Archives for November 2013

 

As some of you may know, I am currently busy on the set of my second full length feature film production entitled “The House of Lizzie Borden”. I always enjoy working on film sets because you get to meet some of the most interesting people in the industry. Whether it’s behind the scenes or in front of the camera, every person plays a critical role in on set. Working 12 hour days and eating catered food, however, does not always lend itself to optimal beauty results. This article focuses on how to navigate the craft service table while staying healthy, glowing, and camera-ready everyday!

Exercise, exercise, exercise

Because of how crazy shooting schedules can get, it is often times hard to find the time and motivation to exercise. However, exercise is absolutely essential to regular maintenance and giving you that extra boost in the morning when you’re in for the long haul. Allotting thirty minutes a day to a versatile exercise regimen can do wonders. I try to diversify my routine each day, focusing alternately on cardio and muscular strength. Whether its going for a quick speedwalk or spending fifteen minutes doing abdominal exercises, working out for even just a little bit instantly transforms my mood and energy for the rest of the day.

Proper Hydration

We all know that coffee is the go-to drink of choice on set. While it may instantly boost your energy, over-caffeination can be detrimental to bodily hydration and getting an adequate amount of sleep. Coffee is extremely dehydrating so it is important to replenish with lots and lots of water. No matter how seasoned our makeup artists are, our body needs the right nutrients to create a perfect camera ready palette. If, and when possible, substitute coffee with green tea. Green tea is an extremely powerful antioxidant that can aid cellular regulation.

Moderate eating

Ah, the temptation of the craft services table is simultaneously every girl’s dream/nightmare. It is difficult to stay away from the various snacks that are often offered on set whether it’s candy, pretzels, cookies, chips, or pastries. Striking a proper balance between snacking and eating a proper meal is the key to creating a moderate diet plan when filming on set. I find it absolutely essential to starting my day with a good, hardy breakfast. Usually I prepare an eggwhite scramble with ham and green onion. This breakfast is enough to last me until lunch because it is filled with vital proteins and vitamins. It is okay to snack once in a while but it is important to recognize how much you are consuming. There is nothing wrong with having a few chips or a donut-it is only when we consume in excess that we start to feel uncomfortable, bloated, and lethargic. Sugar and highly processed foods can create that effect.

Beauty Tips

Being camera ready means constant touch ups and exposure to high voltage lighting. This can create a lot of wear and tear on our skin when we don’t properly clean off all our makeup at the end of the day. I personally know that feeling of being so tired that I can’t even muster up the energy to wash my face after a long day’s work. However, if you want to prevent breakouts and pimples, it is absolutely essential to remove all your makeup at the end of the night. Powders and foundations can clog our pores and it is essential that they have time to breathe. Eye makeup like mascara and eyeliner when left on for extended periods of time can lead to long term buildup around the eyes. It is absolutely essential that we remove all traces of eyemakeup so that the sensitive skin around our eyes are cared for. Try to exfoliate at least three times a week with a homemade scrub created from oatmeal, sugar, and honey. Pour equal amounts into a small dish and mix together until combined. Spread this paste evenly across your face and gently massage for a minute. Wash off your face with cold water and then apply a gentle toner and nighttime moisturizer.

 

 

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When it comes to “Style”, Lloyd Boston is your “go to” guy! His familiar face often graces red carpet events, top shows like Access Hollywood, NBC Today, Oprah, and Extra, just to name a few…. and his book, The Style Checklist is a sought after “Best Seller”!

Having an aunt with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nerve pain, Lloyd wanted to help “raise awareness” about this painful condition, and teamed up with Pfizer’s Walk in My Shoes program!

Here’s a recent interview with more commentary from Lloyd Boston about the Walk in My Shoes program along with some bonus style tips you’ll really enjoy! :

• What is the Walk in My Shoes program?

Walk in My Shoes is a new program aimed at people with diabetic nerve pain (also known as painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or pDPN) developed by Pfizer. Walk in My Shoes is encouraging the public to support people who, together with their health care providers, are addressing this painful condition.

This November, the Walk in My Shoes program launched at the American Diabetes Association Step Out Los Angeles: Walk to Stop Diabetes, which took place in Griffith Park. At the Walk, the Walk in My Shoes Sitting Room was also revealed, where people were able to recline, learn about pDPN and an available prescription treatment option.

• What are you doing as part of your involvement in Walk in My Shoes?

I joined the Walk in My Shoes Team, along with others affected by diabetic nerve pain, at the American Diabetes Association Step Out LA Walk. The Walk in My Shoes Team is walking to raise awareness of diabetic nerve pain and to encourage others to take the first step to address their symptoms and speak to their doctor.

• What is your connection to diabetic nerve pain?

Like many Americans, I have a family connection to type 2 diabetes and diabetic nerve pain. I have a close aunt who would describe during family dinners the tingling, pins-and-needle pain she was experiencing in her feet and toes. What I didn’t know previously was that these symptoms were related to diabetic nerve pain, a distinct type of pain caused by nerves damaged by her diabetes.

