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Many individuals associate aging with the deterioration of the body and mind but this does not have to be an inevitable consequence. Prevention is the key to living not only longer but living a better quality existence.

Prevention comes in two specific forms, the first is life style choices. Are you eating properly, are you physically active or do you smoke? The second is screening practices to help ensure early detection of diseases or health issues. Do you get a yearly physical, do you get mammograms, do you get checked for prostate cancer, do you know what your blood pressure is, and do you know your cholesterol levels? It is important to stay informed about your health and to listen to your body.

One of the most important lifestyle choices you can make is to stay physically active. It requires a surprising small amount of exercise to acquire huge benefits to your overall health. For instance regular exercise will greatly reduce your risk of heart disease, many cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. By the same token it will increase bone health, muscle strength, joints mobility, and increase balance and stability. Incorporating exercise into your daily life will also translate into fewer visits to the doctor, hospital and decrease your need for medications.   

There are many different names used to describe exercises and physical activities that build muscle including, weight lifting, resistance training and strength training. No matter what you decide to call them the goal is to strengthen your muscles and to stop the loss of muscle mass that comes with disuse and age.

Regardless of your current physical abilities there is an activity that will work for you. Many individuals enjoy lifting weights either at home or in a gym very desirable as it keeps them focused on their goals. If lifting weights is not your thing then there are activities that incorporate strength training such as water aerobics, Qigong, Tia Chi or yoga.

If you choose to try weight training for the first time it would be very beneficial to seek the help of a physical trainer. Most gyms allow you to hire a trainer by the hour and if you do decide to join a facility this service is usually thrown into the deal.  If you decide to go it alone there a few safety tips to keep in mind so that you avoid injury as well as get the maximum benefit from your workout. Do not hold your breath during strength training, the general rule is to breath out as you lift and breath in when you are releasing. Also avoid jerking or thrusting the weights, if you need to do this then they are probably too heavy, try some lighter ones. Your movements should be smooth and remember to avoid locking your joints into place at the top or bottom of your motions. It is normal to feel muscle soreness for a few days after you have worked out however you should not be in severe pain, if this is the case then see a doctor.

For the greatest benefit you should be strength training each of your major muscle groups twice a week and work out should consist of two sets of approximately 10 to 15 repetitions. The key to success is consistency, you have to continually challenge your muscles and your body in order to make them stronger and to gain the benefits of prevention.

Dermatologists can reduce skin discoloration and other signs of aging by removing the outer layer of the skin with laser resurfacing.

Fine lines and wrinkles can be mitigated or removed. Even scars can be faded until they are barely noticeable or can be hidden with a light foundation.

Laser resurfacing improves color irregularities and marks on the skin and also draws the skin up more tightly. This has the effect of a mild face lift resulting in a more youthful appearance.

The tightening of the skin from laser skin resurfacing will usually persist for several months following the initial treatment. Results do vary from case to case, and so some subjects will benefit more than others.

One very positive benefit is that the laser also stimulates the growth of new collagen, which helps the skin to remain tighter and appear younger looking naturally.

Laser skin peel treatment requires specific techniques applicable for the various skin tones, so this type of therapy is best entrusted to a qualified dermatologist.

Two kinds of lasers commonly used and the practitioner must select the more appropriate for your skin. In some cases they may even use both kinds to treat different levels of scar tissue.

Precautionary note for those with darker complexions - laser therapy can cause scarring to some dark complexioned patients, so a competent professional is essential to ensure no damage is caused by the treatment.

The skin is our natural barrier against infection, so removing the top layers does introduce some risk of infection. Precautionary medication is used to suppress complications. People with sensitive skin may find recovery takes longer and infection more likely.

There is always the possibility of complications with this type of treatment, but the risk is minimal and manageable by competent qualified professionals. Performed correctly, the results can be very good and “turn back the clock” with rejuvenated skin and more youthful looks.