Milwaukee Magazine | Health and Beauty Q&As

Health and Beauty Q&As

We spoke with seven local experts about the latest treatments and techniques in their fields.

Daniel Ferguson, MD Eye Care Specialists

What kind of eye problems can diabetes cause?

With diabetes, fluctuating and high blood sugar levels can cause the blood vessels that nourish the retina in the back of the eye to become weak or abnormal. This “retinopathy” leads to leakage and bleeding that can blur vision and permanently impair sight. In addition to experiencing retinal damage, diabetics are twice as likely to develop cataracts (clouding of the lens inside the eye) and glaucoma (loss of peripheral vision related to increased fluid pressure in the eye). Unfortunately, such problems often aren’t noticed until sight is lost – and it may not be able to be restored. That’s why annual dilated eye exams are crucial.

With diabetes on the rise, our practice sees tens of thousands of diabetics each year. Fortunately, when treatment is necessary, we now have special injectable medications that have amazing results in decreasing blood vessel leakage and abnormal new growth. They may not only stabilize vision but, in some cases, actually improve sight.

All diabetics – Type 1, Type 2, insulin-dependent or not – are at risk for vision problems, and that risk increases with the number of years you have diabetes. But diabetes-related sight loss is often preventable with blood sugar control, yearly exams and early intervention. All of our expertise, equipment and treatments are of no use, however, if patients don’t come in for annual exams.

Krista Simko Jones Marketing Manager, St. Camillus

What is a Life Plan Community?

St. Camillus Life Plan Community offers independent living, assisted living, specialized memory care, skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation. Our certified Home Health Department provides an extensive range of services including hospice. Seniors and their loved ones can rest assured that a move to St. Camillus will ensure that their care needs, now or in the future, will be met with our continuum of services and programs.

How does St. Camillus incorporate different aspects of wellness into its Life Plan Community?

At St. Camillus, our six-dimensional Revitalize Wellness program is designed to help individuals maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Our goal is to achieve a higher quality of life for all residents, promote well-being and enhance healthy aging. Our Revitalize Wellness program focuses on the following key dimensions: physical, spiritual, community, intellectual, social and emotional wellness. The Revitalize Center features a pool, whirlpool and state-of-the-art exercise studios and equipment. Extensive life enrichment programming plays a critical role in the wellness program. By incorporating a robust wellness program into daily programming, residents are living an active and engaged life.

Jill DeQuardo

Medical Aesthetician, SKN BAR RX

What does a consultation at SKN BAR RX involve?

We take pictures on our Observ 520x device every time a new patient comes in so we can map the progression within their skin. The Observ 520x device scans the patient’s skin and shows different textures. Then the patient lists their concerns and their goals – this could be anything from pigmentation or acne, to fine lines, wrinkles and more. We discuss their lifestyle. Are they active? Do they go out in the sun a lot? We discuss their timeline. We also discuss what products they use at home. As much as our treatments here are vital to their skin’s journey, it’s crucial that we also give them the right products. Lastly, we go over their options and map out a full treatment plan to reach their goals.

What are some of the most popular treatments?

I would say the most popular is our SKN BAR Rx Signature Facial with dermaplane added on. It requires no downtime and includes a peel. Winter is great for chemical peels because you’re not exposed to the sun as much. The Clear and Brilliant laser is also popular. This laser targets pigmentation, fine lines, redness, texture, melasma and more.

You can get screened and have peace of mind

Talk about health screenings with a doctor who listens

Getting regular health screenings is important for every woman. They may help detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable. So talk with a doctor at Ascension Wisconsin about screenings that may be right for you.

If you need more care, including more advanced treatment options, you are connected to compassionate care teams and specialists.

Nicosia King Owner, Golden Path

What are some of the benefits of at-home care?

First off, it’s receiving care in the comfort of your home. You can receive supportive services, non-medical home care and companionship without going to an assisted living or nursing home. You can customize your care with us by choosing the services that require assistance. If you pay privately, you can customize more boutique-style services. Individuals with insurance will have services approved as medically necessary.

What kind of care do you offer?

We offer bathing, toileting, companionship, supervision, meal preparation, grooming services, medication reminders and more. If needed, we can complete errands for you. That can be very beneficial for someone who needs help. Your case manager works directly with you throughout your service, and we have a nurse who will come in every two months for visits and direct care worker instructions. Home care is also a benefit for your family. Caring for someone can be a 24/7 job, and if your loved ones are working or at school, we can be there to help.

Elizabeth R. Walsh-Zimmermann Spa Director, WELL Spa + Salon, Pfister Hotel

What are the most important skin care products to use at home and why?

First, use a face-specific cleanser – it is everything. If you start with bar soap, your PH is unbalanced from the get-go. Number two: Moisturize and protect your skin, as it is the one part of your body that is continually exposed to harsh elements. Have your skin analyzed by a professional esthetician, so you understand what moisturizer truly suits your skin, which can change seasonally and hormonally. Don’t forget the SPF. Three: Add a serum under your moistur izer; it’s not a sales gimmick. Think of serum as a cure or “medicine” that helps alleviate what goes on under the top layer of your skin. Everything on top is a result of what goes on below.

What about WELL Spa’s Signature Facial? What results does that achieve?

Our Plumping Firming Anti-Aging Facial’s efficacy is due to its biotechnological, performance-driven, natural, marine-based ingredients which boost collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

This facial is life-changing in the moment and is an amazing skin reset, as well as incredibly relaxing – but it is still important to remember these effects are temporary if you don’t use proper skin care products once you are home.

Alan and Jean Hilgeman

Residents, Saint John’s On The Lake

Why did you decide to move to Saint John’s On The Lake?

AH: We lived in Brookfield and we wanted to downsize and move to a place where we could live for the rest of our lives. If we need additional health care in the future, that’s available here. But we also moved here because it’s a nice place to live on the East Side of Milwaukee with a lovely apartment and a vibrant community.

JH: I think the urban setting really made Saint John’s the choice for us rather than somewhere in the suburbs. There’s a wide variety of activities to do here. We love to bike. We love to walk. We love the lake. This location really brought us here. There’s so much culture outside of Saint John’s on the East Side, too: museums, festivals, music, theater.

AH: My first advice to anyone would be to move here when you can enjoy the community and get out and about. Don’t wait until the point where you can’t.

JH: It gives us so much freedom. And I can’t say enough about the staff here at Saint John’s. They hire incredible people.

Mary A. Kuder MD, Family Medicine Physician, Ascension Wisconsin

What’s the most important way to stay healthy?

The most important thing anyone can do is to get an annual exam. Just as you would have your car maintained to avoid a mechanical issue, an annual tune-up gives your doctor a chance to assess your risks and perform general screenings to help catch things like diabetes, hypertension and other health issues before they become advanced.

When it comes to living a healthy and full life, preventive care is key and regular checkups can be potential lifesavers. A physical exam serves as a wellness check for you to touch base with your doctor, address any health concerns, including your mental health, and talk about preventative measures.

It’s important to prepare ahead of an annual visit. You should ideally make a list and go over your top three concerns at the very beginning of your visit.

It’s important to see your doctor regularly – the doc tor-patient relationship is one built on trust over time, which makes having open and honest conversations easier.

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Dr. Jeanette Mitchell