The statistics are staggering: heart disease kills more women than anything else.

More than auto accidents.

More than diabetes.

More than cancer.

Fortunately, it isn’t a hopeless fight. When caught early, heart disease doesn’t have to be the debilitating disease it frequently becomes.

That’s why Wuesthoff Health System and the American Heart Association are teaming together in 2012 to help Brevard County women better understand heart disease and how it can be prevented. The Go Red for Women initiative encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease, and also action to save more lives. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart healthy life.

While it’s a year-long partnership, some noticeable events take place in February, highlighted by the national Celebrate Wear Red Day on February 3. Ongoing programs include community education talks, health screening events and a steady flow of information.

For more information, go to GoRedForWomen.org, or Wuesthoff.com.

Warning Signs

Chest pain is the key warning sign of a heart attack, but many times it is confused with indigestion, pleurisy, pneumonia or other disorders. It’s also important to note that not every woman will experience the same thing when having a heart attack. Common symptoms include:

• Severe pressure, fullness, squeezing, pain and/or discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes;
• Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulders, neck, arms or jaw;
• Shortness of breath;
• Stomach or abdominal pain;
• Dizziness or fainting;
• Unexplained weakness or fatigue.

Think you’re having a heart attack? It’s important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest hospital.

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The 9^th Annual Health, Wellness and Beauty Mixer to benefit the Women’s Center was held on October 19, 2011 at The Maxwell C. King Center for Performing Arts.

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Beachside Health Studio offers sport-specific training and techniques to improve the ability of athletes at every level

Since opening its doors over two years ago, Steve Ryland, DPT and his team at Beachside Health Studio have witnessed a rising interest in injury prevention and overall health and fitness. Offering a variety of services — including physical therapy, personal training, Pilates, yoga, TRX (suspension training), massage therapy and more – the Indialantic studio has become a well-known facility for many residents, and even vacationers.

Being sought out by professional, college and high-school athletes, the studio is placing importance on sport-specific training and techniques.

“With many positive changes and additions happening in the near future, our team is excited for the community to see how we plan to continue changing and improving lives daily,” says Dr. Ryland.

Last year, Beachside Health Studio treated professional football player Mohamed Massaquoi, wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. “Mo,” as his friends call him, headed south for the first half of the off-season, working with Beachside Health Studio’s team to accomplish his goals, as well as maintain and improve his skills.

Dr. Ryland and Dr. Chris Wicker, DPT, OTR/L, worked with Mo to enhance his overall stabilization, speed and agility skills. Through a combination of balance training, stabilization exercises and circuit training, Mo discovered a whole new kind of training that produced immediate results.

Pam Brandli, certified personal trainer, instructed Mo in private yoga. The main focus was to provide exercises that would loosen his muscles, improve postural form and increase hamstring flexibility. Brandli developed a personalized program to assist Mo with proper form and posture, stretching and breathing techniques. In order to prevent future injuries, Brandli was able to provide direction for stretching before, during and after football practice and games.

Mo also incorporated Pilates and massage with Sharon Hope Love, PTA, LMT, certified Pilates instructor. Love worked with Mo to develop deep core awareness through Pilates to increase balance, stability and strength. The Pilates method educates the body to engage deep stabilizer muscles as the large mobilizer muscles are in use to increase joint support and decrease injury potential. Love also incorporated massage therapy into Mo’s program to increase muscle flexibility, circulation and enhance muscle recovery post exercise routines.

Massage therapy can help to reduce and even eliminate stress, alleviate back pain and improve range of motion, ease medication dependence, enhance the body’s immune system, stretch weak or atrophied muscles, help athletes prepare for and recover from strenuous workouts, improve the condition of skin, lessen depression and anxiety, pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling and reduce spasms and cramping, just to name a few.

During his time at Beachside Health Studio, Mo was able to not only improve his overall body strength, but also was able to combine the techniques that he learned in training, Pilates and yoga with his normal day-to-day exercise regimen.

“The mission of Beachside Health Studio is to provide high-quality wellness and fitness services, individualized for clients of all ages and fitness levels; to be the all-encompassing facility for whole body health, providing innovative care through a synergistic team of professionals. This seems to prove true to the local community, but feel free to see for yourself,” says Dr. Ryland.

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“We were the first hospital to bring MAKOplasty^® partial knee resurfacing to Brevard County in May of this year,” Administrator Susan Takacs said. “This is the next step in our efforts to continue offering new technology and surgical options to the community.”

The goal of using robotic arm technology to perform hip replacement is to attain consistent precision in surgery. Accurate placement and alignment of implant components are a critical factor in hip replacement.  MAKOplasty Hip is designed to assist surgeons in attaining a new level of reproducible precision, to restore patients’ confidence in their mobility and help them return to active lifestyles.

“Getting implants positioned correctly is an important aspect in improving surgical outcomes and the lifespan of the implants used for hip replacement,” Dr. King said. “The robotic arm technology enables us to more accurately achieve the biomechanical alignments that are planned to fit the patient’s unique anatomy.”

Accurate alignment and positioning of implants using traditional manual total hip replacement techniques can be challenging.  Massachusetts General Hospital recently reported in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research that of 1,823 hip replacement patients treated over a sustained period of study, about half had acetabular cups positioned in the desired zone of proper inclination and version.

Here’s how MAKOplasty Hip works:

• The RIO system provides a patient-specific 3-D image of the patient’s hip based on a pre-operative CT scan.
• Using the 3-D model, the surgeon plans the optimal size and position of hip implant components. The position of these components is critical for proper biomechanical reconstruction of the hip.
• During the procedure, RIO provides visualization of the joint and biomechanical data to guide the bone preparation and implant positioning to match the pre-surgical plan
• The surgeon prepares the femoral bone for the implant, and subsequently measures the femoral component’s position using the system. The surgeon can then use the robotic arm to accurately ream and shape the acetabulum, and implant the cup at the correct depth and orientation
• To complete the procedure the surgeon implants the femoral implant and RIO provides summary data to confirm the hip implants are aligned according to plan.

Like other total hip replacement procedures, MAKOplasty Hip may be a treatment option for people who suffer from either non-inflammatory or inflammatory degenerative joint disease.

For more information about MAKOplasty® please call –1-800-522-6363.

