As summer is in full swing, it’s important to put your best hair forward with healthy and gorgeous locks that are sure to impress. From taking essential vitamins to a simple head massage, hair restoration expert Dr. Baiju Gohil breaks down some easy ways to get enviable hair this season.

Dr. Gohil is a board-certified surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, dedicated to hair restoration and hair loss treatment. He opened Robotic Hair Restoration Long of Island (RHRLI) in July of 2015 and continues to transform the lives of his male and female patients.

His hair expertise is unparalleled with over 10 years of experience and you can check out his hot hair tips here:

1. Vitamins: Vitamins A, C and E can play a vital role when it comes to having beautiful and healthy hair. Adding biotin, zinc, magnesium and niacin can also have significant benefits.
2. Eat Right: Eating the right foods can provide essential nutrients for your scalp and hair follicles. Foods high in protein and iron are extremely important, as well as enriched foods containing omega-3.  It's also important to be careful of those crash diets that can void your body of these vitamin enriched foods and proteins.
3. Hair Care: External hair care is vital if you want healthy hair. Weekly deep conditioning is crucial for maintenance and limiting the use of heat (curling irons/hair dryers/flat irons) will minimize damage to your hair. Finally, applying essential oils 2-3 times a week and limiting hair washing to every 2-3 days can also be beneficial.
4. Massages: Massaging the scalp as often as possible is also very helpful in promoting healthy hair. This increases the blood flow to the follicles, helping to provide important nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles.
5. Therapy: If someone is suffering from hair loss, there are three FDA cleared and approved therapies that can help to slow down and possibly stabilize that process in both men and some women, depending on the underlying cause. Low level laser therapy, finasteride (Propecia/men only), and topical minoxidil (Rogaine-5% for men and 2% for women) may all be helpful depending on your situation.

Buying Bread or Paying for Your Medication? Public Drug Plans Must Cover Cost of Latest Depression Medications

OTTAWA, May 17, 2017 /CNW/ - Ron Campbell and Brianne Moore — on behalf of millions of other Canadians living with mental illness and depression — have a message for Minister of Health Jane Philpott following her address yesterday at The Economic Club of Canada. Their message is this: an effectively reformed system to review patented medications must include the many people who are currently shut out from getting the latest — and most effective — medications for their depression.

Ron and Brianne are referring to Canada's publicly funded drug plan system, which currently does not cover many of the latest innovative depression medications that Canadians need to treat their illness. Those medications are only available through private health plans.

Right now, Canada's most vulnerable, including veterans, seniors, single parents, Indigenous peoples, the unemployed and homeless people, are shut out. That's because publicly funded drug plans don't cover the cost of the latest innovative medicines designed to treat depression.

All these Canadians, say Ron and Brianne, are part of an untold story.

"It's a travesty," says Ron, a retired RCMP officer with both PTSD and major depressive disorder. He's one of the lucky ones because he has private drug plan coverage. After years of tweaking and crashing, more tweaking and crashing, his specialist found the right combination of medications that make it possible for him to cope — and live.

"I'm finally in the best place I've been in 13 years," says the man who twice came within a hair's breadth of ending his life, once with pistol in hand. "I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have private drug plan coverage."

Ron is concerned about all those others he sees who struggle to get through their day without the benefit of the medication that will work for them — or people like Brianne who sometimes forfeits the medication she needs when she can't afford it.

Brianne is only 19, but she has struggled with mental illness for virtually her entire life and has had to pay for her own medications for the last three years. Life's hard, but things would certainly be easier if her medication was covered under the public drug plan.

"You shouldn't have to choose between buying food or the medication you need to stay mentally healthy," she says. "Unfortunately, sometimes those are the only choices I have."

Ron and Brianne are members of the newly formed Canadians for Equitable Access to Depression Medications (CEADM). CEADM is calling on Minister Philpott to fix the system, ensuring that all Canadians living with mental illness, regardless of their income, have access to the latest medications for depression.

"Minister Philpott is correct to tackle the high price of patented medications, and we are pleased that she has also touched on the important issue of access, but her plan for reform does not go far enough," says Phil Upshall, a member of CEADM's National Leadership Team and National Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. "Yes, developing a common national formulary that reflects the 21st century's 'patient-centered care' philosophy is an important step in the right direction to improve affordability and accessibility. But Canada's inequitable public drug plan system, which leaves many people out in the cold, the hardest hit being the most vulnerable in society and those with no private benefit plan, must be fixed."

