By Norman Araiza

Something seems to happen to almost all romantic relationships that have survived a decade or three that causes the romance to dwindle. Some may say that this is a normal occurrence and not something to be concerned about. Others may argue that it may be as normal as grey hair, but that doesn’t mean that we’re stuck with it. When I use the word romance in this context, I’m not necessarily talking about candlelit dinners and romantic music, but I am referring to the tenderness in a relationship, the softness of voice, the loving gestures, the warm affection expressed by a gentle touch. For those of you who won’t take the grey lying down or for those of you who can handle the grey, but just want more from your relationship, read on.

Sometimes romance fades with our hormones. For others, romance continues to sizzle long after the last milligram of testosterone or estrogen is secreted. Hormones are about reproduction. They have little to do with romance. In fact, many of us cringe at the thought of reproduction while longing for the intoxication of a little romance.

Romance is a state of mind. It’s about valuing our partners and expressing that value. It’s about risk-taking and not settling for just meat and potatoes. For some of us, it’s about bringing up old memories of happier times and sharing that memory with our partner, while deciding to make new ones. It’s not necessarily about sex. It’s about love, joy and appreciation and the expression of such. It’s about “spirit and intent” which is the desire to do something pleasurable for your partner that is just for them.

The oldest couple I had the pleasure of working with was 84 and 82. They had been married 58 years but were fearful they had lost something the last few years. He talked about his daily responsibility of selecting the right wine and music to go with his wife’s gourmet dinners. She spent the morning reading newspapers looking for something to add to their conversation at dinner. Their desire to be better partners was their strength in the relationship. I’m sure I got more from our sessions than they did.

Ultimately, I believe romance is communicating to your partner your experience, of what you allow yourself to feel, by loving them. It’s truly an attitude that you create inside yourself by cherishing your time with your partner. It’s not what you are doing that makes a situation romantic or not, it’s what you allow yourself to feel that makes something romantic. It’s also a form of energy that you bring into the relationship. It can be conscious like making a plan to share something together or unconscious as in spontaneity of action.

Many of us relate romance to sex, yet romance need not be complicated with sexual matters. When I think about romance I think about intimacy. Intimacy, in the best of couples, is about sharing private thoughts and feelings that may be expressed verbally or sometimes in a private language not meant for others; a language of touch and smiles. High-functioning couples oftentimes communicate nonverbally, perhaps with a hand squeeze, or a sliding foot on a partner’s calf under the table, that means something to each. It’s about staying in contact through a smile or a wink when you find yourselves on opposite sides of a room at a party.

Romance cannot be unilateral, meaning that if only one partner is romantic it will be short-lived or not achieved at all. Putting romance back in a relationship requires a decision by both to experiment with change. It can’t be one-sided. That’s where the risk- taking comes in. Someone must bring up the relationship as a topic of evaluation and discussion. It should be talked about openly, non-accusatory, and from a position of hope and desire. It’s hard to fix things if you don’t admit that something is broken or not functioning as well as you’d like.

Norman Araiza MA is an American-trained family therapist enjoying a limited practice in San Miguel de Allende. He is available for consultation at 152 7842;  email: 2gatos2@gmail.com.

By Liz Montes

Many people over the age of 40 begin to notice a difference in how easy it is to gain weight and how much tougher it is to lose it. I remember in college it only took three to four weeks of cutting out a few pizza slices and beer for me to lose some weight. Not so easy anymore. Therefore, I really work at keeping up my metabolism now so as not having to start a “diet.” Much research shows that a program of regular exercise and correct foods eaten at the correct times will really help you in keeping that midsection slimmed down. If you build muscle mass, it is the key calorie-burning tissue and the key driver of your metabolism.

Dr. Caroline Apovian, director of the nutrition and weight management at Boston Medical Center, reports that at the age of 30 most people begin to lose half a pound of muscle mass a year; some lose more than that depending on activity levels. Scarier yet,  at age 50 the rate doubles! Average sedentary women can lose up to 15 pounds of muscle mass by the time they hit their 50s. Yikes! That means you can gain the same amount of fat or more, which also means tighter jeans, bigger midsections and diabetes. Think about this… with each pound of muscle that you lose, you risk putting on that same amount of fat and winding up with all these problems to boot.

You can begin slowly with focusing on strength training minimum two days a week to fight the loss of muscle. Try to kick in some cardio too. Eating healthy foods, like protein rich foods to support calorie-burning muscle mass and follow a moderate calorie diet.

