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Want A Reason To Love Your Lower Belly Fat? It’s Rich In Stem Cells

Fat removed from the lower abdomen and inner thigh through liposuction was found to be an excellent source of stem cells, with higher stem cell concentrations than other areas of the body, reports a Brazilian-based study in August’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(R), the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). This is the first study of its kind to examine whether fat tissues from different areas of the body vary in stem cell concentration.

“Adult stem cells, derived from our own tissues, hold strong promise for improved clinical therapies,” said J. Peter Rubin, MD, a member of the ASPS Fat Grafting Task Force who is involved in pre-clinical trial work on stem cells taken from fat. “The potential for healing and repairing injury or disease through stem cells, including conditions like breast cancer and reconstruction, heart failure, spinal injuries, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease is incredible. We may be able to more permanently and naturally get rid of pesky wrinkles or augment breasts with stem cell enriched fat in the future as well. Knowing more about the biology of stem cells will be of great value when we are ready for clinical trials in this country.”

In the study, 23 female patients having liposuction in at least four different body areas agreed to have their fat isolated for adult stem cells and analyzed to determine stem cell concentrations. The body areas that were liposuctioned were: lower abdomen, upper abdomen, inner knee, inner thigh, flank and hips.

The study results found a significant difference in stem cell concentrations in different areas of the body. A major finding was that the concentration of stem cells was greatest in the lower abdomen and inner thighs. Interestingly, stem cell concentration in the lower abdomen was five times greater than in the upper abdomen.

“The value of stem cells harvested through fat is the ready and ample supply available,” said ASPS President Richard D’Amico, MD. “Using stem cells will some day have very practical applications to the specialty of plastic surgery. That we may be able to generate new tissue or bone that can be used in many of the reconstructive and cosmetic procedures we do every day is tremendous.”

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have not yet developed a specific function. Not only are they capable of self renewal, stem calls can divide and produce others that become specialized cells. Scientists and doctors theorize that stem cells will be able to repair or replace damaged or diseased cells. Clinical trials researching the potential of stem cells from fat are ongoing in Europe and Asia. In the U.S., there are many investigators doing pre-clinical trial work to meet the stringent safety guidelines the FDA sets for clinical trials.

According to ASPS statistics, more than 301,000 liposuction procedures were performed in 2007.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 6,700 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 90 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

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Stressful times call for massage therapy
‘Wellness’ top priority for spa franchise new to Naperville

MarketResearch which claims to be the “world’s largest and continuously updated collection of market research,” says that stress represents one of the leading health concerns among Americans today - especially women. So it’s not surprising that massage therapy has become one of the fastest-growing industries around.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, from 2006-2007 the number of certified massage therapists grew from 250,000 to 300,000. Last year, Money Magazine and Salary rated the profession of massage therapy in their top 12 list of jobs designed “for young professionals ready for a new challenge based on opportunities, salary and personal fulfillment,” and their research predicted a 24 percent increase in job growth.

Little wonder that Elements Therapeutic Massage, a quickly developing franchise, settled a spa in Naperville IL about two months ago. Franchise owner Nathan Toensing said the massage business is a natural extension of other business interests of his, including personal training and chiropractic services.

AT A GLANCE
Elements Therapeutic Massage
Where: 3075 Book Road, Naperville
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday to Sunday
Call: 630-922-9595

“We live in stressful times, and there are people who say they are tired of treating themselves with pills and tablets and want something different,” Toensing said. “There’s too much of the ‘drive-through’ pharmacy thing. Our approach here is different. We want to treat the whole person.”

Toensing says too many other massage therapists “rub ‘em and leave ‘em,” but Elements Therapeutic Massage looks to extend benefits beyond a 55-minute session. Manager Ken Herold, who has overseen the massage center during its first two months of business, said the focus is on the “wellness” component for clients.

“We try to give people techniques and tips about how to manage their stress level and increase their health and wellness between visits,” Herold said. “Ours is a proactive approach. We try to incorporate wellness and fitness together.”

Elements Therapeutic Massage employs five therapists who have each completed more than 500 hours of training. The company itself was launched about eight years ago in Colorado, and the first franchise store opened in Massachusetts 13 months ago. Since then, 100 franchise stores have come on board. The Naperville store will soon be joined by another location planned for Bloomingdale.

So far, clients in Naperville have ranged from folks in their early 20s through seniors in their 70s. Herold said that “a lot of high school kids came in near the end of May before taking their finals.” The gender ratio favors women about 60 percent, but Herold said men are coming in at a much higher percentage than they do nationally.

“Our numbers of men to women are sort of atypical,” he said. “I think people find our facility a lot more ‘gender’ friendly.”

Clients receive either a 55- or 80-minute massage. Herold explained that the therapist isn’t prodding and pushing on patients the entire time, but works with each person to find his or her comfort level between deep massage and rest.

“It’s all about the comfort of the individual and establishing what approach you plan to use on the first day,” he said.

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Spas In Illinois

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As selected by Health  Health Magazine

Los Angeles

Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts Clinic
A-list celebrities keep this cutting-edge medi-spa on speed dial. No frills here—just advanced treatments such as the Ultimate Kate ($350), which combines oxygen and light therapy to stimulate collagen and elastin production.

