Did you know that vitamin D is essential to your health? Don’t worry if you didn’t – many people don’t know about the importance of vitamin D, because it’s something that doctors seldom talk about. Yet you should take stock of your vitamin D levels because many people are deficient in this vital vitamin. A vitamin D deficiency can have serious effects on your health and well-being.
Vitamin D is important because it protects your body from many different ailments. Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels can protect you from osteoporosis, arthritis, asthma, prostate cancer, heart disease and even eczema. Vitamin D deficiency can cause clinical depression and puts you at high risk for the illnesses above.
Many people don’t even realize that the depression and lethargy that they feel is due to a vitamin D deficiency. Instead they treat the symptoms – when in fact what most people need is a healthy dose of vitamin D. If you suffer from seasonal depression during the winter months then you should defiantly have your vitamin D levels assessed.
As you can see maintaining your vitamin D levels is essential. Unfortunately a lot of controversy exists around how to boost your vitamin D levels.
Why? Because the best known source of vitamin D is sunlight. That’s right. Your body uses sunlight to convert vitamin A into vitamin D.
Which is why many people exposes themselves to the sun to try and up their vitamin D levels. The problem is, while exposure to sunlight may be a great source of vitamin D, it also causes melanoma – skin cancer.
There are some doctors who will recommend sun exposure to increase your vitamin D levels, but other doctors who maintain that the sun exposure is too dangerous – because of the risk of skin cancer that comes with it.
According to experts from the Cancer Council Australia (one of the sunniest countries in the world) two out of three Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetimes, and roughly 2000 Australians die from skin cancer every year. They also warn us that having a tan is a sign that your skin has already been damaged.
So what should you do? You want the benefits of Vitamin D, but by exposing yourself to the sun you are risking skin cancer instead.
How to get enough Vitamin D without risking Skin Cancer
Limit your Daily Sun Exposure
In summer time you are probably getting enough vitamin D just by walking around in your daily activities. If you really spend all day indoors then you should try to get some sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon / evening, when the sun is not too strong.
In winter time, or colder climates, you can go out into the sun during the middle of the day for up to 15 minutes a day. That’s all you need for your vitamin D boost. Then you should return indoors, cover yourself up with a hat and protective clothing, and apply a good zinc sunscreen to any areas still exposed to the sun.
Check the UV index in the Weather Report
The weather report will always tell you what the expected UV index is in your area for the day. The UV index is measured on a scale from one to ten. Here is what you should do at the different levels on the UV index:
- UV Index of One to Two: Danger to your skin is fairly low. If it’s bright you should wear sunglasses and if you are very fair (you burn easily) you should always wear a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or more.
- UV Index of three to five: There is moderate danger to your skin under these conditions. You should stay out of direct sunlight during the heat of the day. If you are in the sun, make sure to wear protective clothing, a hat and sun glasses. Use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on any exposed skin.
- UV Index of six to seven: This is means there is a high risk of serious skin damage if you are exposed to the sun. You should protect both your skin and your eyes. Stay out of the sun between 10:00AM and 4:00PM if you possibly can. If you have to be outside, make sure you wear SPF 30 sunscreen or higher, a wide hat, sun glasses and protective clothing. Remember that swimming may cool you down but it doesn’t protect you from the sun. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours.
- UV Index of eight to ten: These are extremely high risk conditions. Take extra care or you will burn quickly. Stay out of the sun between 10:00AM and 4:00PM, wear sunscreen, protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
- UV Index of eleven or more: Extreme Risk. Stay out of the sun. Use all of the precautions laid out above, but try to stay out of the sun instead.
- Sun Rules to Remember: Bright surfaces like sand, snow and water increase your UV exposure because they reflect the sun’s UV light. Take extra precautions under these conditions.
If your shadow is taller than you, as it is in the early morning and late afternoon, your UV exposure is lower. If your shadow is shorter than you, as it is at midday, your UV risk is higher.
Natural Alternative Sources of Vitamin D
Instead of exposing yourself to the harmful rays of the sun for your vitamin D boost, you can eat foods that are rich in vitamin D. Here are some great sources of vitamin D that are really healthy and delicious:
Maitake mushrooms, Portabella mushrooms, Chanterelle mushrooms, egg yolk,fortified Almond milk, fortified orange juice, fortified yogurt – both the soy and the cow’s milk varieties, and Swiss cheese. You can also buy vitamin D fortified milk.
Of these foods, Mushrooms and Egg Yolk provide the highest levels of vitamin D. By eating these two things regularly you can ensure that you are getting plenty of vitamin D without having to be exposed to direct sunlight.
Vitamin D Supplements
If none of the foods above appeal to you, or maybe you are still worried about your Vitamin D levels in spite of eating vitamin D rich foods, then you can always take a good supplement. It’s better to supplement your diet than allow yourself to become deficient in such an essential mineral.
Lastly, medicinal mushrooms contain a form of a vitamin D precursor that can be transformed into usable vitamin D! Go to the next page and learn more about medicinal mushrooms that are rich in vitamin D precursor and helps boost your immune system.
