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The skin is your body’s largest organ. Your skin protects you against infection and injury, and helps regulate your body temperature. Did you know that your skin is also made up of three functionally important layers that each have different purposes?

Epidermis. This is the outermost layer of your skin. It is typically thin and contains squamous cells (the skin cells that continuously shed), basal cells (these produce new skin cells) and melanocytes (which gives your skin its color through melanin).

Dermis. This is the middle layer of your skin and contains blood and lymph vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, fibroblasts, nerves, and sebaceous glands. The dermis is held together by collagen, which is the most abundant protein type in your body.

Hypodermis. This is also called the subcutaneous fat layer, which is the deepest layer of your skin. It consists of collagen and fat cells that aid in conserving your body’s heat and protecting your body from injury.

Having healthy skin is essential for your overall wellbeing. Because of this, and the fact that skin is so complex, it’s important to look after it with care. Plus, as we age, our skin is usually the first to show signs of maturity. With the development of fine lines and wrinkles, redness, blemishes, sun damage and unsightly veins, it is easy to feel self-conscious if our skin is less than perfect, especially on our face.

A good skin care regimen is necessary to maintain healthy, beautiful skin. In the same way, not caring for your skin, or using poor quality products, can do more harm than good.

Here’s why having a quality skin care routine is vital:

• Your skin will maintain its youth. Skin cells turn over at a slower pace as you age, which can in turn make your skin look dull and weathered over time. By using effective skin care products, you can speed up the process of cell turnover and give yourself a more youthful appearance.
• The condition of your skin will stay intact. Acne, wrinkles, age spots, blemishes and other frustrating skin challenges are likely to take a back seat to a good skin care routine.
• You will feel better about yourself. Just as there is beauty in the transformation of a flower as it blossoms, good skin care products can repair and rebalance your skin’s overall complexion and health, giving your skin a refresh, and your confidence a boost.
• It’s easier to prevent now, rather than to fix later. Using personalized products now, you will likely need far less damage control (if any) in the future.

The Basics

An effective skin care regimen should include the following:

1. Cleanser

Cleansing your skin with the right facial cleanser is one of the most important steps in any skin care routine. There are so many different types of facial cleansers and a lot of them are targeted towards various skin types. It’s important to learn your specific skin type so you can pick the appropriate cleanser for your concerns. Cleansers wipe away daily dirt and impurities, while providing lasting nourishment for the skin. You should wash your face both morning and night.

2. Toner/Astringent

When we wash our face (especially with warm water), our pores tend to open and the pH level of our skin changes. Using a toner after cleansing can help minimize the appearance of pores, tighten your skin, restore your skin’s natural pH level, and remove any oil or dirt residue that your cleanser may have missed. Steer clear of toners with alcohol, fragrances, phthalates, parabens and other artificial ingredients. You should use a toner both morning and night, following washing your face.

3. Exfoliant

After you have cleansed and toned, you should use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and restore your skin’s brilliance. We love Clarity RX’s Crushed Bamboo Exfoliator, which polishes away dull skin with gentle ingredients that won’t cause breakouts or redness. Ingredients like cucumber, rosemary, and calendula help to soothe and calm the skin.

4. Mask

Facial masks can make your skin more smooth, radiant, and hydrated after just one use. We recommend using a face mask specifically for your skin concerns 1-3 times a week for 15-20 minutes at a time. Facial masks can help refine the skin’s pores, increase hydration, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, and encourage firmer skin.

5. Serum or oil

Facial serums are rich in antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals and help restore cell growth. Many serums or oils can also encourage skin brightening, anti-aging, and relief from skin redness and inflammation. If you feel like your skin is feeling run down, a serum might just be the answer to more vibrant, nourished, and hydrated skin. You should look for serums with ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, green tea, hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid – these powerful age fighters help prevent oxidative damage from ultraviolet light and pollution, which can lead to premature skin aging and wrinkles.

6. Moisturizer

Fine lines and wrinkles can often be exacerbated by having dry skin. Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s imperative to use a moisturizer to keep your skin’s natural balance in check. Moisturizing every day can reduce the chance of developing extreme dryness or oiliness and helps stimulate blood circulation and new cell generation. Choose a moisturizer that is oil free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and both allergy and dermatologist tested.

7. Sunscreen

According to the American Cancer Society, most skin cancers are a result of exposure to UV rays from sunlight. The sun’s UV rays can damage your skin within 15 minutes if not properly protected. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily with an SPF of 15 or higher is the single most important part of any skin care regimen. Be sure not to skimp on your sunscreen!

Be Good to Your Skin

When it comes to caring for your skin, we recommend finding a reputable skin care brand that has your skin’s best interests in mind. Your skin care regimen should include products with quality ingredients that help you ultimately achieve your goals. A good routine will help target the primary signs of aging and reduce hyperpigmentation, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. At CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa, we work with our clients to customize a skin therapy treatment program to address your specific concerns and bring you the results you desire.

Want More Information?

Looking to renew your skin safely? Let CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa help you! We provide affordable skin care treatments and products. Our treatment consultants and team of medical professionals can give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about trying any of our successful plans or services. Whatever your aspirations are, we proudly offer the latest technological options to help you reach them. Be proactive, take control of your health, and contact us today at 813-915-8666 to discuss your best lifestyle plan.

We can all agree that 2020 has been quite a challenging year. Between a pandemic, an economic recession, environmental concerns, and endless uncertainties, we are ready to say ‘bye’ to a year of global hardships. With shifting priorities, as well as spending additional time at home either teleworking or virtually educating their children, many people have had to find new and unique ways to balance good eating habits and fitness with meeting all their family’s needs. For some, this year has brought renewed health and well-being, while for others, it has been the most difficult yet.

As we approach 2021, industry experts say we are likely to see many changes to food and nutrition trends. The International Food Information Council’s 2020 Food & Health Survey findings predict that the supermarket industry must build trust and support stressed households with their wellness goals. So, what can we expect? Our friends at Healthline have given us a few things to look out for.

