What could be better than visiting Dr. Carpenter and instantly smoothing age lines?  How about receiving a FREE full size VIVITE® (from the makers of BOTOX®) lip plumper with your next JUVEDERM® treatment!  From now until February 14, 2010, Dr. Carpenter has lowered our price on JUVIDERM® to $550.00 a syringe AND you get a product that is new to the beauty market.  Where are the most common treatment areas for JUVEDERM ®?  Most anyone who has experienced this ”miracle” filler will tell you that after having the treatment, lines around the mouth area (more commonly known as smile lines) smoothed out or virtually diasappeared.  Others have shared that if there were wrinkles around their mouth (more commonly referred to as “smoker’s mouth),  this filler almost instantly filled and smoothed any apparent lines. 

*JUVEDERM.com

What makes VIVITE® lip plumper stand out from other lip plumpers?  VIVITE® has a special exfoliation and hydration formula that leaves lips moist and full after application.  VIVITE® is simple to apply with it’s click feed-action brush to grace your lips with just the right amount of hydrating plumper.  The product is the size of a pen, so it can go anywhere you go!  Contact us at 405-390-9600 for more information or to schedule your next JUVEDERM® treatment with Dr. Carpenter.   

Photos:  JUVEDERM.com, freestufftimes.com, viviteskincare.com

 When you stop somking, things taste and smell better.  Sweet and sugary foods become more appealing and naturally, when your’e not putting a cigarette in your mouth, you’re putting something else in it.  The metabolic rate  slows down after you stop smoking. 

When you stop smoking, that is your cue to start moving.  You are able to breathe and exercise better.  Plan ahead by drinking plenty of water and imporving your diet.  Drinking water will boost your metabolism.  Increase your physical activity. 

If you need something to put in your mouth, there’s always carrot sticks! 

                                                                                                                                                                                                         Photos:  Cutera.com, hairstylechat.com, skinclinics.co.uk

Alcoholism is a disease that effects thousands of Americans every year.  Over 75,000 deaths are attributed to alcohol use yearly.  The standard measure of a “drink” of alcohol includes:  12-ounces of regular beer or a wine cooler; 8-ounces of malt liquor; 5-ounces of wine; or 1.5-ounces of at least 80-proof (or 40%) distilled liquor (Whiskey, rum, vodka, etc).  There are two types of drinking—binge drinking and heavy drinking.  Binge drinking is defined for women by having more than 3 drinks in a single occasion and men having 4 drinks in a single event.  Heavy drinking is defined for women as having 1 drink per day on average and 2 drinks per day on average for men.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

       Alcoholism is an addiction or dependence on alcohol.  Patients may have a craving for alcohol.  They may have a loss of control once they start drinking.  Some will have a physical dependence, meaning they will have withdrawal symptoms—like sweating, shakiness, and/or anxiety.  Frequent signs and symptoms of alcoholism may include:  needing alcohol (or what’s called an eye opener) at the start of the day; nightmares or insomnia; blackouts; mood or personality changes, memory loss, depression, anxiety and fatigue; money, family, or work problems;  may promise to decrease or stop but fails; hides alcohol or lies about drinking; vision, hearing, perception and alertness problems; lack of sexual interest or having impotency; and anger when approached about their drinking.  Severe cases may have tremors, violent shakes, hallucinations or convulsions.  Having a family history of alcoholism greatly increases your risk for alcoholism.  (1)

     Treatment depends on how bad the disease is.  To treat alcoholism, a true alcoholic should avoid alcohol use.  Some physicians may prescribe medicines to treat withdrawal symptoms.  Other medicines that may be used would give an unpleasant reaction when the patient drinks alcohol.  Counseling may help people who are addicted to alcohol.  A support or self-help group may be of use with coping with alcoholism.  Severe addictions often have to be admitted for treatment.  If you or someone you know has a problem, they should seek help immediately.  The effects of alcoholism affects not only the patient’s health but also the health and well being of those around them.  Other complications that can occur include oral cancers, liver diseases, pancreatitis, heart disease, psychiatric problems, social problems, death, the risk of killing others, and many more complications. (2)

References

1.  Website.  http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/quickstats/general_info.htm.  Accessed:  April 16, 2008.
2. Moore, Stephen.  Griffith’s Instructions for Patients:  Alcoholism.  Elsevier Saunders Publications.  7^th Ed.  Page 6.  2005.
3. Photos:  Pics-leo190.wordpress.com, seshdotcom.wordpress.com.  Acquired 1/07/2010. 

