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How PA doctors will handle medical marijuanaphilly.com

According to the philly.com article "How PA doctors will handle medical marijuana", physicians can now sign up to join Pennsylvania's medical marijuana effort. 

The state's acting secretary of health Rachel Levine quotes, "Any M.D. or D.O. who treats patients with any of 17 qualifying conditions should register with the state."

These conditions include:
ALS
- Autism
- Cancer
- Crohn's disease
- Chronic neuropathic pain
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/ AIDS
- Huntington's disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intractable seizures
- MS
- Neuropathies
- Parkinson's disease
- PTSD
- Sickle cell anemia
- Spinal cord damage resulting in                intractable spasticity.

Physicians interested will be required to take a four-hour course either online or in person.

To learn more and read the article, click here














Preconception tips for optimal fertility and a healthy pregnancy
Dana Shanis, M.D. Gynecologist


Trying to conceive is an exciting time and a little preparation can help improve your experience and the likelihood of a healthy child. Good health before and during pregnancy will ensure the safest environment for your baby to grow. Here are some tips that can help prevent problems that may affect you or your child's future health:
 
Exercise
One of the best things you can do to help your long-term health, including during pregnancy, is to exercise. This decreases inflammation, reduces stress levels, and has been shown to decrease the risk of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes or hypertension.  Physical activity does not increase your risk of miscarriage, a low birth weight baby, or early delivery. If you have any medical problems, it is important to discuss with your provider what types of exercise may be suitable for you. 
 
Balanced diet and vitamins
Eating a well-rounded diet including adequate fruits and vegetables will help prevent a nutrient-deficiency, such as iron or vitamin D, which can cause problems for you in pregnancy.  Most women are able to get adequate nutrition in their diet. For women with a modified diet, like gluten-free or vegan, it may be beneficial to supplement other nutrients and should be discussed with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist. In the month prior to attempting pregnancy, regardless of diet, it is helpful to start supplementing 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, which has been shown to decrease the likelihood of neural tube defects in the baby. To read more about preconception tips, click here.












Emotional well-being, dementia and nutrition
Marissa Martino, RD, LDN


Not everyone may realize, but nutrition has everything to do with our mental health. In fact, all body functions are connected and intertwined in one way or another. The recognition of the brain-gut axis, or connection, has been on the rise and we are finally acknowledging the importance of a healthy gut. And by gut, we don't mean the "stomach, belly or tummy", we mean the GI tract- specifically the small and large intestines. To many, it's a foreign concept that our overall health lies in the condition of our gut.
 
Alzheimer's, which is just one form of dementia, has actually been termed Diabetes Type 3 due to the correlation of dramatic decline in cognitive function and chronic insulin resistance... Lot's of big words. Let's back up a minute. What causes insulin resistance in the first place? Well, we have three macronutrients that fuel our bodies- Carbs, Proteins, and Fats. Can you guess which one is related to diabetes?
 
You guessed it- Carbs.
 
All carbs eventually turn into glucose, which raises our blood sugar. Insulin then is released to allow the digested sugar into our cells. However, eventually our cells become insulin resistant and stop absorbing glucose, leaving sugar in the blood stream. Uncontrolled insulin resistance leads to type 2 diabetes. To read more about emotional well-being, dementia and nutrition, click here.






Relax at DermaCenter Medical Spa


It's no secret that day-to-day life can cause a lot of stress build-up on you physically and emotionally. You know that feeling when you need a vacation but your schedule doesn't agree?  You owe your body and mind some relaxation and destressing so, come visit us at the DermaCenter and let us help! Many of our procedures are relaxing, pampering and will leave you rejuvenated and ready to tackle those stressful days.

Many of our treatments will leave you feeling relaxed and pampered. Chemical peels, microdermabrasions, and microplaning are designed to remove dead skin from the surface and will immediately give you a brighter complexion and smoother skin. These treatments can be done alone or in conjunction with each other for the best result! They also include a scalp massage which will relax you - leaving you feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle those stressful days!








Skincare for 360-degree Health
 
Our  Dermacenter Medical Spa assists our patients on their journey of long-lasting skin health, by treating skin issues and maintaining healthy and beautiful skin throughout all stages of life.
 
Every month we highlight different services and procedures to provide our patients access to skincare as a part of a healthy lifestyle.  Click Here for more information on these monthly specials.

3 MicroNeedling Sessions for $800 
(reg. $1,000)

 
Microneedling (Epidermal Collagen Induction Therapy) is used for the treatment of the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and the improvement of the skin's texture, tone and color.


30% OFF Skin Tightening Package



Revitalize your skin with this is non-invasive laser procedure to tighten existing collagen in the deeper layers of  the skin, which improves skin contours and healthier collagen. 



   


DermaCenter Medical Spa at the Rittenhouse Women's Wellness Center would like to invite you to our Center for our  exclusive injectable party!



Dr. Dana Shanis, M.D.,is board certified and available for Botox, Juvederm and Voluma injections.  Dr. Shanis, has been injecting at our practice since she joined and has recently completed an advanced injection training which trained her on intricate filler solutions around the jaw and other locations that are cutting edge at aesthetically enhancing your appearance. For more information on Dr. Shanis,  click here.

Catherine McGintyMSN, FNP-BC,  is a board certified family nurse practitioner. She is available for botox injections. For more information on Catherine McGinty, click here


 *Must sign up for Brilliant Distinctions program in order to receive discount. 



We know so much about our patients and we love to see familiar faces (although preferably for well-visits), but do you ever wonder who is helping you book your follow-up appointments or draws your blood? If you do want to know more about our team, please feel free to read out " Meet  the  Staff " segment! We hope that getting a little more familiar with the people you see in our office will make you more comfortable and confident with the care you receive through us.

Channell Lyles, 22 years old
Medical Assistant

1) What does 'wellness' mean to you?

Wellness to me is the overall state of feeling good mentally, physically, and emotionally.
 
 
2) How do you feel about healthcare in the U.S. and your role within the system?

Healthcare in the U.S. could use some improvement in being more cost-effective, but I feel we have very intelligent Medical Professionals who genuinely care for their patients and want to see them in the best possible health and will do all they can to ensure they are. I feel that a good Doctor-Patient relationship is a very important part of our healthcare system. I think my role in the system is to aid our doctors. The physicians have a lot on their plates with having many different patients and designing different treatment plans for each individual. Not having to worry about taking vitals, drawing labs, and giving injections is not only helpful to them but also helps in time management and allows them to focus on what is important without feeling rushed. I'm proud to be a Medical Assistant.
 
 
3) What health advice do you promote to your family?

Always keep up with your health. No matter if it's primary care, going to the dentist, or getting your eyes checked, always make sure you make and keep appointments. Don't wait until something goes wrong to get it checked out, you may have been able to prevent it from happening.
 
 
4) Are there any lifestyle changes that have positively or negatively affected your health?

Recently I have given up meat, alcohol and caffeine and focused more on healthy eating and drinking more water. I have also been attempting to get more sleep. I have been feeling more energized and not so groggy in the morning. Overall I have been feeling pretty good.
 
 
5) What activities do you participate in? What do you you do to help you feel healthy?

I eat healthier, walk with my kids, and go to the gym occasionally.
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6) What advice do you have for patients seeking to optimize their health?

Keep up with your care. Make sure you go to see your primary care doctor, let them know issues you may be having even if it seems like something small. Never put your health on the back-burner. 




Patient Portal Update

You can now view statements and pay bills on the patient portal by clicking "Latest Statement."

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