Aesthetic Trends & Technologies™ Launches Educational Webinars Series

Aesthetic Trends & Technologies™ Launches Educational Webinars Series

Aesthetic Trends is now providing an additional educational venue for the aesthetic medical community. The ATnTechnologies™ Webinar Series is a new education resource offered by Aesthetic Trends in response to the results of multiple surveys where practitioners were asked how they will strategize to build their practice and ward off the pitfalls of the economic crunch.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) February 28, 2008 -- Aesthetic Trends & Technologies™ has announced the launch of their new ATnTechnologies™ Webinar & Podcast Interview Series. The first webinar was broadcasted this week entitled Top 10 Reasons Medical Spas and Aesthetic Practices Succeed. There has been an increase in the growing number of aesthetic medical practices that continue to struggle to keep their doors open. Many are reaching out to find ways in which to revive their businesses.

"We are very pleased at the response we have received by the number of practitioners who have participated in our complimentary webinar series," comments Chief Executive Officer Cindy L. Vandruff. "We continue to see the need for these educational venues to support our industry as a whole. This is an effective way to give practitioners answers to the questions they have about maintaining a profitable business."

The ATnTechnologies™ Webinar Series are hosted by Ms. Vandruff. A number of Med Spa topics will be presented by Francis X. Acunzo, CEO of Acara, the business team for the spa industry offering turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians, and investors seeking to develop, manage, and market their Spa, Medical Spa, Wellness Center, Cosmetic, or Aesthetic Practice. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants have over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com.

"One of the main reasons I want to promote this educational webinar program is that we have seen a thirst for knowledge by physicians, aesthetic medical practices, and medical spas alike that have used this effective tool in understanding what can be done to succeed no matter what state the economy is in," added Vandruff.

Aesthetic Trends believes that a solid foundation for any practice is sound business operating processes and tools through education. For practice owners seeking to tap into Aesthetic Trends' resources and knowledge base, visit their website which houses useful articles / topics. Be sure to attend one of their upcoming complimentary Medical Spa business Webinars.

About Aesthetic Trends & Technologies, Inc.

Aesthetic Trends is the leading physician journal for aesthetics and wellness. This unique magazine focuses on current findings, ongoing clinical trials, and addresses frequently asked questions related to aesthetic procedures and products. The latest advancements in aesthetic products and procedures are featured in every issue, keeping the industry in tune with the continual changes in the aesthetic industry, thereby allowing practitioners to apply the related topics to their individual practices and needs. Topics include: Anti-Aging & Wellness, Dermatology, Laser & Light Technology, Legal Case of the Month, Medical Spas, Plastic Surgery, & Practice Management. Email Cindy Vandruff: cindy.vandruff @ aesthetictrends.com, or contact her directly at 800.277.1391. To learn more visit: www.aesthetictrends.com .

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Contact Information Cindy L. Vandruff

Aesthetic Trends & Technologies, Inc.

http://www.aesthetictrends.com

800.277.1391

CheckOrphan Launches iWish to Commemorate Rare Disease Day

CheckOrphan Launches iWish to Commemorate Rare Disease Day

CheckOrphan, the leading news site for rare, orphan and neglected diseases, launches iWish, which allows people to visually (creative, artistic and realistic images) show their conception of these diseases through and image. In addition, people are invited to explain their imagery and add their iWish - which should convey creative solutions for a rare disease or for the community in general.

Basel, Switzerland (PRWEB) February 28, 2009 -- Today, CheckOrphan is launching one of its flagship features - iWish (http://www.checkorphan.org/content/iWish) - in conjunction with Rare Disease Day, February 28, which is an international effort to raise awareness for rare diseases and the needs of people affected by them.

To help commemorate this day, iWish is a way for people affected by, or working with, rare diseases to step forward and tell their stories through words and images. Currently, CheckOrphan is accepting iWish submissions in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

Participants are asked to provide a text of up to 1,000 words describing a change or development they would like to see in the world of rare diseases - their iWish. They are also encouraged to discuss their experience with a rare disease or diseases, if applicable, and to provide and describe an image (a photograph or other creative image) that in some way complements or illustrates their text. Examples of some iWish contributions can be viewed at:

http://www.checkorphan.org/content/iWish

"People affected by a rare disease have the chance to show the world in an artistic or realistic way through a picture and words what it is like to have a rare disease," explains Ian Sowers, Head of Marketing and PR for CheckOrphan. "But, we also encourage industry professionals, physicians, researchers and others to explain want they encounter as well. This way the world will have a complete view of the problem, accompanied with ways to overcome the hurdles that rare, orphan and neglected diseases face."