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A New Year….A New You!, You Only Better!, Out With the Old…In With the New!   We have heard it all before.  Isn’t it time for a real and lasting change?

The average New Year’s Resolution lasts a mere 17 days.  We spend more time actually thinking about starting the resolution than we do actually on the resolution itself.  Doesn’t quite seem worth it, does it?  We hem and haw over the holiday season about what to eat vs. what not to eat. We find ourselves so busy with work, or shopping, or catching up with family and friends that we lose focus of taking care of ourselves.  Exercise certainly is not on the minds of most people that I know during the season.  The excuses we make for not exercising during this time can range anywhere from “I don’t have the time,” to “once I get that treadmill I have been hoping for I will start working out,” or “I’ll start exercising January 1^st   anyway, so why start now?”

Let’s be honest – no matter how you look at it – an excuse is an excuse!  If it is difficult for you to find time to start an exercise program in the middle of June, then why would you think it would be any easier to start a program that you can stick to on January 1st?  A healthy lifestyle takes more than 17 days to get into, and after all, it’s a lifestyle, not a 2 week plan of attack that will finally work after numerous failed attempts.  A good quality of health is worth it… for your entire life!

You don’t need to join a gym, hire a personal trainer or buy expensive equipment in order to exercise.  All of these things can be intimidating and painful not just on the body, but the wallet as well.  Deciding to exercise and creating the habit is your first step.  Once you have reached the point where you are exercising on a regular basis (3-5 times per week for several weeks) and making changes in your diet that are sustainable, you should move on to the next step.

So, no more gimmicks, no more quick fixes, no more New Year’s resolutions that will be short lived.  Instead, hard work, consistency and accountability are what you need to get and keep the results that you are looking for. Start moving today.  Your health and life depend on it.

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 Maggie was a vivacious 3^rd grader that captured the hearts of those around her, but could not capture the necessary score to pass the FCAT.  A sensory processing issue and reading difficulty put her in danger of retention.  Now Maggie is the same vivacious little girl but is capturing A’s and B’s in her new 4^th grade classroom.

Phillip struggled with attention and learning, he wasn’t expected to graduate from high school.  His dream of being a college graduate was diminishing.  Now he proudly holds a degree from the University of Florida and is working on his Maters.

Robin was a gifted high achiever with a startling secret.  She had always struggled to read and was now struggling to keep up with the younger competition in her workplace.  Now Robin remains at the top of her professional game and keeps up with her friends and their discussions of the latest best sellers.

What made the difference?  These lives were touched by the power of brain training, which changes your capacity to think and learn.   If these skills such as auditory processing, memory, and attention are strong, learning comes easily and naturally.  If skill weaknesses remain hidden, a student will face occasional or chronic learning, reading, and performance struggles.

Research shows that over 80% of learning and reading problems are due to weak cognitive skills- Not due to poor instruction, vision, hearing or motivation.  Cognitive skills (also called processing skills or intelligence) determine how easy, fast and well we learn and perform.  They are the mental tools required to process information, and the better the tool, the better the performance.  Unfortunately, these skills are often ignored.  Instead, we just ask our students to work harder or try again.

Tutoring often fails because symptoms are targeted rather than causes.  In a 2005 study of 56,000 students using 36 different tutoring programs, the average result after one year of tutoring was less than 2 weeks net reading gain, even less in math.  But another 2005 study showed that when reading instruction was followed by cognitive training, the average net gain in reading was over 3 years.

Studies show that mental skills can be changed.  Studies show that six months of brain training intervention can dramatically raise these cognitive skills about 30 percentile points.  Brain scans show physical proof of the results of just seven weeks of cognitive training intervention.  Dr. John J. Ratey, Harvard Medical School, says in A User’s Guide to the Brain, “The brain responds to use and disuse by either growing and remaining vital or decaying, and thus, for the first time, we are learning to see mental weaknesses as physical systems in need of training and practice.”

Mental skills can be improved – not by teaching, but by practice and training.  Activities such as golfing, skiing or playing piano require training, not teaching.  It is the same with building mental skills,   Cognitive skills can’t be taught – they require training, practice and drill.  Fifteen hours of lecture about playing piano will get you minimal improvement compared to 13 hours of practice; the same is true of cognitive skills.

Determine the real cause of learning struggles – A Cognitive Skills Assessment will eliminate guesswork.  You can know the exact cause for most learning, reading or performance struggles.  Avoid wasting money, time and effort pursuing wrong treatment choices.  A cognitive assessment helps you understand what skills need to change in order to improve learning performance – by targeting the cause rather than just the symptoms.   This assessment will provide a baseline measurement of mental strengths and weaknesses.  After the consultation you will clearly know what gaps there are between your present mental abilities and the abilities you want or need.

Success tomorrow depends on good choices today. If you or someone you love has difficulty learning or has a reading problem, and you want to do something about it, please take the first step – find the cause.

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The holiday season is a wonderful—and often very hectic—time of year. Whether you’re at a family dinner, a fabulous party, or the office, you feel the best when you look your best. Of course, there never seems to be enough hours in the day to squeeze in all the things that you need or want to do—including taking care of yourself and your skin.

This season, when you’re short on time, consider some of the following fun and useful tips to get younger-looking, beautiful skin fast.

• BOTOX® Cosmetic: BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are both medical treatments that can be performed in 10 minutes or less, relaxing overactive muscles and diminishing fine lines around the eyes, mouth and between the brow. They can also help lift downward-turned corners of the mouth and lift the eyebrows. A quick treatment with great results! Safety tip: Choose a skilled, qualified expert injector who is familiar with facial anatomy and off-label uses of BOTOX® to perform your injections. Discuss the goal of natural results, and don’t overdo it.

• EYEBROW SHAPING: Also in 10 minutes or less, have your eyebrows professionally shaped so your brow begins, arches and ends optimally for your face. Kelli, an aesthetician and owner at Glow Skin & Body in Melbourne, advises, “Do not over-thin your eyebrow. This will definitely age you. Men, it’s simple for you—trim stray hairs and make sure you have two (eyebrows).”

