Category: Blog

  • How Long Does Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Take to Work?

    How Long Does Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Take to Work?

    An unavoidable side-effect of aging is the new fluctuations in our hormones. The diminished production of key hormones is a problem that affects both men and women, and it often leads to feeling inexplicably out of sorts. Luckily, medical advancements have helped isolate the cause of these hormone imbalances and have found an answer in bioidentical hormone therapy. At Angelic Lift in Daytona Beach, FL, we proudly offer this therapy as a way to restore balance to changing hormone levels.

    If you find the idea of hormone therapy a little intimidating, you’re not alone. For the benefit of patients like you, we have put together a simple guideline of everything you need to know about bioidentical hormone therapy. Take the time to familiarize yourself with this treatment before you call our office to schedule your initial consultation.

    What Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

    On its face, hormone therapy is exactly what it sounds like – therapy for your hormones that is designed to restore balance to the natural chemical levels. Hormone therapy is a minimally invasive treatment in which a hormone pellet is inserted into the skin, usually near the hip or buttocks region. Because hormone therapy is a medical treatment, it must be performed by a registered and certified practitioner, such as the experts at our office.

    In any kind of hormone therapy, the goal is to supply the body with hormones that it otherwise does not produce enough of. For this kind of hormone therapy, the main treatment is to identify which hormone level is too low in the body and replace it with a bioidentical hormone. In a way, this kind of hormone therapy is like a blood transfusion. By supplying the body with bioidentical hormones, you can return your body to its normal state of hormone balance and undo many of the side effects associated with imbalanced hormone levels.

    Are Imbalanced Hormones a Problem?

    The short answer to this question is yes. Imbalanced hormones are responsible for a range of subjectively negative side effects. Aside from leaving you feeling caught in a perpetual state of unease brought about by drastic changes in your normal bodily processes, imbalanced hormones are also the cause of physical and purely aesthetic changes.

    Internal Processes

    There are many bodily processes that are directly derailed by hormonal imbalances. Understandably, the internal bodily processes that are impacted by hormonal imbalances are reason enough to feel like a stranger in your own body. The effects you may feel from these changes include:

    • Chronic fatigue
    • Decrease in libido
    • Sleep disturbance
    • Temperature changes, such as hot flashes
    • Mood swings
    • Memory changes
    • Trouble concentrating

     

    Physical Changes

    Imbalanced hormones are also associated with noticeable physical changes. These physical changes are surface signs of the imbalances that are happening within the body. For some, the physical changes associated with hormonal imbalances are a greater cause of distress than changes to the bodily process. The physical changes that are caused by imbalanced hormones include:

    • Weight gain
    • Thinning hair and hair loss
    • Dry skin
    • Vaginal dryness
    • Inability to sustain an erection
    • Bloating
    • Osteoporosis
    • Excess sweating

    In a body with an ideal balance, hormones act as messengers that help regulate all processes in the body, from mood and memory to the maintenance of homeostasis, like temperature regulation and digestion. Bodies that have imbalanced hormones essentially have flawed and faulty messengers, which leads to the negative changes that are associated with hormone fluctuation.

    Hormonal imbalances are inefficient, stressful, and cause many problems that directly impact daily living. This is why hormone imbalances are considered a problem for many people.

    Gender and Hormone Therapy

    Regardless of gender, every human body produces the same hormones, however biological gender is determined by the exact amount of estrogen or testosterone produced in the body. Although men and women experience many of the same negative side effects associated with imbalanced hormones, it is important that hormone therapy is personalized for each gender.

    The idea behind bioidentical therapy is to replace naturally lost hormones. This is different from cross-sex hormone replacement therapy, which seeks to introduce higher levels of opposite-sex hormones to prompt changes in secondary sex characteristics. Bioidentical therapy only replaces hormones that have been lost.

    Let’s look at the differences between hormone therapy for women and hormone therapy for men.

    Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Women

    Hormone replacement therapy for women primarily uses estrogen. At our office, we use estrogen pellets to deliver the hormone into your system. Hormone therapy for women has many benefits, both for restoring bodily processes and for managing physical changes that happen during menopause. The main benefits of hormone therapy for women include:

    • Less fatigue
    • Better sleep and memory
    • Less dryness of the skin
    • Fewer mood swings
    • Less hot flashes
    • Less bloating
    • Better weight management
    • Improved hair health
    • Stronger bones
    • Improved libido

    For women, many of the hormonal changes caused by perimenopause and menopause are obvious and disturbing. Changes in mood and frequent hot flashes are the most common symptoms that women notice. However, with menopause comes an increased risk of osteoporosis, weight gain that is difficult to manage, and dry skin. Hormone therapy for women using estrogen pellets can greatly improve many of these symptoms.

    Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Men

    Hormone replacement therapy for men uses testosterone to correct hormonal imbalances. At our office, we use testosterone pellets as a means of delivering the hormone to your body. Hormone therapy for men has many bodily process and physical benefits. Typically, hormone therapy for men is done to address the changes brought about by andropause. The main benefits of hormone therapy for men include:

    • Less fatigue
    • Better sleep and memory
    • Improved mood, especially depression
    • Less sweating
    • Less bloating
    • Better weight management
    • Less hair loss
    • Improved libido

    For men, the hormonal changes caused by andropause are sometimes less obvious – and they are certainly less talked about. The most common and obvious sign of hormonal imbalances caused by andropause is a significantly reduced libido, including the ability to sustain arousal. Andropause is also a heavy contributor to hair loss, negative mood swings, and difficulty sleeping. Hormone therapy for men using testosterone pellets can vastly improve these symptoms.

    The Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Process

    By now you must be wondering what the process for hormone therapy is like. Regardless of your gender, the basic methods of hormone therapy are the same for men and women. To give you a better idea of what hormone therapy would be like, we are providing a simple guideline for what hormone therapy appointments would be like at our office.

    Initial Consultation

    Your first appointment is also your most important. During your initial consultation, you will speak with one of our expert professionals about hormone replacement therapy. Our staff will be happy to answer any queries you have and give you the best information so you can make a fully informed decision.

    At this initial appointment, you will discuss your symptoms – specifically, the symptoms you believe are caused by andropause or menopause. Our staff will ask you about when the symptoms began and the duration of symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, or libido difficulties. It is important to be honest about all of your symptoms so that our staff can correctly determine the correct dosage required to correct your hormonal imbalance.

    Therapy Appointments

    Each therapy appointment is generally the same. Before each session, we will ask about your symptoms to track for improvements. It is possible we will change dosage amounts based on how well you are responding to the treatment. Some people respond more quickly than others.

    Step One: Cleanse and Numb

    We will first cleanse the area at the site of insertion, either at your hip or buttock area depending on which is most comfortable for you. Once the skin has been disinfected, we will apply a local anesthetic for your comfort. Some patients are needle shy and find that the local anesthetic makes the hormone therapy less stressful. We will only move on to the next step once we are sure that the site of insertion is properly numbed.

    Step Two: Pellet Insertion

    For pellet hormone replacement therapy, the pellets are about the size of a grain of rice. These pellets are naturally absorbed into your body and dissolve into the bloodstream over a period of a few months. Since the pellets disappear, each therapy session means that a new pellet is inserted beneath your skin. We use a sterile needle to insert the pellet to the treatment site. This usually takes only a few moments.

    Step Three: Post-Treatment

    The entire process for a hormone therapy appointment generally takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete, start to finish. Most of that time includes speaking about your current health and waiting for the local anesthetic to take effect. Other than the local anesthetic, hormone replacement therapy with a pellet is not unlike receiving any other kind of shot.

    For post-treatment guidelines, we do not have many restrictions. We may apply a bandage to the treatment site and recommend that you wash the area with warm soap and water for a day or two. We will also advise you to avoid strenuous activity. During your appointment, we may provide additional guidelines to be followed.

    How Long Is Recovery?

    Recovery for hormone therapy is very generally short. There is some tenderness to be expected at the treatment site, but like any other bruising, lightly icing the area in 20-minute intervals is usually enough to counter any sensitivity. Most patients can return to normal daily activities within one week of treatment.

    How Long Does Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Take to Work?

    Some patients report that they feel relief from many symptoms within 1 to 3 days after treatment. For most, the benefits of hormone therapy begin to work between 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. How quickly you respond to hormone therapy depends on your body, the dosage of the treatment, and your lifestyle habits. It is important to understand that hormone therapy works best when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle habits.

    How Long Does Hormone Therapy Last?

    Hormone replacement therapy with pellets lasts for about 4 months at a time. After 4 months, symptoms of menopause and andropause will begin to return. We recommend having 3 rounds of hormone therapy a year to maintain a regular balance of your hormones. Our expert staff will help you determine the frequency of your therapy sessions.

    Ideal Candidates

    Candidates for hormone therapy are typically those over the age of 40. Anyone who is experiencing the symptoms associated with andropause and menopause are candidates for hormone therapy. There may be some medical factors that need to be considered for some patients. Our staff will help determine if hormone therapy is right for you based on your current health and wellness.

    If you’re interested in the numerous benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy, call Angelic Lift in Daytona Beach, FL today! Our expert professionals are ready to help you balance your everyday health and wellness! We look forward to the opportunity to have you as a patient!

  • Angelic Lift: Your Destination for Weight Loss

    Angelic Lift: Your Destination for Weight Loss

    Weight gain doesn’t happen overnight. In most cases, it takes years for those pounds to keep building up to the point that is may seem like there is no hope. You may have tried to lose weight in the past. You may have even been successful at some point, only to become frustrated when the weight came back. If you are like so many others, it can be even more of a struggle to lose weight the second, third, or fourth time around. So many see their weight go up and down like a yo-yo, with no balance. The most discouraging struggle with weight loss is when it never happens. If you have been watching the number on the scale continue to go up year after year, it can make you want to give up. Medical weight loss is available right here at Angelic Lift in Daytona Beach, and it can give you a reason to keep going.