Top Anticipated Nutrition Trends for 2021

1. Immune Fighters. Recently, there has been an uptick in consumers eating not only for enjoyment, but to benefit their health too. With COVID-19 rearing its ugly head, many people have been starkly reminded that immune health is especially important in warding off sickness. In response, many will consume healthy fats to support heart health, probiotics found in fermented foods and beverages for a well-balanced digestive system, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to boost their immune system with vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it is likely consumers will start glugging more herbal teas and supplements like echinacea, turmeric, ginger, and elderberry for their added immune-boosting properties.

2. Brain Food. Is your brain feeling extra foggy with all the added stressors of this year? Good news: it is predicted that there will be an added emphasis on mental health through food in 2021. A diet low in processed foods and rich in nutrients, fiber, vitamins, and minerals may help lower symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression.

3. Eating Local. Especially with the toll COVID-19 has taken on many small businesses, consumers will be looking to support local establishments rather than corporate or chain-style restaurants and grocery stores in the year to come. Moving forward, locally grown and ethically sourced foods are going to be most popular. These types of foods are usually fresher and more natural than those with a longer shelf-life. Plus, it feels good to contribute to the local farmer in your neighborhood.

4. Social Responsibility. Consumers want to know that the company they are purchasing from is doing its part to make the world a better place. Because of this, companies will likely start to share their narratives online and through major advertising efforts. Do not be surprised if you see your favorite product or brand start to share its background story in an effort to stand out amongst competitors.

5. Sustainability. Along with the companies they purchase from, consumers also want to feel like they are making a difference in society. Whether it’s choosing to buy local to reduce carbon emissions or eating plant-based foods instead of animal products a few days a week, people often look for ways to be a part of societal and environmental conservation. This mindset will continue to flourish well into the next year and beyond. Are you on board to make a difference?

6. Flexibility. It’s expected that we will see a shift to more whole grains and plant-based foods in 2021. That is because more consumers are interested in something called a “flexitarian” or “semi-vegetarian” lifestyle. Shoppers are choosing more plant-based proteins such as dry beans and lentils, tofu, and homemade veggie burgers with the occasional inclusion of animal products.

7. Balanced Approach. You may be one of the many that decide to forego fad or newfangled diets in 2021. Moving forward, people are going to be looking for a more realistic lifestyle that is easy to follow, affordable, and maintainable. Were not saying that all restrictive diet plans are out the window, but consumers are likely going to be pickier with which ones they choose to partake in, and more apt to dabble in all types of cuisine (in moderation), paired with an active everyday routine. We should also see less people looking at their self-worth through the lens of the scale, and more basing how they feel by how their clothing fits.

8. Convenience. It looks like 2021 is going to be the year of the prepackaged meal kit! As we lead busier lives, it can get hard to cook healthy meals at home. Grand View Research anticipates that the meal kit delivery market will become nearly a $20 billion industry by 2027. With so many options available, there is sure to be a meal kit delivery service to suit your needs and goals.

9. Honesty. Food and diet companies have been known to overstretch the truth on a lot of the claims they make. It’s official: consumers are fed up with this kind of misleading information. The solution? People are expected to make more purchases based on nutritional quality and the integrity of the company. Comfort food companies are also expected to come up with healthier profiles with more sustainable and simple ingredient options. This way of thinking ties in closely with social responsibility.

10. Healthy Families. Parents are more in tune with the well-being of their children more than ever before. Parents are looking for healthier options, including organic and natural products for their kids to not only enjoy, but to also receive nutritional benefits. We already have seen a surge in healthier product options for little ones, and it looks like that will continue upward into 2021 and beyond.

 As you reflect on 2020 and the new year ahead, we hope you will be inspired to make healthier choices for yourself and your loved ones. Whatever your health and fitness goals are, we want to help you reach them.

Want More Information?

Looking to redefine your wellness goals in 2021? Let CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa help you improve your health. We provide affordable medical weight loss services, skincare treatments, body sculpting and hormone therapy. Our treatment consultants and team of medical professionals can give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about trying any of our successful plans or services. Whatever your aspirations are, we proudly offer the latest technological options to help you reach them. Be proactive, take control of your health, and contact us today at 813-915-8666 to discuss your best lifestyle plan.

Proper body function relies on the right hormonal health. Certain lifestyle and genetic factors can alter your hormonal levels and throw them out of balance. For both men and women, a hormonal imbalance can cause unpleasant symptoms and negatively affect overall health. Did you know that keeping your hormones at an optimal level can be as simple as making positive lifestyle and diet choices? Research has shown that your diet and lifestyle can influence your hormonal levels, either for the best, or worst.

Diet and Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen is a hormone that plays important roles in both female and male sexual function and health. Although estrogen is essential, having too much of it can cause a variety of concerns. Estrogen dominance can cause certain types of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Believe it or not, your lifestyle and diet can often affect your estrogen levels more than you might think. Phytoestrogens are compounds that naturally occur in plants and plant-foods. As the popularity of plant-based diets increase, the consumption of phytoestrogen-rich legumes, especially soy, and legume-derived foods has also risen. Some research has shown that a healthy amount of phytoestrogens could serve as a type of natural hormone replacement therapy. However, there is such thing as too much of a good thing. Too many phytoestrogens can cause changes in hormonal cycles, an increased risk for cancer, and uterine fibroids.

Studies from the National Institutes of Health have found that diets high in red meat, processed foods, sweets, dairy, and refined grains are associated with higher estrogen levels. Additionally, the consumption of these foods is often also associated with obesity. Similar studies have also shown that diets which focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, especially vegetables and fruits, can help encourage ideal levels of estrogen.

 Promote Healthy Estrogen Levels

 Although certain genetic factors can impact your estrogen levels, you can try following a few tips to keep your hormones regulated.

• Limit the consumption of some animal products like red and processed meats.
• Engage in regular exercise.
• Keep a healthy body weight and lose excess body fat.
• Follow a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, beans, seeds, and whole grains. Moderate amounts of dairy, poultry, seafood, and eggs are also central to a healthy hormonal system.
• Limit the consumption of alcohol.
• Limit refined carbohydrates and processed foods.
• Increase your dietary fiber intake.

