Your Health August 2011 by Tallahassee Democrat

AUGUST 2011

Dancing to the beat of life

Zumba’s Latin rhythms make Randy Baez ‘feel alive’

BEYOND BOTOX

The world of noninvasive cosmetic procedures

FROM ACHOO TO AHHH Spa treatments can help allergy sufferers

MAGIC AGE ERASERS

10 tips on flattering clothes, makeup and hair

THis issUE

August On the cover

‘IT MAKES ME FEEL ALIVE’ Music teacher Randy Baez became a “Zumba Junkie” after cancer treatment, and she’s been moving to the beat ever since.

Plus…

LOTS OF OPTIONS FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN Everyone knows about Botox, but what about the many other noninvasive procedures available to anyone seeking smoother, youngerlooking skin?

Also inside... 06 ESSENTIAL NUTRITION

24 SMART FITNESS

Beyond the hype, EVOO,

way to a healthier you.

or extra virgin olive oil, really is good stuff.

16 BEST BODY

20 ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

26 SPA SEcRETS

Allergy sufferers may find relief at a local spa.

Help is available for those who simply sweat too much.

Set aside time to walk your

28 MAKEOVER

Hair, makeup, clothes

Experts offer their opinions

— freshen up your look

on “nutricosmetics,”

with these 10 ideas.

supplements that promise to improve appearance.

IN EVERY ISSUE

ABOUT THE cOVER Randy Baez, music teacher and Zumba instructor, finds joy and community in the Latin-inspired dance fitness program. For more on Randy, see “in the Beat of Life” inside. Photo by Long’s Photography, 339-5799, 702 W. Tharpe st.

4 EDITOR’S LETTER 30 AROUND TOWN August2011 2011 YOUR YOURHEALTH HEALTH August

EdiTOR’s LETTER

“The rhythm’s calling!” W

ith the August heat comes a certain amount of apathy regarding outdoor activity. My resolutions about walking in the morning and continued yard improvement usually get shelved in favor of airconditioned, indoor pursuits. A recent addition to my indoor repertoire was introduced to me by our featured Tallahassee woman for August, Randy Baez. My first inkling of kinship developed outside of Randy’s class at Women’s World one evening while I was waiting for her to finish up so we could chat about her story. Even with the glass separating me from the participants, the beat of Latin music and the energy from the crowd had me twitching in my seat to get up and move. As the session came to an end, it was so encouraging to see myriad shapes, sizes and ages pouring through the doors, all with smiles on their faces, making plans for the next time Randy was teaching. I’ve always hesitated to join group exercise classes, afraid my technique, rhythm or endurance would not be a good fit. But now? I’m a convert thanks to Randy and her belief that everyone will find their own pace and style with Zumba. In preparation for September and some interesting additions we’re bringing to Your Health, I would love to hear from any readers making health improvement commitments for the rest of the year. You’ll hear more about my specific goals in September too.

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YOUR HEALTH HEALTH August August 2011 2011 YOUR

ESSENTIAL NUTRITION

EVOO and you Extra virgin olive oil is great for dressing salads and vegetables, and for many cooking tasks. But is it really better than other oils? BY AMBER BARZ

une in to any cooking show, and you’ll likely hear the chef talking about extra virgin olive oil, or EVOO.

Here’s what’s to like about this celebrity oil.

IT’S HEART HEALTHY Olive oil is the only oil obtained directly from the flesh of the fruit and not the seed. This means it requires less pressure and lower temperatures during the pressing process, which preserves the fruit’s nutritional qualities. Olive oil contains 90 percent unsaturated fats, most of which are the cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fats, explains registered dietician, nutritionist and cookbook author Sandra Woodruff. “The oil also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. This makes olive oil one of the most heart healthy oils. Its only drawback is that it contains little omega 3 or omega 6, which are the heart-healthy fatty acids.”

A VARIETY OF FLAVORS The flavor of olive oils ranges from mild and buttery to lightly fruity, medium fruity and intensely fruity. You can also find oils that are flavored with different spices and fruits, such as garlic, basil and lemon. Chefs typically keep a variety of EVOOs on hand to enhance recipes. If you are uncertain about which flavor will work best in your recipe, experiment starting with milder oils and work your way up to more pungent flavors. 6

YOUR YOUR HEALTH HEALTH August August 2011 2011

THE HigHEsT qualiTy

know what you are getting? “Look on the label

The terms “pure,” “virgin” and “extra virgin”

the North American Olive Oil Association or the

refer to the chemical properties of the oil. Complex olive oil molecules can be damaged by heat, light or mechanical action. This damage causes fragments of the oil molecule to break off. These fragments are called fatty acids. One fatty acid in particular, oleic acid, is commonly formed when olive oil is damaged and can be hard to digest. Olive oil filled with lots of oleic acid is

and choose an oil that has a certification seal from California Olive Oil Association,” says Currier. “Certified oils have passed a variety of tests to ensure they meet EVOO quality standards.”

kEEp EVoo aT iTs bEsT To keep EVOO fresh, store the oil in a dark, cool pantry and use it within 60 days from the day

referred to as “rancid.”

of buying it. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as this

The lower the level of oleic acid, the more virgin,

or baking at temperatures above 350 degrees,

or unbroken, are the molecules in a particular oil. Oils labeled “pure” have 3 percent or less oleic acid. Oils labeled “virgin” have 2 percent or less oleic acid. Extra virgin oils have 0.8 percent or

can cause the oil to cloud. If you are cooking consider choosing another plant-based oil that has a higher smoke point, such as canola, safflower or sunflower, as shown in the chart here.

less oleic acid.