    You Owe it to Yourself to Find a Weight Loss Solution That Works for You

    Your weight is holding you back from enjoying your life to the fullest. If you are extremely overweight, you may struggle to do daily tasks. The thought of exercising could be out of the question. Extreme weight gain can put a strain on your bones and joints, affecting your posture and your mobility. You are also putting extra strain on your heart, circulatory system, and lungs. You leave yourself open to an increased risk of diabetes and other serious health problems. Worst of all, your weight may be keeping you from socializing with others because you are so self-conscious. Losing weight can help you to take back your weight and your life.

    You Need to Find a Solution That is Personal

    If you have tried to lose weight in the past, you have probably turned to commercial products, such as DVD workouts, supplements, and the latest fad diet. None of these options were designed specifically for you. What works for your best friend, your sister, or your co-worker may not be the magic fix for you. That’s because weight loss is not one-size-fits-all. Every situation and individual is unique. You need to turn to qualified professionals who can help you to figure out the right formula that will help you to be successful.

    Going to Extremes is Not the Answer

    You’ve seen too many people who have gone to extremes to lose weight only to experience failure in the long run. Rapid weight loss through diets that are far too restrictive are not realistic. You can’t follow such a plan forever. The same holds true for exercise programs that have you engaged in intense activity for two hours a day. Your body isn’t going to be able to sustain that over time. Extreme plans might get results and make them happen quickly. What usually happens is rapid weight gain when people go off their diet and workout regimen. This isn’t the case with medical weight loss, which provides you with the tools and motivation you need to lose the weight and keep it off for good.

    Learn a New Lifestyle

    Medical weight loss at Angelic Lift can help you to embrace a healthier lifestyle. You’ll find out how simple changes in what you are eating, how much you are eating, and how often you are eating can make a major difference in your weight loss struggle. Just as some examples, small portions that you eat several times a day can help you to rev up your metabolism. Swapping out some carbs for lean proteins, healthy fats, and low fat dairy can be a step in the right direction. You’ll learn about healthier alternatives for carbohydrates. Eating clean is important as well as you avoid processed foods. The push for whole foods means eating natural foods without additives and preservatives. It’s also important to avoid extreme restrictions all the time. You should be able to indulge in some of your favorites on occasion. You might have one day where you eat foods that aren’t the best for you. The main thing you need to remember is to keep it under control. Everything in moderation. Have a smaller portion or a few bites. Avoid denying yourself all the time or you are more likely to binge. Once you have the tools to lose weight, you’ll know what you need to do to keep it off. You’re not going on a brief fad. You’re about to make changes that will last for the rest of your life.

    Get a Personal Consultation

    The first step in unlocking the door to successful weight loss is a consultation with a weight loss expert. A professional is going to sit down to talk to you about your battle to lose weight. You’ll be able to share your journey, including your medical history, anything that may have contributed to your weight gain, and what you have tried to do in the past. Your current lifestyle will also be taken into consideration. Our weight loss professional will look for underlying issues, such as a hormonal imbalance, that may be causing your metabolism to be sluggish. If you have been taking any type of medication, this could play a role in your difficulty to lose weight. Emotional trauma could also have an impact on you, leading you to use food like your medicine.

    Start Where You are and Find Out Where to Go Next

    Our weight loss professional in Daytona Beach will give you pointers for changes that you will need to make. You’ll be given a plan that you can follow. You may be given suggestions for foods you can eat, including a daily menu with variety so you don’t get bored. You’ll learn about healthy substitutes for foods you shouldn’t eat. You can get a daily calorie recommendation. You’ll also be advised about different types of physical activity you can be doing and how often you should exercise. Our weight loss expert will give you a timetable that offers you an estimate for how long it will take to get results. You’ll also have a goal that is set for you that is reasonable and safe.

    Learn About Supplements

    Perhaps you aren’t reaching your goals for your body due to a lack of certain vitamins. Or maybe you need additional vitamins in order to boost your efforts. Our team of medical weight loss professionals has access to a number of vitamin supplements and other tools that aim to suppress appetite, increase energy, burn fat, and do so much more. During a consultation at our office, you can learn about all of the supplements we have available.

    Successful Weight Loss is Worth the Journey

    You may feel like losing weight is a never-ending journey with no chance of success based on your efforts in the past. Coming to the experts at Angelic Lift in Daytona Beach can show you that weight loss is possible for you. It isn’t going to happen overnight. You will need to stay the course. As you monitor your progress, you’ll start to notice the changes. Your clothes will get looser. You’ll be happier with what you see in the mirror. Others will notice, too. You’ll be able to do more. Keep your finish line in sight. You’ll be on the way to a transformation.

    Give Yourself the Benefit of a Support Team

    Weight loss can be a lonely process. When you try to take on this uphill challenge on your own, it can be too easy to fall into bad habits. Food is a crutch and a temptation. We reach for it when we are sad or when we are happy. If it has been your go-to for relief for too long, it can be hard to start a healthier lifestyle. Our weight loss professional in Daytona Beach is going to be with you every step of the way. You’ll come in for checkups on a regular basis to monitor your progress. If you run into trouble, you will have someone you can turn to for advice. If something isn’t going well, your plan will be changed. You can meet with others for support. When you make it to the end, our team will be cheering for you. In fact, they’ll be cheering for you from start to finish!

