Issuu

presents

‘s 14TH ANNUAL

Wellness HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES FOR BETTER LIVING

health care | medicine beauty | green living weight loss | nutrition exercise | and more

SATURDAY JUNE 9 • 10AM - 4PM at

Gambitâ€™s wellness expo > bestofneworleans.com > june 5 > 2012

NtENts J U N E 201 2

1- 800 - 600 - 4441

Gambit’s wellness expo > bestofneworleans.com > june 5 > 2012

www.amerigroup.com

We treat all foot conditions including: Ingrown Toenails Ankle Sprains Corns & Callus Removal Bunions • Fungus Hammertoes Diabetic Foot Care Dr. Maria Markiewicz, DPM Dr. Leon T. Watkins, DPW, FACFAS Heel Pain • Injuries Arch Problems Dr. D. Elaine Fulmer, DPM

2520 HARVARD AVE., SUITE 2B METAIRIE, LA 70001 • 504-454-3004 www.gulfsouthfootandankle.com

Weekend Appointments & House Calls Available

Your first steps to health & vitality…

1/2 OFF initial

Ideal Protein consultation

25% OFF series of 6 silk peel treatments & full line of IMAGE skin care products.

Savings of $200!

3901 Houma Blvd, Plaza 1, Ste 202 • Metairie 613 Williams Blvd. • Kenner (504) 441-5555 • www.pmawellness.us

• • Y EARS

of serving your

community

• Medical Care • Chiropractic Care • Diagnostic Exams • Physical Rehab • Rehabilitation • Weight Loss • Allergy Testing

504-835-0565

3501 Severn Ave. Ste 8 Metairie, LA 70002

to YoUr HEaltH An overview of exhibitors at Gambit’s 2012 Wellness Expo

wEllNEss Expo map Where to find what you need

HEaltH HElpErs

Listings and descriptions of exhibitors and what they offer

agiNg HormoNEs

Hormone therapy for menopause remains controversial.

ExpErt adviCE

Melanoma is on the rise. Protect your skin.

D P ES A E M R P V E E R S E T D O T B O E O !

JUST FOR MEN

sportsman’s paradise massages

facials ¦ manicures ¦ pedicures ¦ mustache ¦ beard ¦ nape trim 6312 Argonne Blvd., NOLA 70124 504.482.2219 ¦ Open Monday-Saturday www.myspabythepark.com

Gambit’s wellness expo > bestofneworleans.com > june 5 > 2012

A Menu

COMPARE OUR IMAGING FEES TO THE HOSPITAL

GUESS WHO SAVES YOU BIG MONEY? D.I.S. With the ONLY High Field Open MRI in Louisiana – No tunnel! Providing Women’s Imaging Exams in a comfortable outpatient setting: • • • •

Breast MRI Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy & Breast Cyst Aspiration Ductography | Mammography | Bone Density Studies | Ultrasound “Inside Addition” 4D Ultrasound (for expectant parents)

VISIT THE D.I.S. WELLNESS EXPO EXHIBIT TO SCHEDULE A SCREENING MAMMOGRAM OR RECEIVE A: • Free Gift Bag with Refrigerator Magnet, BiC Pen, ‘Post-it’ Note Pad and Nail File (while supplies last) • Free report: “Radiology Tests and how to find their Prices” • Free report: “What Parents Should Know about Medical Radiation Safety” • Free Heel Ultrasound Screening for indication of Osteoporosis

Our Metairie Women’s & Advanced Imaging Center is open Monday-Friday at 7:00 a.m. and Tuesday & Thursday until 7:00 p.m. Open Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. throughout the year. Visit www.disnola.com for more information or to request an appointment

Gambit’s wellness expo > bestofneworleans.com > june 5 > 2012

Appointment Scheduling: 504-883-5999 | Patient Financial Services: 504-459-3220

You don’t have to go far to get fast emergency care. Located in the heart of Metairie, Tulane-Lakeside Hospital has emergency medicine physicians available any time of day or night. We specialize in emergency obstetric care for pregnant women and the diagnosis and treatment of urgent, non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Our goal is to get you back to your life – fastER.

504-780-4501

4700 S I-10 Service Rd W • Metairie, LA

Find ER Average wait times online at www.tulanehealthcare.com or Text ER to 23000

Covering the

Bases

Gambit’s 14 annual Wellness expo™ offers experts in a Wealth of health- and Wellness-related areas | b y K a n d a c e p o W e r G r a v e s

East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) is a comprehensive medical center providing primary care physicians and specialists in an array of areas to treat patients from birth to old age. Its 20-acre campus houses medical office buildings, the Yenni Treatment Center for outpatient cancer treatments, the Domino Pavilion for same-day surgery and outpatient services, the Wellness Center fitness and lifestyles facility, the Imaging Center and more. Since opening in 1971, the publicly owned hospital has grown to 454 beds and has become one of Jefferson Parish’s largest employers, with 3,000 employees and more than 650 physicians. The medical staff takes a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment, which has yielded results that have earned EJGH accreditations and awards for patient care and outcomes. EJGH has a mission to improve the health of the community and offers prevention and wellness resources aimed at helping people achieve that goal. It also partners with other organizations and participates in events focused on health, fitness, awareness and action regarding medical and community issues. Partners and events include the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and Making Strides Against

Cancer, the Crescent City Classic, Back to the Beach, the Multiple Sclerosis Tour for the Cure, the Susan Komen Race for the Cure, Habitat for Humanity, START Walk Against Heart Disease and more. EJGH offers a number of avenues to wellness and will have booths at the expo representing 10 of the medical center’s programs and departments. The EJGH Diabetes Management Center is comprehensive in its approach to diabetes care, starting with a thorough evaluation, an individualized treatment program and education about every aspect of the disease. The education program includes personal consultations and group seminars covering the pathology of diabetes, medications and recognizing signs of high or low blood sugar and treating it. Patients also learn about nutrition and how to incorporate healthy eating into their daily routines, the importance of exercise and activity to managing diabetes, personal goal-setting and techniques for remaining motivated. The center provides tools to help patients manage the disease every day and to integrate required changes into their routines and lifestyles. The center also has support groups where patients and families can share experiences and ideas.

Gambit’s wellness expo > bestofneworleans.com > june 5 > 2012

ealth issues such as insurance, access to quality care, fitness and taking charge of your fitness and well-being are omnipresent in the news, in the media and on the Internet. The amount of information and the number of recommendations and options can be daunting and leaves some people confused and in need of a coordinated approach. Those seeking to hone their health care knowledge can have their questions answered by the experts while also getting free screenings and giveaways at Gambit’s 14th annual Wellness Expo™ at Lakeside Shopping Center (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie; www. lakesideshopping.com) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 9. More than three dozen exhibitors, ranging from hospital services, nutritional supplements and insurance to baby products, beauty treatments and solar power, will have booths at the expo with information, raffles, product samples, coupons, free massages, health screenings, giveaways and more. Participate in The Blood Center’s blood drive and get a miniphysical, cholesterol screening and backpack for free. Center Stage has a full day of presentations scheduled, including Zumba and martial arts demonstrations, a baby products demonstration and more (see Center Stage schedule on p. 15). Pick up a “Wellness Passport,” have it stamped at six different booths and enter your passport in a drawing for prizes at Center Stage. Most of all, take advantage of having a large variety of wellness experts, products and services all in one place. The expo is sponsored in part by East Jefferson General Hospital, Canon Hospice, Diagnostic Imaging Services, Spa Jouvence, TulaneLakeside Hospital and Tulane Medical Center. (See a full directory of exhibitors on p. 12.)

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Gambit’s wellness expo > bestofneworleans.com > june 5 > 2012

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EJGH’s Healthy Lifestyles program focuses on improving its members’ quality of life and overall well-being by offering health assessments, fitness activities, outdoor recreation, social events, nutrition classes, health education and other lifestyle programs. Seminars and classes ranging from yoga and tai chi at the park to breastfeeding and total joint replacement are scheduled throughout the year. A lifetime membership costs $50 ($25 for additional members in the same family), and entitles members who are hospitalized at EJGH to receive free room upgrades and discounts at the Wellness Center, The Fitness Principle and the Woman & Child Boutique. Members also receive discounts on nutrition counseling, travel and at selected restaurants, retailers and other businesses. Healthy Lifestyles provides free weekly blood pressure readings for members, and other preventive tests are offered free or at discounted prices. At the Wellness Expo, representatives will administer blood pressure and blood-sugar screenings. Highly qualified dietitians in the Food & Nutrition Services Department at EJGH tailor nutritional therapy menus to aid hospitalized patients’ recovery from illnesses or surgery. Medical nutrition therapy also is key in treating chronic diseases including cancer, celiac disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease and hypertension. The team also provides eating plans for athletes and outpatients trying to lose weight, improve their health or control disease symptoms. Medical nutrition therapy requires a physician referral, but nutritional counseling services for weight management, health maintenance and disease prevention are available through the EJGH Wellness Center. EJGH Oncology Services takes a holistic approach to cancer care, using state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat the disease and offering palliative care to address emotional, psychological and spiritual needs. The interdisciplinary team of medical specialists, nurses, pain-management experts, dietitians, pharmacists and others work together on a patient’s treatment and recovery. The Cancer Care Navigator Program provides a hospital “navigator” who personally helps a patient and his or her family maneuver through the process, including

coordinating appointments, assisting with care management and insurance, finding appropriate support groups and facilitating quick treatment for patients who travel from out of town. Outpatient oncology services allow patients to return to work or home between treatments, and a special Fast Track program speeds up the process. Oncology services also includes the Breast Center, the first in the area to offer digital mammography. Each patient is assigned a breast care nurse, who helps the patient find needed services at EJGH or elsewhere. The patient education program provides information and instructions about the patient’s treatment regimen. The patient library in the Yenni Treatment Center has a collection of educational materials, literature and videotapes patients can check out or read on site. EJGH Radiology not only provides advanced cancerfighting technologies, it also plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients throughout the medical center. Tools in the department’s arsenal include diseasedetecting imaging technology such as computed tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-rays. Therapeutic interventions include nuclear medicine, angiography, tumor removal and biopsies. The department also does mammography, MRI breast imaging and positron emission tomography (PET). EJGH also has the Novalis Tx and Trilogy systems for targeted beam radiation treatments. In May, EJGH became the first facility in the area to earn accreditation from the American College of Radiology. The accreditation is considered a benchmark of quality care. In the Outpatient Rehab Department at EJGH, physical, occupational and speech therapy specialists use state-of-the-art equipment, manual and neurological therapy, aquatics and more to help patients return to their normal routines following surgery or illness. Treatments are designed in coordination with each patient’s doctor. Physical therapies include orthopedic care and rehabilitation, kinesiotaping and sports injury treatments. Occupational therapy includes lymphedema (swelling and fluid retention) treatments, driving evaluations, neurological therapy and orthopedics. Speech and language therapies are available, as well as vital stimulation and cognitive therapy. Sleep apnea, chronic snoring, insomnia, narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome are among common problems addressed at the EJGH Sleep Disorders Center. To reach a diagnosis, a respiratory therapist and polysomnographic technician continually monitor a patient during a sleep study, usually overnight, at the Sleep Center in bedrooms designed to be home-like so patients can sleep normally. During the study, all aspects of sleep are recorded, and brain and muscle activity, eye movements, breathing and heart rate are monitored. Some conditions are diagnosed through day studies. Treatment regimens are tailored to each patient’s needs, habits and lifestyle. In March, EJGH Stroke Care earned a Gold Seal certification as a national Advanced Primary Stroke Center from The Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that accredits health care programs and organizations. Taking care of the heart and vein systems is an interdisciplinary undertaking, and the hospital has a coronary care and telemetry unit that provides 24-hour heart monitoring and treatment for patients suffering heart attacks, unstable angina, irregular heartbeat and other conditions. The Catheterization Laboratory has diagnostic imaging equipment and performs coronary, peripheral vascular and carotid artery blockage interventions, including the innovative CryoCath, pioneered by EJGH’s Dr. James McKinnie, for treating atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat, and reducing or eliminating a patient’s risk of stroke and need for medications. EJGH also offers noninvasive procedures including echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, exercise and nuclear stress tests, monitoring and more. The full-service Wellness Center at EJGH addresses all aspects of health and well-being, including a full slate of exercise classes and workout equipment,

personal trainers, a disease management program, nutrition programs and counseling, massages, education programs and more. The 38,000-square-foot medical fitness facility, which is offering a Safe Heart Screening on Aug. 7 (ask representatives at the booth for details), has two swimming pools, a steam room and whirlpool, raised walking paths and a massage facility. (At the booth you can enter a raffle for a free massage.) The center provides cardiovascular exercise programs, strength training and customized fitness and eating plans, and a corporate wellness program. Specialty classes include meditation, stress management and therapeutic aquatics for patients with multiple sclerosis and other conditions. Watch Center Stage for demonstrations of Spicy Steps, Body Combat and RPM or BodyPump. Woman & Child Services is not just about delivering babies, although it does that well and has a neo-natal intensive care unit for specialized treatments. The center also provides gynecological services, maternity care, Lamaze classes and, after delivery, breastfeeding support. The hospital earned a Guided Infant Feeding Techniques Certification from the Louisiana Maternal and Child Health Coalition. The staff includes high-risk pregnancy specialists, ultrasound technicians, lactation consultants, nutrition experts and more. Woman & Child Services’ resource library and breastfeeding center is staffed with nurses and lactation consultants who are available to answer questions and give advice. Labor, delivery and recovery suites are comfortable and homey, promoting bonding between a newborn and parents, and providing a warm atmosphere for visits from friends and family. Canon Hospice provides services to terminally ill patients and their families in metro New Orleans, on the Northshore, in Baton Rouge and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The business focuses on helping families of patients who no longer are taking curative treatments to accept the impending death of their loved one and face the challenges and emotions in a positive way. Canon offers hospice services in a patient’s home, hospital room or nursing home, and provides free bereavement support for families for a year after their loved one dies. Patients receive medical supplies, medication and equipment, as well as regular visits from registered nurses, a 24-hour nursing care line for emergencies, and a nursing assistant to help with personal care tasks. A social worker also visits patients for counseling and psycho-social support. Most insurance companies cover hospice care. Children 7 to 12 years old can attend Camp Swan, a Canon-sponsored weekend camp where kids can talk about their grief while also enjoying play activities, art and more. A brunch to raise funds for Camp Swan is scheduled for July 14 at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park (call 881-0452 for more information). Diagnostic Imaging Services (DIS) has four locations in the New Orleans area where patients can get magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT scan), positron emission tomography (PET scan), X-rays and nuclear medicine diagnostics. The women’s and advanced imaging center in Metairie offers breast MRIs, ultrasound-guided breast biopsies and cyst aspirations, ductography, mammography, bone density studies, ultrasound and a special “Inside Addition” 4-D ultrasound in which expectant parents can see their child in the womb. The outpatient imaging center provides screenings and diagnostic exams for a multitude of illnesses and conditions, often at a savings over what such tests cost in a hospital. DIS, which opened in 1973, was the first center in the Gulf South to introduce a high-field open MRI, which is more comfortable for patients because they don’t feel as closed in as with traditional units. The open MRI produces

and provides cutting-edge technology in specialties including obstetrics/ gynecology, urology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, radiology and surgery. It has a longstanding commitment to the health of women and their babies, and has delivered more than 100,000 babies and treated 300,000 patients since opening in 1964. The Tulane booth will offer blood pressure screenings, and experts will conduct a question-and-answer session about women’s health issues.

Combining beauty, health and wellness services, the aesthetic medical and laser clinic Spa Jouvence offers weight-loss programs, body scrubs and wraps, facials, massages and cosmetic therapies including Botox, fillers and peels and more. Physicians temper the effects of aging using state-of-the-art dermal treatments and topical applications including Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Latisse and spray tanning. Patients also can get vitamin B12 injections, laser hair removal, tattoo removal and sclerotherapy to treat varicose veins. The massage menu includes deeptissue, prenatal, Swedish and warm stone massages as well as a 30-minute Spot Treatment that addresses specific areas bothering a patient, and the Foot Escape, which features a variety of techniques to relax your feet — and a foot scrub. The spa also offers aromatherapy, sinus and migraine therapies and enhanced treatments for hands, feet or the back. The spa uses Obagi, Dermed, Avene and Glytone for its facials, which include acne- and back-specific facials, spot treatments and epidermal leveling, and waxing services. Body treatments include a salt/sugar glow, a mud wrap for remineralizing and detoxifying, an exfoliating and hydrating treatment and more. At the expo, Spa Jouvence will explain its products at Center Stage, provide free weight-loss analysis and beauty consultations and give away product samples.

Other exhibitors at the expo include: 4D, a health and performance supplement; All American Medical & Chiropractic, which also offers massage therapy, rehabilitation programs and nutrition counseling; American Laser Skincare, specializing in laser hair removal, cellulite reduction and skin rejuvenation; and the Fortune 500 Amerigroup health insurance company. The Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge offers supplements for weight loss and muscle development; Bopp Dermatology and Facial Plastic Surgery, which offers fillers, laser rejuvenation, hair removal, surgical augmentations and more; PMA Medical Treatment and Wellness Center, offering health care, a med-spa, hormone treatments, allergy tests, weight loss programs and more; and Wellness Water Company, which sells, installs and services water purification systems. Bustles and Lollipops, a baby concierge company; Children’s Hospital, a comprehensive pediatric health care facility; Kids Express Urgent Care, which is open until midnight on weekdays for nonemergency health problems; Harris Sports and Family Chiropractic, which treats sports-related and auto accident injuries and does energy therapy; and Close Combat and Fitness, which will present a seminar about self-defense for women. Doctors Imaging uses technology to detect disease and injury; Gulf South Foot & Ankle offers a complete array of treatments for feet; Millennium Healthcare Management Inc. is a walk-in urgent care clinic; and Family Home Care provides a range of medical services that allow patients to recover at home. Louisiana Relay Services provides equipment to ensure the deaf and hearing impaired can communicate by telephone; the National Library of Medicine offers a wealth of vetted information on all types of medical topics; New York Life is one of the largest mutual life insurance companies in the U.S.; Nola Pilates and Xtend Barre New Orleans, which has a wealth of movement classes; Peoples Health, which provides Medicare benefits; Superior Healthcare, a clinic with a multispecialty team; Upper Cervical Family Chiropractic, operated by Dr. Josh Rilette; United Healthcare Community Plan, insurance for families in the Medicaid and LaCHIP programs; and Sader Power Enterprises, which sells, installs and maintains solar energy systems.

Tulane Medical Center began in 1834 as one of only 14 medical schools in the United States. Since that time, it has expanded into a teaching, research and medical facility with the 234-bed Tulane University Hospital and Clinic, Tulane Hospital for Children, Tulane-Lakeside Hospital, and 24 clinics and multispecialty centers. The comprehensive system includes Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane Abdominal Transplant, Tulane-Lakeside Center for Women’s Health and Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine. It’s vast array of departments and clinics cover all areas of health care, including sleep disorders, neurosurgery, human genetics, mood disorders, diabetes, headaches, pain management, multiple sclerosis, physical rehabilitation and more. The 119-bed Tulane-Lakeside Hospital employs 450 people full time

THE WORLD ALWAYS

LOOKS BETTER FROM BEHIND A

BEAUTIFUL SMILE Whether it is a routine check-up or a dental procedure, Dr. Morgan & his staff provide the highest quality service with your comfort & satisfaction as their #1 priority. A healthy smile can last a lifetime with regular dental care and maintenance.

FREE TEETH BLEACHING

FOR NEW PATIENTS

w/ cleaning, exam & x-ray. Bleaching value $400.

Call Dr. Morgan Today & Transform Your Smile.

DR. KEN MORGAN DDS FAMILY DENTISTRY 3100 KINGMAN ST., SUITE 100 METAIRIE · 504.780.7006

Gambit’s wellness expo > bestofneworleans.com > june 5 > 2012

scans quickly — and can accommodate patients up to 660 pounds. DIS, which opened in 1973, also performs MRI angiography, hysterosalpingograms, digital fluoroscopy, esophagrams, pyelograms, myelograms and arthrograms. On the nondiagnostic menu, massages are available. Representatives as the DIS booth will conduct free ultrasound heel screenings to detect osteoporosis. Also pick up a gift bag containing a refrigerator magnet, ink pen, adhesive note pad and nail file.

Metairie Westbank

Mandeville Slidell

Every three seconds… Someone needs blood. It could be you.

2012

Wellness

BOOTH MAP

An Investment in Health - Our Greatest Asset

LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTER June 9, 2012

2008

Treating the whole body: spine and extremity pain, headache and extremity tingling and numbness, and more. Accepting new patients & most major insurance.

FREE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE INFO www.nlm.nih.gov | (888)FIND-NLM

722 Phosphor Ave. (1/2 block off Vets) Metairie

(504) 835-3736 • ametairiechiropractor.com J.C.PENNEY

8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894

Dr. Theresa L. Harris, C.C.S.P.

www.thebloodcenter.org (800) 86-BLOOD

CENTER STAGE 3

www.4dsupplements.com

4D IS THE COMPLETE

HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE

SUPPLEMENT

BSCG Certiﬁed for Athletes/Sports

4D is available in 25 and 7 count boxes Available at Select Smoothie Kings • Roberts Fresh Market • Select Curves Kash’s Nutrition • Smoothie Time • GymMatrix • Body Fuel

Family HomeCare OFFERING • BOTOX • EYELIFT • FILLERS • NOSE RESHAPING • LEG VEIN TREATMENTS • ULTHERAPY

1 East Jefferson Sleep Center

17 East Jefferson Healthy Lifestyles

32 East Jefferson Woman & Child

2 East Jefferson Oncology Services

18 East Jefferson Outpatient Rehabilitative Services

33 To be Announced

NEW CLIENT SPECIAL

19 To be Announced

34 Canon Hospice

Non Equipment Classes for 1 month $59 UNLIMITED

20 The Blood Center

35 Superior Healthcare

21 National Library of Medicine

36 Doctors Imaging

Come to the Wellness Expo June 9th at Lakeside mall to get this deal

3 East Jefferson Radiology 4 American Laser Skincare 5 East Jefferson Strokes 6 East Jefferson Diabetes

504.455.9933 www.boppskin.com

3901 Houma Blvd. Plaza II, Ste 410 Metairie, LA 70006

7 Close Combat and Fitness, LLC. 8 Tulane Medical Center 9 Upper Cervical Family Chiropractor 10 Gulf South Foot & Ankle, LLC. 11 Diagnostic Imaging Services

12 PMA Wellness & Treatment Center 13 Body by Vi 90-Day Challenge SM

877. 25 2 .7 977 w ww. a m e r icanlaser.com

22 All American Medical & Chiropractic 23 NOLA Pilates & XtendBarre New Orleans 24 To be Announced 25 Wellness Water Co. 26 Family Home Care 27 Spa Jouvence

14 Bopp Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery

28 Amerigroup

15 Children’s Hospital

30 UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

16 East Jefferson Food & Nutrition

29 Bustles & Lollipops 31 East Jefferson Wellness Center

37 Peoples Health 38 New York Life 39 Sader Power Enterprises, LLC

Providing Quality Home Health Services for 20 years

phone: (504) 835-0934 fax: (504) 835-0165 www.familyhomecare.net

URGENT CARE FOR CHILDREN

Xtend Barre, Piloxing, Pilates Mat, Zumba, Dance Trance, Spin and Yoga.

www.nolapilates.com

LOCATIONS IN LAKEVIEW + METAIRIE

Summer Special FIND 8 weeks/ 189 YOUR FOCUS... $

includes free uniform

40 Kids Express Urgent Care 41 Louisiana Relay Service 42 Harris Sports & Family Chiropractic 43 4D LLC. 4DClean Energy Health Supplement

44 Millenium Healthcare Management Inc. 45 Tiger-Rock Martial Arts

· State of the Art Pediatric Urgent Care · From Birth to 21 years old · Open 7 days a week 3848 Veterans Memorial Blvd 504 298 KIDS (5437) kidsexpressurgentcare.com

Learn Self-Esteem, Discipline, Fitness & Focus! Metairie (504) 455-9699

GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO > BESTOFNEWORLEANS.COM > JUNE 5 > 2012

MACY’S

Melissa Rojas (504) 261-7422 Pam Dalgo (504) 723-3667 Wesley Cooper (504) 460-8877

Check it out & Contact us for more info!

Jill Chaisson (504) 628-5836 Lauren Wade (504) 908-1684 Lily Couvillon (504) 400-5034

MIGNON FAGET

www.overview.visalus.com

Focus - Perform - Recover - Repair

GODIVA

Old Metairie (504) 831-1110 West Bank (504) 394-0008

Exhibitors Gambit’s wellness expo > bestofneworleans.com > june 5 > 2012

AT GAMBIT’S WELLNESS EXPO™ 2012

manages publicly funded health programs, including Medicaid and LaCHIP, to improve access to quality health care and lowering costs for taxpayers. Its booth offers beat-the-heat summer tips, as well as free sunscreen and fans.

The Blood Center 2609 Canal St., 524-1322 or (800) 86-BLOOD; www.thebloodcenter.org The Blood Center is the primary supplier of blood, blood components and plasma derivatives to more than 50 hospitals and out-patient facilities in south Louisiana and Mississippi. The Blood Center will conduct a blood drive, and participants receive a miniphysical, cholesterol check and logo sling backpack.

Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge

4D 1501 River Oaks Road W., Harahan, 2361959; www.4dsupplements.com A total health and performance supplement, 4D’s formula offers clean energy for all the body’s systems, aiding in fat loss, improved muscle function, tendon and ligament strengthening, skin cell regeneration and more. The natural ingredients also lessen inflammation and reduce tendonitis. Stop by to taste free samples and get more information.

All American Medical & Chiropractic 101 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Suite 301, 2883888; www.allamericanchiro.com Chiropractic services are available, as well as massage therapy, physical rehabilitation programs, and nutrition and natural wellness counseling. Visit the

booth for a free five-minute massage and a free in-clinic consultation.

American Laser Skincare 3223 8th St., Metairie, Suite 201, 8870727; www.americanlaser.com American Laser Skincare is the largest laser-based skin-care services provider in the country, and the Metairie office offers a range of laser hair removal, cellulite reduction and skin rejuvenation treatments. Skincare professionals customize treatment programs to achieve the desired results while fitting into a patient’s lifestyle.

Amerigroup 3850 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 600, Metairie, 834-1271; www.amerigroup.com This Fortune 500 company serves patients in 12 states and provides health insurance for Bayou Health plan customers. It

www.getfitnola.bodybyvi.com; www.wcooper1.bodybyvi.com; www.lilycouvillon. bodybyvi.com; www.pdalgo.myvi.net; www. shakenola.bodybyvi.com; www.laurenwade.bodybyvi.com The nationwide challenge says replace a meal or two a day with a ViSalus Vi-Shape Shake for 90 days to trade fat for lean muscle. The Body by Vi booth offers samples of soy, shakes, energy drinks and other products, and a video presentation.

Bopp Dermatology and Facial Plastic Surgery 3901 Houma Blvd., Plaza II, Suite 410, 455-9933; www.boppskin.com Specializing in plastic surgery, dermatology and cosmetic treatments, the medical team at Bopp offers Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, restylane, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, IPL, V-beam, laser rejuvenation and hair-removal or reduction treatments, brow lifts, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, chin implants, otoplasty, hair transplants, sclerotherapy for varicose veins, cheek augmentation and more. The booth offers skin scans.

Bustles and Lollipops 5635 Paris Ave., 912-5255; www.facebook.com/bustlesandlollipops This baby concierge company offers a range of services from childproofing your home and preparing your nursery to birth preparation and postpartum preparation and support. It also helps with baby registries, shower coordination, sourcing for nannies or babysitters and consultations about safe and organic baby products, some of which are on display at the expo booth.

Canon Hospice 1221 S. Clearview Pkwy., Jefferson, 818-2723; www.canonhospice.com Dedicated to helping patients at the end of their lives and their families come to terms with terminal illness, Canon offers in-patient hospice services, or will deliver the services at a patient’s home or nursing home. The goal is to help patients and their families maneuver through end-oflife issues while preserving their dignity. More information is available at the Canon Hospice booth.

Children’s Hospital 200 Henry Clay Ave., 899-9511; www.chnola.org A comprehensive pediatric health care facility, the 247-bed Children’s Hospital in Uptown New Orleans provides care for children from birth to 21 years old whose medical conditions range from asthma to kidney disease to epilepsy — as well as everything in between. At its expo booth, Children’s Hospital will provide summer safety tips and information about immunizations, financial assistance and more.

Close Combat and Fitness 4407A Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 456-3553; www.closecombatandfitness.com; www.metairiemartialarts.com The martial arts and fitness studio offers programs in Krav Maga, a tactical self-

defense system based on natural reactions, which is easy for any fitness level to learn. Combat Fit Boot Camp fitness program combines resistance training, plyometrics and kickboxing workouts with a nutrition plan and coaches. At its booth, get a one-on-one demonstration of self-defense techniques. Visit Center Stage for Close Combat’s seminar about women’s self-defense.

Diagnostic Imaging Services 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 200, Metairie, 888-7921; www.disnola.com The outpatient imaging center provides screenings and examinations for disease and injuries. Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI; computed tomography, CT; positron emission tomography, PET scans; nuclear medicine, X-rays and interventional studies are offered. There also are women’s health imaging services such as mammography, bone-density studies, ultrasound-guided breast biopsies and cyst aspirations, ultrasound and more. Get a free heel ultrasound screening at the company’s booth.

Doctors Imaging 4204 Teuton St., Metairie, 883-8111; www.doctorsimaging.com Medical imaging examinations to detect disease or injury, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, ultrasound exams and X-rays, are the specialties. Watch presentations about Doctors Imaging on computer monitors at the booth and pick up a free pen and a treat.

East Jefferson General Hospital Diabetes Management Center

East Jefferson General Hospital Food & Nutrition Services Department 4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 454-4077; www.ejgh.org A team of experienced dietitians provides customized nutritional therapy for patients in the hospital and outpatients trying to control disease symptoms or improve their overall health. The team can provide nutritional plans for specific diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and weight management. It also has programs for disease prevention and sports and fitness nutrition.

East Jefferson General Hospital Oncology Services 4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 883-8950; www.ejgh.org Inpatient and outpatient cancer care is available as well as a program to navigate through the system, cancer care and grief support groups and information about community resources for patients, families and caregivers. Visit the Breast Health booth for a mammogram voucher, a breast self-exam model and information about cancer prevention, screenings and risk factors.

4601 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 456-9895; www.ejgh.org Highly trained specialists in physical, occupational and speech therapy develop approaches for continuum of care to meet their patients’ goals following surgery or discharge from EJGH. The continuum of care includes state-of-the-art equipment, coordination with each patient’s doctor, orthopedic care and rehabilitation, sports therapy, manual therapy, aquatics, neurological therapy, kinesiotaping, lymphedema treatments, driving evaluations, speech/language and cognitive therapies and more.

East Jefferson General Hospital Radiology 4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 454-4141; www.ejgh.org Providing a pivotal part of diagnosis and treatment for all departments of EJGH, the radiology department offers diagnostic and therapeutic services including computed tomography, CT; X-ray; ultrasound; magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI); nuclear medicine and interventions such as angiography, tumor ablation, biopsies and more. At the booth, get a bone mineral density heel exam.

East Jefferson General Hospital Sleep Disorders Center 4320 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 780-5701; www.ejgh.org The center conducts overnight sleep studies to diagnose disorders such as apnea, chronic snoring, restless leg syndrome and more, as well as day studies for narcolepsy and insomnia. Treatment regimens are individualized.

East Jefferson General Hospital Stroke Care 4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 456-5193; www.ejgh.org The hospital’s care and innovations in treating patients who suffer strokes has earned it The Joint Commission’s Certificate of

Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers. The certification program, developed by The Joint Commission in collaboration with the American Stroke Association, recognizes exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke patients.

East Jefferson General Hospital Wellness Center 3726 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 849-6868; www.ejgh.org The full-service wellness center offers personal training, a wide range of exercise classes, general fitness programs, disease management programs, massages, nutrition programs and more. At the expo’s Center Stage, the Wellness Center will demonstrate Spicy Steps, Body Combat and RPM or Body Pump. Visit the booth for a chance to win a free massage, have your body mass index tested and find out more about the Wellness Center’s offerings including its corporate wellness program.

East Jefferson General Hospital Woman and Child Services 4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 883-6932; www.ejgh.org The center provides a range of women’s care services, including gynecology, maternity and childbirth, breastfeeding support and more. Childbirth and recovery suites are designed to be homey and promote bonding between parents and newborns as well as accommodating visits from family and friends. There is also a neonatal intensive care unit.

Family Home Care 3636 S. I-10 Service Road W., Suite 310, Metairie, 835-0934; www.familyhomecare.net Helping patients recover at home, the business offers skilled in-home nursing; physical, occupational, infusion and speech therapies; a medical social worker, certified health coaching, wound care, Lifeline and case management. At its booth, Family Home Care will provide information about safety in the home.

Gulf South Foot & Ankle 2520 Harvard Ave., Suite 2B, Metairie, 4543004; www.gulfsouthfootandankle.com Gulf South treats all foot- and ankle-related conditions, including sprains, bunions, plantar fasciitis, plantar warts, fungus, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, Morton’s neuroma and overlapping toes. It also offers diabetic foot care, corn and callus removal and toenail trimming.

Harris Sports and Family Chiropractic 722 Phosphor Ave., Metairie, 835-3736; www.ametairiechiropractor.com Dr. Theresa Harris’ clinic offers a range of chiropractic services, including relief of neck, back, arm and leg pain; treatment of sports-related and auto-accident injuries and nutritional and weight-loss supplements. Rehabilitation and physical modalities include muscle stimulation, ultrasound, Biomat and decompression-traction therapies. Visit the booth to try the Biomat, energy medicine using amethyst crystals for infrared heat with negative ions. The clinic also is offering scoliosis screenings and giveaways including ink pens, sports bottles and biofreeze samples.

Healthy Lifestyles East Jefferson General Hospital, 4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 454-4066; www.ejgh.org This wellness program at EJGH offers its members fitness activities, social events, education, information about medical breakthroughs, health assessments, nutritional classes, outdoor recreation and more — designed to help them live longer, healthier lives. Blood pressure and blood-sugar screenings are available at the booth.

Kids Express Urgent Care 3848 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 101, Metairie, 298-5437; www.kidsexpressurgentcare.com Staffed with pediatric specialists only, this clinic provides immediate care for children

Gambit’s wellness expo > bestofneworleans.com > june 5 > 2012

4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 454-4165; www.ejgh.org Diabetes management for each patient begins with an evaluation, followed by education about the disease and the importance of activity, nutrition and managing glycemic levels. It also offers individual counseling, medication programs, support groups and other resources to help manage their disease. A certified diabetes educator will be at the expo booth to answer questions, and the booth will have lots of information about prevention, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and management of diabetes.

East Jefferson General Hospital Outpatient Rehab Department

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Tiger Rock Martial Arts 2309 Clearview Pkwy., Suite 200, Metairie, 455-9699; www.tigerrockmartialarts.com Tiger Rock offers a diverse array of martial arts classes for children as young as 3 years old through adults. Programs include Kisado fitness lessons and cardio-kickboxing, taekwondo, grappling, Hanmudo, Yogafit, Xtreme martial arts and corporate wellness partnerships. Pick up an informational flyer at the expo booth.

Tulane Medical Center and Tulane-Lakeside Hospital

Gambit’s wellness expo > bestofneworleans.com > june 5 > 2012

Medical center: 1415 Tulane Ave., 9885800; hospital: 4700 S. I-10 Service Road W., Metairie, 988-5800; www.tulanehealthcare.com More than 500 physicians provide cuttingedge care for patients at Tulane Medical Center (TMC), which is a comprehensive health care center as well as an academic medical center. Patients will find primary care doctors and an array of specialists in the 25 clinics within the medical center. The downtown TMC hospital has 235 beds. Tulane-Lakeside Hospital, established in 1964, has 119 beds and 450 full-time employees. At the expo, hear a question-and-answer session about women’s health issues, have your blood pressure checked, schedule a mammogram and learn about heart health, preventing strokes and more.

suffering illnesses and non-emergency injuries, and no appointments are necessary. The state-of-the-art clinic has X-ray and laboratory services on site, and has after-school hours: 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Stop by the booth to get your body mass index checked.

access to reliable health information for consumers through MedlinePlus (www. medlineplus.gov), NIHSeniorHealth (www. nihseniorhealth.gov), ClinicalTrials.gov and Genetics Home Reference (www.ghr.nlm. nih.gov). The booth will have a variety of health-related brochures and will give away pens, note pads and bookmarks.

Louisiana Relay Service

New York Life

9107 Bluebonnet Centre Blvd., Baton Rouge, (225) 937-8553; www.hamiltonrelay.com Louisiana Relay Service, created by the state Public Service Commission, ensures that telecommunication services are available to people statewide who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf and blind or have difficulty speaking. Hamilton Relay holds the state contract to provide the service. Visitors can use a captioned telephone and other assistive equipment on display at the expo.

639 Loyola Ave., Suite 1900, 569-0500; www.newyorklife.com One of the oldest and largest mutual life insurance companies in America, New York Life, a Fortune 100 company, offers a range of insurance products, retirement planning, pensions and long-term care. Pick up product brochures and pick up a freebie at the booth.

Millennium Healthcare Management Inc.

3225 Danny Park, Metairie, 252-9326; 6268 Vicksburg St., 483-8880; www.nolapilates.com There are a number of private and group classes at this full-service Pilates studio, which offers Xtend Barre, Pilates mat, Piloxing, Zumba, yoga, spin, Reformer, Tower and chair classes. Visit the expo booth and you’ll be eligible for a month of unlimited (nonequipment) group classes (valued at $175) for $49.

3510 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 300, Metairie, 831-3112; www.millenniumurgentcare.com Doctors at this walk-in health clinic treat illnesses and minor injuries — without requiring an appointment. The urgent care center provides a qualified staff of medical professionals, and saves patients time and money over going to an emergency room. New Orleans-born Millennium Healthcare Management Inc. helps found urgent care centers and manage day-to-day business operations, allowing doctors to focus on patients. Stop by the booth for information as well as freebies such as pens, notepads, water bottles, bandages and hand sanitizer.

National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Md., (888) 346-3656; www.nlm.nih.gov Part of the National Institutes of Health, the National Library of Medicine offers free

Nola Pilates and Xtend Barre New Orleans

PMA Medical Treatment and Wellness Center 613 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 441-5555; www.pmawellness.us Primary care is available at this center, as well as aesthetic treatments at the medispa, hormone balancing therapies, testing for allergies and all categories of food intolerances, the Ideal Protein weight loss program, and sublingual drop therapy for allergies. At its booth, PMA offers a body fat screening and free skin analysis, as well as a host of wellness information.

United Healthcare Community Plan Peoples Health 3838 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 2200, Metairie, 849-4500; www.peopleshealth.com Established in 1994, Peoples Health provides Medicare beneficiaries in southeast Louisiana with Medicare benefits. It also offers services designed to help its customers optimize their health.

Sader Power Enterprises LLC 234 Harbor Circle, 304-7015; www.saderpower.com Sader Power Industries has installed nearly 4,000 solar panels on homes and busineses since opening in April 2011. The company’s core team worked with Brad Pitt’s Make it Right Foundation and later formed Sader Power to make green, sustainable technology available at a price most homeowners can afford. The company sells, installs and maintains solar energy systems.

Spa Jouvence 2313 Metairie Road, Suite A, Metairie, 338-4268; www.spajouvence.com The medical spa offers weight-loss programs, facials, massages, Botox, fillers, peels, and body scrubs and wraps. Get a free weight-loss analysis at the booth as well as beauty consultations and samples of sunscreen and body oil. Visit Center Stage for the spa’s demonstration about beauty and relaxation treatments.

Superior Healthcare 3501 Severn Ave., Suite 8, Metairie, 835-0565; www.superiorhealthcarellc.com The multispecialty team at Superior Healthcare covers patients’ needs including diagnosis by a medical doctor, chiropractic treatments, physical rehabilitation and more. The team focuses on nonsurgical approaches to treating pain and injuries. Visit the booth for more information about its services.

3838 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 3225, Metairie, 849-3566; www.uhccommunityplan.com United Healthcare Community Plan is health insurance for families in the Medicaid and LaCHIP programs. The plan includes health and wellness community program resources and health education and disease management information. Informational brochures are available at the booth, as well as freebies including stress balls, pens and jar openers.

Upper Cervical Family Chiropractic 128 W. Harrison Ave., 488-1800; www.ucfamilychiropractic.com Dr. Josh Rilette provides hands-on family chiropractic care and focuses on optimal wellness lifestyles. Services include upper cervical-specific techniques, cleansing and detox programs for weight loss, cold laser therapy to alleviate pain and promote fast healing and information about nutrition, stress and hormones. Stop by the booth for toxin screening, nervous and postural analyses, information on weightloss cleansing and a chance to win a free chiropractic service.

Wellness Water Company 800 Dakin St., Jefferson, 838-8345; www.wellnesswaterco.com The locally owned Wellness Water Company uses environmentally friendly green products in the water purification systems it sells, installs and services for residential, commercial and industrial customers. The business also has water softeners, reverse osmosis treatments, an ultraviolet disinfection system, water coolers and chillers and instant hot water systems and more. At its booth, Wellness Water will raffle a drinking system and hold hourly drawings for prizes.

Center Stage A schedule of activities at Gambit’s Wellness Expo™ 11 am

1:30 pm

SpiCy StepS DemonStration

by eaSt JefferSon General HoSpital This energizing class employs Latin dance, rhythms and music to strengthen larger muscle groups.

11:30 am beauty & relaxation treatmentS

by Spa JouvenCe The presentation touches on services offered at the physician-owned spa, including Botox, fillers, chemical peels, laser treatments, massage and body wraps.

12 noon by eaSt JefferSon General HoSpital Inspired by martial arts, the energizing Body Combat cardio workout program draws from an array of disciplines, including boxing, karate, taekwondo, muay thai and tai chi.

by buStleS & lollipopS Learn what to look for when buying baby carriers, diapers and organic products. The presenter will rank good, better and worst baby products. There also will be a display of organic baby lotions, diaper rash creams, baby washes and more.

2 pm Zumba DanCe party

An instructor demonstrates some routines for Zumba, a cardiofitness class that draws from Latin dances including salsa, merengue and cha-cha to create an easy-to-follow fitness program combining interval and resistance training to tone and sculpt the body while burning fat.

2:30 pm Self-DefenSe DemonStration

by CloSe Combat fitneSS Students in this self-defense program for kids and adults show the audience some advanced tactics and demonstrate techniques using volunteers.

3 pm

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by eaSt JefferSon General HoSpital The trademarked BodyPump workout focuses on low weight loads and numerous repetitions to burn fat and calories, increase strength and produce lean muscle quickly.

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Gambit’s wellness expo > bestofneworleans.com > june 5 > 2012

very woman who reaches middle age will experience menopause (the cessation of the menstrual cycle) and the hormone changes it brings. But for many women, hormone therapy remains a confusing subject. In 2002, a clinical trial by The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) reported that women taking the oral hormone Prempro had a higher risk of developing breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and blood clots. That information caused many women to stop taking hormones prescribed for the symptoms and effects of menopause. Subsequent studies have had far more positive findings and some doctors believe the benefits outweigh the risks. “A lot of fear has been created by representing all the negative stuff, but the benefits are also very great,” says Dr. Charles Farris, Jr., an obstetrician/gynecologist and menopause practioner with Ochsner Health System. In her book, The Wisdom of Menopause, Dr. Christiane Northrup, an obstetrician/gynecologist and menopause specialist, says not every woman needs hormone therapy to relieve menopause symptoms, which include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability, depression, insomnia, headaches, dry skin, vaginal dryness and thinning, mental fuzziness, memory loss, urinary problems, weight gain and loss of libido. For those who want to take hormones, knowing where to begin can be tricky. Today, more choices in the field of hormone therapy mean more information to gather. Knowing some of the basics can help. The average age of menopause, technically defined as the last menstrual period, is 51. But many women begin to experience symptoms during the years that precede menopause, known as perimenopause. “Not many people know that you can have a period and be in menopause,” says Dr. Kathleen Posey, an obstetrician/gynecologist with a fellowship in anti-aging and regenerative medicine who specializes in hormone therapy and usually begins testing her patients’ hormone levels when they are between ages 45 and 50. In general, most women seek treatment when symptoms become bothersome. Talking to your obstetrician/gynecologist (or to your family doctor, who can refer you to a gynecologist with a specialty in menopausal management) is usually the first step. Education through reading and lectures also can help patients find doctors specializing in hormone therapy. Most doctors use blood tests to determine whether a patient is in menopause and where the hormonal deficiencies lie. “It’s a matter of talking about your symptoms and having a doctor who’s a good listener,” Posey says. The American Medical Association recently advised against the use of hormone therapy. But the International Menopause Society has taken the stance that all women should have the right to decide for themselves whether they want to use hormone therapy. Doctors have patients in their 60s, 70s and 80s taking hormones. The following is a primer on hormone therapy today.

What is hormone replacement therapy or hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy is the use of medications containing female hormones to replace those no longer made by the body after menopause. The main hormones involved are estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. “Hormone decline is an inevitability of life,” says Ricky Phillips of PMA Family Medicine in Kenner, a nurse practitioner with a fellowship in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. “But with that decline comes various disease states. A patient can do nothing, take drugs to alleviate the effects resulting from the decline or try tod treat the root cause and put back the hormones that are missing.” Dr. William Von Almen, an obstetrician/gynecologist with Touro Infirmary, adds there is evidence that some herbs can have beneficial effects as well.

Who should consider hormone therapy?

Farris recommends hormone therapy for any woman who’s gone through menopause. “[Hormone therapy] is a positive approach for a better quality of life,” he says. Women who have had surgery on the female organs and those who have had radiation and chemotherapy also should have their hormone levels monitored for optimum health, Farris says. The key, von Almen says, is “individuality of each patient.” “We’ve been through the age of ‘everybody gets estrogen forever,’ and we’ve been through the age of ‘nobody gets estrogen ever [as a result of the WHI study],’ and now with the reevaluation [of WHI data], there is room for individualization.”

What do the terms “synthetic” and “bioidentical” mean?

“Doctors are divided on two things: whether you should take hormones and what kinds of hormones you should take,” Posey says. Unfortunately, women researching their options may be confused by what they hear and read. Simply put, synthetic hormones are manu-

factured by drug companies and do not have the same chemical structure as those found in the female body. Bioidentical or body identical hormones are derived from plant sources and modified in a lab so their molecular structure matches that of hormones produced by the female body. There are bioidentical hormones that are FDA approved as well as bioidentical hormones that are not. Whether synthetic and bioidentical hormones are equally safe and effective is the subject of debate. Those in favor of bioidentical hormones argue “that the cost and convenience as well as the natural processing” are preferable to synthetic hormones, Posey says. Those who don’t support their use argue that bioidentical hormones have not been studied thoroughly enough and there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that bioidenticals are biologically better. “There is no scientific study that shows that they’re any safer than a proprietary estrogen,” Von Almen says. Farris objects to the use of the terms “synthetic” and “bioidentical” altogether. “Nowadays, doctors do not use synthetic hormones,” Farris says. “The only area it’s used is in the progestin, depending on the patient’s response and request and previous reactions to progestin.”

What are compounded hormones?

Compounded hormones are mixed, or compounded, by a licensed compounding pharmacy into one dosage for convenience and cost. There is an ongoing debate over the safety and efficacy of compounded hormones, which have not been as widely studied as more traditional forms of hormone therapy. Some doctors prescribe them; others do not.

What forms of hormone therapy are used today?

Hormones come in various forms: pills, patches, creams and pellets implanted below the skin. Gels, suppositories and vaginal rings also are used for localized vaginal treatment. “We’re beginning to see some literature that says there could be safety benefits of transder-

mal verses oral when it comes to (preventing blood clots),” Von Almen says.

However, experts still disagree about the risks.

What are the benefits of hormone therapy?

Estrogen can cause symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, headache and nausea. Too large a dose of testosterone can cause acne and hair growth. Intolerance to progestin can cause bloating, breast tenderness and emotional changes such as anxiety and irritability.

The book Womenopause: Stop Pausing and Start Living by doctors Lovera Wolf Miller and David C. Miller lists the following as benefits of estrogen therapy: improved mood, better memory, thicker hair, smoother, softer skin, stronger muscles, lowered cardiovascular disease, reduced breast cancer, reduction in colon cancer, reduced belly fat, improved sex response, reduction of vaginal dryness, stronger bones and less joint pain. (In the WHI study, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer were seen in higher rates in women who took Prempro, and despite reanalysis of the WHI data, these two touted benefits remain controversial.) Some doctors also administer testosterone to improve energy, libido and sleep.

What are the risks?

Controversy over the risks associated with hormone therapy stems largely from the findings of the WHI study published in 2002. The WHI study said Prempro increased the risk of breast cancer, stroke, blood clots and dementia. Womenopause: Start Pausing and Start Living says reanalysis of the WHI data reversed those findings.

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do insurance companies cover hormone therapy?

Every insurance company is different but most cover hormone therapy with some exceptions. While testosterone is covered for men, Farris says it is not covered for women. Women over 65 also are not covered.

hoW often should you see your doctor if you’re on hormone therapy?

In the first year of hormone therapy, women may need to see their doctor two or three times until the correct balance is found. After that, they’re advised to see their doctor annually or biannually. “There is no such thing as an average woman,” says Farris, who schedules an hour for each menopause management patient’s initial visit. “Each woman is unique and requires her own special attention.”

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aving grown up aristocratically pale (not to be confused with glaringly white) among more sultry, olive-complected Cajun women, I understand the desire to tan. Even after 35 years of sunburns and aloe vera, part of me still hoped I could be some color other than snow white or crawfish red. However, recent reports on the rise in incidents of melanoma among women under 40 have cured me of the compulsion to tan. Skin cancer incidents continue to rise in the U.S. A study published this April in Mayo Clinic Proceedings reports, “From 1970 to 2009, the incidence of melanoma increased by eightfold among young women and fourfold among young men … This finding may be explained by some sex-specific behaviors that lead to different UV (ultra-violet) light exposure. Young women are more likely than young men

to participate in activities that increase the risk of melanoma, including voluntary exposure to artificial sunlamps.” In the long term, overall incidents of skin cancer are still greater in men than women, but that may be changing as more young women emulate the Jersey Shore look. East Jefferson General Hospital dermatologist Barbara Bopp suspects a lack of education about the dangers of tanning beds may be partly to blame. “UVA and UVB are the two main types of ultraviolet rays that affect our skin,” Bopps says. “UVB rays burn the skin, and it’s the repetitive burns that lead to skin cancer and especially to melanoma. However, UVA rays — the rays used in tanning beds — potentiate the skin cancer risk and have adverse effects on the aging of our skin.” UV exposure causes an abnormal bond in the DNA. Although the body

usually is able to repair the damage through a cellular process, sometimes mutations are formed during the repair process which can develop into carcinomas. The more UV a person absorbs, the more opportunity for mutations to form. Age and genetics play parts as well. As we age, our bodies no longer heal as efficiently as they did when we were younger, which is probably why, until recently, melanoma was not much of a concern for people under 30. Blondes and redheads with light eyes are the most susceptible, but Bopp points out melanoma is not exclusive to fairskinned people. “I’ve had dark-eyed, dark-haired patients with a history of melanoma,” she says. You can protect yourself from skin cancer by wearing full-coverage sunscreen on all exposed body parts when you go outside, making sure to cover easily missed areas like your ears and the backs of your hands. Wear hats and sunglasses that offer UV protection. For athletes and others who spend a lot of time outdoors, there are clothing lines that offer protection from the sun. And of course, avoid tanning beds. Bopp also suggests adding dermatology to your list of annual exams.

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“When melanoma is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent,” Bopp says. “But if they are not detected early, especially if they include distant lymph nodes and other organs, the fiveyear survival rate is only 16 percent.” A dermatologist should give you a full body scan, paying special attention to any spots or moles that have changed recently. The American Cancer Society website suggests using the “ABCDE” rule of melanoma to check for suspicious moles and telling your doctor if you have any that fit this description. A is for asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other. B is for border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. C is for color: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, or there may be patches of pink, red, white or blue. D is for diameter: The spot is larger than about 1/4-inch (the size of a pencil eraser), but keep in mind that melanomas can be smaller than this. Tell your doctor about any new or unusual growths on your skin or any lesions that do not heal. “The key is change,” Bopp says. “And the most important thing is to detect it early. Then you can survive.”

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