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Enhance Your Beauty with Sculptra at MyJourneyMD

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:31:57 GMT

MyJourneyMD is proud to offer Sculptra , a revolutionary treatment that works inside and out to improve skin health and appearance.

Have you ever wished for a magic potion that could rewind the clock and bring back your youthful, radiant skin? Are you looking for a safe and effective way to achieve a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance? While a magic potion does not exist and we can’t reverse time, you can reverse the signs of aging! MyJourneyMD is proud to offer Sculptra , a revolutionary treatment that works inside and out to improve skin health and appearance.

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a non-surgical, FDA approved, injectable cosmetic treatment designed to restore volume and stimulate collagen production. It is administered in a series of treatments that takes less than an hour, with minimal discomfort. Collagen is a vital protein in the skin that provides structure, elasticity, and firmness. As we age, collagen production begins to decline, resulting in sagging skin, sunken cheeks, fine lines, and wrinkles. Sculptra activates your body's own collagen production and gradually restores skin back to a natural and rejuvenated appearance. Sculptra is made up of poly-L-lactic acid, a biocompatible and biodegradable substance that gradually breaks down in the body over time without causing harm.

Benefits of Sculptra

Long Lasting Results: Designed to naturally work with your own body’s collagen production, the effects are gradual and become more apparent over time. Most patients will notice a difference after a few weeks with optimal results becoming visible within three to six months and lasting up to two years. Sculptra restores volume and improves the overall texture and appearance of your skin resulting in a more youthful and refreshed look.
Minimal Downtime
After the treatment, you may experience some redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. It is recommended to refrain from any strenuous activity for a few days. However, these effects are temporary and usually subside within a few days. You can typically resume your regular activities immediately after the procedure.
Versatility
We offer various additional injectable and non injectable options that can be combined with Sculptra to help clients achieve their desired results safely and effectively.

Sculptra is the perfect choice for those seeking a gradual and natural-looking enhancement to their beauty journey. Its ability to stimulate collagen production and restore volume sets it apart from other cosmetic treatments. With minimal downtime and long-lasting results, Sculptra is a game-changer in the world of facial rejuvenation.

Take the first step towards enhancing your beauty and book your appointment at MyJourneyMD today. Your journey to a more youthful and confident self starts now! Our team of experts, led by Dr. Kristen Williams, will guide you through the consultation process, acknowledge your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan while ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. Contact us this week to schedule a consultation or appointment. Learn more about us or any of our treatments at www.myjourneymd.com

Botox: Rejuvenate Your Natural Beauty with MyJourneyMD

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 01:26:20 GMT

Aging is a natural process we should embrace. However, this can be challenging as we start to notice fine lines and wrinkles on our forehead and around our eyes, and corners of the mouth.

It can make us look and feel tired or put a damper on our self esteem. While you can’t turn back the clock, you can rejuvenate your appearance, boost your confidence, and further reduce the signs of aging with Botox.

What is Botox and What are the Benefits?

Botox is an FDA-approved purified toxin also known as a neuromodulator. It is used as a non-surgical, injectable treatment to help treat, reduce and further prevent lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet, giving you a natural and refreshed appearance. It works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals responsible for muscle contractions, ultimately relaxing the muscles and smoothing out the skin.

Treatment Areas:

-Forehead lines

-Frown lines (between eyebrows)

-Bunny lines (top of the nose)

-Eyebrows

-Crow’s Feet

-Hooded eyes

-Wrinkles around & under the eyes (tear trough)

-Lip lines (around the mouth)

-Chin

-Jawline & Neck

No Downtime!

Botox is commonly referred to as a "lunchtime procedure" because it requires no downtime. You can conveniently fit it into your busy schedule and resume your daily activities right after the treatment. It's as simple as that! It's normal to experience slight redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. These effects are temporary and usually fade within a few hours or days.

Results

While individual experiences may vary, most clients notice a significant improvement within a few days of their treatment. Over the course of two weeks, you'll witness the full effects of Botox, with smoother, more youthful-looking skin that can last up to three to six months (depending on the individual).

Combinable Treatment Plans

At MyJourneyMD , our goal is to provide natural looking results. We offer various additional injectable treatments like Fillers , Sculptra and PDO Threads , to help clients achieve their desired results safely and effectively. The benefits include a smooth, youthful, and contoured appearance. We also offer non injectable options to further rejuvenate your skin such as facials, microneedling and laser treatments.

Are you ready to take the journey towards a fresh and rejuvenated appearance? Book your appointment at MyJourneyMD today! Our team of experts, led by Dr. Kristen Williams, will guide you through the consultation process, understand your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan while ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. Contact us this week to schedule a consultation or appointment. Learn more about us or any of our treatments at www.myjourneymd.com

Discover the Magic of PDO Threads

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 17:23:34 GMT

Advancements in health, wellness, and medicine have allowed us to take control of our health to help us age gracefully. Factors such as genetics, environment, or stress present a challenge by preventing us from looking and feeling our best.

Your skin may begin to sag around the mouth and cheek area due to the decrease of collagen and elastin. Overtime, these changes can cause us to look and feel tired or feel self-conscious.

If you are looking to rejuvenate your skin and achieve a more refreshed appearance without going under the knife, look no further than PDO Threads offered at MyJourneyMD!

