PCA SKIN was recently recognized in the Arizona Republic for their outstanding business practices and devotion to developing quality skincare products.  Additionally, PCA SKIN – based in Scottsdale, AZ – was recognized as the 2013 Exporter of the Year award in the health and beauty category by ThinkGlobal Inc., publisher of Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S.

With all the recent success and media attention, we wanted to take a moment to share why we at LifeScape Premier, are so impressed with PCA SKIN Products.

Each product developed by the doctors at PCA SKIN is backed by outstanding research to ensure that each product meets their high quality standards and ultimately results in an improved quality of life for the user.  According to PCA’s chief operating officer, Chris McCrory, “We make every decision about whether or not it’s going to improve people’s lives. Whether it’s a new product or formulation, if it does not make their lives better, we are not going to do it.”

PCA SKIN, lead by Dr. Jennifer Linder has impeccable credentials and high ethical standards in an industry wrought with expensive snake-oil, short-cuts, and products laden with seriously hazardous chemicals.  They pride themselves on selling only high quality, natural products and particularly good for those with sensitive skin.

PCA is devoted to education; offering online courses and in-person classes that educate and train professionals who use PCA products. This has been another key component to the company’s longevity and reputation.

Last, but not least, PCA Products are cost-effective and achieve results as good as any of the super high-priced products tested. Professionals might be able to make more money carrying the bigger name brands but believe patients get the best value for their dollar with PCA.

To learn more about the benefits of using PCA SKIN products or to speak with one of our award-winning doctors here at the LifeScape Premier concierge medical practice in Scottsdale, please contact us.  Our mantra of “whole heath for a while life” considers all aspects of your overall health.

According to the report from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “The prevalence of food and skin allergies both increased over the past 14 years.” With food allergies, the overall rate went from 3.4 percent in 1997 to 5.1 percent in 2011. With skin allergies, the overall rate increased from 7.4 percent in 1997 to 12.5 percent in 2011.

Additionally more than 10,000 teens, aged 13 to 18, were surveyed and found that 3 percent reported having extreme fatigue that had lasted at least three months and was not relieved by rest. Half of the teens with extreme fatigue also had depression or an anxiety disorder.

Increases at these rates make for a serious public health concern – what can be done to help diagnose, treat and ideally resolve chronic health issues for children?

If your child is experiencing food and/or skin allergies or chronic fatigue, it is important to find a physician that has an expanded arsenal of testing and therapeutic options to address these problems.

The Scottsdale concierge doctors at LifeScape Premier have over a decade of experience in functional medicine, including the use of testing for delayed type immune reactions of foods (IgG food sensitivity), simple allergy desensitization strategies and functional intracellular nutrient assessment.  These tests are invaluable in resolving these extremely debilitating chronic health issues for adults and children.

For more information on food and skin allergies in children and chronic fatigue in children and teens, contact the the top doctors in Phoenix  or to schedule an appointment today, contact us online, like us on Facebook, or call us in Scottsdale Arizona at (480) 860-5269.

The study compared the medical records of more than 10,000 people prescribed sleeping pills and 23,000 similar people who had never been prescribed sleeping pills. Increased risk of death held true for every medication studied including:

• zolpidem/Ambien
• eszopiclone/Lunesta
• zaleplon/Sonata
• benzodiazepines {temazepam/Restoril, triazolam/Halcion, flurazepam}
• antihistamines/diphenhydramine e.g. Tylenol, AdvilPM or Benadryl

Although a significant association was found, it is important to note is that this study cannot tell us that the drugs themselves are the direct cause of higher rates of death and cancer. This is because both the drugs and the risk of death could be associated with other factors, such as lifestyle or other medical problems, which the researchers tried to adjust but cannot fully rule out.

In the interim, if you are taking these medicines regularly, please visit your provider to discuss strategies for reducing reliance on sleep medications or to weigh the benefits of continued use against any potential risk in your case. These medicines are not intended for long-term chronic use and could be particularly hazardous in those with risk of falls, undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea, elderly patients, or in combination with other sedating agents including alcohol, narcotic pain medicines or certain anxiety medications.

LifeScape Premier Scottsdale Concierge Doctors will be holding a “Back to Sleep” educational forum in August. Like us on Facebook or contact Jodi Towns to be added to our invitation list for the August event.

Contact us! LifeScape Premier is an innovative, integrative medical practice serving all ages located in Scottsdale, AZ. Our comprehensive suite of medical services, skin care, diet and nutrition and family medicine are offered by award winning physicians, the top docs in Phoenix, and an unparalleled staff. Make an appointment for a consultation with us today.

What is Juicing?