MakE your own oil spray

The very best EVOOs in the world have fatty acid

Although the cooking sprays you find in the

levels ranging from 0.25 to 0.33 percent, one-half

grocery store are virtually void of calories, they

to one-third lower than the maximum 0.8 percent.

are also virtually void of nutrition. To reap

Can you TEll if iT’s EVoo?

the benefits of more nutritious oils, registered

A study released recently by the University of

own cooking-oil spray by pouring some of your

California Davis Olive Center found that many

favorite oil into a spray bottle. “You’ll use much

imported olive oils do not meet the requirements

less oil by spraying it rather than pouring it, and

necessary to be labeled as EVOO. So how do you

you’ll save money, too,” she says. v

dietician Kelly Currier suggests making your

Cooking oil temperature maximums ExTRA viRgin OLivE OiL: mEdiUm HEAT, 350 dEgREEs PURE OLivE OiL: mEdiUm-HigH HEAT, 425 dEgREEs CAnOLA OiL: mEdiUm-HigH HEAT, 425 dEgREEs sAffLOwER OiL: HigH HEAT, nOT mORE THAn 450 dEgREEs sUnfLOwER OiL: HigH HEAT, nOT mORE THAn 450 dEgREEs August 2011 2011 YOUR YOUR HEALTH HEALTH August

ESSEnTIAL nUTRITIOn

Try these other plant-based oils Plant-based oils are some of the healthiest oils, says Kelly Currier, a registered dietiCian. in addition to olive oil, she suggests trying these oils: Canola:

This oil originated in Canada and was first referred to as Canadian oil, which was shortened to canola. Canola oil, made from pressed canola seeds, is an excellent source of healthy omega 3 fatty acids and has a light, sweet taste. It smokes at a higher temperature than EVOO, making it a better choice for recipes that require mediumhigh to high heat. sunflower and safflower oils:

These oils are rich in vitamin E and high in omega 6 fatty acids, but contain no omega 3 fatty acids. Both contain 90 percent unsaturated fats, but they tend to be highly refined, making them less natural, but also less susceptible to damage from heat and age. rePlaCing butter with oil

With the exception of some baked goods, you can replace butter with a plant-based oil in most recipes, says registered dietician, nutritionist and cookbook author Sandra Woodruff. “This will reduce the amount of unhealthy saturated fat and cholesterol in the recipe.” To replace butter with oil, exchange four parts butter for three parts EVOO. For example, 4 tablespoons of butter becomes 3 tablespoons EVOO.

EVOOs to try Look for these EVOOs at local grocery stores and online. • California Olive Ranch Miller’s Blend EVOO: fruit flavors (made from Arbequina and Arbosana olives); 500 ml, $13.97. californiaoliveranch.com • Colavita EVOO: light and buttery; imported from Italy; 16.9 oz., $9. Local grocery stores, colavitastore.com • Columela EVOO: more fruit flavors; imported from Spain; 17 oz., $16. Local grocery stores, surlatable.com • Rachael Ray All-Italian EVOO: fruit flavors; 17 oz., $12.95. rachaelraystore.com • Rachel Ray Everyday EVOO: light and buttery; 17 oz., $8.95. rachaelraystore.com 8

YOUR HEALTH August 2011

FEATURE

Beyond Botox Options now abound for beauty-seekers wanting professional treatment By ElisE OBErliEsEn

hinking about plastic surgery to improve your look? Or maybe you’re considering something less invasive, like a chemical peel or laser skin resurfacing. Either way, you’ll have lots of company.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported 9.5 million procedures, including both surgical and noninvasive interventions, in 2010 with about 2.4 million of those procedures being for that now-classic, nonsurgical wrinkle treatment, Botox. Beyond Botox lies a wide range of professionally administered options for anyone seeking smoother, younger-looking skin. Here’s a look at some

of what’s available.

10 10

YOUR HEALTH HEALTH August August 2011 2011 YOUR

Laser

Cosmetic Fillers

Laser technology zaps more than pesky facial hairs and the straggly ones along bikini lines. Laser or light therapy erases age spots, minimizes spider veins and brings out a beautiful complexion, says Rachel Depart, a nurse practitioner and owner of Tallahassee-based Allure Laser Treatment. Advances in laser technology continue to wow beauty industry experts. “With skin rejuvenation, it helps with fine lines, wrinkles and a moderate amount of skin tightening,” Depart says.

