Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions

December 30th, 2009
New Year’s Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Did your New Year resolutions make our top five list?
 
1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends
 
From family reunions to collecting oral histories, these tutorials, checklists, and finding aids are designed to help you find, interview and connect with living family members. Figure out cousin connections, plan a family reunion, or learn how to track down living people.
 

2. Fit in Fitness

The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape!

3. Tame the Bulge

Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year’s commitment to shed extra pounds.

4. Quit Smoking

If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you’ve tried to quit before and failed, don’t let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!  

5. Get Out of Debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It’s a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

 

 

FALL- WINTER SKIN CARE TIPS FOR RADIANT SKIN

December 22nd, 2009
 

Summer time is great. Your skin feels young and alive. But as winter approaches your skin begins to dry and you feel uncomfortably and itchy. What do you do?

1. Drink water …

Hydrate your skin from within by drinking lots of water. Carry a bottle with you when you go outside. Herbal tea is also great when it’s really cold. Your skin will soon have a healthy glow.  So drink up and don’t let your skin go thirsty.

2. Humidifier …

One good option would be to put moisture back into the air. A humidifying system can help your skin remain supple instead of cracked and dry. You can buy a system from your local drug store.

3. Exfoliate …

A good boy scrub and facial exfoliant can help remove dead skin cells from your body. Add this to your cleansing routine once a week. Not only will you feel fresh but your skin will be free from all that old dry cells. Now you’re ready to moisturize!

4. Oil based moisturizer …

This will help protect your skin from moisture loss. Choose one that comes in an ointment form as it will contain 80% oil. Creams and lotions may tend to dry out the skin rather than keep it moisturized and soft.

5. No blow dry …

Yes, sadly so. The blow drier is not your friend in winter. Try the tousled look or the wavy style this winter. Hot air dries out your scalp and can irritate your skin as well. So give the blow drier a miss this cold season.

6. Flaxseed oil …

Although it doesn’t taste very great flaxseed oil can moisturize your body from the inside. Since it is rich in vital fatty acids it can do a lot for your overall health. It is available in oil form as well as in capsule form.

 

 

Summer Time Skin Care

July 29th, 2009

summerskin
7 Skin Care Tips for Glowing Skin in Summer

Summer is about baring skin and showing off the beautiful (fake) summer tan you have. But in order to look good baring that skin, you need to take some time to ready your skin and reverse the signs of neglect you showed your skin during fall, winter and spring.

1. Exfoliate Your Body

It’s so very important to exfoliate your skin. Your body sheds skin cells at an amazing rate every minute of every day. If you don’t get rid of them, they’ll just sitting on your skin making you look dull and dry. No matter how much lotion you use, you’re never going to have glowing skin if you don’t exfoliate. Grab a body scrub and hit the shower. Gently rub your exfoliator in circular movements on your entire body from the shoulders down (you’ll want a facial exfoliator for your face and neck) and rinse clean. Continue to do this 2-3 times a week for year-round beautiful skin.

2. Shave the Right Way

In the winter, what is the point of keeping your legs religiously shaved daily when you know your legs will never see the light of day? Those lazy days of winter are over. Find a good razor that won’t cause razor burn. When picking out a shaving cream, don’t choose the $1.00 men’s cream; a shaving lotion is much better for your skin as it will hydrate and help ward off nicks and cuts. In a pinch? Use your conditioner for a moisturizing shaving cream.

3. Hydrate your Body with a Summer-Scented Lotion

Find a summery lotion that you won’t forget to put on. It’s time to pack away your thick winter body butters for more light summery lotions. You don’t have time to wait for your lotion to sink in, so look for something light fast absorbing. Gels and Purees are perfect fast absorbers. I personally love to break out the coconut or mango scented lotion for summer. Nothing spells summer more than a light refreshing fruity lotion. Make sure you apply right after you dry off from your shower. You need to seal in the moisture your body just soaked in.

4. Get a Safe Summer Glow

You have so many choices when it comes to adding a little summer tint to your skin, and the tanning bed shouldn’t be one of them. Using a sunless tanner will give your skin a beautiful start to summer. Even if you’re not a fan of sunless tanners all over your body, you can happily use them on your face. If you alternate your facial moisturizer with one that builds a bit of color, you’ll have a healthy glow that will make it look as though you just spent the weekend on the beach. Most facial tanners build color gradually, by alternating with your regular moisturizer, you’ll never get too dark.

5. Don’t Forget your Feet

Winter boots have long since been packed away; it’s sandal season ladies. Either go and get a pedicure (try a beauty school if cost is a factor), or give yourself an at-home pedicure. You scrub off the dead dry skin to reveal your sandal ready feet. Nothing is worse than seeing dull dry feet inside cute sandals. It doesn’t have to be a big ordeal. Keep a foot scrub and file in your shower and scrub your feet a few times a week. You’ll notice a big difference in the softness of your feet.

6. Find a New Bold Summer Polish

Buy a bold new polish for your toes. Toe nails can be painted a much bolder color than you would usually put on your fingernails. Pick out something that screams summer. Polish tends to stay on your toes much longer than your hands because you don’t abuse your toe nails like you do your finger nails. Apply a clear base coat, two applications of color and a clear top coat to protect. Go barefoot or put on your flip-flops for at least a couple hours to make sure your polish won’t dent.