• What has your aunt’s experience been with this condition?

My aunt is a strong lady who often puts family before herself, and did not want to admit that the pain she was experiencing in her feet was holding her back from doing everyday activities. She eventually spoke to her doctor about her symptoms and found out that she had diabetic nerve pain. Today, she’s doing the best she can to manage this painful condition, but her journey is still not over.

• Where can people go to learn more about diabetic nerve pain and show their support for the Walk in My Shoes Team?

To show support, people can join the Walk in My Shoes Team or donate to the American Diabetes Association by visiting: www.WalkinMyShoes.info. On this site, you can also learn more about diabetic nerve pain and a prescription treatment option.

• What are your best style tips for women who are short on time but still want to look fabulous?

Keep it simple. Complicated outfits with loads of accessories, multiple layers, and contrasting prints can be time-stealers, and not necessarily look as chic as a crisp white tailored button down shirt, paired with a beautiful pair of camel trousers (and a bold red lip). I feel that less is modern.

• What are the hottest trends for winter?
These three trends are easy to wear and flattering on most women: COLORED LEATHER (bold clutch bags, ankle boots or jackets in lipstick red, grass green, or even marigold yellow), FAUX FUR (infinity scarves, chubby jackets, Russian-inspired hats) and A TOUCH OF MENSWEAR (an oversized overcoat, cool Fedora hat and herringbone gloves). These are easy trends that have a timeless appeal.

Many thanks to Lloyd Boston for sharing information about Pfizer’s Walk in My Shoes program, some great “Style Tips”, and the latest “Looks” for winter!

Take a moment to visit Lloyd’s wonderful website at: http://www.lloydboston.com

Also……Consider becoming a part of the Pfizer Walk in My Shoes Team, find out about treatment choices for Diabetic Nerve Pain, or make a donation to The Diabetes Association: www.walkinmyshoes.info

(Quoted or paraphrased information in this article obtained from provided Fact Sheets, lloydboston.com, walkinmyshoes.com.)

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Are you a baby boomer? Have you experienced problems with low back, joint, and muscle pain? Well don’t feel alone! As “boomers” age, dealing with pain has become a significant issue! Putting it into a better perspective, can you believe that pain affects more than 30% of the people in the US more than heart disease, diabetes and cancer combined!

Even more disturbing is that 76.2 million people in America have revealed that they have had problems due to pain!

Pain relief is essential, and you’ll be glad to know that there are safer more natural choices available for treating pain, and providing alternatives to powerful painkillers that may present side effects and other risks! Complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) is getting a lot of attention for it’s natural ingredients, effectiveness, and less side effects.

Statistics show that 40% of adults choose this safer complimentary and alternative type of treatment, and more and more doctors are now using CAM therapy with their patients and frequently combining them with traditional therapy known as integrated medicine.

In this article , I’d like to introduce you to two medical doctors who I had the opportunity to interview and learn more about CAM and two very effective homeopathic products. One is for pain relief called Traumeel®, and the other is Reboost™ that helps with cold and flu symptoms.

“Dr. Sampson founded the Orthohealing Center in Los Angeles, California. Recognized internationally as an expert in non-surgical orthopedics and regenerative medicine , his Orthohealing Center is a comprehensive leading-edge facility that focuses entirely on non-surgical orthopedics and sports medicine. Professional and Olympic athletes come from around the world to see Dr. Sampson for their treatments! Publishing many peer reviewed articles and textbook chapters that share his expertise, he has also created instructional videos to educate thousands of physicians. Dr. Sampson has contributed features in the New York Times, the LA Times, Huffington Post, The Doctors TV show, ESPN Radio, NBA TV, and numerous media outlets. Currently Dr. Sampson is a clinical instructor of medicine at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and on staff at St. Johns Health Center of Santa Monica, CA.”

My experience with Traumeel®:
Having a tear in my rotator, disc problems in my neck, and issues with pain I was a perfect candidate for Traumeel®. I’ve used a number of topical pain creams over the years, and found that most of them provided a temporary warming to my skin, and had that typically strong medicinal odor. I was surprised and delighted when I put on Traumeel® it was very light weight and absorbed instantly. There was no warming on my skin or and “medicinal”smell at all! Within minutes I noticed that my pain started to diminish. It’s also wonderful to use in the evening before you go to bed. I now carry a tube of Traumeel® with me wherever I go. They also have tablets you can take for pain. I’m on some medication, so I asked Dr. Sampson about that in our interview below!

My interview with Dr. Steven Sampson :
1. VICKI: Dr. Sampson, how does a product like Traumeel® help with pain relief for minor joint, muscle and back pain?

DR. SAMPSON: Traumeel® is a combination of 12 natural active ingredients (out of 14 actives). Traumeel® is easy to use and gently activates the body’s self healing, offering natural relief that works with your body to temporarily reduce minor joint, back and muscle pain.

