Healthy RGV Issue 112 - Is Getting A Colonoscopy Worth it?

ISSUE 112
EDITORIAL CONTENT
MELASMA: THE MASK OF PREGNANCY
GLOWING SUMMER SKIN WITH A NO
NONSENSE, NO MAKEUP APPROACH
YOUR BOTOX QUESTIONS ANSWERED
BY EXPERTS: A PRIMER
SHOULD YOU BE TAKING AN
ANTI-AGING SUPPLEMENT?
COLONOSCOPY: IS IT WORTH IT?
TOP FIVE CANCER TRENDS
THE DOS & DON’TS OF SKINCARE
ACHALASIA
COLON AND RECTAL CANCER
AWARENESS: AM I AT RISK?
HEALTHIER AFTER A GASTRIC
BYPASS SURGERY
THE TRUTH ABOUT SKIN SHRINK
CELLULITE: WHAT CAUSES IT AND
HOW TO MAKE IT GO AWAY
HOW YOUR DIET MAY BE ABLE
TO PREVENT SKIN CANCER
OVER THE COUNTER ACNE SOLUTIONS
YUMMY FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR
YOU FROM THE INSIDE OUT
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contact@healthymagazine.com
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PUBLISHER
Mauricio Portillo
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Claudia Portillo
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Arnaldo Del Valle
COPY EDITOR
Lora Incardona
ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR
Andres Portillo
"Being
healthy and
fit is no longer
a fad or a trend
it's a Lifestyle."
Only one heart.
Only one you.
INDIVIDUALIZED HEART CARE,
DEVOTED TO YOU.
No two hearts are exactly the same.
That’s why the cardiovascular
specialists of Valley Baptist Health
System pursue an individualized
care plan for every single heart we
encounter. From preventative care to
WEBSITE DIRECTOR
Maria Alejandra Wehdeking
ART AND DESIGN
Carolina Pedraza
Raul Arenas
PHOTOGRAPHY
Kiko Ricote
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
Maria Alejandra Wehdeking
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Daniel Farray, M.D.
Habib Ghaddar, M.D., FACP
Dominique Vande Maele M.D.
Ángel Tamez, MD
Veronica T. Guerrero, MD
Claudia Portillo
Eilleen Smith
Vanessa Jackson
Julianna Lowe
Alan Freeman
Sarah Wester
Sharon Lowell
Angelina Sire
Harold Levi
Stella Nash
Carol Jenkins
Claudia Portillo
Editor in Chief
Spring: A Time of Renewal from the Inside Out
Spring Fever is upon us. It’s a time to refresh. Flowers will come into bloom. Spring rains will sweep many parts of
the country. It’s a time for new life and new beginnings. Many of us will start to rethink our New Year’s resolutions
and look for opportunities to rev up our diet and exercise plans. While you’re at it, why not go a step further and
take a good, hard look at your skin.
Recently, research scientists have focused on the correlation between what we put in our bodies and how that
impacts our skin. Springtime is the perfect time to assess our health, specifically focusing on our overall skin health.
They say the eyes are the windows to the world. I say the skin is the window to our well-being.
You’ve heard the saying that we are what we eat. Scientists now have clear data proving that it’s true. We here at
Healthy Magazine strive to help you be the best version of yourself. This important research tells us that this is an
area of our lives we need to revamp and improve upon.
As you prepare to plant seeds and ready for your gardens for an abundance of new growth, take some time to
reflect on how you’re cultivating your own personal health. Are you getting enough hydration to keep your system
flowing as it should and to promote soft, smooth skin and lessen elasticity? Have you cut back on skin and organ
damaging caffeine? Is it time to reclaim your healthy, glowing skin by limiting your alcohol consumption? Those are
just a few of the changes that should be made for optimal health well beyond this season.
For instance, dairy and sugar wreak havoc on your skin. They may be yummy to eat, but they will leave you with
blemishes. Salt leaves your eyes puffy, not to mention the damage it does to your heart. There are countless other
foods and drinks that aren’t doing anything to keep you healthy. Take a few minutes, open the refrigerator and be
honest with yourself. Are you doing everything possible to make sure you remain in tip-top shape? If the answer is
no, know that this month we’ve got you covered. We’re here to help you transition from the winter blahs and spring
into a new venture, a fresh start, and a fresh, clean way of living that will make you proud to look in the mirror.
As Spring rolls in, know that we’ll be with you every step of the way.
treating heart conditions, every
element is designed to take care
of our first priority: you.
To learn more about our services or to find a cardiologist near you
call (844) 614-9386 or visit ValleyHearts.com/onlyone
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · MARCH 2018
There’s also
a genetic
component
to melasma.
If your mother
suffered from it,
you might struggle
with it at some point
too. It’s believed that
our skin is genetically
predisposed to this
condition. It also tends to
occur in people of color more often
than those with lighter skin tone and also
affects those who live in sunny locations
more often than those that live other parts
of the world or country.
“
What is called genius
is the abundance of
life and health.
”
— Henry David Thoreau
If you’re pregnant or plan to become
pregnant soon or know you’ll be starting a
hormone replacement therapy, be mindful
of any blemishes. Be on the lookout for
them.
MELASMA: THE
MASK OF PREGNANCY
Melasma is a difficult to control facial discoloration that, unfortunately, is often
unavoidable. It’s not a sudden tan or a freak accident. It most cases it is classified as
darkening around the mouth, under your nose, or on your cheeks. Most often it is
seen in pregnant women, new birth control, or hormone replacement therapy. Those
pesky hormones! It could appear as brown spots on your jawline or across your
forehead. Finding these blemishes can be shocking and throw you off balance. You
might work yourself up into a frenzy, trying desperately to get rid of these marks. The
good news is you don’t have to panic. There are ways to cope with these blemishes.
To know how to treat it, you first have to
have a full grasp of what it is and why it
appears. It’s a skin condition that presents
as light-to-dark brown patches on the skin.
These are caused by an overstimulation of
melanocytes.
Recognizing that what you have might be
melasma depends on the circumstances
around the flare-up. As mentioned
previously, these spots or patches appear
as a result of hormonal changes. That’s
what fuels them. If you’ve not experienced
recent hormonal changes, you might not
have melasma. It could be a condition known
as hyperpigmentation, which will show the
long-term residual damage from teen acne
or another skin injury. While treatment for
both might be similar, only melasma will
come back more eagerly later.
If you already have it, the harder it can
be to treat, but don’t worry, not all hope
is lost. The first thing you need to do is
find or make a chemical/pollutant free
exfoliator and start exfoliating. Also, you
may want to consult with your physician
for topical prescription medications that
can help with the symptoms. Depending
on your budget, you may want to look into
laser treatments to treat the discoloration.
Chemical peels have also been known
to work well to fight melasma. Try some
with glycolic, mandelic, or lactic acid to
promote a brighter complexion. Avoid skin
bleaching products unless prescribed by
your dermatologist.
Once you’ve treated your melasma, you’ll
want to take steps to avoid a recurrence.
Sunscreen is your number one defense
against most skin ailments. Use physical
sunscreens not harmful chemical
sunscreens. Avoid Bikram yoga, infrared
saunas, and ditch the hot tub. Turn down
the water temperature in your house. Stop
cleansing your skin with warm water. If for
some reason you do feel the heat on your
face, cool off quickly with a refrigerated
sheet mask. The whole key is to keep
the skin cool to avoid a breakout of new
blemishes.
WWW.HEALTHYMAGAZINE.COM
6 HEALTHY MAGAZINE