"We cannot afford to let an employment lottery dictate who can and who cannot access the medications that restore wellness, quality of life and full functionality that permits Canadians living with a mental illness to become productive members of Canadian society," he adds.

SOURCE Canadians for Equitable Access to Depression Medication

Effective body massages for weight loss

A deep massage helps in the activation and proper functioning of the circulatory system. The gentle strokes of massage increase the blood flow that aid the body in the removal of toxic waste from the body at a quick pace. This is a great strategy for the human body to get rid of fats because it is the toxins that allow accumulation of fat in the body. Making use of therapeutic massage with regular exercise is an effective tip to get away with subcutaneous fat, more effective than exercise done alone.

Mainly there are three types of massage therapy recommended that have been actively contributing in melting the layers of fat from the body. Enlisted in this article are a few massage therapies that can help you lose weight. However, the choice is yours for which massage to opt to keep in view your body requirements:

1. Aromatherapy massage:

As the name indicates, this is a special type of body massage that acts on our desire to eat foods with a specific aroma. The active use of this massage therapy helps us to control our over eating habits. Special types of oils are used in this aromatherapy massage. People who have experienced the massage with specific oils that deals with obesity have witnessed proper sleep and that their muscular pain vanishes away like magic after getting the massage therapy. The good thing about this massage is that it acts as a compliment by providing loads of energy when you are on a diet plan.

2. Abdominal massage:

The abdominal massage is popular for its characteristics of dealing with waste and toxic products that accumulate in the body and hinder the functioning of its systems. The gentle strokes of massage on the stomach would help to increase the rate of metabolism, as well as boost the working of the digestive system. A regular abdominal massage will help you strike a balance in the gain of calories keeping in consideration the metabolic rate of the body. An in-depth abdominal massage will charge the body and increase its ability to work out. The workout with stored energy would result in the burning of calories and make you feel less fatigued.

3. Therapeutic Massage:

Edema is the accumulation of fluid that causes swelling in the body, making you look obese. The swelling significantly hinders the metabolic rate making it harder for you to shed those extra pounds of fats. Massage therapy improves the blood flow in the body and decreases the body fluids that cause swelling thereby helping you to tone your body.

Author Bio:

Laura Martel is a mother of two and a geek at heart. She loves reading books and spending time with her family. She regularly blogs at www.MassageTut.com

Ener-C Announces NSF Non-GMO True North Certification

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pauling Labs, the maker of Ener-C multivitamin drink mix, is extremely proud to announce that Ener-C has achieved NSF Non-GMO True North certification of all ingredients.

Since the birth of the brand in 2013, their goal has always been to attain third party certification of Ener-C's non-GMO status. Although Ener-C has always been non-GMO, they hold a firm belief that if you claim it you need to verify it by a respected third party. Pauling Labs chose to work with NSF True North because they are an internationally recognized verification and testing organization.

Since 1955, NSF has been committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide.  Athletes who wish to compete in the Olympics and world sporting events can only take NSF certified supplements.  "NSF is the gold standard for all supplement testing worldwide, which is why we decided to go with NSF's True North Non-GMO testing regime for Ener-C," said Richard Pollock, President, Pauling Labs.

Pollock and his team believe that consumers have the right to know what's in their products and have the right to make the healthiest decisions when purchasing those products.  Although there continues to be a debate over the health effects of GMO ingredients, Pollock believes there should be no question as to who owns the seeds and plants: Mother Earth, not corporations.  "Pauling Labs and Ener-C are committed to continually doing better and improving the lives of our consumers, our employees, and our communities," said Pollock.

About Ener-C and Pauling Labs: 
Ener-C is a multivitamin drink mix made with real fruit powders that was created to address two important basic human truths.  The first truth is that we are all, by nature, thirsty creatures.  The second is that we all could do with more energy.

There were very few choices out there when it came to finding a product that was healthy, natural, non-GMO,  caffeine and stimulant free, low in sugar, and made by companies consumers could trust and respect. Pauling Labs saw this as an opportunity to create a product people could enjoy taking and feel good about. Pollock stated, "Everything we do at Pauling Labs is based around the belief that we can all be better, do better, and feel better."

Pain Relief Technology Inventor Inducted into MM&M “Top 40 Healthcare Transformers”

Dr. Amy Baxter of MMJ Labs recognized for advancing drug-free pain relief

ATLANTA--Amy Baxter MD, chief executive officer and founder of MMJ Labs, the industry leader in noninvasive pain relief, was awarded a 2017 Top 40 Healthcare Transformer designation by MM&M magazine.  Baxter was recognized at the MM&M Top 40 Healthcare Transformers dinner and awards in New York City on May 10, 2017.  The dinner followed a full-day conference devoted to helping the biopharma industry go “beyond the pill.”

