Botox Cosmetic Celebrates Two Decades By Annette Brooks Botox Cosmetic — aka Botox — is a household name, but it was virtually unknown to the public when cleared by the FDA 20 years ago as a temporary cosmetic treatment for moderate to severe frown lines (the “11s”) in adults. Little did we know then that this first-of-a-kind prescription cosmetic product would lead to a wave of new injectable aesthetic products. Since 2002, Botox has received two additional cosmetic use indi

Options for Reshaping and Refining Your Nose By Annette Brooks Even a tiny adjustment to your nose can significantly change your appearance. So, it’s no surprise that a transformative, highly-customizable, long-lasting procedure like rhinoplasty — also known as nose job or nose surgery — is one of the most popular facial plastic surgeries. Although rhinoplasty isn’t a magic cure-all, you might feel more self-assured and confident with a more flattering, proportionate, reshape

Common Conditions and How to Avoid Them By David Buice You may not usually think of your skin as one of your bodily organs, but it is, and it plays many vital roles. Among others, the skin helps the body retain fluids to prevent dehydration, enables you to feel sensations, guards against infections by protecting against germs and bacteria, stabilizes body temperature, and helps your body synthesize vitamin D from sun exposure. Common Skin Disorders Like any other organ, the s

Protecting Pets in Your Garden Courtesy of Family Features If you have pets that enjoy spending time outdoors, it’s important to make sure your yard is a safe place for them to be. Consider these hazards that can negatively impact the well-being of your furry friends. Poisonous Plants Some common plants can be dangerous for animals, causing anything from mild oral irritations and upset stomachs to cardiovascular damage and even death. For example, these are some of the toxic

Fruit of the Vine By Don Clowers “The secret to overcoming every unpleasant issue in life lies in how we choose to think. How we think is the starting point of handling life’s problems.” God wants you to be happy. If you are looking around today, you might not think so. Losses, disappointments, and the decisions of others can cloud our lens of God’s good intentions. In our own life and ministry, my wife and I have faced betrayals, financial setbacks, the near-fatal accident o

Haven't Had a Physical in a While? Why You Should Go Now. By Meredith Knight We’ve all heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That prevention should begin with an annual physical, and here’s why. Head Off Future Problems Annual physicals allow your primary care provider (PCP) to review changes in your health that may have occurred since your last checkup. Then, they can weigh your risk factors and offer advice about lifestyle choices to help you

Wellness With Aquatic Exercise By Pete Alfano We all know that one of the best forms of exercise is walking. All you do is open the front door and be on your way. But perhaps the most complete form of exercise is aquatics. Working out in the water can tone your muscles from head to toe, increase your strength and improve your endurance. We’re not suggesting that you will look like Jason Momoa, who plays Aquaman in the movies. You can, however, look and feel better by spending

GET INTO THE BACK TO SCHOOL RHYTHM WITH THESE FAST BUT FILLING DISHES BY MELISSA TATE QUICK BREAKFAST BOARDS MAKES: 2-4 | PREP: 5 MIN. | TOTAL: 5-15 MIN. INGREDIENTS: Mini muffins | Fresh fruit | Nuts | Cheese | Cured meat | Hard-boiled eggs DIRECTIONS: CHOOSE your items depending on who you prepare the board for or use whatever you have in your kitchen. Anything goes on these boards. KEEP it balanced by adding hard-boiled eggs, several slices of cured meat, cheese slices, a

WANDER OUT WEST FOR A RUGGED RESPITE BY JENNIFER KELLEY My husband and I surround ourselves with friends who share our passion for adventure. In celebration of several milestones, twenty of us made the 500-mile trek to the wild west Ghost Town of Terlingua. We planned to make Basecamp Terlingua our village for the week, take in the panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains, canoe the Rio Grande, and enjoy some of the best stargazing Texas has to offer. ALONG THE WAY If you want

WHAT COUNTERTOP IS RIGHT FOR YOU? BY COURTNEY WARREN Many of my interior design clients are opting to update their homes instead of moving. Frequently, the kitchen is the first room on the list. New cabinets, backsplash, and appliances can take a space from eyesore to exquisite. Surprisingly, almost all kitchen renovators (91% according to recent research from realtor.com) agree that countertop changes are in order. Updated countertops can change the entire look and functiona