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · MARCH 2018
GLOWING SUMMER SKIN
WITH A NO NONSENSE,
NO MAKEUP APPROACH
When you hear the term no
makeup, you probably think that
means none, nada, not a drop
of makeup, but, unfortunately,
often ‘industry professionals’
mean something entirely different. Most of the
last decade’s no makeup movement has involved
having to apply a fair amount of makeup. Go figure.
How does that work? A little concealer here. Some
gel over here. Oh, and don’t forget the mascara. A
woman never leaves home without mascara. Color
me confused. That doesn’t sound like no makeup to
me.
We know how much we love our warm Summer
glow. We want our eyes to look bright, our
cheekbones high, our lashes long and lush, but what
good is all that if you’ve done nothing to protect
your skin from harmful UV rays?
Now there’s a product that
covers all your beauty basics.
Katonya Breaux’s UnSun
Sunscreen is a wonderfully
effective mineral sunscreen
developed for women of
color, but can also be used
on all skin tones and types.
It blends in flawlessly to
perfect the best all-over
bronzy glow – for everyone.
This genius product not
only provides full-body
coverage that will leave your
skin glowing without the
heavy makeup buildup other
products leave. It cancels out
redness on the face and adds
sun-kissed facial definition.
Can you say contoured
cheekbones? But that’s not
all! Not only does it make
you look good, it also adds a
powerful layer of protection
for your skin. You’ve heard
the term miracle product
before. Typically, that’s an over
exaggeration, but this product
– this is the real deal. It’s a
miracle in a bottle.
UNSUN SPF30,TINTED MINERAL
SUNSCREEN - $29.00
Many women have longed for
the day they don’t have to
wear at least some type of makeup, whether that
be via concealer or foundation or anything else that
may help to mask blemishes like acne, redness, or
hyperpigmentation, they want to break free of that
routine. Now, finally, with this miracle product, you
can. It takes care of everything – covering unsightly
blemishes or redness – for you. With four unique,
ready to wear products, there’s something for
everyone. You can match it to any outfit you want to
wear that day.
TINTED HYDRA-
REPAIR DAY
CREAM - $55.00
If you’re looking for a
matte finish instead, the
Grown Alchemist Tinted
Moisturizer is the perfect
product. It offers heavy
hydration, a soothing, resort
spa like facial, and a pleasant
scent from the comfort of
your home. If they’d add an
SPF, this would be the best
product ever.
If you’d like to go for a more
clinical approach, MyChelle
Dermaceuticals Sun Shield
Liquid Tint is the answer.
It’s skin perfecting qualities
are just the beginning of
what this product can do for
you. It contains a 16% zinc
sunscreen with a light, waterweight
texture. Did you see
that? Sunscreen with a water
weight texture. Genius!
Last but certainly not least is
the fancy, luxury brand. It’s
the Natura Bisse The Cure
Tinted Sheer Cream. This
wonder potion moisturizes
and leaves a dew-like glow.
The undertone is a smooth,
soothing gray tone. It can
work as a pinch-contour
on fair skin, and side note,
it happens to be one of
Beyonce’s favorite products.
What better endorsement do
you need than that? Her skin
is like butter.
8 HEALTHY MAGAZINE

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · MARCH 2018
YOUR BOTOX
QUESTIONS
ANSWERED
BY EXPERTS:
A PRIMER
Because facts matter, let’s get
down to brass-tacks. Botox
isn’t a long-term solution. It’s
a treatment that needs to be
repeated over and over again,
but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your
while. Typically, treatment lasts about three
to four months depending on many factors
including the patient’s age and the number
of units used in the treatment. Statistically,
men fare a little worse with Botox because
stronger muscles mean less longevity for the
treatment fillers. They can expect treatment
to last somewhere between
two and three months.
If you’re looking for something that lasts a bit longer, you can
practice muscle retraining. How that works is you stick to the
regimen your doctor has put you on and allow your muscles a
chance to change the way they move your face. Allow them to
retrain and work for you, not against you.
As with any treatment, you should go into
it with a basic understanding of what it
is. First, you should learn your provider’s
philosophy and approach. Make sure that
it matches your goals. Do your research
about the provider, the facility, the treatment
provided, and any potential risk factors of
the procedure. Make sure your provider
offers before and after consultation to
answer any of your questions or concerns. If
they’re unwilling to sit down and chat, they’re
not the provider for you. It’s their job to
ease your mind and take your concerns into
account. Don’t go into this believing this is
a short-term commitment. It is, in fact, the
very opposite of that. What you choose to
do today could have a significant outcome
on the rest of your life and could help
prolong your anti-aging process. You know,
the reason you considered Botox treatment
in the first place. Also, keep in mind that one
treatment or one negative effect doesn’t
constitute full knowledge of how your body
will react to treatments in the future. Do
your homework.
If you should decide to stop receiving Botox
secrets, you’ll be glad to know there are
no side effects to stopping. If for whatever
reason treatments aren’t for you, consider
that a lesson learned and move on.
Did you know that Botox could be used a
preventative treatment for wrinkles? It can!
Even if you see no wrinkles now, getting
injections will weaken the muscle and limit
its movement now and will prevent a wrinkle
from forming in that area. Yay! But – there’s
always a but – when it comes to aging,
wrinkles aren’t the only thing you want
to prevent. Primarily, you should want to
prevent the sagging that comes with aging. If
you over-weaken a muscle, you’re promoting
more sagging. Don’t go so far as to cause
other muscles to compensate for the one
you’ve over-weakened.
Botox is not the end all,
be all. Sometimes you
just might need a filler
to fill in some of the gaps
and plump your skin.
Botox treatments have other benefits too
like they can eliminate excess sweating,
flushing, adult acne, teeth grinding, jaw
clenching and can ever help with migraines.
Consult your practitioner to find out what it
can do for you and find the right treatment
that makes sense for you.
By Eilleen Smith
10 HEALTHY MAGAZINE

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · MARCH 2018
SHOULD YOU
BE TAKING AN
ANTI-AGING
SUPPLEMENT?
As we age, every part of
our bodies change. That’s
a fact of life. When we hit
our forties, we begin to
notice slight changes. Do
crow’s feet ring a bell for
anyone? In our thirties,
we might start to see a
sprig of gray hair.
Perhaps, we’ve lost a little of that spring in
our step. No matter how big or small the
change is, chances are we’ve taken notice of
it. We might not yet be ready to acknowledge
it, but it’s there. Once you learn to accept
it, you can embrace the idea of doing
something about it.
Like your mother always told you, wellbalanced
nutrition is best. Start with what
you eat to get your neurons firing, your
hormones working in your favor, and your
brain cells ready to attack and make you
more alert, more in tune with your body,
and ready to face the day. That sounds easy
enough, right? But that’s only the beginning
of what you should do to optimize your
health and well-being.
Of course, you want to eat your fruits and
vegetables. You want to limit salt, starches,
sugar, and fats. You want to avoid late-night
snacking and quit running to the vending
machine in the mid-afternoon, but how do
you go about getting to the point that you
can do all those things and not feel lousy?
You need to make a plan and take a good,
hard look at what you’re taking in. Is it
enough to give you a youth-boosting
jumpstart on your health? Chances are it’s
not. We may just need a supplement to help
get us over the hump, so to speak. Take it
from the experts; it’s difficult to get your
daily intake of good-for-you nutrients. Life is
busy. It might take a little more effort than
you’re willing to part with to get there, but if
your health is truly something you want to
improve, making changes doesn’t have to be
difficult.
HERE’S WHAT THE
EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY:
CoQ10 is the best choices to fight
01 aging. It works by focusing on
mitochondrial health and boosting cellular
energy. It also protects the skin against
environmental stressors and those pesky
free radicals.
Curcumin is a super antiinflammatory
ingredient that is
02
often found in turmeric. Some studies
suggest it might also help reduce the risk of
Alzheimer's.
By the time you reach your early to midthirties,
significant changes are happening
under the surface. To combat them before
they happen, your best course of action is to
do something now. Incorporate supplements
to get you on the right track. Consult your
physician or a nutritionist to help you make
the right decision and start to reap the
benefits of a healthy diet now and, hopefully,
ward off potential complications of aging
later in life.
Think about all it can do for both your
physical well-being, your outside appearance,
and deep down on a cellular level. You might
be surprised to know many supplements
have hidden benefits that could make
significant changes in your body. Why allow
your body to deteriorate when there are
products available – most natural – that
can help you continue to thrive and live
in the way you're accustomed to? A little
preventative care never hurts.
By Julianna Lowe
WWW.HEALTHYMAGAZINE.COM
“
Learning is the beginning
of wealth. Learning is
the beginning of health.
Learning is the beginning of
spirituality. Searching and
learning is where the miracle
process all begins.
”
—Jim Rohn
12 HEALTHY MAGAZINE