What are PDO Threads

PDO Threads , short for Polydioxanone Threads, are a non-surgical treatment designed to lift, tighten, and restore the youthful contours of your face and body. These medical-grade threads are made from a biocompatible material that dissolves naturally over time. The threads are inserted into the skin using a small needle, or cannula, to lift and tighten sagging skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin rejuvenation.

The Benefits of PDO Threads

PDO Threads offer a wide range of benefits that make them a popular choice for individuals seeking a non-surgical facelift or body contouring solution. These threads can effectively improve the appearance of sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and even cellulite. By stimulating collagen production, PDO Threads provide long-lasting results that enhance your natural beauty and restore a more youthful look.

Treatment areas

Full Face: Reduces sagging jowls, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. Lifting around the face tightens and Improves the appearance of the cheeks and eyebrows.
Neck: Lifts and tightens sagging skin, improving the appearance of neck bands and the jawline.
Body: Lifts and tightens loose skin on the body, including areas such as the upper arms, thighs, and abdomen.

Additional Benefits

Minimal downtime: Allows individuals to rejuvenate their appearance without surgery and return to their routine.
Natural-looking results: Uses the body's natural processes to stimulate and enhance collagen production.
Versatility: Treat various areas of the face, neck, and body while paired with other MyJourneyMD procedures such as injectables (Botox and Sculptra) and skin treatments (facials and microneedling), to experience enhanced results.

Downtime

The advantage of PDO Threads is their minimal downtime, allowing you to return to your daily activities with ease. While some temporary side effects like mild bruising, swelling, or soreness may occur, they subside within a few days. The procedure itself is relatively quick and performed under local anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout the process.

Results

The results of PDO Threads gradually improve over time as collagen production is stimulated. Typically, you will start noticing a difference within a few weeks, with optimal results becoming apparent after 2-3 months. The rejuvenating effects of PDO Threads can last up to 1-2 years, depending on individual factors such as lifestyle, genetics, and skincare routines.

PDO Threads offer a safe, innovative and effective solution for those seeking to restore their natural beauty. Skin is lifted and tightened, with improvement to tone and texture, and results that last without resorting to invasive surgeries. With minimal downtime, this non-surgical treatment is a game-changer in the world of aesthetic medicine.

Are you ready to take the journey towards a fresh and rejuvenated appearance? Book your appointment at MyJourneyMD today and experience the transformative effects of PDO Threads . Our team of experts, led by Dr. Williams, will guide you through the consultation process, understand your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve the desired results. Don't wait any longer—give yourself the gift of radiant skin! Contact us this week to schedule a consultation or appointment. Learn more about us or any of our treatments at www.myjourneymd.com

Results

While individual experiences may vary, many patients report seeing improvements in their skin's texture and tightness within a week or two after treatment. The full benefits of Endolift , including long-lasting collagen remodeling, continue to reveal themselves gradually over the following months. In some cases, additional treatments may be recommended to maintain the desired results.

Endolift is a game-changer in the world of non-invasive skin rejuvenation. Its ability to tighten, lift, and restore youthful contours has made it a sought-after treatment for those looking to enhance their natural beauty. With minimal downtime and noticeable results, it's no wonder that Endolift has become a go-to solution.

So, why wait? Embark on your journey towards youthful skin and experience the transformative power of Endolift at My Journey MD. Our team of skilled and experienced professionals are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care and exceptional results. Contact us this week to schedule a consultation or appointment. Learn more about us or any of our treatments at www.myjourneymd.com

Transform your Skin with the Power of Endolift

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:11:29 GMT

As we age, our body’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin begins to decrease causing our facial muscles to weaken and sag. Along with environmental factors, stress, weight fluctuations, and gravity which can also create lines and wrinkles making our outward appearance seem tired, worn down, or sad.

While you can’t reverse your age, you can rejuvenate your appearance and confidence! Endolift , is a cutting-edge treatment that utilizes the power of laser technology to tighten and lift the skin in a safe and effective manner. MyJourneyMD, led by Dr. Kristin Williams , MD, MPH, is proud to offer this revolutionary and minimally invasive treatment that targets specific areas of concern, such as the face, neck, and décolletage, to stimulate collagen production and restore youthful contours.

Endolift remodels both deep and superficial layers of the skin, toning the retraction of connective septums, and stimulating collagen production. Endolift promotes skin tightening and contouring, creating a retraction and reduction of skin laxity.

Benefits of Endolift®

Smooths Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Lifts and Tightens Sagging Skin
Restores Natural Volume
Can be combined with other aesthetic treatments

Additional treatment areas

Lower Eyelid
Lower Third of the Face
Mandibular Contour / Jawline
Under Chin
Neck
Inner Arm
Abdomen
Gluteus
Inner Thigh
Knee
Ankle

Minimal Downtime

Unlike traditional surgical procedures, Endolift involves no incisions or anesthesia. This avoids the risks and potential complications associated with invasive procedures. While you may experience some mild redness or swelling post-treatment, these effects typically subside within a few hours. Allowing you to return to your daily routine almost immediately!

Results

You've Reached Your Weight Loss Goal - Now What?

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:51:34 GMT

Losing weight is hard but it’s an achievement! You’ve worked hard to change your eating habits and incorporated an exercise regime to your busy lifestyle. Factors such as age, physical mobility, stress, or lifestyle, probably played a challenging factor in your weight loss journey.

