Women's Health Specialists

Aesthetic Services Blog

Beauty From the Inside Out

Many women remember words from mothers or grandmothers such as:
"Beauty is as Beauty Does"
or
"Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder"

Beauty is indeed a perception and radiates from inner confidence.

One of the things that make children so beautiful is their unabashed acceptance of themselves.

Recenlty, I was running errands with two of my grandchildren, 5 and 10 year old boys. The 10 year old had to telephone his Dad. As he hung up my cell phone, he said the usual, "Love ya Dad."
From the the five year old in the back seat came: "You said 'love ya' to a boy!"
"Sure I did. You're supposed to say 'I love you' to somebody you love, no matter who they are," the wise ten year old explained to his little brother.
The little one pondered this thought for a minute and then proclaimed: "I love you, I love you, I love you."
"Who are you talking to?" questioned big brother, who wasn't use to such messages from his sibling.
"I said it to myself!" he declared with a glowing smile on his face.

When is the last time one of us said, much less even thought, "I love you", to yourself?
Its not egotistical or self centered. Loving oneself actually allows a person to love others unselfishly. That pure inner confidence it what makes real beauty shine forth.

So, after you have stood in front of your mirror and said "I love you" and tried to mean it, contact me at Women's Health Specialists to talk about what we can do for outer beauty at our WHS Beauty Center. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Written by Cheryl Herndon, Director of Aesthetic Services on 7/10/2008.


Inspired by "The Aesthetic Show" in Las Vegas

Wow! That has been my exclaimation since attending "The Aesthetic Show" in Las Vegas last week. "The Aesthetic Show" is an amazing convention which provides information to professionals on the latest beauty treatment options from international experts in the aesthetic industry.

Now, I have to admit, it was a tiny bit intimidating to be in a meeting room with 2,000 beautiful people. I mean, they were gorgeous! Not the "plastic" or "fake" look, but the healthy, "be the best I can be for who I am" look. The seminar speakers and the attendees alike were so attractive. Being a people watcher by nature, it was delightful for me to simply gaze at the wonder around me.

So besides enjoying the people scenery, what did I learn? The beauty industry is NOT suffering from economic recession or decline. Interestingly, when times are difficult, people often chose to skip the big vacation or car purchase and instead, invest in themselves.
It seems when the financial market is uncertain, one thing people still trust is themselves. In addition, in a tighter economic climate, people want to look their best in order to stay competitive in the market place.

It isn't just career people who are investing in their looks. In fact, market research indicates that the biggest consumer of aesthetic services is not necessarily the "aging baby boomer", but women they termed "the yogurt Mom". She is the woman in her late 30's to early 40's who cares about her health, her quality of life and her long term beauty preservation. She isn't necessarily wanting to change her looks and become "Barbie". She wants to look as healthy as she feels.

So what is cutting edge in the beauty department? Well it isn't necessarily the "cutting" any more. Rather than plastic surgery, women (and men) are chosing "contouring". This means "injectables" are used and then augmented by laser and skin care products. Injectables are substances like Botox and/or Fillers, such as Juvaderm. These types of services are minimally invasive with practically no down time, a combination which appeals to so many people living a busy lifestyle.

The Aesthetic Show opened a new window for me, allowing me to see the unlimited possibilites available in the beauty world. I can't wait to try some of the new techniques with our wonderful clients at Women's Health Specialists Beauty Center.

Written by Cheryl Herndon, ARNP on 6/12/2008.


Four Steps to Choosing Your Next Beauty Treatment

It’s Monday morning. You stand in the bathroom staring at yourself in the mirror. Some inner voice tells you it is time to check out options for physical self-improvement. Is there a pending school reunion? Is your daughter getting married? Did you turn one of those “decade” years? Or, perhaps it was a slick advertisement that recently caught your eye?

Once you have made the decision to do something…ANYTHING…., Where do you start? Working as a Nurse-practitioner providing cosmetic laser services, I see women every day at Women’s Health Specialists who want to improve their appearance, but don’t know how or where to start.

The media has done an amazing job marketing options with beautiful “before and after” photos drawing us in with their promises of success. But your big (and very appropriate) question is: Will it work for ME??

The following are five simple steps to use in choosing beauty services. These suggestions are modified from guidelines recommended by The Ethical Cosmetic Surgery Association.

1. Choose a reputable provider
Make a list of names. Besides checking the Internet and the yellow pages, ask your friends their recommendation. Ask professionals you already trust regarding various treatments. Your hairdresser may tell you of an excellent plastic surgeon. Your OB/GYN doctor may tell you of someone who is providing laser hair removal. Eventually you’ll find your list includes some of the same people repeatedly. You will soon be able to narrow your choices to one or two people you will want to investigate further.

2. Schedule a consultation
A reputable facility will offer a consultation. Some offices charge for the consultation and some do not. Don’t be offended by a consultation fee. This is a minimal investment which might save you from making a huge mistake in your overall beauty treatment plan. The consultation should provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers you understand. Risks and side-effects of any procedure should be discussed. The price and method of payment should be explained prior to treatment. After-care or “downtime” should also be explained in detail.

3. Check credentials
You want to eliminate anyone from your list who is not properly trained or credentialed to do the procedure you are interested in having done. Some information can be found on the Internet, but often, you will need to simply ask the doctor, nurse-practioner, or technician yourself what is their training and experience. Ask where they received training? Does their training and experience meet the State of Florida standard? How many times they have done the treatment you are seeking?

4. WARNING SIGNS
Avoid doctors or any providers of beauty services or products who offer guarantees. There is no such thing as guaranteed results. If someone misleads about this, there may be other things they are exaggerating. Avoid any facility where you feel pressured to make a decision immediately. Self-improvement options are often expensive. Take your time. All of your questions should be answered to your satisfaction. Do not return if the facility is unclean. All personnel should be professional in appearance and attitude.

The most important thing to remember is you are choosing something for you, not to please someone else. This is your decision and only you can make the best choice for you.

If you would like more information on beauty options, please respond to us at “Share Your Thoughts” on our website homepage.

Written by Cheryl Herndon on 5/13/2008.





Women's Health Specialists
3498 NW Federal Highway
Jensen Beach, FL 34957-4441
Women's Health Specialists
1095 NW St. Lucie West Boulevard
Suite 222
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Women's Health Specialists
245 NE 19th Drive
Okeechobee, FL 34972
(772) 219-1080
(800) 666-1667