COVER STORY · MARCH 2018
COVER STORY · MARCH 2018
Colonoscopies are a great
investment of your time. We
spend a lot of time protecting
our health by staying active and eating
right, and it only makes sense to protect
our health in this way too. Unlike
screening for other cancers that need
monthly self-exams, most people only
need a colonoscopy once a decade. As
an added bonus, a colonoscopy is unique
as it is the only test that can be both a
screening and a preventive exam, since
precancerous polyps could be removed
during the same procedure.
COLONOSCOPY:
IS IT WORTH IT?
There are several things on my
“to do” list that I’m really good
at putting off. They need to be
done, but I don’t like disrupting
my routine or taking time
away from other activities to make them
happen. However, when it comes to cancer
screenings, it’s worth a little disruption.
We often think It won’t happen to me. I’m
healthy. My family doesn’t have a history of
cancer. But, cancer isn’t always predictable.
For common cancers, like colorectal cancer,
getting regular screenings can make the
difference between being diagnosed at stage
I or at stage IV, at which point the chances
of survival decrease dramatically. In fact,
approximately 90 percent of colorectal
cancer could be prevented by removing
colon polyps, which can turn into colon
cancer.
In the United States, colorectal is the third
most commonly occurring cancer, with an
estimated 140,250 new cases and 50,630
deaths expected in 2018. One reason for
the high number of deaths is that colorectal
cancer often displays no symptoms in early
stages, meaning most cases aren’t diagnosed
until the disease is more advanced or is
found through screenings. Fortunately, with
early detection, the five-year survival rate
could increase to more than 90 percent.
KNOW YOUR
SCREENING OPTIONS
Men and women age 50 and older with
an average risk for developing colorectal
cancer should discuss the most appropriate
screening test with their physician. Below are
the options:
Colonoscopy is the preferred screening
test. A colonoscopy is a great example of
something many would prefer not to do and
often delay. Colonoscopies get the worst
reputation of all of the cancer screenings,
and it’s not hard to see why. We generally
don’t discuss it at the dinner table, and it
might be a bit embarrassing. Between the
prep and the procedure, you have to invest
a bit of time. But at the end of the day, it is
worth it.
A colonoscopy simply isn’t
as bad as its reputation.
Yes, you have to prep, which
is probably the worst part. Yes, you’ll
definitely want to be home the afternoon
before your procedure. However, we are
confident that if you asked our patients,
most would tell you that the prep wasn’t
as bad as expected; the procedure itself
is a piece of cake – after all, you are
asleep; and the peace of mind makes it all
worthwhile.
For those who decline or cannot get
a colonoscopy, other screening tests
include:
Flexible sigmoidoscopies
allow physicians to see inside
the lower colon and rectum
through a narrow tube with a small
camera attached to one end, called a
sigmoidoscope. This is also an effective
tool for finding the cause of unexplained
symptoms, such as anal bleeding, unusual
bowel activity, and abdominal pain. A
large part of the colon, however, is not
screened with this procedure.
Virtual colonoscopies
enable physicians to see inside
the body using X-rays and a
computer to create images of the colon
and rectum. A virtual colonoscopy, or
CT colonoscopy, can see ulcers, polyps,
and cancer. If polyps are seen, a regular
colonoscopy is needed to remove them.
Double-contrast barium
enemas also enable doctors
to view the colon and
rectum using X-rays.
Stool DNA (sDNA) test
identify abnormal sections
of DNA from cancer or
polyp cells, as cancer cells often show
DNA mutations in certain genes.
Guaiac-based fecal occult
blood test (FOBT) or fecal
immunochemical test (FIT)
tests that detect blood hidden in the
stool. If the results are positive for
hidden blood, a colonoscopy will be
needed to investigate further.
RISK FACTORS
ɠɠ
Age: People age 50 and over have a
higher risk of developing colorectal
cancer. However, colorectal cancer in
people under 50 is rising, accounting for
10 percent of cases.
ɠɠ
Family History: People with a family
history of colorectal polyps along with
a family history of colorectal cancer
are at greater risk. Those with a family
history of polyps or colorectal cancer
should consult a doctor about screening
frequency.
ɠɠ
ɠɠ
ɠɠ
ɠɠ
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: People
with inflammatory bowel disease have a
higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Diet: Diets that contain large amounts
of red and processed meats can
increase risk.
Personal Health: Overweight and
inactive people are at a higher risk.
Type 2 diabetes has been linked to an
increased risk of colorectal cancer.
People with a history of polyps are
also at an increased risk, and may need
earlier or more frequent screening.
Long-term smoking and heavy alcohol
use raise the risk as well.
Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC): This
inherited condition affecting the body’s
genes increases risk of colorectal
cancer. Lynch syndrome is responsible
for 3 percent of colorectal cancers, and
those with the condition have a lifetime
risk of up to 80 percent of developing
colorectal cancer. Genetic testing
can determine if a person has the
gene mutation associated with Lynch
syndrome.
Although all men and women over the age
of 50 should be regularly tested, certain risk
factors, like personal history of inflammatory
bowel disease or family history of colorectal
cancer, may impact the screening frequency
or starting age.
BITE THE BULLET
March is colon cancer awareness month.
If you’re due for a screening, schedule
an appointment with your physician to
discuss prevention and get a colonoscopy if
necessary. Now that you know your options,
it’s time to move it from your “to-do” to your
“done” list. You won’t regret the decision.
DANIEL FARRAY, M.D. AND
HABIB GHADDAR, M.D., FACP
Daniel Farray, M.D. and Habib Ghaddar, M.D., FACP
are medical oncologists and hematologist at Texas
Oncology–Weslaco, 1330 E. 6th Street, Suite 204
in Weslaco, Texas. To learn more about exciting
advancements in cancer treatment, visit www.
TexasOncology.com or call 1-888-864-I CAN (4226).
14 HEALTHY MAGAZINE 15 HEALTHY MAGAZINE

