Your Guide to Health, Beauty & Fitness
Cancer support center in Antioch reopens
High school friends help build self-confidence
The benefits of biking short and long distances
Attitudes regarding the use of cannabis have shifted significantly over the last decade. The National Conference of State Legislatures indicates that, as of early 2022, 37 states, three territories and the District of Columbia allowed the medicinal use of cannabis products. By May 2022, 19 states, two territories and the District of Columbia had enacted measures to regulate the nonmedicinal use of cannabis by adults. This shifting dynamic also is evident in Canada, where the Cannabis Act of 2018 created a strict legal framework controlling the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis, effectively legalizing it throughout the country that October.
Attitudinal shifts regarding cannabis on the part of legislators have prompted many people to wonder what, if any, medicinal benefits marijuana can provide. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that very question has been the subject of research and debate for decades. That debate is unlikely to end soon, though the NIDA indicates that suggestions about the potential medicinal
properties of cannabis are not unfounded.
The NIDA notes that marijuana and its components have been found to have medicinal properties. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved certain medications that contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is a compound found in the resin secreted by the marijuana plant. These drugs, prescribed in pill form, are used to treat the nausea that can develop in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The drugs, which are called Marinol and Cesamet, also are prescribed as appetite stimulants to AIDS patients with wasting syndrome.
Though it has yet to be approved in the United States, the mouth spray Sativex is available in various parts of the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom. The NIDA notes that Sativex is prescribed to multiple sclerosis patients to treat the spasticity and neuropathic pain associated with MS.
CBD oil is one cannabis-related product to garner significant attention in recent years. CBD refers to cannabidiol, a chemical found in marijuana. According to the NIDA, the only CBD-based liquid medication thus far approved by the FDA is Epidiolex, which is used to treat two rare forms of severe childhood epilepsy. But consumers undoubtedly recognize just how widely CBD oil is marketed, and the Mayo Clinic notes CBD-infused foods, drinks and beauty products are available online. However, research as to the benefits of CBD is ongoing and limited. That does not necessarily mean claims about the benefits of CBD are false, but it also does not mean they’re true or backed by legitimate, recognized medical research.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
Guys like Minh Nguyen and Harry Levine grew up riding their bikes to go everywhere.
Cycling serves several purposes to many: transportation, adventure, and exercise. Many people learn how to ride a bike when they’re growing up, something that’s seen as a stepping stone as one grows up. As people get older, they tend to use bikes for many reasons – as a simple means of getting around to getting exercise, to even as far as becoming part of a community.
“Riding is wonderful,” Levine said. “I mean, my blood pressure is excellent. We don’t smoke, we watch our diet, we eat healthy. It’s just a really good lifestyle.”
According to Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong website, “biking gives you the same cardiovascular benefits as any other aerobic exercise.”
Along with the healthy heart benefits, cycling has also been linked to increasing muscular strength and endurance, has been proven to burn more calories than walking, and can lengthen life expectancy.
Levine, along with his friend Dave Leaumont, run a cycling club called Delta
Valley Velo, a group aimed at more “enthusiastic” riders. There’s no membership fee and all are welcome to join, from those just hopping on for the first time to those who are more experienced.
“We have a great core group that meets once a month, but we usually see each other riding twice a week or so,” Levine said.
Velo does weekend rides throughout East County, starting near Safeway on Second Street in Brentwood.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that adults should do at least 2 ½ to 5 hours a week of moderateintensity exercise and at least an hour to 2 ½ hours of vigorous exercise a week.
Cycling is an effective way of achieving both, the agency said.
One of the biggest benefits of cycling, according to Livestrong, is that it’s easy on the joints because it’s low impact, especially compared to running.
“For me, as a cyclist, unlike running you cover a lot more ground,” said Minh Nguyen, a member of the Delta Pedalers, a more family-oriented group that is divided into different groups based on a rider’s experience that recently celebrated their second anniversary.
Levine and Nguyen admit that cycling can be expensive. But there are ways to reduce the cost, especially for those looking to get into the sport for the first time.
Sporting goods stores have mountain bikes starting for as low as $200, while going for a high as nearly $4,000.
Nguyen says that mountain bikes are a good way for new riders to start, especially if they’re still testing the road, because mountain bikes are less expensive. They also can do what road bikes can do.
“Those tend to be very popular for cyclists when they first get into the sport because they don’t really know if they want to commit to road bikes,” Nguyen said. At cycling companies like Specialized, their road bikes start at $1,000 and run as high at $15,500.