Diet and Low Testosterone

Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced in the Leydig cells of the testicles in men, and in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. The brain and pituitary gland supervise and control testosterone levels. Once produced, the hormone moves through the blood to carry out its various important functions. Like estrogen, your diet can also affect your levels of testosterone. Consuming too much of certain foods can make it difficult for the body to efficiently utilize these hormones in their intended way.

Testosterone, like casino bonuses, has a variety of important functions, and its level can depend on external factors, just as the variety of promotions and casino games can vary depending on the conditions. Experience the thrill of the game with the best new casino bonus codes and offers, carefully selected to ensure an unforgettable gaming experience.

If you are concerned with your testosterone levels, you may want to avoid or limit the following:

• Dairy – Cow’s milk may contain synthetic or natural hormones, which might affect testosterone levels. Studies have also shown that animal feed may contain soy, which is another food that could decrease testosterone.
• Processed foods – Certain breads, desserts and refined carbohydrates can have a negative hormonal impact.
• Licorice root – Some herbs such as licorice root have been shown to reduce testosterone levels in healthy adults, especially women.
• Some fats – Eating too many omega-6 fatty acids have been linked to the reduction of testicular size and function. Alternatively, consuming polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids may increase testicle size and improve function. Additionally, eating trans fats may lower testosterone levels.
• Soy – Foods high in soy are physically like estrogen, and function in a similar way. Thus, soy foods such as tofu, soy protein isolates, and edamame should be avoided.
• Alcohol – Regular alcohol use can cause a decrease of testosterone in males.

More than 20 million men in the United States alone suffer from some form of low testosterone, and such a condition can severely diminish one’s quality of life. Eating a diet rich in fresh, whole foods can help boost testosterone naturally. Additionally, it is important to stay active, avoid overeating, and get quality sleep.

Most of the time, the health of your hormones depends on you and the everyday choices you make, like your diet. Sometimes though, certain hereditary issues can cause a hormonal imbalance. If this is the case, it is best to talk to a health care professional.

Want More Information?

At CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa, we provide affordable, effective, and safe hormone therapy and treatment options. The process is easy! Our medical providers start by conducting lab work during a patient’s initial visit. The lab work audits several items, including testosterone and estrogen levels. Our team of experts at CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa will make recommendations on treatment and perform repeat bloodwork at their discretion; however, it is typically done every 12-16 weeks to ensure levels are improving.

Contact us today at 813-915-8666 to take control of your health and discuss your best lifestyle plan.

Many people think that living a healthy lifestyle is too hard, and that setting ideal health goals to lose weight seems impossible. It doesn’t have to be, though! Sure, it can take a little extra time and effort, but if you get creative and have a strong support system in place, you’ll be able to achieve your goals and develop worthwhile habits to last a lifetime. And once you start seeing results, your success will be all the motivation you need to keep going down the right path. Let us help get you there! We’re sharing 10 of our top weight loss tips that actually work! Keep reading to learn more.

1. Hydrate

This is so simple, yet often overlooked. Want to make a big impact on your diet and shed pounds? Swap your sugary sodas, cocktails and coffee delicacies with H₂O. According to the Mayo Clinic, water is your body’s principal chemical component and makes up about 50% to 70% of your body weight. Your body depends on water to survive. For adults, the general recommendation from The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is about: 11.5 cups a day for women and 15.5 cups a day for men. This includes fluids from water and from food. Skimping out on just one soda a day can save you nearly 1,000 extra calories a week!

2. Define Your Goals

Sometimes we set goals that are too broad. A goal like, “get more fit,” can mean something different for every person and it is easy to cheat when you don’t have specific milestones to reach. Instead, try setting a goal like, “walk or run every day for at least 30 minutes.” This way, you know exactly what you need to do, and how to do it to achieve your fitness and weight loss goals.

3. Be Realistic

It can be easy, especially in the beginning of a new weight loss plan, to create lofty goals. Choosing goals that are too difficult can put you in a position to fail before you even begin. Instead, make your goals SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound). And remember, your body type is different from your neighbor’s and your goals may look different too.

4. Evaluate Weekly

Set a time for yourself and your support group once a week to evaluate challenges, congratulate successes and confess slip-ups. Even if it’s a quick phone call on your way home from the office, having a regular accountability check-in can make all the difference in your weight loss journey.

5. Plan & Prep Your Meals

Ever get hangry and feel like you could eat an entire pizza if someone put it in front of you? We get it! More often than not, you may find yourself caught in a bind and you reactively reach for that candy bar or bag of chips just to get some grub in your belly. But, these types of poor food choices can add up over time, and this is where most people fall short in their weight loss journey. By actively making an effort to establish your macronutrients and plan your diet out in advance, you can begin to drop those pounds for good.

6. Slow & Steady Wins the Race

Weight loss is a gradual process. In fact, quick weight loss from yo-yo dieting may feel good at first, but over time, this type of crash dieting can increase your chances of gaining even more weight in the future. The biggest piece of advice here is to have patience. You will likely have weeks with great results, and other weeks you may feel like you’ve hit a plateau. Just keep going and don’t give up!

7. Move Everyday

Working out doesn’t have to feel like a chore. There are many great ways to stay active. Hold a family volleyball tournament in the backyard, put together a relay-race around the neighborhood, or compete in a couple’s push-up challenge. Make it more interesting with rewards and prizes (healthy of course!) for the winners. It doesn’t matter how you do it, just make sure you move your body every day.

8. Cook at Home

One of the easiest ways to bust your diet is by eating out one too many times. While it may be convenient, eating out is a surefire way to consume extra and unplanned calories, sodium, and fat, just to name a few. This is where meal planning can help! If you know what you are going to eat ahead of time, you will likely avoid hitting up a drive-through on your way home.

9. Rest

Don’t forget to give your body a reprieve from running around. Did you know that poor sleep is directly linked to an increased risk of obesity? Quality sleep and rest are just as important as your meal prep and daily exercise. Another bonus: getting a good night’s sleep can help suppress your appetite throughout the day.

