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Skin Acceptance and Why It Matters

What does the word IV make you think of? A hospital setting, or even better—does the word IV remind you of George Clooney racing down the hospital hallway in ER? (We’ll take the reminder of Mr. Clooney, please!) We understand that the thought of an IV can definitely conjure up a not-so-enticing sterile environment feeling. But what if we said an IV can actually induce relaxation and support your wellness at the same time? We want to welcome you to Drip—IV Vitamin Therapy at Renew Medical Spa in Pueblo, CO. So, what is IV therapy, exactly? Let’s find out… What Is IV Therapy? IV (stands for intravenous) Therapy can deliver vitamins, minerals, medication, and fluids through an IV drip. When this method is used to administer through the veins, your body receives what it needs in the bloodstream quickly and has a better rate (almost 90%) of absorption versus oral administration (about 50%). What Is IV Therapy Used For? IV Therapy is used to deliver much-needed fluids to the body. And in our case, at Renew, that looks like vitamins and minerals that support your immune system, energy to recharge, recovery from too much alcohol intake the night before, and a replenish combination for the athlete. VITAMINS AND MINERALS USED IN IV THERAPY • Zinc— Supports immune function and the body in making proteins and DNA • B-12— A big energy source! This water-soluble vitamin supports the functioning of your nervous system, as well as the production of red blood cells and DNA. • Magnesium— This very important mineral helps with nerve and muscle function, in addition to enzyme reactions in your body. • Amino Blend— This blend of building block proteins enhances muscle tissue repair and increases endurance. Perfect for the athlete who needs balance to their system. • Vitamin B Complex— Supports brain and nervous system function, energy levels and are building blocks of a healthy body. • Vitamin C— A powerhouse vitamin for aging gracefully! Vitamin C supports collagen (plumps the skin), immune system, wound healing, and is crucial for the development, growth, and repair of tissues in the body. • Glutathione— An antioxidant you want in your corner. Glutathione supports the immune system, body detoxification, and neutralizes free radicals. What Are the Benefits of IV Therapy? Aside from the obvious fact you’re taking care of YOU and carving out time for self-care and wellness (which is a big deal!)— IV Therapy offers these added bonuses: • Proper Absorption When a supplement is taken orally the absorption rate can be around 50%; with IV supplementation you’re looking at an absorption rate of close to 90%. This can provide peace of mind especially in regard to the results you’re seeking (energy, immune system support, hydration, etc.). • Customization Most IV drips can be customized to treat your specific concerns, so you can get exactly what you need. • Results An IV Therapy session typically lasts anywhere from 45-60 minutes. During this time, you can relax, watch TV, or catch up on email. As for the results (hydration, energy, etc.)—depending on the person—those can be felt immediately or up to a few days post-session. Are There Risks, If Any, With IV Therapy? With any treatment, one must be aware of any risk involved. Although IV Therapy is generally regarded as safe and low risk, there are a few things to keep in mind. • Anytime an IV is involved there’s a potential risk of infection, inflammation, and blood clots. • Please speak with a medical professional if you’re thinking about IV Therapy if you have kidney disease, blood pressure, or heart conditions. • If not monitored safely during infusion, fluid overload may occur which places you at risk for electrolyte imbalance. At Renew, we like to think of IV Therapy as wellness on demand. Whether you’re an athlete or a busy mom who needs some extra nourishment this is a perfect hour of your day to take care of yourself and your body! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call Renew, or schedule a consultation so we can help you make the best decision for you.

