Hair VitaminsHow to Choose the Best Hair Vitamins and How Long Do You Have to Take Them? – Parade

Im stepping into 2020 with the healthiest hair Ive ever had, beauty influencer Brittanie Evans recently posted on Instagram, touting her partnership with SugarBearHair supplements. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Vanessa Hudgens and Gwyneth Paltrow have also credited hair vitamins for their luxurious locks.

But, do hair vitamins actually work? It depends, says New Orleans-based dermatologist Mary Lupo.

She compares hair supplements to chicken soupthey cant really hurt and may help. But, if you have a medical condition causing hair loss or other hair issues, hair vitamins likely wont help, and medical treatment may be needed.

What I think is important is that a person kind of go through a little checklist and make sure that before they spend money on vitamins, that theyve ruled out other things that can cause the problem, she says.

You may wish your hair was thicker or shinier or that it would grow longer more quickly. There are several reasons why your hair may not be cooperating.

Stress is a big one: Cortisol is your stress hormone, and a lot of women lose hair or shed hair, or their hair doesnt grow as long because of stress, Lupo says.

Stress can cause a condition called telogen effluvium, a scalp disorder that leads to hair shedding or thinning. It often occurs after instances of stress on the body, like surgery, illness or having a baby, Lupo says.

Other reasons you have issues with your hair:

Some conditions actually damage the hair follicle, Lupo says. Cicatricial alopecia, for example, is caused by scar tissue in the hair follicle, making hair fall out, and its usually irreversible. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease, causing quarter-sized chunks of hair to fall out.

Genetics also play a role in hair loss or conditions that cause it.

Hair loss because of chemotherapy could benefit from hair vitamins, Lupo says.

When you have hair loss from chemo, your hair has to cycle back and maybe the hair vitamins can speed it up a little bit, she says. I dont think its going to be anything earth-shattering, but I dont think it would hurt and it might help a little bit.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Hair Extensions

For someone without a medical condition, vitamins could improve hair, but it will take time, six months or more to see a result, Lupo says. Thats because hair follicles grow in cycles.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the anagen, or growing, phase, may last two to eight years, and refers to most of the hair you have. The catagen phase, which takes two to three weeks, refers to the timeframe when hair follicles shrink. The telogen, or resting, phase is when the hair falls out and can take two to four months.

If your hair cycles into the telogen phase too quickly, it may not grow as long as youd like, since once the hair sheds, and the process starts all over again, Lupo says. Seeing results from hair vitamins depends on taking them regularly for several months.

One month isnt going to make any difference at all, she says. Then, once you see the result, what I tell my patients is you can lower the dose of the vitamin. Like if it tells you to take four a day, you could cut it down to two a day or whatever as a maintenance dose after youve taken it for about a year. But, dont discontinue it or youll lose the benefit.

When shopping for hair vitamins, read the list of ingredients to ensure they contain substances that promote healthy hair: B vitamins, especially biotin, and vitamin E promote hair, nail and skin health, Lupo says.

The way vitamins help hair is really more from the antioxidant or anti-inflammatory (standpoint) to make the scalp healthier and the hair follicle healthier, she explains.

Many hair vitamins also contain plant-based ingredients, like ashwagandha and saw palmetto, which encourage hair health.

Ashwagandha has been shown to lower cortisol and also has anti-inflammatory properties, which promotes healthy hair. Saw palmetto is an ingredient in may products for men that helps with hair loss and prostate cancer.

Related: Is Hairprint the Secret to Covering Your Gray Naturally?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) does not review supplements, including hair vitamins, for safety before theyre allowed on the market. Lupo says hair vitamins are generally safe, though.

She suggests reviewing a hair vitamin products list of ingredients and choosing ones without too many additives. Also, look for ones that are Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified, like the Natures Bounty brand.

Finally, be wary of any hair vitamins that make medical or any too-good-to-be-true claims.

I think that theyre safe for anybody, Lupo says. Its just the danger is if you have a medical condition that is undiagnosed and unrecognized that is causing you to lose your hair. If youre just taking vitamins, you might be wasting your time and your money, and youre not getting a proper diagnosis so that you can get appropriate treatment.

Along with hair vitamins, prescription drugs like Propecia and Rogaine can help treat hair loss, Lupo says, but women shouldnt take Propecia unless they are postmenopausal.

Dermatologists may also use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy injections to trigger hair follicles to grow more hair. Lupo says usually four to six sessions of PRP are needed, and need to be repeated after several months to maintain results.

PRP is pretty much considered the gold standard of a therapeutic option, Lupo says. Its perfectly safe because you take your own blood, its spun down, you extract the platelets, and its injected into the scalp.

Diet also improves hair quality. Eating plenty of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fruits and vegetables, especially dark green veggies, can make your hair thicker and shinier.

If you have hair loss, thinning or other problems, Lupo suggests visiting your dermatologist to rule out any medical problems, even before trying hair vitamins or if youve tried hair vitamins with no results.

I would urge a person if theyve got a real hair loss problem to get the appropriate evaluation by a dermatologist and any recommended blood work that the dermatologist gives you sooner rather than later, she says.

Tempted to try a lash lift? Check out our guide.

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Hair VitaminsHow to Choose the Best Hair Vitamins and How Long Do You Have to Take Them? - Parade

SVHI PRP Therapy Announces New Website Focused on PRP for Hair Loss in the San Francisco Bay Area – Benzinga

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Jan. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --SHVI PRP Therapy, the leader in innovative hair loss treatments based on PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) at https://svhi-prp.com/, is proud to announce a new website. The new website is a "microsite," focused specifically at the use of PRP to mitigate hair loss. Many Bay Area consumers are open to cutting edge technologies, and PRP is one option in their hair loss journey.

"PRP therapy for hair loss is an innovative option for many Bay Area patients," explained Miguel Canales, surgeon and founder of SVHI PRP therapy. "Even more important, a patient who seeks out a consultation with me on hair loss will be able to review the entire range of options from PRP therapy to hair loss to hair transplantation. I will work with each patient to create the best treatment program for their hair loss needs."

