Mused while contemplating a concept by Hierocles called oikeiosis. What starts with the self, expands to family, citizens, countrymen, and finally mankind.
Chocolate sales are up 18% since 2011. Nearly half of those indulging are looking for premium ingredients to consider it “healthy”. This includes dark chocolate with up to 90% cocoa.
At least as important as the taste and indulging our cravings is the fact that dark chocolate can reduce the risk of heart attacks. The Journal of Nutrition found that small amounts of chocolate daily provide antioxidants to protect the heart and blood vessels from inflammation and subsequent cardiovascular disease. The efficacious amount is about half a chocolate bar each day.
(Did You Know? Try making truffles at home sometime. I used to do it annually for my daughters French class. It’s not as hard as you think. Just use good quality chocolate.)
The study examined the level of C-reactive proteins (a marker of inflammation and coronary heart disease) in almost 11,000 people. By correlating their diet, the study found that those who ate small amounts of dark chocolate several times a week had 17 percent less C-reactive proteins in their blood than those who ate no chocolate. The hypothesis for the dark chocolate being more effective than milk chocolate is that the milk interferes with the body’s absorption of the antioxidants.
So the next time you are in the office, enjoy a truffle from the basket at our front desk and don’t feel guilty!
LA DOLCE VITA:
While we were discussing chocolate sensory pleasures above, smartphones can cause a neurochemical pleasure. Some research suggests that the habit-forming flow of minor rewards and escapist nonsense are similar to those of slot machines. Imagine being a compulsive gambler with a casino in your pocket? David Dudley, Men’s Health.
WHAT’S NEW?
Volbella is a new lip filler that DOES NOT exaggerate the lips but improves wrinkles and creases in the lips and the skin just above the lips. It now comes in a full syringe when it used to be only half syringes. Studies show it lasts for about a year. Come in and see what it has done for Diane, Crystal and Dianna.
Don’t like your profile?
New Kybella for fat under your chin!!!
Kybella is an injected solution that melts the fat under your chin. From the same company that brings you Botox and Juvederm, the process is without anesthesia and usually takes 30 minutes. Recommended are 2-3 treatments but down time is minimal. Call for more information or to set up a complimentary consultation to see if you are a good candidate and what the costs would be.
Eyebrows too thin or lacking? Microblading is a technique of applying permanent makeup with individual strokes simulating individual hairs. Each stroke is purposely placed to mimic the natural flow of eyebrow hairs. Not the old way of coloring in the eyebrow area.
Facial brown spots from this summer’s sun? Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) or microneedling helps to reduce the pigment cells. Purchase a package of three treatments and get the fourth FREE. Go to www.dermapen.com for details of CIT. Also improves wrinkles through stimulation of collagen on the face, neck and chest areas.
Leg Veins?
Sclerotherapy improves spider veins in your legs.
SKIN CARE SPECIAL:
Rid your skin of the damage caused by this summer’s harsh sun with one of our exfoliating products. Some include: Obagi Exfoderm Exfoderm forte, Dermesse exfoliator and exfoliator forte, SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator, Dermesse Sugar Scrub and Baby Foot. All are 20% off!
Healthy Living,
Peter McKenna, M.D.
513.793.5772
McKenna Cosmetic Surgery Center . 10577 Montgomery Road . Cincinnati . OH . 45242