Now that you’ve lost the weight, it can be an even greater challenge to maintain that loss. It’s estimated that about 20% of people who lose weight end up maintaining their new weight. So how can you keep the weight from coming back? To maintain weight loss , you must continue the work you put in as it requires a long-term commitment to health and wellness. The combination of healthy eating habits and regular physical activity does not stop once you’ve reached your optimal weight.

MyJourneyMD understands the challenges associated with weight loss and the maintenance thereafter. Our team of medical professionals are here to help guide and support you whether you’re looking to lose weight or need help maintaining your weight loss. If you’ve recently benefited from our Medical Guided Weight Loss program or are new to MyJourneyMD, below are tips to maintain weight loss as part of our continuous support in your health.

Keep the Weight Off

Stay Hydrated
Water is an essential part of life and is vital to your overall health and weight. Water not only burns calories as it metabolizes fat and carbohydrates. It helps us to have the energy to stay active, stabilizes our heartbeat, regulates our temperature, maintains electrolytes (sodium), aids in digestion, and much more. Proper water consumption varies for each individual and recommended to consult your MyJourneyMD team or physician.

Sleep
Quality and adequate sleep is essential to weight loss as it balances our hunger hormones, ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin is the hormone that increases our appetite while leptin suppresses our appetite. Poor sleep habits contribute to weight gain or the inability to lose weight as it prevents these hormones from working properly when balanced. Poor sleep contributes to an increase of ghrelin and a decrease of leptin. Sleep schedules vary for each individual. Between 7-9 hours is recommended for most adults.

Portion Control
Overeating affects the whole body and is responsible for future health issues. When you overeat, the stomach expands and pushes surrounding organs along with forcing them to work harder. Taking in more calories than your body can burn causes slow digestion, turning food into fat. Overeating disrupts your circadian rhythm causing sleep deprivation and can lead to obesity and severe risk of chronic disease. It’s recommended to eat 4-5 small meals a day in place of 3 large meals.

Healthy Snacks
You may be tempted by high calorie snacks that will inevitably leave you hungry. Instead, opt for snacks like yogurt, whole-wheat crackers, nuts, fruit, and vegetables which are filled with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants to keep you energized and satiated.

Exercise
The more active you are, the easier it will be to keep the weight off. Physical activity, such as a brisk walk, 30 minutes every day, can help maintain your weight loss. Exercise helps burn the calories needed to manage weight but is also beneficial for your overall health which prevents risk of obesity and chronic illness. Proper physical activity varies for each individual and recommended to consult your MyJourneyMD team or physician.

Maintaining weight loss requires the continuous embrace of healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, sleep, and proper hydration. In addition to looking and feeling your best, you’re working towards prevention of chronic illness. Your journey and commitment to weight loss does not stop once you’ve reached your goal. By continuing these daily habits, you’ll successfully maintain your weight and live a happier, healthier life. MyJourneyMD is here to guide and support you, every step of the way!

MyJourneyMD recognizes and addresses an individual's health and utilizes evidence-based treatments to help patients achieve their goals and improve their overall quality of life. If you're struggling with issues of weight or weight management, consider exploring the benefits of a medically guided program and take that step towards a healthier, happier you. Contact us this week to schedule a consultation or appointment. Learn more about us or any of our treatments at www.myjourneymd.com

Understanding the Connection Between Insulin Resistance and Weight

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 17:57:19 GMT

Many people struggle with weight loss despite a low-calorie diet, limiting their fat intake, and exercise. Obesity affects over 40% of adults in the U.S. with many that are insulin resistant, making them susceptible to type 2 diabetes.

What is Insulin?

Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates blood glucose (sugar) levels from the food we eat into our liver, muscles, and fat cells for energy. After you eat, your glucose levels rise which triggers the pancreas to release insulin into the blood to the glucose levels and keep them in a balanced and normal range.

Insulin Resistance and Weight

Insulin resistance is when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. This forces the pancreas to produce even more insulin to compensate for the higher glucose levels which can lead to a condition known as hyperinsulinemia. The elevation in glucose levels and insulin resistance leads to weight gain as the body responds by storing the excess sugar as fat instead of burning it for energy. This resistance also makes it difficult to lose weight and increases the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

What Causes Insulin Resistance?

Many factors contribute to insulin resistance such as genetics, lifestyle, environmental stress factors, and lack of physical activity. Weight gain is not a direct cause and effect of insulin resistance. You do not simply gain weight because of insulin resistance, rather it’s a vicious cycle. The more weight you gain, the higher the insulin resistance becomes. High insulin levels and the higher the insulin resistance becomes, the more weight you gain.

Managing Insulin Resistance & Weight

Diet
A low-carb diet that consists of healthy sources of carbs, fats, and proteins can help reduce insulin resistance.

Exercise
Physical activity for 30 minutes a day can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Medication

Medication may be prescribed to help manage insulin resistance. These medications work by improving insulin sensitivity or reducing glucose production in the liver.

Weight Loss

Diet and exercise can not only help you reach your optimal weight but reduce the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Losing weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and your overall health and wellbeing.

Understanding the connection between insulin resistance and weight is crucial for those seeking to manage their weight and health. By implementing lifestyle changes, such as a diet, exercise, and potentially medication, individuals can improve their insulin sensitivity and weight management.