Persons who would like to learn more about the company can visit the new website. In particular, they can focus on the page specific to PRP therapy can visit https://svhi-prp.com/prp-therapy/. Another option is to read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document at https://svhi-prp.com/faq/. That document explains as follows. Hair thinning in women, which affects nearly 40 million American women, is mainly due to heredity and can start any time after puberty. However, we also know that female pattern hair loss can be strongly influenced by age, nutrition, stress, surgery, medications, illness, social/lifestyle factors, hair care and more. As hair follicles weaken and stop producing hair, hair loss occurs. Remarkably, PRP for hair loss can impact the hair itself, often resulting in hair rejuvenation.

PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma for hair loss is an in-office, non-surgical, treatment derived from the patient's own blood that can be performed in about an hour. After the area of concern is identified, evaluated and measured, standardized medical photos are taken in the photo suite. Special gentle and sterile techniques and equipment are used to separate and concentrate the platelets and plasma from a small sample of peripheral blood. PRP contains growth factors and cytokines that have been shown to be responsible for stimulating and enhancing hair follicle function. The scalp is prepared with antiseptic solution and anesthetic (a "ring block," not simply local anesthetic gel) is used to completely numb the scalp. Small injections of the PRP deliver the powerful platelet-derived growth factors into the skin at the level of the weak follicles. Electronic, mechanical microneedling is performed.

ABOUT SVHI PRP THERAPY

SVHI PRP Therapy is a Bay Area company based in Foster City, California, that offers PRP for hair loss to clients from San Francisco to San Mateo, Palo Alto to Redwood City, Redwood City to Burlingame and beyond. Clients who are suffering from hair loss and are seeking innovative therapy come to SVHI PRP Therapy to explore their options, including PRP therapy for hair loss. The company offers a no obligation consultation on hair loss with Dr. Miguel Canales, a recognized specialist in the hair loss industry including hair transplantation.

SOURCE SVHI PRP Therapy

Here is the original post:
SVHI PRP Therapy Announces New Website Focused on PRP for Hair Loss in the San Francisco Bay Area - Benzinga

SVHI PRP Therapy Announces New Website Focused on PRP for Hair Loss in the San Francisco Bay Area – PR Web

PRP for Hair Loss Bay Area

FOSTER CITY, Calif. (PRWEB) January 17, 2020

SHVI PRP Therapy, the leader in innovative hair loss treatments based on PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) at https://svhi-prp.com/, is proud to announce a new website. The new website is a "microsite," focused specifically at the use of PRP to mitigate hair loss. Many Bay Area consumers are open to cutting edge technologies, and PRP is one option in their hair loss journey.

"PRP therapy for hair loss is an innovative option for many Bay Area patients," explained Miguel Canales, surgeon and founder of SVHI PRP therapy. "Even more important, a patient who seeks out a consultation with me on hair loss will be able to review the entire range of options from PRP therapy to hair loss to hair transplantation. I will work with each patient to create the best treatment program for their hair loss needs."

Persons who would like to learn more about the company can visit the new website. In particular, they can focus on the page specific to PRP therapy can visit https://svhi-prp.com/prp-therapy/. Another option is to read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document at https://svhi-prp.com/faq/. That document explains as follows. Hair thinning in women, which affects nearly 40 million American women, is mainly due to heredity and can start any time after puberty. However, we also know that female pattern hair loss can be strongly influenced by age, nutrition, stress, surgery, medications, illness, social/lifestyle factors, hair care and more. As hair follicles weaken and stop producing hair, hair loss occurs. Remarkably, PRP for hair loss can impact the hair itself, often resulting in hair rejuvenation.

PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma for hair loss is an in-office, non-surgical, treatment derived from the patients own blood that can be performed in about an hour. After the area of concern is identified, evaluated and measured, standardized medical photos are taken in the photo suite. Special gentle and sterile techniques and equipment are used to separate and concentrate the platelets and plasma from a small sample of peripheral blood. PRP contains growth factors and cytokines that have been shown to be responsible for stimulating and enhancing hair follicle function. The scalp is prepared with antiseptic solution and anesthetic (a ring block, not simply local anesthetic gel) is used to completely numb the scalp. Small injections of the PRP deliver the powerful platelet-derived growth factors into the skin at the level of the weak follicles. Electronic, mechanical microneedling is performed.

ABOUT SVHI PRP THERAPY

SVHI PRP Therapy is a Bay Area company based in Foster City, California, that offers PRP for hair loss to clients from San Francisco to San Mateo, Palo Alto to Redwood City, Redwood City to Burlingame and beyond. Clients who are suffering from hair loss and are seeking innovative therapy come to SVHI PRP Therapy to explore their options, including PRP therapy for hair loss. The company offers a no obligation consultation on hair loss with Dr. Miguel Canales, a recognized specialist in the hair loss industry including hair transplantation.

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SVHI PRP Therapy Announces New Website Focused on PRP for Hair Loss in the San Francisco Bay Area - PR Web

HEALTH WATCH: What to know about, and how to treat, alopecia – Lexington Dispatch

Alopecia, or the loss of hair, can be triggered by various causes, including age, stress and an unhealthy lifestyle. [SHUTTERSTOCK]

The loss or thinning of hair can be a very traumatic experience for many, but there are ways to treat it

If one's hair begins to significantly thin out or fall out, it can be quite distressing for many. Alopecia, or hair loss, is a common condition that impacts men, women and even children.

Dr. Rosalyn George, a dermatologist and the founder of Wilmington Dermatology Center, 710 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 320, said alopecia is a daily complaint in her office and is a huge problem for many. She recommends that anyone who experiences significant hair loss get evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.

