Looking Back, Looking Ahead: Reflections and Resolutions

2018 was a big year. Some might say huge. A year marked by political discord, historic shifts for women in the workplace, and a serious decline in civil discourse. We want to extend our gratitude to the valiant men and women who serve our country overseas. Makes us appreciate how lucky we are to be safe and at home. Here at HealthWellnessMD, we’ve had a pretty major year, too. Thanks to all of you who have been with us every step of the way. We’ve expanded our men’s health offerings, including PRP Hair Restoration and the P-Shot, we’ve grown our women’s sexual health program, adding the newest and most advanced lasers available today. Due to patient demand, we’ve launched a monthly newsletter, Life Spanyou can sign-up for it on our website.

The medicine of the future…today.

Many of you know that Dr. Prewitt started her medical career as a gynecologist but she has transformed her already busy practice. She is now a fully credentialed Functional Medicine physician and treats men as well as women. We all know how Dr. Prewitt loves to walk, talk, and educate all at once. Our fleet-footed Prewitt-wrangler, Bianca Oliva, is the only one around here who can keep up with her. Bianca makes sure to keep Dr. Prewitt on schedule while she’s on-the-go.

Here’s a look back at 2018…

 

But first, some important introductions…

The HealthWellnessMD team is expanding. We’re couldn’t be happier to introduce 4 new staff members:

  • Stephanie Flores, Medical Assistant – You may have already noticed her as you’re checking in at the office. In the few months Stephanie been part of the HealthWellnessMD team, she has become famous for her hugs. Next time you’re in, ask her nicely and you just may get one.
  • Leslie Nzeakor, BSN, RN – Our new nurse has impressed all of us as well as our patients with her professionalism and intellectual curiosity. Dr. Prewitt hears our patients sing her praises every day. In case you’re wondering about the origins of her tongue-twister of a last name? Leslie is the proud daughter of Nigerian immigrants…and it’s pronounced like this: N-za-kor. Say that five times fast.
  • Brooke Sundgren, BSN, RN  – Although currently she’s only with us two days a week, Brooke is an integral part of the team. She quickly mastered BioTE pelleting and patient education. She may seem demure at first but this former TCU cheerleader’s spirit radiates throughout the office. Brooke brings it daily.
  • Amy Shoultz, PhD – Many of you have seen Dr. Shoultz around the office for some time – she’s the one chained to the computer all day. However, she is with us full-time now. Her superpower is channeling Dr. Prewitt’s mind. We’re aware that this sounds impossible but someone’s got to capture and chronicle Dr. Prewitt’s vast knowledge base and clever medical metaphors. Dr. Shoultz puts it all online – in our blog posts, on our website, in our newsletter – so you can download the digital Dr. Prewitt from wherever you are.
Dr. Prewitt and her newest angels: Leslie Nzeakor, Stephanie Flores, Dr. Prewitt, Amy Shoultz, Brooke Sundgren. And that little devil in the back? It’s Mancy Kirkland, of course.

TouchMD lets you track your progress

In January, we added a nifty new tool for our MedSpa patients. With TouchMD, our patients can track their personal transformations and access their Before and After pictures at anytime and from anywhere. Looking good has never looked this easy.

FemiWave for Women on the horizon

In May, Dr. Prewitt designed a clinical study entitled: A Study of the Effect of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for the Treatment of Women’s Sexual Health. With the help of clinical research assistant, Sara Martinez – most of you already know Sara as our office savant – Dr. Prewitt conducted the study over the course of several months. And our in-house medical writer, Amy Shoultz, PhD, helped pull together our preliminary findings so that we could submit the paper to the American Academy for Anti-Aging (A4M) in September. We expect to see the published version from the A4M in January, 2019. Before you ask, yes, we’ll update this post with a link to our paper as soon as we get the green light.

Dr. Prewitt initiated this study after the great success we’ve seen using the GAINSWave to enhance male sexual performance. To date, treatments for female sexual dysfunction have not been single-handedly successful due to the multifactorial-factorial nature of its origin: including social elements, biological changes, certain medications, psychological factors, dissatisfaction with relationship, and disappointment with partner performance. All of these factors lead to personal distress. The FemiWave shows great promise to address vaginal health and improve pleasure and performance for women. It’s about time.