According to Wikipedia,  Juicing is the process of extracting juice from plant tissues such as fruit or vegetables. There are many methods of juicing, from squeezing fruit by hand to widescale extraction via industrial equipment. There are many Juicers available on the market that vary in both price and performance.  Be sure to research before you buy.

Why Juice?

Improved nutrient absorption for those with impaired digestion

Those who struggle with impaired digestion often experience difficulty absorbing nutrients from vegetables – primarily due to their fibrous nature.  Fresh juices go directly to your bloodstream and allow your body to reap many of the nutrient rewards from fruits and vegetables.  However, according to WebMd, if you plan to juice, juice with fresh fruits and veggies because store bought juices are often much less nutrient rich due to the pasteurization process – but fresh juice can spoil fast – it is recommended to only make what you can consume in one serving.

“…if you plan to juice, juice with fresh fruits and veggies…”

Get more fruits and vegetables into your diet than by eating alone

For those of us who eat the same fruits and vegetables every day, or don’t enjoy eating many vegetables whole due to texture or taste, juicing provides you with an opportunity enhance your fruit and vegetable repertoire through the wonders of recipes.  Many juicing concoctions can disguise the taste and texture of your most loathed vegetable while still enriching your health with its nutritional rewards.

Juicing is also less filling and can be combined with a healthy whole food meal that also includes additional vegetables.

Improve your pH Balance

Alternative medicine practitioners propose that foods can either increase acidity or alkalinity in your body. Fruits and vegetables increase the alkalinity in your body helping to balance your overall pH level which is reported to lead to increased energy levels, digestion and mental clarity, clearer skin and overall well being.

Is juicing right for you?  It’s important to consult your medical professional before making any significant dietary changes.  To get more information about how Juicing can supplement your diet and nutrition or to speak with our one of our award-winning doctors here at the LifeScape Premier concierge medical practice in Scottsdale, please contact us.  Our mantra of “whole heath for a while life” considers all aspects of your overall health including what you feed yourself and your family each day.

However, there is hope for seasonal allergy sufferers.  Studies have shown that use of sublingual allergy immunotherapy liquid extracted from ragweed pollen resulted in highly significant improvements in ragweed allergy symptoms.  Relief is in sight.

What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is the process of desensitizing the immune system to allergens in the environment (dusts, molds, pollens, etc.) Extracts of these allergens are introduced to the body through under-the-tongue drops (sublingual). Over time, the concentration of these allergens is increased until the immune system learns to stop overreacting to them in ways that lead to troubling symptoms.

Many other commonly used allergy treatments such as pills, inhalers and nasal sprays do not work to address the source of the problem, only the symptoms, and often come with their own set of nasty side effects.  To achieve lasting results and relief from seasonal allergies, some patients use immunotherapy to desensitize their bodies to allergens in their environment.

The difference between sublingual immunotherapy versus its counterpart – the allergy shot – is that you receive the benefits of the shot without a trip to the doctor’s office for injections!  It’s more convenient.  It can be self administered at home or on the road – no need to skip injections due to business travel or family vacations.  Patients squeeze drops of the serum under the tongue and they absorb into the bloodstream – Pain Free!

Stop Suffering.  At the LifeScape Premier concierge medical practice in Scottsdale, we have been providing “Allergy Ease” – a sublingual immunotherapy for allergy desensitization to treat pollens, animal dander, even food allergies – for several years and have seen significant response rates in reducing overall allergy symptom burden and medication use.

It’s time to stop allergy season in its tracks.  To learn more about “Allergy Ease” or to speak with our one of our award-winning doctors here at the LifeScape Premier concierge medical practice in Scottsdale, please contact us.  Our mantra of “whole heath for a while life” considers all aspects of your overall health including what your seasonal and food allergy troubles.

Number 1 – Weight

It’s no surprise that managing your weight would top our list.  Weight management is crucial to so many aspects of your body’s function, as well as mood, general energy levels, ability to participate in society and one of the most preventable and manageable aspects of our lives.  Fat cells produce hormones, cytokines and raise the risk of some cancers.  The hormones produced by fat cells increase the risk of developing Type II diabetes.  Cytokines cause inflammation and can lead to the hardening of hearts organs and arteries.

Studies show that people under the age of 75 decrease their risk of premature death by half when maintaining a lean weight.  Weight alone can be deceiving based on individual body types, frames and fat and muscle ratios, so we suggest measuring your Body Mass Index or BMI as a good indicator of your actual weight.  Patients at our concierge medical practice will be familiar with their BMI from the print-outs we supply after being weighed on professional scales here in the office that use electrical current to gauge a more accurate accounting of your BMI, than just solid height and weight alone.