Doctors look to cosmetic fillers with hyaluronic acid, such as Juvederm and Restylane, because of their lasting power, says Jeffrey A. Ravel, MD, plastic facial surgeon and owner of Raval Facial Aesthetics and Rocky Mountain Facial Aesthetics. Previously, collagen fillers only stayed put for about three months, he says. But these newer products show more promising results. Plus there is no down time. At first, the products were a fix for the lips and smile lines. But now, it’s fair game for nearly the whole face. “Now we’re extending it to the eyes, the cheeks, temples and forehead. It’s giving a much more natural appearance and much more effective treatment,” Raval says.

Here’s how lasers help revitalize the skin. Using the Nd YAG laser, Depart says the procedure initially “injures” the skin. But because the body is its own sophisticated healing system, it does the rest. Eventually, rich blood cells race to the affected area and trigger the healing process. That brings with it more collagen and skin resilience. “It takes about four to five treatments, about three to four weeks apart,” Depart says. At $200 a pop, the whole process runs about $800, she says.

Fraxel Treatment The FDA-approved Fraxel procedure uses an intense laser to penetrate the dermis, the skin layer just below the epidermis. The process creates a “wound” that eventually sets off a healing process. Then it delivers an abundance of collagen and elastin to the skin layers. The end result is beautiful, youthful-looking skin. Experts say it’s best to find a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform Fraxel laser treatment. “It works wonderfully, but you are very swollen for about three days,” Depart says.

Microderm Abrasion Want crow’s feet to fly away? How about smoothing out fine lines and acne scars? Deemed the “lunch hour procedure,” microderm abrasion involves a handheld device and tiny crystals used to polish a glow into your skin. Add a chemical peel with this light abrasion and watch out. “It really works when done on a regular basis,” Raval says. The treatment costs about $40 per session. It’s also important to use high quality cosmetics and moisturizers to get lasting results from your treatment, Raval notes.

Chemical Peel The chemical peel is used to treat sun damage, fine wrinkles and uneven complexion. During the treatment, an alpha hydroxy acid solution is brushed onto the face, and the top layer of skin is gently peeled away. Some report brighter skin after just one application, but others opt for regular treatments spaced over time. Always use sunscreen when undergoing this kind of treatment or when using Retin A products. v

The ToP CosMeTiC ProCedures According to a 2010 survey by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, here are the top three surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures.

surgical procedures

NoNsurgical procedures

1. Breast augmentation (318,123 procedures)

1. Botox (botulinum toxin type A) (2,437,165 procedures)

2. Liposuction (289,016)

2. Hyaluronic acid (1,325,121)

3. Eyelid surgery (152,123)

3. Laser hair removal (936,270)

MAinTenAnCe MATTers The Florida sun causes more than wrinkles and sun spots. After spending time and money to enjoy smooth, clear skin, remember a little TLC goes a long way to preserve the look. Wear broad-based UVA and UVB sunscreen every day, says Dr. Jeffrey A. Ravel. And remember to reapply sunscreen, especially during heavy activity or while sweating from the punishing humidity.

August 2011 2011 YOUR YOUR HEALTH HEALTH August

COVER STORY

In the beat

of life

No matter how tired Randy Baez might be, the rhythms of Zumba make her feel wonderfully alive By kim macqueeN

he Latin beats are turned up so high they shake the walls of the Forest Meadows Athletic Center, and you can hear them as you climb the stairs to the second-floor exercise room. Once you get to the top, Tallahassee’s first lady Jane Marks will greet you, sign you in and guide you to a spot on the floor for Zumba, the nation’s hottest fitness trend. Jane is friendly, fit and stylish in understated but attractive workout gear, but she says she’s not tonight’s star attraction. “I’m just the sub! She’s the one you want!” she calls out, directing students’ attention to the front of the room, where tonight’s instructor Randy Baez is warming up. There’s nothing understated about Randy. She’s in pink and black tonight, a sexy workout getup that matches her dark, pink-striped hair and done-up nails with black tips. There are too many women filing in to take Randy’s class for her to greet them all before the session gets going, but she does her best – many of them make her text or call them when she plans to teach, because they want to Zumba with her. And then it all starts. Randy cranks up the music, faces the mirror, flashes an infectious smile at her students and starts moving.

Zumba is an hour-long Latin dancefest of an exercise class that combines salsa, merengue and other rhythms with a booty-shaking cardio interval workout. Sometimes Randy, who teaches music during the day at DeSoto Elementary School in Tallahassee, might be tired or feeling low on the evenings she’s supposed to teach class, but she says once she gets there, the energy lifts her up and keeps her going. Born in New York and raised in Puerto Rico, Randy says, “I hear the music and it calls my name.” She’s been a Zumba instructor for four years, and says it has changed her life. After all, it’s helped her lose 100 pounds and recover from treatments for two different bouts with cancer. It gave her back her energy and became her social circle. And she gets a kick out of watching Zumba students reap those same benefits. “The moment I walk in to a class and put that music on and see the smiles of the students, that does it right there,” she says. “What keeps me going is I know I’m making an impact on their health, I know I’m making an impact on their stress levels, and I know they’re enjoying themselves. For them, it’s like going to a party.”