Vitamin D or Skin Cancer – How Much Sunlight Do We Need?
NewsDid you know that vitamin D is essential to your health? Don’t worry if you didn’t – many people don’t know about the importance of vitamin D, because it’s something that doctors seldom talk about. Yet you should take stock of your vitamin D levels because many people are deficient in this vital vitamin. A vitamin D deficiency can have serious effects on your health and well-being.
Vitamin D is important because it protects your body from many different ailments. Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels can protect you from osteoporosis, arthritis, asthma, prostate cancer, heart disease and even eczema. Vitamin D deficiency can cause clinical depression and puts you at high risk for the illnesses above.
Many people don’t even realize that the depression and lethargy that they feel is due to a vitamin D deficiency. Instead they treat the symptoms – when in fact what most people need is a healthy dose of vitamin D. If you suffer from seasonal depression during the winter months then you should defiantly have your vitamin D levels assessed.
As you can see maintaining your vitamin D levels is essential. Unfortunately a lot of controversy exists around how to boost your vitamin D levels.
Why? Because the best known source of vitamin D is sunlight. That’s right. Your body uses sunlight to convert vitamin A into vitamin D.
Which is why many people exposes themselves to the sun to try and up their vitamin D levels. The problem is, while exposure to sunlight may be a great source of vitamin D, it also causes melanoma – skin cancer.
There are some doctors who will recommend sun exposure to increase your vitamin D levels, but other doctors who maintain that the sun exposure is too dangerous – because of the risk of skin cancer that comes with it.
According to experts from the Cancer Council Australia (one of the sunniest countries in the world) two out of three Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetimes, and roughly 2000 Australians die from skin cancer every year. They also warn us that having a tan is a sign that your skin has already been damaged.
So what should you do? You want the benefits of Vitamin D, but by exposing yourself to the sun you are risking skin cancer instead.
How to get enough Vitamin D without risking Skin Cancer
Limit your Daily Sun Exposure
In summer time you are probably getting enough vitamin D just by walking around in your daily activities. If you really spend all day indoors then you should try to get some sun exposure in the early morning or late afternoon / evening, when the sun is not too strong.
In winter time, or colder climates, you can go out into the sun during the middle of the day for up to 15 minutes a day. That’s all you need for your vitamin D boost. Then you should return indoors, cover yourself up with a hat and protective clothing, and apply a good zinc sunscreen to any areas still exposed to the sun.
Check the UV index in the Weather Report
The weather report will always tell you what the expected UV index is in your area for the day. The UV index is measured on a scale from one to ten. Here is what you should do at the different levels on the UV index:
If your shadow is taller than you, as it is in the early morning and late afternoon, your UV exposure is lower. If your shadow is shorter than you, as it is at midday, your UV risk is higher.
Natural Alternative Sources of Vitamin D
Instead of exposing yourself to the harmful rays of the sun for your vitamin D boost, you can eat foods that are rich in vitamin D. Here are some great sources of vitamin D that are really healthy and delicious:
Maitake mushrooms, Portabella mushrooms, Chanterelle mushrooms, egg yolk,fortified Almond milk, fortified orange juice, fortified yogurt – both the soy and the cow’s milk varieties, and Swiss cheese. You can also buy vitamin D fortified milk.
Of these foods, Mushrooms and Egg Yolk provide the highest levels of vitamin D. By eating these two things regularly you can ensure that you are getting plenty of vitamin D without having to be exposed to direct sunlight.
Vitamin D Supplements
If none of the foods above appeal to you, or maybe you are still worried about your Vitamin D levels in spite of eating vitamin D rich foods, then you can always take a good supplement. It’s better to supplement your diet than allow yourself to become deficient in such an essential mineral.
Lastly, medicinal mushrooms contain a form of a vitamin D precursor that can be transformed into usable vitamin D! Go to the next page and learn more about medicinal mushrooms that are rich in vitamin D precursor and helps boost your immune system.
Now Accepting HUMANA Insurance!
In the NewsThis new agreement streamlines the process of your dermatology needs and offers you quality care from the providers you trust at both our Central Ave & Downtown locations!
If you have any questions, or would like to schedule your appointment please contact us today at (727) 388-6982 option 1 or email us Info@visagederamtology.com!
Coolsculpting with Gretch Rossi!
In the NewsDid you fall off your bikini body plan a little bit this year? Then let Gretchen Rossi introduce you to the newest trend in fat burning that you have to see to believe!
Now, any new trend can be scary at first, but be warned: the video above can be a little bit NSFW at times.
Watch the video on OKMagazine.com
Coolsculpting with the Kardashians
In the NewsIn their latest foray into pop culture, the Kardashians got some non-surgical fat reduction with CoolSculpting! The episode aired this past Sunday, May 22nd and featured the Momager, Kris Kardashian Jenner and daughter Kendall in the doctor’s office.