    Give Yourself the Gift of a New Body

    When you trim your weight down to your goal, it will be like getting a new body. You won’t believe how much easier it is to be active and to take on your daily routine. You’ll be ready to push yourself and try new physical activities because you can move. Shopping for clothes can be something you want to do now. You won’t feel like you have to hide in clothing that is much too big and baggy. It will be time to show off the rewards of your weight loss. You will have a boost in confidence and pride for all your hard work.

    Learn More About Weight Loss in Daytona Beach

    Make today the day you decide to win your battle to lose weight. To learn more about weight loss, we warmly encourage you to reach out and make an appointment with our specialists at Angelic Lift. During this initial consultation, our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain your options in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Our office is located in Daytona Beach, but we happily serve clients throughout the surrounding areas. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

  • What Can Medical Marijuana Do for Me?

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”912378″]Much of the United States has legalized marijuana. Medical marijuana is currently legal and available in many states. The marijuana plant has been shown to be effective for the treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions and diseases. The only difference between the medical and recreational varieties are the purposes for which marijuana is used. There are over 100 different chemicals in the marijuana plant. These are called cannabinoids. Each one affects the body in a different way. The main chemicals used for medicinal purposes are CBD and THC. THC is responsible for the high individual’s experience when they smoke or consume foods containing marijuana. Medical marijuana is used for the treatment of the following conditions.

    • Pain
    • Cancer
    • Epilepsy
    • Alzheimer’s disease
    • Muscle spasms
    • Glaucoma
    • Eating disorders including anorexia
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Loss of appetite
    • Nausea
    • Crohn’s disease
    • Wasting syndrome
    • Mental health conditions including (PTSD) post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia

    The active chemical in marijuana is cannabinoids. This is similar to chemicals produced by the body for pain, memory, movement and appetite. According to the latest research, cannabinoids may:

    • Decrease pain and inflammation
    • Help with the vomiting and nausea resulting from chemotherapy treatments for cancer
    • Loosen tight muscles for individuals with (MS) multiple sclerosis
    • Lessen anxiety
    • Stimulate appetite resulting in weight gain for AIDS and cancer patients
    • Slow tumor growth and kill cancerous cells

    Numerous experts believe one of the reasons marijuana was legalized for medical purposes was due to the statements of parents that marijuana helped control their children’s seizures. A written recommendation from a licensed physician is required to purchase medical marijuana. The individual must have a qualifying condition. Every state has its own list as to which conditions apply. Some states require a special ID card. Once the card has been attained, the individual can purchase marijuana at a dispensary.

    The Conditions Medical Marijuana is Used to Treat

    Medical marijuana is currently being used for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases and medical conditions. This includes:

    • Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease: The active ingredient in marijuana is THC. A study conducted in 2006 showed the THC slows down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The enzyme responsible for forming amyloid plaques is blocked in the brain by the THC.

    • Decreasing Anxiety: A study conducted in 2010 suggested marijuana can help decrease anxiety because it acts in a similar manner as a sedative and improves a person’s mood. The dosage must be low to have the desired effect.

    • Controlling Epileptic Seizures: Numerous studies have shown epileptic seizures can be controlled by using marijuana. Seizures are mitigated by the THC because the brain cells that regulate relaxation and excitement are controlled. The FDA has since approved two drugs for the treatment of specific types of epileptic seizures.

    • Slowing Down and Preventing the Spread of Cancer Cells: Cannabidiol turns off a gene called Id-1. This can stop cancer from spreading. Researchers have conducted tests and come to the same conclusions. Breast tissue with high levels of Id-1 was treated in a laboratory using marijuana. The results of the test were positive. The cells became less aggressive in spreading cancer. Cancer research has confirmed marijuana can considerably slow down the growth of tumors in the lungs, breasts and brain.

    • Help for Crohn’s disease: Marijuana may be able to cure Crohn’s disease. This is an inflammatory bowel disorder. The condition results in numerous symptoms including pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. A recent study showed marijuana decreased the symptoms of Crohn’s disease in ten out of eleven individuals. In five of these individuals, the disease was completely canceled out. Similar results have been shown in several other studies. The cannabinoids help control both the intestinal function and the gut bacteria.

    • Treating Glaucoma: Glaucoma places pressure on the eyeball resulting in damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. Marijuana can be used for treatment because it decreases the pressure on the eye. Studies have confirmed individuals using marijuana decreases intraocular pressure in the eye. This can prevent blindness for people with glaucoma.

    • Decreasing Nausea and Severe Pain from Chemotherapy While Stimulating Appetite: Using marijuana has become common for individuals having chemotherapy. Chemo is known to cause severe pain, vomiting, painful nausea, and loss of appetite. This often leads to additional health complications. Marijuana helps decrease these side effects by increasing the appetite and reducing nausea and pain. There are cannabinoid drugs with FDA approval containing THC used for the same reason.

    • Relief for Arthritis: Studies have shown marijuana decreases inflammation and pain and promotes better sleep. This may relieve the discomfort and pain of rheumatoid arthritis.