Instructor Randy Baez gets in the Zumba groove at Women’s World, 1815 Thomasville Road. PHOTOS BY LOng’S PHOTOgRAPHY, 339-5799, 702 W. THARPE ST.

12 12

YOUR HEALTH HEALTH August August 2011 2011 YOUR

cOvER sTORY She adds that it’s a party that everyone’s invited to — not just the young or super-fit. The moves are simple and easy to tailor to different age, strength and endurance levels. But the key for Randy — an obvious lover of life who can’t help smiling and laughing pretty much constantly — has always been how it makes her feel.

surgery for Hodgkins disease in 2006. “I’m still

“Just picture me when I took my first Zumba class,” a scant three months after going through

people there. The Latin music is sensual and lively

80 pounds overweight, bald from the chemo, and it was the first time in 17 years that I ever took any aerobics class that lasted a whole hour. That class made me feel like the sexiest, prettiest, most amazing woman in the room, and there were 120 and it makes me feel alive.” v

What’s Zumba? As the story goes, dancer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez was slated to teach an aerobics class in colombia in the mid-1990s but had forgotten his tape of music for the class. so he went out to his car to get some Latin dance music cDs and taught the class with those. And Zumba, the fitness program centered on Latin-inflected aerobic dance, was born. When Jane Marks first heard about Zumba years ago, it didn’t have a Tallahassee presence yet — she had to drive down to Miami to check it out. Even in 2007, when Randy Baez trained as an instructor, she says there were only two Tallahassee-based Zumba teachers. Now she estimates there are about 80 in the city. “Right now there are over 20,000 instructors in the world. Zumba is in six continents,” Randy says. she cracks up when she adds that “if they could get the penguins to dance, they would have it in the Arctic.” Jane says she has a lot of favorite things about Zumba, but she really loves the diversity of the students. “Just look around this room — we’ve got people of all shapes, sizes, ages, colors. Everybody’s here.” 14

YOUR HEALTH August 2011

Finding a class

for 45 minutes wasn’t doing anything,” she remembers.

These days, Zumba isn’t at all hard to find in Tallahassee. Randy Baez, who works with the Tallahassee firm Zumba Junkie, teaches at Women’s World and Premiere Fitness, and says just about all the gyms in town offer classes. You can find both Jane Marks and Randy online at zumbajunkie.com.

Then she started taking Zumba classes.

Diet plus Zumba equals a slimmer you Randy Baez thinks back to her life before Zumba. Back in 2006, fresh out of cancer treatment and 100 pounds overweight, she set foot in a gym for the first time in 17 years. She became a lifetime member of Weight Watchers. And the weight started coming off, slowly but surely. Just a little too slowly — a pound a week, sometimes only half. “Walking on the treadmill at a slow pace

“Instead of a half-pound a week, I was losing two to three pounds a week. My metabolism was on fire, because I was moving, I was sweating, I was exercising.” Randy hasn’t stopped yet. She tries to teach seven to eight classes a week, but she realizes it’s not all about Zumba. Her steady weight loss — everyone’s — is really due to a combination of diet and exercise. “Ultimately, you have to do both, if you’re going to be successful and lose a whole bunch of weight,” she says. “You can diet alone; you might lose some weight. You can exercise and not do the diet; you might lose some weight. But if you put those two components together … that’s the magic formula.” August 2011 2011 YOUR YOUR HEALTH HEALTH August

15 15

BEST BODY

Don’t sweat it!

Everyone sweats, but sometimes perspiration is a problem

BY KATHLEEN BACK BRADY

oes reaching for that white silk blouse in the morning make you sweat just thinking about underarm stains later on? Relax. There’s relief in sight, even for those with axillary hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive underarm sweating. First, what’s the purpose of sweating? You sweat in order to keep your body cool. And it is perfectly normal to perspire when the temperature of your indoor or outdoor environment rises, during a fever or while exercising vigorously. Eating spicy foods and drinking hot beverages or alcohol also may induce perspiration. In Florida, we sweat in the summertime whenever we venture outdoors. Excessive sweating, however, is a medical condition. Those with axillary hyperhidrosis sweat in hot and cold temperatures, and may be embarrassed by drenched underarms without physical exertion. Having chronic “wet with sweat” underarms despite the use of prescription-strength antiperspirants can be problematic and may affect your social life. No doubt, stressing over sweating adds to the anxiety, and a vicious cycle ensues. It’s important to note that uncontrollable sweating is not a result of poor hygiene.