New York City

Cornelia Day Resort
Whether you’re lounging in the Relaxation Library, lunching in the rooftop garden or enjoying the only watsu (water-shiatsu) pool in Manhattan, it’s hard not to feel like royalty here. Cornelia has the little touches nailed, right down to a personalized label on your locker.

San Francisco
SenSpa:

This chic, 13,000-square-foot place is reminiscent of a destination spa. In addition to the usual spa treatments, it offers well-being seminars and complimentary sessions with an on-site life coach.

Chicago

Soulistic Studio
This eco-conscious yoga studio and spa uses only 100% certified organic products in its treatments. Don’t miss the by-appointment-only Sunlight Sauna ($30 for 30 minutes), featuring energy-efficient infrared technology.

Dallas

Renée Rouleau Skin Care Spa
If you want the ultimate facial, this is the place, Gelula says. The two-hour Synergy 7 combines the spa’s seven best antiaging facials into one amazing treatment; it costs $600…and it’s worth it.

 

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Toxic Beauty: Salon Safety Tips for a Healthy Summer

Award-winning Le Jardin Day Spa offers tips to prevent a luxury spa experience from turning in to an infectious nightmare.

Le Jardin Day Spa and Salon, the most award-winning and credentialed Spas in the Philadelphia-area, today announced tips for looking your best while staying safe at any spa this summer. LeJardin, voted Top Day Spa in Montgomery County four years in a row, recognizes that summer is the height of pedicure and Spa season, and that women around the country should be vigilant when it comes to pampering themselves this summer.

“Too often, women neglect safety when it comes to pampering,” said Stephen Fox, Owner of Le Jardin Day Spa and Salon. “Although there are thousands of reputable and safe salons across the country, we hope that the following information will arm women with the knowledge to stay beautiful and safe this summer,” he continued.

1.   Your Nose Knows - You should avoid salons where you notice strong odors. Salons that practice proper safety procedures should provide proper ventilation and maintain a near odorless environment in all areas. Inappropriate exposure to certain salon chemicals can lead to headaches, respiratory irritation, skin problems and more.

2.   Writing on the ‘Bathroom’ Wall - Like with restaurants, you’ll want to visit the bathroom of any salon you visit. The establishment’s restroom-cleanliness will offer a quick glimpse at their overall hygiene.

3.   Lethal Weapon - Any instrument that is used as part of a Spa service, from nail files to hair trimmers, should be properly disinfected after each use, not once at the end of the day.

4.   Disinfect to Protect - Technicians are required to clean both their and hands and their clients hands (and feet) prior to any nail service or massage. Be sure you’re not an exception. In addition, salon instruments are not the only thing that may be carrying germs or harmful bacteria; pedicure tub, manicure station and massage table surfaces all must be sanitized after each guest. This includes nail files, pumice stones, toe separators and more.

5.   Help Your Self - Le Jardin suggests that guests avoid shaving their legs immediately prior to any pedicure, or facial waxing prior to any facial. This will decrease any self-inflicted cuts, nicks or blemishes which could result in an infection. Meanwhile, don’t have your cuticles trimmed too aggressively, this could cause unnecessary bleeding.

6.   You Get What You Pay For - The price of your service does not indicate that you’ll receive a higher quality or safer experience. Do your homework.

7.   Do Ask, Do Tell - Don’t hesitate to ask for a technician’s license. All salons should have their Health & Safety Certificate displayed and should have the licenses of their technicians readily available.

8.   Toxic Beauty - Keep in mind that some products are toxic if swallowed. Le Jardin suggests that you wash your hands before eating or touching your eyes or nose following a salon treatment. Also, do a patch test if you suspect that you might be allergic to a lotion or chemical.

9.   Just Say No — Technicians should not offer service to a guest if they suspect the guest might have a cut or infection. Similarly, if a technician is responsible for accidentally cutting or burning a guest by filing too close to the skin, cutting a nail too low or by the high temperature of water or wax, a guest should immediately halt their service and disinfect their injury.

10.   Au Natural - Many all-natural and organic products are available on the market today, thus many salons are offering their guests the opportunity to reduce their carbon imprint on the environment. Le Jardin offers various organic shampoos, hair colors, lotions, polishes, makeup and waxes. Ask your salon for a list of their ‘green’ products.

Once considered a luxury, top quality salon services are now main stream. However, like with all medical procedures, there are always risks to any salon treatment. Clients are responsible for their own well-being and should research a salon before making an appointment, just like they would research a doctor or hospital. Le Jardin offers these tips as well as free beauty consultations and complimentary health seminars. Avielle, their premiere line of exclusive cosmetics, launching this summer, completes their wellness package.

Le Jardin strives, seven days a week, to provide the local community with a relaxing and elegant environment from which to receive the highest quality aesthetic services available. They have accomplished this by choosing exceptionally talented, certified professionals to perform state-of-the-art treatments which unify the body, mind and spirit. By creating harmony of these three elements their customers live happier and healthier lives. With years of experience and continuing education, Le Jardin’s dedicated staff is ready to serve the community and all of their needs–from pregnancy massages to facials, pedicures and dynamic hair design. The Spa offers beauty treatments for every woman and for every budget–a great idea for a birthday, bridal or baby shower or teachers gift.

