Posts Tagged Health & Fitness
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
By Dr. Steve Biagini
An exciting new development has emerged in the area of attractive smiles for adults and teenagers. The Invisalign technology, developed by a computer engineer and a team of dentists, now allows individuals to greatly improve their #1 beauty asset–their smile.
Treating many patients and their cosmetic concerns has made me realize that most adults or teens over 14 years of age would love to have straighter teeth with no gaps or spaces. The problem is, traditionally, metal braces were the only option.
Now, with the Invisalign technology, straighter teeth are possible without metal braces. Invisalign is a series of clear, thin, invisible “aligners”. The aligners are so thin and crystal clear that no one ever knows you have them on. Speech is not altered and your teeth gently move into the desired position.
In both clinical research and in dental practices nationwide, Invisalign has been proven effective at straightening teeth. Only doctors trained and certified can treat using Invisalign. Using 3D-computer technology, Invisalign carefully translates our instructions into a series of customized aligners.
The aligners work very well on the front or upper or lower teeth, which may be crowded or crooked. Also, if spaces exist, these can be closed. Treatment usually takes 6 to 12 months. More difficult cases could take 24 months. Each aligner is worn for two or three weeks, moving your teeth gradually, week by week, millimeter by millimeter, until you achieve the intended result: straighter teeth.
The aligners can also be used as a whitening tray for a brighter smile. Now you can have the white, straight smile you have always wanted. Our office offers a free consultation if you’d like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign.
Call us at (630) 858-0216 to schedule a free evaluation to see if you qualify for this exciting new technology! We now are offering FREE Invisalign records and up to $500 matching down payment (discount) now thru February 25th. This is a $950.00 value and includes FREE Whitening.
Dr. Steven Biagini, Dr. Theresa Jansky, and Dr. Mark Beck of Glen Ellyn Family Dental Care, 658 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn, would like to introduce you to the compassion in dentistry. Call them at (630) 858-0216.
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
By Dr. Ruth Martens, M.D., D. Ht
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you might be thinking of things that get your heart beating a little faster. We doctors get into the mood too, but in a different way.
Most of us have been hearing about ways to improve our health for over a decade. How many of us have done something about it? Is heart disease less frequent? Are there fewer heart attacks? According to the CDC (www.cdc.gov), Heart Disease was still the number one cause of death in 2008. Have you made a change or is it still on your To Do List? If you are one who makes a New Year’s list but never quite gets to the part where you cross it off, now is the time to get serious.
Simple ways to Heart Health:
• Avoid Tobacco
• Be More Active
• Choose Healthy Food
Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the US. The good news is health benefits start almost immediately when you quit smoking and within a few years your risk of stroke and heart disease are similar to non-smokers. Hypnosis and laser treatments are available to help overcome withdrawal symptoms in addition to conventional stop smoking aids. It is always helpful to quit with a friend for emotional support and to keep you honest.
One third of the adult population in the US is obese. Are you overweight? Do you know how to tell? It is more than being able to fit in your favorite jeans. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a good indicator of your ideal weight range based on your height and weight. You can find a tool to calculate it for you on the American Heart Association’s website at www.americanheart.org. A BMI less than 25 is ideal. Want to lose weight? Set a goal. Make it realistic. Losing one pound a week means you are burning 3500 calories more than you take in. Does it sound too low? You would lose 50 pounds in a year.
Do you know how many calories you need? Go to www.myfat stranslator.com. By typing in your age, gender, height, weight and activity level you will find out your daily calorie needs. This same website gives your food substitutions to lower intake of saturated and trans fats, the bad fats.
Increase your activity level. If you are unable to lose weight at your current exercise level, do something different. Try something new or take a class with a friend. If you hate exercise, you have to be creative to get moving. If your job is sedentary, you have to add motion in your errands or playtime. Walk your dog. Walk your neighbor’s dog. Just get moving.
Healthy recipes are in abundance in the local library, bookstore, online, on TV, everywhere you look. Knowing what to do is not the problem. Motivation to change is the problem. Start simple. Drink mostly water. Get rid of beverages containing sugar. Eat 4-5 cups of fruit and vegetables a day. Eat fish 1-2 times per week. Drink more water. One to two liters per day is great.
Next time your heart is beating a mile a minute, it should be because the love of your life just walked into the room. Live long and well.
Dr. Martens is a family physician specializing in natural medicine and homeopathy in Wheaton. For more information or to make an appointment, call (630) 668-5595.
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
By Chico Montenegro
I was athletic as a kid, even though I was overweight. In little league baseball I hit the ball far, so it didn’t matter how long it took me to run the bases. I was good at both basketball and volleyball in middle school in spite of being overweight. My career goal was to put my physical prowess to use, and perhaps become a police officer.