Do you know what the true fountain of youth is? (If that made you think of the movie Death Becomes Her and their “immortality treatment”, it did the same for us!) Aside from a healthy lifestyle, strong self-care, and a positive attitude—we’d have to say collagen ranks up there with the fountain of youth. We know there’s no stopping the clock or test of time, but if we want to slow it down, the increased production of collagen in your skin can absolutely help a youthful appearance (and I think we all want a little piece of that pie!). Please allow us to introduce you to Radiesse® dermal filler—a collagen stimulator that works with your body to reveal a refreshed look. What Is Radiesse Filler? We fell in love with this product and company ( Merz Aesthetics ) from the very beginning because of what they offer and how it works to suit your unique needs. Radiesse is an FDA-approved dermal filler option that may give volume to areas that need help to smooth facial wrinkles, folds, and even hands. How Radiesse Filler Works “Collagen is the main structural protein in our skin—it’s what helps it feel and look tight, taught, and youthful. As we age, the production of collagen slows down, causing skin to sag. RADIESSE is a collagen stimulator. It stimulates the body’s process of generating collagen and encourages growth, for a more refreshed appearance, so beauty can bloom.” – RADIESSE®/Merz Aesthetics This unique dermal filler is made up of CaHA (calcium hydroxylapatite) gel microspheres that get to work upon injection. Most often, you should see immediate volume before the appointment is over and it continues to work long after by stimulating your own natural collagen (which creates that voluminous look). As time passes, the body metabolizes the CaHA gel and you’re left with your very own natural collagen to help maintain a youthful appearance—which is why this treatment can last longer than most other fillers . What Can I Expect During and After My Appointment? First and foremost, we highly recommend finding the right cosmetic injector . With research and consultation(s), you should be well on your way to finding the right fit for you! Once it’s time for your dermal filler injections, you’ll be given the option of numbing cream to help ease any discomfort that could be associated with the procedure. During this time, you and your cosmetic injector will have ongoing discussions on where you’ll be injected and the look you want to achieve. Aside from signing forms and numbing, the actual injections typically only take 15 minutes or so. As for what happens after your appointment—most people see volume or correction soon after injection and full results within a week or two. Maintenance and follow-up appointments are recommended which will be decided upon between you and your injector. It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort but please consult with your skincare professional if any of those symptoms persist. What Are the Side Effects? If you have any of the following, Radiesse may not be the right dermal filler for you— • Allergy to any component of the product • History of severe allergies • Bleeding Disorder • Pregnant or breastfeeding • Allergy to lidocaine or medicines like it • Skin infection With any dermal filler, please thoroughly go over the intake forms and have an open conversation with your cosmetic injector about any concerns you may have. How Does Radiesse Differ from Other Dermal Fillers? One of the biggest differences with Radiesse is the use of CaHA (calcium hydroxylapatite) gel microspheres that stimulate the production of collagen versus hyaluronic acid that’s used by most other dermal fillers like Juvederm. Both fillers plump and add volume, but Radiesse works with your body for a long-lasting approach. Radiesse is best used for— • Back of hands for loss of volume • Smoothing facial wrinkles, especially around the nose and mouth • Volume loss in the cheek area • Reshape jawline • Contour the nose area Radiesse has quickly become one of our favorite dermal fillers at Renew! We love how it not only gives us the ability to add volume and reshape, but it also works with your body to produce natural collagen for long-lasting results—which is a key component to the fountain of youth (or at least looking refreshed!).

Have you hit a plateau or just can’t seem to get the jumpstart you really need to feel comfortable in your body? Perhaps you’ve crunched your way to finally see the definition in your abs, but those (not-so) love handles aren’t cooperating with you. Perhaps you began a healthy lifestyle journey, and you feel lighter, but you need a little more fuel to keep you going. Perhaps just the thought of starting to feel good in your clothes is daunting and you don’t know where to even start. You’re not alone. We—along with many clients—have a story like this to tell. Some days it’s hard enough to get out of bed, get dressed, and start the coffee. Add to that the extra mile to really see a difference in your body—it can be exhausting. We’re not going to say it’s not worth it (because it SO is!). But sometimes a little extra love to keep us going doesn’t hurt…and that’s where truSculpt iD®--a non-surgical approach to body contouring—comes in. What Is Non-Surgical Body Contouring? Non-surgical body contouring is often referred to as non-surgical fat reduction which focuses on the reduction or removal of obstinate areas of fat with the goal of contouring particular parts of the body. There are several options for treatment that include – • Cryolipolysis (freezing fat) • Laser lipolysis (laser energy and controlled heat) • Radiofrequency lipolysis (ultrasound and controlled heating) • Injection lipolysis (injectable deoxycholic acid, also known as Kybella® ) At Renew, we use truSculpt® iD (also known as “melting the fat”) which uses heat control and Radiofrequency Energy to optimize efficacy and patient comfort. What Is truSculpt iD®? truSculpt® iD by Cutera is a revolutionary non-surgical, body contouring treatment that allows you to personalize your ideal body in as little as one 15-minute treatment. (Fun fact: We fell in love with this technology and knew it was right for our clients, so we became the FIRST practice in Colorado to offer truSculpt iD®!) HOW TRUSCULPT ID® WORKS • truSculpt iD® uses innovative Monopolar RF technology to selectively target