• PEELS: The chemical peel may sound old school, but it can be an extremely effective option, especially for the budget or time conscious.  Illuminize® and Vitalize® peels combine various acids and retinoic acid to gently exfoliate the skin, improving effects of aging and sun, and issues like acne and uneven coloration.  Peels enhance the skin’s beauty and health with very minimal downtime.

• PRIME your skin: The benefits of applying primer to your face are clear and the process couldn’t be easier. Think of face primer as you would think of paint primer: your skin is like a wall, with its natural imperfections and slight color variations. If you use foundation, face primer provides a smooth surface and helps keep makeup in place. And the benefits can be even greater. For example, SkinMedica® C+E Complex, available at select physician offices, is full of antioxidants to improve skin tone, texture and firmness, while also acting as a primer. Two important functions in one easy cream—perfect for the holidays!  Looking younger tip: Use less foundation, as too much can be aging.

• PIMPLES Be Gone: Zap away blemishes with ANSR Beam, an at-home blue and red light treatment that takes 5 minutes and employs light to fight active pimples and overactive oil glands.  If you have an hour to spare, medication can be combined with light treatment in the dermatologist’s office to tackle acne.

• BEAUTIFUL LIPS: Consider a 20 minute Juvederm® or Restylane® injection for a more youthful lip.  Injections are pain-free, and you can consider starting with a half syringe if you’re feeling nervous. Again, natural looking results are key.  Also, add moisturizer to plump your lips overnight: Apply Aquaphor Healing Ointment, available at all drugstores, before turning off the lights.  In the morning, choose a light lip color to make your lips look fuller. And in the evening, go bold with a red lip color that complements your skin tone. Dolores at La Moda Boutique in Satellite Beach shares, “Add a classic or contemporary black dress to those red lips to boost your spirits.” Ryan at Olivia Carol Salon in downtown Melbourne suggests, “Add fresh highlights to those lips and you are good to go.”

Beauty can be more than superficial. Treating yourself—and your skin—the right way can make you feel good, giving you extra confidence and happiness.  Remember, the above tips are options for you—there is no need to add extra stress to your December. Pick one or two tips that you are excited about implementing, and go for it. You’ll be on your way to beautiful skin in no time!

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Is Tooth Bleaching A Safe Procedure?

As people age, teeth usually darken because of the changes in the mineral structure of a tooth and enamel becoming less permeable. Teeth whitening or bleaching has become an increasingly popular trend over the last few years to help resolve this issue, even though the concept has been around for thousands of years. Dr. Jasin Youmans of Jasin Youmans Family and Cosmetic Dentistry cautions anyone thinking of bleaching that they should always see their dentist before they begin to avoid any damage to gums or teeth. Products such as Crest White Strips have become a household name because they promise pearly white teeth fast for less money. In addition, this option can be performed in the comfort of your own home, but it is important to consult your dentist first for the best advice. Dr. Youmans cautions that many over the counter bleaching products use the same or very similar chemicals as professional bleaching. However, the tray or strips are not form fitting or custom made and can cause irritation and damage to the gums or not bleach all areas. So make sure you use them at your own risk and again, consult your dentist.

Professional Teeth Whitening and Cosmetic Surgery, Is It For You?

Professional teeth whitening with a dentist is the best way to guarantee a whiter, brighter smile. Make sure to do your research and choose the right dentist for the job. Options include abrasive teeth brightening, chemical, mild acid whitening and laser teeth whitening which has also become increasingly popular. Dr. Youmans says that professional bleaching trays are an effective way to lighten your teeth. The form-fitting tray allows the bleach to clean the pores in your teeth. Various strengths and formulas can help to reduce sensitivity and still provide a good result. The trays must be worn for one to two weeks for the desired result and touch up bleaching should be done from once a week to once a month depending on diet and desired shade. What each person should take into consideration before heading to the dentist office is your budget, your desired results, and your tooth sensitivity.

Good Old Fashioned Toothpaste!

With so many different options for whiter teeth, simply brushing twice a day along with a routine cleaning at the dentist every six months can be just as effective. Dr. Youmans advises against bleaching toothpaste which are typically abrasive and can cause gum recession and sensitivity, if this is experienced you should discontinue use of the toothpaste.

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In today’s fast paced world it is easy to make excuses, like not having the time, the money or the energy to work out consistently.  Therefore, making the decision to exercise can often times be a difficult one.  Priorities tend to shift and we might say, “I’ll start exercising tomorrow” or “I feel good today, so I don’t need to exercise.” We then postpone or sometimes even forget about the importance of exercising on a daily basis. The added stress of finding out that you have cancer and that you will need to undergo treatments that will fatigue not only your physical body, but your mental attitude as well, can make exercise even more of a challenge.

The body does not have to be overloaded with fast paced cardiovascular activity or with heavy strength training in order to produce positive health results.  Low to moderate physical activity can be equally as effective at improving physiological and psychological function.  Take a “time out” of your busy and stressful day to clear your mind, re-energize and re-organize your thoughts and feelings.  Meditation, Yoga, and deep breathing techniques are great ways to calm and relax not only the body but also to calm the mind. Often times, your local cancer center may incorporate Yoga classes into their program, or they may suggest a method of meditation that works for you.

Yoga is a great way to release tension in the body in a calm and relaxed setting. Some Yoga instructors will use soothing music in a low light setting where you are able to mentally release in a comfortable atmosphere. Under the direction of your instructor, you will be able to find areas of discomfort and focus on the center of the body in helping release stress.

Breathing techniques are a great way to de-stress the body and can be performed on your own.  Taking a deep cleansing breath in through the nose, followed by a slow exhale through the mouth will relax the stress build up throughout the head, neck and shoulders. Continue taking slow deep breaths that gently push the tension out of the body. With each exhale, feel your body “melting” into a more relaxed and calm state. This can be done at any time of the day when you are able to find a quiet spot and just a few moments.

The process of visualization can also be used for further relaxation of the body. Simply focus on a specific body part or muscle group while you are breathing and visualize this area, slowly releasing until you are completely relaxed. When you finish with one area, move down to a lower area of the body until you have relaxed every body part; for example start with your head and work your way down to your toes. This may take several attempts before you completely clear the mind, but don’t give up. When you find your mind wandering, start over again and re-focus.  As you release the tension from each muscle you will find yourself in a more relaxed state and ready to continue on with your day.