7. Out With the Old – Buy a New Sunscreen

Throw away last year’s unused sunscreen for a new bottle. Sunscreens aren’t meant to last forever, and seeing most people don’t use as much as they should, I bet you have a bottle or two stored away. Be safe and pick up a new one. And don’t forget the most important sunscreen advice: USE IT. You should be using a shot glass full for your body, and a full teaspoon just on your face. Reapply every 1-2 hours that you are in the sun to ensure a summer full of safe sun fun.

Beat the Heat

July 23rd, 2009

Beat the Heat

Beat the Heat

3 Tips for Summer Skin

Feel the Burn

To soothe sunburned skin, heat a cup of regular oatmeal with one-half cup whole milk until cooked. Let cool and apply to burned skin. The oatmeal soothes and the milk acts as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead cells.

Lighten Up on Lotion

On really hot days, use a hydrating toner instead of moisturizer — it will keep your skin balanced but won’t feel heavy or greasy.

Clear Your Complexion

If you’ve got a recurring breakout on your chin, hydrogen peroxide in whitening toothpaste could be the culprit. Switch to regular toothpaste pronto.

 

Homeboy Industries

July 9th, 2009
Homeboy Industries

Homeboy Industries

Jobs not Jails: Homeboy Industries assists at-risk and formerly gang-involved youth to become positive and contributing members of society through job placement, training and education.

In April 2009, despite her busy schedule, Dr.Hannah Vu contributed her time to help Homeboy Industries in their program and services called the Ya ‘Stuvo Tattoo Removal

Tattoo removal is a critical positive step in a long and challenging journey out of gang life and into positive social integration. Homeboy offers free tattoo removal on site.

Tattoo removal is a critical positive step in a long and challenging journey out of gang life and into positive social integration with the community at large. Many gang members have visible tattoos that inhibit their ability to secure employment, thus we offer free tattoo removal.

Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Removal

Ya’Stuvo means “that’s enough, I’m done with that”. Tattoo removal is often the first and most urgent treatment accessed in a continuum of case-managed economic development, health and social services offered through Homeboy Industries. In spite of the fact that tattoo removal by laser is known to be painful and takes an average of eight to ten treatments per tattoo, and in some cases up to 1 year to complete, patient retention is virtually 100%.

Way to go Dr.Hannah Vu!

Ordering fast food in Orange County

June 24th, 2009

Fast Food

Fast Food

Diners have become more health conscious the last few years, and now want healthy choices whether eating at home or at their favorite restaurants. Luckily, the restaurant industry has been quick to accommodate the demand, so you will find many options to “eat healthy” these days. Since I don’t cook, I eat out all the time.
So whether you’re eating at home or dining out, the same rules for watching your weight apply. You need to eat more vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Choose smaller portions of lean meats, fish and poultry. Eat a variety of foods, and fresh, raw foods are better. Cut back on salt, sugar, saturated fats and alcohol. Drink plenty of water, and include exercise every day as part of your daily lifestyle choice.
Whether you’re having lunch with the gang, or enjoying a romantic dinner for two, you can enjoy delicious-tasting foods that are low-in calories and good for you, with just a little forethought and planning.
Here are some easy tips to remember when ordering out that will help you to lose weight even when eating at your favorite restaurants:

     

  1. Drink at least one full-glass of water or iced tea before eating your meal. This helps your digestive process, and, because you’ll feel full sooner, you will eat less.
  2. When ordering meat or fish, ask that it be grilled or broiled, and prepared without oil or butter. (When you eat it, use lemon or herbs and spices to give it flavor rather than heavy sauces).
  3. If you’re craving something sweet, and don’t want fresh fruit, choose sorbet. If you absolutely HAVE to have the chocolate sauce, use the same trick as you did with the salad dressing — dip your fork into it first, then your dessert.
  4. If you decide to order pasta, tomato sauce has fewer calories than cream-based sauces, just like soup.
  5. If the portion you were served is large, only eat half of it. Take the other half home. Not only will you get two meals for the price of one, but you’ll cut the calories in half as well!
  6. Choose brown rice over white rice (or french fries), whole grain breads and rolls over white. Not only are they lower in calories, but they are better for you.

Remember, making healthy choices makes a HUGE difference in your calorie consumption. I hope these tips are helpful in maintaining a healthy lifestyle!

To your health,

Katherine

Hello!

June 22nd, 2009
breast11Hello everyone!  My name is Katherine and I will be your official Skin Zone Medical blogger!  Here is the place where  you can ask me questions regarding health, beauty and fitness.  Ask away…..

Rosacea Treatments in Orange County California

February 25th, 2008

SkinZone Medical Clinic in Rosemead, CA offers treatments for Rosacea. At Skinzone Medical, we specialize in non-burning, no downtime techniques. Most of our patients require no anesthetic for the treatments, and can return immediately to their daily routine.

Welcome to Skin Zone Medical

January 1st, 2008

Welcome to Skin Zone Medical.  Your one stop shop for all your cosmetic surgical and non-invasive surgical needs.   Dr. Hannah Vu would be happy to assist you in making an informed decision on the realities of cosmetic surgery.  To schedule your FREE consultation call  (800) 983-4983