HEALTH & WELLNESS

natural ways

to Take Care of Your Health

By Anya Sebastian

The potential side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, together with their ever-increasing costs, have caused many people to turn to natural remedies for relief. And now that it has been legalized, marijuana, in particular, is attracting special attention.

Hemp Apotheke, in Santa Fe, is now able to sell THC products as well as CBD, and its new ‘Love For Life Dispensary’ is primarily focused on marijuana’s ability to assist with healing. Research is still ongoing, but the list of proven medical benefits is already impressive, and includes reducing pain and inflammation, halting the spread of cancer cells, alleviating arthritis and slowing the spread of Alzheimer’s and glaucoma. There are a number of different ways to ingest it and a wide range of different strengths to work with. The dispensary even has gummies, specially crafted to deal with specific issues,

Skin care is of course a multi-billion-dollar industry, and here, again, there is a growing interest in avoiding the chemicals, additives and preservatives typically found in most products. K&K’s skin care line, featured on the cover and in the following story, is a unique combination of nature and science, and contains none of the above. Normal, healthy skin plays many important roles in our health and should be taken care of on an ongoing basis. K& K’s locally made products are now being taken up by health care professionals and medical spas, as well as an impressive, and growing, number of dedicated individuals, both in New Mexico and beyond.

The skin is, of course, the largest organ in the human body and there is fierce competition to have glowing, clearer, healthier, younger and fresher-looking skin. This focus can also cause problems with self-esteem and, in the case of visual disfigurement, even mental wellbeing as well. The Santa Fe Skin Institute is well prepared for both, since unlike most medical spas, its team is composed of certified and experienced dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons, as well as specially trained aestheticians. Their cutting-edge treatments, unique to them in New Mexico, can even produce results that rival surgical outcomes, and all treatment programs are specifically designed for each client’s individual needs.

So if you have a health concern, internal or external, and would like to find an alternative to what Big Pharma has to offer, there are some highly effective, natural alternatives out there. Just make sure that you are dealing with genuine products and knowledgeable, well-trained and certified professionals, like the ones featured in these pages. The results could literally change the way you both look and feel.

K & K Skin Products

Blending the Beauty of Nature with the Power of Science

By Anya Sebastian

It had never occurred to sisters-in-law Katie Uilk and Dr. Kristina Trujillo that they would one day work together. Katie had spent years experimenting with natural oils, blending different combinations and documenting the results; Dr Kristina was a science professor, specializing in biochemistry and molecular biology. But fate works in mysterious ways and it all came together one day when Dr. Kristina had the idea of combining Katie’s oil blends with a molecule discovered during her time as a researcher.

The molecule was similar to resveratrol, an ingredient derived from red grapes and often found in high end anti-aging products. But this particular molecule had 6x more anti-oxidant and 10x more anti-inflammatory properties than resveratrol. The rest, as they say, is history. After first experimenting with family and friends and then with volunteers, the results left no doubt that they had stumbled upon something truly ground-breaking. “We worked on just one side of the face, in order to see if there was a difference,” explains Katie, “and after a couple of weeks people were insisting that we do the other side, too, because the difference was so noticeable.” Not long after that, in 2018, K&K Skin Products was born.

The star item containing the molecule is BioVer-X™ (cosmetic patent pending) a serum that was soon making waves in the world of cosmetics. The other products in the line were unique too, being oil-based and pure, instead of water-based, without any chemicals, additives or preservatives. Word spread rapidly and demand soared.

Standard wisdom states that it takes five years for a new company to be on a firm footing, in which case K&K is well ahead of the curve. Their products are now being taken up by aestheticians, acupuncturists, dermatologists and dentists, among others, and because of the demonstrably effective combination of nature and science, medical spas are being drawn in, too

The company’s success, together with its exposure to a more sophisticated clientele, has resulted in a sleeker look for the products themselves. And in response to customer requests, the BioVer-X™ dropper bottle has now been replaced by a dispenser, in order to avoid the possibility of spillage in case of an accident.

“Using the products correctly is important,” says Dr Kristina, “and we have two special systems, to help people to get the best results. One is the Hydrating Repair Skin System, which works on fine lines, wrinkles and firming of skin tone. The other is the BioVer-X™ Antioxidant Renewal System, which reduces inflammation and oxidative stress and helps to heal damaged skin.”

This is a brief summary of what they both contain and how to use them:

THE HYDRATING REPAIR SKIN SYSTEM consists of an oil-based facial cleanser, repair wrinkle serum, moisturizer and a bamboo washcloth. The routine is simple, fast and effective, perfect for a busy lifestyle. Use the cleanser, remove with the wash cloth and apply a few drops of night repair serum in the evening; use the moisturizer in the morning. Suitable for all skin types.