Dr. Prewitt slays the Wellness Mama podcast

Back in June, Dr. Prewitt had the pleasure of chatting with Katie Wells – better known as Wellness Mama – on her The Healthy Moms podcast. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Katie’s mission, she is doing some phenomenal work on behalf of moms everywhere who want healthier, more holistic lives for themselves and their families. You can learn more about her on the Wellness Mama website.

The two of them had an extraordinary talk that we invite you all to hear for yourselves. Katie recently released podcast episode 168: A Proactive Approach to Aging and Sexual Health and Wellness with HealthWellnessMD. Since it aired, we’ve been overwhelmed by the response from her vast and vocal community of listeners. We now take care of patients from across the country who heard Dr. Prewitt share her progressive philosophy for staying sexy for life.

We wrote a blog post about their talk and you can listen to the podcast here.

The team who fasts together lasts together

You’ve all probably heard about the current fasting craze. So, in June, our whole team put it to the test. However, under Dr. Prewitt’s guidance, you know we did it the safest, smartest way possible. In an effort to optimize our health span, the HWMD team joined together in the 5-day ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet. Some of us fared better than others but we stuck it out and completed the fast – with staggering results. If you’d like to know more about how fasting can enhance your longevity, we just happen to have a post about that too.

Our aesthetician, India Jeffery, doing the ProLon dance. You’d be dancing, too, if you’d just finished a 5-day fast. And, if you’re not following us on Instagram, find us @healthwellnessmd.

Dr. Prewitt shakes things up at The Aesthetics Show in Las Vegas

In July, Dr. Prewitt participated in The Aesthetic Show – this conference brings together major players in the field to discuss the most current aesthetic knowledge and technology for an interactive educational program. It’s kind of a big deal.

“The Aesthetic Show is the gold standard in this field, and the 2018 event has once again displayed an unparalleled dedication to the evolution of our industry.”

From Andrew Ordon, M.D., F.A.C.S., the show’s scientific chairman an acclaimed plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and host of CBS’s The Doctors.

One of the most important components of a successful educational program is the quality of its faculty. The Aesthetic Show offers a world-class faculty comprised of thought leaders and leading practitioners in the aesthetic community. Dr. Prewitt was invited to be a member of the faculty of this prestigious event.

We all know how passionate Dr. Prewitt is when it comes to educating her patients on matters of sexual health. That’s why we love her. She is fearless and not afraid to go where others fear to tread.

As a Faculty Member, Dr. Prewitt presented the following two talks:

  • The Aesthetics of Sexuality: Energy-based Medicine and the Future of Sexual Health
  • Sexy for Life: Shockwave Therapy for Longevity in Men and Women’s Sexual Health 
Dr. Maryann Prewitt goes where others dare not tread by taking the taboo out of Sexual Health and Wellness.

She was so well-received that she was interviewed about her talks by the Aesthetics Channel. You can learn more about what she told them here.

Vampires live among us

Wow, to say this was an experience is an understatement. In August, Dr. Prewitt along with our business manager and fan favorite, Lorena Loera, traveled to Fairhope, Alabama. Their quest? To master the art and science of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) under the tutelage of Dr. Charles Runels, the inventor of the Vampire PRP treatments. We’re not convinced he isn’t a vampire himself! But, there’s no denying the power of PRP.

PRP is the mainstay of Regenerative Medicine and Dr. Prewitt has been blown away by both the science and the results our patients are seeing. We’ve recently promoted our own Toni Parks to Regenerative Medicine Administrator since she has shown such passion and natural talent for all things PRP. Plus, she’ll keep you smiling while going full Vampire on you. We are now using PRP in tandem with our medical spa services to treat everything from facial aging to breast lifts as well as incontinence and male and female sexual desire and pleasure. Learn more about the O-Shot for women here and go here to read about the P-Shot for men.