On days where you are feeling well enough to get a good physical workout in, you may find it beneficial to exercise with a buddy.  The right partner can provide encouragement and a positive attitude, especially when you lack the drive and energy to keep going. Be sure to find someone that you trust who has your best interest at heart. Motivation from the right person will keep you on a positive track, and they will be there when you reach a difficult obstacle and feel like giving up. Schedule your workouts with your partner and treat these appointments just as you would a scheduled visit with your Doctor. Remember physical activity is essential for the overall well being of your mental and physical health.

As with any exercise program, always follow the guidelines of your doctor before you start.

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It is not just a myth. Studies show that students on average gain 3 to 10 pounds during their first 2 years of college. Most of this weight gain occurs during the first semester of freshman year. So how can you help your child avoid it? First it is helpful to understand why the weight gain occurs.

What’s Behind It?

Stress

Homesickness

Staying up late

Freedom to eat whatever, whenever

Lack of exercise

Alcohol consumption

Even more dangerous than the “freshman 15” is establishing a pattern of gaining a little weight each year which will lead to long term weight management problems and obesity.

To Avoid Long Term Weight Gain:

Skipping meals and fad diets won’t do the trick. Learn how to make lifestyle changes by talking to your doctor or ask someone at the student health center for advice.

Learn about nutrition. Many schools have nutrition counselors. If yours does not, talk to someone on the student health services staff about nutrition and how to make good choices in the dining hall.

Exercise. Try to work 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your schedule each day (like walking, jogging, swimming, or working out at the gym) and you’ll feel and see the results.

Get enough sleep. Seven to 8 hours of sleep is best and keep a regular sleep schedule.

How can you help your child avoid weight gain?

Talk to your child about healthy eating and what they should and should not eat.

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Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is gaining popularity and has health benefits

You might have seen the paparazzi shot of a well-trimmed celebrity standing up on what looks like a surfboard and paddling in some beautiful, exotic location. But you don’t have to be famous or on vacation to enjoy and experience the health benefits of this new fitness trend.

It’s called stand up paddle boarding and is gaining popularity along the Space Coast. If you love the water and a challenge, you’ll be hooked from the beginning. The sport requires balance so it works your core muscles and burns calories- and is sometimes referred to as yoga on water. The gear can be expensive, but there are places that you can rent equipment for as little as $30 an hour. The cost of a board ranges from $700 to $2,000.

If you’re not ready to brave the ocean, try the calmer waters of a river or lake. Of course this always provides the opportunity to view wildlife like birds, dolphins and manatees. People of all ages can enjoy the sport and it’s easier to master than traditional surfing.

Beginners should start out in calmer waters, free of obstacles like buoys. Try kneeling first, just behind the center of the board. Get your balance, keep your hands on either side of the board to stabilize it, and then stand up one foot at a time- placing your feet where your knees were.  You can expect to fall at least once, so don’t get frustrated.

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The Artisan Laser Treatment Platform treats many skin imperfections with long lasting results and without lengthy downtime.

As skin ages it takes on a tired, worn look.  Wrinkles and textural irregularities accumulate as skin loses elasticity.  Activities and lifestyle choices can leave scars, stretch marks, and sun damage. Unsightly vascularity and pigmentation may appear as well.

“Each of these skin problems require specific technology for the best aesthetic outcome.   No single-wavelength laser can optimally treat each specific need.” Says Dr. Ross Clevens.

Until now! The Clevens Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery is the first practice in Central Florida to feature the ARTISAN™ Skin Rejuvenation System. This “all-in-one” treatment can address any and all of these concerns with a single device.

The Artisan combines 3 different lasers in one.  This means that Dr. Clevens can perform 3 different types of treatments on a patient with one laser, during one appointment, for one fee, and less downtime considering the patient doesn’t need to come back for several different treatments.

Artisan’s suite of fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers and pulsed light technologies allows Dr. Clevens to tailor each personalized treatment regimen, treating specific skin rejuvenation needs.

The Artisan 1540nm hand piece is a state-of-the-art fractional non-ablative laser for skin resurfacing and treatment of textural irregularities, surgical scars, acne scars, stretch marks, and melasma.

“In my hands, I have found that Artisan laser technology breaks down facial lines and creases and helps generate new skin that’s healthier and smoother,” says Dr. Clevens.

Downtime after the treatment is minimal.

For deeper lines and wrinkles, the Artisan 2940 Erbium:YAG enables sophisticated, single-treatment fractional ablative laser.  The unique Groove Optic pattern offers high ablative coverage with fast recovery and minimal downtime. Fractional ablative skin resurfacing actually vaporizes microcolumns of tissue and removes it from the skin completely, allowing formation of new healthy tissue. A single treatment may provide significant improvement for more pronounced skin conditions.

“In my practice, I find that offering both types of treatments helps balance the results desired with how much downtime people are willing to experience.”

What may be helped?

• Expression Lines and Wrinkles
• Complexion abnormalities
• Sallowness, brow spots, and precancers
• Loose skin with laser’s tightening effect
• Scars including acne scarring

What does it cost?

The range is $395-$6,950- for an Intense Pulse Light treatment up to an Ablative Skin Resurfacing Treatment.  Patients can opt for lower energy treatments in a series of 3-5 sessions for less downtime or one treatment at a higher energy with about 5-7 days of downtime to allow for mild swelling, peeling and redness that all resolve after 7-10 days.

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“I’m here to get my wife signed up for a membership.”  These words I hear oh so often and wonder why on national average men spend far less time taking care of themselves than women.  In most cases I find that these men seeking services for their wives are in far greater need than their female counterpart.

Now of course many men have come to the conclusion that their professional lives just don’t allow time for such behavior.  But I must say that I have plenty of professional women who carve out time in their busy days.  So in part it becomes obvious for some reason it is more acceptable for men to “let themselves go.”