16 16

YOUR HEALTH HEALTH August August 2011 2011 YOUR

BEST BODY

There are several good options for dealing with sweat. THE BASICS: At the most basic level, daily showers or baths are imperative. While sweat itself has no odor, it turns foul when it mixes with the skin’s bacteria. Natural fabrics like cotton can keep you cooler. Some people prefer wearing high-tech fabrics during exercise to wick moisture.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES: On the alternative treatment front, herbal medication, biofeedback, acupuncture and hypnosis have had only limited success in controlling axillary hyperhidrosis, according to the hyperhidrosis.org website.

DEODORANTS VS. ANTI-PERSPIRANTS: Deodorants can mask the smell, but stronger antiperspirants are often prescribed to control the wetness. They should be applied topically to dry skin to avoid skin irritation and, if the clinical strength is tolerated, some doctors advise application before bed as well as in the morning. Follow your doctor’s orders, because every individual is different.

YOUR YOUR HEALTH HEALTH August August 2011 2011

BOTOX: When antiperspirants fail, consider Botox as a great temporary fix with no downtime after treatment. In most cases, patients enjoy the results for months. The injections prevent the release of acetycholine, which can greatly reduce sweating, and they are usually easily tolerated.

VASER LASER AND MIRIDRI: “Patients with hyperhidrosis now have even more options for therapy,” says Dee Anna Glaser, an MD with the Department of Dermatology at St. Louis University and a founding board member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society. Dr. Glaser cites two therapeutic options in particular, vaser laser and miriDri. Vaser laser is a minor surgical procedure performed using a local anesthetic with one small incision. Sweating is greatly reduced but not all sweat glands are destroyed, and surrounding tissue can be spared from damage. “A new device, miraDri, was FDA cleared to treat axillary hyperhidrosis. This device uses microwave technology without the need for any incisions,” Dr. Glaser adds. Don’t sweat in silence when a change in underarm products or a simple medical technique can make a difference. “Patients should see a doctor and find out what treatment would be right for them,” Dr. Glaser says. v

Underarm stains: The woes of clothes

of detergent.” Use a soft brush or fingers to rub

It’s no sweat to take a few precautions for your

Then wash the entire garment as you normally

clothes. Feel secure wearing them with these helpful suggestions to get the most mileage out of your wardrobe. Brett O’Brien of O’Brien’s Shamrock Cleaners in Tallahassee notes that many deodorants stain clothing and can even fade fabric colors. He recommends letting deodorant dry before putting on your clothes, especially silk garments. All-

in the detergent, then let it sit for a while before rinsing. A mixture of vinegar and water spritzed on the stain from a spray bottle can work as well. would. If you wash and dry your clothes without pre-treating underarm stains, you could set the stains permanently. For dry-clean only fabrics, O’Brien emphasizes pointing out the underarm stains (rings or odor) to the drycleaner’s staff. The drycleaner must treat the stain with a spotting gun to break down

natural deodorants, free of chemicals, may prevent

proteins before cleaning the entire garment.

underarm stains and eliminate the dreaded white

As an ounce of prevention, Sweathelp.org

residue.

suggests dress/shirt shields, which are sweat-

For garments washed safely at home, O’Brien

absorbing underarm liners. And consider carrying

says: “Pre-treat the underarm area separately

an extra shirt for a quick change if you get

by wetting with cold water and a small amount

uncomfortably wet.

ALTERnATivE HEALTH

Beauty from the inside out

Are the pills and powders called ‘nutricosmetics’ worth a try? By MAureen SAlAMon

eauty comes from within, the old saying goes. But that adage is taking on new meaning with the growth of nutricosmetics – supplements and “functional foods” designed to protect and enhance skin, hair and nails. Commonly used by Asian and European women, “nutricosmetics” are a newer phenomenon in the United States but are quickly catching on because of the allure of popping a pill or drinking a shake to possibly stave off aging. Worldwide, nutricosmetics sales are expected to top $4 billion by 2017, according to research firm Global Industry Analysts Inc. American women, already embracing healthier lifestyles and eco-friendly products, are increasingly willing to shell out extra money for an inside-out approach to beauty, says Corina Crysler, managing director and coowner of GliSODin Skin Nutrients, a 3-year-old nutricosmetics company in Toronto.

How do tHey work? “Your skin is an organ just like everything else,” Crysler says. “When you take something internally, the nutrients are brought to the skin by the blood. They go to the lower levels of the skin, so they’re literally feeding those cells from the inside out.” But don’t toss out your moisturizers, exfoliators, toners or any other skin potions in cute little jars. 20

YOUR HEALTH August 2011

Nutricosmetics aren’t meant to replace topical skin care, just complement it. Nutricosmetics can even speed healing time from more invasive procedures – such as laser treatments – by reducing bruising and swelling, Crysler says. “They promote a lot of collagen production circulating in the skin,” she says. “It’s best to have a great internal program and a great external regimen.”

