Foods for a Better Sex Life

There are some great foods that you can incorporate into your diet that are heart-healthy and will do wonders for your sex life! Cooking together with a romantic partner encourages intimacy and connection - so prepare meals together.

Stay away from foods that contain excess amounts of caffeine - they reduce libido. And stay away from foods that may make you feel bloated and gassy (cabbage, broccoli, onions). Selenium, manganese and of course, zinc, are also vital in regulating hormones and revving up sex drive and are found in various fruits and vegetables, so include a salad with meals if you want some action later. This is very exciting news, so start preparing.

Foods for a better sex life:

Bananas, carrots, asparagus. Bananas, carrots and asparagus are all erotic stimulants because of their phallic resemblance. Asparagus contain folate, which boosts histamine production necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both sexes. Plus, watching you eat asparagus, a phallic food, is sure to get him in the mood.

Red wine.Red wine is healthy for your heart and your romantic moods! It may help prevent blood clots and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits. It is also a particularly rich source of antioxidants which raise HDL (good) cholesterol. It lowers inhibitions and stimulates appetite so add a glass of wine to a romantic dinner!

Oysters.Oysters have long been considered the food of love, and legend has it that Casanova ate dozens of oysters a day - once even seducing a vestal virgin by sliding an oyster from his lips. Oysters carry a hefty dose of zinc. Zinc has been linked to male fertility, potency, sex drive, and is essential for sperm production. The daily requirement for zinc can be gained by eating just one oyster, so imagine what serving your boyfriend/husband an appetizer of a few oysters can do ... schwing! If oysters aren't his thing, turkey, lean beef, and beans are other good sources of zinc.

Champagne. So you've already heard the buzz that a daily glass of wine raises good cholesterol and helps prevent arteries from clogging. But alcohol, especially champagne, can also improve your health and your sex life. Like many mind-altering substances, a glass or two of champagne will lower inhibitions and help ease any couple into an amorous mood.

Pistachios.Besides providing protein to help increase stamina, pistachios are heavy in healthful mono-saturated fats, zinc and other nutrients that are linked with increased sexual desire. Pistachios also have a greater portion size than any other nut, so you can eat 49 kernels (1 serving) and still feel thin and sexy.

Artichokes.This nutrient-dense, peculiar plant was once considered such a powerful aphrodisiac that women were banned from eating it. According to Martha Hopkins, co-author of "Inter-Courses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook,"part of the appeal of the artichoke may be that you have to work hard to "get past the spiked leaves to get to the velvety-smooth heart."

Spices.The right spices not only heat things up on the tongue, but also in the bedroom. Capsaicin, the substance that gives kick to peppers, stimulates nerve endings to release chemicals, raising the heart rate and possibly triggering the release of endorphins, giving you the pleasurable feeling of a natural high. "Chili pepper and ginger help improve circulation," says Dix. "And hot spices like cayenne, curry and cumin help warm the body." The intoxicating aromas of exotic spices help infuse romance into the atmosphere.

Avocado.According to the Doctrine of Signatures, food aids the part of the body it resembles. In fact, the Aztecs valued the avocado as an aphrodisiac and named it "ahuacale" or testicle because they grow in pairs. Though science can neither confirm nor deny that this fruit will get your fire going, it will give you fuel in the form of healthy fats, protein and potassium.

Chocolate.Don't skip dessert! Eating chocolate causes the release of mood-boosting, stress-reducing serotonin. The sweet stuff also causes a release of phenylethylamine, which causes changes in blood pressure and blood-sugar levels, leading to feelings of excitement conducive to lovemaking. Just make sure to choose antioxidant-rich dark chocolate.

Even smells of certain foods have been found to be sexually arousing, according to studies at the Smell and Taste Foundation in Chicago, notably:

For men: Pumpkin pie and buttered popcorn For women: Licorice candy

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept

Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept

This is the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept, which was originally introduced at SEMA in 2011. This custom Camaro was designed to replicate what Hot Wheels is all about. It even features an amazing green chrome style paint scheme. Something alot of us are used to seeing on many of their smaller scale models. I could only imagine how difficult it must have been pulling it off on a full sized Chevrolet Camaro. From the one off custom rims to the uniquely designed air intakes found on the hood this car screams Hot Wheels from every angle. What they have done here is create a Hot Wheels car for grown-ups.



Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept



Concept tail lights

When you take a closer look at the rear of the Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept you find an updated version of the current Camaro's tail lights. What you might not know is that these tail lights were actually created for the re-fresh of the current production Camaro. Who knows maybe there's still a chance they will end up on the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro. If you would like to see a few pics of these tail lights on the production version of the Camaro please (click here)

Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept

Picture Gallery - 2012 Canadian International Auto Show

Lexus LFA

Mazda CX-5

Subaru BRZ

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept

Mercedes-Benz SL500

BMW Vision Concept

Jauguar C-X16

Nissan GT-R                                        Hyundai Race Car

Acura NSX Concept

Mazda Shinari Concept

Scion FR-S

Scion iQ

To read the complete story about my time at the 2012 Canadian International Auto Show please (Click Here) 

Road Test: 2012 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2012 Toyota Corolla S

Who would have ever thought that just in one year’s time the Hyuandai Elantra would be a big name player challenging the likes of industry stalwarts like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla S. Recently we were able to road test two fully loaded Civic and Elantra automatic models and compare it with the surprisingly delightful 2012 Toyota Corolla S with a five-speed manual transmission. All we can say is that when you equip a Corolla with a stick shift, you truly set its spirit free. Yes, it actually has one.

Although I did discover one very shocking and disappointing truth about the 2011 Elantra during my one week road test, overall I found it to be truly fun to drive, refined, and powerful, thanks to its new 1.8-liter, 148-horsepower/131 lb. feet of torque 4-cylinder engine that is Hyundai's best in-house design yet.

The 2012 Honda Civic comes equipped with a carryover 1.8-liter, 140 horsepower 4-cylinder engine that seemed to be perfectly sufficient a year ago but now is apparently terribly outdated. In reality, this Honda engine is as eager to rev and punchy as ever so take a lot of the media bashing it has received of late with a grain of salt. It’s still a Civic.

We had very low expectations for the 2012 Toyota Corolla S but over the course of a week it truly charmed us thanks to its no nonsense style, easy to understand interior layout, supreme interior comfort and lastly we loved the rev-happy 1.8 liter 132 horsepower/128 lb. feet of torque 4-cyiinder that when connected to that sweet manual transmission made every around town errand a delight. It also returned 32 miles per gallon without any real attempts to be frugal.

For more, check out my Honda and Acura Examiner page by clicking here.

Losing Her Virginity, Again

Natalie Dylan, the pseudonym for a 22-year-old San Diego woman, is taking steps to auction off her virginity. She's taking bids - reportedly already reaching into millions of dollars - to have sex for the first time at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch, a brothel in Nevada run by proprietor Dennis Hof. She says she has taken a polygraph and is willing to undergo a medical examination to prove her virginal status.

Natalie's sister already works at the Bunny Ranch. Both women, according to Natalie, turned to selling sex as a way to continue their educations, after their father allegedly took out student loans in their names and used the money for other purposes. Natalie has described herself as a graduate of Sacramento State College with plans to pursue a master's degree in marriage and family therapy.

So here's some advice from this therapist_ Natalie, it's time to wonder whether a polygraph or medical examination can really tell you whether this is the first time you've found yourself in a house - of prostitution, or otherwise - that failed to value you as a human being (not a product) and count as priceless your well-being and spiritual development. Whatever "ability" you have to cordon off your emotions and turn yourself into a commodity may well have been forged in circumstances that required you to deny your emotions and surrender your most private and intimate thoughts and feelings. And if that is the case, the fact that you're now the one "profiting" doesn't insulate you from the psychological toll of replaying the loss of your innocence.

I worry that your psychological virginity - that belief that the world around you is a safe and loving and predictable place - was taken long before this auction. That brand of virginity is supposed to be surrendered only as childhood and adolescence yield to young adulthood and then full adulthood. It is supposed to be protected in one's early years by parents who put you first, and themselves a distant second. It is supposed to be nurtured by caretakers and teachers and neighbors and friends who discover your special gifts, respect you as a person and honor your boundaries. That's how you learn to cherish yourself.