    • Relief for Veterans with PTSD: Some states have approved marijuana for the treatment of (PTSD) post-traumatic stress disorder. A proposal has received approval from the Health and Human Services Department of the United States government for vaporized or smoked marijuana for PTSD. Marijuana is effective for veterans because it helps control the system responsible for both anxiety and fear in the brain and body.

    • Decreasing the Side Effects of Hepatitis C Treatments: There are severe side effects for the treatment of a Hepatitis C infection. Numerous individuals have been unable to continue their treatment due to the severity of the side effects. The side effects continue for months and include nausea, loss of appetite, depression and fatigue. A study revealed 86% of the participants using marijuana were able to complete their treatment. Only 29% of individuals not using marijuana were able to finish their treatment. The researchers believe this was because the side effects of the treatment were decreased through marijuana use. Marijuana also improves the efficacy of the treatment. The study also showed 54% of the participants using marijuana were able to decrease their viral levels and maintain their results. Only 8% of the participants not using marijuana achieved the same results.

    • Treating Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Similar to Crohn’s disease, individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis may benefit from using medical marijuana. Researchers have shown the chemicals found in marijuana such as cannabidiol and THC interact with important cells in the body. These cells help the immune system and gut function. THC is similar to chemicals produced naturally by the body for enabling bacteria to permeate the intestines. The cannabinoids in the marijuana plant tighten the intestinal bond by blocking the permeability.

    • Soothing Tremors Associated with Parkinson’s Disease: Studies show individuals with Parkinson’s disease who use marijuana are able to decrease their tremors and pain and improve sleep. Their fine motor skills also showed a marked improvement. Due to the positive results of numerous studies, marijuana was legalized in Israel. The Israeli government is supporting research into marijuana for medical uses.

    • Protecting the Brain from Trauma and Concussion: A recent study determined there is a potential for the brain being healed by marijuana after a concussion. A study conducted on mice showed bruising of the brain was lessened after using marijuana. After a traumatic injury, marijuana improved the healing mechanisms. A statement was made saying instead of the NFL testing their players for marijuana, they should be researching the different ways the plant can protect the brains of the players.

    • Decreasing the Pain Caused by Multiple Sclerosis: Marijuana helps stop the muscle spasms and the negative neurological impact of multiple sclerosis. Thirty individuals with MS and painful muscle contractions were studied. None of these individuals responded to any other medications. After using marijuana for a few days, they stated they were feeling less pain. This is because the THC in marijuana bonds the muscle and nerve receptors for pain relief.

    • Improving the Symptoms of Lupus: Systematic lupus is characterized as an autoimmune immune disorder. This is when there is no known reason for the body starting to attack itself. Marijuana has been used successfully to treat this condition. Some of the medical experts believe cannabis contains certain chemicals capable of calming down the immune system. This may be the reason many individuals with lupus rely on marijuana to be able to handle their symptoms. Marijuana also has a positive impact on the disease because it helps both with nausea and pain.

    • Decreasing Symptoms from Dravet Syndrome: Dravet syndrome causes severe delays in development and seizures. CNN’s Chief Medical correspondent used marijuana for the treatment of a five-year-old child with Dravet syndrome. The chosen strain was low in THC and high in cannabidiol. The marijuana resulted in a reduction of seizures from 300 per week to just above one every week. The same medication is being used by forty additional children. All of the have experienced positive results from marijuana. The physicians recommending marijuana believe the cannabidiol from marijuana has an interaction with the brain cells capable of quieting down the overactivity in the brain responsible for the seizures.

    • Controlling Different Kinds of Muscle Spasms: Marijuana is used to control several different kinds of muscle spasms. There is a condition referred to as myoclonus diaphragmatic flutter. The medical term for this condition is Leeuwenhoek’s disease. The condition causes constant and painful spasms in the abdominal muscles. This interferes with both speaking and breathing. Marijuana calms down the spasms almost immediately and relaxes the diaphragm muscles.

    • Improving Lung Health by Reversing Tobacco’s Carcinogenic Effects: An important study was published in January of 2012. The study revealed lung functions could be improved through the use of marijuana. The study also stated marijuana could increase the capacity of the lungs. The researchers spent twenty years testing more than 5,000 young adults for the risks associated with heart disease. They discovered individuals using marijuana had an increased lung capacity as opposed to those who smoked tobacco. Tobacco users lost lung function as time passed. The researchers believe the increase in the capacity of the lungs was caused by the deep breaths required for smoking marijuana as opposed to one of the chemicals from the plant.

    • Protecting the Brain After a Stroke: Research has been performed on monkeys, mice, and rats concerning the damage to the brain from a stroke. The results showed marijuana may protect the brain from this damage by decreasing the amount of the brain impacted by a stroke. Other research has also shown marijuana has positive neuroprotective effects. Some research showed the brain can be protected by marijuana from numerous traumatic occurrences such as a concussion.