A huge metabolism booster is protein; it is the building block of lean muscle mass. With each bite of protein your body automatically begins the process of breaking it down to amino acids. Amino acids are then absorbed by your muscle tissues and other cells. In short, it is the process that the body uses to maintain and build muscle. All the cells in our bodies need protein. I’ve realized with my clients many do not take in enough protein on a daily basis. That’s a big mistake. Eating too little protein for too long and your muscles start to shrink eventually causing your metabolism to slow way down. A good rule of thumb is, if you are a 5 foot 5 and 130 pounds you should aim for approximately 90g of protein. Sounds like a lot of protein but you can break it down throughout your day. For example four ounces of chicken or beef provides nearly 30g in one serving. A single serving of Greek yogurt packs in about 20. However, do remember that if you are going to increase your protein intake you may need to cut back somewhere else. Be cautious with the overall caloric intake too, cutting back on desserts is a good place to start. Mostly, just be aware of what you put in your mouth. Not having enough muscle mass will make you weaker, making it harder to exercise.

Spike up your calorie burning by staying hydrated. According to Japanese researchers having a daily cup of green or oolong tea will increase your calorie burn. Fitness Management published an article claiming that men and women who consumed a post exercise protein drink gained more metabolism revving up muscle mass and lost up to 50 percent more body fat than those who did not refuel after working out.

And of course don’t try to ignore exercise. As I am sure you are well aware, for best results, combining a healthy food program with a sensible and smart workout will help you achieve your goals. It takes a bit of time to figure it out but if you can just get out and walk, or ride a bike that will help to jumpstart any exercise program. If you are already exercising and your joints can take it jog or jump rope to get some high intensity workouts into your program.

The Isha System is designed to cultivate unconditional love of self. It rapidly expands and stabilizes an inner experience of peace and joy, from which we can transform our lives from the inside out.

The facets of this system help us stop wandering off into the past and future, and start giving the here and now our undivided attention: the present, where life is really happening.

Some benefits of the Isha System are: expands the consciousness and the experience of love for ourselves; helps to liberate the stress from the nervous system and to improve physical, mental and emotional health; elevates the self esteem and improves relationships; increases creativity and decision-making skills; takes us to experience joy and inner peace freeing us from addictions, dissolving depression, insecurity and anxiety.

The creator of the Isha System and Director of the isha Foundation Educating for Peace, Isha Judd, is considered an “ambassador for peace” by international leaders of opinión and was recently named Doctor Honoris Causa by the Universidad Internacional in Cuernavaca, for the continuing work of bringing her message of love to all mankind.

She has authored several self-help titles as well as renowned movie WHY WALK WHEN YOU CAN FLY?  This movie will be presented free of charge, by one of her teachers, in the Splendor Room on June 4, at these times  3:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Then there will be a seminar of the Isha System on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of June. For more information please call (01 415) 1220463 or write to  sanmiguel@isha.com

By Mary Murrell

The tradition of dressage in San Miguel de Allende continued on May 11 and 12 during a show sponsored by FEM (Federación Ecuestre Mexicana). Hosted by Eugenio Canales at Centro Ecuestre Canales in El Mirador, the show took place just minutes outside of town and was open to the public. It was a great opportunity to see outstanding riders and their horses compete from training level (beginner) through some of the most sophisticated and difficult dressage tests.

Dressage refers to the training of horses through a series of standardized methods to develop their natural athletic abilities and willingness to perform. Dressage is the French term for “training” and the sport includes the execution of very specific movements by horse and rider, working together as a team. Although it may look easy, it requires long hours of work and great skill. Often the communication between rider and horse is extremely subtle and difficult to see.

Basic dressage is helpful for any horse because the goal is to develop their physical and mental ability. Ultimately a dressage horse should remain calm, consistent and supple while paying attention to the signals of the rider. Dressage offers training discipline helpful for beginners, trail riders and serious competitors.

Dressage came to San Miguel in the 1960s when Captain Santiago Canales started the first local riding school in Atascadero. He had been involved in both dressage and cross-country riding in the Mexican army and began giving riding lessons. His son, Eugenio, grew up with horses and became a rider, trainer and equine veterinarian. Eugenio also learned dressage, and lived in Texas where he worked as a trainer. Today Eugenio rides competitively in dressage and jumping, continues to train horses and teaches students at his equestrian facility.