fat and therapeutically heat it – until fat cells are eliminated by passing through the body naturally. • Average of 24% fat reduction is achieved in just one treatment. • Can be used on most areas of the body—especially the abdomen, flanks, chin, and arms. • No visible downtime after the procedure and normal activity can be resumed immediately. • The treatment time is dependent on the treatment size and how many areas are treated. Treatment time is typically 15 to 30 minutes to treat the abdomen and flanks. • Results are typically visible after just one treatment, with maximum results seen after 12 weeks. Additional treatments may be required to achieve the personalized results you desire. WHAT MAKES TRUSCULPT ID® DIFFERENT THAN OTHER BODY CONTOURING PROCEDURES? • This procedure is versatile and effective to treat a wide range of patients who may not be a candidate for other contouring procedures due to treatment location, skin type, fat thickness, and presence of skin laxity. • The treatment has minimal discomfort and has been compared to a hot stone massage. • Because truSculpt iD® is a customized and tailored treatment to meet individual needs, most adult men and women are a candidate. • Check out our blog on “A Melt the Fat or Freeze the Fat Comparison” here and find out the differences between truSculpt iD® and CoolSculpting®.

Did you know some 20 million Americans have a form of thyroid disease and women are 5-8 times more likely than men to have problems with their thyroid ? You’ve probably heard of someone you know that suffers from thyroid issues. Or maybe you have your own suspicions around the health of yours. Because the thyroid is a big producer of hormones, imbalances can occur simultaneously in both the thyroid and hormones. If the health of your thyroid and hormones have ever been a question, we have 3 things for you to know for optimal balance. What Is the Thyroid? This tiny but mighty butterfly-shaped gland is located under the Adam’s apple and is critical in how hormones function properly in the body. It helps regulate metabolism and hormones and has an influence on most of the body—including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and skin. Think of your thyroid gland like a car—it requires maintenance, fuel, time, and attention to function properly. When a disruption in the thyroid occurs, a disorder like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, and nodules can appear. Symptoms of these disorders can show up in the form of— • Slow thinking • Stiffness and pain in joints • Bags under the eyes • Poor sense of balance, dizziness • Nasal congestion • Yellowing of palms of hands and soles of feet • Depression • Moody and irritable • Bowel movements less than daily, or with difficulty • Face looks bloated • Difficulty losing weight, even when eating less/exercising more • Feel worse if a meal is missed • Sleep disturbances • PMS • Lack of sweating, even when exercising • Frequent infections • Headaches, often worse in morning • Low sex drive • Excessive menstrual bleeding • Feel cold more than most other people • Dry skin or hair and/or hair loss Any of these symptoms seem familiar to you? Thyroid and Hormones | 3 Things to Know for Optimal Balance Yes, the thyroid is a major player in the overall health and function of your body, so it makes sense to have a concern if this gland isn’t working properly. Keep in mind—even if your thyroid acts up—you have options for optimal balance with your thyroid and hormones. #1—SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR It may go without saying, but for some, a nudge to see a doctor is necessary. And if you haven’t found one you enjoy (or one in general!)—now is the perfect time to find a doctor and become established as a patient. One of the worst feelings is a lack of control when it comes to health. Be ahead of the game—and in control of your health—by finding and working with a doctor you feel comfortable with. Special hormones that regulate the thyroid—like TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), T4 (Thyroxine), T3 (Triiodothyronine), and Reverse T3—need to be screened by a physician for proper diagnosis. Think of this doctor visit as self-care and (hopefully) on the road to knowing more about what your body needs to feel its best! #2—HORMONE OPTIMIZATION Hormone therapy by BioTE® is a plant-based, non-synthetic, natural hormone replacement therapy aimed to balance your hormones for healthy aging—especially when it comes to your thyroid. Oftentimes, a thyroid treatment can hit a wall, and then it’s back to the drawing board for a different thyroid therapy. With the help of BioTE® hormone optimization , you may experience thyroid symptom relief with the objective of restoration— both for your emotional and physical wellbeing. Find a qualified BioTE® provider near you and begin the conversation of what bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can do for you. #3—HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Guess what lifestyle factor plays a major role in your thyroid health ? Stress. We know that’s probably not a big surprise considering how much stress can affect so many aspects of everyday life. The upside to this is you can help control—more often than not—the role stress plays in your life and the impact on your thyroid health. Incorporation of a Mediterranean Diet (abundant vegetables, fruit, lean protein, fish, and healthy fats like avocado and olive oil) may help lower inflammation in the body for a healthy thyroid. It’s best to stay away from processed foods—especially those high in refined sugar and trans fats. Stick with whole foods low in sugar, decrease environmental toxins such as BPA and strong fragrances, move your body daily (a 15–20-minute walk is good for the body and soul), and check with your doctor about what supplements—if any—could support your thyroid. When it comes to your thyroid—and hormones in general—it’s best to utilize a team effort approach. Speak with a doctor and get tests run that’ll steer you in the right direction and come up with a plan to get your thyroid and hormones working at optimal health. If you’re interested in hormone health, or what BioTE® can do for you, Dr. Elijah would love to speak with you about hormone health. Schedule an appointment today to start your self-care and wellness journey!

