Two months before turning “the big 3-0,” a more mature me knew my former lifestyle had way past its expiration date. I desperately needed to start preserving my damaged skin before its fate quickly became matching the weathered handle of my latest Louis Vuitton. Just short of two years thereafter, I’ve religiously followed a daily skin care regimen, including SPF.

Despite my tireless effort and having become a slave to every anti aging product on the market, I’m still overly conscious of the permanent reminder my careless youth has etched across my forehead. Therefore, when presented with the opportunity to try Botox, I happily obliged. I jumped at it actually, while jumping up and down (like the little girl who created the necessity in the first place).

My SmoothMED Experience

Today I had an appointment at the SmoothMED spa for my very first Botox treatment. Beside myself with excitement (yet nervous inside), I walked into the 59th Street clinic; which is conveniently located midtown, between Park and Lexington Avenues. The door opened off the street into a cute and modern setting with a super friendly and helpful staff. After I filled out the typical doctor’s office paperwork, the receptionist took a quick “mug shot” for my chart. This office has a unique way of uploading a patients image onto a graph, so the exact location of injection points is conveniently filed for quick follow-ups. This is the only salon in the city that offers that specific charting protocol. After my picture was taken, I was led to an office where I met Dr. Jack Berdy, SmoothMED owner and medical director, for our consult. He was amazing, a wealth of information and excellent at breaking down medical jargon into terminology that was understandable to my non-medical mind.

What is Botox?

Dr. Berdy explained that Botox is the brand name that represents the protein (botulinum toxin) that is produced by a bacteria known as Clostridium Botulinum. In large doses, this protein causes “Botulism,” a paralytic illness most often seen in cases of food poisoning. It was discovered however; that in small dosages, this protein could be used in cosmetic medicine to treat facial creases, folds and wrinkles. Botox can also be used in non-cosmetic medicine to treat excessive underarm sweating, migraine headaches, chronic pain, esophagus problems, lazy eye syndrome and in some cases, severe clinical depression due to aesthetic and body image distortion mental disorders.

How Does it Work?

“Acetylcholine” is the substance responsible for transmitting messages from our nerves to our muscles, triggering them to contract. Botox works by blocking the transmission of acetylcholine; therefore, the muscles lose their ability to contract. As a result, wrinkles smooth out and soften. It takes the human body 4-6 months to recreate and replace this protein, hence the reason Botox is a temporary solution that needs to be repeated every 4-6 months (depending on individual tolerance and the patient’s personal vanity as fine lines begin to resurface and appear).

Let the Botox’ing Begin

Yep, I learned ALL of that interesting information during my ten minute consult. I’ve never been so thoroughly educated by a physician, this eased the butterflies in my stomach slightly. So did learning the fact that all physicians must be Board Certified in order to administer any injections in the SmoothMED office. It was during this consult that we decided on a “non surgical eyebrow lift” and to fill the lines in my forehead. The doctor asked if I was sensitive to needles, in which I am not. He offered a numbing cream, but I decided against using it only after he assured me that he uses one of the thinnest gauged needles.

About ten minutes after walking into SmoothMED, I was laying on the exam table and ready to begin my injections. The doctor wiped off my makeup but assured me (speaking more to my vanity) that I could touch it up as soon as he was finished. He started my treatment and explained each move he made and reminded me of the reasoning behind doing so, throughout the duration. Any nervousness that was left had diminished.

The entire process lasted a couple of minutes and was relatively painless. Honestly, I was shocked at how little pain was involved. There were a handful of injections, the most severe was slightly less intense than a minor mosquito bite. If patients have 2-4 minutes to spare, it is recommended to ice the area to reduce redness and minimal swelling. I had plenty of time and was handed an ice pack. A few minutes later, the physician removed the ice and handed me a mirror to assess “the damage.” To my surprise, there were only a few miniscule red dots across the top of my forehead. I didn’t bring any make up with me and didn’t think twice about the 26 block walk back to Penn Station which speaks volumes for it not looking bad at all.

