Michele Obama’s personal trainer shaping body tips

Try to think about it, how many times have you been to the gym? Michele Obama’s number is 1,872 (12 years of working out 3 times a week, do the math yourself…). But just going to the gym won’t do it, Obama’s personal trainer McClellan came up with a routine that works on multiple muscle groups making arms, shoulder and legs toned. On top of this McClellan adds a weight session to further tone her muscles. To finish it up, another set of weight lifting is done at very fast pace causing burning of tons of calories. To try out, step by step, the first lady’s shaping body workout, press here.

Another option is to check out a new body shaping treatment at  pollogen.com and look for a TriLipo treatment near you. One of the highlights of the Maximus system, a new device powered by the new TriLipo technology its ability to tone and lift muscles using the Dynamic Muscle Activation energy. This energy, combined with TriLipo RF energy can give you a list of benefits like: localized fat reduction, circumference reduction and body shaping, enhanced blood circulation and oxygenation and also skin tightening. The treatment is pleasant and fast.

If you liked the above you might like this: 10 minute fat burning exercise

If you are one of those people that really like to try out new treatments and gadgets, you might want to check out this before:  9 cosmetic treatments to rethink

The extension of the average human lifespan and the large ageing baby boomers population have generated a well of anti-ageing products and technologies that are aimed at targeting the “side effects” of ageing, helping in body contouring, wrinkle reduction, skin tightening and more.

Can Bottox stop depression?

Botox was one of the major break-through products introduced to combat the signs of ageing by reducing wrinkles caused by stressed facial muscles due to the fact it blocks activation of muscles; hence temporarily paralyzing facial muscles. Before it was introduced to the anti ageing industry, it was used for other medical conditions, for example treating crossed eyes, uncontrolled blinking facial spasms and more.

In 2006, Eric Finzi, MD, PhD, and Erik A. Wasserman, PhD, from Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Greenbelt, Maryland, and Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center in Maryland experimented with treating depression using Botox. They conducted a small pilot study on 10 subjects (9 subjects suffering from major depression and one subject suffering from Bi-Polar disorder.) Their study demonstrated a significant improvement in the subjects suffering form depression and an easing in symptoms of the one subject suffering from Bi-Polar disorder. Unfortunately this is the only study conducted on this matter and no other information is available on trials on this interesting concept. It makes sense that Botox will alleviate depression due to the numbing affect on the muscles responsible for frowning and sadness. Try to feel sad while your eyebrows are lifted and relaxed, it is a very strange experiment as the feeling that comes with this expression is of well being and happiness.

Maybe Botox helps the ageing population by improving the general feeling one has about him/her self and about life and not only by reducing the wrinkles.

Maybe the new expression for positive thinking should be “Have a Botox outlook on life”…think about it (without frowning).

Does sunscreen provide complete protection?