MyJourneyMD understands the challenges associated with weight. Our team of medical professionals are here to help guide and support you whether you’re looking to lose weight or need help maintaining your weight loss. If you’ve recently benefited from our Medical Guided Weight Loss program or are new to MyJourneyMD , your journey and commitment to weight loss does not stop once you’ve reached your goal. Through education and continuation of healthy habits, you’ll successfully maintain your optimal weight and live a happier, healthier life. MyJourneyMD is here for you every step of the way!

MyJourneyMD recognizes and addresses an individual's health and utilizes evidence-based treatments to help patients achieve their goals and improve their overall quality of life. If you're struggling with issues of weight or weight management, consider taking that step towards a healthier, happier you. Contact us this week to schedule a consultation or appointment. Learn more about us or any of our treatments at www.myjourneymd.com

Maintaining Gut Health

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 18:45:14 GMT

Maintaining gut health is essential for your health and well-being. A healthy gut leads to healthy digestion, strong immunity, and mental health.

Maintaining gut health is essential for your health and well-being. A healthy gut leads to healthy digestion, strong immunity, and mental health. Gut health refers to the trillions of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that make up the gut microbiome. When there’s an imbalance, the body can experience temporary discomfort such as abdominal pain and bloating. However, it can also lead to other diseases and disorders:

Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease.
Chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Mental health like anxiety and depression.
Skin inflammation, acne, rashes, and dry skin.
Chronic fatigue and obesity.

How to maintain gut health.

A healthy gut begins with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some tips to support gut health.

Eat a varied diet:

A diet rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help feed the good bacteria in your gut. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes are all excellent sources of gut-friendly nutrients.

Stay hydrated:

Drinking plenty of water can help keep the digestive system running smoothly.

Manage stress:

High levels of stress can negatively affect gut health. Practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and exercise can help.

Get enough sleep:

Lack of sleep can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

How MyJourneyMD Can Help:

MyJourneyMD offers evidence-based, progressive medicine to improve your gut health. Dr. Kristen Williams, MD, MPH, understands the importance of a patient-centered approach. During your evaluation, she will inquire about your health, daily routine, diet, and stressors‌. A comprehensive approach to gut health includes medical history, supplements, medications and lab work. After your lab work, she will review your unique biomarkers and let you know areas that can be improved. Dr. Williams will be there to answer your questions and support you as you follow your personalized Gut Health Treatment plan .

Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for overall health and well-being. At MyJourneyMD, Dr. Kristen Williams, MD, MPH, will help you to take charge of your gut health. Contact MyJourneyMD to schedule a consultation or learn more about how Dr. Williams can help you.

MyWeightJourney: Weight Loss Program and Support

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 17:27:32 GMT

Many people struggle with their weight; every day is a constant battle with diet and exercise. Our bodies are unique, and various factors prevent us from achieving our goals. Our health, physical mobility, age, stress, lack of guidance, support, or simply lack of motivation can be challenges in managing our weight. If you're concerned about your weight, have tried everything, and still struggle to keep it off, medical weight loss may be the solution.

Medical weight loss is a personalized medical approach guided by a healthcare professional. Unlike crash diets or weight loss programs, medical weight loss safely manages and supports individuals to sustainably achieve and maintain a healthy weight. MyJourneyMD, led by Dr. Kristin Williams, MD, MPH, offers professional medical weight loss for patients looking for expert help in customizing a plan that will positively impact their health and well-being. By adopting and executing an integrative and goal-driven approach, Dr. Williams considers individual factors influencing weight and tailors a plan to help patients achieve their goals.

At MyJourneyMD , patients can expect a personalized plan to guide and address the individual's needs and goals. A thorough medical history review and lab work allow for a comprehensive understanding of the individual and the root causes of their weight gain. Age, sex, and genetics can challenge weight loss management, which is why crash diets and weight loss programs can be unsuccessful, as an individual's medical history is not considered.

Based on the patient's medical history, health, and specified goals, MyJourney MD offers various treatments and therapies. For example, the body's production of hormones and peptides changes as we age. Hormones and peptides influence many bodily functions that affect our health and weight, such as digestion, sleep cycle, libido, mood, and immune responses. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Peptide therapy come in different forms. HRT is available in pills, creams, injections, and injectable pellets. One of the most popular peptide treatments is Semaglutide , an injectable FDA-approved medication for which patients have experienced significant weight loss.

With regular follow-up appointments, Dr. Williams monitors your symptoms, hormone levels, and gut health, adjusting your plan as necessary, and provides ongoing education and support. Patients will see additional benefits such as improved blood pressure and cholesterol, lower risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, ease in joint pain, and overall self-confidence.

MyJourneyMD recognizes and addresses an individual's health and utilizes evidence-based treatments to help patients achieve their goals and improve their overall quality of life. If you're struggling with weight management, consider exploring the benefits of a medical weight loss program and take that important step towards a healthier, happier you. Contact us this week to schedule a consultation or appointment. Learn more about us or any of our treatments at www.myjourneymd.com

"My hormones are driving me crazy!"

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 21:37:15 GMT

Hormones are a common cause for morbidity in patients yet it is severely under-treated. Why?! Women are falsely made to think by society and even many of their own doctors that this suffering is "Normal" with their concerns dismissed.

Countless patients have come to me with symptoms deriving from hormones and their stories are often similar;

"I told my GYN, but she said she won't check my hormones levels."