Number 2 – Supplements

As the old saying goes “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and there could be some truth to that!  Most fresh fruits and vegetables are chock full of different nutrients our bodies require for proper functioning. Sadly, the modern diet is so wrought with processed food stuffs, modified fruits, vegetables, meats and carbs that we need to supplement what we’re consuming with additional nutrients.  Supplements aren’t a “cure-all” and should never be taken alone as a substitute for a meal.  Most supplements should be consumed regularly with a full glass of water, AFTER you’ve eaten a solid meal.  Nutrients are more readily absorbed into our bodies during the digestion process, so taking them after a meal is typically recommended.

Professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of California, Berkeley, Bruce Ames swears by a daily regimen of 600-800mg of alpha-lipoic acid (we carry Xymogen Alamax CR) and 2,000 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine (we carry Metagenics Ceralin Forte Neuroprotection formula), for boosting the energy output of mitochondria.

Additionally, we’ve found that most people are severely deficient on Vitamin D and the more Vitamin D is studied, the more evidence there is that it is essential for us.  Dr. Susan Wilder, founder of the LifeScape Premier concierge medical practice recommends that everyone have their Vitamin D levels checked and consider a regimen to improve them. Research suggests that low levels of Vitamin D increases the risk of osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, and numerous types of cancer.

While you can buy Vitamin D over the counter at most grocery stores and pharmacies, higher dosage IUs are often required to re-set the body’s levels during a controlled period of time and then on-going management is crucial. As always, we recommend having your levels checked by a physician, using a test like the Spectracell tests we offer our concierge patients here at LifeScape Premier.   Not only can Vitamin D address the illnesses we’ve listed above, some patients have even found it integral to helping with overall energy levels, mood and for combating depression. “D is a no-brainer” says Dr. Wilder.

Number 3 – Breathing

Clearly a no-brainer, a sedentary lifestyle is a killer on our bodies; literally!  But you don’t have to be a gym rat to do right by yourself.   Even mild exercise keeps your blood vessels pliable and healthy and exercise reduces the risk of diabetes, depression, some cancers, metabolic syndrome and is linked to brain health.

Proper breathing and getting your blood flowing are the best ways to stay fit and healthy.  A brisk 30-minute walk five times a week will do wonders for mind and body.  Stretching and breathing exercises show significant impact as well.  Make a conscious effort to breathe deeply twice daily using this technique.  Inhale deeply through your nose, hold the oxygen in your lungs while you count to seven and exhale strongly through the mouth.  Continue those for two minutes each session and you’ll be well on your way to combating stress, oxygenating your blood and vital organs, as well as reducing hormone and cortisol build up brought about by daily stressors.

If breathing exercises aren’t your bag; try singing!  In a University of California Irvine study, professor emeritus Robert Beck Ph.D. found that, “levels of an infection-fighting antibody called IgA increased 240% in the saliva of choral members performing Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis.”.   That’s nothing to whistle at!

Number 4 – Sleep

We’ve said it time and again but the more we learn about sleep, the better we understand its imperative nature for balancing, healing and rejuvenating your body.  Bad sleep habits (not enough, inconsistent times and duration) or sleep interrupted by snoring can contribute to a whole host of health issues including weight gain, depression, thyroid dysfunction and more severe maladies.

If you know you snore, or those around you tell you that you snore — seek medical consultation immediately. Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea; a medical condition that shuts off the flow of oxygen to your brain and can lead to stroke, high blood pressure heart disease and more.  National news outlet CBS reported that 28 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and many are unaware, in denial or chalk it up to a “normal” bodily function.  It is not, and the consequences can be deadly.  Their report showed that, “…people with severe sleep apnea were 4.8 times more likely to die from cancer,” Treatment is fairly straightforward and in many cases simple weight loss or assisted breathing apparatus can help you get the full night’s sleep your body requires.

“…people with severe sleep apnea were 4.8 times more likely to die from cancer…”

Number 5 – Diet

While there is a multitude of diet information, recommendations and fad diets on the market today, simple is usually better. Our founder Dr. Wilder is fond of the “ELF Diet” or “Eat Less Food” approach.  The American diet has become behemoth in proportion to our other cultures around the world and so have our bodies!  Our food chain is overburdened with super-sized quantities of non- or low-nutrition foodstuffs and the servings are massive. Just because you can order a triple cheeseburger – doesn’t mean you should!

Swap the pasta and potatoes for sensible portions of low-glycemic starches like brown rice, bulgur or legumes and consider some of these cancer fighting spices.  Potatoes, pasta and other fast digesting, high-glycemic foods give our bodies a rush of sugar resulting in spikes that can lead to crash and burn bodily functions and increase the risk of weight gain, diabetes and aging.