10. Get Help

Seek expert advice if you need it! At CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa, we provide multiple options for weight loss including the HCG & phentermine diet, supplements, diet plans, injections and medications. We want to empower you to live a healthier and more sustainable life. Remember, you can do this! And we are here to help you get there.

Want More Information?

If you are interested in losing weight and increasing your metabolism without the use of surgery or dangerous procedures, we want to help you! At CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa, our treatment consultants and team of medical professionals can give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about trying any of our successful medically supervised weight loss plans. Whatever your goals are, we proudly offer multiple safe and effective options to help you reach them. Be proactive, take control of your health, and contact us today at 813-915-8666 to discuss your best lifestyle plan.

As we head into Thanksgiving (followed by Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, and all of the extras of the season), and shortly after, right into Christmas and a new year, you might feel a tad overwhelmed with your endless to-do lists and social commitments. The ‘most wonderful time of the year’ could quickly turn into feeling like the most demanding time of the year. Instead of letting the stress and worry of the holiday bustle steal your joy over the next couple of months, try setting aside some time for you. You can’t pour from an empty cup; fill yours back up with the following five tips to dodge holiday setbacks.

1. Don’t Submit to Holiday Weight Gain

November and December are traditionally filled with endless noshing. From cookies and cakes, to pies, and other decadent desserts, to fat- and calorie-filled snacks and refreshments, it can be easy to stack on extra pounds. The solution? Plan, plan, plan! The one thing we can always count on is the fact that these savory eats and beverages will always be in abundance at this time of year.

To avoid letting weight gain sneak up on you, try planning out your days in advance to accommodate for the extra treats you may want to indulge in. For instance, if you know you are going to eat a piece of apple pie with ice cream after dinner, try calculating its macronutrients (calories, fat, carbs, and protein) ahead of time, so that you can cut back in your daily consumption. This way, you won’t feel so guilty indulging, and you will be more in control of your diet. Be sure to limit your holiday treats to reasonably sized portions, and try not to eat them every day.

Another tip…when in the office or at a social gathering, keep an eye on how many finger foods and sugary drinks you are consuming. It can be easy, especially when you are hungry, to fill your party plate up with empty calories. This comes back to planning; if you know you are going to be at an event, try eating a healthy light bite just before, so you aren’t in a vulnerable position when you arrive to your destination.

We also suggest you continue an exercise regimen during the holidays. Even though you may feel extra tired or stressed, it is important to keep this part of your schedule intact. Try setting a daily alarm or writing an appointment in your calendar as a promise to yourself. Even a walk for a half-hour after dinner can benefit both your health and physique.

2. Get Quality Sleep

 Holiday shopping, family gatherings, travel, decorating, cooking and cleaning can leave you feeling depleted. You may find yourself going to bed much later and waking up earlier than you normally do during this time of year. Add up all of the lost sleep and the extra running around, and soon you may find yourself feeling lethargic, irritable and groggy. One of the most important things you can do to ward off weight gain and bad habits is to get a good night’s rest. According to ScienceDirect, adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night.

By not getting enough sleep, you may experience a decline in:

• Cognitive function
• Metabolism
• Immune system function
• Ability to control appetite and weight
• Memory
• Mood stability

Not enough ZZZ’s can also lead to dull skin, dark undereye circles, and a less youthful appearance.

Making quality sleep a priority is a must for good overall health and wellbeing. If you have trouble falling asleep, there are many remedies that may help. Try taking a warm bath with essential oils, stretching, listening to calming music or meditating to distract yourself from the stress of the day. Your body and your mind will absolutely thank you for getting the right amount of sleep!

3. Treat Your Skin

 Dry and cold weather, indoor heat, and lower humidity levels can often cause your skin to suffer. You may find that the skincare regimen you used earlier in the year no longer works. That’s because your skin changes during the fall and winter to accommodate for the lower moisture levels in the atmosphere. To revive your skin, be sure to use a gentle daily exfoliator to slough off dead skin cells and encourage new cell turnover. This includes on your face, and other problematic areas including your knees, feet, elbows, and hands. Investing in an age-defying moisturizer for both day and night for your specific skin type will also aid in keeping your skin refreshed during the winter. Protect your lips from cracking or chapping by applying a hydrating lip mask, followed by a moisturizing balm. If you want an extra glow for the holidays, consider receiving a facial treatment from CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa. We offer facials, peels, skin resurfacing, microneedling, and an array of other treatments to repair and restore your skin. We also sell Clarity RX, which is our recommended brand of therapeutic products to nourish skin.

4. Strike Out Stress

If you’re looking to make it out of the holiday season in good spirits (both mentally and physically), you are going to need to follow some stress survival strategies. Here’s our top quick picks for easing the pressures over the next couple of months.

• Take time to pamper yourself, whether with a pedicure to soothe aching feet, a facial treatment to revive drab skin, or a body massage to relieve tension.
• Eat healthy meals and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Participate in regular exercise. A daily walk is a good start if you don’t know where to begin.
• Say “no” more; don’t overcommit to social gatherings so you are able to leave some time for you.
• Schedule down time to unplug and unwind. Leave the phone behind and read a book, watch a movie, or take a needed nap.
• Create and stick to a daily routine.
• Start new, simple traditions and leave the overwhelming ones in the past.
• Volunteer for something you are passionate about.
• Schedule a date night with your partner and catch up on conversation.
• Listen to your favorite music to increase mindfulness.
• Plan a getaway.
• Focus on positivity and keep an optimistic outlook.

If you find it hard to quiet your mind and release your anxieties, you may want to consider talking to a licensed professional like a therapist or a mental health counselor. There is great power in quieting your mind from negativity and replacing it with all things jolly.