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of a sunscreen formula states the effectiveness of this cream when applied at an even layer of 2 milligrams per square centimeter, for blocking the effect of UV sunrays that cause sunburns. The SPF level is defined by comparing the effect of exposure to the sun causing burns to a body area with the evaluated sunscreen compared to the burns to a non coated area. SPF 15 means that compared to a body area without sunscreen, the area with sunscreen will require 15 times more UV to be equally burned compared to the same area without sunscreen.
SPF is evaluated per 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter, unfortunately most people apply less sunscreen than needed. This causes the SPF value to be reduced dramatically hence the person thinks he/she is protected but in reality the effectiveness of the sunscreen is reduced. Thinking that you are protected when in reality you are not is very dangerous as you might linger in the sun for longer.
Another problem with sunscreens is the fact that many of them protect mostly against skin burning, caused by UV-B.  There are three types of UV rays emitted from the sun, the skin cancer foundation has a good explanation about UV classification on their web site. The different types of UV are: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. Both UV-A and UV-B pass the ozone layer and reach the earth, most of the UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach us.
UV-A is the most dominant UV radiation reaching us from the sun. It is present throughout the year and during all day light hours. UV-A penetrates glass and clouds and has a deeper penetration depth into the skin than does UV-B. UV-A is a main inducer of skin ageing, wrinkles and skin cancer. It is the main contributor to tanning, it does so by inducing changes in the cell’s DNA, the skin darkens due to synthesis of melanin to protect the skin from further damage form the UV exposure. Tanning salons use mostly UV-A as the tanning source, the intensity in the salons can be 12 times higher than the natural UV-A levels from the sun.
UV-B penetration depth to the skin is superficial and it plays a major role in skin burning. As apposed to UV-A, UV-B is present in lower levels during different hours of the day, different seasons and various locations on earth and it does not penetrate glass. Similar to UV-A, UV-B contributes to skin cancer, and skin ageing.
Sunscreens were created originally to prevent skin burning and to block mainly UV-B. In recent years manufactures of sunscreens have added UV-A protection too, however the level of protection from UV-A is not included in the SPF classification. It is important to verify, when purchasing a sun block, if the formula claims to protect from UV-A and UV-B. If not specified it is probably UV-B protection only.
The problem with sunscreen is that people feel protected from the damaging rays of the sun while they really are not safe. Most people will assume that if they apply sunscreen on exposed areas, they can allow themselves to walk freely in the sun during the extreme UV hours (10AM-4PM). This is a very dangerous assumption as applying the sunscreen needs to be in the correct amount and the sunscreen needs to be of good protection values. In addition, no sunscreen provides complete protection and it is wise to always stay away from exposure during the extreme hours mentioned above.
Another misconception is that after about 4PM and in early morning hours (6AM-10AM) there is no need for sunscreen as the UV radiation is lower. Very wrong assumption! As mentioned above, UV-A is present most hours of the day, so be ware!
Most people are not aware that they need to apply sunscreen when driving or sitting in a car, or if sitting in front of a sunny window at home, the windows will not protect you, (unless they are coated with a UV protection film).
Below are the Prevention Guidelines of the Skin Cancer Foundation for wise protection from the sun:

“Prevention Guidelines
•    Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
•    Do not burn.
•    Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
•    Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
•    Use a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher every day.
•    Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
•    Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
•    Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
•    See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.”

If your skin has been damaged by years of exposure to the sun’s damaging rays you might be happy to learn that you can help reduce the damage by treatments offered by various technologies. Sun spots (liver spots) can be removed by skin resurfacing technologies and photo-rejuvenation technologies. In addition, a RF technology exists, that targets reduction of wrinkles, collagen regeneration, skin tightening that improves skin texture and lessens the ill affects caused by UV radiation.  For example, TriPollar RF treatments, have been proven to effectivly reduce wrinkles and tighten the skin.  TriPollar based products are maufactured exclusively by Pollogen Ltd.    You do not have to wait till you are in your forties or later to begin treatments; the earlier you begin the better.
To finalize this write up, it would be nice if we adopted the fashion of un-tanned skin as our ancestors admired during the renaissance and earlier periods. Of course this should not include the discrimination against darker color skin that accompanied the earlier age admiration of non tanned skin.
And finally, if you do spend significant time in the sun, make sure to follow the guidelines mentioned above and minimize the damage to your skin.