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · FEBRUARY 2018
TOP FIVE
CANCER
TRENDS
IN 2018
New developments in cancer
care provide more options
and optimism for the 120,000
Texans diagnosed each year
with cancer. Texas Oncology
physicians have identified the following top
cancer trends for 2018:
TOPPLING CANCER TYPE
1. AND LOCATION
Ten years ago, we looked at cancer
primarily by the subtype location, be it
breast, lung, melanoma, or colon cancer.
Today, we better understand distinct
molecular pathways, enabling us to target
and personalize treatment plans regardless
of the cancer location. Five years ago, we
conducted testing for only a handful of
cancer factors. Now we test for more than
50 genetic markers to make evidence-based
decisions on the best treatment options.
Patients appreciate that we’re treating their
tumor rather than just a generic cancer.
2. REDUCING
CHEMOTHERAPY
Although chemotherapy remains a
primary way we treat cancer, innovations
based on studying gene mutations within
the cancer are an exciting trend. Through
recent advances in molecular biology
and immunotherapy – which uses the
body’s immune system to fight cancer
– personalized treatment can be more
effective and less toxic than chemotherapy.
Precision in radiation technology has
advanced dramatically, targeting tumors
without harming healthy tissue. For example,
we previously could treat but not cure
metastatic stage IV cancer patients. For
some, we can use stereotactic body radiation
therapy (SBRT) and immunotherapy to
achieve long-term control and possibly cure
of disease.
USING BIG DATA
3. With many thousands of patients
under its care, Texas Oncology uses big data
to glean powerful insights and discoveries,
such as better understanding of genetic
risk, new approaches to therapeutics, and
trends in healthy living post-treatment.
Oncology is a highly evidence-based specialty,
and cancer data are critical to treatment
planning, which involves a careful balance of
effectiveness, toxicity, and cost. For more
than a decade, we have participated in
evidence-based pathways, using cancer data
to improve outcomes. We use vast amounts
of information on patient illnesses, Medicare
data on services, and as well as total cost
of care. We analyze patient outcomes,
hospitalizations, and ER visits to help us
identify opportunities to change care delivery
to improve outcomes and patient experience.
SURVIVING AND
4. THRIVING
Better screening and treatment
means more survivors who can enjoy
better quality of life after cancer. Treatment
breakthroughs that are less toxic mean
fewer near and long-term side effects.
Earlier detection and genetic testing provide
better understanding of cancer risk and
the opportunity to treat cancer sooner,
with greater success. Also, more people
are quitting or avoiding smoking, leading to
significantly lower lung cancer deaths.
We believe that survivorship
begins at diagnosis. That’s why we
create a treatment plan for every
patient, outlining all care options
using evidence-based research. We
guide patients and family members
through every part of the treatment
process, including post-treatment
and adjusting to a new life as a
cancer survivor.
5. INCREASING
PATIENT POWER
In 2018, cancer patients are more
involved in their treatment decisions
than ever. Baby Boomers and succeeding
generations have more access to information
and tend to conduct their own cancer
research. We encourage patients to discuss
their goals and values with their doctors early
and throughout treatment. Texas Oncology’s
detailed treatment plans include the type
and stage of cancer, the purpose and goal of
treatment, and information on drugs and any
side effects. Patients are free to share the
plan with family and friends so that everyone
sharing in their cancer journey is informed.
We are excited about promising trends in
cancer that enable us to innovate with more
effective treatments that lead to better
outcomes and quality of life for patients
during and after treatment.
ALVARO RESTREPO, M.D.
Alvaro Restrepo, M.D., Texas
Oncology is a medical oncologist
at Texas Oncology–McAllen, 1901
South 2nd Street in McAllen, Texas.
To learn more about exciting
advancements in cancer treatment,
visit www.TexasOncology.com
or call 1-888-864-I CAN (4226).
16 HEALTHY MAGAZINE

Weslaco
Texas Oncology delivers high-quality cancer care with leading-edge technology and advanced treatment
options to help patients achieve “More breakthroughs. More victories.” in their fights against cancer.
Texas Oncology, a pioneer in community-based cancer care, is an independent oncology
practice with sites of service throughout Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Texas
Oncology patients have the opportunity to take part in some of the most
promising clinical trials in the nation for a broad range of cancers. In
fact, Texas Oncology has played an integral role in gaining Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for 29 of the
latest cancer therapies.
Habib Ghaddar, MD, FACP
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Dr. Ghaddar specializes in medical oncology and hematology. He is board-certified by the American Board of
Internal Medicine in hematology and medical oncology. He received his medical degree from the American
University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the Good
Samaritan Hospital/John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed his fellowship in
hematology/oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. He has been in
practice with Texas Oncology since 1995.
Harlingen
Marco A. Araneda, MD
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Dr. Araneda specializes in medical oncology and is board-certified in internal medicine and medical
oncology. He received his medical degree from San Carlos University in Guatemala and completed a
medical oncology fellowship at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, as well as a
fellowship in bone marrow transplantation at the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. He has special
interests in breast cancer, gastrointestinal malignancies, hematologic malignancies, and molecular
targeted therapy.
Nabeel Sarhill
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Dr. Nabeel Sarhill is board-certified in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine. He earned his
medical doctorate from the University of Tishreen Medical School in Lattakia, Syria, and completed his
residency in internal medicine at Case Wester Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. His fellowship in
hematology was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas, and his
clinical research fellowship in medicine and symptoms management at The Harry R. Horvitz Center for
Palliative Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Nabeel Sarhill is a member of the American Society of Clinical
Oncology, American Society of Hematology, Syrian Medical Association, Syrian Ministry of Health, American
Board of Hematology, American Board of Medical Oncology, and the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Benjamin West, MD
Radiation Oncology
Dr. West is a board-certified radiation oncologist. He was a physicist prior to becoming a physician.
Daniel Farray, MD
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Dr. Farray is board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He received his medical
degree in 1998 from the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena in the Dominican Republic and completed
his residency in internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his
fellowship in medical oncology and hematology in 2006 at Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center/Loyola University
Chicago. Dr. Farray ranked first in his medical school class. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical
Oncology and American College of Physicians.
Hayan Moualla, MD
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Dr. Moualla completed his Internal Medicine residency followed by a fellowship in Geriatrics and later a
fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. For
almost 5 years before joining Texas Oncology, Dr. Moualla practiced in beautiful southern Virginia. He is
Board Certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology with special interest in elderly cancer and blood
disorders. His emphasis is making sure that all patient understand their conditions well and have a good
idea about available options. Dr. Moualla is married and has a boy and twin girls. His biggest pleasure is
spending time with family. He also enjoys soccer, ping pong, badminton and swimming.
Weslaco 1330 East 6th Street, Suite 204 Weslaco, Texas 78596 PH: 956.969.0021 FAX: 956.968.9744
www.TexasOncology.com
Harlingen 2121 Pease Street, Suite 101 Harlingen, Texas 78550 PH: 956.425.8845 FAX: 956.364.6793
www.TexasOncology.com

