Now that the elections are behind us, I thought it would be good to dedicate a column to answering some of the recent questions. As usual, feel free to either email or stop by Fusion Medical Spa with questions.
Q: How will the results of the 2012 election affect aesthetic medicine?
A: The short answer is there won’t be any major changes. Aesthetic medicine isn’t affected by changes in the insurance industry or the political arena. Caveat- Some patients may require a few more units of Botox over the next four years. Need a little extra help dealing with the smile or frown lines resulting from the election? Stop by Fusion Medical Spa and talk to me. We can help make anyone look and feel like their candidate won! (Yes, I posted this on Facebook last week. If you don’t follow us already, look us up! Everything that follows is new material).
Q: For the follow up… Does Botox really help depression?
A: Yes! This September’s Scientific American reported the results of a small study that showed a 47% decrease in depressive symptoms in the Botox group compared with a 9% reduction in the control group. So, Botox works on migraine headache symptoms, frown lines, and helps fight depression that doesn’t respond to typical treatment. The study author’s theory was Botox interrupted “feedback from the facial musculature to the brain”. I’m of the opinion that the visual feedback was more beneficial. When I look in the mirror and can’t make an angry face at myself it actually makes me feel better! Think about it. With one less person frowning at you life has to appear a little better.
Q: How long does it take the human body to recover from three rides in the Air Force Centrifuge?
A: I don’t know. Ask me in a few weeks. As some areas get better I’m discovering new parts that are exquisitely tender. Fortunately, as long as no more than three years elapse between high G jet rides (F-16, T-38), a single qualifying ride is good for life. Parents and family already wonder what possessed me when they view the videos; I probably won’t be allowed to do it again if I expire. (Yes, the irony is intentional. I probably won’t be allowed to do it again even if I don’t expire due to the risk of expiring.)
Q: Do you really believe that time will end on December 21st?
A: I was pretty sure that time was ending when I was strapped in the centrifuge. I don’t think the Mayan technology was well advanced when they built their calendar, but it is possibly the reason why their calendar was shaped like a wheel. I am not planning any major events on December 22nd just in case. I would hate to have to cancel an appointment.
Disclaimer: Dr Stephen Rath, MD, DABA is a board certified anesthesiologist as well as the owner and medical director of Fusion Medical Spa located in Ruidoso, NM. He is not an expert on time or time-management (ask the other Dr. Rath) but he looks forward to seeing the end of time on December 21st. Comments or questions? His email address is: DrRath@FusionMedicalSpa.net.