2. VICKI: Is this considered a topical product without systemic effect, and a safe alternative to use if you also happen to be taking prescription medications?

DR. SAMPSON: Traumeel® is available in various forms including tablets, oral drops and topical cream and gel. Traumeel® has shown no known drug to drug interaction!

3.VICKI: How do you determine whether to use ice or heat to help with a painful muscle, back or shoulder discomfort?

DR. SAMPSON: Generally with new injuries like spasms and sprains we recommend ice initially for the first 48 hours, then heat for more chronic injuries like everyday muscle tension from sitting at the computer too long. Having said that, patients are very particular and some may prefer ice versus heat. When using natural based remedies like this, the body will let them know: generally, if it feels good – then use it, and if it feels worse – then avoid it.

VICKI:Thank you so much for your time. Traumeel® is quite an amazing product. It’s nice to know there’s an alternative relief for pain that is Homeopathic, available in variety of forms including a tablet , and also safe to use!

Facts about Traumeel®:

• Traumeel® has been used by millions in more than 50 countries around the world for over 60 years.

• Traumeel® has not been associated with the type of side effects linked with topical NSAID use, like increased risk of ulcers and stomach bleeding.

•Traumeel® ointment, gel and tablets are designed to work without going through the digestive system.

For even more information about Traumeel® please visit:
http//www.traumeel.us

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Bob’s experience with Reboost™: My husband, Bob, recently got over whatever was going around this year. He ended up with a lingering cough and nasal congestion. Reboost™ Cough Relief was soothing and it settled that cough ! (Honey is one of it’s inactive ingredients) He also tried the Reboost™ Decongestant Spray that was helpful as well. Reboost™ offers some real “go to” products to have on hand for you to take at the onset of a cold, nasal, or sinus situation. I did have some questions, once again, about interactions with other medications that Dr. Haddon answered in my interview below!

My interview with Dr.Sezelle Gereau-Haddon:

1. VICKI: Dr. Haddon, when using a product like Reboost™, is it only to be used after you have symptoms of a cold or flu, or can it be used as a preventative product as well?

DR. HADDON: No product can reliably prevent cold and flu. While there is no known cure for the common cold, many cold and flu sufferers find relief through symptomatic treatment. The Reboost™ line of products includes Nasal Spray for the temporary relief of minor nasal symptoms, Throat Spray for the temporary relief of minor pain from sore throat, tablets for the temporary relief of minor flu symptoms and Cough Syrup for minor cough and congestion.

2. VICKI: Is Reboost™ a product you will be able to use if you are taking prescription medications?

DR. HADDON: Absolutely! Reboost™ has shown no known drug to drug interactions.

3. VICKI: How does a product like Reboost™ help with cold and flu symptoms? Is it safe?

strong>DR. HADDON: We believe Reboost™ products work with the body’s own immune system to promote natural self-healing. They are safe and have no known side effects such as drowsiness. Anyone over the age of four can use Reboost™ products.

VICKI: With your exceptional training and expertise in “integrated” medicine, it’s very reassuring to feel confident about the Reboost™ line of homeopathic alternative options. Thank you so much for this interview.

Cold and Flu Statistics:
• The common cold is caused by more than 200 viruses and is the leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from work or school.

• On average 5-20 percent of Americans get the flu each year, and 20,000 children in the U.S. are hospitalized each year because of flu complications.

• Many consumers have concerns regarding the safety of some over-the-counter medicines. Research indicates that many are turning to natural cold and flu medicines instead of traditional therapies.

About Reboost™:
• Reboost™ is a product line for cold and flu relief.

• Reboost™ means that relief doesn’t need to come with frequent side effects, which can be bothersome or even serious.

• Reboost™ products promote natural self-healing and use ingredients found in nature, so cold and flu sufferers can feel better about feeling better.

Find out more information about the fine line of Reboost™ please visit:
http://www.ReboostColdFlu.com

(These statements have not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. They are supported by traditional homeopathic principles. Quoted and Paraphrased information in this article obtained from provided Fact Sheets, any personal commentary is my personal opinion from using the provided product.[i] The prevalence of chronic pain in United States adults: results of an Internet-based survey. J Pain. 2010 Nov ;11(11):1230-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2010.07.002. Epub 2010 Aug 25.[ii] National Pain Survey, conducted for Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, 1999.[iii] Mayo Clinic (2011). Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alternative-medicine/PN00001[iv] Mayo Clinic (2011). Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alternative-medicine/PN00001[v] Poveromo, J. (2013). Homeopathy Meets The Mainstream. Vitamin Retailer. Retrievedfromhttp://digitaledition.qwinc.com/article/Homeopathy+Meets+The+Mainstream/…. Natura-lCure-Converts health.Yahoo.net, Reboot Fact Sheet,Pain Backgrounder FINAL.doc, Heel Products Follow Up.rtf ,Dr. Haddon -:http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/PVN/natural-cure-converts.)

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