“Innovation goes beyond invention,” noted Baxter in her acceptance remarks during the dinner. “An invention is a solution, but innovation requires persistent persuasion to implement solutions.”

Baxter’s FDA cleared Cool-Pulse™ technology invention Buzzy® blocks needle pain, and VibraCool® Massaging Ice therapy was launched to reduce opioid use.

The award recognized the former emergency physician’s contributions in pain relief using a neuromodulation technology platform rather than pharmaceutical solutions.  MMJ Labs has created devices that are FDA cleared and clinically proven to block needle, IV access, and plantar fasciitis pain.  The new VibraCool line combines cold and vibratory massage for tendinitis and knee injuries and pain.

“The Buzzy device has been proven equivalent to topical anesthetics for pain relief,” states Baxter.  “The exciting thing about VibraCool is that vibration speeds healing and improves blood flow, while ice can reduce inflammation as well as pain.  We are excited for patients using the device to ‘go beyond the pill,’ and reduce the need for medications to combat pain.”

MM&M honors 40 new and established innovators yearly, identifying those who are leading the pharmaceutical industry’s transformation in significant ways.  “Healthcare Transformers” are innovators using technology to reinvent the industry.

“The 2017 Transformers class—our third—has certainly solidified its place alongside the earlier two, blending their indomitable spirit to disrupt and desire to prove that medicines and related technologies benefit patients with a collective acknowledgment that doing so is not a solo effort,” wrote Marc Iskowitz, editor in chief of MM&M.

About MMJ Labs, LLC.

MMJ Labs is a woman owned and operated business headquartered at their Hive in Atlanta, Ga. Established in 2006 by Dr. Amy Baxter, a pediatrician and pain researcher, MMJ Labs develops reusable, inexpensive physiologic products for personal pain control. Over a quarter million people have used the flagship product Buzzy®, a bee-shaped palm-sized device combining cold and vibration to combat needle pain. When placed between the brain and the pain, the competing stimulus controls or inhibits sharp pain. Additional products include DistrACTION® cards that reduce pain through distraction, and VibraCool® Massaging Ice Therapy.

Safe Solutions for 6 Common Beach Body Concerns

Summer is approaching! It’s the time of year met with mixed emotions. On one hand you’re excited for the warmer weather, open toe shoes and weekends at the beach or pool. On the other hand you dread revealing the stubborn cellulite, dull skin, stretch marks, scarring from breakouts on the chest shoulders or back not to mention coarse hairs.

Dr. Kirk Brandow, founder and director of the Brandow Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery in Philadelphia who has appeared on national programs such as Good Morning America and 20/20, offers some insights and tips on these top 6 beach body concerns.

1. My skin is so pale!

It’s been way too long since you have seen a glimmer of sunshine and realize how your skin matches the white of your office walls. You want to avoid tanning beds and load up on sunscreen. “Opt for a bronzing cream or spray tan instead of tanning beds. Many of the women who come to me for facial procedures including Botox, fillers and laser treatments could have slowed down the aging process by being vigilant about sun protection and avoiding tanning beds,” cautions Dr. Brandow.

2. I have acne scarring on my shoulders and chest.

The quickest and most permanent way to remove these infuriating scars is with a laser. “Lasers are a very efficient way to remove scars and improve over all skin texture with minimal side effects. Patients are pleased with the fast results, which can be seen after the first treatment with optimal results by end of a treatment cycle based on your own needs,” explains Dr. Brandow.

3. I exercise but there still that little bit of tummy flab.

Stubborn tummy flab won’t disappear even with all of that exercising and dieting. Some people who have had children even consider a full tummy tuck. “It is very important to find a doctor who understands all options and can recommend one that will address your specific concern. Some pricey non-invasive body contouring procedures will offer a temporary result making it necessary to repeat them,” advises Dr. Brandow whose specialty is the Jersey Shore Tummy Tuck given his practice’s proximity to the Jersey Shore.

4. Cellulite.

There is no easy way to remove cellulite; you are either using a coffee scrub or going in to see the doctor for a laser procedure. Dr. Brandow recommends the professional treatment called Smartlipo, which is a small laser that goes into the skin and melts the fat away. Smartlipo is a less invasive procedure than liposuction, is costly and time consuming but the results can last up to five years.