“Maybe I could commit to a mountain bike because it’s a bike that does it all for me. Then what (new cyclists) do is they’ll take the knobby tires off and put smooth tires on.
Levine suggests that because of the costs, potential riders should determine how regularly they will ride before they commit to cycling.
“(Cycling) is one of those things that if you’re not going to be committed to it, if you’re not going to stick with it, then don’t waste your money,” he said.
For more information on the Delta Pedalers, you can find them at www.deltaped.org
You can also find Delta Valley Velo at www.deltavalleyvelo.com
The skin is one of the most visible parts of the human body. Skin is the body’s largest organ and helps to retain water and protect internal organs. The average adult has about 22 square feet of skin, which weighs around 8 pounds, according to National Geographic.
The skin can be affected by any number of conditions. While many are not overly harmful, certain conditions can affect appearance. This, in turn, may hurt a person’s self-confidence. Therefore, many people prefer to address skin issues promptly and effectively. Here are some common conditions and how to address them.
Acne can occur on the shoulders, face, neck, and upper back. Breakouts may include whiteheads, red pimples, blackheads, and deep cysts. If left untreated, acne can cause scarring. Clogged pores cause acne, according to Healthline. This may occur from bacteria, hormones, dead skin cells, and excessive oil production. Non-inflammatory acne can be addressed by using salicylic acid, which naturally exfoliates the skin. It is found in cleansers and toners. Inflammatory acne can cause infection deep beneath the skin’s surface. Products containing benzoyl-peroxide may help reduce bacteria and swelling.
Large pores tend to go hand-in-hand with oily skin. They are extremely common. The American Academy of
Dermatology recommends being gentle with the skin to help minimize the appearance of pores. In addition, cleansing and exfoliating the skin can help. The AAD says retinol, which is a derivative of vitamin A, can unclog pores and restore the skin’s natural appearance.
Skin redness may occur for a variety of reasons. These include sunburns, allergic reactions, dry skin, acne, and irritations. Identifying the root of redness can help individuals make a plan for avoiding it going forward. Long-term redness often is linked to seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea. Certain medications and skin care products may be recommended by a dermatologist to address these issues. In addition, color-correcting makeup can help camouflage redness, according to L’Oreal.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that produces red, itchy, dry, and irritated skin. It tends to start in early childhood, and doctors believe an overactive immune system may trigger symptoms. A dermatologist usually treats eczema with over-the-counter antihistamines and OTC or prescription steroid creams.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that results in the excessive shedding of skin cells. Psoriasis causes scaly, silvery defined patches on the skin and usually occurs on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Healthline says plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the condition. Light therapy, moisturizers, topical retinoids, and biologics may be prescribed to manage psoriasis.
Scars are a natural result of the healing process from an injury to the skin. Many scars fade over time, but deep scars may be permanent and visible. Dermatologists may recommend application of vitamin E, silicone gel or other creams or oils to help minimize scarring after a surgery or injury. A prescription retinoid can be helpful when it comes to acne scarring. Steroid injections and laser treatments also can be used to reduce the appearance of scars, according to the experts at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. – Courtesy of Metro Creative
Tiffany Figuero and Manuela Warren have been best friends since high school and have recently started a beauty, health, and wellness business together where their individual skills can flourish.
Figuero is a nurse practitioner of five years, specializing in medical aesthetics, family medicine, and psychiatry. With Warren, who also practices medical aesthetics, and a shared passion to help build self-confidence in others, Resilient Healthcare Services was born.
The aestheticians said that the business used to be called Mirror Mirror Beauty, but they recently rebranded as they anticipate the transition to their new location that is being built. Starting Aug. 15, Resilient Healthcare Services will be at 5065 Deer Valley Road, Suite 245, near Deer Valley High School.
Until the move on Aug. 15, Resilient Healthcare Services will be offering only medical aesthetic services, like botox and the vampire facials. They are still open at their current location, which is 5541 Lone Tree Way, Unit 150, Suite 109 in Brentwood.
“We’re really excited because it’s going to be a lot bigger. We’ll have five rooms and our own waiting room,” said Figuero.
According to the two high school
friends, Resilient Healthcare Services offers a range of services thanks to their professional background in aesthetics and health. From botox, dermal fillers, Kybella injections, to even platelet-rich plasma injections, Figuero and Warren can treat their clients’ health and wellness needs.
“Everything we do here, except for psychiatry, involves needles,” Warren said with a laugh.