A number of riders from San Miguel participated in the recent show sponsored by Mexico’s national equestrian organization. Each rider and horse completed tests comprised of a sequence of moves specified for the particular test. There are graduated levels of competition with walk/trot being the basic or entry level with increasing difficulty all the way through the highest level of Grand Prix. The highest levels are used in the most prestigious international competitions, including the Olympic games. Both horse and rider are evaluated during each test by an officially qualified judge.

At the recent show there were 23 tests each day performed by riders ranging from 11 years old through those with many years of experience in national and international competitions. Ni Ni Hind, Naomi and Yuriko Nakakawa exhibited their skills in training level tests for riders under 15 years old.

The show also included tests at the most advanced levels of dressage. A special treat for spectators was the opportunity to see Antonio Rivera, who has competed for Mexico internationally, win nine first places during the two days of the show.

With their eyes on international competitions, Rafael Lavista and Eugenio Canales rode their horses in a special FEM Challenge test. The test is in preparation to compete at the end of the year for Mexico against other countries in Central and South America. Rafael recently imported his horse, Varonette, from Holland and won first place in both the FEM Challenge and the Second level test on Sunday.

Eugenio’s horse, Delincuente Azul, also performed well in the FEM Challenge. Delincuente is a Portuguese horse purchased from Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza who is the best bullfighter on horseback in the world. Eugenio has competed in shows across Mexico with Delincuente, in Guadalajara, Mexico City and Aguascalientes.

Lisa Rochford competed on Alta Gracia, a 6-year-old mare who Lisa has owned since the age of two. Lisa describes Gracia as her “most difficult challenge in horse training, as she is very strong willed…but is now understanding what the competition ring means and has been rising to the occasion.”  Lisa is very happy with the scores of 70 and above that Gracia is getting in competitions. A score of 60 is very good and a score of 70 is considered exceptional in dressage.

Amy Spencer was pleased to win second place both Saturday and Sunday in the Third level test with her horse named Elliot. Her accumulated score for the two days placed her as Reserve Champion for the weekend. She was also happy to have scored over 60 with Cusco, a young stallion she has been training. Cusco competed in the training level class, and it was only his second time at a show.

Nicole Zijlstra made her debut at the show with Astro Boy, a six-year-old that has been challenging to train. “On Sunday he was calmer than on Saturday. He has been difficult for me and after this show; I know he can compete and so does he.” With a young horse, a show can provide the rider an opportunity to test whether the horse is ready for the stress of showing more frequently in competitions.

If you are interested in beautiful and well-trained horses, expert riding and the sport of dressage, make plans to attend San Miguel shows. Admission is free and so is the opportunity to learn about an amazing sport. There will be another FEM dressage competition in the fall in San Miguel. If you would like to be notified of the date, place and time for the show, please send an email to truehorsemanshipmx@gmail.com.

Por Ricardo Trejo Acosta

Se vivirá de nuevo un gran ambiente y emoción en nuestra ciudad de San Miguel de Allende al llevarse a cabo por sexta ocasión la carrera anual de ciclismo Circuito Cien por Ciento Callejero 2013.

Más información sobre este evento
Club de ciclismo real san miguel A.C.
Calle de San Pedro 14
044-415-153-3276
Facebook realsanmiguel
realsanmiguel@hotmail.com

Por esta ocasión y por vez primera se efectuará en El Parque Benito Juárez este próximo domingo 2 de junio.

Este importante evento tiene el récord en participación y asistencia a nivel regional con ciclistas provenientes de los estados de la región Bajío (Zacatecas, Michoacán, San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, Aguascalientes y Guanajuato,) más aparte la participación por parte de corredores locales.

En esta carrera ciclista se estarán repartiendo 180 trofeos de artesanía local hechos por los artesanos sanmiguelenses  que serán repartidos entre las 27 categorías que comprende el campeonato y de las categorías infantiles en las cuales se reparten hasta el décimo lugar, esto con el objetivo de incentivar a los pequeños a que participen. Además se otorgará un premio en efectivo de 17,000 pesos para las categorías expertos, master, y juveniles.

By Dr. Sergio López Salamanca

Vitamins are organic compounds required in small quantities for the proper functioning of our bodies and cannot be manufactured by the body. In general we can classify them into two groups: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. This feature is important because it determines solubility and chemical stability, the foods in which a vitamin can be present, the form of distribution in the body fluids as well as the ability to be deposited in different tissues.