1) Alopecia can appear as one or more circular bald patches, shedding of hair and gradual hair loss

"Alopecia is the technical term for hair loss, and it can present in many different ways depending on what's causing it," George said. "There are some autoimmune diseases where it will show up as a circular patch where all of your hair is gone. Most commonly people will notice a thinning or shedding of their hair, so they'll notice their hair is not quite as thick or that they're losing a lot more of their hair."

2) Alopecia types can be placed into two categories -- scarring alopecia and non-scarring alopecia

According to the National Institute or Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, scarring alopecia, also called cicatricial alopecia, is a group of rare disorders that destroy hair follicles, the part of the skin from which hair grows. Scar tissue replaces the follicles, causing permanent hair loss.

"It's very important to get that diagnosed early cause we (can) treat them before people have permanent hair loss," George said. "And then there are the non-scarring alopecias, which are the vast majority of alopecia that we see ...

"If someone's noticing significant hair loss, or if someone is having symptoms -- like some of the scarring hair loss will be itchy or have redness around the hair follicles, so there may be other things going on with that type of hair loss, so it's important to have a dermatologist evaluate you."

3) Telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata are common types of alopecia

Non-scarring alopecia is the most common type of alopecia and include telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.

"The telogen effluvium happens in times of stress -- a good stress or a bad stress," George said. "For example, during pregnancy you kind of keep all of your hair, and then once you have the baby all of that hair will shed. That can happen after someone has surgery; I see it after someone has gastric bypass surgery, where their nutrition isn't great ..."

George calls androgenetic alopecia "extraordinarily widespread." It includes hair loss caused by aging. "That's the type of hair loss that men notice when they're starting to get the widow's peak, or they are going bald on the crown of their heads. It's very terrible for women when this happens because their hair starts to thin, and it can be very distressing psychologically to people.

"The third one is alopecia areata -- that's where people lose very well demarcated areas of hair or they can lose all of their hair on their scalp, or their body. There's different variations," she said. "Most of the times it's very localized, but there are more severe cases, where people can lose all of their hair on their body or just all of the hair on their head and face."

4) Alopecia can have various causes

According to the National Library of Medicine, many men and some women lose their hair as they get older. Hair loss can also be caused by underlying diseases, such as thyroid problems, diabetes, or lupus. Certain medications, types of chemotherapy, a stressful experience, diet, family history, and poor nutrition are some other causes.

"It's a mixture of genes, hormone changes, and environmental influences that cause hair loss over time and that is very, very common," George said about androgenetic alopecia.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition, in which one's immune system basically attacks the hair follicles, which causes hair loss.

5) Treatment for alopecia depends on the cause

In some cases, treating the underlying cause can correct the problem. Other forms of treatment include medication and hair restoration techniques. One treatment for androgenetic alopecia includes Minoxidil, also known by brand name Rogaine. George said some vitamins can be helpful and some hair supplements have been linked to helping hair growth. However, she cautioned use of biotin, as excessive use of it can affect important lab work. A new therapy being used for hair loss is platelet-rich plasma injections, or PRP, where a person's blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp to help stimulate new hair growth.

George said, reducing stress, having a good diet, and getting enough sleep can all be helpful. Though trials are underway for oral medicines for people with alopecia areata, currently there are no approved medications for it.

As for telogen effluvium, George said, "all that takes is time. The hair recovers, and it grows back. It's not anything permanent, but it can be very stressful for people because you're shedding a lot of hair."

Contact the newsroom at 910-343-2384 or Breakingnews@StarNewsOnline.com.

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HEALTH WATCH: What to know about, and how to treat, alopecia - Lexington Dispatch

Everything You Want To Know About Bunions But Never Asked – Long Island Weekly News

A bunion deformity is one of the most common foot conditions. The big toe shifts toward the other toes and the inside of the joint bulges inward. The widening of the foot causes pain from tightness in shoegear something I call shoe conflict. As the joint becomes misaligned more pain occurs. This deformity can be corrected with foot surgery when indicated.

The medical term for bunion is Hallux Valgus which in Latin means big toe bending outward. Bunio means enlargement in Latin. The base of the big toe joint pushes inward as the big toe itself pushes over toward the other toes. The joint bulges inward causing a medial eminence (bump), which rubs in shoes and becomes red and inflamed over time. This pain and rubbing left unchecked often leads to greater complications.

Overpronation, aka over-flattening of the foot while standing or walking, puts extra pressure on the big toe joint. This extra stress makes the big toe joint (first metatarsophalangeal joint) unstable which causes the attaching tendons and ligaments to pull the bone out of place. Over time the joint moves over and a bunion forms. Overly elastic ligaments can also contribute to a bunions growth.

About 30 percent of the population develops bunions, which indicates how common they are. Genetics play a role as do foot type and structure. Women suffer with bunions more than men, but men are not immune. One study of aboriginal tribes showed that barefoot walkers developed bunions at a similar frequency as more traditional shoe wearing populations. Shoe gear may exacerbate symptoms of bunions but arent necessarily causative.

Conservative measures are tried first. These include: paring of calluses, changing shoegear, altering activity level, paddings and toe spacers, custom prescribed orthotics, anti-inflammatory injections, PRP (platelet rich plasma) therapy and physical therapy. When conservative measures do not work or the deformity is too large surgery may be recommended. Modern bunion surgery offers sophisticated and gentle options. Depending on the patient and type of bunion the right procedure is determined. I often employ a near pain-free procedure with a smaller, mini-invasive approach. The biomechanics of the foot and the patients lifestyle are taken into account. The days of crutches and non weight-bearing are behind us. A cast post procedure is not necessary. With proper bandaging and use of a surgical shoe one can actually walk and bear weight right away, albeit carefully and only as needed during the first week. Stitches are removed around two weeks after surgery. Bandages are changed weekly. Each patient varies; some return to work in a couple weeks. Others may return after 4-5 weeks.

Todays diagnostics and procedures available for bunion correction assure an optimal result. Less pain, less swelling and smaller and barely visible incisions have become commonplace when a thoughtful plan is used.