"My primary care told me he doesn't help with anything related to hormone issues."

Women all over are abandoned by their medical providers. These suffering patients are our mothers, sisters and friends! It is very rare that I am the first provider that they have mentioned their concerns to; I'm just the first one who will actually listen and help them.

Are my symptoms caused from hormones?

Hormones can cause a variety of symptoms which is one of the reasons why many providers don't want to be bothered with treating it. It can be complicated and difficult. But too bad! It can be done.

trouble sleeping
fatigue
foggy headed
mood swings
"hangry" alot
hot flashes
night sweats
belly fat
digestive problems
headaches or migraines
vaginal dryness
breast changes
low sex drive

What causes hormones to be too high or too low?

Poor diet
Alcohol
Low physical activity
Being overweight or obese
Not getting enough sleep
Unhealthy thyroid - not only does this cause low thyroid levels but will affect your sex hormones and weight as well
Diabetes - affects not just insulin levels but other sugar related hormones, sex hormones and growth hormones
Age - but don't believe the myth that getting older means you must suffer with age related disease!

What options do I have if I think I may be affected by hormones?

Seek a medical professional who has extensive experience in using various forms of bioidentical hormone replacement options as well as other supportive options such as vitamins and supplements that work synergistically. You should notice benefits from treatment within the first month and if you are being treated elsewhere and have not or you are being told that your symptoms are not treatable, please make an appointment today.

I just need something sweet before bed: Let's talk sugar addiction

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 22:32:59 GMT

Sugar addiction is real (and companies who sell you food know this). Fight back by understanding your bodies reaction and also psychologically knowing you are being targeted. Knowledge is power!

Let's look into why you always crave that afternoon or evening "something sweet."

1. Hormonal

Let's say you eat a cookie. Your blood sugar is going to start rising and your body's response to that will be to release the hormone insulin in order to rebalance your blood sugar level. However, this will also tell your body to store fat. The more fat that you have, the more insulin you produce pulling more sugar out of your blood stream actually making your think (and feel) that you need more sugar!

2. Poor gut health

If you have the wrong bacteria overcrowding your GI track, this can actually be increasing your sugar cravings. Read more about how bacteria can influence cravings here.

3. Habit (and Habits)

Humans love routine. This is well known and understood. You may need to knock out your sweets from your comfort zone for a few weeks until you develop a new routine. Some of your habits that may be influencing you to eat sweets include watching food commercials on tv or Youtube and scrolling social media for food recipes or pictures. Try reducing these habits for 2 weeks and see if your cravings improve. You may be surprised.

Can bacteria be telling me what to eat?

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 22:29:34 GMT

You have heard you are what you eat but actually you are what you feed. Bacteria have the capability to control hormones, receptors and even the brain.

Dysbiosis is the medical term for imbalance of gut bacteria and can be caused by three main reasons

Not enough good bacteria
Too many bad bacteria
Too much yeast

What are some symptoms?

Food cravings
Brain fog
Skin conditions (acne, eczema, rosacea)
Fatigue
IBS - diarrhea and/or constipation
Allergies
Food sensitivities
Acid reflux
Bad breath
Frequent colds or illness

What causes gut bacteria imbalance?

Diet - this is the #1 cause of imbalanced gut bacteria. High sugar, processed foods, low fiber, alcohol, fake sugars are all very common in an American diet and all very toxic to the good bacteria in the GI tract. It's no wonder so many people are suffering!
Enviromental - unfortunately our enviroment is contaminated with things that kill good bacteria. Glyphosates and other pesticides are a main culprite and they contaminate our food as well as our water. Household cleaners (bleach, ammonia, etc) also readily kill good bacteria as well as antibacterial soaps.
Drugs - if you have been placed on antibiotics at any point in your life you are at increased risk for dysbiosis. Antibiotics are the biggest offender but other common medications include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acid reflux, steroids and ibuprofen.
Stress - chronic stress raises cortisol which is a gut disrupting hormone

How does an imbalanced gut cause cravings?

You are feeding your gut bacteria every single time you eat. A high sugar, low-fiber diet leads to overgrowth of sugar loving bacteria. A poor diet also causes less diversity of gut bacteria as the good bacteria are crowded out. When sugar-loving bacteria move in, you can actually experience even more sugar cravings as these bacteria can change your taste bud receptors (making you want sweeter food), they can stimulate release of hormones and even nerves that can control appetite and the brain.

What can I do to fix my bad gut?

Focus on food - real, whole foods can help heal your gut.
Filter your water - removing the pesticides and contaminants from your drinking water can make a huge difference in your gut health. Reverse osmosis systems are the best and filter systems are available for as low as $200.
Only take medications when necessary - all medications have side effects. Please use the ones mentioned to cause gut issues sparingly and only when absolutely needed. If you do have to take antibiotics be sure to take a high concentration, medical grade probiotic to counteract the guaranteed side effect of killing off your gut bacteria.
Use stress reduction techniques - everyone has stress but I am amazed at how few people have any stress reduction practices in their life. Some options include exercise, yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. Take 20 minutes out of your day to reduce your stress. It is proven to increase mental clarity, decrease brain fog, improve personal relationships, improve sleep, and imrpove overall well-being just to mention an few.