Take a little time to wonder why shouting out to the world that your first sexual experience might as well be shared with a stranger might be a way of shouting out to the world that your first experiences in other facets of your life were kept no less sacred, that you have been violated - whether emotionally or otherwise - without any compensation. Is that why you figure you might as well put some money in the bank? Which corners of your soul feel bankrupt?

Here's the last piece of advice: Understand if you will, that the world will always bid high for you to surrender that which is truly a priceless part of you. But this time - unlike the last time - you can keep yourself out of harm's way, if you believe you deserve to be.

Stuffed Collard Greens

If greens, raisins, nuts and grains of rice all symbolize prosperity, then you’ll do well to make this recipe for your New Year’s Eve party. Collard greens are great stuffing leaves; theyare large and easy to work with, and they can stand up to long simmering. The filling is a typical Greek dolmades filling.

1 large bunch collard greens (about 1 1/2 pounds), stemmed

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 large red or yellow onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, green shoots removed, minced

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon sugar

3/4 cup rice, either medium-grain or basmati, rinsed well in several changes of water

2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup lightly toasted pine nuts (to taste)

1 14-ounce can chopped tomatoes, drained (retain juice)

2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup currants or dark raisins (to taste)

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon freshly ground allspice berries

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1/4 cups water

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Juice of 1 lemon

1 lemon, sliced thin (optional)

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil while you carefully stem the collard greens, trying to keep the leaves intact. Fill a bowl with ice water. When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the collard leaves in batches. Blanch two minutes and transfer to the ice water. Drain, gently squeeze out excess water and set aside.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat in a large lidded skillet, and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about five minutes. Add the garlic, salt and sugar, and cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, about a minute. Add the rice and pine nuts, and stir together until the rice is coated with oil. Stir in the tomatoes, currants, cinnamon, allspice and salt and pepper to taste. Stir together, and add 1 cup water or enough to barely cover the rice. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer until all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat. Allow to sit for 10 minutes without disturbing. Stir in the mint and dill.

3. Oil a wide, deep, lidded sauté pan or saucepan with olive oil. To fill the leaves, place one on your work surface, vein side up and with the stem end facing you. The leaf may have a big space in the middle where you stemmed it; if so, pull the two sides of the leaf in towards each other and overlap them slightly. Place about 1 level tablespoon of filling on the bottom center of each leaf. Fold the sides over, then roll up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Place seam side down in the pan, fitting the stuffed leaves in snug layers. Drizzle on the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, and pour on the lemon juice. Barely cover with water, and top with a layer of lemon slices.

4. Cover the stuffed leaves with a round of parchment paper, and place a plate over the paper to weight them during cooking. This will keep them from opening. Bring to a simmer, cover and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to an hour until the leaves are tender. Remove from the heat, and carefully remove the dolmades from the water with a slotted spoon or tongs. Allow to drain on a rack set over a sheet pan. Serve warm or cold.

The Canadian International Autoshow

Photo from http://www.autoshow.ca/

When I was growing up like most kids there were only a few things that I was really passionate about and that one thing for me was cars. It started at a very young age - you see I grew up in the 80’s and I believe TV shows such as Knight Rider and the Dukes of Hazard played a huge roll in it. Another strong influence in my life was racing, you see as a child I use to attend races with my dad at Mosport International Raceway. I guess with all of these influences in my life it makes sense that all these things helped to make me car enthusiast that I am today.

One of this biggest influences over the years has to be the Canadian International Autoshow an event as a child I always looked forward to. Like many people going to the Autoshow has become a family tradition, and some people are continuing this same tradition with their children. The other day while looking through some old photo albums I came across a few pictures from the Canadian International AutoShow which had to have been take sometime in the early 90’s. 