SkepticiSm lingerS The concept’s growing popularity hasn’t convinced everyone that it works, however. And because nutricosmetics – like other dietary supplements – are not scientifically validated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, neither are their anti-aging claims, says Wahida Karmally, Ph.D., director of nutrition at the Irving Center for Clinical Research at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. In fact, Karmally says, the best thing we can do to enhance our beauty through nutrition – including aid skin repair, tightness and brightness – is eat whole, unprocessed foods, especially fruits and vegetables of every hue.

“I think people are paying a lot of money for something that’s not been proven when they can go out and buy a lot of colored fruits and vegetables, which are powerhouses in our diet,” she says. “There is a place for supplements – but if you think supplements can make you age more slowly, that hasn’t been demonstrated. Nutricosmetics may not do anything, they may hurt [people], or they may be living under this false hope.”

A personAl touch Crysler, however, has a quick response to skepticism: “Just try it.” She advises visiting a physician or aesthetician for a personalized nutricosmetics formula that targets individual concerns, such as facial firmness (common in the over-40 set) or damage control (a frequent concern of women in their 30s). Typically, women start noticing results about six weeks after beginning a nutricosmetics regimen, she says.

“Your skin health starts from an internal process, so it only makes sense,” Crysler says. “But it’s not something you can just do for a limited period of time and just stop. Our aging process is a continuous thing.” v

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

old-FashionEd ‘nutricosMEtics’ Can you eat your way to a younger self? Perhaps not, but as American Dietetic Association Spokesperson Andrea Giancoli, MPH, R.D., explains, these foods help fight Father Time, which can help you keep looking and feeling great. Eggs: Loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, egg yolks decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Eat one a day to keep eyes healthy. Fatty Fish: Whether it’s salmon, trout or sardines that cross your plate, fatty fish is high in DHA and EPA, the Omega 3 fatty acids that are associated with heart health, better “mental acuity” and lower depression and anxiety. Put them on the menu twice or thrice a week. MushrooMs: To keep bones strong, you need Vitamin D. The maitake mushroom affords 250 percent of your daily value of the vitamin, while white, Portobello, shitake and oyster mushrooms — so long as they’re cultivated outside — also serve as good sources. apricots: High in beta carotene and Vitamin A, apricots are good for skin. strawbErriEs: Diets rich in Vitamin C result in fewer wrinkles, and strawberries are a great source of it. alMonds: Rich in Vitamin E, almonds are your skin’s best friend. antioxidants: If you want an edible shield against free radicals, antioxidants —which are found in colorful fruits and vegetables—are the answer. — Elizabeth Exline

What’s in those pills and powders? Nutricosmetics come in many forms – pills, powdered drinks, fortified waters and even candy. But all of them are intended to make it easier for skin to absorb much-needed nutrients. Since skin also has the ability to eliminate unneeded substances from our bodies, some nutricosmetics serve as a mild detox to the system to improve complexion. 22

YOUR HEALTH August 2011

coMMon ingrEdiEnts in nutricosMEtics includE: anti-oxidants,

which EncouragE cEll turnovEr

biotin,

which can proMotE propEr Fat production

oMEga-3 Fatty acids,

which hElp Maintain skin MoisturE

niacin,

a vitaMin associatEd with dEtoxiFication

plant Extracts,

which May EnhancE skin FirMnEss

— Maureen Salamon

smART fiTnEss

Small steps, big benefits Schedule some time for yourself by making an appointment to walk every day

rom drive-through dining to online shopping,

International Inc. offers these tips on getting

people are always looking for ways to cut

started and staying motivated:

out an extra step to make things easier and faster. When it comes to developing healthier habits, however, adding extra steps -- literally - may help a person get on the path to a healthier lifestyle. In fact, research has shown that 90 percent of people who have kept weight off successfully include regular activity in their lives.

* Make an appointment. Stick to a regular time every day and put “exercise appointments” on your paper or electronic calendar. If you are a beginner, start out with just 10 minute walks. Add five to 10 minutes to your appointment each week with a goal of completing 45-minute walks within six weeks.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise reducing calorie consumption, focusing

* Open a “fitness checking account.” For those

on nutrient-dense foods and increasing physical

with busy schedules, challenged to find a slot of

activity to reduce the prevalence of overweight

30 minutes to exercise, break it up throughout

and obesity, and reduce the risk of weight-

the day. Spend 10 minutes at lunch walking the

related chronic diseases. Even if you believe in

parking lot. Power shop for 10 minutes at the

the benefits of walking, like burning calories and

grocery store. Add another 10 minutes to the

toning, it can sometimes be challenging to know

walk to get the mail. Just like money, whether

how to incorporate this most natural form of

it’s one big deposit or three small deposits, all

exercise into a busy lifestyle. Weight Watchers

denominations add up.

