Marta Cuminotto Age 51

Women across the country are putting a stretch-mark cream called StriVectin-SD on their face to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crows' feet.  And, consumer sales are providing the evidence of its effectiveness.  It seems that StriVectin-SD is nothing short of a miracle.  Women as well as a growing number of "boomer men" are buying so much Stri-Vectin that finding a tube at your local cosmetic counter has become just about impossible.

The interesting thing about this whole phenomenon is that up until July of 2002 no one knew the reason for its effectiveness.  After a series of studies were conducted it was found that the "mystery ingredient" that reduced wrinkles was a patented oligo-peptide (called Pal-KTTKS)  This ingredient proved outstandingly better than retinol and Vitamin C.

In answer to the question of whether or not StriVectin-SD is better than Botox, the article includes the comments of Dr. Nathalie Chevreau, PhD, RD, Director of Women's Health at Salt Lake City based Basic Research, and exclusive distributor for Klein-Becker.  She explains, "Leading dermatologists agree that Botox is the preferred treatment for moderate to severe frown lines between the brow.  But ever since it was discovered that StriVectin could reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crows' feet that can add 10-15 years to your appearance and which costly medical treatments often leave behind...skin-care professionals have been recommending, and using, StriVectin."  In fact, researchers believe non-invasive alternatives are better, because, as Dr Chevreau continues, "Topical creams and gels offer gradual, continual results, while the effects of injections, facial peels, and dermabrasions are rougher on the skin and wear off."

So, in conclusion, StriVectin-SD helps give you a youthful, healthy, glowing complexion faster than retinol, far superior to vitamin C, and without irritation, needles, or surgery.  Even better, many dermatologists and plastic surgeons recommend StriVectin in conjunction with cosmetic procedures, including Botox.

This cream has become so popular its almost impossible to find, according to the article on Marie Claire.  Your best bets are: MACY's SEPHORA, Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor or Saks.  These stores always try to keep it in stock.  Believe it or not, the pregnancy section of your GNC stores or a high-end supplement retailer is a sure bet.  If you're wondering about price, the article mentioned it as $135.  Not cheap, but if used as a wrinkle cream can last you 6 months.

You can also call 800-401-0765 or order online at www.StriVectin.com

Let Wellness Be Your Goal in 2006

WELLNESS  is the "Buzz" word!  Everywhere, just about everyone is talking about wellness - In the Medical Community, the Alternative Medical Field, the Natural Sciences, Dermatologists, the Beauty Industry, even the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) you name it and the word  WELLNESS is "IN"

What is Wellness?  According to one dictionary definition, it is...

1) the quality or state of being healthy,especially as the result of deliberate effort;  health.

2) an approach to health care that emphasizes preventing illness and promoting life, as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases.

More and more research is confirming that WELLNESS, or taking responsibility to becoming "Well", is the answer for the most death-dealing diseases today.  People know what they are:  heart disease, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, hypertension, etc., etc.  As a result of this research, the Alternative Medicine field is growing as never before.  Health Food stores, Chiropractic, Homeopathy, Physical Therapy, Naturapathic Practioners, Massage Therapy, Reflexology, are just a few.  The Food Industry and the "Fast" Food Chains have been forced to come up with a new paradigm.  We can notice it every time we eat out these days and also when we go food shopping.  Isn't that true?

BUT... the million dollar question is, How do I start on the road to "Wellness"?  Well, rather than not start at all, and viewing it as a big  monster bigger than life itself, why not look at it in little steps, little pieces.  You know, like stitches on a beautiful garment that you'd like to sew, or to buy and wear.  Perhaps like each petal on a rose or other flower that you'd like to become in a symbolic sense?  Why not look at it in stages, like the developmental stages in the miracle of the "human machine" --each step adding on to the next?  Or each step being a "link", "transition", or "turning point" on your road to your own "Wellness" destination.  Following are some steps we can take:

Step 1   Acquire knowledge 

This means utilizing the words "what ", "when", "where", "why", and "how".  It also means reading, asking questions, website browsing, internet searching, going to library; doing all YOU can to find out about "Wellness".  What it is, where to go to find out about it, what kind of people, stores, food supplements, books are available that can help you get needed information.  The word YOU is very important because we live in a socity where we can easily put the responsibility in the hands of others;  our parents, the school system, the medical doctors, the Food Industry, our employers, our friends, our husbands, wives, children, and on and on.

Step 2  Find people who are into "Wellness" and be their friends  

This means getting curious, stepping out of your comfortable place, comfort zone, and getting used to thinking in terms of tighter, less comfortable spaces/places where a little struggle may be required.  Not a lot of struggle, but a little...then a little more....and then a little more....there you go... you see that's not that bad? Huh?

Step 3  Set a Goal that is reachable, not too big but not too small   

This means taking a chance on yourself.  Taking a chance that you might not reach it.  Taking a chance of feeling bad about not accomplishing it.  And taking the chance of feeling and experiencing all the not so "comfortable" feelings that go along with failing at something.

Step 4  Getting up and continuing to work on that reachable goal after a setback

This means starting again.  Being willing to experience the good feelings, this time because you are meeting, reaching, accomplishing one successful step at a time on your road to "Wellness" because you didn't give up and you were courageous enough to set another one.

Step 5  Sharing With Others

This means not being selfish or becoming better-than-thou-ish about your accomplishments, successes, personal findings, etc. with those whom you think stand to benefit.  In other words, you want to look out, reach out to another human being and talk to them about what you've learned and how they could benefit.

Step 6  Gaining Physical & Emotional Balance or  "Emotional Well-being"

Things like emotional bathing,  listening to beautiful soothing music, holding a hug for over a minute with someone you love, and random acts of kindness contribute to physical & emotional balance. 

Good Health To You

Marta Cuminotto

The Myth of Hair Growth  - Printed from Awake! Magazine July 22, 2005 pg. 28