Additionally, processed sugars, additives, stabilizers and a whole host of sodium is commonplace just about any place that prepares food for you.  A natural; approach to eating including plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables (learn what those PLU codes mean) and eating the right kinds of meat, carbs, dairy and legumes is recommended.  Avoid sugary drinks or beverages containing high fructose corn syrup and watch your portions!

Number 6 – Pets

Numerous studies have shown that pets enrich our lives in so many ways beyond the altruistic.  Animal companions have been shown to reduce our stress levels, and the old adage “stress will kill ya” isn’t far from the truth.  Mental stress creates physical changes in our bodies including increased cortisol levels, hormone production and constricted blood flow, which in turn can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, brain dysfunction, strokes and heart attacks.

James Serpell, PhD, director of the Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society at the University of Pennsylvania is quoted as saying, “Owning a pet reduces the number of visits to the doctor, prolongs survival after a heart attack, and wards off depression.”   Several studies, like this one, have shown that having a pet present during a stressful situation helped humans by lowering blood pressure and regulating the heart rate.  One study in particular indicates that pet ownership may even be more beneficial than common blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors! The study concluded that, “ACE inhibitor therapy alone lowers resting blood pressure, whereas increased social support through pet ownership lowers blood pressure response to mental stress.”

In Sum

Aging is inevitable, but aging gracefully, with a healthy body and mind can be easily accomplished with simple steps, the right advice and a customized program for you.  That’s precisely what we offer at the LifeScape Premier concierge medical practice in Scottsdale, AZ. Our team of the best doctors in Phoenix works with each patient to develop a custom life plan to meet their individual health goals.  From diet and nutrition to weight management, sports medicine  vitamins and supplements, mental health and whole health makeovers – we take a different approach than many doctors in that we build true relationships with our patients.  We assess the overall health and wellness of each patient and create a custom plan for “whole health for a whole life”.  To schedule an appointment too meet with us, please contact us!  The only thing we can’t provide is a pet, but we can certainly recommend a good rescue or shelter!

“…red meat can actually be healthy for you.”

Most animals have a sweet tooth, and humans are no exception. For millennia, mammalian diets have consisted of bland foodstuffs occurring naturally in the wild, so when we get a taste of sugar, we love it!  But today’s processed sugars, refined sweeteners, chemical additives, stabilizers and artificial colorings are neither good for human consumption; nor the animals we consume.

As the cost of corn increases, so do farmers’ needs to pinch more profit by getting “creative” with what they feed their herds.  Some have resorted to feeding their cows cookies, candy sprinkles, licorice and more!  These processed sugars are no better for the animals than for humans, and the consumption is causing the same obesity issues in our bovine friends as it does in humans.

SOURCE: WIRED Magazine

Again, we go back to the old modicum of “you are what you eat” and when you’re eating sugary, fatty junk — it’s going to have an adverse effect on your health.

“Most studies…do not differentiate between meat raised on commercial beef farms and naturally-grazed, grass-fed livestock. ”

This is not to say that all red meat is bad for you.  Most studies decrying the health woes of red meat do not differentiate between meat raised on commercial beef farms and naturally-grazed, grass-fed livestock.  Cattle raised in open pastures, consuming a traditional herbivorous diet have shown to produce some of the healthiest meats around.  One study showed that “grass-based diets for cows help them produce more vitamin A and E, as well as cancer fighting antioxidants such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD) compared to grain-fed cows.”

Grass fed beef has 4 times more Vitamin E than grain fed cows and three to five times more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than that of commercial animals. CLA is an important nutrient that has cancer-preventing properties.

The fact is that naturally-raised, grass-fed beef can be quite healthy for you.  It is leaner, contains more positive nutrients and is becoming more accessible.  Ask at your local grocery for grass-fed beef or find a local farm in your area that pastures their animals naturally.  Here in Arizona, we have J H Grass Fed (beef, lamb and chicken), Date Creek Ranch and many more.   Local farms offering authenticated, grass-fed beef near you can be found online with a little searching. Plus, when you support local farmers, you’re also investing in your community, as opposed to supporting large national and multinational conglomerates.  That’s healthy for the community, your local economy and your body.

For more information about diet and nutrition or to speak with our one of our award-winning doctors here at the LifeScape Premier concierge medical practice in Scottsdale, please contact us.  Our mantra of “whole heath for a while life” considers all aspects of your overall health including what you feed yourself and your family each day.  Working together, we can make a difference. Now, for that burger!

