Healthy Lifestyles-Healthy Aging
Healthy Aging
At Women’s Wellness Center, we want to provide you all (as well as ourselves!) with as many tools as possible for healthy aging. We all age; it is inevitable. We need to make the most of what we’ve got as we get older. And why is that? So that we can feel our best and look our best, so that we can be of the most benefit to ourselves and others. It’s really that simple.
Though there are many facets of health, physical health is, of course, extremely important, and we are here to help you with all your gynecological needs. There are many ingredients that contribute to a healthy body and long life. In addition to prevention and early treatment of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, nutrition and exercise play key roles. It is critically important to shed those excess pounds, no matter what – even if medication is needed. Difficulty losing weight is a VERY common problem for women, and at WWC we understand how frustrating this can be. Scroll down to learn more.
Hormonal health is important for well being and can contribute to healthy aging. At WWC we offer full spectrum advice on hormonal balance and menopause management. In addition, as we grow older, it becomes even more essential to recognize the impact of a healthy supportive social environment and spiritual life on our ability to cope with life’s changes; we need to make sure we are cultivating these resources. Studies consistently show that those with a supportive social network and spiritual practice live longer and continue to have more of a sense of purpose in life. Funny as it may seem, people who have more sex also live longer! So we are here to encourage you to preserve your sex life if reasonably possible and desireable and to provide the tools to help you with that into menopause and beyond – Scroll down.
Though there are many facets of health, physical health is, of course, extremely important, and we are here to help you with all your gynecological needs. There are many ingredients that contribute to a healthy body and long life. In addition to prevention and early treatment of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, nutrition and exercise play key roles. It is critically important to shed those excess pounds, no matter what – even if medication is needed. Difficulty losing weight is a VERY common problem for women, and at WWC we understand how frustrating this can be. Scroll down to learn more.
Hormonal health is important for well being and can contribute to healthy aging. At WWC we offer full spectrum advice on hormonal balance and menopause management. In addition, as we grow older, it becomes even more essential to recognize the impact of a healthy supportive social environment and spiritual life on our ability to cope with life’s changes; we need to make sure we are cultivating these resources. Studies consistently show that those with a supportive social network and spiritual practice live longer and continue to have more of a sense of purpose in life. Funny as it may seem, people who have more sex also live longer! So we are here to encourage you to preserve your sex life if reasonably possible and desireable and to provide the tools to help you with that into menopause and beyond – Scroll down.
There is also nothing wrong with wanting to look as good as possible as we age. It is part of our gender biology as women to want to look good and present our best selves to the world. We do this through how we dress, put on make up -- even just by brushing our hair every day. Skin care is an important part of wellness. Whether it is for work or social relationships, it is reasonable and customary for us as women to have concern about our appearance, so there is no need to feel guilty about that.
It is my sincere belief that whatever makes us more confident and comfortable with ourselves will eventually produce benefit for ourselves and others. So first we take care of ourselves so that we can then be of more benefit to those around us. With this in mind, I am happy to be introducing aesthetic services at WWC, and I see it as supportive of our wellness philosophy. It also just so happens that our nurse practitioner Sherri Aikin is one of the most experienced and talented aesthetic practitioners in Reno, and she will be providing some basic safe cosmetic services such as BOTOX, fillers and peels (and free consultations). So scroll down to puruse the services we have available.
While we do all we can to prevent disease and feel good as we age, we must recognize that changing our appearance or taking hormones won’t make us young again and won’t necessarily make us happy. But if we just want to look and feel our best and be more confident WHILE we continue to focus on the important things in life, then it’s all good. Because life if tough, it can be helpful at any age to cultivate inner aspects of our being, as well. Studies show that mental hygiene is an essential ingredient in health, and there are systematic ways of working on our mental states and our happiness -- our inner beauty.
Since we think this is so important, at WWC we are excited to offer an introductory “Quiet Time” non-religious mindfulness meditation class right in our waiting room! The funny thing is, once we get to know our own minds better and make our minds healthier and more positive, the hard work involved in the exercise, diet plans and relationships seems to go a little easier too. And we create the space for more wisdom in our lives.