I was reminded that it takes 5-7 days to see any results; therefore, if you’re planning on getting Botox for an event, be sure to schedule your appointment at least a week in advance. Also, I was instructed not to rub the area, lay down flat or work out to avoid dissipating the injected bacterium to an unwanted spot, potentially causing an adverse reaction such as eyelid and/or eyebrow drooping. Although this is extremely uncommon and reversible, these precautions should be taken seriously. All normal activity (including normal skin care) can be resumed the following day. I was warned there could be a slight headache as a side effect, but its 4 hours later and I feel great. The only thing I feel is a slight tightness around my eyes, very similar to when a ponytail is pulled too tight. There is no pain or discomfort involved.

Twenty minutes after walking into SmoothMED, I was thanking the staff and walking right back out the door. SmoothMED‘s “concept is to obtain expert Botox® treatments and/or injectable facial fillers in a safe medical setting in 30 minutes or less.” I can truly vouch for that and I would absolutely do a “fly by” Botox treatment on a lunch break and even before a date or a big night out. My favorite “perk” is that there are no appointments necessary. I can guarantee I’ll be back at SmoothMED for my follow-up “Expert Botox…On the GO!” before my sister’s wedding in September.

Okay, so you got me to admit my age this once but now I’m going right back to claiming my eternal 21…thanks to todays “lunch break Botox” I have the smooth, young face to “prove” it!

For more information checkout SmoothMED.com and ask about some of their specials for SpaWeek! Check out our video below!

Eat Fresh Veggies to Lose Weight

Increasing your vegetable intake in order top lose weight is not new. This tried and true weight-loss method has been used by some many for so long and for good reason too! Vegetables can be high in dietary fiber and low in calories which both fills you up and keeps you slim. They also help with water retention and give you extra energy due to their bountiful nutrients.

Eat Fresh Veggies to Look Beautiful

Vegetables aren’t just good for your insides, they’re great for your outsides too! Carotenoids in carrots help to repair skin damage, radishes and celery help reduce body acids which, in turn, reduces acne, and the Selenium in asparagus helps the skin battle signs of aging. This is but a taste (pun intended) of what vegetables can do for your beauty regiment.

Eat Fresh Veggies to Help Your Community

We all know vegetables are good for you, but did you know that eating them can be good for your community too? Community Supported Agriculture groups (CSA) allow city residents to have direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown locally by regional farmers. Bridging the ever present gap between city mouse and country mouse.

When you become a member of a CSA, you’re purchasing a “share” of vegetables from a regional farmer. Weekly or bi-weekly, from June until October or November, your farmer will deliver that share of produce to a convenient drop-off location in your neighborhood. CSA members pay for an entire season of produce upfront (typically $400-$600). This early bulk payment enables your farmer to plan for the season, purchase new seed, make equipment repairs, and more. Not only do you get farm fresh veggies each week, you can go to sleep at night knowing you’re doing your small part to help support your local farmers and keep fresh, organic vegetables accessible for all.

Find a CSA near you by checking Local Harvest

I arrived early to the Natural Gourmet Institute (a fantastic vegetarian cooking school – more on that in a later blog) and was greeted by the very friendly Post Cereal staff with the most adorable light blue apron I had seen in a long time. For me? Why THANK YOU Post Cereal. Guests were treated to a delightful healthy breakfast and a brief presentation by the Diet Doctor herself; Dr. Melina Jampolis. Dr. Jampolis spoke about her life mantra “food is medicine” and the health benefits of Post Cereal Shredded Wheat. You might not know this ladies and gentlemen but Shredded Wheat is made solely of wheat berries. Don’t feel bad, I was totally shocked when I heard that too. I mean, I knew Shredded Wheat was good for me but I never realized it was that good for me. How could I have been eating this cereal for years and not know what was really in it? I felt like a total goose…

How nutritious are wheat berries? Unlike many other types of grains, wheat berries retain nearly all of their nutrients after being cooked. Wheat berries are packed with fiber, protein and iron. They are also loaded with vitamin E, a cell-protecting antioxidant, and magnesium, which are needed to maintain healthy bones and muscles. Talk about Healthy!!! Also, Dr. Jampolis went on to point out that unlike most cereal brands today trying to first incorporate whole grains into their products, Post Cereal Shredded Wheat has always been composed of naturally occurring grain.

