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Health

Stretch Marks Be Gone
By David H. Urmann

Stretch marks are unsightly scars in the body. Find out about the different ways to remove them.

Stretch marks are visible whitish or purplish lines on the skin caused by its sudden expansion. This is either from a rapid development of fat or muscle in certain areas of the body. It occurs when the collagen and elastin (skin proteins liable to keep hold of the skin's shape and firmness) found in the dermis, are stretched to their limits, and have reached their breaking point. This results to the excessive production of collagen that form scar tissues and thus create a stripy pattern on the skin. These marks typically appear on the hips, buttocks, arms, abdomen, and breasts.

Factors contributing to having stretch marks are genetic make up, excessive weight gain or muscle development and/or sudden weight loss as well as skin types or conditions. It is explained that some skin types or conditions are more desiccated than others, hence they have less elasticity. Considering these factors, there are ways to either remove or prevent the appearance of stretch marks.

Surgical Methods

There are different ways that can be explored in surgical methods. One of these is dermabrasion in which the dermasurgeon freezes the skin and "sands" it. This is done by using a high-speed rotating instrument that has a coarse wheel or brush attached to it. This is used to smoothen out the skin's imperfections. Common temporary side effects may occur such as swelling, redness, short-term hyper-pigmentation and scarring.

Another surgical method is chemical peel. It necessitates a certain chemical solution applied to the skin, which causes a layer of it to separate and peel off. The new, revitalized skin from underneath is usually smoother and evenly colored. Scarring is one likely complication of chemical peel, along with developing a temporary or permanent change in skin tone color and a reactivation of cold sores and fever blisters that may occur to those who are predisposed to cold sores. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are the chemicals used for this procedure.

Laser treatment is the most advanced stretch mark removal method to date. A narrow light beam is aimed at the stretch marks to remove a very thin layer of skin; hence, also removing the scar tissues that created the stretch marks. New skin is formed after the treatment. Scarring, bruising, blistering, swelling, and change in skin tone color may also occur after undergoing the procedure; but, these are all temporary and the skin will go back to its normal condition after several days or weeks.

Creams, Oils and Lotions

Over-the-counter creams and oils are already available in drugstores and local stores. Massaging these products onto the skin two times, a day or more is helpful in increasing the blood circulation in the target area. The appearance of slight stretch marks is reduced significantly and can make the skin firmer and suppler. It can also aid in the healing process. Vitamin E, wheat germ, and jojoba butter are also commonly used.

Retin-A or tretinoin can also effectively remove stretch marks that are still new. However, creams with retin-A, along with hydrocortisone or steroids, should be avoided by expectant mothers, especially during the first trimester when the fetus is still very vulnerable. Products with basil, clary sage, cinnamon, or thyme also have undesirable effects to fetuses so these should also be avoided.

Moisturizing creams and lotions do not necessarily remove stretch marks but they can help soothe the discomfort and dryness caused by these striations.

Having stretch marks may, likewise, be prevented in some instances. One way is to keep the skin moisturized and well hydrated to increase its elasticity. To achieve this, taking plenty of fluids and foods loaded with vitamins C, A, D, and E, with zinc and silica (essential to the formation of collagen) are important. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda sap out the skin's moisture, making it susceptible to stretch marks.

It is also essential to treat stretch marks while it is still at its early stages. Stretch marks in its initial formation are colored red, pink, or brown, depending on the skin's natural color.

Lower Back Pain? New Procedure Could Change Your Life!
By Staff Writer

Computerized NON-SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION has come to the valley. If you are unfamiliar with this ground breaking new technology and why it is such a big deal, read on.

Spinal Decompression is a technology developed after observing disc regeneration in astronauts who experienced an environment of zero gravity. Unlike traditional hand operated or motorized traction, it is a computer controlled technique that overcomes normal muscular reflexes and resistances while it removes and reverses normal pressure on discs. Negative pressure or suction inside the disc causes nutrients and other materials to be pulled back into the disc cartilage. This causes the disc to actually regenerate, get thicker, and heal. In fact, many disc related problems that were previously hopeless can become PERMANENTLY healed through this procedure.

Here are some highlights of this procedure:

• It's painless
• No use of drugs
• No surgery, needles, or other invasive procedure
• No lengthy rehabilitation required to get back to normal activity
• No downtime
• No hospital stay
• A 90% success rate (yes you read that right!)
• Permanent results (not a temporary or quick fix)
  

As with all legitimate procedures, this is not a cure-all. Typical cases include people who've been diagnosed with disc bulges or herniations, disc degeneration or disc related sciatica or sciatic complaints including shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or burning sensations down the leg or localized pain in the lower back or buttock. It has prevented numerous people from having to undergo risky fusion surgery (which only offers a roughly 10% success rate to begin with--if you don't count the people who continue to take narcotic pain killers 2 years after the surgery as a success! Not to mention the inevitable repeat surgeries.) It can also help people who have undergone epidural injections, facet blocks, selective nerve root blocks, discograms, IDET procedures…etc, etc without relief. Sound familiar? It has even helped people who have already had a failed back surgery and are simply looking at a life of trying to control their pain.

So you see, something so effective and safe, to so many people in need, it is a great big deal!

Dr Chun's practice is designated as one of the hundreds of providers nationwide adhering to the strict standards of quality and care as a member of the SpinalAid Centers of America. www.spinalaid.com. If you have any questions or would like more information please call (818) 280-2486. Also, there is more information and patient testimonials about spinal decompression at www.ibecameabeliever.com

Furthermore, if you are concerned about the cost, Dr Chun offers several financing sources and options available to make it affordable for just about anyone.

Set up your free consultation at AllCare Chiropractic Center, 21039 Devonshire St. Chatsworth, CA 91311 - (818) 280-2486 - http://www.spinalaid.com/

Healthy Happenings

Carbohydrate Counting
Ongoing. Class for individuals who want to improve blood sugar control through carbohydrate intake. Providence Tarzana Medical Center's Tarzana Campus, 18321 Clark St., Tarzana.
(818) 345-8955

Depression is Contagious! Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D. & Foojan Zeine, Psy.D.
Nov. 1, 1-5 p.m. A sensible approach to managing depression based on the latest research that shows that depression is more of a social problem than a medical illness. You can’t catch depression in the way you catch a cold, but the latest research support that moods spread through social conditions, acting as an emotional contagion. Kerckhoff Grand Salon - UCLA.
(818) 609-9989

Brain Injury Support Group
2nd Wed. each month. Free. Provides encouragement and education. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500 ext. 2833

Mental Health Support Group
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Free. Support group for family members of those with mental illness. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 994-6747

Cancer Orientation
Every Tuesday, 12-1:30pm. New patients will learn about treatment, financel issues, directives and support. Northridge Hospital Medical Center at 18300 Roscoe Blvd. at the Leavey Cancer Conference Center.
(818) 885-8500 ext. 2855

Brain Tumor Support Group
Second Wednesday each month, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Support for those suffering with brain cancer. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500, ext. 2833

Breast Cancer Support Group
Second and Fourth Tuesday each month, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Meet with other breast cancer patients to discuss treatment options and mental comraderie.
Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500, ext. 2833

Chronic Pain Support Group
Second and Fourth Tuesday each month, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Help dealing with chronic pain. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500, ext. 3680

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