Dr. William Levine is a board certified podiatrist with 26 years of experience. He is the owner of Manhasset Podiatry, a private practice located at 1180 Northern Blvd. in Manhasset. Levine is on staff at Fifth Avenue Surgery Center in Manhattan and performs surgery there.

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Everything You Want To Know About Bunions But Never Asked - Long Island Weekly News

Denver Clinic Explores PRP Vs. Stem Cell Treatments And Choosing What Will Help Most – Press Release – Digital Journal

The Denver, CO based Denver Regenerative Medicine | Stem Cell Therapy, HRT, Testosterone Clinic (DRM) has been looking into PRP and stem cell treatments to determine which one of the two is more effective in any given situation. They provide a wide variety of treatments for a similarly wide range of problems and constantly commit research into which treatments are more effective for certain ailments. DRM specializes in highly advanced stem cell treatments.

The clinic has pioneered several unique treatment methods over the years. Their well-known AcCELLerate stem cell regeneration system, which was discovered and developed in-house, uses the patients own platelet-rich plasma to create a powerful mixture of activated stem cells and platelets. PRP therapy is then added to the mixture, which causes the stem cells to activate immediately.

Experience has shown that patients who receive our unique combination of activated platelets and Stem Cells, our AcCELLerate Stem Cell regeneration system, begin to notice results approximately 30% sooner when compared to patients that have received just stem cells without platelets, says the clinic. Additionally, those same patients show sustained improvement over a longer period of time. As a leading Denver PRP therapy and stem cell injection clinic, DRM has the knowledge and experience to help you heal naturally with AcCELLerate therapy.

Denver Regenerative Medicine was one of the first clinics in Denver to provide advanced stem cell therapy treatments along with alternatives to conventional intervention techniques. When done correctly, stem cell therapy injections in the knees, shoulders and other joints may serve as a better option than surgery for many patients. Stem cell therapy offers many advantages over surgery, such as faster recovery, much less pain, lower costs and less of a need for a sling or cast.

Stem cells are self-renewing and can grow into any type of cell needed by your body, says Denver Regenerative Medicine. Our regenerative medicine clinic in Denvers adult stem cell therapies use your own cells to create a customized treatment regimen that is readily accepted by your body. This can reduce the risk of rejection of these healing cells and can boost your own natural rejuvenating capabilities.

Anyone looking to boost their general health and vitality may be interested in Denver Regenerative Medicines Rejuvenate Therapy. Combining stem cell therapy and hormone replacement therapy, Rejuvenate therapy aims to combat the ailments caused by hormone imbalance (which often result from stress, toxins and a number of other natural factors) as well as reverse the effects of aging in the body. The clinics hormone replacement specialists know and understand how hormone imbalance can affect both men and women and lead to myriad ailments. Rejuvenate aims to fix these issues and restore the patients strength and vigor. Read about the clinic and some of their other procedures here: Denver Regenerative Medicine | Stem Cell Therapy, HRT, Testosterone Clinic.

Many of Denvers residents have already visited the clinic seeking treatment for any of a variety of problems. I wrecked my knees 30+ years ago, and my insurance has refused to do anything, says a patient named Mike Snider in a 5-Star Google review. I also developed Osteo-Arthritis in my thumbs. I went to Denver Regenerative in February and started the procedures on all four joints. When I went the first time I had to use the handrail to go up and down stairs and it was still painful. Now I do the stairs and very seldom use the handrail. My knees are about 90-95% now and my hands closer to 75-80% but overall much better. Dr. Gershon and the whole staff have been just great. I highly recommend using them to get relief.

Another patient, in a 5-Star review on the same platform, says, Excellent results for both knees. Six months ago, I had my stem cells injected in both knees. I could not sit in a cross leg position or climb a ladder or hike for more than 15 minutes. Dr. Gershon and stem cells healed my issues, and now I have no more pain and can hike, sit in a cross leg seated position and climb without pain or worry.

Denver Regenerative Medicine encourages those interested in the clinics many treatments to get in touch at their earliest convenience. Dr. Joel Cherdack is available to respond to any further inquiries. Visit their Google Maps page at the following link: Our Google Maps Listing.

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For more information about Denver Regenerative Medicine | Stem Cell Therapy, HRT, Testosterone Clinic, contact the company here:

Denver Regenerative Medicine | Stem Cell Therapy, HRT, Testosterone ClinicDr. Joel Cherdack(720) 583-1648info@denverregenerativemedicine.comDenver Regenerative Medicine | Stem Cell Therapy, HRT, Testosterone Clinic2149 S Holly St #200Denver, CO 80222

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Denver Clinic Explores PRP Vs. Stem Cell Treatments And Choosing What Will Help Most - Press Release - Digital Journal

NBA Stars Most Ready to Break out in Season’s 2nd Half – Bleacher Report

0 of 5

The late-season surge is a fairly common phenomenon in the NBA. Sometimes, it just takes players a couple of months to get healthy, find their rhythm or otherwise settle into a season.

Take Donovan Mitchell in 2018-19, for example.

While battling a toe injury through December, he posted 20.1 points with a 46.4 effective field-goal percentage and an 11.7 average game score.

On Dec. 31, he tweeted, "New year, new me."

In every game after that, he put up 26.5 points with a 51.2 effective field-goal percentage and a 17.6 game score.

The jump isn't always as dramatic as Mitchell's leap from inefficient volume scorer to bona fide superstar, but these stories happen every year.

Which players might pull it off in 2019-20?

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Kyle Kuzma

One thing Kyle Kuzma has shown in his young career is that he can score. It came on below-average true shooting, but he averaged 18.7 points per game for a losing team last season.

He just hasn't been able to show much of that scoring prowess for a team that includes Anthony Davis and LeBron James in 2019-20. He's more than perked up in AD's absence, dropping 62 points on 46 field-goal attempts in two games.