Weight loss and Insulin Resistance

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:24:49 GMT

Patients often come to me saying, I have insulin resistance and need to lose weight but the trouble is I can't lose! This is exactly true! You are in a catch 22 situation. Losing weight will improve your insulin resistance but you can't lose!

Why is it so hard to lose weight when you have insulin resistance?

Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate sugar (aka glucose). Think of insulin as the Amazon delivery guy and the package is glucose. The cells in your body is your house. When you have insuin resistance, you start to ignore the knocks from Amazon. You just get so many packages a day you dont feel like answering the door. So your package just sits outside. This is what happens in your body when your cells ignore insulin. Glucose sits outside for awhile. It eventually makes it inside the cell but the process is inefficient. This slows the metabolism.

Cells use glucose for their main sources of energy. Excess glucose is stored as fat. So when you have high (excess) glucose (and thus high insulin) your body will store fat. So the cycle of weight gain for the insulin resistance patient is very difficult to break once you have the metabolic derangement.

What are my medical options to lose weight?

There are several different medications for insulin resistance but only a few that have seen great success. At MyJourneyMD, for our insulin resistant patients we will review your medical history to determine which medication is best for you. Commonly we will choose a GLP-1 receptor agnoist such as semaglutide because of its high success rate and its FDA approval for chronic obesity.

What are my evidence based non medical options to lose weight?

Here are my top 3 non medical recommendations:

Regular exercise has been proven to improve insulin sensitivity and help with weight loss. I recommend 30-45min walking at least 5 days a week to all of my patients but especially my insulin resistant patients.
Intermittent fasting is a lifestyle that promotes a positive food relationship and has data to show its metabolic benefits including improvement in hormone levels such as insulin.
Reduce your carbohydrate intake, especially highly processed sugars. The liver and pancreas are both very important in sugar metabolism and the evidence is clear - your liver hates these highly processed sugars. Remove them from your life and I promise you will see a metabolic benefit. The key is to be consistent. Just make the choice - I am a person that doesn't eat high fructose corn syrup. Done!

Be a Successful Loser: 4 Secrets to Forever Weight Loss

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 22:21:05 GMT

Anyone can lose weight but it's keeping those extra pounds off that is the real challenge. In fact, only about 20% of people are ultimately successful in keeping weight off permanently. Let's look into how these successful losers do it!

1. Successful losers seek help.

Being overweight or obese is not a character flaw. These are metabolic medical diagnoses and thus often require medical attention. Without addressing the undering derangement, it is often very difficult or even improssible for the patient to maintain their weight loss. Many times there could be multiple issues at play including hormonal, thyroid and gut health - all of which are very important in weight maintenance.

As importantly, don't be afraid to use medications when appropriate. Again this is a medical condition. We don't hesitate to address our high blood pressure or diabetes with medication, why would we ignore our weight? Besides, treating obesity may even resolve many other issues such as that high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, low sex drive, depression, and more.

2. Successful losers ditch the sugar!

Sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup and other refined sugars, are the enemy of maintaining a healthy weight. This is because the liver hates sugar and the liver is vital in a healthy metabolism. In fact "non alcoholic" fatty liver disease is often a manifestation of eating too much sugar in the diet and affects approximately 30% of the population worldwide. You will not be able to maintain your weight loss without a healthy liver! Ditch the sugar!

3. Successful losers eat their protein.

Many people are not getting the protein they need to succeed in healthy weight loss and maintenance. Protein is mandatory as it provides you with essential amino acids. They are called essential because they ARE essential! Your body needs these on a cellular level for daily function and if you aren't getting them through diet then the body will go seek them out - meaning it will break down muscle. We do NOT want this to happen as this ultimately slows down the metabolism.

4. Successful losers know that weight is the product of the sum of your choices.

We all know ultimately diets don't work and that's because they are temporary. To make a permanent change in your weight, you must make a permanent change in your eating life. It's not as hard as it sounds. You can have a slice of pizza. Just don't eat the whole pizza. And don't eat that pizza 3 times a week! I call it the 80/20 rule. 80% of the time, eat clean, healthy food. 20% of the time, eat whatever you want but don't eat to excess. Eat only what you need to be satisfied. Consistency is key. Don't give up because you had a bad meal or bad day so you decide to throw your hands up "oh well!" Not oh well! You deserve to keep this weight off! Get back to healthy eating ASAP and if you're struggling see #1.

If you are honest with yourself, follow these 4 rules, you WILL be successful in forever weight loss!

5 Types of Dietary Supplements and Why You May Need Them

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 22:16:48 GMT

Dietary supplements can be categorized into 5 main types. This knowledge can help you navigate the supplement landscape and hone in on what you need for your specific health goals.

1. Nutrients

Nutrients are compounds required to sustain life. For humans these include vitamins and minerals such as water soluble vitamins (B's, and C) as well as the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Important minerals include magnesium, calcium, potassium, as well as trace minerals such as selenium, zinc and iodine.

Deficiencies in nutrients are very common and can lead to numerous symptoms and diseases including: fatigue, hair loss, insomnia, brittle nails, depression/anxiety, anemia, dry skin, headaches, weight gain, white spots on nails, impaired wound healing, etc.

If you meet any of the above, call or book an appointment online today for a full nutrient evaluation by Dr. Williams!