By:  Billy Sanders, PA-C

  The overuse of antibiotics is now becoming one of the most critical concerns in the public health arena.  The reason for this is the ability of some bacteria to become resistant to once potent antibiotics due to overuse or abuse of antibiotics.  The group that has the highest incident of resistance is young children who attend daycares and those exposed to antibiotics routinely.  By overusing antibiotics, it increases the chance that a patient will be infected with a resistant organism(s).  Furthermore, the use of antibiotics for viral infections will not be beneficial, and it could harm the patient. (Medscape, 2008) 

     Are you aware that colds, flu, most sore throats, and acute bronchitis are caused by viruses? Did you know that antibiotics do not help fight viruses? (CDC, 2008)  There are some things you can do to help prevent antibacterial resistance:  1)  Don’t demand an antibiotic, 2)  A low grade fever often times are associated with viral illness, 3)  If you are given an antibiotic, take all of it, 4)  Wash your hands, 5)  Avoid those who are sick, and 6)  Get plenty of vitamin C.  The most common symptoms of the common cold and other viral illnesses include:  sore throat, nasal drainage that can be clear and thicken with a yellow or green color to it, sneezing, tiredness, cough, and sometimes a low grade fever. (Webmd, 2008) However, to be sure, you should see your physician. 

1. Website.  Educating Parents About the Judicious Use of Antibiotics in Children.  http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/436613.  Medscape.com.  Accessed:  April 7, 2008.
2. Website.  If You Have a Cold or Flu, Antibiotics Won’t Work for You!  CDC.com http://www.cdc.gov/Features/GetSmart.  Accessed:  April 7, 2008.
3. Web site.  Common Cold Symptoms: What’s Normal, What’s Not.  http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/common_-cold-symptoms.  WebMD.com  Accessed:  April 7, 2008.
4. Website.  Photos:  liquidoespaco.wordpress.com, guardian.uk.com.  Accessed:  January 6, 2010. 

  Enjoy Care Credit’s interest free account for 12 months, no up front costs and low monthly payment options. 

Commonly asked questions about Care Credit: 

* Can I use Care Credit to pay for cosmetic maintenance treatments such as BOTOX™ or Restalyne injections that I get several times a year? 

Absolutely.  You can use your card again without having to reapply as long as you have credit available on your card. 

*What if I’d like to take care of multiple procedures at one time, can I use Care Credit to pay for the cost of multiple procedures?

Yes, when you use your card, you will be billed for whatever services you choose to pay for with CareCredit.

*Can I use Care Credit to pay for non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Derma Sweep, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Vein Therapy and Lime Light Facial Treatment?

Yes, you can use CareCredit anywhere it is accepted for all different types of elective and cosmetic treatments. 

Choctaw Family Medicine & Aesthetics will help you process Care Credit applications for aesthetic treatments upon request with your sceduled service. 

Graphics and information resource:  Carecredit.com.

Post treatment, your skin feels soft and fresh without redness from traditional evasive skin resurfacing treatments.  For additional information about Derma Sweep or for your personal consultation, contact Jessica at 405.390.9600.

 would like to wish you and your family

a very safe and happy New Year! 

Cary Carpenter, M. D.

What makes the Vibracizer ™ so unique is its 3D oscillating technology that puts gravity to work for you through a technique known as gravity reversal or inversion.  This technology was originally developed to rehabilitate cosmonauts from the degenerating effects of space missions similar to that of old age.   The Vibracizer™ harmonizes the brain and body triggering left and right sides of the body and brain, bringing them into synchronicity, by using a central pivot to deliver 3D motion.  The vibrating miracle machine is not only a popular stop for those who wish to shed inches and tighten muscles.  For those with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, stroke victims and others with laterality issues, this machine is a godsend.   

To find out more information about the Vibracizer™ or for your complementary session, stop by the clinic or call us at 405.390.9600.  It is important to remember that if you are seeking weight loss results, you must exercise, eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.  Weight loss will not happen on its own, you have to want to make it happen.  For additional information on a balanced diet, visit  http://www.mypyramid.gov/ and click on any of the colored sections of the “food pyramid”. 

Have you ever used the Vibracizer™ or a similar vibrating machine?  We would like to hear about your experiences in the comment section below.