THE BIOVER-X™ ANTIOXIDANT RENEWAL SYSTEM consists of the facial cleanser, BioVer-X™ serum, moisturizer and bamboo washcloth. Simply use the cleanser, remove with the washcloth and apply a few drops of BioVer-X™ to selected areas. Use the moisturizer in the morning. Ideal for all skin types, with results comparable to harsh and invasive treatments.

The full line of products can be seen and ordered online and regular customers can take advantage of loyalty rewards as well. You are invited to come and join the revolution and see the results for yourself. You’ll be glad you did!

K&K Skin Products kkskinproducts.com 505.966.6725 These products can help maintain and support procedures such as antiaging laser therapy and chemical peels. They may even augment cosmetic procedures such as dermal filler and Botox treatments. Results can be seen in a visible reduction of fine lines, age spots and various forms of hyperpigmentation. Suraj G. Reddy, M.D. Dermatologist

I use Bio-Ver-X™ with every acupuncture facial. It tightens the skin and my clients love how it feels. I use it in conjunction with radiofrequency. I recommend it as a daily “must” for healthy and glowing skin. It rejuvenates the skin and smooths wrinkles.

Dr. Lee, DOM Acupuncturist

We have been recommending Biover-X™ for every client that we do facial esthetic treatments on. We also started incorporating the cleanser and Biover-X™ with all of our facial procedures, as clients love how smooth their face feels afterwards. They are noticing less dryness, redness, and wrinkles. Alicia Abeyta, DDS Dentist

I created an Anti-Aging Deluxe facial that features K & K Skin Products. I have performed it many times and my clients love it. After the facial, my client’s skin looks smoother, hydrated, and plump. Sara Martinez, Aesthtician

NOW HAS A MARIJUANA DISPENSARY

By Anya Sebastian

Hemp Apotheke has every reason to celebrate right now. The successful, woman-owned, local CBD store, is four years old this year and it was again recognized, for the third time, in the Reporter's 'Best of Santa Fe' readers' choice awards. And now comes the exciting news that a companion company, 'Love for Life Dispensary,' has just been formed, which will add significantly to the range of opportunities available for assisting people with health concerns. The two companies share the same location, but occupy separate areas of the store, since the dispensary deals with marijuana/THC products and is therefore restricted to those 21 and over (18 with a medically approved card.)

"Expanding our CBD business to include THC, is a natural progression for us," explains owner Gyana Basse, "since both are derived from the cannabis plant and the two are often combined very effectively in the same product. It will provide us with even more ways to help people to improve the quality of their lives."

Customer service has always been a top priority for Hemp Apotheke, and it will be the same for 'Love of Life Dispensary.' People come in to talk about their concerns, knowing they will get help, advice and guidance from knowledgeable, experienced and compassionate team members. "Our focus is on building relationships," says Gyana. "We want to get to know our customers, follow their progress and help them to reach their goals. Everyone is different, which is why it's important to understand the individual circumstances."

Hemp Apotheke has the biggest selection of top quality CBD products in Santa Fe, from tinctures and lotions, to smokables, edibles and even a skincare line. It also carries the complete range of Aromaland pure, terpene-rich essential oils. So whatever the issue, there is bound to be something that will be able to address it. And for more serious ailments, there is now THC as well.

It is a well-known fact that marijuana gets you high and gives you the 'munchies.' Less well known is the fact that it has been proven to have significant medical benefits as well. "That's why I wanted to open a dispensary," says Gyana Basse. "After working with CBD for several years and seeing how effective it was in helping people with health issues, I really wanted to expand the possibilities by adding THC into the mix."

Research has conclusively demonstrated the impact that marijuana can have on a number of different medical conditions: counteracting nausea and loss of appetite from chemotherapy; reducing pain and inflammation; promoting sleep; halting the spread of cancer cells; slowing the spread of Alzheimer's and glaucoma; alleviating arthritis... and research is still ongoing in this rapidly evolving field.

It is important to note, however, that this is by no means a 'one size fits all' scenario. Marijuana comes in a variety of different strengths, from as little as 5% THC, to as much as 90%, which is why expert guidance is imperative when purchasing it in any form, including edibles. And, as Gyana points out, "People also respond differently, so it's better to start at the lower end and give it time to take effect, especially if it's something you are not familiar with. That's an important consideration for both medical and recreational use."

There are also many different strains of marijuana and, consistent with Hemp Apotheke's business practices, quality is a prime consideration. Every product is independently tested for pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and heavy metals and the potency is also verified.