Meet the Dallas SculpSure Club

Drum roll, please…Meet the Dallas SculpSure Club for unlimited laser body contouring. HealthWellnessMD and skinFIT MedSpa are pretty pumped to introduce the Dallas SculpSure Club annual membership plan for unlimited laser body contouring with SculpSure.

Our patients love their permanent fat reduction results so much that many have requested additional treatments or would like to target fat in other areas of the body. So, we came up with a plan: we’ve launched an annual membership program – with two ways to join – for multiple treatments over the course of a year at a significantly lower cost per procedure. The DSC is the brainchild of Lee Lafayette, our COO, and chief mischief-maker here at HealthWellnessMD.

Welcome to the club, Dallas.

Dr. Prewitt calls these beauties the “sexiest lasers” she’s ever seen. Our team members upped their laser IQs at this event: Toni Parks, Leslie Nzeakor, Dr, Prewitt, Lee Lafayette, and Brooke Sundgren.

The InMode Lasers have landed… 

In November, we attended a game-changing conference at the Omni Hotel right here in Dallas with some of the most distinguished members of the global aesthetics community. The panel of speakers was impressive – they brought down the house with their industry knowledge and big brains. And the lasers from InMode Aesthetic Solutions…well, they just don’t get any better. Dr. Prewitt is thrilled to add their cutting-edge capabilities to our portfolio of services. 

  • BodyTite – The first minimally invasive treatment to remove fat and tighten skin at the same time. Phenomenal results!
  • Votiva – The only technology that tightens the vagina and vulva – so, you’re rejuvenated inside and out. You’re welcome.
  • Triton – The newest laser (it’s actually 3 lasers in 1) for hair removal on all skin types for women and men. It’s fast and requires fewer treatments. Start right away and have a shave-free summer!

Guess who’s a Dynamic Women of Dallas Honoree? 

Isn’t it obvious? Our own Dr. Prewitt was honored in November’s Modern Luxury Dallas magazine for being one of the Dynamic Women of Dallas. Now, we’ve all known this since the day we met her. But what makes her so dynamic? We believe it’s her mission and nobody says it like she does, telling the magazine:

“Longevity is not just about adding years to your life but adding value.”

Dr. Maryann Prewitt as quoted in the November Modern Luxury Dallas.
Our patients are more likely to see Dr. Prewitt in a surgical gown than an evening gown.

Our first FB LIVE event

We had an exciting collaboration with Blake Stephenson and the Modern Luxury Dallas team at the beginning of December. Dr. Prewitt and our true Texan aesthetician, Mancy Kirkland, conducted a LIVE SculpSure demo right from our Facebook page. Expect more of these events to come! Was a huge hit…wait, did we just say huge? Follow this link to see what you missed.

And if you’re not already, give @HealthWellnessMD a Like and a Follow while you’re there.

Resolutions? Who needs the pressure?

It’s the season when well-intentioned people set lofty resolutions for the new year. Work out more, eat healthier, spend more time with family and less time on devices, perhaps be more mindful…But, most of us have seen our declarations fail – sometimes, as soon as the “It’s Valentine’s Day” excuse becomes an option. Then before you know it, you’re inhaling boxes of chocolate while binge-watching whatever is the next new thing on Netflix.

We’ve got a different approach to resolutions for 2019. Rather than say “no” to all the bad stuff, how about saying “yes” to the many good things that are right in front of you. Say yes to taking a walk after dinner, say yes to getting a good night’s sleep, say yes to fruits and vegetables, and say yes to showing the people in your life how much you care. Love is Verb. Start by loving yourself and set the domino effect in action. Join with us at HealthWellnessMD. All it takes is one small act at a time.

The Sexy Sixties: Boomers and the Second Sexual Revolution

Nearly 80 million Americans came of age during the social and sexual revolution of 1960s and ’70s. The era was characterized by rebellion against parents, society, and conformity in general. About a third of this free-loving generation are now single — either divorced, widowed, or never married to begin with. While many baby boomers are now parents of the decidedly less sexy millennials , their interest in sex shows no sign of slowing down. The dating app Match.com cites 50-plus as the fastest-growing demographic on the site. And a survey from OurTime.com, an online dating site for older adults, found that looks still matter. Approximately 87% of 50- to 70-year-old users point to physical attraction as a deciding factor when sizing up a potential partner.