It is my sincere belief that whatever makes us more confident and comfortable with ourselves will eventually produce benefit for ourselves and others. So first we take care of ourselves so that we can then be of more benefit to those around us. With this in mind, I am happy to be introducing aesthetic services at WWC, and I see it as supportive of our wellness philosophy. It also just so happens that our nurse practitioner Sherri Aikin is one of the most experienced and talented aesthetic practitioners in Reno, and she will be providing some basic safe cosmetic services such as BOTOX, fillers and peels (and free consultations). So scroll down to puruse the services we have available.
While we do all we can to prevent disease and feel good as we age, we must recognize that changing our appearance or taking hormones won’t make us young again and won’t necessarily make us happy. But if we just want to look and feel our best and be more confident WHILE we continue to focus on the important things in life, then it’s all good. Because life if tough, it can be helpful at any age to cultivate inner aspects of our being, as well. Studies show that mental hygiene is an essential ingredient in health, and there are systematic ways of working on our mental states and our happiness -- our inner beauty.
Since we think this is so important, at WWC we are excited to offer an introductory “Quiet Time” non-religious mindfulness meditation class right in our waiting room! The funny thing is, once we get to know our own minds better and make our minds healthier and more positive, the hard work involved in the exercise, diet plans and relationships seems to go a little easier too. And we create the space for more wisdom in our lives.
Beauty: Cultural Perspective on Aesthetics
Over the years, I’ve heard a common theme from women about the choice to have cosmetic procedures performed. Comments are often laced with guilt, secrecy, judgment, and fear. My response has been to educate women on the historical perspective of having some focus on their external beauty and having procedures done (i.e., botox, juvederm, chemical peels) because throughout the ages, all cultures have had their view on what is considered beautiful.
The Romans were very fond of bath houses and used crocodile excrement for their skin. During the late 17th century, the Romans used a powder mixed with mercury, calcium carbonate, and hydroxide to make their skin very light and fair. The Romans also used Portuguese urine which they had shipped in for mouthwash and to freshen their breath. In 1936, Americans were using dimple machines to create dimples on their face. And to date, even in developing countries, beauty is important, and women will create body and facial scars, tattoe their lips and chins, place very large gouges in their lips to make them big as well as in their earlobes. So this is certainly nothing new, and ultimately, having a healthy focus on our looks is really acknowledging ourselves in a positive way.
For a historical understanding on Botox go to this link: http://jezebel.com/313573/making-billions-from-bad-sausage-the-history-of-botox
The Romans were very fond of bath houses and used crocodile excrement for their skin. During the late 17th century, the Romans used a powder mixed with mercury, calcium carbonate, and hydroxide to make their skin very light and fair. The Romans also used Portuguese urine which they had shipped in for mouthwash and to freshen their breath. In 1936, Americans were using dimple machines to create dimples on their face. And to date, even in developing countries, beauty is important, and women will create body and facial scars, tattoe their lips and chins, place very large gouges in their lips to make them big as well as in their earlobes. So this is certainly nothing new, and ultimately, having a healthy focus on our looks is really acknowledging ourselves in a positive way.
For a historical understanding on Botox go to this link: http://jezebel.com/313573/making-billions-from-bad-sausage-the-history-of-botox
Sherri Aikin, MSN, FNP-BC has been practicing Aesthetic Medicine for over 10 years and is highly skilled and current in advanced injection techniques with Botox, Juvederm, and Voluma XC, as well as other skin improvement techniques. Such techniques need to be performed by experienced providers to get the best results. Sherri is one of the most experienced injection specialists in Reno.
Free consultations are provided by Sherri. Call now to schedule: 352-9355
Free consultations are provided by Sherri. Call now to schedule: 352-9355
- Botox $10/unit (average used is 25-45/units)
- Juvederm $525/syringe
- Voluma XC $750/syringe
- Chemical Peels $125 per peel
Sexual Health
Many women have unresolved sexual issues or need help rebooting their sex lives after menopause. Nurse practitioner Sherri Aikin is credentialed in sex counseling and can offer special help with these challenges.
Philosophy of Health and Sexual Well-being Counseling
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Sherri’s philosophy of health and sexual well-being is a synthesis of body, mind, and spirit. A patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health is addressed with integrative approach to well-being through various healing modalities such as mindfulness, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), active inquiry, the ISIS wheel, and at times hormone replacement therapy and psychotherapy referral.
