Courtesy of R. James Koch, MD

Electric pulses used to remove wrinkles
BY TONYA CLAYTON

New medical school research revealed that an electrical treatment for sagging skin benefited patients like the one above. She is shown before the procedure (left), two months after and four months after.

When a Stanford facial plastic surgeon needed volunteers for his latest clinical trial, he didn't have to advertise. Patients flocked to him, he said, eager to help test the latest scalpel-free, toxin-free, laser-free approach to easing facial wrinkles and sags. The electrical treatment takes just minutes, and results often improve for months to come, as facial tissues gradually re-mold and wrinkles fade.

R. James Koch, MD, assistant professor of otolaryngology/facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, said he usually has all the study subjects he needs within hours of when the word hits the grapevine. He recently completed his second study of skin and soft-tissue tightening using the ThermaCool system, which works by radiofrequency heating of skin and under-skin tissue.
The take-home message from the latest trial, Koch said, is that the electrical device does tighten and lift facial tissue, especially along the jaw line. And outcomes are best, he said, when treatments are tailored to each individual's one-of-a-kind face.

Koch, whose earlier study explored ThermaCool's eyebrow-lifting potential, said the more recent trial was designed to test the notion of using low-energy electrical pulses. In the past, physicians delivered a single high-energy zap to each little patch of skin. "That was the 'no-pain, no-gain' type of approach," said Koch. The latest method uses lower energy and re-visits problem areas three or more times. The new results are "as good or better," Koch said, "and less painful and probably safer."

So how does it work? Nurses first apply and remove numbing cream, then temporarily tattoo little squares on the patient's face. A typical forehead gets about 80 squares, Koch said; a lower face, about 120, and an average neck, about 70. Next comes a layer of clear gel on the patient's face and a blue plastic pad on the patient's back, to help route the electricity.

Koch places the flat tip of a hand piece, reminiscent of a videogame controller, on the patient's skin. At each little inked-on square, he pulls a blue trigger, signaling the system to pre-cool the skin, emit an electrical pulse to heat under-skin tissue, then deliver a final cooling. The whole cycle takes about two seconds, he said. Each area--forehead, lower face and neck--takes about 20 to 30 minutes to cover.

The radiofrequency energy selectively heats fibrous connectors that attach muscle to the skin's underside, Koch said. In response, those connectors contract, and some patients see results immediately. Most patients, he said, see positive changes over the next several months as collagen heals and re-forms.

All of the 25 Stanford trial subjects showed "at least good improvement" four months after treatment, as measured by physician assessment, and about 90 percent maintained that level of improvement at the six-month mark, Koch said. Almost 70 percent of the patients were satisfied with the six-month outcome.

Investigators also monitored treatment effectiveness with a high-tech device that measured skin properties. "All the Stanford patients had an improvement in skin stiffness, energy absorption and laxity," said Koch of the measurements four months after treatment. "And 83 percent improved in elasticity." At the six-month mark, the numbers were 68 percent for improved skin stiffness, 84 percent for laxity and 76 percent for elasticity.

The most common side effects observed by the research team, which included Karen Kim, MD, and Roy Geronemus, MD, of the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, were temporary redness and swelling. About 40 percent of the multicenter trial's 50 patients, who ranged in age from 38 to 62, showed mild redness after treatment. About 20 percent experienced mild swelling.

Researchers found that individualizing each patient's treatment?by adjusting the energy level and number of pulses for each new face?contributed to better outcomes, Koch said, in terms of fewer complications, improved tissue properties and higher patient satisfaction. "This was the first study to really point that out," he noted.

Koch said many patients now come for yearly radiofrequency tune-ups. At this time, he said, each of the three facial areas costs about $1,500 to treat.

It's not clear yet who is the ideal patient. One would think, Koch said, it would be someone with not-too-severe wrinkles, a good amount of collagen, and the ability to mount a wound-healing response. "But," he added, "you get these surprises." About four-fifths of the time, he said, the outcome is predictable. But about 10 percent of his patients do worse than he would expect, and about 10 percent do better.

For dramatic results and predictability, "surgery is still the gold standard," said Koch, who also has expertise in wound healing and laser surgery. "If people expect a surgical result" from noninvasive methods, "they're not going to get it at this time."

Still, he said, the ThermaCool system offers a popular complement to surgery and other methods. Unlike botox injections, it does not paralyze muscles. And, unlike surgery, the half-hour radiofrequency technique requires no antibiotics and no two-week healing period. "It's nice to have," Koch said, "for people who want kind of a lunchtime procedure."