5. Stretch Marks.

An inevitable result of weight fluctuation, are stretch marks.

Coolbeam laser is a new hit to eliminate stretch marks thanks to Kim Kardashian, who posted on her Snapchat about the procedure. Dr. Brandow explains, “lasers are far less invasive than a surgical procedure, which has a much longer recovery time.” Another option for stretch marks that Dr. Brandow recently spoke of on a recent TV segment is using PRP (platelet rich plasma), which involves pricking the scarred region with a special roller instrument then using the body’s own plasma to stimulate healing and collagen regrowth. “This is the same thing as the ‘Vampire facial’ but done on stretch marks. Results are incredibly impressive,” he says.

6. Unwanted body hair.

Hair removal is always a beach season battle. For a more effective long-term hair removal option, Dr. Brandow highly recommends investing in laser hair removal. “Laser hair removal is the most permanent way to remove unwanted body hair. It takes ups to 6-12 treatments offering the best results.” Waxing is a popular option, which can last up to 3-6 weeks depending on how your hair grows. It is the quickest and long-lasting hair removal technique that doesn’t require any laser and it can be done at home.

Dr. Brandow also reminds people to check with their dermatologist for an annual skin screening before exposing themselves to another season of sunshine.

About Dr. Kirk Brandow

Dr. Kirk Brandow, founder and director of the Brandow Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery is a plastic surgeon with 2 locations in the Philadelphia metro area and a 3rd one at the jersey shore. Named a “Top Doc” in Plastic Surgery by Philadelphia Magazine as well as nationally recognized for one of America’s “Best Plastic Surgeons” of this decade, Dr. Brandow is a trusted expert who has developed many innovative, minimally invasive procedures for the face, body and skin. He has been featured on local, national and international television programs including 20/20, CNN’s Headline News, Good Morning America.

NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST FESTIVAL FOR DOGS, WOOFSTOCK, RETURNS TO TORONTO MAY 27TH & 28TH

TORONTO – Woofstock, North America’s largest festival for dogs, kicks off its 14^th annual outdoor event on Saturday, May 27^th from 10am to 6 pm and Sunday, May 28^th from 10:00 am to 5 pm at Toronto’s Woodbine Park, from 10am to 6pm. This event has grown into a festive tour de force, drawing tens of thousands of dogs and their human companions from across Canada and the U.S. every year. With its attendance increasing every year, and the continued support and participation of top pet brands, Woofstock remains the largest dog festival, with the most attractions and entertainers of any animal-related event.

“We are excited for this season of Woofstock because this year there will be more vendors, more entertainment, and more excitement than ever before,” says Teanna Lindsay, co-owner of Woofstock. “In this 14th season, we are bringing back our classic activity and product favourites for our guests, and introducing some sensational surprises and new sponsors to the event.”

For 2017, Woofstock welcomes PetSmart as the event’s presenting partner. This new sponsorship partnership is a natural fit for Woofstock, bringing together two large brands whose passions are pets, pet care, and animal education.

“At PetSmart, everything we do is for the love of pets, and we truly believe that pets make us better people,” said John DeFranco, President, PetSmart Canada. “It’s a natural fit to partner with an organization that brings pets and pet parents together, and we’re proud to be the presenting sponsor for Woofstock this year. We can’t wait to see all our pooch pals and their humans at this year’s event!”

Not to be missed at this year’s Woofstock is the Lucy Pets Gnarly Crankin’ K-9 Wave Maker. All dog guests will have the unique opportunity to participate in doggy surf lessons in Lucy Pets’ 5000 gallon, outdoor canine surfing simulator.

“We are really excited to bring Lucy Pet’s Gnarly Crankin' K-9 Wave Maker up north and across the Canadian border to make new friends,” said Joey Herrick.  “After so much success in the U.S. last year, we wanted to share the experience with Canadian pet parents too. Participating in Woofstock, named the Best Festival in Canada, is the perfect opportunity to do just that.  We can’t wait!”

Pedigree will be back on site this year with its special Rescue Village, which plays host to the brand’s Doggie Picture Day – a concept presented by DENTA STIX and adoption onsite. Attendees will learn more about how to improve their dog’s dental hygiene plus receive a branded tote bag.

Pure Balance by Walmart will be bringing the fun to the festival with its giant Kibble Pit – a huge dog bowl full of balls for our furry guests to play in.