Ferrari F40

Ferrari 348

Mercedes-Benz SL500

Chevrolet Camaro

 Currently on the Autoshow.ca Facebook page fans are encouraged to post photos from past shows giving them an opportunity to win a ticket to the 2012 Canadian International Autoshow. From the amount of people that are posting pictures it really looks like people are excited about this years Autoshow. A fan favorite seems to the super cars and with the introduction of the Lamborghini Aventador and recently revealed 2015 Acura NSX concept expected to be at the show I am sure the 2012 Canadian International AutoShow will be huge success.

For more information on the Autoshow you can visit: http://www.autoshow.ca/ 

A few more pics from the Autoshow

Acura NSX

Toyota MR-2

Chevrolet Camaro

For more car review please click below

Salmonella Peanuts

Salmonella is an animal bacteria that lives in the intestines of cows and chickens. It has become prevalent in these animals and can easily spread to humans through live chicken handlers and food handlers. We raise our poultry in close quarters and squalor, injecting them with steroids and antibiotics that weaken their immunities and create resistant bugs. Salmonella can also easily spread to crops from manure and irrigation, so people can then become infected from eating contaminated produce. Peanuts have not been part of previous outbreaks, but the bacteria is spreading to vegetables never before affected.

At this point there are 2 to 4 million cases of salmonella food poisoning every year in the U.S., with close to 1000 deaths.

The current outbreak involves a resistant salmonella that is becoming a growing problem. Peanut Corp of America has not done an effective job - in fact, salmonella was found on the floor of one of its Georgia factories. The bacteria probably got into the peanut butter in the manufacturing process.

More than 125 products have been recalled, including 7 million cases of Kellogg Keebler crackers and Amos cookies, General Mills products, Perry ice cream, NutriSystem granola bars and Pet Smart dog biscuits.

Despite these recalls, the overall risk to the consumer remains statistically quite low. For those who don't want to take even the slightest risk (I can't blame them for this) a listing of the 125 products that have been recalled is available at the FDA website.

How to solve the growing Salmonella problem?* FDA regulations and manpower need to be increased because the problem is very difficult to oversee. The current outbreak is an example: Peanuts grown in Georgia are made into peanut butter in Minnesota and then sold throughout the country * Other techniques that should be considered to protect our peanut crop and other vegetables include radiating vegetables, altering crops genetically to make them resistant to bacteria, and using chlorine dioxide compounds which kill salmonella in the growing and food-handling process.

What should you do if you think you are sick with salmonella poisoning? * Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include nausea, fever, and diarrhea * Dehydration is a primary concern, so keep well-hydrated * Consult with your physician * Antibiotics may be considered if the infection is not resolving.

Stop the Madness

For years I have lived my life compromising - always trying not to upset the status quo, and I wondered how long I could go on like this. Years ago, I was respected as a medical professional for my scientific writings. Now-a-days, I am quoted as a "blogger" (Dr. Manny, a blogger said...) But I guess that's the price you pay for being in the media.

This morning, I read a story about a lovely couple in England who wanted to adopt a child,but was denied because the potential father was "too fat." Medical advisors for the adoption agency expressed concerns over 37-year-old Damien Hall's health when their risk assessments concluded that his height of 6-feet, 1-inch tall, weight of 343 pounds and BMI of 42 deemed him morbidly obese, and therefore not eligible to adopt at the present time. Now I know my words don't matter that much anymore, but when is the madness going to end?

Today I saw a beautiful child with Down syndrome in my office. He couldn't have been more than 10 years old. So sweet and kind, I was moved by his presence. His innocence was refreshing, and he unknowingly turned my day around. I could only hope to make such a simple difference in someone else's life. And these hopeful parents in England, were trying to do just that.

Even though I write these short blogs, I hope that someone out there begins to realize, that people can make a difference, and certain rules must be forgotten. As Dale Carnegie used to say, "The perfect way to conquer worry is to pray."

Pet Allergies, Our First Family and You!

Our soon-to-be First Family faces a personal struggle that millions of other American families face every day_ Their daughter suffers from allergies.

An estimated 10-15 percent of people with allergies in the U.S. are allergic to dogs or cats. And about two million people who have cat allergies apparently live with at least one cat in their households. For many pet allergy sufferers, the importance of keeping their pet outweighs the difficulties present due to their allergies.