Perhaps this run without Davis will serve as a jolt for Kuzma's confidence. He's been in trade rumors already this season, but if he can play with this kind of purpose for the rest of the season, he may be exactly the kind of spark the team needs in LeBron-less minutes.

RJ Barrett

It's been a rough go for RJ Barrett in the NBA. There's no getting around that.His 13.8 points with a 45.9 true shooting percentage makes him one of the least efficient scorers in the league.

Every once in a while, though, you see the outline of the player who made some sense as the third overall pick. He has solid size (6'6") and playmaking ability for a wing. In theory, he should provide some switchability on defense. Reality has looked a little different.

But there have been signs of life of late. In his last five games, Barrett is averaging 18.4 points per game and shooting 47.7 percent from the field. Perhaps most encouraging is his 77.1 free-throw percentage in that span. Prior to that, he was at just 55.4 percent from the stripe.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is already having a good season, averaging 18.0 points and 2.7 threes and shooting 41.6 percent from three.

He can still break out.

Averages of 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 blocks all feel a little low for a player of his talent. If Jackson starts making more wide-ranging contributions for the Grizzlies, they should be able to hang in the race for eighth in the West.

Lauri Markkanen

Lauri Markkanen's points, rebounds and three-point percentage are all down this season. Thanks to a big jump in three-point attempt rate, his true shooting percentage is actually up, but this certainlyfeelslike an off year for the 22-year-old stretch big.

He's already shown the ability to do more. Combining last season's aggressiveness with this season's shot selection would do wonders for both Markkanen and the Chicago Bulls, who still have a 14 percent chance to make the playoffs, according to FiveThirtyEight.

2 of 5

It's been nearly two years since Kristaps Porzingis tore his ACL as a New York Knick on Feb. 6, 2018. After spending all of 2018-19 rehabbing, he finally returned to NBA action on a new team and with a radically different role.

His slow start with the Dallas Mavericks makes plenty of sense in that context. He's averaging 17.3 points per game, his lowest output since his 2015-16 rookie campaign. He's also posting a negative net rating swing (meaning the Mavericks' plus/minus is better with him off the floor) for the first time in his career.

He's essentially been a floor-spacer for Luka Doncic this season, but the bigger culprit for his struggles may still be health. He's now experiencing soreness in his other knee.

ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that KP had "...platelet-rich-plasma injection as part of the treatment for the soreness in his right knee..."

"The Mavs commonly use PRP injections to stimulate or assist healing and address symptoms such as pain in a variety of injuries, a source said, adding that the team occasionally uses it as part of preventative maintenance," he wrote. "The injections use elements of the patient's own blood, not medicine."

If the injections eliminate, or at least make manageable, the soreness in Porzingis' knee, expect an uptick in production over the second half of the season.

He's now had a few months to adapt to his role and NBA basketball generally. His new, smarter shot selection should help. He just has to start hitting those shots he's capable of hitting.

3 of 5

As was the case with Jaren Jackson Jr., putting Ben Simmons in this article almost feels nitpicky.

He's averaging a well-rounded 14.9 points, 8.5 assists, 7.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. That last number leads the league, but the first one is a career-low.

Being part of a lineup that includes Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Josh Richardson and Al Horford probably necessitates a decrease in scoring from Simmons. And over the course of his career, the Philadelphia 76ers have been more likely to win when he takes fewer than 15 shots.

But Embiid's absence with ligament damage in his finger should force a little more aggression from Simmons. And though Embiid isn't expected to be out long, maybe this stretch will be the catalyst for Simmons to take a little more ownership over lineups thatdo include the big man.

That, in turn, could lead to a bounce back in the scoring column for Philly's do-everything point forward.

"Absolutely," ESPN's Jalen Rose said onGet Up!when asked whether Simmons might be better off with Embiid off the floor.

It will give him a chance to orchestrate every possession, get out and run and spend more time in his comfort zone at the rim.

4 of 5

It feels a little late in Mike Conley's career to be expecting a breakout. After 12 seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, his inability to hit shots with the Utah Jazz might be easier to see as the beginning of the end than growing pains.

But this is a pretty dramatic change for a point guard who has had total command of his team's offenses over recent years. In Utah, Quin Snyder's 1s spend more time off the ball than most around the league, and the offense features plenty of complex actions and unique terminology.

"I think you need a Ph.D. to play here," Conley said earlier this season, per KSL's Ryan Miller. "They didn't tell us that before we came."

The veteran guard explained further:"It's not so much the plays. It's just a lot of terminology, a lot of things that are different words than most of the rest of the NBA, which is great once you learn them all. Nobody really knows what you're saying because you are speaking a foreign language than the rest of the leaguewhich is brilliant."

Perhaps Conley's extended absence with a lingering hamstring injury could end up being a blessing in disguise. It came right as the Jazz's schedule got significantly easier. And sometimes, observing everything from the sideline can be as instructive as trying to run the plays yourself.

Equipped with healthy legs and a deeper understanding of Utah's system, Conley should be able to produce numbers closer to his career norms when he returns to the lineup.

5 of 5

This one feels obvious. Zion Williamson, the No. 1 pick in this summer's NBA draft, hasn't played a single game in 2019-20. But after seeing what he did in the preseason, it's hard to imagine anything from his return feeling like less than a breakout.

Williamson got seemingly whatever he wanted in those four exhibition games.He averaged 23.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals in just 27.2 minutes. He also shot an absurd 71.4 percent from the field.

All the traits that led to Williamson having one of the greatest seasons in college basketball history were on brilliant display when he suited up for the New Orleans Pelicans. The strength, explosiveness, ball-handling and feel for the game that allowed him to exploit cutting lanes and rebounding opportunities makes for what looks like an unparalleled combination.

His potential January return feels like almost perfect timing (having him all season, of course, would've been preferable).

The Pelicans have been solid since Derrick Favors' return from injury and currently sport a 40 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to FiveThirtyEight's projections.