How do boomers stack up?

Recent research in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, reports that the average American adult has sex about 60 times per year. So, we’re getting it on a little more than once a week. For the 2015 and 2016 studies, researchers analyzed polled data on adult sexual habits from the General Social Survey. Who’s having the most? Compared to subsequent generations, boomers have the most sexual partners over their lifetime. Boomers average 11 partners – compared with millennials who have a projected average of 8. And Generation X comes in second with an average of 10 partners. I see patients every day confirming that boomers are trending up. Surprisingly, younger generations are trending down in terms of sexual interest.

The boomers, who launched the sexual revolution in the ’60s, are now well into their 60s. For them, the revolution rages on.

Which is the sexiest generation of them all?

Hands down this distinction belongs to boomers, who continue to push sexual boundaries. The same generation of women who first benefited from the introduction of the birth control pill in 1965 now crave fresh solutions to keep enjoying sex. A movement is afoot – one that challenges long-held assumptions about aging and sexuality. Adults in their 60s and beyond deserve and demand healthy, happy sex lives.

The FDA approved Viagra in 1998 to treat erectile dysfunction, transforming the sexual landscape for older men. This pharmaceutical added years to their sexual health. Urologists for men were dedicated to their sexual health. They proactively sought out solutions to maintain male vitality. Meanwhile, for decades, women with age-related sexual concerns were left high and dry. They found few options and even fewer physicians who would listen. My female patients have been tragically underserved by conventional medicine. However, the emergence of laser medicine marks the start of a new era. I now offer my female patients new science-backed solutions for all their sexual health needs.

Unlike their Viagra-popping partners, boomer women have been left high and dry…I’m thrilled for you, honey. Really.

Boomer women demand solutions for sexual wellness

Not only did gynecologists fail to rise to the occasion for female patients. The findings of the 2005 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) set women’s health back irreparably. The false conclusion that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) was unsafe for women still informs many physicians and patients alike. Daily, I see the repercussions of this inaccuracy negatively affect the lives of my patients. I have treated women for over 25 years and am astonished by the myths patients believe. But more so, by how misinformed many of my colleagues remain about bio-identical HRT. We cannot realistically achieve longevity without balanced hormones. Testosterone therapy plays a fundamental part in preserving women’s libido and sexuality. Furthermore, HRT maintains bone and brain health, prevents Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even breast cancer. Yes, I said testosterone therapy prevents breast cancer in women.

What do boomer women want?

One of the first line treatments I recommend to my boomer women is hormone replacement with BioTE pellet therapy. Once their libido returns, women cannot wait to reclaim their sexuality. Each woman suffers from a unique combination of the many common sexual problems that accompany aging. Things like structural changes resulting from childbirth, incontinence, vaginal laxity and dryness. Add inability to orgasm, pain during intercourse, embarrassing hemorrhoids, and concerns over the appearance of their genitalia. You see, boomer women want to keep having sex and look sexy while they do it. Women over 60 represent an enormous market opportunity. The industry has finally taken notice. Over the past decade, explosive technology – especially in laser devices – has emerged to serve the diversity of women’s sexuality.

Benefits of the bedroom

Of course, making love makes for lots of fun. During arousal, the brain releases powerful “feel-good” chemicals. But, sex also imparts many positive physiological and emotional benefits so it plays a major role in our overall health. People who have more sex report higher self-esteem, life satisfaction, and quality of life. They make better parents and happier employees. Other benefits of spending more time in the bedroom include:

  • boosts your immunity
  • regulates blood pressure
  • reduces stress and improves mood
  • improves sleep 
  • increased longevity

People with healthy sex lives possess greater confidence in and out of the bedroom. But, for boomers, the pros of more sex come with new responsibilities and consequences.