5. Enjoy the Little Things

 Part of finding joy in the midst of chaos is taking a timeout to stop and smell the roses. If you’re always on the go and never take a moment to breathe, it may be hard to dodge any holiday setbacks in the first place. By constantly keeping your foot on the gas pedal, you are inviting things like stress, weight gain, lackluster skin, and poor sleep into your life. It’s time to let go and stop obsessing over ‘doing it all.’ There will always be another time for doing laundry, cleaning the house, or unpacking the dishwasher. Instead of sweating the small stuff, make time for the things that matter most to you. Go for a walk, spend time outdoors, cuddle up by the fire, spend time with loved ones…whatever you decide to do, make sure you enjoy yourself, and be sure to laugh often!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with lots of love and fond new memories made. However you celebrate, we hope you will take a little time to treat yourself with some TLC, so that you can keep putting your best foot forward.

 Need Our Help?

At CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa, we provide medical weight loss services, skincare treatments, body sculpting and hormone therapy. Our treatment consultants and team of medical professionals can give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about trying any of our successful plans or services. Whatever your goals are, we proudly offer the latest technological options to help you reach them. Be proactive, take control of your health, and contact us today at 813-915-8666 to discuss your best lifestyle plan.

If you spend any amount of time looking back at yourself in the mirror, it may feel like every time you turn around, there’s a new brown spot, blemish, fine line, wrinkle or area of sagging skin. It can feel defeating and downright annoying. And sure, there are numerous treatments out there, but if you don’t know much about them, most of the options may be costly and feel out of reach. And how do you know which one is best for you? Questions can add up quickly, and it can be easy to get lost in the shuffle. If this is you, we are here to help! Keep reading to let us break down one of our most promising treatment solutions for you…and if your skin has you feeling down in the dumps, CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa offers many skincare treatment options to transform your skin to its original glory.

 Revitalize and Refresh
The Pearl procedure, a skin resurfacing treatment, improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin blemishes. The Pearl combines the impact of resurfacing lasers with the gentleness and safety of a non-invasive procedure to treat aging and sun-damaged skin. The Pearl  is named for the smooth, radiant, and pearl-like texture and glow your skin will experience after receiving the treatment (and recovery).

The Pearl procedure, which is designed to improve the condition of the skin, can be compared to a bonus in a casino: it gives a new look, like a bonus gift in a game. This method combines the effects of laser polishing with the safety of a non-invasive procedure, as unique actions that combine safety and efficiency. Like the variety of casino games, Pearl offers different skin effects to choose the best one for everyone. The mybookie free spins offers various online casino games such as slots, roulette, blackjack and others.

How does it work?

The Pearl targets the very top layer of skin by pulsing light in a pre-selected pattern over a specific area. At the same time, the laser sends heat to deeper layers of the skin to provide long-term benefits. A natural protective dressing forms on the skin to minimize downtime during the restorative process. By the third or forth day following treatment, the “natural dressing” will peel or slough off to reveal new, vibrant and healthy skin underneath.

The Pearl can also be combined with other Cutera procedures that CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa offers such as Laser Genesis, the xeo^® Titan or a facial service.

What should I expect?

The Pearl procedure is only a 15- to 20-minute treatment that gives its patients’ skin clarity, smoothness and softness. With only three to four days of downtime from social events, it is an exceptional option for skin restoration. You may choose to continue with normal daily activities, but your skin will appear pink or red during the three to four days following a treatment.

What does it feel like?
The Pearl feels like a series of quick pinches. Most people who have received the treatment say it feels like a 2 or 3 on a pain scale of 1 to 10. After treatment, your skin may look and feel like you’ve had a mild sunburn. Ointment (given to you by your skincare professional) will need to be applied for three to fours days following the Pearl procedure. It is not recommended to wear sunscreen during the first few days after treatment, so you will need to limit your sun exposure and be sure to wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses to safeguard your skin.

When should I see results?

Most people only need one treatment to see desired results. Depending on how complex your skin concerns are, you may require two treatments spaced out about a month apart. After the initial skin peeling within three to four days after treatment, lasting results continue to improve over the course of three to six months, as collagen continues to remodel.

 How do I know the Pearl is right for me?
If you suffer from fine lines, uneven texture, discoloration and/or scarring, you are a great candidate for the Pearl! Other laser resurfacing like the ablative Erbium or CO₂ treatments require specific wound-care and lengthy downtime. Many other fractional laser treatments require more treatments (around four to six) to deliver optimal results, whereas the FDA-approved Pearl only takes one. Ideal candidates will have light to medium skin tones, and mild to moderate sun damage.

 Ready for Your New Glow?

Give yourself the gift of glowing skin this holiday season. Your skin is worth it! Ask your CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa skincare professional how the Pearl laser therapy offers the ultimate reward of glowing and refreshed skin, along with renewed confidence.

Want More Information?

At CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa, our treatment consultants and team of medical professionals can give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about any of our highly acclaimed facial and skin care services. Whatever your goals are, we proudly offer multiple safe and effective options to help you reach them. Be proactive, take control of your health, and contact us today at 813-915-8666 to discuss your best lifestyle plan.

It’s officially fall y’all! You know what that means, right? ‘Tis the season of pumpkin everything. From lattes to pies to breads, pumpkins go hand in hand with this time of the year. In fact, National Pumpkin Day happens to be this month, on October 26! If you haven’t already, now would be the perfect time to grab a pumpkin and start enjoying some of the season’s greatest festivities.

On this National Pumpkin Day, we thought it would be fun to let you in on some interesting facts about pumpkins and how they relate to your health. Also, it wouldn’t be National Pumpkin Day if we didn’t give a little shout out to one of our favorites at CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa: The Pumpkin Peel Facial!

 A Little Bit About the Pumpkin

 Pumpkins are a member of the gourd family, which includes cucumbers, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, watermelons and zucchini. They are also considered fruits, not vegetables! Pumpkin plants are native to Central America and Mexico, and now grow on six continents (Antarctica is the exception). In the 1500s, after French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence region of North America, he reported finding what the French called “gros melons.” The name was translated into English as “pompions,” and has since evolved into the word we know today as “pumpkin.”