If Zion is fully healthy, his fit alongside Favors makes plenty of sense. His talent should offer a significant boost to New Orleans' playoff prospects.

If he leads the Pels there, he'll surely be one of the stars of 2020.

Originally posted here:
NBA Stars Most Ready to Break out in Season's 2nd Half - Bleacher Report

Has The Beauty Industry’s Obsession With Blood Gone Too Far? – Glamour UK

Vaginal rejuvenation injections made from plasma. Eartox jabs that promise to bring youthful plumpness back to your lobes. The world of beauty is going to and coming for our extremities. There is not one area of our bodies now untouched by the hands of cosmetic doctors and beauticians as Love Island can attest to (sigh). But the latest vampiric obsession? Our own blood. In a ghoulish turn of events, our red and white blood cells are being harvested by doctors and cosmeticians, cleaned, and reinjected back into various parts of our bodies, in a bid to turn back time.

It might make you feel a little bit queasy, but is it dangerous, too? Last year, two clients from the VIP Spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, were said to have contracted HIV after having a vampire facial treatment there.

The states Department Of Health then inspected and subsequently closed down the salon for health and safety regulation infringements including the storage, handling and disposing of needles. This case has shone a light on the dark side of the bloody beauty industry and its lack of regulations. Incredibly, you just have to complete a two-day phlebotomy course in order to remove blood, which poses the question: how risky is our quest for ultimate beauty?

Before you start an Insta protest against this bloody trend, there is actually a strong scientific case for its use, with a large number of cosmetic and medical doctors championing it across various fields. Why? Because, well, here comes the science bit: it is an inescapable fact that our bodys first response to a cut or an injury is to send platelets found in blood cells to the injured area. The platelets clot, which encourages the damaged area to regenerate. So, if you take blood from a patient, then extract the platelets and reinject the platelet-rich concentrate into the wounded area... well, hello quicker-healing and regenerated skin. This is whats known as PRP, or platelet-rich plasma (try saying that after a gin or two), and its been in use since the 1970s to treat sports injuries and arthritis.

Perhaps its not a surprise, then, that the cosmetics industry has jumped on this, too. A leading name in the blood beauty field is Dr Barbara Sturm. She originally began her career in orthopaedics, before moving into aesthetics and becoming one of the first pioneers of facial PRP which has come to be known as the vampire facial. But its likely that her clinic in Dusseldorf, and the world of bloody beauty, would have remained on the fringes of aesthetic medicine for ick-factor and cost reasons (treatments begin around the 1,000 mark) had it not been for Kim Kardashian posting a bloodied picture of her face after having a vampire facial (not with Dr Sturm) in 2013. Soon, other A-list fans including Bella Hadid became clients of Dr Sturm, and suddenly the entire beauty industry was clamouring for it.

Now, that same PRP is being used to treat hair loss (practitioners claim it promotes hair growth), in non-surgical breast augmentation (for firmer breasts) and the newest iteration, in vaginal rejuvenation, a kind of vampire facial for down below (yeesh, pain).

One of these treatments is known as the O-Shot, and involves injecting PRP into the vaginal tissues. It claims to tighten the vaginal canal, offer increased sensation and create stronger orgasms hence the name. Sophie Blackman, a 22-year-old journalist from Hertfordshire, underwent the O-Shot at Elite Aesthetics Clinic (1,200) last October: I struggled to orgasm because I had issues with body confidence and was too worried about how I looked to enjoy myself. I read about the O-Shot treatment online, researched it and was intrigued there were good reviews, though some did say that it wasnt FDA approved, she says.

Even though I dont mind needles (I have tattoos), because of the location I was terrified of the pain. Surprisingly, it was only a tiny bit uncomfortable, like a pinch. And that was without numbing cream or injections, which I was offered, but declined. The process took an hour: taking blood from my arm, extracting the PRP and injecting it back in.

I was slightly swollen for a day, but it was totally worth it. The first time I had sex, two weeks later, I immediately noticed the difference. I was more sensitive and orgasmed quicker within a couple of minutes. Im going to get it again now that its begun to wear off, ten months later.

Dr Shirin Lakhani at Elite Aesthetics says, Our clinic welcomes around 200 patients for PRP treatments, but this is growing year on year, so theres clearly demand for this type of procedure.

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But vaginal PRP is relatively tame compared to other ways people are using blood in beauty. There is also Blood Cleaning, known as Ozone Therapy, which has emerged as a popular new beauty trend in China, one of the worlds biggest beauty consumers and trend setters. The procedure involves drawing around 100ml of blood from your arm, injecting the harvested blood with ozone gas and then transfusing it back into the body. The video and hashtag #CosmeticBloodCleaningInvestigation has been viewed over 8.5 million times on microblogging platform Weibo, which is where Zhang Mofan, an influencer with over 11 million Weibo followers shared her belief having undergone the treatment that her blood changed colour from a deep red to a brighter red. This procedure boosts metabolism and clears away toxins, Zhang claimed. Its good for your skin and helps with weight loss. Zhang, of course, is not a doctor. But as somebody in an influential position, her endorsement almost certainly helped popularise the treatment. So, is it safe?

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency: Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen.It can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and throat irritation when inhaled let alone when its injected into the body. Yet, while the treatment is very much not FDA approved, it can still be practised. And it is even in the UK.

Dr Sophie Shotter, an anaesthetist who now works in aesthetic medicine, explains: A few clinics do offer the treatment in the UK, but as an anaesthetist I know that too much oxygen can be a bad thing in terms of your health. And, as ever, if you are removing blood from the body and it is not medically supervised, there is the potential for introducing infection."

While medical PRP is a useful, life-changing way to treat many medical issues, there does have to be some more regulation on its use as a cosmetic treatment, when not under the supervision of a doctor.Dr Stephanie Williams, who practises a form of aesthetic PRP called Exokine in her London clinic, says medical supervision is crucial. Only doctors should do deep needling treatments like PRP, and if blood is taken by a technician they must have had phlebotomy training. Yes, that might mean its more expensive, but the handling of blood, the paperwork around it, the conditions, the regulations all need medical control, she says.