The trial was funded by Thermage Inc., the Hayward, Calif., company that developed the ThermaCool system. Koch is a member of Thermage's scientific advisory board. Co-author Kim presented the multicenter trial results at the March 2005 annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Myths About Aging Have Little Basis In Truth


One of the most common myths about aging may be in the saying that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. While a few may suffer from cognitive abilities, for the vast majority of middle age and elderly people, behavior therapy with cognitive abilities is being successfully used. Typically, when one elderly person suffers from a particular disease, mental or physical problem, it is often associated with many in the same age group. In some instances there may be a history of troubles for those of a certain age and beyond, but many myths about aging have proven to be unfounded, with minor exceptions.The belief that as a person ages, the chance of them suffering severe mental illness increase is one such myths about aging. With the exception of Alzheimer’s Disease, the chance of developing a serious mental disease actually decreases with age. While some form of dementia affects a large portion of the elderly population, there are less than 50 percent of those over 80 experiencing this ailment. Additionally, while the symptoms may show, there is actually a decline in clinical depression among the elderly.With a large percentage of the population over 60 growing every day, the prospect of aging is hitting many like a bat between the eyes. Witnessing the effects of aging on the preceding generation has sparked several myths about aging that have little basis in fact and the beliefs continue to be erroneously spread.Some Degeneration Exacerbate Aging Myths myths about agingOne of the widely held myths about aging is that as person ages their hearing fails along with their eyesight. Elderly persons day may suffer significant hearing loss, often associated with age when the reality is the degeneration of the their hearing probably started much sooner due to the work environment in which they thrived. Prior to laws government the use ear protection many of today’s elderly work in loud factories or with loud equipment causing a gradual loss of hearing.While it is true that many people develop problems with their vision as they age, by caring for their eyes and having regular checkups, most problems can be resolved or corrected while still under the age of 60. The myths about aging are being tempered by the use of lineless bifocals and contact lenses. However, there is some basis for the myth as many eye problems do develop later in life.Mostly, many of the myths about aging are carried on by the elderly as they laughingly refer to aches, pains and other facts of life to the fact that they are not as young as they used to be.

Juice Fasting
Combining the force of living juices and the body's healing ability!
by Ron Lagerquist

Juice Fasting vs Water FastingUnless you have a slow metabolism fasting on water has become a near impossible exercise for a body that has been fed on the modern diet. It’s hard to tell this to someone who believes juice fasting is a compromise, cheating, not real fasting. But I can tell you juice fasting is as rigorous today as water fasting was in Christ’s day. The reason for this is not obvious unless you have an understanding of what goes on in the body during fasting.
Cells are like tiny sponges; they absorb what you breathe, eat, drink and apply to your skin. Over the years of poor eating and exposure to environmental toxins, there is a buildup within the body. During water fasting, these toxins are released at a rapid rate creating great discomfort. Water fasting becomes a hellish experience where more time is spent gagging on toxins than enjoying deepened fellowship with God. The juice of fruits and vegetables are filled with healing and cleansing properties that allow the body to gently and safely detoxify. Juice fasting can become an effective stepping-stone to water fasting.
I tread lightly here because I do believe in a God of miracles. If you are clear that God has called you to a water fast then He will give you the strength to get through. But I also believe in a God of wisdom. After one has cleansed years of toxins through juice fasting the wonder of water fasting will then be within reach.
Juice Fasting and HealingJuice fasting has a greater ability to encourage healing compared to fasting on water. Juice fasting cleanses the body while supplying a remarkable increase in vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Cancer cells, toxins, built-up chemicals, excess body fat, transformed fatty acids, impacted mucus in the bowel, sickness and disease are all dramatically impacted. This is evident in the countless healing testimonies Freedomyou has received. Living fruit and vegetable juices are radiating with healing properties. Antioxidants attache themselves to toxins, effectively removing them from the body. A living fuel that takes no digestive energies, allowing the body's entire focus to be on healing and rejuvenation. Packed with vitamins, minerals, living enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, yet low enough in calories to force the body to cannibalize on its filthy waste, propelling you to vigorous physical health and clarity of mind. There will be periods of toxic crisis, but once you learn not to fear them they can bring an exciting anticipation that your body is going through a deep cleansing. You can increase your vitality whether you are a 21-year-old athlete or a 71-year-old getting ready for a honeymoon!

All the essential nutrients in fruit and vegetables are locked within their fibers. A juice extractor frees these essential nutrients so they can be absorbed and used directly, requiring a minimum amount of digestive effort. Therefore the metabolic energy can be used 100% for cleansing mucoid matter from the lymph and toxins from the cellular tissue. What you need to increase the quantity of enzymes, vitamins and minerals absorbed into the body is a juice extractor! A good juice extractor is a valuable tool in achieving vitality.

Fruit and vegetable juices are the cleansers, energizers, builders, and regenerators of the human system. A combination of either fresh raw fruit or vegetable juices will supply all the enzymes, vitamins, minerals, protein, and fats critical to increased vitality! Adding live juices to one's diet as a daily routine, many have experienced a rejuvenating effect and healing of various illnesses such as cancer, leukemia, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disorders, skin infections, liver disorders, alcoholism, and smoking. Supplying the body with easily absorbed nutrients, while the body is cleansing itself in the fasting state, avoids the dangers of total abstinence associated with water fasting. Be confident this method is both safe and beneficial. Juice Recipes
To a healthy clean body, fasting comes as natural as eating. During water or juice fasting, the protein levels of the blood remain constant. Although protein is being used, a person fasting 40 days on water will not suffer a deficiency of protein, vitamins, minerals or fatty acids. In the breakdown of dying and diseased cells, all essential substances are available while fasting for reuse within the body. These are utilized and conserved in a most extraordinary manner.
For most health conditions, juice fasting is the best method to transform health. Through juice fasting, thousands of individuals have been freed from serious diseases such as cancer, leukemia, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disorders, skin infections, liver disorders, alcoholism and even smoking. Because juice fasting removes toxins and excess fatty tissue while supplying a full spectrum of nutrients, it has an advantage over any weight-loss program. I have been spellbound by the joy and happiness that radiate from those who lost from 20 to 100 lbs. of excess fatty tissue on a juice fast.