 Pumpkins: Good for Your Health

 Not only are they fun to carve, but when eaten, pumpkins happen to be one of the best-known sources of beta-carotene. Beta carotene is a red-orange pigment found in plants and fruits, especially carrots and colorful vegetables, and is converted into vitamin A, an essential vitamin and antioxidant for our bodies. Pumpkins are also full of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, all which help with:

• Reduced risk of stroke
• Balanced blood sugar
• Stabilized hormone levels
• Lowered blood pressure
• Lean muscle mass
• Preservation of bone mineral density
• Lowered chances of developing kidney stones
• Prevention of degenerative eye damage
• Easing inflammation and aching joints

 Give Your Skin a Glow: Pamper with a Pumpkin!

Pumpkins not only offer a treat for our taste buds, but as you can see, they are versatile, and who knew, so good for us? Did you also know they are good for nourishing our skin, too?

At CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa, we have always recognized the power of the pumpkin! Our Pumpkin Peel Facial offers keratolytic and antioxidant therapy that will brighten and rejuvenate your skin. Salicylic acid loosens and clears away dead surface cells while the rich nutrient content in this treatment infuses the skin with high levels of vitamins C and A. This combination also strengthens the collagen matrix that supports healthy, younger looking skin, while protecting the skin from free radical damage.

Our Pumpkin Peel Facial is both gentle and effective. And since pumpkin is rich in alpha hydroxy acids, your skin will be silky smooth from an added boost in your skin’s cell turnover. Suffer from acne? Our Pumpkin Peel Facial also aids in fighting inflammation, reducing pore size, and controlling excess oil. Its exfoliating properties prevent the appearance of pimples, blackheads, and other bothersome blemishes.

We might be a tad more excited than usual at this time of year, but after experiencing one of our services, like the Pumpkin Peel Facial, you will easily see why. Come celebrate the pumpkin with us this fall at CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa!

 Want More Information?

At CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa, our treatment consultants and team of medical professionals can give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about any of our highly acclaimed facial and skin care services. Whatever your goals are, we proudly offer multiple safe and effective options to help you reach them. Be proactive, take control of your health, and contact us today at 813-915-8666 to discuss your best lifestyle plan.

Ever heard the expression, “beauty is only skin deep?” Well, as we age, that can be more of a difficult mantra to follow, since our skin can tend to develop redness, age, or sunspots, large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. While it’s true that we often see ourselves through a more critical lens than others, improving your skin tone and clarity can make you feel better and provide more of a pep in your everyday step.

At CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa, we offer many options to transform your skin, and through promising technological advancements, it’s easier than you might think! Along with many other successful treatments, in our “toolbox,” we use award-winning 3D Skin Rejuvenation ^TM from Cutera to deliver optimal results. Whatever your skin concerns are, we can help you achieve beautiful, more brilliant skin with one of our Cutera therapy procedures.

 LimeLight Facial & Photo Genesis

By utilizing non-invasive light therapy, you can customize this facial treatment for any skin tone and aging condition. This light-based procedure addresses problems directly at the skin’s surface, including redness, mottled complexion, freckles or sun damage. The result? An exceptionally effective skin revitalization treatment with minimal discomfort. The LimeLight facial is ideal for any part of your face, neck and décolleté that has skin redness, telangiectasia (tiny veins) or brown spots. Light brown spots, which can be difficult to resolve, respond very well to this type of treatment. During treatment, a pulse of light is delivered that may bring a mild pinching or stinging sensation to the skin, and directly after, a cool gel is applied to the treated areas. Most treatments only last an hour or less, and one to three treatments are usually sufficient to see the greatest results. Additional treatments may be recommended, especially for excessively sun-damaged skin.

 Laser Genesis

 Laser Genesis is a breakthrough non-ablative laser treatment that stimulates the skin’s natural processes to diminish the signs of aging and sun damage, as well as promote a vibrant, healthy complexion. Through gentle heat, Laser Genesis can soften fine lines and wrinkles, tighten pores, and decrease or eliminate redness found deeper in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). Your skin will appear more youthful since Laser Genesis has also been proven to stimulate the growth of new collagen. This type of skin therapy is non-invasive, as micro-pulses of laser energy are gently delivered to the skin. The laser stimulates the body’s own process to activate collagen remodeling to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and unwanted brown spots. In addition, Laser Genesis addresses facial redness by targeting the excess micro-vessels. Although the individual treatment results may be subtle, the overall effect of a treatment series can be quite dramatic. During the procedure, you will experience a gentle warming of your skin. Most describe the treatment as relaxing and therapeutic. A series of four to six Laser Genesis treatments are recommended to achieve optimal results. Improvements are gradual and can be seen over a period of few treatments. Results usually continue to improve for months after the last treatment. To sustain results over time, ongoing maintenance treatments are encouraged.

 XEO Titan

The XEO Titan gives you an all-natural approach to tighten your skin and stimulate collagen growth. The Titan is an ideal solution without the need for surgery, recovery time, or injections because it utilizes a gentle and safe infrared light energy to heat the dermis deep beneath the skin’s surface. The Titan provides a uniform distribution of energy for heating deep into the dermis (the layer of skin that lies beneath the epidermis and above the subcutaneous layer), which allows the treatment to make a noticeable impact. Areas that respond best to the Titan procedure are the jawline, under the chin and the abdomen. Since the Titan heats tissue under the skin’s surface, patients of any skin type or age can be treated. During the Titan procedure, you will feel a brief heating sensation with each pulse. Some patients are more comfortable taking a mild pain reliever beforehand, but many patients are comfortable without any medication. During the procedure, the skin’s surface is protected through continuous cooling with a separate handpiece. Although a single treatment has produced desired results for many, it is quite common for patients to have two or three treatments over a few months. Your CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa skincare expert will advise you to the number and frequency of treatments recommended for optimal results.

 Let’s Recap Laser Therapy

Did you know that most laser treatments only treat one to two aging conditions at a time? Depending on how busy of a schedule you have, it could certainly be inconvenient to have to have more than one treatment done at a time for your specific skin concerns. With 3D Skin Rejuvenation, you can address all of the most common skin concerns in just one laser treatment system. You won’t be disappointed – give one of the Cutera 3D Skin Rejuvenation laser procedures a try today with CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa.