Although I am not allowed to tell everyone the recipe for Shredded Wheat, I will simply say: it is easy, healthy, and delicious. Go out and get yourself a box this weekend because it will surely help you with any kind of diet/health program you have laid out for yourself. I know I bought a box during my grocery trip this weekend.

Oh…and in case you were wondering, I lost the competition. There go my plans for two new Ruffoni monogrammed copper pots…

I am okay with the old me, thank you very much. Even if I am currently giving Jennifer Lopez a run for her money. You, too, may be reflecting on the 5, 10, 13, 20, 27, 42 or even 2 pounds put on over the holidays, the semester, the season, the last year, the last five years, since you got married… or since the original 90210 went off the air. But I digress.

Is weight loss really a secret? We all know that diet and exercise is the way to go. The downside is, although it’s no secret, it’s really hard work! The biggest secret is how to get and stay motivated. Instead of thinking about what you want to wear, think about your health and longevity. Talk to a doctor before starting a diet or exercise regimen. Figure out how much time you have to workout, to cook, and okay, okay… how much time you’re gonna need to shop for new bikinis when you succeed.

A lot of women (and men) get discouraged because weight loss does not happen quickly enough. It’s totally okay and NORMAL to start an exercise regimen and notice a couple of extra pounds the first weeks. It can be anything from your muscles holding water to repair themselves, or new muscle (which as we all know, weighs more than fat)! So stop obsessing over the scale and start focusing on baby steps towards keeping yourself healthy.

For the New Year, I plan to cut out most sweets, junk food, and simple carbs. This means I’ll be eating a lot less of my favorite candy, breads (I really won’t miss ‘em), pasta, and chips. I’ll be eating more lean protein like salmon and grilled chicken, greens like spinach and broccoli, and healthy carbs like whole wheat pasta and brown rice. If you like detox (as always, consult a physician), check out a simple detox from our own Rosanne Clemente. A former Miss Fitness New Jersey, she also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine, in addition to having trained many people successfully.

Take your exercise slow. Don’t overdo it with activities your body is not used to, or too-heavy weights. You have to build your body to higher fitness levels. Jumping in head first may cause exhaustion, frustration with your body’s limitations– or worse: It can cause serious injuries to your body. That will get you nowhere, fast!

I am typically a long distance runner, but since I am starting out the year with a knee injury common to runners, my doctor advised me to do lower impact workouts. Some good examples are speed walking, biking, swimming, or running on an elliptical machine.

Beware of the “get thin quick” schemes. Baby steps. You’ll get there.

Dr. Zong’s Pedi-Do’s:

• Do ask salon workers how the foot spas are maintained and how often they are cleaned. Take notice of their actions while they are working on clients to see if footbaths are disinfected with each customer.

• Do pay attention to the time spent cleaning footbaths between customers. The disinfectant needs to work for the full time listed on its label, typically 10 minutes, depending on the type of disinfectant. It is worth your health & safety to practice patience at the spa!

• Do check your skin for infection during the days following your pedicure. Open wounds may appear on the skin of your feet and legs and can look like insect bites, but increase in size and severity over time.

• Do visit your podiatrist or primary care physician if you suspect you may have a serious infection.

Dr. Zong’s Pedi-Don’ts:

• Don’t get a pedicure if you have cuts or abrasions on your feet or legs. Microorganisms living in footbaths can enter through the skin and cause infection.

• Don’t shave, wax or use hair removal creams within a day before getting a pedicure

• Don’t get a pedicure if you have bug bites, bruises, scratches, scabs or poison ivy.