The major pet allergens are produced in glands in the skin and can easily get into the animal's fur, hair and saliva as well. These chemicals can cause an allergic reaction if an individual is allergen-sensitive. There are a variety of allergy symptoms including itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat, as well cough, asthma and hives.

If you have pet allergies, consider the following proven survival tips:

* Create an "allergy free" bedroom (where we spend about one third of each day).

* Use a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner in the bedroom.

* Purchase allergen mattress and pillow covers which may help to prevent pet hair brought into the bedroom from getting into the bedding.

* Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and/or a double-bag filter to better catch pet allergens.

* Some studies indicate weekly bathing of a pet may substantially reduce the level of pet allergens in the fur (speak with your vet about any specific suggestions on best ways to do this).

* Learn which prescription or OTC allergy medications are helpful if you have pet-allergic symptoms.

* Allergy injections for pet allergies can be helpful in reducing symptoms if avoidance measures are not successful.

* One study found that it's easier to transfer pet allergens form person-to-person when wearing wool rather than cotton.

* Washable wall covering, wood and linoleum flooring is easier to clean and remove adherent pet allergens than other surfaces.

* Ask a non-allergic friend or family member when animal grooming is required. It is best to do this on non-carpeted flooring.

* Avoid the area around the cat's litter box if you suffer with cat allergies.

* Wash your hands after handling a pet to keep from transferring the allergens to your eyes and nose.

Super Bowl Snacks

Don't be fooled by all the hype, for some people Super Bowl Sunday is not about football - it's all about the food. Due to the fact that the Super Bowl has turned into a day-long event, people tend to eat non-stop for hours. In fact, it is ranked as the number two "food consumption event" of the year. For people watching their weight who don't want to be uncomfortable crunching carrots and celery sticks, you're in luck - there are many healthy options for you to chow down while watching the big game.

Super Bowl Facts:• By the time the final whistle blows at Super Bowl XLIII, they say, Americans will have downed 156 billion calories, mostly from greasy pizzas, fried chicken wings and beer. • The typical Super Bowl party-goer consumes 1,300 calories through food alone - not including beer, soda and wine. It may be as much as 2,500 calories depending on the person and the party. • One out of seven Americans orders take-out or restaurant-delivery food on Super Bowl Sunday. At least 58 percent order pizza, 50 percent scarf chicken wings and 20 percent go for a sub or sandwich. • One in 20 Americans watch the Super Bowl at restaurants or bars. • Americans double their average daily consumption of snacks on Super Bowl Sunday, consuming more than 33 million pounds of treats in one day. • Super Bowl fans spend more than $50 million on food during the 4 days prior to the Super Bowl. • An additional $11.8 million is sold in beer prior to Super Bowl Sunday • Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest winter grilling day of the year.

Eat this, not that at your Super Bowl party:

1 serving Beef Chili VS. 1 serving Turkey Chili with Beans:345 calories, 7g fat, 7g fiber vs. 178 calories, 4g fat, 10g fiber

Substitute lean ground turkey breast and beans for ground beef in your favorite chili recipe. Top with chopped tomatoes and peppers for a crunchy, hearty texture. Filling up on hearty lean protein and fiber-filled beans will not only provide you with fiber and protein, but you'll save close to 200 calories.

Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Sauce VS. Baked Chicken Fingers with BBQ Sauce: 1170 calories, 85g fat, 3g fiber vs. 470 calories, 8g fat, 2g fiber

Swapping artery-clogging Buffalo wings with a side of full-fat blue cheese dressing, by making your own baked, skinless chicken fingers with barbecue sauce, save you a whopping 700 calories and over 70 grams of fat.

Potato Chips (2 oz) with Onion Dip (1/2 cup) VS. Stacy's Pita Chips (2 oz) with Hummus (1/2 cup):520 calories, 39g fat, 2g fiber vs. 460 calories, 19g fat, 8g fiber

Potato chips with onion dip is a combination of greasy, fried carbohydrates and trans fat. Instead, you can help your heart and cholesterol by switching to whole-grain chips, like Stacy's Pita Chips and hummus. Hummus is made from chickpeas which have poly- and monounsaturated fats which are beneficial to your health. Plus, you get the added boost of fiber.