McALLEN
Billie J. Marek, MD, FACP
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Dr. Marek is board-certified and specializes in medical oncology and heamatology. He currently serves as a
director of Texas Oncology and is the medical director for Texas Oncology-McAllen. He has served the Rio
Grande Valley for the past 22 years as a medical oncologist and hematologist, has been recognized as a
“Super Doctor” in oncology for five years in a row, and was recognized as Doctor of The Year for Rio
Grande Regional. Dr. Marek received his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical School at
San Antonio. He completed his fellowship at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Nurul Wahid, MD
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Dr. Wahid was fellowship-trained in medical oncology and hematology at Columbia University College of
Physicians and Surgeons in New York. He is board certified in Hematology and Oncology. He has been
recognized as Physician of the Year at Rio Grande State Center in Harlingen where he has served as senior
attending physician for the past 13 years.
Rogelio Salinas, MD
Radiation Oncology
Dr. Salinas is a board-certified radiation oncologist. He completed his residency training at Memorial
Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center in New York followed by his fellowship at The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center.
Alvaro Restrepo, MD
Medical Oncology/Hematology
“I can be part of your team... and together we can fight the battle.” Dr. Restrepo specializes in, medical
oncology and hematology. He completed his fellowship at the University of Miami. He also serves on the
reast Cancer Committee of US Oncology and has completed a fellowship in breast cancer treatment.
Through the Life Beyond Cancer Fundation he established the Texas Oncology–McAllen Breast Cancer
Ride/Walk undraiser to raise funds for Rio Grande Valley cancer patients. To date approximately $30,000 has
been donated to cancer patients in the Rio Grande Valley.
Joseph Litam, MD
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Dr. Litam was fellowship-trained at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He is well
known in the community and was in private practice for 27 years before joining Texas Oncology. He has special
interest in treating solid tumors.
Suresh Ratnam, MD, FACP
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Dr. Ratnam has been with Texas Oncology-McAllen for 13 years, which he joined after completing his
fellowship at the renowned National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. He has
co-authored several research publications and is passionate about cutting-edge oncology care. He currently
serves on the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee of US Oncology and chairman of the Credentials
Committee for South Texas Health System.
Guillermo Lazo, MD
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Dr. Lazo specializes in medical oncology and hematology. He completed his fellowship at The University of
Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is a recipient of several awards including the American Society of
Clinical Oncology Merit Award and is the author of several peer-reviewed medical publications as well as
book chapters. He received the highest honors on the professional examination for his medical doctorate
degree.
Phoebe Verano, RN, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Benjamin West, MD
Radiation Oncology
Dr. West is board-certified radiation oncologist. He was physicist prior to becoming a physician.
Phoebe Cepeda Verano is a certified Family Nurse Practioner, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, who
received her Masters degree at the University of Texas- Pan American (UTPA) in 2013. She has more than
30 years of experience as a registered nurse, most of it in an adult critical care setting. As a nurse
practitioner, she has the compassion to be a part of a patient’s journey through cancer care and believes
that patient education is an important first step following diagnosis and treatment plan development. “I
am committed to preparing cancer patients for their journeys and assuring they know that we are always
here to support them.”
Cristelita Parrocho, RN, BSN,CCRN,MSN,FNP-C
Nurse Practicioner
Cristy graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in
California. She is also a certified Adult Critical Care Registered Nurse. Before joining Texas Oncology-McAllen
she was a hospitalist with IPC Healthcare. “Cancer is brutal but I believe loving and actually feeling while you
care for these patients will somehow bring upon sunshine in the darkest moments of their lives. It is not
how much time but how much love you put into it.”
McAllen 1901 South 2nd Street McAllen, Texas 78503 PH: 956.687.5150 FAX: 956.687.9546
www.TexasOncology.com
McAllen 1901 South 2nd Street McAllen, Texas 78503 PH: 956.687.5150 FAX: 956.687.9546
www.TexasOncology.com

Brownsville
Balesh Sharma, MD
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Balesh Sharma, MD specializes in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology. He is board certified by in
medical oncology. Dr. Sharma received an MD Delhi University in New Delhi, India, in 1990, where he also
completed his residency in Anesthesia and Critical Care in 1991. He completed his medical internship at Lincoln
Medical Center in New York in 1992-93. Dr. Sharma completed his residency in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s
Medical Center in affiliation with Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut. In 1998, he completed a
fellowship in hematology and oncology from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, and has
been in private practice since then.
Marcelo Boek, MD
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Dr Marcelo M Boek specializes in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology/Hematology. He is board certified in
Medical Oncology and Hematology. He received his medical degree from Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
in Brazil. He also completed his Internal Medicine residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital- University of Miami.
In 2003 he completed his Fellowship in Medical Oncology and Hematology at John Strogger- Cook County
Hospital in Chicago. Dr Boek then worked as a Medical Oncologist at The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency at The
Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, and as an investigator affiliated with The North
Central Cancer Treatment Group and the National Cancer Institute of Canada. He was also appointed as a Clinical
Assistant Professor with the Division of Oncology, College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and
held this job until he moved back to the United States. Dr Boek joined Texas Oncology in 2006
Carlos Gonzalez-Angulo, MD
Radiation Oncology
Dr. Gonzalez specializes in radiation oncology and internal medicine. He is certified by the American Board of
Internal Medicine as well as the American Board of Radiology, and is a member of the American Society of
Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO). He completed his
fellowship in radiation oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, in Buffalo, New York, and also completed a
second residency in radiation oncology at Jackson Memorial Hospital/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center,
in Miami, Florida. Aside from his medical practice, Dr. Gonzalez is a Christian lay minister and a student of
ancient Greek.
Mariza D. Oliver, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Advanced Practice Provider
Mariza is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and has a Masters degree in
Nursing Administration. She has over 17 years experience in nursing and has worked in healthcare areas such as
medical-surgical, post-partum, hospice, and home health. She has extensive experience in providing care for the
adult and geriatric population of the Rio Grande Valley.
2150 N. Expressway 83 Brownsville, TX 78521 PH: 956-548-0810 FAX: 956-548-2239 www.TexasOncology.com
FITNESS & BEAUTY · MARCH 2018
THE DOS & DON’TS
OF SKINCARE
I’m sure you’ve seen them. YouTube and
Instagram are full of them. Beauty bloggers
with elaborate skincare routines that cost a
fortune. They're everywhere, mainstream.
And If you’re like me – a skincare aficionado
wannabe – you want what they have and
more. You can’t wait to get your hands
on the products that make up their fancy
Korean 10-step process. You dream about
it. You know that it is the answer to your
skincare dreams, but that’s where the
adoration stops. If you were to get those
products, would you know how to use
them? Sure, you can follow the videos, but
quality skincare is more than a few simple
instructions from a social media star. It’s
an artform. How does a novice like you or
I get what they have without the break the
bank cost and without the time-consuming
routine?
We know the pressure is mounting. They
make it look like everyone is using their
methods and products. You’re convinced
you’re lagging behind, but fear not, there are
viable, affordable products that are of the
same quality. You don’t have to skimp on the
luxury factor if you know what to look for
and what you must avoid. Trust us, we’ve got
you covered with a few sensible tips to up
your skincare game once and for all. The last
thing any of us want to do is cause anymore
damage to our skin.
23 HEALTHY MAGAZINE
OUR TIPS:
Try only one new product at a time. If
you go all in with a complete and total
overhaul, you’re asking for trouble. As
they say, ‘don’t throw out the baby
with the bathwater’. If you go full hog
on the products, then how will you
know which product works, which is
a dud (for you), which you can’t get
enough of, and which cause that uh-oh
on the bridge of your nose? As with
everything in life, take it slow. Baby
steps still get you to your destination
eventually, and trust us; it'll be worth
the trip. Try one out regularly for a
week or two. See how it looks or feels.
If a product works for you with no side
effects, then, go ahead and try another
product.
Give products time to work. Your skin,
like all other organs in your body, can
do miraculous things. Your skin has
the ability to regenerate itself. That
makes it one of the most powerful
organs in the body. That power
doesn’t work its magic overnight
though. While you might see some
marked changes right away, you won’t
reap all the benefits of a new product
or treatment for twenty-eight days at
the very least and up to six weeks to
see the full effects. If you’re waiting
for your skin to tighten, be patient and
measure the results.
Don’t destroy your one and only
moisture barrier. Over-exfoliating is
one of the biggest culprits that attack
your body’s natural moisture barrier.
Theirs is no correlation between
scrubbing your skin raw and having
great skin. You need that barrier to
keep bacteria out and lock hydration
in. Try exfoliating once a week at most
for optimal results.
Don’t panic if you see a pimple.
Because one appears doesn’t
mean you’ll have a full-blown
breakout. It happens once in a while.
Overtreatment of your skin can make
pimples appear. Again, be gentle with
your skin. Slow and steady wins the
race with great skincare.
By Claudia Portillo