There’s a cartoon I often use in presentations that depicts a thin woman looking in the mirror and all she sees is fat, while a rotund man looks at his reflection only to find quite the buff stud staring back.  So I say it’s time to nix this double standard guys and let’s GET YOUR MOJO BACK!  These days women are targeted and (over-targeted) for a plethora of anti- aging procedures and treatments.  But there’s nothing wrong with you looking good and turning back the clock a little too.  The health benefits of exercise are numerous, but it seems that the litany of health problems so many men I meet every day are facing, don’t seem to be enough to get them moving.*

*So what’s the secret to getting started on the road to regaining your “Mojo”?  First of all you have to commit to changing the mindset that it is too late, as it is never too late!  Then think back, if you used to like to do something, what was it?  Is there something active you were once passionate about?  Basketball, swimming, running or golf?  Or experiment with a brand new activity – in-line skating, table tennis, cycling or paddle boarding.  There are local clubs and associations for just about everything.  And one thing is for sure, when you become passionate about something, you’ll want to get better at it.  And that’s often what it takes for men to find the time and make the commitment.  So get out there and explore something new or re-visit something old- drag that bowling ball from the attic or dust off those old running shoes.  Living on the Space Coast offers us some of the very best choices in active lifestyles, so take advantage of that.  I regularly cycle with middle aged men that are outstanding athletes and that are in some cases way more fit that than the youngsters out there.  On the tennis court I play with men who take great pride in not only their game, but also their athleticism and physiques.  They are committed to being their best and so they take care of themselves on and off the field of competition.

No more saying “I used to be an athlete, I used to play ball, I used to lift weights.”  Don’t be “a used to be.”  You still can. I regularly see the younger set failing at our our style of workouts while men 40, 50 and more are tearing through the most intense workouts.  They look and feel great and most importantly they are in superb health.

So don’t wait until you’re forced to take countless meds to keep you going.  YOU determine your health going forward.  Whatever it takes to get you out of the home-work-home rut, do it now!    If you haven’t been doing much, make certain to check with your physician before you run out and start playing ball, lifting weights or doing anything strenuous.  Before long you’ll be feeling like your “new” old self again and you’ll be able to take back your mojo.

Rod Stewart, is the owner of Club Performax in Melbourne.  He is dedicated to helping men, women and youngsters keep their ‘mojo’ for life.  He consults and educates locally and nationally.  He invites everyone to just move a little more and have fun in while in motion.  If you have a question for Rod, e-mail him: rstewart@clubperformax.com

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Space Coast Cancer Center offers three free support groups to the general public on a monthly basis.  All support group meetings are held at the Space Coast Cancer Center office in Titusville, 490 N. Washington Avenue.  The support groups are designed to help those diagnosed with cancer cope with the emotional and physical challenges associated with their diagnosis and treatment.  The support groups include:  Breast Cancer, Multiple Myeloma and Leukemia/Lymphoma.

If individuals are interested in joining or helping with a support group, please call 855.894.HOPE(4673), x3500.

Upcoming Meetings

Multiple Myeloma            6/9/11         5:30 – 7:00 pm                Meets 2^nd Thursday

Breast Cancer                    6/14/11       5:30 – 7:00 pm                Meets 2^nd Tuesday

Leukemia/Lymphoma    6/28/11       4:30 – 5:30 pm                Meets last Tuesday

Breast Cancer                    7/12/11       5:30 – 7:00 pm                 Meets 2^nd Tuesday

Multiple Myeloma            7/14/11       5:30 – 7:00 pm                 Meets 2^nd Thursday

Leukemia/Lymphoma    7/26/11       4:30 – 5:30 pm                 Meets last Tuesday

Serving the residents of Brevard County since 1983, Space Coast Cancer Center, an affiliate of Moffitt Cancer Center, is one of the premier Hematology/Oncology practices in the area with locations in Titusville, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and Viera. For more information, visit us at www.spacecoastcancer.com.

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One of the benefits of working with a personal fitness coach, is it forces us to set aside a block of time to exercise.  I hear from so many of my clients that time is one of the biggest challenges they face, rather than lack of motivation.  We are conditioned to think we need to find at least an hour to get a good workout.  But what if we chopped it to 30 minutes – could you find the time?

• In a 30 minute workout split your time into 20 minutes for resistance training and 10 minutes of ramped up cardio.
• Think intensity – When pressed for time, move quickly from exercise to exercise – it saves time and keeps your heart rate up.  The body responds favorably to intensity.  And often times it can burn more calories.

o   A circuit workout allows you to move from one body part to another – quickly.  You skip the rest time between sets.  For example:

§  Pushups

§  Bent over Dumbbell (DB) Rows (upper back)

§  Bicep Curls

§  Tricep Bench Dips

§  Squats

§  Shoulder Side Raises

• You can do three sets of 12-20 repetitions
• Finish with 10 minutes of high intensity cardio

o   Another effective circuit is to alternate between cardio exercises and strength exercises.  For instance, add one minute of jump rope after your pushups, a minute of power jacks after your Dumbbell rows, high knees after your bicep curls… etc.  Or add three minutes of high intensity cardio to the end of the circuit. Then begin your second set.

o   If you would prefer not to do one set of each body each body part before beginning a second set – “Superset” your exercises.  Perform two different exercises back to back without recovery.  You can choose to work the same or different body parts.

§  DB Chest Press right to Bent over DB Rows

§  Or to get more out of each body part with a superset

• Tricep kickbacks right to bench dips.  After your dips, superset Bicep preacher curls with Bicep DB hammer curls.  Then back to triceps.

o   Incorporate compound exercises into your workout.  These train multiple muscles to work together rather than working them independently.  It recruits more muscles for a greater challenge and return.  A Squat is actually a compound movement in itself – but add an overhead press and you are working your lower body and shoulders at the same time.  It’s a functional way to train as we usually recruit many muscles at the same time in life.

You can have a productive work out regardless of time – it is how you adjust the variables that determine how effective your workout will be.  In many cases increasing the intensity of your routine can make a shorter workout as or more effective.

* Extra note: Studies are clear, to truly reap the benefits of cardiovascular exercise, it is best to engage in 20-30 minutes at least 3-4 days per week.  So when we routinely don’t have time?  Exercise for 10 minutes, three times per day.   Any activity is going to burn calories, sustain muscle, and work your heart.  And let’s face it, if you are “stress walking” you can’t be “stress eating”.  It also breaks the cycle of being sedentary.