2. Microorganisms

Microorganisms when provided in supplement form are called probiotics. The easiest way to think about these tiny living organisms is good vs bad. The good ones are helpful and productive while the bad ones are lazy and harmful. Taking a high quality probiotic can help kick out any bad microorganisms that you are harboring!

Signs that you may benefit from a probiotic include various skin conditions, various GI symptoms, repeated illness (poor immune system), food allergies, slow metabolism (weight gain, difficulty loosing weight), recently taken antibiotics.

3. Herbals/Botanicals

Herbals are any plant based supplement taken internally to treat disease or to maintain wellness. This tends to be the most confusing category for both patients and practitioners. Some of the supplements have well documented results (ex: curcumin and cancer) while other have little to no data.

4. Hormones

We only use bioidentical hormone supplementation for our patients. That means that the supplement will match the intended receptor perfectly. This is important to avoid unwanted inflammation or cross reactivity. Hormone supplementation can include progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid hormones. There is a vast array of symptoms associated with low hormones and a detailed analysis is necessary to assess whether hormone supplementation is appropriate for you.

5. Enzymes

Enzymes are a special type of protein that speed up chemical reactions in our bodies that make us more efficient. Sometimes we don't make enough or even any of these enzymes due to a genetic or underlyimg nutritional problem. Often supplementation of enzymes can be very helpful if an enzyme deficiency is causing you symptoms.

Are you eating your way to Dementia?

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 22:06:31 GMT

More than half of the calories consumed by Americans are in this high risk food group: ultra processed foods. Eating just 400 calories a day can increase your dementia risk by over 20%.

10,000 subjects were followed for 10 years and asked about their eating habits. The subjects also took cognitive tests up to three times a year, including memory tests and word recognition tests, to monitor their mental abilities such as learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, problem-solving, decision-making and attention.

Those who ate 20% or more of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods had a 28% faster rate of cognitive decline, and a 25% faster rate of executive function decline, compared to the subjects in the study who ate the least amount of processed foods. In other words, someone following a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet who consumed 400 calories from frozen tray meals, processed meats (hotdogs, lunch meat), white bagged bread, snack cakes, breakfast cereals/bars and sodas each day saw a faster rate of cognitive decline.

There is an important point in the study: If the overall quality of a subject’s diet is otherwise very high (meaning they ate a lot of unprocessed whole foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins), then the association between ultra-processed foods and dementia disappeared. So the good news is, you can counter consuming ultra-processed foods by eating whole foods like fresh or frozen produce, lean meats and proteins.

“Limiting ultra-processed food consumption, particularly in middle-aged adults, may be an efficient form to prevent cognitive decline,” researchers wrote in their findings published in JAMA Neurology December 2022.

If you want to work on your lifestyle, diet and overall health, book an appointment with Dr. Williams to start your journey today.

Learn your true Gut Feelings: A Healthy Life Starts in Your Gut

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 22:02:36 GMT

When you gut is unhappy, problems can manifest in a wide range of symptoms through out the body. Several lifestyle modifications and natural solutions can help. Keeping the GI tract healthy can ultimately improve overall health and quality of life.

Immune System

About 80% of the immune system resides in the gut. The balance of good and bad bacteria have an important impact on inflammation in the body. Inflammation plays a role in many chronic diseases including coronary artery disease, obesity, cancer (to name a few) as well as numerous autoimmune conditions.

Liver

Your liver is one of the main detox organs and serves to process and eliminate harmful toxins from the bloodstream. A common lifestyle disease we see today is fatty liver. Patients with fatty liver have up to 30% change of developing cirrhosis within 10 years.

Thyroid

A common manifestation of a damaged gut barrier is thyroid disease. Increase stress hormones leads to a change in thyroid production which increases risk of Hashimoto's, Grave's or hypothyroidism.

Brain

The Gut-Brain connection is now well documented and the gut is often described as the "second brain." The gut plays a major role in mood, stress and sleep health.

Skin

Skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema and rosacea can all be affected by inflammation and damage in the lining of the GI tract. An imbalance in bacteria, increased inflammation and immune activity affect these conditions.

If you are experiencing 3 or more of the following, GI issues may be negatively affecting your health:

Gas or bloating
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Diarrhea or constipation
Seasonal allergies or asthma
Autoimmune disease
Fatigue
Brain fog
Headaches
Depression or Anxiety
Stress
Frequent colds or illness
Food Sensitivities
Nutrient deficiencies (low B12, low vitamin D, etc)
Skin conditions
Thyroid problems

Threads: What are they? 3 Pros and Cons

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 20:56:49 GMT

There are plenty of options for restoring structure to lax skin. What is a thread and what are the pros and cons of treatment?

What are threads?

Threads are absorbable suture used for either lifting or improving the quality of the skin (lines, crepey skin). They are generally classified as either smooth or barbed (ie lifting). The material varies.

Are threads FDA approved?

PDO and PLLA threads are FDA approved. PDO (polydioxanone) and PLLA (polylactic acid) both will absorb in approximately 3-9 months (depending on thickness of thread). Collagen will be left in the threads place and the overall quality of the skin will be better than before you had the procedure. Not all types of threads are FDA approved so be careful about who and what they are inserting into your face and body!