ACHALASIA
Achalasia. The name evokes a flower, or something sweet, but it is actually
drawn from ancient greek— khalsis, a loosening. The Prefix “A-” negates
that. So the word itself is quite descriptive, meaning, simply, an inability to
loosen. Loosen what, exactly? In the most basic terms, one’s throat: Achalasia
is an inability to swallow solids and liquids. For those searching for a more precise
picture, it takes place in the muscular layer of the lower esophagus, where it empties
into the stomach. The disorder causes these muscles fail to relax during swallowing.
This is caused in part by a lack of peristalsis, normal esophageal waves which help with
swallowing, making it difficult to pass the food bolus into the stomach.
As for who should be interested, this
disease affects adults, mostly. Especially
those in their 30s through their 50s
(although I have seen it in younger
patients). Unfortunately, little is known
about whether there are any direct
genetic or lifestyle causes for Achalasia.
It is believed that anyone can develop it.
However, it is a rare disorder, occurring
only in one to two per two hundred
thousand people.
The main symptoms of this disorder
include a progressive difficulty swallowing
that often leads to a choking sensation,
regurgitation, the spitting up of undigested
food, heartburn, chest pain behind the
breast bone, and weight loss. This can lead
to a number of health hazards including:
malnutrition, pneumonia, and the risk of
aspirating food, liquids, saliva, and other
stomach contents.
The treatment is often a multi-specialty
approach, in which patients are usually
started on medications that help relax the
esophagus. Often, however, medications
alone are not enough, and endoscopic
dilation is then implemented. The gold
standard therapy is a minimally invasive
approach where the defective fibers
around the esophagus are individually
divided in order to allow complete
relaxation of the esophagus and a
resolution of the swallowing difficulties.
This surgical procedure is called a Heller
Myotomy, and it has a success rate greater
than ninety percent.
Truth is, when treated
correctly by an experienced
surgeon, patients tend to
do very well— having more
than 90 percent resolution.
However, that isn’t exactly a
call to rejoice. Treatment can
often become challenging
when patients seek help
late in diagnosis, and their
esophagus is at the point
where it no longer works.
Other similar situations include patients
who have already undergone other
treatment modalities, such as botox
injections, which have failed. These
patients tend to be placed at higher
subsequent surgical risks.
As for how I usually come across
Achalasia, this is such a rare disorder that
patients are typically referred to me by
GI Specialists, Primary Care Providers,
and other Surgeons in the community.
But, occasionally I will have a patient
who shows up to the office with these
symptoms. If you feel that you have
been bothered by a number of them,
then please do not hesitate to make an
appointment and have it checked out.
Remember, it has a high rate of resolution,
but the longer you wait, the more likely it
is to become a problem.
ÁNGEL TAMEZ, MD
General Surgery, Bariatric
A native of the Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Tamez
obtained his medical degree at the University of
Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Upon
completion of his surgical residency at Loma
Linda University Medical Center in California,
Dr. Tamez obtained fellowship training in
Minimally Invasive Surgery & Bariatrics at Wake
Forest University Medical Center in North
Carolina. Dr. Tamez specializes in General Surgery
using the latest minimally invasive techniques
promoting faster recovery times and the best
results.
“
My goal is to provide the best
medical care available to my
patients with compassion.
”

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · MARCH 2018
COLON AND
RECTAL
CANCER
AWARENESS:
Am I at risk?
Nationwide, cancer is the second
cause of death in America
after cardiac diseases. It
is estimated that over
125,000 men and women a year
are diagnosed with colon and
rectal cancer. Colorectal
cancer is the second leading
cause of cancer death
and takes the lives of
approximately 50,000
people a year. A significant
amount of these could
be avoided, if everyone
between the ages of 50 to 75
took preventative measures
and had regular screening
tests.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
It is cancer that occurs in the colon
and rectum. The colon is also known as
the large bowel or the large intestine. It is
positioned after the small intestine and ends
at the anus.
Colorectal cancer screenings can save
lives. Most of colon and rectal cancer
originates from polyps. Polyps are a small
abnormal growth of the lining of the colon
and the purpose of colorectal screening
tests is to find those polyps so that they
can be removed before they turn into
cancer. If everybody had a colonoscopy
as recommended, it is estimated that
more than half of colon cancer could be
prevented. When diagnosed, colon cancer
can be cured if detected on time during a
screening test.
A screening colonoscopy is recommended
for both men and women starting at the
age of 50 as preventative care. The main
purpose of a colonoscopy is to identify,
remove and analyze polyps to eliminate the
potential risk of cancer. A colonoscopy may
be recommended at an earlier age for the
following reasons: a strong family history of
colon cancer, diagnosis of an inflammatory
bowel disease, or has a specific genetic
condition predisposing to colon and rectal
cancer.
A screening
colonoscopy is
recommended for
both men and women
starting at the age of
50 as preventative
care.
What are the symptoms of
Colorectal Cancer?
There may be no symptoms
at first if a person has
polyps or colorectal
cancer. However,
typically symptoms
may include: blood in
the stools, abdominal
pain, anemia,
change (shape or
consistency) in
bowel movements
and/or unexplained
loss of weight. If you
or a loved one have
any of these symptoms
or are at high risk, talk to
your doctor about having
earlier or more frequent
testing if you think you’re at
risk of colorectal cancer.
Colon cancer is usually treated by surgical
removal along with chemotherapy treatment
if the cancer has spread to the surrounding
lymph nodes. Laparoscopic technique is
usually recommended and has the benefit
of decreased post-operative pain and earlier
hospital discharge. Rectal cancer on the
other hand often requires radiation and
chemotherapy before surgery.
Colorectal screening tests are normally
covered by Medicare or most insurance
plans. Check with your insurance to find out
which tests are covered.
By Dominique Vande Maele M.D.
26 HEALTHY MAGAZINE

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · MARCH 2018
HEALTHIER
AFTER A
GASTRIC
BYPASS
SURGERY
I FIRST MET MS. VEGA
ON APRIL 5, 2017. The most important
thought in my mind at that time was getting her in the operating
room as soon as possible. The results of the imaging tests done
on arrival to the Emergency Room were definite and critical. They
indicated the presence of bowel ischemia, which meant that at
least some of her small intestine was lacking blood supply due to an
internal hernia, which is a potential complication of gastric bypass
surgery. For this condition, time
was crucial and this was a life –
threatening situation. She had a
gastric bypass at an outside facility
over 3 years prior, and although she
experienced frequent episodes of
abdominal pain, the cause had not
been determined.
I explained her condition to Ms.
Vega, listed a laundry list of risks
and tried to convey the gravity of her condition, but her eyes told
me she knew all too well that her condition was critical. Her words
still make my body tense up. She said “I have 3 kids, I need to get
back home to them, do whatever you need to do”. Unfortunately,
this led to over two months in the hospital, malnourishment, fatigue
and a drastic change to her life. And yet, we are truly blessed, for she
is at home with her kids, she is slowly regaining her energy, and her
wounds have completely healed.
BEFORE
“
I explained her condition to Ms. Vega,
listed a laundry list of risks and tried
to convey the gravity of her condition,
but her eyes told me she knew all too
well that her condition was critical.
AFTER
Through all of this, Ms. Vega never lost her resilience and her
strength. We both want to share her experience to raise awareness
about the long-term complications of bariatric or weight loss
surgery. This is a topic that many people may not be familiar
with. Each day, more patients are benefiting from weight loss
surgery. However, there may be subtle symptoms that should not
be ignored. Some of these long-term complications include ulcers,
nutritional and vitamin deficiencies, and internal hernias or bowel
obstruction. Ulcers are rare and occur in 1% of patients, internal
hernias may occur in approximately 5%,
yet nutritional deficiencies may be a
prevalent as 80%.
For patients who have undergone
gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy,
I strongly recommend regular yearly
follow up with their surgeon. At the
very least, yearly follow up of labs
and vitamin levels should be done.
Importantly, if anyone with a history of
a gastric bypass surgery is experiencing pain shortly after meals, he
or she should discuss any associated symptoms or patterns of this to
rule out an internal hernia.
Today, Ms. Vega continues to be compliant with her vitamins, fluids,
and protein intake. Despite what she went through, she does not
regret having had a gastric bypass as this improved her quality of life
and her health.
By Veronica T. Guerrero, MD
28 HEALTHY MAGAZINE