We can speak today of a total of 13 vitamins considered essential for human nutrition, of which four are fat-soluble and nine water-soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E and K, and because they have precursors, they are not considered absolutely necessary in the daily diet. These vitamins are not removed immediately and tend to be stored in the body.

The water-soluble vitamins are B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin or nicotinic acid), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 ​​(pyridoxine), B8 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), B12 (cobalamin) and C (ascorbic acid). They are generally considered not to have precursors, so they must be ingested in the diet. They are excreted easily and not stored in body tissues.

It is important to consider that the daily requirement of each of these substances is very small, on the order of micrograms (millionths of a gram). Therefore, people who have a normal diet that includes traditional food groups will usually acquire the necessary amounts of vitamins that the body needs.

Vitamin supplements in most cases are not necessary. We must remember that eating larger amounts than our bodies need will not improve our health or provide greater vitality. The excess, in the case of water-soluble vitamins, will be eliminated mainly through urine. Excess fat-soluble vitamins will be stored in the body, at the risk of symptoms of intoxication.

It is important that vitamins not be thought of as inert substances whose intake poses no risk; the reality is that they are organic compounds with specific functions within the body, and therefore your prescription must be supervised by medical personnel. As I have said before, self-medication always represents a risk to health.

By Norman Araiza

There was a time when passive/aggressive behavior was considered a psychological disorder. These days the term passive aggressiveness is considered to be a set of negative personality traits marked by passive resistance, insincerity, reticence and difficulty with assertiveness. Simply stated it is anger that gets expressed in the form of resistance that is not expressed openly or honestly but instead is disguised through procrastination, inefficiency, forgetfulness and avoidance. It is a form of “people pleasing” taken to a fault. It’s the antithesis of authenticity as well as assertiveness in relationships.

The passive aggressive personality is most frustrating for others because while passive aggressive people appear to actively comply with desires and needs of others they passively resist and become increasingly hostile and angry. What makes matters worse is that it is often unconscious and if confronted it is not owned and responsibility is rarely taken, leaving others the frustration of questioning their perceptions.

One of the earliest examples of passive aggressive behavior I witnessed was when I was very young and visiting my oldest sister Gloria, who was recently married. One evening after her husband, who began work very early, had gone to bed, I watched Gloria make her husband nice sandwiches for his lunch the next day. She lovingly placed them in a paper bag and wrote his name on it. Then she put it on the floor and stepped on it. Then she fluffed the bag so it appeared unscathed. I could only imagine my brother-in-law’s reaction as he attempted to eat his smashed sandwiches. When I asked her what she was doing, she replied “Sometimes he really pisses me off and maybe it will make him think.” Folks, you can’t make this stuff up. While my sister Gloria, was of the stuff cartoon strips are made, she confounded others in her inability to be straight with them.

Passive/aggressive types resent responsibility and they demonstrate it through their behavior rather than expressing their feelings. Often times, if they make a derogatory comment or use sarcasm, when confronted about it, use the common expression, “Just kidding.” Instead of saying “No” and meaning it, they may perform a requested task too late to be helpful or in a way that is useless or may even resort to sabotage in response to the unwanted responsibility. Instead of engendering respect from others through their straight and honest communication, they often promote distrust and suspiciousness as others see the disparity between what is said and what is done.

As for the cause, often times growing up with parents who are alcoholic or drug addicted or in an environment where expression of feelings was not encouraged or accepted leads to covert methods of expression.

Treatment for this behavior is totally dependent on the individual becoming conscious of this personality defect with a decision to experiment with change. Confrontation by those he/she loves most and trusts is helpful and with continued psychotherapy focusing on true feelings and learning ways of expression that is accurate, yet fits in with the personality of the individual, a good prognosis can be expected. Cognitive/behavioral methods raising awareness of the inner conflict and disparity between what is thought, felt and how it is actually being expressed is the therapy of choice. When fundamental changes are made in how we communicate our feelings to others, not only is our personal potency increased but there is a concomitant rise in self-esteem.

Norman Araiza M.A. is an American-trained family therapist enjoying a limited practice in SMA. He is available for consultation at 152 7842 email: 2gatos2@gmail.com

Mexico Travel News

New resorts on Riviera Maya

Karisma Hotels & Resorts is unveiling Generations Resorts by Karisma. Under the new brand, Karisma will debut two all-suite resorts: Generations Maroma and Generations Riviera Maya. The resorts are targeted to multi-generational families, couples and wedding parties.