While its doubtful the world of aesthetics will stop investigating blood as a fast-track to beautiful skin, Dr Shotter believes it needs far more regulation. PRP has a great proven track record in mainstream medicine, but the lack of regulation in aesthetics worries me. Non-medical professionals should not be doing these treatments, full stop its just not safe. If somebody has a reaction,a beauty therapist cant diagnose that, or prescribe antibiotics immediately. Its just not appropriate.

Its unlikely well ever stop looking at how our own blood could hold back the hands of time, but the price to pay could be so high, that what merely seems like a cosmetic treatment, could end up being completely life changing. The choice is yours.

By GLAMOUR Contributing Beauty Director, Anita Bhagwandas

I am that person. The kind who saw an extreme beauty treatment on a celebrity and thought it could hold all the secrets to perfect, plump, firm skin. So back in 2013, I sought out the queen of facial PRP, Dr Barbara Sturm, and booked myself in.

I flew over to the hi-tech, minimal clinic in Dusseldorf, which felt like a cross between a medical facility and a luxury spa. Tranquil and peaceful, I only saw one other person while I was there. Sturm started by taking a vial of blood from my arm (so far, so Greys Anatomy) that was then put through a centrifuge think a washing machine on turbo spin that separated out my white (reparative) blood cells from the red (oxygen-carrying) ones.

Once extracted, the white cells are mixed with microscopic white spheres that have a concave dent in them. The white blood cells think the concave side are a wound, so the plasma gets the green light and activates all its amazing growth factors to start the repairing process. Thats when it was separated out again to remove the spheres and injected back into my face.

The entire process takes a couple of hours, and though not painful as such, the numbing injections you get at first are not entirely joyful. I was expecting to have blood smeared all over my face (like in the Kim Kardashian picture), but realised that was probably done for effect, using the left-over red blood cells. I left the next day, and flew straight home. At first, I didnt notice anything, but then, a week in, the real benefits started to show.

My skin started to look plump and my face felt tighter and firmer. Then it glowed, and I mean really glowed for weeks. Suddenly, my friends began asking about my skincare regime the ultimate compliment.

Using the same extracted plasma, Dr Sturm also made me a pot of her magical MC1 cream, which I used religiously for two months with good results. My skin was smoother, my spot breakouts less frequent, and it even helped with some of my eczema, too as she told me it would. For me, the blood-shed was worth trying once, but in the light of these cases of HIV, Id only ever have it done again with a medical professional, such as Dr Sturm.

See the article here:
Has The Beauty Industry's Obsession With Blood Gone Too Far? - Glamour UK

Everything You Need To Know About A Non-Surgical Eyelid Lift – BEAUTYcrew

Thanks to the effects of sun damage, pollution, mindless rubbing (guilty), heavy-handed makeup removal (also guilty) and ageing, the skin around your eyes is the first area to show signs of decline. Were talking wrinkles, sagging and all the good stuff that makes you look even more tired than you actually are. Cool!

While the promise of youthful, taut, post-eyelid lift skin might sound like the best option going, if youre anything like us, you'll most likely be put off by the cost, risks and downtime involved. Because guys, surgery is a big deal, and theres no going back once the procedure has been performed.

But there are other options out there. Unlike eyelid lift surgery (which is also known as a blepharoplasty), plasma eyelid lift is the latest non-surgical procedure that helps tighten the eyelid skin, minimising the effects of eye ageing. The best part? It involves no incisions and requires minimal downtime.

A plasma eyelid lift is a procedure used to tighten, lift and rejuvenate the skin on the upper eyelid, all without surgery. And just FYI while it sounds like were talking about plasma found in the blood, were actually talking about plasma as a high-energy current. The fourth state of matter, plasma is an ionised gas able to conduct a large and sustained electrical current. The sun, fire and lightning bolts are examples of plasma, explains Natalie Abouchar, registered nurse and founder of Prive Clinic.

Without touching the skin, a hand-held device (which looks like a small pen) is moved over the surface of the eyelid to tighten the skin and encourage collagen production. The pen works by ionising gases in the air to create a small electrical arc, similar to a lightning bolt, that can be used to rejuvenate problem areas without damaging the surrounding areas, says Abouchar. The pen projects an ionised, low frequency plasma arc onto the skin surface, vaporising the skin at the point of contact and resulting in an instant contraction and tightening of skin fibres.

Feeling a little bit lost? To break it down, the device basically heats the dermis in the target area (your eyelids), which then sheds post treatment, tightening the skin and allowing fresher skin to form.

The treatment is fairly versatile and can be used on all different areas of the face (such as frown lines, nasolabial folds and crows feet), and can treat a wide range of skin conditions, including laxity and loss of texture. According to Abouchar, when used on the eye region the plasma eyelid lift can effectively reduce the amount of lax skin on hooded upper eyelids. Overall, it gives the eyes a more youthful, open and awake appearance.

According to Abouchar the procedure is suitable for people who are in the early stages of eye drooping with skin types one to three (people with pale white skin, fair skin and darker white skin). If the skin above the eyes is very heavy, a surgical eyelid lift may be a more appropriate treatment. During your consultation, your doctor or nurse will analyse your skin and let you know if you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.

Topical anaesthetic cream is applied prior to the ACCOR Plasma Pen Non-Surgical Eyelid Lift. This is left on for approximately 30 minutes. The treatment is then performed by placing dots in a particular pattern on the eyelid and lateral temple region. After it is completed, a powder and setting spray is applied to cover the dots and help heal the tissue.

Most people can expect around five days of downtime in which makeup cannot be worn. Redness and swelling will occur immediately post-treatment, with swelling peaking over the two days following treatment, says Abouchar. Its important not to ice the area as the swelling is an important part of the process. There will also be noticeable dot marks in the treatment area. These tiny, pinprick dots are portions of ablated tissue, formed into scabs. These last for around four to seven days and youll need to avoid picking them or getting them wet to prevent scarring. Once the scabs have fallen off, you can resume normal activities and wear makeup to cover any redness that may remain.

