Parkway Medical Blog

Thermage and Body by Thermage are non-surgical, non-invasive procedures that smooth, tighten and contour the skin, producing long lasting results for an overall naturally younger looking appearance. Any area of the face or body with loose or lax skin can benefit from this treatment. A hand piece with a smooth, flat tip delivers Thermage’s unique monopolar capacitive radiofrequency (CRF) technology, which safely heats the deeper layers of your skin. This stimulates existing collagen and promotes new collagen growth over time resulting in smoother, tighter skin. Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, a single Thermage treatment produces results. With an excellent safety record, no downtime and the ability to return to normal activities immediately after the procedure, Thermage is an ideal way to improve your skin’s overall look and condition. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 480-348-3245.

So you want to live to be one hundred yet look like you’re thirty. You envision your skin to be soft, your eyes to sparkle, your muscles to be strong and your libido to match. Many healthcare providers believe that keeping our hormone levels regulated is part of the key.

The safety issues of hormone replacement and supplementation have become more controversial with the availability of bio-identical hormones. For women, synthetic hormones meant to replace estrogen and progesterone are not equivalent to those produced by the human body, nor do they perform the same as what the body makes. In fact, in some cases they are harmful. By replacing the estrogen and progesterone with bio-identical preparations in variable amounts, women can get closer than ever before to the image they desire.

There is great news for men as well. There are many causes of low testosterone. A common reason is stress or burnout. Psychological trauma, depression, and prescription medications can also cause low testosterone levels. Physical signs may include muscle loss, weight gain, fatigue and low sex drive.

A diagnosis can be quickly confirmed by careful history and laboratory testing. Relief may be as easy as a visit to your healthcare provider.

Nurse Practitioner Kathleen Rickard along with Dr. Stuart Medoff can assist patients who wish to proceed in this direction. Call 480-348-3200 if you are interested in an evaluation.

It’s everywhere! The cosmetic revolution began some time ago and now is growing exponentially. It seems as though everywhere you turn, there are ads, coupons, and deals to make you prettier, healthier looking, slimmer, or whatever you want. So, what makes Parkway Medical Laser & Skin Centre different?

First, we recognize(and you should as well) that cosmetic enhancement isn’t a necessity. It is a luxury. Many patients ask, “What do you think I need?” Our answer is always the same. “You don’t need anything. We are not treating a disease. What will make you happy?” Botox, dermal fillers, laser, microdermabrasion and other methods of skin rejuvntaion are for enhancement. They can make you look relaxed and feel better about yourself.

Finally, combination therapy is the ideal solution. There are many modalities and products to try. Each one has its benefits. But, a combination works even better. Laser treatments, combined with dermal fillers(ex: Restylane, Juvederm) and Botox enhance the whole picture and can easily be used in combination to achieve the desired result. Add skin care products and you have a winning combination.

Three new vaccines have become available, two of which will soon be required for school-age children.

The meningococcal vaccine protects against infections caused by meningococcal bacteria. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children two to eighteen years of age, and it can cause serious blood infections. The disease is most common in infants less than one year old and people with certain medical conditions. College freshman are also at increased risk. The vaccine is recommended for all children at their routine pre-adolescent visits (ages eleven and twelve). For those who have not been vaccinated, a dose is recommended at high school entry.

Gardasil is a vaccine against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are over forty types of HPV, and while most infections do not cause any symptoms and resolve on their own, some types cause cervical cancer. Gardasil does not protect against all types of HPV, but it protects against the four major types which cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. It is recommended for girls eleven and twelve years old and is approved for females ages nine to twenty-six.

Zostavax is a vaccine that reduces the risk of developing Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster. Shingles is a very painful rash that usually occurs on one side of the face or body and lasts seven to ten days. One in five people have severe pain that persists even after the rash clears up. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once a person has chickenpox, the virus can live in an inactivated state for years. If it becomes active again, it causes Shingles. It is more common in people over sixty years of age and in patients who have a weakened immune system. Zostavax is recommended for people over the age of sixty.

These vaccines are available at Parkway Medical. Our providers would be happy to discuss them further with you.