    Contact Us Today for Further Information

    If you are interested in using medical marijuana for a health condition, please feel free to learn more by reaching out and making an appointment with Angelic Lift. At our convenient location in Daytona Beach, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Experience Wrinkle Reduction with a NO-CUT Facelift in Daytona Beach

    Experience Wrinkle Reduction with a NO-CUT Facelift in Daytona Beach

    It is not uncommon for people to want to slow down the aging process. Looking older than we feel can have a negative impact on our confidence. This, in turn, negatively impacts many aspects of life. Despite this, not everyone is ready to undergo surgery in order to look younger. That is why the NO-CUT Facelift is so popular here in Daytona Beach. It is highly effective for wrinkle reduction and a long list of other skin imperfections. 

    How Does the NO-CUT Facelift Work?

    This facelift involves using advanced IPL, or intense pulse light, to minimize the signs of aging on the face. The IPL will stimulate your body to create fresh collagen. This results in wrinkle reduction because it plumps up the skin. This treatment is so popular in Daytona Beach because it can also treat:

    • Dark bags underneath the eyes
    • Loose skin and jowls
    • Crow’s feet and other fine lines
    • Acne scarring
    • Enlarged pores
    • Facial redness

    Who Is the Ideal Candidate for a NO-CUT Facelift?

    Those seeking wrinkle reduction without a surgical facelift are the ideal candidates for this treatment. This is also a great option for those with busy schedules. Not only are the appointment sessions quick, but there is also no recovery period after your treatment. 

    There are other factors involved, which is why the first step is to visit our office here in Daytona Beach for a consultation. This is our opportunity to answer your questions and your opportunity to explain your aesthetic goals for the treatment. During this consultation, expect to discuss your medical history as well as any current medications you are taking. Like with any cosmetic procedure, it is helpful to have a positive outlook as well as realistic expectations for your end results. 

    The NO-CUT Facelift Experience

    A specialized device is used in this treatment to precisely deliver the IPL to the target areas on your face. This is a comfortable experience and is completely non-invasive. Cooling gel is used to help the device move smoothly over your face. Since it is non-invasive, you do not have to worry about any downtime after your appointment is completed. Skin care will be even more important than ever in the time following your NO-CUT Facelift. You will be provided with specific instructions for your situation at the time of your treatment. 

    You can learn more about how a NO-CUT Facelift here in Daytona Beach can help you with wrinkle reduction by visiting Angelic Lift. Your initial consultation can be your first step on the road to a younger-looking, more confident version of you! Contact our team in Daytona Beach today to schedule your consultation!

  • Change Your Life with Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Pellets

    Change Your Life with Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Pellets

    Perimenopause can be a rocky time of life for women. For many women, this life stage can last for up to ten years before the final onset of menopause. The disturbing symptoms can seriously impair quality of life and make it hard for women to concentrate on their careers, family, hobbies, and social life. However, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy pellets can relieve these symptoms and change your life for the better.

    What are Bio-Identical Hormones?

    With bio-identical hormone replacement therapy pellets, the hormones are extracted from plants like soy and yams, and thus they are vegan and do not involve ethically troubling practices that obtain hormones from animals. Then, in the laboratory, they are converted into hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones women naturally make.

    They are prepared as tiny pellets that can be inserted under the skin in order to release a steady, slow dose of hormones for weeks or months. Because the pellets are tiny, the woman cannot even feel their presence. In addition, the precise dose of hormones each woman needs can be easily adjusted by selecting the required number of pellets to inject.

    What is Perimenopause?

    Menopause is defined as a complete cessation of the menstrual cycle. After menopause, both estrogen and progesterone levels drop to a low, steady state. Throughout perimenopause, while the levels of these two hormones do gradually decline, they tend to fluctuate wildly, causing symptoms like:

    • Fatigue
    • Hot flashes
    • Aches and pains
    • Inexplicable weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
    • “Brain fog”

    Most women find the fatigue and “brain fog” to be the most troublesome symptoms. “Brain fog” refers to a complex of symptoms affecting cognitive functioning, inability to concentrate or focus, memory problems, and mood swings. Many women are working towards promotions or trying to seriously advance their careers to the next level while perimenopause is going on, and “brain fog” can be very detrimental to these efforts.

    Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement

    Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy pellets can smooth out the hormone fluctuations and increase the overall amount of hormones, thus relieving unpleasant symptoms. It is essential to be tested for hormone levels before starting therapy and also to be regularly tested during therapy in order to precisely adjust the dose to suit each woman.

    If you are suffering from hormone imbalance symptoms, make an appointment at Angelic Lift in Daytona Beach. We are proud to treat hormone health in both men and women. Contact us today to book a consultation for hormone therapy.

  • Need Acne Scar Treatment in Daytona Beach? Try Our NO-CUT FaceLift

    Need Acne Scar Treatment in Daytona Beach? Try Our NO-CUT FaceLift

    There are more ways than ever to treat the scarring that can occur from acne. Over the years, a better understanding of how the skin can be rejuvenated has been inherited by those in the practice of dermatology. The idea behind most treatments is to force the skin to develop new skin cells, and for those new skin cells to occupy the topmost layer of skin. This means fresh looking, smoother skin after such treatments. Our NO-CUT FaceLift is an innovative acne scar treatment that can treat fine lines and wrinkles as well as acne scars.

    What is the NO-CUT FaceLift?