Read more and watch video on BuildMyBod.com
Ultherapy Skin Tightening on TODAY SHOW
In the NewsAs seen on the Today Show, Ultherapy was highlighted several times—the host of the segment “Summer Secrets: Plastic Surgery” says she started with Botox in her 30’s and has recently done Ultherapy now that she is in her early 40’s .
Welcome Erin McClure PA-C to our Visage Dermatology Team!
In the NewsDr. Kongsiri is excited to announce that we are continuing our practice growth by adding another Physician Assistant to the team.
Erin McClure is a Board Certified Physician Assistant specializing in Dermatology. Erin graduated from East Carolina University, North Carolina with a Masters in Science and graduated with honors; Summa Cum Laude.
As a valuable addition to our medical team, Erin joins Visage Dermatology with over 5 years of experience and will provide a wide spectrum of Dermatology Services.
Erin will begin seeing patients August 24th 2015 and will be accepting the same insurance carriers the practice currently takes.
Improved Patient Convenience with New Mobile App
In the NewsIagnosis, the nation’s leader in online dermatology solutions, announced today that it has partnered with Visage Dermatology and Laser Center to create a mobile app, making it even easier for patients to conduct online visits for dermatological care. Visage Dermatology and Laser Center will now be able to offer online visits with a board-certified dermatologist to patients across the state of Florida using a smartphone, tablet or computer through its website link www.visagedermatology.com or the new Visage Dermatology and Laser Center mobile app – for Apple and Android devices, available for free in the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store.
With a shortage of board-certified dermatologists in the U.S., some patients wait up to three months or longer for in-office appointments. Additionally, of the more than 100 million dermatological conditions and diseases diagnosed each year in the U.S., only 35 million are treated by board-certified dermatologists, while 65 million are treated by primary care physicians, walk-in medical providers or via over-the-counter medications.
To use the service, patients simply visit www.visagedermatology.com or launch the mobile app to provide a brief medical history, information about their condition and upload photos. After review, the dermatologist provides a diagnosis, comprehensive treatment plan including necessary prescriptions within 24 hours on average. When medically necessary, the patient will be referred for an in-office visit.
Among the more than 3,000 conditions for which patients access the system are acne, dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, shingles, melanoma and other skin cancers.
“We are excited to be working with a progressive group like Visage Dermatology and Laser Center. Their new mobile app makes it more convenient than ever for patients to access a board-certified dermatologist, especially in today’s digital age,” said Mark P. Seraly, MD, founder and chief medical officer of Iagnosis. “Kids do not have to miss school and parents will not miss work to initiate an online visit for a variety of conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, or suspicious moles.”
About Iagnosis
Iagnosis is a leading technology provider of online dermatology solutions. Through its best-in-class platform, Iagnosis provides convenient 24/7 access to affordable, high quality medical care staffed by a broad network of board-certified dermatologists. Its flagship teledermatology product offers patients a diagnosis, electronic prescription and treatment plan that includes counseling on the condition. Iagnosis has been recognized in the industry for its innovation and actively partners with physician practices, health systems and other organizations to provide comprehensive online skin care solutions to their patients. Visit Iagnosis.com.
About Visage Dermatology and Laser Center
The team at Visage Dermatology is dedicated to providing patients with a wide array of services. Our skin care services range from general dermatology, to skin cancer screening and treatment, advanced cosmetic procedures, skin rejuvenation, body contouring, laser services and more. Visit www.visagedermatology.com.
Visage Dermatology & Laser Center Announces Provider Changes
In the NewsDr. Randy Tang, a Board Certified Dermatologist brings his enthusiasm and knowledge to Visage Dermatology. Dr. Tang is fellow graduate resident from Columbia University as Dr. Kongsiri. He received his medical degree from “UMDNJ” University of Medical and Dentistry in New Jersey. Dr.Tang graduated with Honors: Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and completed his residency at Columbia University, Presbyterian Hospital, New York City.
Dr Tang will begin to see patients starting September 17th 2015.
We are currently enrolling Dr. Tang in the same insurances that we currently accept. To schedule your appointment with Dr.Tang, please call the office at 727-388-6982.
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“It has been a great pleasure having Francine as a provider with our Visage Dermatology family” said Dr Alexandria Kongsiri, “and we are actively searching for another exceptional provider to care for your Cosmetic and Dermatology related needs.”
We have greatly valued Francine and her relationship with Visage Dermatology, and thank her for her loyalty over the years. Please join me us in wishing her the best with her future endeavors.
Visage Dermatology remains dedicated to our patients and community at large.
Virtual Dermatologists – What You Should Know
In the NewsWant to try out this new technology for yourself? Before you log on to visit a virtual derm, here’s what you should know about seeing the skin doctor digitally instead of face-to-face.
The media is raving about Ultherapy
In the NewsLearn what the media is saying and raving about Ultherapy, the natural choice for a nonsurgical way to lift, tone and tighten your skin using safe, time-tested ultrasound technology.