Melissa Vandett is a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor with the owner of Custom Fit of Brevard Health and Fitness Studio

(321) 951-8000

www.customfitofbrevard.com

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Like the old adage about death and taxes, aging is inevitable.  But women are starting to think about the care of their skin at a younger age.  Dr. Roxanne Guy agrees that while you can’t stop the aging process completely, you can slow the process down, especially if you start young.  Dr. Guy and her staff work with patients through all their life ages and stages to ensure the best results for each individual.  But it’s never too late to improve!  There are many offerings to rejuvenate the face….at any age.

Surgery: One Size Does Not Fit All

Facelifts are performed to tighten sagging facial skin of the cheeks, jowls and neck.  A full facelift involves not only tightening, but recontouring of fat and repositioning of muscles and soft tissue, to build a true scaffold for redraping and removing the loose skin and to ensure a natural, non-operated look.  “A full facelift can turn the clock back 10 years or more,” says Dr. Guy, and can be performed in conjunction with a forehead lift or eyelid surgery (to tighten eyelids and remove bulging fat bags) and even with laser resurfacing to smooth skin surfaces.  Dr. Guy cautions both women and men who believe that a “mini” facelift may work in all circumstances.  “Mini” procedures can result in “mini” improvements.  Each patient should see more than one surgeon before making a decision on something as important as their face.   “It’s not like going out and buying a pair of shoes,” says Dr. Guy.  And don’t fall for the “drive-through” facelift approach.

Non-Surgical Options

Dr. Guy believes most patients can begin with a good skin care regimen, using medical grade skin products that have sound, scientific evidence for their effectiveness.  For example, “virtually everyone should be on Retin-A” she says.  “We have solid science behind that product as a collagen builder and skin rejuvenator; it’s just that some patients need help in how to use it, so that they don’t experience unnecessary redness and flakiness.  That’s where our aesthetician skin-care specialists come in; to help supervise the use of the different products and tailor the treatment to the individual.”

Next in line, come the injectables.  The toxins, like Botox or Dysport, relax the muscles, so the wrinkle lines relax.  The fillers, like Resylane or Juvederm or others, fill in lines that have deepened over time.  Sculptra, one of the newer products, actually helps build collagen and volumize the face, making it younger, fuller and plumper.  Although the injections usually require upkeep about twice a year, the results can be astonishing for just a simple office procedure with little to no downtime.

You’ve heard it before but it’s worth repeating!  These are ALL about damage to skin:

Don’t smoke

Protect with sunscreen everyday

Exercise regularly (what a great way to bring fresh blood to the surface of the skin and carry away impurities)

Eat a healthy diet – fresh foods, “good” fats (like olive oil and omega fatty acids) and lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains

Drink alcohol moderately

Before deciding on any procedure, surgical or not, do your homework

Make sure your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  If they are a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, board certification is required for membership.  They also require continuing medical education and maintenance of board certification, as well as operating only in approved facilities, adherence to a strict code of ethics and patient safely requirement study.

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Post-game Fireworks and First 2,000 Fans Receive Gift Bag

It will be Space Coast Cancer Center Night when the Washington Nationals host the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, March 25 at Space Coast Stadium in Viera. The game begins at 6:05 pm and the first 2,000 fans will receive a Space Coast Cancer Center gift bag.

Cancer survivor Dawn Faust will sing the National Anthem along with the Platinum Coast Chorus, part of Sweet Adeline’s International singing group, prior to the game.  Jorge Perez-De Armas, MD, a Space Coast Cancer Center Oncologist, will throw out the honorary first pitch.  There will also be a special recognition of cancer survivors during the game to honor the survivors in attendance.

There will be giveaways throughout the game and a post game fireworks show will follow the game.

March 25^th is Space Coast Cancer Center Night at Space Coast Stadium in Viera when the Washington Nationals take on the St. Louis Cardinals. Game time is 6:05pm. The first 2,000 fans will receive a Space Coast Cancer Center gift bag and there will be a fireworks show after the game.  Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased at the Space Coast Stadium box office or www.nationals.com.

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Free Health Lecture on March 10 in Viera

Cynthia J. Bryant, MD, a Radiation Oncologist with Space Coast Cancer Center, will be the speaker for a free lecture on Cancer and the Advances in Radiation Therapy. The presentation will be on Thursday, March 10 from 10:30 am to noon at One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera, FL 32940. A complimentary lunch will be provided following the event. The event is open to the public. Attendees must RSVP by calling Shannon Simmons, 321.268.4200 x3500

Dr. Bryant received her MD degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed her five-year residency in Radiation Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. She is Board Certified in Radiation Oncology and accepted a faculty position at Emory following completion of her residency. She is trained and knowledgeable in the use of the state-of-the-art radiation therapy Linac, the Varian Trilogy. The Trilogy delivers precise radiation therapy treatment, maximally avoiding normal tissues, to improve the opportunity for patients to receive the most effective and safest therapy. Dr. Bryant is also proficient in radioactive prostate seed implantation. She is a member of the American Medical Association, the Florida Medical Association, the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the American College of Radiology and the American Brachytherapy Society.

This is the third lecture in the Space Coast Cancer Center Lecture Series. The next lecture featuring Richard Levine, MD will be on Thursday, May 12 from 10:30 am to noon at One Senior Place.

Serving the residents of Brevard County since 1983, Space Coast Cancer Center is one of the premier Hematology/Oncology practices in the area with locations in Titusville, Merritt Island, Rockledge, Cocoa Beach and coming soon to Viera this June. For more information, visit us at www.spacecoastcancer.com.

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Training Day

You’re never too old, never too young, never too out of shape, so it’s never too late to start an exercise regimen that will change your life according to these local personal trainers who serve clients of all shapes, sizes and lifestyles.

Rod Stewart

Owner- Club Performax

Rod Stewart and his wife Risa like to think of Club Performax as “the anti gym.”  Rod’s philosophy is simple: “Keep it fun-workouts have to be fun and interesting or people won’t come back; keep it safe and keep it effective. We start with an initial consult to direct people what path to take. This is very important because people come here for different reasons. Some are here to lose weight, some to recuperate from an injury, some to maintain. Based on their goals and the time they have available to devote to their training we put together a program designed especially for them.”

Rod says, “the newest trend would have to be our Power Stretch training. It’s a fusion of yoga, stretching and massage that allows your body to move better. I see that as the trend of the future because we’re getting older but people still want to be able to move and do the things they’ve always been able to do.”