I would recommend going for plain organic green tea

Green tea has been investigated and researched to determine its medical and health related benefits. It has been claimed to reduce the chance of certain cancer, heart disease, improve ratio of HDL/LDL cholesterol, increase bone density and much more. Many of the listed benefits attributed to green tea are of anti ageing nature, and are related to prevention of conditions typical to the ageing population. In the past decade, green tea has been associated with weight loss too.
Basically, there are two ways to control weight: reduction of food consumption (energy intake) or increasing energy expenditure (EE). Fat oxidation (fat metabolism) and thermogenesis (heat generation) in the body are under the control of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) – the “fight or flight” branch of the nervous system. Just before any activity, the SNS is activated to produce the energy needed for the mission, this process includes activation of chain reactions that process glucose and fatty acids to release energy needed for the activity or for increasing body temperature. Triggering of the SNS involves neurotransmitters like norepinephrin which is released by the brain and by the SNS and triggers the chain reactions in the cells it attaches to. Since increasing metabolic rate and increasing temperature requires energy, it makes sense to try and target the SNS path for the sake of “burning energy” hence weight control.
Green tea is rich in Flavonoids, particularly tea catechins, which have been tested to have an inhibiting effect on the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter and hormone mentioned above norepinephrin. In addition, Catechines increase insulin sensitivity, thus increasing glucose uptake within the skeletal muscles.
A study conducted at The University of Birmingham, UK, examined the effect of green tea extract on fat oxidation rate and on glucose tolerance during moderate intensity cycling in healthy men.
The study results exhibited a 17% increase in the oxidation rate of fat compared to the control group treated with placebo. The study also demonstrated an increase in Insulin sensitivity therefore, less insulin is needed to control glucose blood level, hence more glucose can be “processed” with less insulin (keeping glucose blood level lower with less insulin).
This means that consuming green tea will actually cause one to “burn” more fat while exercising and at rest.
This study is one of several that demonstrate the effectiveness of green tea for increasing the rate of fat metabolism. A different study demonstrated a 30% increase in metabolism rate during rest when green tea is consumed.
If you plan to “shape up” in a healthy manner, without starving yourself, and by increasing physical activity, it is a good idea to also add green tea to your diet. However, losing weight will not necessarily improve skin texture and appearance. It is a good idea to combine diet and lifestyle changes with existing technologies that target specific aesthetic issues, like cellulite, that cannot be improved by diet, green tea or exercise. Combining strong will with the help of existing technologies can also increase the incentive to diet as the results will be faster and better.
So, next time you need to choose a tea bag from a variety of existing beverages, select the green tea package and enjoy the healthy outcome. (I would recommend going for plain organic green tea, without flavors.)

Slyle-M Clinic staff. Ms. Muraki Hiroe second from LEFT

Ms. Muraki  Hiroe, of Style-M and the Matsukura clinic in the fashionable Omotesando Hills district in Tokyo Japan, has been voted as the No1 aesthetician 2 years in a row by a few magazines in Japan.
Being voted as the No 1 Aesthetician in Japan is not a trivial or minor honor, taking into account the high value the Japanese culture places on beauty, body care, aesthetics of appearance, generally talking the art of beautifying the body to its highest level.Ms Muraki Hiroe studied in Tokyo and is still in the process of studying while working as an aesthetician for the past 15 years. Ms Hiroe does not see herself as a master, she acknowledges that her wide and diversified knowledge along with her constant search for methods and technologies that obtain results in an effective and efficient way, are what placed her on top of the ladder. According to Ms. Hiroe, many aestheticians are into general healing and treatments that will be pleasurable for the minute, while her focus is on the obtaining lasting results.
Ms. Hiroe’s advice to beginning aestheticians is to invest in education and strive to achieve higher levels of knowledge. The more one knows, they will understand what they are doing and how to combine the best methods to obtain the best treatment protocols. Ms. Hiroe wants to focus on different good treatment methods and combine them to obtain the best results.

Ms. Hiroe treating with the apollo device

To a question regarding her favorite present treatment, Ms. Hiroe answered without hesitation “The apollo is my favorite now”. (I stressed while I presented the question to Ms. Hiroe that she does not have to answer ” the apollo” just to please me…). Ms. Hiroe loves working with the apollo because she sees wonderful results, it is very pleasant for the client being treated and there is no pressure and stress while treating.
At present, Ms Hiroe is studying a method that works through adjustment and very specific alignment of the bones and muscular structure to improve structure and facial contour (This is very different than chiropractic work). She works mainly on the facial structure and is just about to take examinations.  We wish you luck Ms Muraki Hiroe, we are sure you will do very well.