    The NO-CUT FaceLift procedure we offer is a one-of-a-kind acne scar treatment that utilizes the power of intense pulsed light (IPL). Intense pulsed light lasers are different from regular lasers used in aesthetic skin procedures. Normal aesthetic lasers release only one wavelength of light. On the other hand, IPL lasers emit laser beams composed of multiple wavelengths of light. This makes them far more versatile, and they can be used on multiple skin tones very successfully. They can also be used to treat skin conditions on a deeper level without causing any injury or negative side-effects.

    The pigment cells in your skin will absorb the light rays from the laser. This heats up areas of the skin the laser is applied to. The heat penetrates into the lower layers of the skin, beneath the epidermis. The skin tissue heats up just enough for the body’s immune system to notice, causing the release of healing agents like collagen to be released into the bloodstream. As far as the immune system is concerned, a minor injury has taken place in the skin. It sets out to repair the damage, the way it does with any injury on the skin or any other part of the body.

    How Collagen Rejuvenates Skin

    Collagen is found everywhere in the human body, but it’s a protein that’s primarily responsible for keeping bodily tissue strong and healthy. The skin, muscles, tendons and bones all need plenty of it to stay strong and useful. It’s almost as if collagen acts as a glue, keeping the body together. As we age, less and less of it is produced by the body, and certain areas of the body begin showing signs of this decline more than others. This can cause wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots on the skin.

    The procedure is simple, and can be done in less than an hour. After your skin is cleaned, a cooling gel will be used to lessen the sensation caused by the laser. The IPL laser beam is then applied. When the healing process is triggered with our IPL lasers, the appearance of your acne scars will begin to diminish with time. This is because of the extra collagen, elastin and other healing properties produced by the body that are absorbed by the skin through the blood.

    Get In Touch with Us for More Information

    Fresher looking and smoother skin will replace the old, once all treatments are complete and healing has taken place. It may take more than one treatment for acne scarring to diminish enough to get the desired results. To learn more about the benefits of acne scar treatment, feel free to reach out and make an appointment with Angelic Lift. At our convenient location in Daytona Beach, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option to you in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation!

  • Why Choose a NO-CUT FaceLift Over Dermal Fillers in Daytona Beach?

    Why Choose a NO-CUT FaceLift Over Dermal Fillers in Daytona Beach?

    The appearance of the skin on your face is one of the major factors in determining your beauty. This makes it very frustrating to see major flaws develop on your skin at a relatively young age. In addition to making your skin look unhealthy, these flaws can also make you look much older than you are. Two of the best ways to address the issue of aging skin in Daytona Beach is the NO-CUT FaceLift and dermal fillers. While they can both give you the help you need, these are the three biggest reasons to choose a NO-CUT FaceLift over dermal fillers in Daytona Beach.

    Short Recovery Process

    The recovery process is extremely important for every cosmetic procedure, but it becomes an even bigger deal when the face is involved. The goal is to look your best, so you do not want to have to deal with a swollen face after treatment. Fortunately, this will never happen with the NO-CUT FaceLift. This revolutionary procedure requires absolutely no downtime. You will be able to return to your daily routine immediately after leaving our office in Daytona Beach.

    More Natural Results

    The NO-CUT FaceLift uses intense pulsed light to correct your fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars. The intense pulsed light shrinks fat cells and stimulates collagen production at the same time. This results in tighter, smoother and more contoured facial skin. Since all of your benefits are provided by extra collagen production in the skin, you are guaranteed to get naturally beautiful results. You can’t get these same results with dermal fillers. These injectable fillers contain several ingredients that are not naturally found in the body.

    Does Not Require Needles

    Countless people around the world are afraid of needles. This fear often makes routine visits to the doctor extremely difficult, but it will not cause an issue with the NO-CUT FaceLift in Daytona Beach. The entire procedure is completed using a handheld device to deliver the intense pulsed light to your facial skin. If you have a huge fear of needles, you may not be able to receive dermal fillers.

    Get In Touch with Us for More Information

    Since aging skin is an extremely common problem, you have a lot of treatment options at your disposal. The best way to guarantee no side effects and amazing results is by using the NO-CUT FaceLift. Get the rejuvenated skin you deserve by making an appointment with Angelic Lift! At our convenient location in Daytona Beach, our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option to you in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation!

  • Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy and Brain Fog

    Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy and Brain Fog

    Many women find themselves struggling with brain fog while they go through menopause. They can’t remember where they put their keys, they walk into a room and can’t remember why, they struggle to produce a word or a name they know well. It isn’t early-onset dementia, just the temporary effects of unbalanced hormones on the brain. During perimenopause, hormones fluctuate wildly as ovulation begins to stop. The normal progesterone spike that occurs every month may or may not occur, so estrogen predominates some of the time. As menopause proceeds, estrogen levels also drop, and eventually a new, normal stable low level of hormones is achieved. However, during the transition period, all parts of the body, especially the brain, may experience variations in optimal functioning. Brain fog can affect your job, personal relationships, and general quality of life, but bio-identical hormone therapy can help.