YOUR HEALTH HEALTH August August 2011 2011 YOUR

* Form a walking group. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with friends or family members, committing to a walking group provides a built-in source of accountability and can make exercise more fun. There are also established walking clubs in most communities. * Commit to a walk for a charitable event and benefit a good cause while getting some exercise. An organized walk is also a good way to meet other people who share your interest in fitness. v â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ARA Content

Faster is better How many calories does it take to walk? According to the website http://caloriecount.about.com, walking for pleasure at a leisurely pace burns about 238 calories per hour for a 150-pound person. Race walking uses more than 400 calories per hour. For comparison, sitting in an office burns about 102 calories per hour.

August 2011 YOUR HEALTH

SpA SEcRETS

These treatments are nothing

to sneeze at

Beyond making you look and feel pretty, a visit to a spa can help soothe allergies By Avery Hurt

he downside of our lovely climate here in Tallahassee is that no matter what the season, something is always pollinating. If allergies are driving you nuts, you may want to treat yourself to an afternoon at a spa. Many spas now offer soothing and effective treatments for the miseries of what in less-blessed climates are called seasonal allergies. From facials to lymph-drainage massages, your favorite spa can offer many options for helping you breathe more easily.

STEAM POWER If you’ve ever draped a towel over your head and held your face over a bowl of hot water, you know how much steam can help. But in the hands of the pros, those steam facials can be 26 26

YOUR YOUR HEALTH HEALTH August August 2011 2011

even better. “There are many aromatherapy oils that are helpful for allergies,” says Joni Harvey, cosmetologist and instructor in skin and nails at the North Florida Cosmetology Institute. Eucalyptus is probably the best, she says, but basil and tea tree oil are also used for allergy symptoms. Frankincense is recommended for asthma and bronchitis, says Harvey.

MASSAGE MAGIC A face massage is another helpful approach. A lymph-drainage massage can help you breathe easier and reduce the puffiness around the eyes so often caused by allergies. Even though it sounds as if it might be painful, don’t worry. According to Bridget Burke-Wammack, licensed massage

therapist and vice-chair of the Florida Board of Massage Therapy, the pressure required to manipulate lymph vessels is very light â&#x20AC;&#x201C; about the weight of a nickel.

JUST ADD SALT Saline washes are one of the most effective methods of clearing the sinuses of pollens and pollutants, and can make life much less miserable when allergies strike, says Ronald Saff, MD, of Allergy and Asthma Diagnostic on Centerville Road. As far as other alternative remedies are concerned, Dr. Saff warns allergy sufferers that few alternative therapies have been proven in scientific studies and results may be due to the placebo effect.

TO KEEP IN MIND For most of these therapies any risk is to your wallet not your health. However, there are some things you should be aware of before you try a procedure for relief. Before having a lymph-drainage massage, make sure your massage therapist is licensed and trained in the method. And, says Burke-Wammack, give your practitioner a thorough medical history, including any medications you are taking. Some conditions, such as congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease, acute infections, and any history of blood clots can make lymph drainage, and sometimes other types of massage, dangerous. Eucalyptus, says Dr. Saff, can also be harmful under certain circumstances. Some people have an allergic reaction to the vapors and when taken internally eucalyptus has been known to occasionally cause problems, including difficulty breathing. Just be sure to use a licensed practitioner and give a through medical history, then lie back and enjoy relief from Tallahasseeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s year-round allergy season. v August 2011 YOUR HEALTH

MAKEOVER

Magic (age) erasers Beyond improving the skin you’re in, there are dozens of ways to freshen your look through hairstyles, makeup and clothes BY ELIZABETH EXLINE

long or short and to the side for, “a small change that can make a big impact.”

HAIR CARE

When it comes to hair styles, the bob is hot, no matter your age. Go short with a stylish pixie cut, or play it safe with a wavy, shoulder-length bob, says Marsha Doll, president of Marsha Doll Models and Promotions Inc.

ome things the young can keep — Justin Bieber, acne, texting-induced carpal tunnel syndrome — while others are decidedly more enviable. From creating a glow to cutting bangs, our experts dish on quick, effective ways to peel back the years.

Bangs are back, says Sondra Carlton, executive stylist at So Pure Salon & Spa Carlton. Wear them

To select the right hair color, find a celebrity in your age range who has your coloring and emulate her look. “Now that Jennifer Aniston cut her hair, everybody wants her hair cut,” Carlton observes. Other fashionable role models include Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker. Another good rule of thumb is to stay within two shades of your natural color, Carlton advises, although Doll points out that blonde is ideal for hiding roots, and red looks good on more people than you might think.