About Dr. Oliver Zong

Dr. Oliver Zong is a podiatrist in Manhattan’s influential Financial District. As one of the premier cosmetic foot surgeons in the country, he serves as the Director of Surgery at NYC FOOTCARE and is on the Board of Directors at Gramercy Park Surgery Center. Besides traditional and cosmetic foot surgery, Dr. Zong is also an accomplished cryosurgeon and co-founder of the Podiatric Cryosurgery Center of New York. He is an attending physician at New York Hospital Downtown, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Cabrini Medical Center, and Gramercy Park Surgery Center. Dr. Zong graduated as Valedictorian from New York College of Podiatric Medicine where he earned his degree, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). For more information please visit www.NYCFOOTCARE.com.

Fitness Myth #1: A 20 Minute Walk Will Change Your Body Shape:

One common misconception is that walking 20 minutes a day 5 to 6 days a week is all you need to do to “be in shape.” This is definitely true if you want to lead a longer, healthier life. Your heart, lungs, muscles, and joints will be healthier. You, however, will not lose large amounts of weight, tone muscles, and make them look “better.” In order to change your body shape, a much more intensive plan will have to be instituted. This plan should incorporate dietary changes, weight lifting, and more intense cardiovascular training. All of these activities will be needed to make substantive changes in body composition.

Fitness Myth #2: Weightlifting Raises Resting Metabolism:

Another common misconception is that if you lift weights and add muscle mass you will lose weight when sitting due to a higher metabolism. Scientific studies of muscle metabolism have conclusively shown that skeletal muscle burns about 13 calories per kilogram of body weight over a 24 hour period. If a man weighs 70 Kg (154 Lbs), has about 28 Kg of skeletal muscle will burn about 22% of the calories his body uses through the day. Adding 4 pounds of muscle bulk thru weightlifting, during a high intensity 6 month lifting program, would result in burning 24 more calories per day. One bite of an Oreo cookie contains about 24 calories.
This does not mean that weight training should be avoided. Weight training will result in higher lean body mass. This translates into more efficient fat metabolism for energy. Cellular membranes are more permeable to glucose, reducing the need for excess insulin in the blood.

Fitness Myth #3: Specific Exercises Will Cause Spot Reduction:

Many exercise devices are marketed to spot reduce or spot tone a specific body part. The idea is that by using their device you will be able to tone the inner thighs, for example. This is simply not true. Muscles utilize blood glucose, cellular energy stores, and blood fat for energy. Fat is not pulled from the area it is stored in to serve as energy in its own “neighborhood.” Once blood glucose levels are low, a hormonal reaction is triggered to metabolize stored fat for conversion to glucose for energy. Fat deposits are tapped in multiple places around the body, not adjacent to the body part requiring the need for energy. The amount of toning is based on one’s genetic predisposition for muscle growth and fat storage. We can not change how our body is programmed to add muscle and store fat.

Fitness Myth #4: Lifting Heavy Weight Will Add Bulk:

Adults, both male and female, may or may not become “bulky” when lifting heavy weight. Conversely, women are often told to lift light weights with high repetitions to avoid “bulk.” These both are determined by our genetics, not our lifting routine. Women are less likely than men to add tremendous bulk when lifting weights. High levels of specific hormones are necessary for muscles to add large amounts of bulk. The genetics of each individual determine who can add bulk and who can not. An extension of this is that “muscle bulk” will make you heavier, slower and lose quickness. All of these have been proven scientifically untrue.

