked at that age. Typically, it isn’t until kids undergo the rapid growth of puberty that families start to notice the change in the chest wall appearance. Rest assured, pectus excavatum is not dangerous and does not cause problems with lung or heart function. However, it is not uncommon for kids with pectus excavatum to complain of chest pain, shortness of breath, or some degree of exercise intolerance. Some adolescents don’t have any physical symptoms from the pectus – but may suffer from the psychological impact of

Dr. Elizabeth Soukup earned her Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, where she received the Outstanding Achievement Award in Medicine, graduating first in her class. She completed her General Surgery training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and her fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at Children’s Hospital Boston. She also completed a Masters of Medical Science degree in clinical investigation from Harvard Medical School and was awarded a two-year NIH funded (NRSA) postdoctoral fellowship. She is board-certified in both Pediatric Surgery and General Surgery. She is an associate Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a member of American Pediatric Surgery Association (ASPA) and the Pediatric Trauma Society. Dr. Soukup was The 2018 Elliot Physician of the year and named a ‘Top Doc’ by her peers in 2019.

Please send your questions to: askthepediatricsurgeon@elliot-hs.org

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their chest wall appearance that can significantly impair their quality of life. I would recommend for your son to undergo evaluation by a pediatric surgeon. With a combination of a physical exam and low-dose radiation studies, the surgeon will be able to assess the severity of the pectus and determine whether or not your son may benefit from corrective surgery. The most common intervention for pectus excavatum is called the “Nuss Procedure” which is a minimally invasive technique in which a bar is placed behind the sternum to correct the chest wall depression. Adolescents tend to do very well with this operation, but again, it is not necessary for all patients with pectus excavatum. Even if the decision is not to have surgery, he can be followed with physical exams until the adolescent period is over. The other common chest wall deformity is called “Pectus Carinatum” in which the sternum is pushed outwards. This is most often managed with brace therapy that is well tolerated by kids. Thanks for your question! Sincerely, Dr. Misra and Dr. Soukup #askthepediatricsurgeon

Dr. Meghna V. Misra graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College. She earned her Doctor of Medicine with Research Honors from Tufts University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in General Surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and her fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University. Dr. Misra completed her Masters of Science and Clinical Translational Research at the University of Connecticut. She is board-certified in both Pediatric Surgery and General Surgery. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a member of the American Pediatric Surgery Association (APSA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the International Pediatric Endosurgery Group (IPEG). Dr. Misra comes to Elliot Hospital after spending six years as an attending pediatric surgeon at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, where she served as the Director of the Pectus Program.

EDUCATION COLUMN

Transformative Childhood Education How a Quality Program Can Make A Difference By Angela Hehir, Early Childhood Education Director

Because of the malleability of a child’s young mind, it’s important that children between ages 0-3 have access to activities that can help build a strong foundation for their neurological development.An intentional early childhood education plan can pave the way for a well-rounded education. An Environment That Fosters Growth The best childcare professionals are experts at creating and executing a well-planned curriculum to support their early

childhood education classroom and, along with it, the toys, tools, and other equipment necessary to foster a child’s integral development from 0-3. For toddlers, these resources help to build their sense of independence, refine their motor skills, and introduce creative methods of boosting their language skills. Building A Foundation For Strong Social Skills Socialization becomes especially important for toddlers between 24-36 months. Interacting in a group setting will give them an opportunity to build empathy for others, understand the consequences of their actions, gain confidence as they build early friendships, and demonstrate “increasingly sophisticated social skills” by the time they reach elementary school.

Preparing Children For Lessons To Come For children with little classroom experience, their first day at kindergarten can be a bit of a shock. Alternatively, children who have familiarized themselves with this process from an early age are less likely to feel out of place. Positive, highly engaging activities—like those provided at a quality pre-kindergarten program—play a significant role in a child’s life as they continue to progress on their educational journey. A Resource For Families When They Need It For many families, early childhood education provides parents with the freedom to choose the best path for their family, such as choosing a program that will help them care for their child when

they return to work. Raising children in a happy, stress-free environment is as important as their education in setting them up for success. Start Your Child’s Education On The Right Foot Quality early education can make a big difference in a student’s academic, socio-emotional, cognitive-intellectual, developmental, physical, and creative growth. We’ve seen, firsthand, how children blossom during their time in our Infant and Toddler Rooms and, time and time again, we have witnessed how the growth that our students achieved during their early education journey here became the “scaffolding” for their knowledge acquisition in later years.

Join Us For Our K-8 Open House Saturday, November 16, 2019 10am-11am Tour Our School Interact With Teachers & Administrators Participate in Q & A Receive Admissions Information Learn About Our “Cradle to Careers” Roadmap

To Register, Call or Visit Us Online! 603.888.1982 • WorldAcademyNH.com 138 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH 03062 NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 7/ 15

Restoring Confidence and Helping You Look Your Best Our Surgeons Are Experts In: Breast Reconstruction Skin Cancer Treatment and Reconstruction Rhinoplasty Breast Augmentation and Lift Breast Reduction General Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery

Todd Burdette, MD

Dave Lee, MD

Call for an appointment today:

603-314-6450

Elliot at Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Edge, 185 Queen City Avenue, Manchester, NH 03101 603-314-6450 | elliothospital.org 16 / VOL 2 ISSUE 7 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE