The Wellness Studio - January 2020

The Wellness Studio

THE WELLNESS REPORT THEWELLNESSSTUDIOLB.COM

2020

JAN

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FOR MY PARENTS What They Taught Me About Love, Resilience, and Support

s we celebrate the start of another new year, I can’t help but think of the two people who pushed me and supported me so I could get where I am today: my parents. I had a unique childhood, as both my sister and one of my brothers are deaf. My hearing brother and I knew we were expected to do well in school because we had no physical limitations like our siblings. As I raise my own children and they begin their young adult lives, I’m realizing just how much my parents sacrificed for us so we could have better lives. In fact, my sister’s deafness doesn’t slow her down! She’s very independent, owns a house, and maintains a job she enjoys. I have no doubt that my parents are a big part of this, even as they were presented with the challenges of raising two children with hearing disorders with limited resources. Today, of us four kids, I live the closest to my parents. I feel fortunate to watch them transform from middle-aged parents to active, happy older adults. I appreciate the fact that they have a life outside of their home. They don’t stay inside and just watch TV. They’re active in their church group and probably go out at least four times each week! They don’t let their age stop them from enjoying life, and they have a very social circle of friends. "I’ve even been able to watch my parents’ relationship blossom in their golden years. They are affectionate with one another and often hold hands."

I’ve even been able to watch my parents’ relationship blossom in their golden years. They are affectionate with one another and often hold hands. I like seeing them take care of each other. My dad has always adored my mom and said so openly, so it's nice to see my mom, a recovering workaholic, slow down and appreciate him as well. They've become what I want my kids to see in a loving marriage, and I'd love to have that for myself someday. It’s been beautiful to see them grow this way and even to hear my mom brag about how much my dad does for her. My parents are my biggest fans, and as I write this, I’m tearing up. I know I take them for granted, despite how many times they have rescued and been there for me. They've worked hard their entire lives for their kids. I consider myself lucky to still have them in my life. I wish I had more time to spend with them, but I am grateful for the time I have been given.

Thank you, Mom and Dad.

—Denise Dial

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NATURAL REMEDIES FOR STUFFY NOSES Don’t Let Congestion Get the Best of You

Maintain Moisture

Nasal congestion can have many different causes, including allergies, colds, or the flu, but the symptoms are often very similar: sinus pressure, headaches, and a stuffed-up nose. This is the result of membranes in your nasal passage becoming irritated and your body responding by producing mucus to try and flush out the irritants. Unfortunately, that response also causes nasal congestion. This is intensified by winter weather when dry air and heaters can further dry out your already irritated nasal passage. So, what is the best way to ease nasal congestion and sinus pressure? Try these at-home remedies that focus on moistening your nasal passage. Use a saline nasal spray or a nasal irrigator, like a neti pot, to flush and moisturize your nasal passage. These devices flush out allergens and keep your nasal passage moist, easing congestion and preventing further buildup. When using a neti pot or other nasal irrigator, always use sterile, distilled water or water that has been boiled and cooled. Flush Your Nasal Passage Our platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment expert, Denise Dial, loves hearing patient success stories, especially when her work produces life-changing results. Denise recently shared a story with us that serves as a great reminder about PRP treatment: Your reaction to PRP treatment is unpredictable, and everything you do in the hours and days after a PRP facial or hair regeneration treatment can impact the effect of the treatment. For background to this story, it’s important to know that laser therapy is the most recommended treatment for skin discoloration, which are pigment changes that come about due to damage from the sun or with age. However, PRP facial treatments have shown to improve the cohesive pigmentation of the skin as well, resulting in beneficial results for skin tone, evenness, and overall health.

Humidifiers add moisture into the air, creating a more humid environment, and can be especially helpful if you have a forced-air heating system. Try using a humidifier or vaporizer when you sleep. You may also find a warm compress helps ease congestion: Soak a washcloth in warm water mixed with a couple of drops of eucalyptus essential oil (consult the oil distributor for the exact ratio), then place the washcloth over your nose and cheeks for several minutes. Drinking plenty of water and sleeping upright at night can also help ease further congestion. While over-the-counter decongestants can temporarily help ease congestion, they are not intended for long-term use and may further dry out the nasal passage. Adding and maintaining moisture is the best way to prevent or ease sinus congestion. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor. A POWER COMBO How Topical Treatments Are Boosted by Microneedling treatment they had undergone positively influenced the topical treatments they were using for skin discoloration. Their skin looked more even and the discoloration had diminished with the help of the treatment. Pleasantly surprised by this effect, Denise continued researching and found that PRP facial treatments can brighten a patient’s skin and diminish dark spots and circles more effectively with the boost of topical treatments. In fact, according to Denise, the skin regularly absorbs about 8% of all topical treatments, but after a microneedling procedure, 80% of the treatment is absorbed into the skin. This patient’s experience with effective boosts in topical treatments after microneedling is not a rarity. Many patients report the creams, gels, and sprays they use for skin and hair care are more effective after microneedling and PRP treatments. For example, the results of a hair growth cream can be boosted with the help of microneedling. This can be a life-changing result for patients who have struggled with discoloration, hair loss, or other skin and hair-related issues. Treatments like these offer patients more support in their effort for healthier skin and hair, and they can mean the difference between crippling insecurities and true confidence.

Recently, a patient shared with Denise that the microneedling and PRP facial

Give your skin and hair regimen the boost it deserves this winter. Learn more about PRP facial and hair regeneration treatments by calling 562.980.0555.

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GET OUT THERE

Daily Ways to Stay Active

You’ve probably heard that sitting is the new smoking, but before you trash all your chairs and opt for standing desks, remember that it’s not the action of sitting that’s the most detrimental to your health. Instead, it’s the prolonged absence of movement. As you begin your New Year’s resolutions, see if you can try these daily ways to stay active.

Shy away from convenience.

Elevators, close parking spaces, and moving sidewalks have made the world more accessible for those whose disabilities prevent them from climbing the stairs or walking far distances. But these advancements were not intended to serve everyone. Instead, if you’re capable, opt for the stairs, or park further from the door. Your body — and your cardiologist —will thank you for the added walking and exercise.

Create a chore chart.

Chores are a simple way to make sure you get some extra legwork in during your day. Vacuum on Mondays for a strength workout, dust around the house to get your steps in on Tuesdays, and practice squats as you fold and put the laundry away on Wednesdays. By ensuring that you have to get up and do something around the house, you can almost guarantee you’re getting some movement in. ( Pro tip: Turn on some music and dance while you work!)

Easy Tomato Soup

Leave your desk during lunch.

Inspired by Nom Nom Paleo

Sometimes, stepping away from your desk for a lunch break feels like the last thing you can do. But it may be just what you need to stay active. Studies have found that getting away from your desk for lunch could make you more productive when tackling that big task list. When you’re more productive at work, you save some precious time to dedicate to exercising at home. In addition, when you couple lunch with a quick walk or yoga meditation, you’re moving your body in easy and effective ways.

Ingredients

• •

2 tbsp coconut oil 4 leeks, white parts only, thinly sliced

a good brand)

• • • •

1 cup chicken broth 8.5 oz coconut milk

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6 cloves garlic, minced

Kosher salt

With any form of exercise, consult with a medical professional before starting. Our experts can offer guidance on routines that fit into your life. Call 562.980.0555 to get started today.

Freshly ground black pepper

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1 28-oz can roasted and diced tomatoes (Muir Glen Organic is

The new decade is upon us, and at The Wellness Studio, we’re not quite done celebrating just yet . This month’s trivia question asks you to name the original host of New Year’s Eve’s biggest bash. WELLNESS QUIZ

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté leeks in coconut oil until softened and translucent, about 7–10 minutes. 2. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat. 3. Meanwhile, in a blender, purée entire can of tomatoes, including juice, until smooth. 4. Add sautéed leeks and garlic and purée again. 5. Transfer purée to a saucepan and add chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then drop to simmer and cook for 10 minutes. 6. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Which New York City publication is credited with hosting the first New Year’s Eve Party in Times Square?

Email your answers to [email protected] for your chance to be featured in next month’s newsletter!

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3711 Long Beach Blvd., Ste. 200 Long Beach, CA 90807

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The Wellness Studio

THEWELLNESSSTUDIOLB.COM

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1 DENISE PENS A TRIBUTE TO HER PARENTS 2 NATURAL WAYS TO EASE SINUS CONGESTION 2 THE POWERFUL COMBINATION OF MICRONEEDLING AND TOPICAL TREATMENTS

3 EASY TOMATO SOUP

3 GET MOVING (EVEN IF YOU’RE BUSY)

3 CAN YOU ANSWER THIS MONTH’S TRIVIA QUIZ? 4 3 WAYS A HEALTHY DIET CAN IMPROVE YOUR LOOKS

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

3 Beauty Benefits of a Healthy Diet

People can take a thousand different things into consideration when choosing their diet. Maybe they have allergies, need to control a health condition, or need to gain or lose weight — or maybe they just want clear skin, bright eyes, and healthy hair. That’s right: What you eat impacts not only your health and weight but also your features! The starting line for both health and beauty is your plate, and it’s possible to eat your way to victory (or, at the very least, a vast improvement). To set yourself up for beautiful skin, eyes, and hair, check out the diet advice below.

glycemic-index foods, like sweet cereals, white breads, and enriched pastas, also raise the level of IGF-1 in the body. However, foods with plenty of omega-3s — like fish, nuts, wild rice, spinach, and kale — can reduce inflammation and help calm breakouts.

Bright Eyes

According to the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, upon which both the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) rely, nutrient-dense foods are key for bright, healthy eyes. Nine foods in particular top the list: fish, nuts and legumes, seeds, citrus fruits, leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, beef, and eggs. Of course, drinking plenty of water is recommended too!

Clear Skin

Lustrous Locks

Research on the topic is still underway, but Medical News Today reports mounting evidence that eating more omega-3 fatty acids and slow-digesting foods and less dairy can help reduce acne. Some evidence shows that during puberty, acne is more common because our bodies produce more of the growth factor IGF-1. Unfortunately, many dairy products and quick-digesting, high-

Your hair’s appearance and how fast it grows do depend on age and genetics, but diet also plays a role. According to HealthLine.com, protein, biotin, and antioxidants all help hair grow and/or safeguard your follicles. Try adding more eggs, berries, spinach, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, avocados, nuts, seeds, sweet peppers, oysters, shrimp, soybeans, and lean red meats to your diet to reap those benefits.

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