Generations will feature all-suite accommodations with unlimited nanny and butler service, as well as Karisma’s Gourmet Inclusive experience, including gourmet à la carte meals, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and 24-hour room service. Both properties will features suites with living areas with the option of adjoining other suites or converting into two or three-bedroom apartments to accommodate large groups.

Record sales for Mexico in March

Pleasant Holidays reports that it broke all records for March sales of vacation packages to Mexico in March of 2013. The company has been selling packages to Mexico for 20 years.

“Travelers can enjoy idyllic beaches and superb cuisine, exceptional accommodations and service, enriching cultural experiences for all ages, pampering spas and world-class golf at all-inclusive resorts that make luxury affordable,” said Jack Richards, Pleasant’s president and CEO

International News

Edinburgh’s colorful Military Tattoo

August is a busy month in Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh as most of the Edinburgh Festival occurs during this fair-weather month. One of the most notable of the many annual festivals is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, performed on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle by international military bands and display teams.

The first Military Tattoo took place in 1949. The combined traditional sound of bagpipes and drums with the organized marching of military personnel in full regalia is exciting and diverse. The Tattoo is performed every weekday evening and twice on Saturdays throughout August. Tickets sell out early.

“Car Free LA” campaign

The Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board has launched “Car Free LA,” a campaign designed to encourage visitors and residents to walk, bike or ride public transit. The city has created more than 120 miles of bikeways in the last two years, increased Metro transit options and the expanded CicLAvia, an annual bicycle-riding event.

The campaign features a series of itineraries centered on exploring Los Angeles’ neighborhoods and highlighting the city’s attractions, music scene, historic architecture, arts and culture, cuisine and entertainment. The itineraries are posted on the campaign’s web page. The self-guided itineraries provide navigation tools for exploring the destination without a car.

Cruise News

Smoke-free cruises

Crystal Cruises will eliminate smoking in all indoor areas, except for the Connoisseur Club smoking lounge, effective with the first cruises in 2014. The move eliminates smoking in all staterooms and suites, the lobby lounge and both nightclubs. Most areas have been non-smoking for several years, including restaurants, main entertainment lounges and the Casino.

The revised policy begins with the January 5 and 8 voyages of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Crystal will continue to offer the Connoisseur Club, the only remaining interior smoking area, and designated spaces on exterior open decks for cigar, pipe and cigarette smoking.

Inaugural voyages for the National Geographic Orion

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic will launch its new National Geographic Orion in March 2014 with three itineraries. The 102-passenger ship will carry kayaks, a state-of the-art ROV (remote operated vehicle) that can dive 1,000 feet deep, snorkeling gear, and a scuba program.

The three programs are Exploring Papua New Guinea and the Islands of Vanuatu and the Solomons, a 25-day trip departing March 19, 2014, priced from US$25,390 per person; The Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea and Micronesia, embarking April 9, 2014, for 22 days, priced from US$19,990 per person; and Voyage to the Spice Islands and the Coral Triangle, a 17-day trip departing April 27 priced from US$14,730.

Air News

United Airlines raises change fees

United Airlines has raised their change fee by US$50 for all domestic and some international destinations. This took the domestic change fee from US$150 to US$200 and most international change fees from US$250 to US$300, primarily to South America. The new change fees apply to any tickets issued on and after April 17, 2013. At time of writing, no other carriers have followed suit.

BOX

Deal of the Week

“Celebrate Ireland,” an 18-day private small group tour, focuses on Ireland’s historic and cultural sights and the festivals and events of “The Gathering 2013.” This year the government of Ireland is inviting home the 70 million people worldwide of Irish descent and everyone else who loves all things Irish. The tour is limited to 16 guests and features a two-night stay at luxurious Dromoland Castle, the Ring of Kerry, National Stud, famed houses and gardens, Blarney Castle, Waterford Crystal and Northern Ireland including the Titanic Belfast, Derry, Giant’s Causeway and the Ulster American Folk Park. Special events include a weekend at the Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival, an Irish county fair and a weekend at the Dublin Theater Festival. Contact Judy Newell at Perfect Journeys for details.

Judy Newell heads the travel company Perfect Journeys which specializes in custom-designed tours, cruises and travel for everyone. Her private trips this year include “Splendor of Turkey” on July 9-22 and “Celebrate Ireland” on September 21-Ocotober 8. Contact Judy at cell 415-111-8765, email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net, or website www.perfectjourneys.net.