So whether you need assistance with a health issue, or just want to be able to relax with a joint (pre-rolls are made from real flower) head over to Hemp Apotheke. You are sure to leave with a smile on your face.

Hemp Apotheke Love for Life Dispensary 1330 Rufina Circle 505.985.5704 hempapotheke.com

BONÍTA MEDICAL CENTER

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT

By Anya Sebastian

Bonita Medical Center in Santa Fe has been around for a number of years, and the name is probably familiar to many. But although the building may still look the same, it is now under new ownership and a distinctly different atmosphere is immediately apparent as soon as you walk in the door.

Dr. Brett Schow, the new owner, is a relative newcomer to New Mexico, having moved here with his young family, just a few years ago, from Iowa.

“I was invited to come and join a practice in Albuquerque,” he says, “and I worked there for a couple of years until I heard, through the grapevine, that the previous owner of Bonita was retiring. That was a great opportunity and perfect timing and I just love it here. I enjoy the culture and diversity—there are people here from all over the world—and I love the outdoors, hiking, mountain biking, skiing. This is definitely home for the long-term now.”

Dr. Schow is clearly committed to building a successful practice with a stellar reputation. His qualifications are exemplary, and he is also a member of the medical faculty at UNM, working in the ENT department, doing everything from repairing broken noses, to major facial reconstruction due to damage caused by accidents or serious injury. In his personal practice, he specializes in dental implants, bone grafts, wisdom teeth removal, tooth extractions, and working with kids to prepare them for braces.

“Growing up, I always wanted to do something with healthcare,” he says, “and it was in college that I decided to go into dentistry. I worked with several oral surgeons and I loved the broad scope and

I was in need of a procedure that a couple of dental surgeons had declined to perform, because it was ‘too risky’. Then someone referred me to Dr. Schow at Bonita Medical Center. What a difference! He knew exactly what to do, went over everything in detail and did an amazing job which has completely changed my life. He is the best and I wholeheartedly recommend him.”

Joanna, Santa Fe

the challenge that oral surgery offered. It was a mix of art and science and that was really appealing to me.”

From the patient’s perspective, however, dealing with the prospect of surgery can be difficult, even intimidating, and putting people at ease is a top priority for Dr. Schow and his team. They go out of their way to make patients feel comfortable by answering questions, addressing concerns and explaining, in detail, all stages of the procedure they are about to go through and what they can expect. There is also a very efficient ‘after hours’ service, to handle any follow-up issues or emergencies that might arise. And people are even invited to write in with any suggestions they might have for improving their experience.

The welcoming atmosphere and emphasis on patient care are among the most evident ways in which Dr. Schow has personalized his new office. As you might expect, it is also equipped with all the latest, cutting-edge appliances, including a three-dimensional CT navigation system that ensures very detailed, very precise placement for dental implants. “I really want my patients to leave feeling that they have had a good experience as well as a satisfactory surgical outcome,” he says simply. “Having the opportunity to change lives is huge and very gratifying. That, in a nutshell, is why I do this.”

I came to Bonita Medical Center for a dental implant. I was nervous, but Dr. Schow and his staff made me feel completely at ease. I really didn’t feel any discomfort at all during the procedure and the recovery was great. I think Dr. Schow is one of the best surgeons I have ever been around and if anyone in Taos needed an oral surgeon, I would definitely recommend they drive to Bonita Medical Center in Santa Fe.

Jacqueline, Taos

Bonita Medical Center 1700 Hospital Drive 505.988.2121 bonitamedical.com

THE SANTA FE SKIN INSTITUTE

Would you build your dream home on shaky ground and ignore basic engineering requirements? Imagine investing time and resources into making everything just right, only to find that you have cracks in the foundation!

This kind of thing happens all the time with cosmetic skin care, but the surprising thing is that it’s really simple to fix. For example, a medical dermatology consultation can find skin cancer, precancers, rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, and many other treatable conditions, that can be outright dangerous to ignore. A patient who recently came to our practice for cosmetic care, was found to have a facial melanoma. Fortunately, she is now doing well, but had this not been taken care of, it could potentially have been deadly.

In other cases, the effects of cosmetic treatments may be ineffective, have side effects, or produce less than optimal results, because of untreated rosacea (causing excessive facial redness) or atopic dermatitis (leading to irritation and possible side effects.)

At Santa Fe Skin Institute, we routinely offer medical dermatology consultations, in order to ensure the best safety and cosmetic outcomes for our patients. Education and a simple skin regimen, can create a strong foundation, both for skin health and for reaching cosmetic goals. Doing it any other way just doesn’t make sense. So, now that we have our well-designed and solidly built home, we get to move on to the fun stuff.... decorating it and making it beautiful! Our mission at Santa Fe Skin Institute is to offer treatment modalities that have been proven safe and effective. That is why we chose radiofrequency micro-needling, and specifically the cutting-edge devices, Scarlet and Agnes, which are unique to us.