    Treatment

    Treatment to relieve brain fog and other perimenopausal symptoms requires regular blood tests to monitor the fluctuating natural levels of hormones in order to prescribe the correct dosage of the bio-identical hormones necessary to stabilize hormone levels at an effective level to relieve symptoms. As perimenopause progresses to menopause, frequent dosage adjustments may be necessary as well as adjustments of the ratio of estrogen to progesterone being supplied to the body to achieve balance.

    Administration

    Bio-identical hormones can be administered in many different ways, including pills, patches, creams, and implants. Here at Angelic Lift, our hormones come in the form of tiny pellets placed under the skin, where they gradually dissolve and are continuously released into the body over time. These hormones should be replaced once every few weeks or months.

    Get in Touch with Us for More Information

    To learn more about how bio-identical hormone therapy can help clear up your brain fog, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with Angelic Lift. At our convenient location in Daytona Beach, our friendly and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option to you in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

  • If You Have Thinning Hair, Come to Daytona Beach

    If You Have Thinning Hair, Come to Daytona Beach

    Looking in the mirror and suddenly seeing less hair than you’re used to can be a difficult experience to go through. You may immediately start looking into your options, which may lead you to see that there are a variety of treatments to choose from. When it comes to thinning hair, however, medication doesn’t always work and surgery isn’t right for everyone. So where does that leave you? We offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for patients who have thinning hair as a result of a hormone imbalance.

    What Is a Hormone Imbalance?

    It can happen at any stage of life, but it usually takes place at puberty and as we get older, which is known as menopause (for women) and andropause (for men). Hair loss does not typically occur when you go through puberty, but it commonly happens for both men and women when they reach the later stages of life. A hormone imbalance does not just cause thinning hair, however, it comes with a myriad of unpleasant symptoms.

    What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

    Bioidentical hormones are derived from plants, which means they are natural rather than synthetic. The best way to receive bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is through a hormone pellet, which is about the size of a grain of rice. This pellet is inserted underneath the skin, and it allows hormones to be gradually released throughout the body at a steady pace. This is a much better option for most patients than pills or injections, which can cause a flux of hormones rather than a steady flow.

    Help for Thinning Hair

    As the hormone pellet goes to work, your hormone levels will even out. If your hair loss is due to a hormone imbalance you will begin to see results in the mirror. You will also experience relief from your other symptoms, which are different for every person.

    Am I a Good Candidate?

    You may be experiencing hair loss as well as any of the above symptoms, but that does not automatically mean you are actually going through a hormone imbalance. Other diseases and disorders can present the same symptoms, which is why it is important you undergo testing to determine whether or not you are a good candidate. Our doctor can give you a test that will let you know if you are a prime candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. After the results have come back, if you are indeed going through a hormone imbalance, your treatment plan can be discussed.

    Learn More

    If you are seeing less and less hair in the mirror, but surgery doesn’t seem like a road you want to go down, we invite you to visit Angelic Lift in Daytona Beach to meet with our team to discuss a plan of action. We would be more than happy to help you regain the hair you’ve lost. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

  • Chronic Fatigue? Look into Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

    Chronic Fatigue? Look into Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome remains a controversial subject in medical circles. Simply put, some medical professionals do not believe CFS exists. Others are convinced that it’s a real illness and deserves more study. There is a school of thought that holds certain people with CFS can benefit from undergoing bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Here are a few things you should know about this approach and what it can potentially accomplish.

    How Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Works

    The goal of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is to balance your hormone levels and provide the body with what it’s no longer producing in adequate amounts. This treatment involves undergoing pellet therapy, which involves inserting pellets under the skin for a continual release of hormones into the body.

    Ideally, the therapy restores normal hormone levels and balance, which alleviates chronic fatigue. When that happens, a patient suffering with CFS may begin to experience significant improvement in a number of ways.

    Helping to Improve the Quality of Your Sleep

    Getting to sleep is not always difficult for someone with chronic fatigue. Enjoying recuperative sleep is another matter. You may sleep a great deal but obtain no apparent benefits. It’s possible to feel worse when you wake up than when you went to bed.

    With replacement therapy, this begins to change. You do notice that you feel more rested in the morning. Over time, that’s joined with other benefits as your hormone levels return to normal ranges.

    Normalizing Your Energy Levels

    With CFS, there are times when you’re so tired that taking a shower or even walking from one room to the next is more than you can handle. As the bio-identical hormone replacement therapy begins to take effect, the physical energy needed to manage routine tasks starts to return. At first, you notice that it’s less tiring to do certain things. After a time, some of those tasks are so easy to manage that you don’t realize what’s happening until you’re finished with them. That’s when you really begin to celebrate the effects of the therapy.

    Chronic fatigue robs more than your physical energy. You also find it harder to focus mentally, assimilate new information, or even engage in any activity that requires concentration. As the bio-identical hormone replacement therapy starts to work, it’s easier to read a book and retain what you just read. Work tasks that had become difficult are easy again. Even watching a movie starts to be fun once more.

    Since CFS can impact every aspect of your life, you need a solution that will address most of the symptoms you are experiencing. You can get tested for a hormone imbalance at Angelic Lift in Daytona Beach, FL. Depending on the results, we may determine that bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is that solution. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!