Chico Montenegro with Ginny Jolly, owner, GNC Glen Ellyn and Bartlett
In high school when my weight ballooned to nearly 300 lbs, I still didn’t recognize I had a problem. I was a popular kid with many friends.
Following high school graduation, though, I entered the exclusive class of the morbidly obese. I weighed 380 lbs at age 22. It was time for a dramatic change. I made up my mind to get my health back.
With support from my family, I left my high-stress job to help combat the depression that was overtaking me. That was probably the best decision I ever made. The second best was going to see Ginny Jolly at GNC. Ginny helped me get on track in my goal to get my health back. She introduced me to the NDS product line. I began taking Censor and Intensify along with a Mega Man multivitamin.
At 380 lbs and with a previously dislocated knee, it was impossible for me to work out efficiently or effectively. For me, supplements made sense to jump start my weight loss program. In three months, I managed to lose more than 40 lbs, and gained energy to get back to the gym.
There’s no magic pill that melts fat away. It’s just hard work. The supplements in the program helped me in three ways. They 1) Boosted my energy level; 2) Controlled my appetite; 3) Helped burn maximum calories.
After 6 months, I had lost 70 lbs. Ginny recommended additional protein shakes to help me work through fatigue that was settling in. The new supplements and Amplify XL Double Chocolate Explosion rejuvenated my program by helping build lean muscle and by speeding up recovery time after tough workouts.
My first goal to lose 100 lbs. was met in March, 2009. By September, I had lost 150 lbs and was enjoying running, lifting weights, yoga, swimming, playing basketball and more. I’ve run my first 8K race, and am looking forward to longer distances. I’m currently working at GNC and sharing my story with others who want to turn their lives around and get healthy.
Transforming my body has given me the confidence to achieve anything. I’m planning to move into a career that makes use of the fitness I’ve accomplished. I hope my story will inspire others who think their goal is unattainable. With the right support and determination, anyone can change their life.
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
Dr. Curtis Weaver, left, and Express Optics owner Rick Mital
Rick Mital, owner of Wheaton’s Optical Expressions, has closed the business in Rice Lake Square, and opened a new optical business in Danada Square West.
The new Express Optics is a super-optical, which provides a full spectrum of eyecare services. Eye exams are available, and there is a large assortment of designer frames. Glasses are made in the lab on site, and all types of contact lenses are fitted, including the most technologically advanced lenses available.
“We offer the advantages of a large chain operation,” says Mital. “But the superior service of an independent business.”
“While the name and location have changed, the skilled staff remains the same,” says Mital. Dr. Curtis Weaver performs eye exams, which can be scheduled by appointment, or handled within a short time for walk-ins. “The Express Lab can manufacture just about all prescriptions quickly, with pin-point accuracy that patients expect,” says Mital.
Express Optics is open Monday and Wednesday, 9:30-8:30; Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:30-6:00; Saturday, 9:30-4:00. (630) 752-0595
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
The MRI Institute and Consulting, Inc. of West Chicago is in the midst of training its fifth class of MRI technicians. The school offers a unique program that allows students to acquire the medical knowledge necessary to become an MRI Technologist while gaining valuable hands-on experience with up to date MRI equipment.
“The health care field and demand for MRI technology has grown dramatically,” said James P. Carter, Director of Education. This new imaging system has expanded career opportunities for technologists in hospitals and clinics. “We’re among the few educational facilities in the country offering a certification program for these specialized skills.”
Each class of students follows a comprehensive year-long training program, which includes classroom instruction as well as practical exposure to an MRI machine from the very beginning of coursework. The program can be completed on a part time basis, making it an opportune course for those considering a career change.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive, usually painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. It uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and other internal body structures.
To learn more about MRI Institute and Consulting, Inc. and available educational opportunities, call (630) 876-1600. The school is at 1887 N. Neltnor Blvd., West Chicago, www.mritutors.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Sports massage is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the massage are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice and are often focused on a particular troublesome area, like a knee or shoulder.
Aspects of massage are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed massage promotes flexibility, removes fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries, and prepares them to compete at their absolute best.
As we age, our joints tighten and we lose the range of motion we once enjoyed in our youth. One of the main reasons we become less flexible as we get older has to do with certain changes that take place in our connective tissues. As we age, our bodies gradually loose fluid and dehydrate. Massage therapy is an effective treatment for increasing and maintaining flexibility and motion.
Call for a Sports Massage today at Massage Envy, Glen Ellyn at 709 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn (630)790-4400, www.massageenvy.com.
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