Doctors don’t talk to patients about sexual health. Here’s why they should:

More often than not, healthcare professionals don’t ask about their patients’ intimate lives. This is especially true for older individuals. Physicians may have preconceived notions that they are not sexually active. They could not be more wrong. Sexuality should be part of a physician’s review of systems – no matter what a patient’s age. Intimacy should be an essential component of the patient-doctor conversation. I ask all of my patients about their sexual health. Questions like:

Are you with a new partner? Perhaps more than one? Are you using protection? Would you like an STD screening? Are you satisfied with your performance and do you achieve orgasm? And, equally important, are you satisfied with your partner’s performance?

Boomers are used to giving “the talk” to their children. Many need to learn to take their own advice.

Why should boomers talk about sex now?

With the increase in older people dating, high numbers of boomers report having unprotected sex. As a result, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are skyrocketing among older people. In a report by Global News about sexually active seniors, they shared these alarming statistics:

Recent studies have shown that in the U.S. STDs in the 50 to 70 age group have increased 38 percent from 2014 to 2017…. People over 50 years old made up 21 percent of new HIV diagnoses.

So, why is this happening? Well, it’s multi-factorial. Boomers don’t use protection for a broad range of reasons.

  • No longer a fear of pregnancy – when boomers started having sex, pregnancy was likely the primary issue they considered. Now that this no longer concerns them, older people do not realize the necessity of protection.
  • Unaware of symptoms – many STIs may be present without any visible symptoms. Someone can be infected and not even know it. 
  • Not in the habit – many older people had previous longterm relationships where protection was not necessary. Boomers carry these same assumptions from prior relationships into new sexual encounters without considering the consequences.

Why does sex lose its luster as we age?

As we grow older, both women and men experience a drop in vital sex hormones. A drop in sexual desire and performance typically follows. To make matters worse, as our hormone levels decline, we experience a whole host of unwanted conditions. We have trouble maintaining our weight, difficulty sleeping at night, and decreased muscle strength. Beyond that, many older people suffer from low energy and fatigue. It’s no wonder that many lose interest in sex as we age. HRT is the cornerstone of my sexual wellness philosophy. The topic is so critical, I dedicated a microsite to this potent tool for longevity. You can learn more about hormone pellet therapy here.

Sexual avoidance is a thing too

For many boomers, not having sex – even avoiding it altogether – is also not uncommon. Some of the reasons are physical but, oftentimes, they are physiological or psychosocial. Boomers represent one of the most stressed-out demographics today. Most still work full time. Many also care for aging parents and, increasingly, help financially support their adult children. Changing bodies and changing priorities add additional stumbling blocks for boomers in their ongoing pursuit of love. Some simply don’t have the time, or emotional headspace, for romance. For others, the cause could be medical.

Historically in old age, people tend to have less sex. Many older people lose their partners and don’t necessarily start dating again. Poor health or taking certain medications can also make people less interested in sex. However, boomers are bucking the trend. While some boomers are not actively seeking sex, others actively avoid it. Women more commonly avoid sex than men. In fact, up to 40% of women avoid sex some time in their lives. However men, too, have motivations for opting out of sex.

Some of the reasons boomers refrain:

  • Pain during sex, for women
  • Incontinence and the embarrassment that comes with it – 80% of women experience incontinence during their lifetime.
  • Low libido, among women and men
  • Inability to orgasm – 10% of women never climax
  • Metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity
  • Many medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs reduce libido
  • Low levels of testosterone for men – men lose 20% of their testosterone per decade
  • Dissatisfaction with their partner
  • Erectile dysfunction for men – 60% of men over 60 experience ED
  • Lack of opportunity is cited by men

Fortunately, we now have an abundance of solutions for many of these concerns. The second sexual revolution for Boomers could not have come at a better time.

Laser Love: New science so you stay sexy

A number of revolutionary and noninvasive treatments are currently available to correct issues that get in the way of intimacy. You just have to know where to look. At HealthWellnessMD, we offer an array of non-surgical solutions for your most intimate concerns. We perform these procedures in the comfort and privacy of our medical spa with little to no downtime.