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Hotels realize that if guests can’t snooze, they lose

Ericka Nelson, whose husband is a thunderous snorer, knows from personal experience that it can be hard to get a good night’s sleep.

The general manager of Kimpton’s 70 park avenue hotel found an anti-snore pillow in a store. It worked for her hubby, and in March she rolled out a pillowmenu at 70 park avenue, including a PillowPositive model. It props up the neck, she says, and allows users to sleep on their backs or sides with airways open to promote peaceful rest.

“A hotel can have all these great amenities, and everyone (in the industry) keeps trying to find the latest thing. But when it comes down to it, what we’re really about is a great night’s sleep,” Nelson says.

The pillow menu, which has been dreamed up by other hotels as well, is just one way lodgings are helping guests get their zzz’s. Counting sheep is so yesterday: In this restless age, sleep aids and enhancement programs are hot amenities at a growing number of hotels, resorts and spas, including W Hotels and Hilton’s Conrad Hotels & Resorts.

•Before arrival, 70 park avenue guests can e-mail or call a “pillow librarian” to request one of 15 complimentary rest-inducers. Most popular, Nelson says, is a pillow made with buckwheat hulls, which is said to stimulate acupressure points and increase circulation. Also on the menu are aromatherapy pillows containing scented sachets that aid in relaxation. Turn-down chocolates contain sleep-promoting melatonin.

•Another Kimpton, the Hotel Monaco Chicago, has unveiled a “KN Tranquility Suite,” an oasis of serenity with waterfall and soft bamboo sheets. It’s stocked with neck pillow, sleep masks, sound machine and named for Karen Neuburger, a designer of sleepwear. Rates start at about $360 a night. 866-610-0081;

•Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts in North America offer a “Sleep Advantage” program, developed by a sleep expert. Guests get a free kit with ear plugs and eye mask, calming lavender mist, a CD that lulls them to dreamland — even a clip to close drapes to shut out light. Also offered: “Quiet zone” floors. If guests don’t receive a requested wake-up call, they get a refund for that night’s room cost.

•A dozen Omni Hotels have in-room “Sensation Bars” that sell sleep CDs and lavender mist (average cost $10 and $5, respectively).

•SpaTerre at La Playa Beach and Golf Resort in Naples, Fla., covers wellness as well as sweet dreams. Its “Summer Sunset Slumber” program aims to encourage healthful sleep while teaching habits to incorporate back home. “We’re hoping to have it running by July,” spa director David Carter says. Rates begin at $250 for a lifestyle consultation, yoga or other classes and a sunset beach ritual and massage. Carter also suggests that guests trying to de-stress “put your cellphone in your room safe” and check e-mail only once a day on vacation

•The new Aqua Cancún resort wafts mint, eucalyptus, lavender and calming music throughout the property. Guests choose a pillow, order an aromatherapy turn-down service or take a calming “nap” spa treatment.

Some hotels and spas take a more medical approach to sleep problems, which the National Center for Health Statistics estimates affect as many as 70 million people in the USA.

•Canyon Ranch, with branches in Tucson and Lenox, Mass., offers physician assessments for insomnia, snoring and frequent waking at night. In Tucson, an all-night study in the Canyon Ranch sleep lab diagnoses problems, and a sleep-specialist MD recommends treatments. Cost is $2,325 and may be covered by insurance. In Lenox, guests can opt for a sleep study at a local hospital to check for common problems, such as sleep apnea. Cost: $1,200, including physician follow-up.

•Another leading spa, Miraval Tucson, also is serious about sleep. Its Director of Sleep Programs is Rubin Naiman, author of Healing Night, who opposes routinely prescribing sleeping pills. (They disturb natural sleep patterns, he says.) He takes a mind/body approach. Miraval guests can listen to Naiman lecture free or consult with him (from $190). Miraval just started a “Healthy Sleep and Dreams Package” (from $2,140 a person for four nights, including lodging, meals, customized sleep counseling and spa treatments).

•The Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village near L.A., which adjoins the California Health & Longevity Institute, has launched a “Sleep Well” program. Created by physicians, dietitians and other experts, the program includes sleep-inducing meals (no heartburn, please!), spa treatments, specialty pillows, acupuncture, meditation and clinical sleep studies. Eye masks, ear plugs, foot warmers, humidifiers, sound machines — even teddy bears — are available. Cost varies depending on services used.

•The four extended-stay AKA lodgings in Manhattan offer an “AKA Sleep School.” It includes a free lecture by directors of the New York University Sleep Disorders Center and New York Sleep Institute that is open to guests and the public. The next one is June 3 at 6 p.m. at the AKA Central Park at 42 W. 58th St. For a fee, experts from those sleep centers will make house calls to AKA guests to assess sleeping patterns and recommend treatments. A sleep study at the centers can be arranged.

Full Article USA Today

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