Q: What is MonaLisa Touch®? I keep hearing about it being good for “intimate health”, but what does that really mean? Can you guess what taboo topic we think shouldn’t be taboo at all? If you guessed vaginal health, then you’re absolutely correct! Just like we talk freely about mental and physical health—we think sparking a conversation around vaginal health should be just as easy to speak about. (Imagine if “watercooler” talk about this vital topic was as easy as telling someone what your favorite Netflix show is—that’s our goal!) I’m grateful to the service MonaLisa Touch® because it gives us the opportunity to have an important conversation with women about a non-surgical approach to vaginal health. What Is MonaLisa Touch®? “In the US, as many as 50% of 64 million post-menopausal women suffer from changes to their vaginal health, and over 2.8M breast cancer survivors. Only 25% of women currently seek assistance for symptoms…” – MonaLisa Touch® You know what the above statistic tells me? Most women don’t seek help. And that doesn’t surprise me. As women we’re pulled in many different directions and we place our own health on the backburner in sacrifice of others. But it doesn’t have to be that way. MonaLisa Touch® is a treatment option for vaginal health and may treat symptoms such as— • Vaginal dryness/burning/elasticity • Challenges related to menopausal symptoms • Painful intercourse • Stress and/or urinary incontinence This procedure aims to balance your vaginal health and help you feel confident again. How MonaLisa Touch® Works MonaLisa Touch® treats the symptoms of vaginal health by generating new collagen, elastin and vascularization of the vaginal mucosa. It does this using a gentle fractional CO2 laser with a vaginal probe. The laser energy is virtually painless. Similar to your annual exam, the physician will insert the probe into your vagina and deliver laser energy pulses. Fractionated beams of light penetrate small areas of tissue. This creates small injuries in the epithelial layer of the vaginal mucosa which triggers fibroblast activity which stimulates new collagen production. MONALISA TOUCH® FOR VAGINAL HEALTH • Simple and safe; no referral needed • Uses proven methods similar to those used to treat aging facial skin • In-office procedure • Most patients report little to no pain • Entire procedure is less than 5 minutes • Therapy requires 3 procedures every 6 weeks (a significant improvement is typically noted even after initial treatment) • Annual follow-up treatment once a year What Are the Risks of MonaLisa Touch®? Just like any procedure, there are risks —especially if your consultation doesn’t include a proper assessment. You may not even be aware that what you’ve been experiencing is something MonaLisa Touch® (or other non-surgical approaches like physical therapy for your pelvic floor) may support. While other challenges like a severe organ prolapse may require a surgical approach to begin the restoration of your vaginal health. I highly recommend finding a physician who can have a conversation with you about this and is highly knowledgeable in non-surgical and surgical options for your vaginal health. Next Steps Start a conversation about your vaginal health with your physician or a MonaLisa Touch® provider. This isn’t a topic or concern to brush to the side—it’s just as important to seek support for your vaginal health as it is to talk to a therapist or your doctor about a lingering cough. Let’s normalize conversations around this topic because it’s so important for not only your physical health, but your mental health as well. If you’re in the Pueblo or Southern Colorado region, I’d love to begin the conversation with you and help you feel comfortable—inside and out! Call the Renew office or request an appointment online today.