About the integrative Approach
An integrative approach allows for inquiry into the patient’s body sensations, symptoms, emotions, beliefs, memories, connections, and energies. When these dimensions are considered important to how sexuality emerges in one’s life, something deeper and more wholesome becomes available - an insight, a new opening is created. Sherri’s approach avoids a compartmentalized view that defines the issue as a ‘problem to be fixed’.
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Sexual Issues That Can Benefit From Counseling
Sexual difficulties often result from a combination of factors: low libido, painful intercourse, anorgasmia, vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, desire and arousal disorders, lack of romance and intimacy issues, and communication skills on sexual pleasure, among others. Many women of all ages have questions about their ability to orgasm. Sherri’s approach in sexuality is to evaluate the whole person. Through a discovery process, sexual energy is explored and incorporated more fully into the patient’s life.
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Nutrition
Nutrition's Role in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
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A sound, well-rounded, anti-inflammatory nutrition plan plays a very large role in disease prevention. Many of the chronic diseases Americans face, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure, are the result of unhealthy nutrition choices. Eating appropriate portions from each food group will significantly reduce risk factors for developing a chronic illness.
Many fad diets have captivated American kitchens, yet despite attempting to eat healthier, Americans are getting heavier and the incidence of chronic disease and cancer continues to rise. Our best defense to disease prevention is subscribing to and implementing healthy nutrition. An anti-inflammatory diet plan will become the best approach toward a healthier you. |
Why anti-inflammatory diets? Inflammatory processes are the beginning stages of all disease. Through nutrition and other lifestyle measures, inflammatory components can be reduced and the body will have the capacity to heal and establish vitality.
Anti-inflammatory nutritional plans consist of foods rich in essential fatty acids (such as fish, nuts, seeds, oils), antioxidants (vegetables and fruits), vitamins and minerals. In addition, hydration is very important to stable immune function.
At Women’s Wellness Center, we will help guide and support you in your nutrition choices.
Anti-inflammatory nutritional plans consist of foods rich in essential fatty acids (such as fish, nuts, seeds, oils), antioxidants (vegetables and fruits), vitamins and minerals. In addition, hydration is very important to stable immune function.
At Women’s Wellness Center, we will help guide and support you in your nutrition choices.
Weight Management
Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician known as the ‘Father of Medicine’ said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Nutrition is the key to healthy body function. Sherri educates patients about healthy food choices and how nutrition is effective in disease prevention. A nutritional plan rich in vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, oils, lean meats, and whole grains is the foundation to an anti-inflammatory diet. Currently, approximately 75% of Americans are overweight or obese. Fast and cheap food is a staple in the American diet, despite the fact that most people know these foods are unhealthy for them. Sherri empowers patients to confront these obstacles and move to healthier choices by identifying barriers that keep them from making this shift. For more information, see http://www.drweil.com.
Many women are unable to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. Sometimes the best choice is to incorporate appropriate medications to aid in healthy weight loss. Qysmia is a new FDA-approved weight loss medication that the Women's Wellness Center can safely prescribe to help you loss weight. While it is new, it is actually a combination of older time-tested medications, so we can have confidence in its safety. The indications for the use of Qysmia include patients with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or more or a BMI of 27 in the presence of at least one weight-related disease, such as high blood pressure, type two diabetes and/or high cholesterol. Of course, we provide medical monitoring for safe and effective weight loss, covered by most insurance plans. For more information, please
visit: https://www.qsymia.com/home-c.aspx
visit: https://www.qsymia.com/home-c.aspx
Tools for Patients
Sherri teaches mindfulness and meditation as tools for patients to begin a discovery process of turning toward an understanding of their own minds. In sex and relationship issues, the focus tends to shift to what’s wrong and what the other person in the relationship isn’t doing right. While the relationship may have problems to address, Sherri first helps patients become aware of their own processing of energy and information within themselves. Patients learn to shift their focus towards the issues they encounter with their sexuality. By teaching meditation and mindfulness, patients become able to return to themselves. They begin to see how they relate to their sexual lives and how they then infuse their sex life with those perceptions. This integrative approach allows for deeper insight and understanding of how a patient gives and receives, not only through sexuality but through the entirety of their life.