Fitness Myth #5: Prepackaged, Processed “Diet” Foods Are Best for Weight Loss:

Weight loss is only accomplished when you burn more calories than you consume. That is, you have to exercise more to accommodate for the typical American high fat, fast food based diet. Caloric restriction should not be the “diet” of choice. A proper diet be composed of a balance of fruits and vegetables, whole grain derived foods, limited fat consumption, limited sugar consumption, and limited alcohol consumption. A well balanced diet will help to keep cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar low.
Foods should be freshly prepared; prepackaged foods tend to have been leached of essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid fried foods, high fat foods (cheaper cuts of red meats, processed sausages, and fast food hamburgers). A general rule of thumb is that the cheaper the meat, the higher the fat content. Fat is cheap, that’s why a fast food hamburger can be sold at such a low cost.

About Stacy Berman

Stacy Berman is a certified fitness trainer and founder of Stacy’s Boot Camp. Berman initially began her career as a lifeguard, and then moved on to one-on-one fitness training. Berman became a trainer at the New York Sports Club in 1999 and in 2002 was named their top female trainer. Berman was named master trainer in 2003 and in 2005 left NYSC to devote herself to Stacy’s Boot Camp full-time.
Berman graduated from Hunter College with a degree in health education and psychology and her personal training certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). She is also a certified nutritional specialist through Dr. Jane Pentz, of Lifestyle Management Associates and is a NASM certified sports fitness specialist.

For more information on Stacy’s Boot Camp, including registration details and full schedule, visit www.stacysbootcamp.com.

1. 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

I’ve heard that Braggs ACV is the best brand because it is the only one I’ve run across with raw enzymes. Honestly, I’ve had wonderful results and have only used a generic supermarket brand which is about a dollar and change for a liter compared to $5 for Braggs.

2. 1/8-1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

Baking soda neutralizes the vinegar, preventing you from damaging the enamel on your teeth. It neutralizes in your stomach anyway so you are still getting all the benefits of the apple cider vinegar (ACV), but it is actually easier for your body to absorb what it needs if you neutralize it first. By taking out that step, you saved your body that work (read: work = energy) and now it can use all of its energy to absorb what the nutrients from the ACV. You want to get it to about a 7% alkaline level. The ACV you buy in a grocery store is about 5%. The more that acid bothers you (GERD, acid reflux, etc.), the more Baking soda you should use. Start with 1/8 of a teaspoon and assess your tolerance. I have found ¼ teaspoon to be the magic number for me.

Remember Baking Soda is sodium based, you may find yourself retaining a good amount of water for the first couple of days until your body becomes accustomed to the additional salt. I am extremely sensitive to salt and couldn’t get my feet into my heels the first night!

3. 1/2 fresh lemon, juiced
4. 1 Tablespoon Organic Honey

Add about 4-6 oz of water and drink 2-4x/day. If you can get it down once on an empty stomach, you’re doing better than most people out there. I warm my water and make it into a tea. I find it to be a lot tastier when I throw in the additional (less palate pleasing) ingredients listed below.

ADDITIONAL INGRIDENTS – OPTIONAL:

1. 20 drops Ginger Extract. Ginger/Gingerol has TONS of benefits. Check out www.superhumanradio.com and tune in to the show on Ginger-”The Uber Herb.” Carl Lenore explains all the benefits of ginger.
2.   1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, if you can stand it. Go slow with this to assess your tolerance. I LOVE spicy food so the first day, brass guts over here decided to throw an entire teaspoon right into the mix. I thought my throat was going to close. Me and my daring (read: dumb) Rosanneisms! Heehee. Cayenne pepper heals and rebuilds tissue of the digestive system, increases the effectiveness of other foods and herbs when used with them, and is also linked to healing the heart and cardiac tissue. Cayenne has been known to stop heart attacks. Contrary to popular belief, it does not cause ulcers, it actually heals them. That’s if you can deal with the burn if you suffer from one. Enough facts, lets get down the nitty-gritty of why everyone is reading this….cayenne is a natural thermogenic which has been proven to raise body temperature, boost metabolism and ultimately aid and speed fat loss. Just think increased circulation = increased lymph flow (that means decreased cellulite ladies) = detox = ULTIMATE HEALTH, FATLOSS AND BODY WEIGHT MAINTENANCE (we’ll get into that another time).
3. I’ve also been adding 1 Teaspoon of Turmeric Powder. It’s an extremely acquired taste. To be perfectly frank, this stuff is icky!!! (And I can stomach most everything “nasty.”) However icky it is, it helps restore flora in the intestinal track. Turmeric has also been proven to clear the skin of those who suffer from acne and blemishes, help eliminate facial hair growth in females (not sure that this is proven internally, but I found a lot of studies on using it topically). CAREFUL with this stuff, however….it STAINS!! After all, Tumeric historically has been used as a dye in India, but I learned this the hard way. It stains EVERYTHING! And I mean everything from bed sheets, clothing, towels, down to the skin on my face. It’s a nasty orange color but stains a fluorescent yellow color…think the color of a yellow highlighter exploding all over you!