2 slices Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizza VS. 2 slices Pizza Hut Thin Crust Veggie Pizza:780 calories, 38g fat, 4g fiber vs. 360 calories, 14g fat, 6g fiber

Super Bowl Sunday is the No. 1 day of the year for take-out pizza. You can still have pizza, but choose the crust and toppings wisely. Trim over 400 calories from your slices by choosing crunchy, thin-crust pizza and order lots of fiber filled veggies on top instead of high fat, high sodium meat toppings.

Fried Nachos with ground beef and sour cream(8 ounces) VS. Baked chips with Turkey Chili and low fat cheese(8 ounces):1560 calories, 86g fat, 10g fiber vs.700 calories, 5g fat, 17g fiber

Nachos may be a Super Bowl party staple, but they're packed with calories, fat and sodium. Assembling your nachos with baked chips such as those offered by Tostitos, topped with lean turkey chili and shredded low- fat cheese will not only save you half the calories, but 17 times the fat of the original version.

1 Sierra Nevada Bigfoot VS. 1 Beck Premier Light:330 calories vs. 64 calories

What's a Super Bowl party without tons of heavy beer drinking? Gulp down a six pack and, well, it isn't pretty that over 1000 calories, the equivalent of a 7 glazed donuts. Choose a light beer instead, or make your own wine spritzers to save on calories.

1 cup of Un-shelled Nuts VS. 1cup In- shelled Pistachios:700 calories, 56g fat, 13g fiber Vs. 340 calories, 28g fat, 10g fiber

From the moment the pre-game interviews start, through the exciting and entertaining commercials and most importantly watching the actual Super Bowl, everyone's eyes are glued to the T.V. Therefore, people aren't watching how many handfuls nuts they are consuming. Although nuts do contain healthy fats, eating straight from the bowl can easily lead you to munch through 1000 calories. In shelled pistachios, contain the lease calories because the shells take up most of the volume of 1cup. Cracking them open allows you to be conscious of what you are doing and therefore slow down consumption time, which can enable one to curb their caloric intake dramatically.

Top 10 Skin Issues

With all the hype about fighting aging through Botox and cosmetic fillers, we sometimes forget that the heart of dermatology is based in addressing common skin concerns. This blog entry will be high-level overview of these concerns and some common ways to treat them.

The top ten skin issues we see at Sadick Dermatology are: 1. Acne 2. Allergic Rashes 3. Eczema/Psoriasis/Dry Skin 4. Suspicious Moles/Skin Cancer 5. Hair loss 6. Warts 7. Nail Fungus 8. Rosacea 9. Herpes 10. Pigmentation

AcneAcne is a skin disease that affects more than 85% of teenagers. In many cases, acne diminishes with age, but some people continue to have breakouts in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Acne can be treated by a number of over-the-counter remedies that contain drying agents such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. For more severe cases of acne, patients may opt for low-dose oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, topical retinoids, phototherapy or laser treatments.

Allergic Rashes These are changes of the skin, which change the skin's color, appearance and/or texture. Rashes may be localized or affect larger areas of the skin. In many cases, patients complain of itchiness a• although not all rashes itch. Obviously, not all rashes are the same and it is best to go to a dermatologist to identify the cause so that the best treatment regimen can be secured. Learning the cause of the rash is the best way to prevent future breakouts.

Eczema/Psoriasis and Dry SkinThese are all somewhat related in that they are inflammatory, persistent skin issues that are tied to skin dryness and recurring skin rashes. They can be unsightly and annoying. Treatments vary and a visit to the dermatologist is usually necessary. Common treatments involve topical corticosteroids in the form of ointments, creams or lotions. In severe cases, dermatologists may recommend photo/light treatments (PUVA or UVB) or systemic prescriptions such as biologics, cyclosporine, methotrexate or retinoids.