Our Signature Cardiovascular Health Make-Over is a comprehensive assessment of your heart health and a customized plan for personal longevity.   Ask yourself these questions and consider the alternative:

Are you concerned about personal longevity?

Are you taking more medications, yet better health eludes you?

Are you prepared to invest in your health & vitality?

At LifeScape we have access to a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions offering the best of both worlds – the complimentary, nutritional realm and standard allopathic medicine.  Our Signature Cardiovascular Health Make-Over uses tools an analysis from multiple disciplines to assess your personal state of heart health and create a customized plan to heart health for you.  Our make-over includes:

• A full-service Concierge Physical with an award-winning doctor
• Biometrics and vitals with state-of-the-art equipment
• CIMT heart attack early warning exam
• An EKG and Impedance Cardiography test
• Spirometry test for pulmonary function
• Full spectrum lab panel and blood work
• Nutritional deficiency assessment
• Examination of your body’s proteins, organ function & blood health
• Creation of a custom plan based on your personal heart health needs
• Consultations with in-house Nutrionist, Psychologist & Fitness experts

At LifeScape we look at all aspects of your health and lifestyle before making a diagnosis, as external factors, sleep, diet and exercise all play a role in your overall health and wellness.  Our philosophy is simple “Whole Health for a Whole Life” and our team of the top doctors in Phoenix is here to help.

To learn more about our Signature Cardiovascular Health Make-Over, or to schedule yours today, contact us online, like us on Facebook, or call us in Scottsdale Arizona at (480) 860-5269.

That type of experience is in direct contrast to the model for concierge care we developed here at the LifeScape Premier concierge medical practice in Scottsdale, AZ. We designed our practice several years ago, from the ground up, to be patient-centric and to acknowledge all aspects of a patient’s health care experience.  Concierge medicine is not just about the financial model between patient, provider and insurance companies – it’s about people.  We put people first in everything we do, because our practice is about you, after all.

When designing our concierge experience, we endeavored from the onset to differentiate ourselves from the traditional family medical practice in ways ranging from services and offerings, to communications and technology to the physical design of our offices.   Putting the patient first to develop healthcare interactions that are positive and enriching, our priorities in designing our concierge medical offices included:

• Create a soothing/healing environment for patients or every age and for staff
• Emphasis on patient safety and infection control
• Cleanable, green, natural, durable surfaces
• Incorporate nature and natural light

The result amounted to a tranquil, relaxing, spa-like setting that inspires health and wellness.  We did not achieve this on our own. We employed the top minds in the industry of health care design, including former Disney Imagineers; masters of human factors design, as well as one of the leading industry luminaries, Jain Malkin, CID, AAHID, EDAC.

“We are so grateful to have a visionary like Jain helping us design our dream practice.”

Malkin is revered as a visionary and trailblazer in her own right, with regard to designing health care spaces that are comfortable, efficient and safe for both patients and employees.  She has been on the list of the “Most Influential People in Healthcare Design” every year it’s been presented by Healthcare Design Magazine, and she’s written dozens of articles, several books and speaks regularly on the topic of health care design.  Jain spent years researching practical applications in health care environments and her combined acumen lead to the direct benefit and influence of our office design.

“Jain was encouraged to work with me by Len Berry, Business Professor at Texas A&M and world expert on service in industry,” recalls Dr. Susan Wilder, founder of the LifeScape Premier concierge medical practice.   “Jain had expertise in healing medical design and talked with me for 3 hours on the phone about our vision for a patient-centered spa-like environment to provide a haven for our patients and a healthy home for our staff.   She understood our vision perfectly and made it work financially. We are so grateful to have a visionary like Jain helping us design our dream practice.”

Everything about our offices has purpose and was designed to meet our stated priorities. From the soothing, bamboo-hemmed waterfall in the lobby, to the organic,  curvilinear design of walls,  hallways and meeting spaces to the warm, natural light, comfortable seating, children’s’ interactive area, and free Wi-Fi and public computer kiosks in the lobby – the entire space is meaningfully-built to afford a level of comfort, safety and practicality for our practice.  We incorporated Sonora Quest Labs and a “holistic apothecary” on-site for the convenience of our patients and staff.  We offer the latest in laser, injectables and skin care treatments in a safe and comfortable environment.  Even the design of our stand-up doctors’ medical kiosks and downy-soft concierge robes are reminiscent of a visit to a rejuvenating spa, as opposed to a stolid day wasted at a traditional doctors’ office.

To that end, LifeScape has been showcased in international medical design tours and made the cover of Medical Economics, recognizing our healing office design.  To learn more about LifeScape Premier’s concierge medial practice, or to schedule an appointment with a concierge care coordinator, please visit us in Scottsdale, AZ or contact us online.