One of their services that seem particularly intriguing is the vampire facial. This form of medical aesthetics adds an extra level to platelet-rich plasma injections, a medical treatment meant to improve healing and repairment, by triggering the body’s natural healing process in the face and hair area to treat age-related concerns.
Vampire facials aren’t too uncommon, the aestheticians said. “We first got the idea from the Kardashians, actually,” Figuero and
Warren said.
For those unfamiliar with it, Figuero explained how vampire facials work. “It’s a microneedling treatment in addition to PRP,” said Figuero. “First, we pull your blood. Then, we spin the blood to extract the plasma, which takes about 10 minutes. Using microneedles, we inject the plasma back into the face, creating trauma in the face to trigger the healing process and the production of collagen.”
For vampire facials, sometimes referred to as immortal facials, plasma can be injected under the eyes to help treat eye bags or on the scalp to encourage hair growth.
“Some people would rather do things more naturally. This is for those who don’t prefer to put foreign things in their body,” said Figuero. With vampire facials, Resilient Healthcare Services is able to offer a minimally invasive, and natural way to achieve a variety of beauty needs.
To reap the full benefits of a vampire facial, clients are advised to do about three sessions once a month for three months in the beginning. Then, clients will have to come back only for a touch-up once a year.
Something current and new clients
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Brushing and flossing ensures the removal of plaque and bacteria, which are culprits in tooth decay and gum disease.
Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of such bacteria and plaque. Brushing removes materials from the surface of the teeth, while floss gets in between teeth where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. The American Dental Association says that a combination of brushing and flossing is the key to good oral health.
While both brushing and flossing are necessary, some oral health experts say that, if done correctly, flossing actually may be slightly more important since it gets to hardto-reach spots where the most destructive microbes live.
Oral hygiene does not just keep the mouth clean; it also can prevent serious
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can look forward to is Resilient Healthcare Services’ upcoming introduction to psychiatric services.
Figuero, who said she specializes in psychiatry, said she is excited to implement this new feature to the business because its use aligns with her and Warren’s passion
disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says extensive research shows that the bacteria that flourish in an unhealthy mouth can harm the rest of the body, potentially contributing to diabetes, respiratory illness and heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States.
Brushing and flossing also can make dental cleanings and examinations go smoothly. Plaque is the precursor to tartar and is sticky, but soft and pliable.
Tartar forms when plaque has been left undisturbed. Once on teeth, tartar can’t be removed without professional help.
By removing plaque before it’s had a chance to harden into tartar, people can reduce time spent in the dentist’s chair.
Furthermore, those who clean their teeth and gums regularly will have a lower risk for gingivitis, which is inflammation and bleeding in the gums.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
to help others feel more confident about themselves.
“Let us build confidence from the inside out,” said the duo in a promotional video on their Instagram page.
Resilient Healthcare Services can be reached at www.resilient-healthcare.com and at resilient.hc925@gmail.com.
Cancer Support Community
San Francisco Bay Area recently brought together residents, medical providers, cancer patients, and loved ones to celebrate the reopening of their Antioch support center.
The original open-house celebration was scheduled for March 13, 2020, but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Cancer Support Community (CSC) has provided its services virtually. Now, with the Antioch center at 3505 Lone Tree Way, Suite 3 open, they are better able to serve East County.
The event was an inspiring showcase of Cancer Support Community’s mission, including interactive yoga and Tai Chi demonstrations, and current participants who have been helped by CSC’s services spoke.
“This community has been such a big piece of my life the past few years. I’m so grateful to have access to a place that knows what it’s like to experience cancer and loss. I can come in and talk to my
group about how I’m doing or I can take a yoga or cooking class alongside others who know what I’ve been through,” said Al, a CSC participant.
CSC board president Donald Duggan spoke to the group about the importance of having a center in Antioch.
“Being here in Antioch is really important to Cancer Support Community. We want to make sure that underserved communities and communities of color have access to our vital support programs in their own backyard. We don’t want any barriers for them in connecting with others who know what they’re going through and can help them through cancer.”
CEO Rob Tufel, MSW, MPH added, “This center is a continuation of our strategic goals to address health inequities among people facing cancer. It’s so important to us that we provide these programs to all who need it.”
Programs are available in English and Spanish, and are always provided at no cost.
To learn more about Cancer Support Community, visit cancersupport.net, call 925-951-7279 or stop by in Antioch at 3505 Lone Tree Way, Suite 3.