MAKEUP MASTERY To recapture a youthful glow, apply bronzer to your face, neck and décolleté, suggests Carlton, and add a little extra at your cheekbones. Direct attention to your eyes with carefully applied highlighter. Put some in the corner of your eye and directly under your eyebrows, Carlton advises, and avoid shimmer and foundation, which emphasize fine lines. Add drama with mascara and lash extensions. Carlton likes to coat both the top and bottom of the top lash line, but steers clear of enhancements on the lower lashes, which might accentuate wrinkles. 28

YOUR HEALTH August 2011

Fashion Plate Buying trendy clothes is not verboten once you cross into your 40s. Wearing three at once, however, is. “If you’re going to wear the knee-high boots,” Doll explains, “I wouldn’t wear a low-cut blouse with a short skirt. You just want to do one thing.” This season, the maxi dress is a figureflattering trend for everyone. Feel free to mix cheap and trendy pieces with your staples. “You can spend $1,500 to get a great suit, and you can put a $29.99 tank underneath with some pearls and be fabulous,” Doll says. Break out your big jewelry, and take comfort in the fact that most younger women can’t compete with a collection amassed over several decades and that mixes modern and vintage costume pieces with the fine jewelry. v

August 2011 YOUR HEALTH

AROUND TOWN

The Big Champagne Bash 2011 Aug. 26, 8 p.m.-midnight Come out for a “Roaring Twenties” ritz with lots of bubbly, tasty eats, dance floor hijinks, commemorative photos, prize giveaways and more, all benefiting the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend. The party takes place at Hotel Duval, 415 N. Monroe St. Cost: $55/ single or $100/couple. Information: 2246000. Tickets: www.bbbs.org/bigbash.

Ballroom Dancing

Aug. 1, Mondays, 7:30-10 p.m. Shake off the Monday blues with ballroom dancing to music from DJs Dick, Vic and Jeff every week at the American Legion Hall, 229 Lake Ella Drive. Dance class will be from 7:30 to 8 p.m., then dancing continues until 10:30 p.m. Admission: $5. Information: 222-3382.

KaraoKe at the BomB Shelter

Aug. 2, Tuesdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. The Bomb Shelter at Barnacle Bill’s, 1830 N. Monroe St., throws open its doors for free karaoke beginning at 9 p.m. every Tuesday. Enter Tallahassee Idol! to win a $10 bar tab. Information: 385-8734.

“tipS for caregiving”

Aug. 4, 6:30 p.m. “Tips for Caregiving” will be the subject of the Aug. 4 installment of the “From Surviving to Thriving” free lecture series for cancer survivors at the Wellness for Cancer Survivors Facility, Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center, 1776 One Healing Place. Chris Thomas, the social worker on the Cancer

YOUR HEALTH HEALTH August August 2011 2011 YOUR

Navigation team, will join Judy Shipman, who has led a support group for caregivers for many years, to discuss caregiving and offer tips. Kathleen J. Barnett, a pain management clinical specialist, will discuss pain management, communicating with your clinical team and complementary methods to relieve pain. Information and registration: 431ICAN (4226) or TMH.org.

long art Summer

Aug. 5-27 The galleries at LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts, 125 North Gadsden St., will be filled with an eclectic mix of work both local and historical. The front gallery shows Alla Prima and local group of landscape artists showing new work. The City of Tallahassee Town Show continues with a collection of work from employees. The main gallery has the Werbitzky, Verbitskya Collection, an exhibit of historic works from 1920 through 1945 depicting memories of time in concentration camps. The Gallery Opening is from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 5 during the First Friday Gallery Hop. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Cost: free for Gallery Hop; $2 on regular gallery

days. Information: Contact Ann Kozeliski for more information, director@ lemoyne.org, 222-8800.

throwBacK feSt Aug. 6, 4 p.m.-midnight Throwback Fest is a one-day, old-school R&B outdoor concert featuring national artists such as Lenny Williams, Cherrell, WHODINI, Lakeside and more at the North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road. Tickets are on sale Belladonna Shoes, Clippers Salon and more. Presented by Musical Ear Entertainment Inc. Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the gate, $45 VIP. Gates open at 4 p.m. and show starts at 6 p.m. Information: www.throwfestconcerts. com or 800- 595-4849.

atlantiS’ “Sin fin” latin night Aug. 6, Saturdays, 8-10 p.m. Shimmy to a Latin beat at La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, 2329 Apalachee Parkway, on Monday nights, when the restaurant hosts free salsa, meringue and bachata classes. Information: 656-3392.

angioScreen – community Day

Aug. 15, 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Capital Regional Medical Center, 2626 Capital Medical Boulevard, will offer AngioScreen, a noninvasive vascular screening designed to assess your risk of heart disease and stroke. The screening takes 15 minutes, and you will be provided with a consultation and clear results of your vascular condition immediately afterwards. This event will be in the hospital’s third floor classroom. Information: http://capitalregionalmedicalcenter. com or 325-3627.

the 30th annual capital city Quilt Show

Aug. 19, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” is the theme of this year’s Capital City Quilt Show opening Aug. 19 at the Museum of Florida History , R. A. Gray Building, 500 S. Bronough St. More than 80 quilts will be on display through Nov. 6 during museum hours. Cost: free. Information: www. museumoffloridahistory. com or 245-6400.