Pros:

Threads are a great "combo" procedure. Using threads in combination with other biostimulants such as Sculptra as well as adding Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers will maximize your benefit and duration of your result.
Threads provide instant gratification with ongoing improvements. You will notice the improvements of your thread lift right away with results getting better and better up to 3 months.
Threads have little to no downtime especially compared to a traditional facelift. Smooth threads generally cause little to no downtime while lifting threads may cause swelling and bruising up to 2 weeks. According to surgeons, face lift recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks but it probably will take 6 months or more to see the final result from the surgery. With threads, you will also see an improvement in the quality of your skin which is NOT seen with a traditional facelift unless the facelift is accompanied by other procedures (lasers, Sculptra, etc).

Cons:

You may not be a candidate. If you have a history of any of the following, you will not qualify for threads:
Keloid formation
Uncontrolled diabetes
Blood clotting or bleeding disorders
Active skin infection or inflammation
Pregnant or breast-feeding
Threads can cause tingling. A known side effect of both smooth and lifting threads is a tingling or "zing" sensation. This can occur when brushing against the skin or with facial movement and can last up to several weeks after the procedure.
You may be wanting facelift results. While the results from a thread lift can be very satisfying for many patients, if you have very saggy skin or desire a more dramatic result then you may not be happy with the results obtainable from a thread lift. One test to do is to lay back on a pillow and look up at yourself in a mirror or your phone. Do you like what you see? If so, you will likely be happy from thread lift results. If you want more dramatic results than this, seek consult from a Plastic Surgeon.

Supplements: Finding the Diamond in the Rough

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 04:08:10 GMT

The world of supplements is one of the most overwhelming areas for patients. There are many varieties and companies, making it hard to find the "Diamond in the rough." it's important to remember not all supplements are created equal.

I'm often asked "Can't I just buy my supplements on Amazon?" or "Aren't the Publix ones safe?" and the short answer is I don't know. It is impossible for me to know the efficacy of over the counter supplements as most don't disclose their validity and have never been tested. Therefore, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend them to my patients. Best case scenario they work, most likely case you have no idea if they work and worst case you are exposed to armful impurities including lead and arsenic (true story from actual patient..permission granted).

A few years ago, New York State Attorney General ordered major retail chains including Target, Walmart, Walgreens, and GNC to stop selling several herbal supplements found to be mislabeled and containing possibly harmful ingredients. Supplements tested were found to have just 21% of the supposed listed main ingredient.

At MyJourneyMD, we want you to achieve your goals. Because of this, we often compliment your treatment with supplements that are safe and contain active ingredients. We only recommend products from pharmaceudical grade suppliers that use scientifically validated laboratory testing and ongoing third party verification.

Semaglutide: Weight Loss Miracle?

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 03:23:18 GMT

Semaglutide is a once weekly, FDA approved, injectable peptide used for weight loss. We are seeing fantastic results with this medication. This may be the miracle you have been looking for!

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analog FDA approved in 2017. Studies have demonstrated that Semaglutide reduced appetite, improved control of eating, and reduced food cravings in addition to improving sugar metabolism - thus subsequently making fat metabolism more efficient. The greatest weight loss benefits were observed when Semaglutide is used in combination with lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and consistent exercise.

How does Semaglutide work?

GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the small intestine that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion, thereby improving sugar metabolism.

Other benefits include:

Neuroprotective
Improved Fertility
Treatment of PCOS
Liver protective
Cardiovascular Benefits

How should Semaglutide be used?

Semaglutide is a subcutaneous, once weekly injection. Dosage schedule may change for maintainance of goal weight. This medication is approved for long term use. This medication is generally well-tolerated and can be dosed continuously without breaking treatment with no diminishing effects.

What are the Side effects and contraindications?

The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. The risk of serious side effects increases in patients with hypoglycemia, kidney problems, and risk of allergic reactions.

This medication is not an insulin and should not be used if:

You have type 1 diabetes or if you develop diabetic ketoacidosis.
Contraindicated if you have a family history of MEN type II or thyromedulary cancers.

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Enhance Your Beauty with Sculptra at MyJourneyMD

What is Sculptra?

Benefits of Sculptra

Botox: Rejuvenate Your Natural Beauty with MyJourneyMD

What is Botox and What are the Benefits?

Treatment Areas:

No Downtime!

Results

Combinable Treatment Plans

Discover the Magic of PDO Threads

What are PDO Threads

The Benefits of PDO Threads

Treatment areas

Additional Benefits

Downtime

Results

Results

Transform your Skin with the Power of Endolift

Benefits of Endolift®

Additional treatment areas

Minimal Downtime

Results

You've Reached Your Weight Loss Goal - Now What?

Keep the Weight Off

Understanding the Connection Between Insulin Resistance and Weight

Managing Insulin Resistance & Weight

Maintaining Gut Health

How to maintain gut health.

How MyJourneyMD Can Help:

MyWeightJourney: Weight Loss Program and Support

"My hormones are driving me crazy!"

I just need something sweet before bed: Let's talk sugar addiction

Can bacteria be telling me what to eat?

Weight loss and Insulin Resistance

Be a Successful Loser: 4 Secrets to Forever Weight Loss

5 Types of Dietary Supplements and Why You May Need Them

Are you eating your way to Dementia?

Learn your true Gut Feelings: A Healthy Life Starts in Your Gut

Threads: What are they? 3 Pros and Cons

Pros:

Cons:

﻿

Supplements: Finding the Diamond in the Rough

Semaglutide: Weight Loss Miracle?