LimeLight Facial & Photo Genesis – pulses of light that are delivered to your skin; you may experience a mild brief pinching sensation during this procedure. Directly after, a cool gel is applied to the treated areas.

Laser Genesis – non-ablative micro-pulses of laser energy are gently delivered to the skin (provides gentle series of warm pulses).

XEO Titan – utilizes a gentle and safe infrared light energy to heat the dermis deep beneath the skin’s surface; the skin’s surface is protected through continuous cooling with a separate handpiece.

 Want More Information?

 At CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa, our treatment consultants and team of medical professionals can give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about any of our highly acclaimed facial and skin care services. Whatever your goals are, we proudly offer multiple safe and effective options to help you reach them. Be proactive, take control of your health, and contact us today at 813-915-8666 to discuss your best lifestyle plan.

Your digestive system can tell you a lot about your overall health and body function. In fact, most disruptions you may experience, such as lack of motivation, low energy and fatigue, and a stall in weight loss can all be connected to the condition of your gut health. If you have been feeling a little “weighed down” in more ways than one, it might be time to consider a digestive detox. You’d be surprised how something so simple can make such a profound difference in not only your life, but your weight loss goals.

How Your Digestive System Works

 Sometimes it may feel like your gut is speaking in a different language, making it hard to decipher exactly what it needs. Your digestive system, or your gut, plays a large role – likely more than you realize. Did you know that your gut is responsible for making your whole-body work properly? That’s right, our gut absorbs nutrients from foods that we eat and helps support our body’s functions. According to Healthpath, your intestines have a barrier from beginning to end called your gut epithelium. Under normal circumstances, it detoxifies as it should. Your body also has a complex systems of detoxification enzymes, controlled by genetics. Everyone has their own set of “detoxification genes” that work differently than everyone else’s. There are many lifestyle choices that can either help or hinder our body’s ability to detoxify. Your hormones, skin, and mental health, as well as toxin and waste elimination are all affected by your digestive system. Additionally, according to Healthline, about 70 percent of our immune system is housed in our gut, so making sure our digestive system is in great shape can be key to addressing many health and weight issues.

Poor lifestyle and dietary choices can overwhelm your digestive system, sending it straight into overdrive. What this chaos creates is a draggy gut that cannot properly digest and process food in the appropriate way for your body. Ever notice how you feel bloated and sleepy after eating something you shouldn’t have? That’s because your gut is sending out help signals, letting your body know it is overcome with toxins, and in response, becomes inflamed and irritated.

A whole host of other issues also come with an unhealthy gut – from constipation and gas to anxiety, brain fog, low energy, and poorly functioning liver and kidneys. Since your kidneys, liver, skin and digestive system all work in harmony to detoxify your body, if one is off, then that harmony is disrupted. Vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, all assist with your liver’s ability to detox. If your diet isn’t rich in nutrient-dense foods, your body will start to stockpile toxins in your gut. This can lead to a vicious cycle of feeling heavy and worn-out.

Get Your Gut Back on Track

As mentioned earlier, having a high toxicity level in your gut can lead to a number of unwanted health issues. Toxins can be found in anything from chemicals, processed foods, environmental pollutants, pesticides, metals, drugs, and the list goes on. Luckily, you can put an end to gut toxicity, lethargy and weight gain by restoring the balance in your digestive system. How? With a digestive detox. Through a successful and healthy detox, along with consuming healthy macro- and micronutrient rich foods, your liver, gut, skin and kidneys can begin the restoration process and start to work harmoniously again.

When starting a detox, there are a few key components to keep in mind:

1. Stay away from inflammatory foods and beverages. Processed foods, saturated fats, sugars, alcohol, gluten, dairy, salt, certain grains, and legumes can all contain inflammatory elements. If you aren’t sure which of these causes concern for your gut, try eliminating, then reintroducing them, slowly and steadily to see what kinds of symptoms you may experience during digestion. Once you can pinpoint the problem, remove that item from your diet for good. Our advice: It’s best to work with a professional when eliminating certain food groups, so you can be sure you aren’t skimping out on essential nutrients. Perhaps we can help?
2. Eat foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Cruciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips and watercress are all detoxification rock stars. Be sure to eat plenty of them! Also, try to eat nutritious whole foods that support your body’s natural detox processes like avocados, carrots, green leafy vegetables, nuts, spinach, tomatoes, asparagus, and apples.
3. Take a pro- and prebiotic. According to Healthline, prebiotics are dietary fibers that feed the good bacteria in your gut, help reset your microbiome, and offset the effects of a deprived gut flora. Your gut also needs a healthy dose of probiotics to keep your body and organs working optimally. Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh, and pick-me-up drinks like kefir and kombucha, have live cultures that help your digestive system break down foods and improve your immune system.
4. Invest in some help. If you’ve been eating and drinking gluttonously and are unsure where to start, there are many detox and cleanse dietary supplements that can give you a jump start. These detoxification “helpers” can get your gut back to running as nature intended. Products like CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa’s Gentle Detox Tea and OptiCleanse^® GHI support a healthy inflammation response so that the healthy bacteria naturally produced by your body can survive and thrive.

Choosing and sticking to a detox program that is right for you will make all the difference in reaching your gut health goals. We’d like to take a moment to highlight the two products we mentioned above: Gentle Detox Tea and OptiCleanse^® GHI.

Total Tea Detox Tea

 Total Tea detox tea can help remove toxins from your body, reduce overall stress levels, and help you feel more energized. This gentle colon cleansing detox tea helps aid weight loss and healthy digestion by easing bloating, constipation, and other digestive concerns.

 Total Tea supports a healthy digestive tract. Detox Tea from Total Tea supports a healthy inflammation response.

Total Tea promotes sleep. Nearly all customers who drink Total Tea Detox Tea before bed report that they sleep better. One of the tea’s ingredients, chamomile, has long been regarded as a nighttime tea. Drinking tea before bed can be a great way to relax and unwind the day so that your body can rest well. Our detox tea is caffeine-free.