FITNESS & BEAUTY · MARCH 2018
THE
TRUTH
ABOUT
SKIN
SHRINK
Have you ever met someone whose
face tells you everything? Are you one
those people? Ever wonder what’s
it’s like to live with a face that often
betrays your innermost thoughts?
Well, I know what it’s like because my face gives me
away all the time. Just one day, for one moment, I’d
love to be one of those people who has a plain, old
boring face, one that doesn’t give anything away
before my heart or head are aware of what my true feelings are. As
if that’s not bad enough, my adult acne adds yet another layer of
redness that I’ve spent my life trying to get out from under, if you will.
Here I was, leading a ‘normal’ life.
I’d survived the teen years. I’d
moved past any acne issues and
somehow in my early 20s moved
right into adult acne territory.
After years of hormonal ups
and downs, flare-ups, and a few
rather ugly bouts during college,
I thought I’d finally get a respite.
I thought I was done. Nature –
rather, my skin – felt otherwise.
Instead of allowing it to take over
and do its thing, I decided to take
preemptive action.
I told myself that I wouldn’t go
into my 30s with skin blemishes.
I would finally have clear skin.
There were plenty of options
I hadn’t yet tried and others
I might not have used to my
advantage. It was time to make a
change and go full-force with the
alternative treatments. My game
plan? They say, ‘go big or go
home’. So I’m going big. First up,
a nutritionist to help me make
the best choices with natures
own nutrients. Next, a doctor
of alternative medicine. After
hours after hours of exhaustive
research, I learned quite a bit
about the dos and don’ts of
skincare. I knew for sure that I
didn’t want anything that could
have adverse effects.
In my opinion, the best discovery
wasn’t a stellar dermatologist,
but someone whose life’s work
is the psychology of skin. How
amazing is that? Did you know
these people even existed?
They’re at the forefront of an
untapped market that could
be a gamechanger for so many
people across the globe. They
are experts in a new field known
as psychodermatology – a bona
fide skin shrink. Using hypnosis
and meditation techniques, these
practitioners treat the skin from
the inside out. Their unique
approach addresses the direct
link between skin blemishes/
acne with emotional issues. They
believe there is a connection
between stress and acne. The
working theory is that the stress
precedes the acne breakouts.
They are essentially a trigger
for acne, at any age. This unique
approach has merit. Anyone
who has dealt with chronic acne
knows that certain things trigger
flare-ups, so it only makes sense
that the stressors we feel as we
age would impact our skin later
in life. The negative emotions we
had when we were experiencing
teen acne outbreaks are the
same kind of emotions we’ll feel
as an adult.
Our notions of self-esteem
are rolled into our outward
appearance. It’s part of our
makeup. Negativity festers,
therefore, creating a swinging
pendulum between self-doubt
and self-consciousness.
It becomes a
vicious cycle we
may not have the
coping skills to
address without
a little help. And
that help can come
in the form of
skin shrinking. It
works on both the
outward scars and
the deep, emotional
scars we may be
holding with us.
30 HEALTHY MAGAZINE

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · MARCH 2018
CELLULITE:
WHAT CAUSES IT
AND HOW TO MAKE
IT GO AWAY
the dreaded cellulite – the one thing women
Oh, fear, and men never even notice. Ninety percent
of women and up to ten percent of men will be affected
at some point in their lives. This regular occurrence often
appears abnormal on the skin. With it’s lumpy, orange-peel
like appearance, it can cover large surfaces of the skin,
most notably, the legs, arms, and buttocks. You’re more
likely to develop cellulite if you lead an inactive lifestyle, sit
for long periods of time on a regular basis, experience the
reduction of estrogen during menopause, or suffer from
hyperinsulinemia.
This puckering of the skin occurs when the
layer of fat that sits just beneath the skin
pushes against the connective tissue and
bulges. That causes a cottage cheese or
orange peel-like appearance. Unfortunately
for women, the risk of developing cellulite
increases exponentially with menopause and
increased age.
When a woman experiences hormonal
changes, she undoubtedly will experience
a decline in estrogen levels. These changes
may contribute to changes in circulation and
a reduction in the production of collagen.
Fat cells become larger or increase in
numbers. The collagen layer thins. Those
factors in combination with a change in the
blood supply all contribute to or lead to
the production of cellulite. While unsightly,
cellulite isn’t dangerous. There is no pain
associated with the production of it.
Nutrition also plays a role in the production
of cellulite. High levels of carbohydrates in
the diet increase the risk of hyperinsulinemia.
This increases the formation of fat cells and
growth of the current cells.
There are four distinct stages of
development of cellulite. Generally, they
start at or about sixteen years of age.
Grade 0: No cellulite present
Grade 1: Smooth skin while in a standing
position, bumps and dimples while
sitting
Grade 2: Cottage cheese appearance
when sitting or standing
Grade 3: Orange peel appearance while
sitting or standing with deep raised and
depressed areas.
Currently, there is no known cure for
cellulite. The over-the-counter treatments
make grand claims to know the secret to
eliminating cellulite for good, but none
have been proven, and often, the results
have been disappointing. However, there
are smart strategies that may reduce the
appearance of cellulite temporarily.
Dry Skin Brushing has
many benefits, not only
for aesthetic reasons.
This technique offers
benefits for the whole
body as well.
It might help to soften hard fat deposits
below the skin and help to distribute fat
deposits more evenly throughout the body.
This helps to reduce the visibility of the
cellulite. It also stimulates the lymphatic
system, increases circulation, improves
digestion, and exfoliates the skin.
Myofascial Release is an effective technique
used to release tissue restrictions in the
connective tissue that sits just beneath the
surface of the skin. Most often, it is caused
by inflammation, surgical procedures, and/or
trauma.
Coffee scrubs work to
stimulate lymphatic
flow (blood) to an
area can also exfoliate
and tighten the skin. A
scrub can be made with
coconut oil and finely ground
coffee beans to form a facial mask which
can tighten the skin. One could also choose
laser or light therapy, even acoustic wave
therapy. All help break down fat molecules
or decrease in the visibility of cellulite.
By Sarah Wester
32 HEALTHY MAGAZINE