Start with this recipe to ease yourself into a detox routine. I’ll be posting additions and other remedies regularly, so look for my updates! — Rosanne Clemente

I don’t know about you, but I am obsessed with having fresh breath, and chewing gum is not very lady like, so I love to use DentaBurst. I never leave for a day at work, or girls night out with out a few in my bag. They even come in a cute little box to make it that easy to freshen up anytime of the day.

Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression so be sure that first impression is a great one with a gorgeous smile and fresh minty breath. Go confidently into the world with a beautiful and healthy smile!

Healing Enhancements.com has everything from compression garments, non surgical anti aging serums, scar reduction, therapeutic recovery pillows, gel therapy masks, bruise creams, and surgical bras. The site is easy to navigate and you will be so happy you got the help you needed to get through the recovery time.

I am so happy I did choose to have plastic surgery, but I am even happier I got the help from HealingEnhancements.com to to get the products I needed for a seamless recovery!

Women had 92 percent of cosmetic procedures. The number of procedures (surgical and nonsurgical) performed on women was over 10.5 million, an increase of 1 percent from the previous year. Surgical procedures decreased 9 percent; nonsurgical procedures increased 4 percent. Since 1997, surgical procedures increased 123 percent, while nonsurgical procedures have increased 749 percent. — American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Many people are anxious and excited to get breast implants, a new nose job, or even Botox injections to look good in the spotlight. What also has been in the spotlight recently are Kanye West’s mother and many others who are victims of plastic surgery medical malpractice. It is very important to extensively research your surgeon’s credentials as well as the procedure and recovery period, etc to make sure you’re in good hands. Also remember, botched plastic surgery cannot be undone.

Here are some important tips:

1. Have your internal med doctor (not your surgeon) to check if you’re healthy enough to withstand the physical stress of anesthesia and surgery on the heart and pulmonary (lung) systems with a medical pre-op exam.
2. Use caution when choosing your surgeon since it’s difficult to get information on a surgeon with good experience. Any physician with a medical degree and a license to practice medicine can legally perform plastic surgery in the United States. Check to see if your surgeon is certified on the and American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and The American Board of Plastic Surgery.
3. Check your doctor’s hospital affiliations. If your doctor has privileges at an accredited hospital, even if they choose to perform surgery in their private office, then it demonstrates that their work is subject to regular scrutiny. Do not use a doctor that does not have these privileges.
4. Ask your friends and your personal physician to see examples of the surgeon’s work, or talk to one or more patients about their surgical experience.
5. Check out the office and staff, especially the anesthesiologist, who will be providing you medical care before, during and after your surgery.
6. Ask your friends, doctor, surgeon, and family Questions!

Following these important steps to having a safe procedure can help prevent cosmetic surgery malpractice. Of course if you or anyone you know is involved in a plastic surgery malpractice that leads to health complications or a fatal result, I suggest you consult a medical malpractice law firm in your area such as:

• Bay Area attorneys, Teal & Montgomery
• New York medical malpractice lawyer, Raphaelson Law Firm
• Bridgeport CT Medical Malpratice Lawyer, Jonathan Perkins
• Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer, Harrell & Harrell