In addition to these exciting activities, our adorable furry guests, their owners and all dog lovers can participate and enjoy events such as FREE lure courses, Woofstock’s annual Fashion Show, the Mr. and Ms. Canine Canada Pageant, Canine’s Got Talent, Annual Running of the Pugs and Weiner Dog Races, the NEW Chihuahua Chase and Frenchy Flash racing events, as well as the Woofstock Games, an Olympic style sporting competition for dogs. Returning favourite attractions include an animal communicator and security dog demonstrations, multiple product launches onsite and tons of free samples to enjoy.

To facilitate easy access to the event grounds, Petsmart will be sponsoring Woofstock Wheels – a free shuttle service transporting guests from an off-site parking lot on Cherry Street, as well as Union Station. Attendees won’t go hungry either as Woofstock hosts a mini food truck festival with a fully licensed area complete with a Wooftini cocktail.

With upwards of 100,000 dog lovers and more than 150,000 of their four-legged loved ones in attendance last year, Woofstock management is looking forward to making this 14th annual festival the best yet.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHAT: WOOFSTOCK 2017

WHERE:  Woodbine Park (1695 Queen St E Toronto, ON M4L 1G7)

DATES & TIMES: Saturday, May 27^th 10am to 6 pm and Sunday, May 28^th, from 10am to 5pm

TICKET PRICE: $10 in advance (weekend pass); $12 at the event gates (weekend pass); Children under 10 and Dogs are FREE.

***Proceeds from this year’s Woofstock ticket sales will be donated to all dog rescue organizations who have partnered with Woofstock for 2017.***

Want a quick yet efficient workout on the go? Try these Exercise Cards by Workoutlabs. I love these things. I wouldn't say I personally use them for every workout, but if you want a change, on the go, traveling a lot and have limited access to a gym and/or workout equipment, or simply want to try something new and fun to change up your workout, you have to get these!

What I like about them is that they're easy to carry around and store away. I've been keeping them in my gym bag and using them on clients just to do something different when they want to. An idea is to take the carbs, shuffle them up like they are playing cards and have your client (or yourself) pick from the deck and do the exercises. This is fun folks! If you're not training for anything specific like a competition or a run, it's so important for you to switch things up and give yourself something FUN to do. It keeps the workouts fun and going...

Everyone knows that H.I.I.T (High Intensity Interval Training) is great for seeing results and seeing them quickly and getting an amazing workout. All of the exercise for the cards are H.I.I.T based! Can it get any cooler than that?!

When you purchase these Exercise Cards, you get over 50 cards that include:

• 40 bodyweight exercises
• 10 stretches
• 6 workout routines
• Two blank template cards to add your own exercises and workoutsIf you're interested in trying these out, check out their website: 
• https://workoutlabs.shop/products/exercise-cards-bodyweight-women

I'm always asked to try new fitness clothing products and I really enjoy it. But what I truly enjoy is when I find something that I really like. And what I like more than that is when I'm asked to try clothes that are what I call 'multi-purpose', meaning, clothes that I can wear when I'm going out or on a regular day when I'm NOT in the gym and still want to look stylish. I must say, I've found something that I really like in the Svelte Cargo Leggings. I'm big on textures and sometimes I find myself buying clothes just because they feel good on.

These would definitely fall into that category. These leggings fit GREAT and I love how they also can double as shape wear because they come with a built-in waist panel. They lift and suck in giving you an amazing look. These are great to wear out and they're also great to workout in believe it or not (though they are really cute when you wear them out).

Check out this company, they offer a great variety in clothing and shape wear... Even Kim Kardashian wears shape wear so never think that you don't need it!

Here's the link for you: https://www.shopsvelte.com/collections/shapewear-leggings/products/cargo-leggings

I may have found a great solution for those suffering with knee problems? You ever find you have difficulty training because your knees just won't cooperate? Well I think I've found a solution for you! I recently had the chance to try out itBandz Knee Band's and I must say they're pretty cool!

What I like most about them is how comfortable they are. A lot of knee products can be 'annoying' for a lack of a better word, but this one feels fine. The itBandz support and stabilize the knee for people who suffer from knee pain when they are active. According to their site, "itBandz help alleviate pain from tendonitis, arthritis, and other chronic knee issues." I could definitely see how they could help.

If you know me, you know I like fun, fashionable things and if you go check out their site, you'll quickly see that this product comes in a lot of cool colors.

So if you're suffering with knee problems, or scared that they are on their way, give the itBandz Knee Band's a try! You can check them out by clicking the link below:

https://www.itbandz.com