  • Vaginal Rejuvenation with the FemiLift

The FemiLift is for every woman. Every woman who suffers from incontinence, every woman who wants less discomfort during sex and greater sensation, every woman of every age who wants to feel rejuvenated. This minimally invasive laser stimulates collagen production and increases blood flow to the vaginal walls. The FemiLift has the dual effect of both improving urinary leakage and increasing your sexual sensation, lubrication, and overall intimacy.

  • Internal and external Vaginal Rejuvenation with Votiva 

Votiva uses radio frequency (RF) to tighten pelvic muscles and treat the effects of vaginal laxity such as urinary incontinence and loss of sensitivity. This safe and comfortable treatment addresses both internal and external vaginal health issues without surgery. If you suffer from low blood flow or sensitivity, pain with intercourse, or decreased libido, Votiva may be perfect for you. Votiva can also address age-related loss of elasticity and wrinkled appearance of the labia and vulva.

  • Male performance enhancement with GAINSWave

Many men equate a healthy sex life with their ability to achieve a strong and long-lasting erection. They spend billions each year on temporary male enhancement treatments such as Viagra and Cialis despite the numerous and alarming side effects. Any man who wants to take back his sexuality naturally—without risky medication—can benefit from this gentle and pain-free therapy. The GAINSWave™system uses pulsating acoustic waves to increase blood flow to the penis resulting in a firmer, more resilient erection. Using acoustic waves increases the number of blood vessels, removes micro-plaques, and promotes soft tissue growth within the penis, so it stays firmer longer, while also increasing sensitivity. Greater blood flow means stronger erections and optimal sensation.

  • The O-Shot® for Women

The O-Shot®, or Orgasm- Shot, procedure is a very specific method of using blood-derived growth factors from your own platelet-rich plasma (PRP), to rejuvenate and regenerate the vagina. The O-Shot® helps relieve urinary incontinence, sexual problems, and increases sexual pleasure. For many patients, The O-Shot® improves lubrication and arousal from clitoral stimulation and may decrease pain for women who experience pain during intercourse.

  • The P-Shot® for Men

This groundbreaking new treatment uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the patient’s own body to rejuvenate damaged and aged tissue. The P-Shot® entails safe, pain-free injections of a patient’s own PRP to rejuvenate the penis and stimulate new tissue growth, resulting in improved erections that are larger, firmer, and more frequent. Because the PRP comes from your own body, it is a natural and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction as well as Peyronie’s Disease. And because most men see almost instantaneous results, you can enjoy sexual relations on the day of the procedure.

  • Vaginal Revision with Laser Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is the fastest-growing type of cosmetic surgery today. We offer a nonsurgical alternative for the many women who experience discomfort or limit activities, such as riding bikes or going to the beach, because of their pronounced labia. We can also help women who are embarrassed because they lack labial symmetry. I want all women to know that you can have perfectly symmetrical labia without going under the knife. After my in-office laser labiaplasty, you go home the same day, with little downtime, no stitches, and the symmetrical appearance you’ve always desired.

  • Hemorrhoids with Laser Hemorrhoid Removal 

Hemorrhoids are not only uncomfortable, they can be embarrassing and interfere with your desire for sexual intimacy. With the rise in oral sexual activity, this condition can be especially awkward. As many as 80% of American suffer from hemorrhoids and most are unaware of a simple and minimally invasive technique to eliminate them. Using our CO laser, we permanently remove external hemorrhoids. This laser vaporizes the content of the hemorrhoid as well as the remaining skin sack. So, you can enjoy your sexuality with confidence again.

Your sexual health and wellness is too important to ignore. With such advances in laser technology, there is no reason for boomers to lack confidence in the bedroom due to medical, performance, or cosmetic concerns. You can feel great about the way you look again – in and out of the bedroom.

Taking it to the sheets: The second Sexual Revolution

Boomers are once again challenging the status quo – this time, by upending assumptions about aging and sexuality. During the ‘6os, they were taking it to the streets. Now more than fifty years later, they are revolutionizing the way the medical establishment approaches sexuality and longevity. While there will never be another Summer of Love, with all of these solutions for sexual health, boomers can come pretty darn close. Future generations say thank you.

 

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