Total Tea supports a healthy immune system. Echinacea and rose hips are well known for their ability to help give a boost to the immune system and are regularly used as a natural option to fight bacterial and viral infections.

Total Tea mobilizes undigested food. Gynostemma and senna are two ingredients in this herbal detox tea that assist in the colon cleansing effect produced by the tea. These healthy, cleansing ingredients clean out the digestive tract, which can help reduce bloat for those who always feel “full” and can help promote weight loss.

 OptiCleanse^® GHI

 OptiCleanse GHI is a comprehensive, fructose-free, low-allergy, dietary supplement designed to support gastrointestinal (GI) function and balanced detoxification. It features VegaPro™, XYMOGEN’s proprietary amino acid and pea/rice protein blend; Aminogen^®, to facilitate protein absorption; phytonutrients; mineral amino acid chelates; and activated B vitamins, including Quatrefolic^® and methylcobalamin. In conjunction with a modified elimination diet, OptiCleanse GHI addresses GI and hepatic function as well as eicosanoid balance and cytokine metabolism.

Interested in learning more about these and other dietary supplements from CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa? Click here.

  Get Back on Track

 If you’d like more information about improving your gut health, losing weight and increasing your metabolism, we want to help you! At CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa, our treatment consultants and team of medical professionals can give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about purchasing supplements, and/or trying any of our successful medically supervised weight loss plans. Whatever your goals are, we proudly offer multiple safe and effective options to help you reach them. Be proactive, take control of your health, and contact us today at 813-915-8666 to discuss your best lifestyle plan.

Want to lose weight and maintain a healthy physique, but afraid of risky surgical procedures? If you’re nodding, yes, but don’t know where to start, let this be your guide. Invasive and expensive surgical procedures like liposuction, can be scary and have the potential for complications such as embolism and sepsis. While these procedures certainly have their purpose for a specific time and place, not everyone wants to go under the knife to achieve their desired weight loss goals.

Fortunately, because of technological advancements, we have access to treatment to remove body fat and increase muscle mass. The best part? It’s easy, and it’s safe!

Sublingual

Lipo-Trim SL Spray

When it comes to losing weight, we recommend a product called Lipo-Trim SL Spray by Olympia Pharmacy, which is a concentrated, sublingual combination of amino acids and B vitamins that allow the body to convert fat into energy. The essential nutrient groups found in this compounded blend can increase your metabolism naturally, while also accelerating your body’s ability to burn fat. And because it is applied under the tongue, the absorption is more effective than taking an oral vitamin alone. Oral vitamins can also lose potency over time as they pass through your body’s digestive system. By taking Lipo-Trim SL, you won’t have that issue.

Lipo-Trim SL is a great companion product for people who also receive weekly vitamin injections. A product such as this will literally “fill the gaps” between injections. If you are traveling, or have a fear of needles, this is also an excellent choice. The Lipo-Trim SL comes in a proprietary blend of African mango, green coffee bean, and raspberry ketone extracts. Six sprays daily, complemented by fat-burning injections just might give you the results you are looking for.

Compounded Vitamin Injectables

Vitamin injectables can bring your body many benefits. By using a method like injection, 100% of the active ingredients are absorbed into your body. Vitamin injectables can decrease blood pressure, bring relief from joint and back pain, improve cardiac function, as well as help with suppressing appetite, building muscle and improving your immune system’s function.

Our Vitamin Injectables:

• Pyridoxine (B6) – Helps promote red blood cell production and helps your body convert food to energy.
• Methionine – Breaks down carbohydrates/sugars and helps your body convert instead to energy.
• Inositol (B8): Naturally occurs in fruits, beans, grains and nuts, and helps convert food to energy.
• Choline – A nutrient that supports healthy cellular growth and metabolism. Also aids in muscle recovery time.
• Hydroxocobalamin (B12) – Aids in energy and healthy nerve cells.
• Thiamine (B1) – Improves immune system and helps your body convert carbohydrates and sugars into energy.
• Riboflavin (B2) – Increases metabolism and supports a healthy immune system.
• Carnitine – Plays a critical role in energy production, improves fat metabolism and energy, reduces recovery time, and promotes growth of lean muscle. Just like Carnitine supports energy production and fat metabolism, taking a brief online slots break can be a refreshing way to boost your mood and recharge for more productive endeavors.
• Glutathione: Helps the liver filter heavy metals and other toxins from the blood; also improves immune system functionality.

Vitamin Cocktails

Vitamin cocktails contain multiple types of vitamins in one, easy injection.

 Lipo-Mino Mix
We also recommend Lipo-Mino Mix, which is a formulated lipotropic fat burning supplement. These dynamic antioxidant-rich ingredients can assist your body in turning fat into energy. The Lipo-Mino Mix also contains B vitamins, to additionally aid in fat loss and increased energy levels. When taking the Lipo-Mino Mix, many people report having a reduced appetite and a stronger immune system.

MICC

This fat burning formula includes a combination of methionine, inositol, choline, and B12.

 Lipostat Plus
Lipostat Plus is a lipotropic nutrient-rich injection containing natural ingredients. Includes: methionine, choline, inositol, B12 and pyridoxine.

 Lipostat Plus SF (Sulfur Free)

Lipo-Plus SF injections are a mixture of lipotropic compounds that encourage your body to release fat and lose weight. Includes: inositol, choline, B12, and pyridoxine.

Both vitamin cocktails and injectables may be administered in the arm or other areas containing more subcutaneous fatty tissues, such as the thigh, abdomen, or buttocks. We advise each of the above options to be performed in combination with a supervised diet and exercise plan.

 How to Get Started

If you are interested in losing weight and increasing your metabolism without the use of surgery or dangerous procedures, we want to help you! At CHC Medical Weight Loss and Spa, our treatment consultants and team of medical professionals can give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about trying any of our successful medically supervised weight loss plans. Whatever your goals are, we proudly offer multiple safe and effective options to help you reach them. Be proactive, take control of your health, and contact us today at 813-915-8666 to discuss your best lifestyle plan.