RF is also used as a treatment for uncontrolled bowel movements, uncontrolled passage of urine or esophageal reflux syndrome. In these cases the treatment includes microscopic RF targeting of the collagen in the organ wall. The creation of such focal, microscopic treatment within the cavity wall, results in reduced dynamic tissue compliance, and improvement in the pathologic conditions.

RF energy is also deployed in orthopedics for gentle ablation of tendons and ligaments, it is also used to coagulate and decompress disc material, healing tears or fissures. Pain management is also a vast branch of medicine that deploys RF. The default treatment of pain is usually by prescribed pain killers; these can be problematic as they are addictive and do have side effects. RF is used for pain management via a few different methods. The first method is by identifying the problematic muscle and healing it by heating the muscle by targeting it with RF. Other methods involve targeting the nerve tissue directly: a process called Radio Frequency Lesioning (RFL).  In this process continuous radiofrequency current is transmitted to a small volume of nerve tissue hence inducing heat generation, this causes disruption of pain signals from that specific area. This procedure has a selective effect on specific nerve fibers, reducing pain in target areas, but without affecting other sensory capabilities of the specific nerve.

Radio Frequency has been established in aesthetic medicine as a means to induce skin tightening and reduction of wrinkles, improvement of cellulite and body contouring. RF current is transmitted into the skin and heat is generated due to the resistance of the skin to the RF current. The heat induces shrinkage of existing collagen and stimulation of the fibroblast to generate new collagen. In addition, heat generated in the hypodermis adipose tissue (fat layer in the hypodermis) causes  release of liquid fat from the fat cells, thus inducing shrinkage of the fat cells in the adipose tissue which leads to circumference reduction and  improvement in  the appearance of cellulite.

Thermage were the first to introduce the first generation of mono polar RF for the purpose of body contouring and skin tightening in 1997. In mono polar RF one electrode is used to transmit the RF energy to the skin and a return pad is placed on the body to close the circuit. Mono polar RF devices use very high power (250-300W) as the treatment is not focused and the electrical current aimed at the dermis will actually dissipate throughout the body. The treatment is painful due to the high power it requires and a topical anesthesia is needed to tolerate the treatment.

Bi polar RF technology is the second generation of RF aesthetic devices; it uses 2 electrodes to transmit the RF current and does not require a return pad. The penetration depth is about half the distance between the 2 electrodes.  Most Mono and Bi polar devices require surface cooling in order to protect the epidermis during treatment.

TriPollar technology is the 3^rd generation of RF aesthetic devices. It uses 3 electrodes to transmit the RF current into the dermal and fat layers while protecting the outer most skin layer. The energy field created using this method is very condense and requires substantially less energy to achieve the desired heating of the treated area, hence enabling a safe pleasant treatment with the positive immediate and long term results of RF aesthetic treatments.

Pollogen’s Clincal Applications Specialist report from the field

It is always good to meet professionals that are using our TriPollar® technology in their practice; I learn many working tips from them that can be relayed to our customers to enhance the results of treatment with TriPollar for skin tightening, cellulite reduction and body contouring. In the last TriPollar workshop held in Japan I witnessed the amazing results of combining treatments with the TopJen device (TriPollar RF) with manual lymphatic drainage massage. First the practitioner performed a TopJen™ treatment according to the TopJen device treatment protocol. The treatment was concluded with a 5 – 10 minutes manual lymphatic drainage massage of the treated area. Below are photos of combination treatment results (TriPollar followed by manual lymphatic massage) on the right waist.  

Before TriPollar treatment

Before treatment to right side only

Treatment of right side with the TopJen Maxi (TriPollar RF)

After TriPollar Treatment

 

 

 

 

 

After TriPollar treatment followed by lymphatic massage to the right side

 

Treatment to the right side

Treatment of right side with the TopJen Maxi (TriPollar RF)