Juice fasting works because it does two things:

Removes Toxins–Eliminates life-robbing toxins that hinder the body's God-given recuperative abilities.
Increases Nutrients–Floods the body with nutrients that energize the body's natural regenerative abilities.

Modified Juice FastingYou may consider modifying the fast by including quarter slices of avocado or banana to slow the cleansing process. Modified juice fasting is good for those with health restrictions such as diabetes or hypoglycaemia. Bananas and avocados are slow to digest and maintain a stable blood sugar level. Their high calorie content slows the intensity of the fast and, because they are easy to digest, the body still devotes energy to cleansing.
The natural healing ability of juices reinforces the compassion that God has for supplying our physical needs.
Juice fasting can include fresh juice, herbal teas, sweetened with honey or Sucanat, vegetable broth, Barley Green, wheatgrass juice, and supplements helpful to your specific condition. You can even have home made frozen juice popsicles.
If using the enema kit, I recommend it once on the first day and once per day for the first week. Following this once every two or three days is sufficient. The enema kit should be used in a cleansing crisis or for a cleansing reaction. If you choose not to use the enema kit, two teaspoons of powdered phylum husk per day will help move the toxins out of the colon. Prune juice or senna tea also may be beneficial.
How much juice can I drink while juice fasting? I have been asked this question so may times I decided to answer here twice. Drink to your heart’s content! On a busy day I have consumed a gallon of carrot/apple juice and the juice of two large cantaloupes. Fresh, strained juices will not encourage hunger or pull you out of the fasting state. Other days, like on weekends, I may naturally slip into water fasting, forcing a slowdown, deepening my prayer and solitude with God.
There are times the body will desire a greater intake of juice. Increased physical activity or entering into detoxification state can trigger increased juice consumption. I have found I drink more juice at the beginning of my fast, and as the fast progresses, my need for juice diminishes. This is not so with everyone.
Try to stay away from dead, bottled juices, for some unknown reason they can cause hunger and are far less sustaining. Remember V8 is not juice but a blended food, containing tomato paste and tons of salt. If you treat yourself to this easy food you will experience hunger afterward indicating an awakened digestion, the last thing you want when fasting.
Be careful not to drink too much acidic juice in the morning. Melon or vegetable juices are best if drinking large amounts. Acidic juice early in the morning may cause stomach cramps for some.
If you have decided to water fast I find it a real challenge to drink the daily 8-10 glasses recommended. It’s the experience of many to lose their thirst altogether. Nonetheless, force yourself to drink as much water as you can. Water will help clean the body of toxins through the kidneys. In our toxic environment, maintaining a fresh supply of water going into the system will force the flushing out of toxins instead of a build-up, causing discomfort.

Health Exercise 'can reverse ageing'

The ageing process is inevitable - but can be delayed
Regular exercise can turn back the ageing process, scientists have claimed. A team of US researchers from the University of Texas says that walking, weightlifting, flexibility training and other forms of exercise can help older people avoid the disabilities normally associated with ageing - and even reverse the ageing process itself.
The researchers, writing in the journal Behavioural Medicine, argue that some decline in physical activity is an inevitable result of normal ageing.
But they warn that physical inactivity can hasten this decline and lead to the rapid onset of muscle wastage, decreased endurance and loss of flexibility and balance.
Older people, they argue, can slow down ageing and prevent chronic conditions by taking regular exercise.
The researchers cite several studies that demonstrate the benefits of exercise on the ageing process. These include:
A walking programme for people in their seventies that reversed 22 years of declining lung capacity in 22 weeks; A 12-week weights programme that more than doubled the leg muscle strength of some women aged 64 years and over; A study in which people who exercised by walking several days a week decreased their risk of disability and improved their ability to climb stairs, stoop, crouch and kneel.
Exercise can keep you young The researchers warn that of all lifestyle factors, inactivity is most likely to lead to coronary artery disease.
They cite a study in which patients who already had coronary artery disease reduced their risk of fatal heart complications by 20-25% through exercise.
A sedentary lifestyle, they warn, also increases the risk of hip fractures. In one study women who spent less than four hours a day on their feet had nearly twice the risk of hip fractures than their more active counterparts.
Alison Rose, a spokesperson for Help the Aged, said: "We do know a small amount of exercise is good for you at all ages, particularly as you get older.
"However, you ought to be starting in middle age and need to be careful about doing anything too strenuous.".

Source : BBC News