WINTER BLUES AND SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD) Pix of Treating Loose Skin of Tummies, Breasts, Arms, and Face/Neck CoolSculpting Special with FREE Cool Tone Enhancing Abdominals, Buttocks, or Legs Less Hair in a Swimsuit- Laser Hair Removal Specials, Now’s the Time to Start Chicken Tortilla Soup, The Recipe First Time Botox Patients Save $65 to Improve Wrinkles, See Below PatientFi and Care Credit, Payment Plans including No Interest on 6 Month Plans
Mused after deciding to head to Florida for a long weekend in the near future. Between winter and spring break, many of our patients can’t wait to feel the sun. A little vitamin D can’t hurt anyone!
Joke of the Day: I used to tell a joke about paper, but it was tearible.
WINTER BLUES AND SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)
Many factors go into feeling “winter blues”. Today will be cold, gray, and rainy. But even on a sunny day, this time of year, many still feel the effects of shorter days. Dr. Michael Terman from Columbia University explains how less light affects our bodies.
When we awake, sunlight hits our eyes, sending a signal to the brain where a neurochemical cascade awakens us. This causes the sleep hormone melanin to be turned off. On drab mornings, this may take longer, or the signal may not be as strong. There is also less production of the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, serotonin. Dopamine and norepinephrine are stockpiled and contribute to a blue mood.
The result is a dip in energy levels, wanting to sleep more, and craving more carbohydrate-heavy foods. Those who are more susceptible are women, younger people, and those with a family history of depression. Geography may play a part, with the more northern areas having fewer daylight hours.
(Did You Know? Fifteen percent of the population may experience at least one mood-related change during the winter. Another 5% of Americans are diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder.)
Treatment varies according to the severity. For most, keeping your body going and a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate your internal clock and can help your mood. Here are four ways to help yourself and others. Do something for someone else by volunteering. Cook and eat healthy to get back on track after the holidays. Exercising goes hand in hand with eating healthy and increases serotonin. Lastly, plan something special, whether it be lunch with someone or going to a warmer climate on vacation.
Seasonal affective disorder may require behavioral therapy and antidepressants. If there is difficulty completing work tasks, getting out of bed, or avoiding spending time with friends, then seeing a medical or mental health professional is essential. Light therapy may be helpful, especially when guided by a professional. A bright-light box using 10,000 lux, used before 8 a.m. for at least 30 minutes, helps many. Vitamin D supplements may also help.
Personally, I continue my exercise and healthy routines but turn on more lights around the house while home than I do during other seasons. Fires inside or out also elevate my mood. Lastly, I tend to keep my Christmas lights up longer than most and a tree in the bedroom where no visitors can see it in March 😉.
-Lindsey Bever and Lauren Tierney
-Alina Dizik, WSJ
LOOSE SKIN FROM WEIGHT LOSS?
Here are some examples of our surgery patients, treated for loose skin in 2025. The photos on the right are one-month follow-ups.
LA DOLCE VITA, JOIE DE VIVRE:
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot. Add 1 diced onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp oregano. Sauté for one more minute. Add 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, 8 oz. canned or frozen corn, 4 oz. can chopped green chilis, 1 15.5 oz. can black beans (drained), and 2 cups shredded chicken (about ½ of a roasted chicken, easy to shred while warm). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Stir in ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve with tortilla chips.
NEVER TRIED BOTOX?
Here’s your chance, and a $65 discount, courtesy of the distributor of Botox, Allergan. A special QR code here at the office provides the discount. Schedule an appointment and see what everyone has been saying about facial wrinkle improvement.
SKIN CARE SPECIAL:
Laser Hair Removal Special:
A package of 4 is 20% off the single treatment pricing.
A package of 6 (normally 20% off the single treatment pricing) is now 30% off!
If you purchase a second package (of 4 or 6), that second package will be 50% off the single package price.
MONTHLY PAYMENT PLANS:
Monthly Payment Plans for surgeries, skincare, and injectables through CareCredit and Patient Fi. Call us for details. Currently, there is no interest on 6-month plans.
TESTIMONIAL:
“Very pleased with everything! Staff was amazing. Surgery area was great. Dr. McKenna did an outstanding job. I will highly recommend this office. Thank you for such a great job!!” C.H.
Healthy Living,
Peter McKenna, M.D.
513.793.5772
mckennamd.com
McKenna Cosmetic Surgery Center | 513.793.5772 |10577 Montgomery Road | Cincinnati, OH 45242
30+ Years of Improving Lives
A Cincinnati Magazine “Top Doc” since 1998
Allergan Top 500 Physician
SkinCeuticals “Flagship” Practice
And now a Luminary (expert) for Endymed RF Fractional Treatments
(I do write all the emails and have done so since 2007. -PJM)
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