HEALTHY FOOD · MARCH 2018
After years of study and debate
about substances known as
antioxidants, research has shown
that they can make the difference
between someone developing
skin cancer or someone never
having to suffer from this
entirely preventable disease.
Dermatologists have finally caught
on to this idea and are actively
advising patients to feast on
nutrient-dense foods. Some are
even suggesting that their patients
apply topical products containing
antioxidants in addition to their
sunscreens.
“
Good health
and good sense
are two of life’s
greatest blessings.
”
— Publilius Syrus
Combing the use of antioxidant-rich
foods and supplements is best for
disease prevention. Be mindful that
high doses of vitamins could also be
detrimental to your health. Stick to the
recommended daily amounts of any
supplement or nutrient.
You protect yourself against
harmful UV rays. You know you
should wear sunscreen and a
hat when you go outside. You
wear sunglasses, try not to get
too much sun exposure, you’ve
bought the right clothes. You
think you’ve done all that you
can do to prevent skin cancer.
The most common types of skin cancers
are nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC).
They include basal cell and squamous cell
carcinoma (BCC and SCC). They’re the most
common cancers in the United States of
America. Over five million cases of NMSC
are treated in at least three million people
every year. Current research suggests that
small dietary changes may be one way
to bring those staggering numbers down
dramatically.
EXPERTS RECOMMEND
THE FOLLOWING FOR BEST
RESULTS:
99
Vitamin C
99
Vitamin A
99
Vitamin E
99
Zinc
99
Selenium
99
Beta Carotene
99
Omega-3 fatty acids
99
Lycopene
99
Polyphenols
Your doctor may have told you that an SPF
15 or higher sunscreen is all you need before
you even think about stepping one foot out
the door, but now some new research has
come to light. There might be a little more
you can do, and it’s delicious.
Eating right. Studies have shown that
consuming the right foods may help ward off
skin cancer. The results have been promising
in these studies. Adding another layer of
protection to your skin cancer prevention
measures won’t hurt. We promise.
Most skin cancers are caused by sun
damage blisters. Most occur because of
overexposure to the sun directly or from
tanning beds. (Side note: Tanning beds are
not your friend. Avoid them at all costs.) UV
exposure does considerable, life-altering, if
not life-threatening, damage to your skin.
It generates free radicals, nasty oxygen
molecules that cause inflammation and
damage normal, healthy, functioning cells
and damage your skin’s DNA. That damage
causes changes in your genes that in turn
cause mutations that lead to a diagnosis of
skin cancer.
You can find most of these at any
health food store. You can also find
healthy doses of them in the foods
that you eat, provided they’re not
processed or sugar-laden. You want
them in their most healthy state for
optimum results. Most of those listed
have also been shown to promote
good heart health and to help protect
against diabetes. Again, if consumed
in moderation, according to the
recommended daily value these foods
can help you live a long, healthy life.
WWW.HEALTHYMAGAZINE.COM
34 HEALTHY MAGAZINE

FITNESS & BEAUTY · MARCH 2018
You’ve
got acne? You poor
thing. Isn’t it the worst?
No, of course not. Relax. Everything is going
to be all right. You will get through this. Do
you know how we know it will be all right?
Well, because we’ve been there. We’ve seen
it for ourselves. Call us survivors or simply
consumers who figured out it’s not the end
of the world. Acne happens to the best of
us. Don’t waste your time worrying about it.
Trust us; there will be plenty of things that
happen to you in life that deserve your full
attention. Acne isn’t one of them.
So, what are you to do when you find acne?
For starters, don’t panic. Don’t rush out to
the dermatologist and stock up on expensive
acne treatments. Stay far away from the
overpriced pink drying lotion. Save your
money and save your sanity. The answer you
need is probably a lot closer to home. It’s the
drugstore. They’re everywhere. Practically
every block in America has at least one
drugstore on it. They’re there for a reason.
They’re convenient and often their products
on friendly to your budget. So, grab your bag,
your purse, your wallet and let’s go shopping:
OVER THE COUNTER
ACNE SOLUTIONS
Peach Slices Acne
01 Spot Dots, $4.49
These by far are the best
pimple care products
money can buy. We kid you
not. These hydrocolloid
bandages drain the goop out of your pimples
without having to get your hands dirty. Wear
them as directed and get rid of them when
their job is done. It generally takes a day or
two before you see results, but when you do,
you’ll be hooked.
02 Neosporin,
$6.37
Yes, we mean the germ
fighter. It only makes
sense that it would
work wonders on
your skin. It acts as an
occlusive barrier. Place a dab on your popped
pimple and let it work its magic.
Clean & Clear
03 Advantage Acne
Spot Treatment, $5.98
This spot treatment is filled
with 2% salicylic acid that will
reduce redness and swelling
and kill the germs within
the pores. Be careful after
applying. You’ll need to apply
lotion afterward because it
does have a drying agent, but that’s a risk you
should be willing to take to zap out zits.
Burt’s Bees Herbal
04 Complexion Stick, $8.49
This 99.9% all-natural gem has so
many all-natural healing powers
you’ll wonder what you ever did
without it.
By Vanessa Jackson
Differin Gel, $11.39
05 We’re so excited
about this one-time only
available via a prescription
formula. This beauty is gentle
on the skin and can be used
daily. Give it a try!
06 Desitin
Rapid
Relief, $5.99
You read that
right. We’re talking about diaper cream. It
might seem a little out there, but we can
guarantee you it works. Why you might
ask? Well, the answer is simple. It’s used to
combat rashes on babies. Zits are a blemish
on the skin. Why not use a paraben and
fragrance-free product that every parent
trusts enough to use on their baby?
07
CVS Health Tinted
Acne Treatment
Cream, $4.19
Here’s another superb
spot treatment. Instead of
drying out the blemish, this
treatment cream hydrates it and colorcorrects
it to get rid of the unsightly redness.
36 HEALTHY MAGAZINE

HEALTHY FOOD · MARCH 2018
YUMMY FOODS
THAT ARE GOOD
FOR YOU FROM
THE INSIDE OUT
Does the idea of beauty food
make you cringe? Do you
think there’s no way any
food can be that fantastic?
What is it made of? We get
it. We thought the same thing, but it turns
our there are nutrient-dense foods that are
actually good for your outward appearance –
like a beauty product – and good for you on a
cellular level. Who knew?
Beauty foods in their most basic form
are nutrient-dense foods that have antiinflammatory
properties that help to keep
our bodies healthy from the inside out.
Seriously! There are foods that act as a magic
elixir for the body.
WE’VE FOUND A FEW RECIPES
THAT ARE PACKED WITH GOOD
FOR YOU YUMMINESS:
A powerhouse salad
like this one that’s filled
with a healthy balance
of macronutrients
(carbohydrates, healthy fats,
and protein) and vitamins
B and C plus a healthy dose
of minerals is just what the
doctor ordered. The ingredients are summer
blueberries, quinoa, spinach, pumpkin seeds,
dark, leafy greens and fresh avocado. This
salad does everything. It leaves your skin
glowing and smooth. It strengthens your hair
and nails. It gives you clear eyes. Now you
might be wondering what makes it pack such
a powerful punch. That comes from each
ingredient doing the work.
Pumpkin seeds, for example,
have been shown to help
with antioxidant support.
They’re loaded with essential
minerals. They have unique
antimicrobial benefits.
They’ve also been shown to
have cardiovascular benefits
and can help with benign
prostatic hyperplasia or
prostate gland enlargement.
They’re loaded with mineral
zinc, which is crucial to
having healthy skin, strong
hair, and strong, healthy nails.
Spinach or dark leafy
greens are a great source of
minerals and antioxidants.
It’s commonly known, thanks
to Popeye, that spinach is
great for bone and muscle health. It contains
phytonutrients that are known to decrease
inflammation in the body. It also keeps
the skin healthy by fighting free radicals.
In addition, it’s a great source of fiber that
promotes a healthy digestive system and
helps to control your appetite by keeping you
full longer.
Lemon contains a healthy dose
of vitamin C. This vitamin travels
through the body to neutralize
free radicals. They also protect
against other inflammatory diseases such as
the debilitating rheumatoid arthritis.
Avocados are high in healthy fats
and fiber. They contain essential
nutrients like folic acid, magnesium,
potassium, copper, and manganese.
Blueberries are wonderful for cardiovascular
health. They promote good eye health
and cognitive benefits and support overall
antioxidant support.
Quinoa contains fiber, magnesium, zinc,
copper, and protein.
Hemp seeds are a great source of healthy
fat and protein. They can be thrown into
any salad, shake, pasta dish, or just about
anything. They’re perfect for anyone who
wants to start a plant-based diet. They have
a nice, neutral flavor that makes them easy
to incorporate into any dish. A mere few
teaspoons contain a whopping eleven grams
of proteins.
38 HEALTHY MAGAZINE