Abouchar says two treatments are generally required, however, whether or not more treatments are needed will depend on the degree of laxity. The full effect of the initial treatment is visible after 12 weeks. At this point, a second tightening and lifting treatment may be performed, if required.

If the plasma eyelid lift treatment doesnt sound like your jam, dont worry theres still a bunch of other non-surgical alternatives to going under the knife. Non-surgical eye rejuvenation can be achieved with a mix of anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers. Injecting a neurotoxin superficially into the orbicularis oculi muscle (just under the eyebrow and lateral to the eye) and into the glabella (the frown lines) will relax the muscles responsible for a drooping eye area, explains Abouchar. This results in a lifting of the eyebrows and a fresher, more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers can also be injected into the temple and deep under the muscle on the brow to lift the eyebrows and create a more open-eyed look.

Radio frequency can also be used to lift and tighten loose skin around the eyes. Here, a combination of skin needling and radio frequency energy triggers the bodys natural healing response, thus stimulating collagen and elastin production. The radio frequency causes a thermal reaction in the tissue, resulting in tighter skin, reduced fine lines and a brighter, more radiant eye contour, says Abouchar.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is another non-surgical option that can be used to tighten sagging skin on the face (you can read more about whats involved in a PRP treatment here). A 100 per cent natural option, vampire injections (using your own blood) can also be used to thicken and strengthen sagging, crepey skin in the eye contour and boost collagen for a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

For more non-surgical treatment options, check out everything you need to know about thread lifts.

Main image credit: Getty

Original post:
Everything You Need To Know About A Non-Surgical Eyelid Lift - BEAUTYcrew

After injury-plagued season, Texas Collin Johnson hopes to go out with a bang in the Alamo Bowl – San Antonio Express-News

It was the cruelest bit of irony for the Longhorn brothers.

There was fifth-year tailback Kirk Johnson, an injury magnet with the worst of luck, on the field against West Virginia flashing the zip and power he once displayed as a prep prospect. On the sideline was wideout and younger sibling Collin Johnson, unable to play because of a nagging hamstring injury that derailed his senior season.

Kirks presence in the backfield with Collin split out wide was a moment the two had envisioned for years. It was a dream they clung to as Kirk underwent all manner of surgeries and treatments and injections to return to the field.

Fate had other plans in store, and a seasons worth of injury woes provided the younger Johnson with a fresh perspective.

I put my arm around him one time and was like, Kirk, I know exactly how you feel now, Collin said Sunday. Except his was probably 10 times worse because he had to deal with that for years and years. Definitely my respect for Kirk grew, which I didnt think was possible, but I had a taste of what he was dealing with.

On ExpressNews.com: Longhorns defense refocused after losing leader

Collin deemed this final season in burnt orange beyond frustrating.

He first suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter of the season opener against Louisiana Tech, and it grew more severe than he anticipated. That began a miserable cycle in which he missed six of 10 games despite undergoing treatment that included several platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.

I barely practiced before LSU (in Week 2), got a lot of treatment on it and tried to play in that game, Collin said. After that game, my hamstring was pretty bad so I had to sit out, get a shot, try to play, get hurt again, got another shot. Its been a chaotic situation.

Collins story at Texas couldve ended in January at the Superdome.

He considered declaring for 2019 NFL draft recording a career-high 68 receptions for 985 yards and seven touchdowns. Plus, turning pro after hoisting the Sugar Bowl trophy wouldve been a legendary exit.

But there were still gains to be made, a Big 12 championship to be delivered, a chance to play alongside Kirk one final time. Collin couldnt deliver on many of the goals he outlined, though there are no regrets on returning for one more year.

At the end of the day, Im human, and I have those thoughts, like what if this, what if that, Collin admitted. But I wouldnt change a thing.

I know things didnt go anywhere near where I wanted to on a personal level. Even as a team this year, its been a little frustrating for me. But at the end of the day, you have to make a decision and roll with it, and I learned a lot from it.

When healthy, Collin was still every bit the imposing 6-foot-6 matchup nightmare hes always been.

During a four-game stretch midway through the season, the only extended period he was near full health, Collin averaged seven receptions and 97.3 yards. His presence alongside senior slot maven Devin Duvernay can elevate the Longhorns offense from dangerous to downright deadly, and junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger is thrilled he gets one more outing with the pair.

Having Collin obviously is a huge help for us because of the player that he is as well as the connection that we have together, Ehlinger said Sunday. Through my college career, hes been the one guy who I consistently connected with.

Im very comfortable with him out on the field. He poses an issue because now teams arent going to be able to double Devin and double Collin. They have to pick one or the other.

On ExpressNews.com: Receivers Collin Johnson, Devin Duvernay form Longhorns most dynamic duo

Its possible a long, fruitful NFL career awaits Collin. He looms as an intriguing vertical option and massive mismatch in the end zone against defenders who might be half a foot shorter.

Rather than playing it safe and sitting out as some draft-worthy seniors do, Collin is eager to run with his brothers in burnt orange in last time. He could make a case as an early round pick with an explosive outing against 11th-ranked Utah and its stout pass defense.

And while it isnt the finale Collin hoped for, he can go out on a high note by leading Texas to three straight bowl wins for the first time since it won five in a row last decade (2004-08).

Its always hard to put a percentage on a hamstring because its one of those lingering injuries, but I feel great, Collin said. People can argue its a bowl game, things like that, and a lot of people choose to sit out for whatever reason. But for me, I just get another opportunity to go out there and play the game I love, so it just comes down to that.

nmoyle@express-news.net

Twitter: @NRMoyle

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After injury-plagued season, Texas Collin Johnson hopes to go out with a bang in the Alamo Bowl - San Antonio Express-News