“Everybody is unique and has different goals and desires. The key is to develop a program that will work for them.”

Just some of the programs Rod offers at Club Performax include:

-Metabolic Conditioning.  “This is movement training that works on cardio, endurance, flexibility, mobility, strength and power. We’ve found it burns more calories and is way more interesting than just working on machines.

-Fast Track Program.  “This is a take-off on “The Biggest Loser”. A 60-day program that gives people an end date with a final solution and outcome. We work with them on everything from working out to nutrition counseling.”

-Outdoor Area.  “Because some people want to be outside and do something a little different. We have everything from wheelbarrows and tires to sledge hammers. It’s not your traditional gym exercise but it’s a great workout.”

-Speed School.  “Teaches kids how to be better athletes,” by focusing on exercise form, proper body mechanics, safe muscle building, core stability, reaction time, speed and power.

Denise Duda Connery

Owner- Ocean Fit

After seven years at the Suntree YMCA Denise Duda Connery is back to doing what she loves. “During my time there I ended up in management, now I’ve gotten back to my roots.” As owner of the newly opened Ocean Fit in Cocoa Beach, Denise says training on the beach provides her clients with amazing opportunities. “They can run sprints on the sand, do yoga on the beach and kayak in both the ocean and river,” to name just a few of the activities she encourages her clients to participate in, “This environment is very conducive to the whole idea of mind-body-spirit.”  Of course everyone’s personal plan “depends on the clients needs, goals and comfort level.  We like to change things up, you’re muscles have memory and your body finds shortcuts. Fitness should be fun. You’re going to get more exercise adherence from the client if it’s fun for them.”

“I think getting your family involved is really important. In addition to providing a great opportunity for family togetherness, it’s important for children to see their parents’ exercise and practice proper nutrition. You set a good example.”

A good trainer should

-Provide motivation

-Establish a varied program consistent with your body’s needs

-Ensure exercise adherence

-Provide nutritional guidance. “Half of the key to results is exercise, the other half is proper nutrition”.

-Establish short and long-term goals that are both measurable and realistic.

-Have their client provide a written commitment. “This makes it more real.”

-Suggest a workout calendar and schedule in their exercise every day, just as they would their business appointments. “It keeps them involved and honest.”

-Encourage family involvement. “The more you surround yourself in that positive environment, the more successful you’ll be. Plus it brings families together promoting a healthy lifestyle.”

Christie Piontkowski

Senior Trainer- MIMA Lifeshape Fitness Center

At Lifeshape Fitness Center Christie Piontkowski deals primarily with post Lap-Band® surgery patients and the extremely overweight. “One week after surgery there is nothing Lap-Band® patients can’t do and we encourage them to do anything they can to get moving.”

Christie says, “when people come to me they are asking for help and willing to do whatever it takes. They are putting that responsibility in my hands. We start really slow, getting them moving and teaching them good habits. Sometimes we even begin exercising sitting down. Because I deal with very overweight people I am constantly monitoring their breathing and heart rate. The job of many trainers is to push their clients as hard as they can; I have to start slowly with most of my clients. They know they have to change their behavior or their lifestyle will be drastically altered. They may hate it, but they know what they have to do.”

“Someone who weighs 450 pounds does not go to a gym.  We’re able to work with them here in a community where they feel safe, and therefore our success rate is very high.  Because we cater to an overweight population many gravitate here because they feel comfortable.”

Christie, who has a degree in psychology, tries to “get into the head of the person. I ask them the right questions and part of my job is teaching them how to be a better person through exercising and figuring out-How did they get to this point?

-For many, especially women, something happened in their childhood, some traumatic event

-Pregnancy. “Women who gained weight during their pregnancy saw their priorities change after the birth of their child and they stopped taking care of themselves.”

-Wealthy-over indulgence. “This many times also stems from a childhood, when they had nothing. Now that they have the means they over indulge in many things, including food

-The super sizing of today’s society. “People no longer have any idea what proper portion size is.”

-Divorce “has played a role in creating a society of unhealthy children.  Parents give the children anything they want, including food.”

Lucas Jordan

Personal Trainer- Parrish Health and Fitness Center

Trainer Lucas Jordan focuses on core training and flexibility because “I believe that core training is misunderstood. Most people would refer this training to just abs, but they’re wrong. The core consists of muscles of the torso, abdomen and lower back. It’s the vital link between the shoulder and hip stability”. Lucas, who has been at Parrish just over a year, works to “make sure my clients are happy with what they are doing to improve their longevity and mental state.” And, although he believes advantages to having a personal trainer include establishing realistic goals and providing good motivational and inspirational skills, in the end it’s all up to the client. “The bottom line is that people need to create a positive lifestyle based on core values, physical activity and healthyeating that will fuel them toward success in every aspect of their life.”

“My advice for sticking to a program is to not take it so fast.  Many people tend to work really hard and over train. This leads to decreased motivation, fatigue and fewer trips to the Fitness Center. Take it slow and there will be measurable progression.”

Training Philosophy

(1)   Determination. “People need to understand that this is a long term strategy, but no matter how bad off some people are right now, they are not doomed to poor health if they take action immediately.”

(2)   Consistency. “Being consistent with your workouts achieves the best results. Keeping a balance can be tough, but having the right mindset can benefit as well.”

(3)   Teamwork.  “A personal trainer works around your schedule, sets realistic goals, provides inspiration and motivation.”

Melissa Vandett

Owner- Custom Fit of Brevard

Melissa Vandett loves working with all of her clients, but especially ones who are just getting into exercise for the first time, or back into it after a break. “They really end up changing their whole lives as a result. Through exercise they develop a new confidence and new outlook on life. When they arrive they may be suffering from low self-esteem and low energy levels, but exercise changes the entire pattern of their lives and has the biggest impact on them. Many people think of exercise as something they need to find a little extra time for, we show them they need to make it a priority and a regular part of their day. I like to reveal to people what they have inside themselves they may have never know about before. Everyone always has a little more inside them than they think they do.”

“I love the way exercise makes me feel. As a former competitive athlete I genuinely love instilling that feeling in others, showing the people who come to me that they too can experience that feeling.”