Suspicious Moles/Skin Cancer Moles are another frequent skin issue. With the increasing rates of skin cancer, patients should seek medical guidance when a suspicious mole appears. For starters, moles are perfectly natural and can be influenced by genes or sunlight. While moles are naturally occurring, it's the appearance of the mole and its characteristics that distinguish benign moles from cancerous moles. The four key criteria for moles relate to asymmetry, border, color and diameter. Sometimes evolving is added as a fifth criterion. If a mole starts changing in size, color, shape or if the border becomes ragged or you notice bleeding, then it's important to consult a dermatologist.

Hair LossMany female and male patients come to visit my office to discuss hair loss which can be caused by a variety of issues. The most common form is alopecia, a medical term for loss of hair from the head or body. Alopecia can be a genetic phenomenon, hormone variation, or even a reaction to a hair treatment such as relaxers or hot hair irons. In some cases it can be related to an iron deficiency. For the best result, go to a dermatologist with a specialty in hair loss. This physician can determine the exact cause and provide a treatment that may include topical creams and ointments as well as special prescription shampoos and conditioners.

Warts Warts are generally small in size and rough to the touch. They appear most commonly on the hands and feet. They are very common and are caused by a virus named HPV. They are contagious when there is contact with the skin of an infected person. You should also be aware that it is possible to get warts from using towels or other items used by an infected person. In many cases, warts go away after a few months, but sometimes can last for years. Treatments for warts vary from over-the-counter topical products, to prescriptions and cryosurgery. While warts may be unsightly, they are not harmful and can be easily treated.

Nail Fungus Many patients have concerns over nail fungus. Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal infection of the nail. This common condition impacts as much as 8% of the entire adult population. It can appear on both finger and toe nails and is characterized by thickening and a yellow or cloudy appearance to the nail. There is usually no pain associated with a nail fungus. The treatment for nail fungus can be difficult because the infection is usually embedded within the nail and therefore difficult to heal with topical treatments. The most effective treatments seem to be systemic antifungal medications. These medications may have an impact on the liver and it is important to be followed by a physician. Also note that it can take up to a year to clear up the nail fungus.

Rosacea This is a widespread skin condition that usually affects Caucasians. Rosacea patients have flushing and redness on their face and may also have small red bumps or pustules. Rosacea can appear on both sexes but seems to affect people between the 30s and 60s. Unfortunately, there is no consensus as to the cause of rosacea, treatments vary and a dermatologist should be consulted. Some treatment tips are to avoid irritating topical lotions and cleansers and to use sunscreens with a minimum SPF 15. Prescription treatments can include both topical and oral medications. A dermatologist may recommend a photorejuvenation treatment. Rosacea can be difficult to treat and many patients are encouraged to follow regimens and be patient. It can take up to 1-2 years to get the disorder under control.

Herpes Herpes simplex is a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses. Oral herpes, also called cold sores, usually infect the face and the mouth. Infection of the genitals is also very common. Herpes viruses have a cycle and there are periods where the virus is active and periods where the virus is inactive. The active cycle can last between 2 and 20 days, during which sores appear and then disappear. Recurrence times vary and there is no consensus on the triggers. While there is no cure for the virus, there are treatments that can reduce outbreak frequency and duration. Herpes is contracted through direct contact with an active lesion or the body fluid of an infected person. Condoms are the best way to limit transmission because the virus cannot pass through latex. The most common medications used to treat herpes include antiviral medications such as Zovirax, Valtrex and Famvir.

Pigmentation DisordersThe final top ten skin concern that patients have relates to skin pigmentation. Skin pigmentation disorders affect the color of skin. The most common form of skin pigmentation that we see in our office is hyperpigmentation or the darkening of an area of the skin. Hyperpigmentation may be caused by sun damage, inflammation or acne. Individuals with Asian, East Indian and African skin tones seem to be more prone to hyperpigmentation. Treatment for these darker areas includes medications that bleach or lighten the skin. Common ingredients include hydroquinone, kojic acid, azelaic acid, ascorbic acid and retinoids.

As in all cases, patients are encouraged to seek treatment and advice from a physician if there is a skin concern or issue. In many cases, these conditions are covered by insurance and can be treated with either over-the-counter treatments or with prescription medications.