Micro-needling has been around for about a decade and triggers the formation of collagen by causing micro injury in the dermis (the part of the skin that thins as we age). It has been so effective at restoring collagen, that articles on this topic are now included in the certification requirements for the American Board of Dermatology. That is solid evidence, for sure! As technology advances, generations of devices are improved upon, and Scarlet and Agnes are at the top of their field.

The Scarlet is best for overall collagen stimulation, in order to slow the aging process.

The result is enhanced skin integrity, replacing paper-thin, sagging, weak skin with healthier, firmer and more vibrant skin. Each Scarlet treatment is customized, not only for the individual patient, but also for each region of the face, or body area, being treated. Scarlet allows for the depth of the needles to be adjusted, together with the amount of energy being put out during the procedure.

Because Scarlet is using the skin’s own wound healing abilities to produce collagen that tightens the skin, results are gradual and take place over three to four months, which is about how often we do these procedures. The first few treatments slow the aging process and further treatments add collagen. With almost no downtime, you can return to your normal activities the very next day...just remember to wear a hat and use sunscreen!

Agnes is also a radiofrequency micro-needling device, but the energy is more intense and goes deeper than Scarlet. Agnes is truly a standout in its field, as there is currently no other device with comparable capabilities. We use Agnes to lift and sculpt the skin... if you can imagine a non-surgical incremental face lift. We use it on targeted areas: eye bags and jowls can be reduced; the lower face can be gently lifted and skin tightened.

We offer many other treatment modalities as well, and work with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan, in order to achieve the best outcome possible. We also encourage collaborating with our aestheticians, to review products and devise a plan for maintaining and protecting your skin. Our aestheticians train with us in medical dermatology, and can provide ongoing services such as Aquafirme facials, peels and facials to keep you looking your best.

So, just like building your dream home, our caring and knowledgeable team will work with you to create healthy, rejuvenated skin, that you will be able to enjoy for many years to come.

GRAND OPENING: September 8th 4-8 PM

THE SANTA FE SKIN INSTITUTE 530 Harkle Rd. suite A 505.772.0564 santafeskin.com

MONICA LAWRY, MD

Certified, American Board of Dermatology Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology

JESSICA GONZALEZ, DNP, DCNP

Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner

S P OTLIG H T ON TH ESANTA FE ART SCENE

By Anya Sebastian

One of Santa Fe’s many cultural attractions, is its nationally recognized and exceptionally diverse art scene. Whether you are attracted to works that are abstract, figurative, Western, classical, modern, visionary, or anything in between, you are bound to find something that appeals to your taste. The artworks featured in the following pages are a perfect representation of the diversity for which the City Different is justifiably so well-known.

Our featured artist, Terrell Powell, is a painter, sculptor, realist, fantasist, with an identity that is completely his own. His work ranges from huge metal sculptures, to small paintings, colorful abstract metal wall hangings, and much more besides. Bright colors are perhaps his trademark, together with a delightful mix of childlike images with a contemporary twist. His work is whimsical, with an irrepressible humor that is bound to make you smile. A real ray of sunshine that is especially welcome in these challenging times.

Another unique, but quite different experience, awaits visitors to the Longworth Gallery on Canyon Road. Representing internationally acclaimed artists like Vladimir Kush and Michael Parkes, the gallery specializes in the works of visionary storytellers, using metaphors, symbolism and allegories as their voice. Here you will be whisked away to a magical world where you will find light, love, optimism and hope. The owner, Lisa Rodgers, will be only too happy to offer an explanation of the imagery, if requested, or you can just allow these enchanting images to draw you in and work their magic, and see what comes.

Jewelry is, of course, art of a different kind, especially if it is hand-made to an original design, as is the case with LewAllen & LewAllen’s jewelry. This family business, started by Ross LewAllen, is now run by his daughter, Laura, who has both maintained her father’s legacy and expanded it to make it her own. The gallery specializes in jewelry that comes from the heart and many of the designs do, in fact, include hearts as a symbol. These are pieces to incorporate into your life, to feel a connection with, and to wear every day. The idea of family is very prominently on display in the store, with items not only for women, but for men, children and even pets as well.

Art in all its forms is part of the life blood of Santa Fe, and one of the special things that makes the City Different, different. So do take the time to explore some of its unique offerings, treasures clearly crafted with love, and inspired and made by true artists.

LONGWORTH GALLERY Fisherman For The Souls

LEWALLEN & LEWALLEN

TERRELL POWELL