Exercise is

-A good way to relieve stress

-A good way to feel positive about yourself

-A good way to meet people.  “Being with other health minded individuals helps you keep on track

-A good way to escape.  “When you turn on the news these days everything seems dismal, adding exercise to your life at least gives you a fighting chance to not let it get you down.”

-Not a way to undo bad eating habits. “Learning proper nutrition is part of the package. Learning how to eat healthier is an important part of what we focus on.”

Jill Wattenbarger, MHA

Health First Pro-Health & Fitness Center

Group Fitness and Personal Training Supervisor.

Jill Wattenbarger is an ACE certified Personal Trainer responsible formanaging group fitness and personal training programming at Health First’s Pro-Health & Fitness Centers.  She teaches a variety of classes, including spinning, group weight training, and pilates as well as personally trains individual clients.

When it comes to fitness, you need to walk before you can run. This holds true once you’re in the gym, but also when searching for the motivation to get to the gym in the first place.

Starting an effective exercise routine means creating a program that fits your lifestyle. Unless you are planning on becoming a professional athlete, you need to start with a manageable routine that doesn’t interfere with your other responsibilities. Therefore, I recommend these simple steps that will help keep your interest, and more importantly your motivation high.

1)    Set realistic goals: What are you hoping to accomplish by working out?  Do you want to lose weight, increase fitness, or improve flexibility? If your goal is weight loss, set an initial goal that is attainable. If you ultimately want to lose 30 pounds, set your goals in five-pound increments. Small victories will keep you motivated .

2)    Pick the workout that is right for you: Selecting the right workout is critical. While some people enjoy the camaraderie of group classes or fitness clubs, others gravitate towards home-based routines. Are you a self-starter? If not, perhaps home workouts are not the right option.  Instead, you might benefit from appointments with a Personal Trainer or meeting with a few friends to attend workout classes together.

3)    Set a schedule that works for you and stick to it: If you don’t schedule your workout like other appointments, it will be the first activity that falls by the way side.  There are always activities competing for your time. Your fitness routine needs to be convenient. Ask yourself if your schedule lends itself more towards a morning or an evening workout.

Bonus: Three Hot Trends

If you’re the type of individual that needs to have the latest and greatest, consider a fitness routine that incorporates some of the hottest new trends in exercise.  Topping the list as we begin 2011 is “Small Group Training”.

Small Group Training provides the benefit of a Personal Trainer while enjoying the camaraderie of working out with a few friends. Many small group training sessions feature no more than four to five people, allowing the trainer to really focus on individual’s fitness needs.

Boot Camps also are among the most popular fitness choices. Boot camp workouts are efficient because you work your entire body—heart and muscles—by going from one exercise to another with no rest. Their popularity is due to the amount of variation they provide and the fact that they allow you to burn a large amount of calories in a short period of time.

Finally, if boot camp seems a bit much, how about dancing your way to fitness?   Zumba, a fitness program inspired by Latin dance, combines South American rhythms with cardiovascular exercise. Enrollment in Zumba-style classes has doubled in the last few years, and continues to grow.

Regardless of the goals, type, and timing of your workouts, make sure if you’re starting a new routine, it’s one you’ll stick with. Choose exercises that you enjoy, and do them at times that fit your lifestyle. Finally, carefully set goals that will continue to push you, but will also provide periodic milestones to show progress and personal achievement.  The more you put in to your fitness routine, the more you’ll get out of it. Good luck!

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Top 10

DR. BASSIN’S TOP TEN PROCEDURES FOR A NEW YOU!

1. AquaLipo®
Ideal for treating excess fat in the chin, neck, arms, male breasts, love handles, hips, tummy, thighs, knees and back, this procedure uses the SmartLipo™ system to deliver laser energy to melt fat cells and promote tissue tightening in the surrounding areas. The fat is then gently removed with the Body-Jet® aspiration unit, which uses a concentrated water jet to flush intact fat cells, resulting in virtually no trauma to the body.

2. NaturalFill® Facial Filler
As we age, the dermis beneath the skin thins, loses elasticity and the skin’s volume rapidly diminishes, resulting in facial lines and wrinkles. NaturalFill is a procedure that carefully transfers the intact fat cells removed via AquaLipo into selected areas of the face to increase volume and offer youthful fullness, permanently.

3. NaturalFill® Natural Breast Enhancement
Many women have stubborn areas of fat that won’t disappear, no matter how much they diet and exercise. This procedure again combines the fat-removal and skin-tightening advantages of AquaLipo with a gentle fat-transfer procedure that can improve body contouring, while enhancing the volume and shape of the breasts with no general anesthetic and little downtime.

4. QuickLift™
Most QuickLift patients are between 40 and 65 years, with moderate to extensive sagging skin on the lower portion of their faces. This procedure is more natural than a traditional facelift and is commonly performed in-office in 60 to 75 minutes, with minimal post-operative swelling and bruising.

5. Cheek Lift
One of the earliest signs of aging occurs in the cheek, or mid-face. During this procedure, the cheek is lifted in natural contour, and the cheek’s natural fat pad is placed back into its youthful position.

6. Brow Lift
Another sign of aging occurs in the forehead and eyebrow area, resulting in the loss of natural elevation. As excessive eyebrow fat pads are removed, this procedure internally fixates the eyebrow to an elevated, aesthetically pleasing position.

7. Breast Augmentation
This is currently one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. The operation involves placing saline-filled or silicone implants either directly under the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle that lies beneath the breast.

8. Tummy Tuck / Mini Tuck
This procedure is for patients with excess abdominal skin, especially women who have had children. An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) can help get rid of excess, loose skin. And at the time of surgery, the abdominal muscle can be repaired and brought back to its normal midline position. The mini tuck is a quick, in-office procedure with no downtime and no general anesthetic.

9. DOT Therapy
A laser skin-resurfacing procedure, DOT (Dermal Optical Thermolysis) Therapy reduces the signs of an aging face including lines, wrinkles and age spots without developing hypo or hyper pigmentation and scarring, and even works to tighten the skin.

10. Thermage®
Thermage is a radio-wave-based, non-invasive procedure that tightens the tissue of the body by targeting the collagen in the deep dermis of the skin. It tightens loose skin on the face, arms, abdomen and legs with little to no downtime.

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