Sources: Travel Pulse, Europe Express, Nexion

By Liz Montes

There is an endless array of workout myths that people have. Let’s look at some of them and get rid of some of the misconceptions you may have about working out.

If you exercise you can eat whatever you want: Wrong. Just because you exercise it doesn’t mean you can give yourself permission to eat whatever you want or worse yet “reward” yourself for working out. You’ll never get ahead if you reward yourself after every workout.

I’m sore; I better not workout: Wrong. Well of course you’re sore, and hopefully so. Weight resistance exercise causes micro tears of the muscle, that’s what makes the muscles build again stronger than they were before. They are efficient and they adapt. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to do light exercise when you are sore as it will help alleviate some of the soreness.

I have strong abdominal muscles because I do 100 + crunches every day: Wrong. Doing lots of crunches every day does not build a strong core or build a six-pack. Diet is what’s important here… that is what will eliminate belly fat. Stick to a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables along with interval training.

Morning workouts are better than later in the day workouts: Wrong. Workout whenever it is best for you. Time of the day doesn’t matter, if you just can’t get up in the morning to work out, then find a better time. Your body rhythms may be better later in the day. Not everyone likes AM workouts.

Heavy weights will bulk me up: Wrong. Heavy weights will make you stronger. Unless, of course, you want to bulk up and you have the testosterone levels of an eighteen-year-old young man. If you don’t have a weight resistance routine going on, get one. The more muscle mass you have the higher your metabolic rate will be, which means more fat burning going on in your workout routines.

Muscle turns into fat when I stop working out: Wrong. Your body doesn’t automatically convert one to the other. You have to stop working out altogether and start eating more or eating the wrong foods to get fat. Your metabolism slows down when you stop exercising. So the efficiency of the body to burn fat slows down. It makes sense that you would start putting on weight if you’ve stopped exercising.

Working out once a week is fine: Wrong. Though some exercise is better than none, it is crucial to dedicate more time to exercise in order to achieve a fit and healthy lifestyle. Particularly if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, having a routine and discipline is the key to becoming and staying healthy. Two to three days a week is optimum for weight resistance exercise and two to six days a week is great for other types of exercise including, yoga, golf, swimming, walking, running, etc.

You’ll burn more fat on an empty stomach: Wrong. Research indicates that you will burn the same amount of fat on an empty or full stomach. As a matter of fact, in order to complete your exercise program it is better to have some fuel in your body. You’ll be able to work out longer and more efficiently. I know that when I’m hungry I have to eat. I can’t work out or do much else if my stomach is growling. Eat something light before you work out and then again after. A good protein drink is always good.

Cardio is the best way to lose fat: Wrong again. Although any exercise, including walking, running and dancing, is excellent to help burn fat. Again, weight resistance is the key. The more muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolic rate, which means more fat burning. Cardio keeps our heart and lungs in tip-top shape, so you should include it in any workout program you currently have.

By Carla Archer

The term skin rejuvenation encompasses many procedures that dermatologists and plastic surgeons use to improve facial skin. It includes the use of topical creams, injections of neuromodulators (aka Botox, Dysport or Xeomeen), fillers, chemical peels and lasers. Lasers are our treatment of choice in cases of more severely sun-damaged skin. There are many types of lasers, but fractional lasers are considered, at present, the choice technologies for facial rejuvenation treatments. They work by delivering many small, scattered laser beams which produce micro wounds, and these trigger natural, physical reactions in the skin that can clear years of sun damage such as age spots, fine lines and wrinkles and can also shrink the appearance of pores and smooth out acne scars, resulting in a more youthful and healthier complexion. The number of sessions at four-month intervals depends largely on the degree of sun damage.

Fractional lasers can be performed in an office setting and are usually very well tolerated with the use of topical anesthetics and oral painkillers, and patients can resume their daily activities in approximately a week. Contrary to the older non–fractional devices, persistent redness is uncommon. As with any procedure, caution must be exercised to choose the correct patient. For example, patients with known scarring disorders (keloids), pigmentation disorders, very dark skin or an uncontrolled systemic disease such as diabetes, will do better with other options.

I will be able to perform fractional CO2 resurfacing with a Pixel laser (Alma Lasers) in my office on Friday, April 19, and plan to bring it three or four times a year. There is limited space, so for further information and to discuss a specific treatment plan for each patient, please make an appointment at my office.

Dr. Carla Archer, Hospital Médica Tec del Bajío (former Hospital de la Fe) Room 7,

152-2233 and 152-2329.