CheckOrphan's goal is to allow people around the world to provide creative solutions, through their iWish. At the same time CheckOrphan offers people the opportunity to make an iWish come true. People who want to support an iWish can contact CheckOrphan and then CheckOrphan will contact the individual who submitted the iWish on behalf of the interested supporter.

"Rare, orphan and neglected disease need solutions. They are a huge drain on families and society in general," says Robert Derham, President of CheckOrphan. "So as the saying goes 'two heads are better than one' - we believe that 7 billion heads will be even better. Collectively we will be able to think outside of the box and start to bring solutions to the hundreds of millions of people that are affected with rare, orphan and neglected diseases."

Since its inception two years ago, CheckOrphan.org has become the leading online source of news about rare, orphan, and neglected diseases.

Recently re-launched with a new look and increased functionality, CheckOrphan is dedicated to being a complete web platform for rare diseases that unites and empowers researchers, physicians, professionals and, most importantly, those affected by rare diseases so that they can initiate change.

CheckOrphan's features include: a database of over 8,000 news articles (http://www.checkorphan.org/news) about rare diseases, events, clinical trials, treatments (http://www.checkorphan.org/node/8379), research publications, physician-researcher-hospital-organization-industry databases, videos, daily newsletters and more. Users can submit content for each feature

About CheckOrphan

CheckOrphan is the leading source of news about rare, orphan and neglected diseases. Its news database holds the largest concentration of articles about rare diseases, with over 8,000 entries. CheckOrphan's users benefit from several large databases that also include: events, treatments, research publications, physician-researcher-hospital-organization-industry databases, videos, daily newsletters and more. It is also home to iWish - every wish means hope for a better tomorrow.

CheckOrphan is a non-profit organization that encourages its visitors to submit content and information to the platform. CheckOrphan is always interested in meeting new partners and supporters. CheckOrphan would like to thank the Gebert Rüf Stiftung for its support. For more information about this foundation, please visit http://www.grstiftung.ch.

Contact:

CheckOrphan

Ian Sowers

Head of Marketing and PR

Tel: +41 61 267 0447

Mob: +41 79 719 5539

Robert Derham

President

Tel: +41 61 267 0447

Mob: +41 78 662 5231

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Contact Information Robert Derham

CheckOrphan

http://www.checkorphan.org

+41 61 267 0447

Ian Sowers

CheckOrphan

http://www.checkorphan.org

Coldest Winter in Eight Years Heightens Dry Feet Problems

Coldest Winter in Eight Years Heightens Dry Feet Problems

This winter was the coldest since 2001, creating low humidity and bringing dry, chapped skin with it. According to some experts, the solution to dry, cracked heels is not scraping, but moisturizing and exfoliating. "Every inch of our skin is affected by cold weather, which creates lower humidity. However, our hands and feet suffer the most because they lack oil glands that are present on other skin surfaces," says Carol J. Buck, CEO of Xenna Corporation (www.xenna.com), a distributor of natural foot care products.

(PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- This winter was the coldest since 2001, creating low humidity and bringing dry, chapped skin with it. According to some experts, the solution to dry, cracked heels is not scraping, but moisturizing and exfoliating.

"Every inch of our skin is affected by cold weather, which creates lower humidity. However, our hands and feet suffer the most because they lack oil glands that are present on other skin surfaces," says Carol J. Buck, CEO of Xenna Corporation (www.xenna.com), a distributor of natural foot care products.

Aggressive scraping can sometimes lead to irritation and damage to the skin barrier.

Many dermatologists consider petrolatum the "gold standard" of moisturizers. They also recommend using lukewarm, not hot water for bathing or showering in winter, followed by a moisturizer applied within three minutes of bathing to lock in moisture.

"People like to see their heels soft and smooth and supple. Very gentle scraping with a pumice stone or other device helps to remove hard, dry skin, but by itself does not make feet baby-bottom smooth because scraping does nothing to add moisture. Some softening occurs with the removal of dead skin, but the feel of the skin is still not supple," comments Buck.

"This is why we developed CalleX® Dry Heel Ointment as a patented, breakthrough solution for dry, cracked heels and feet. By combining natural enzymes with a hydrating petrolatum-based ointment we have a moisturizing solution for dry feet, even in the coldest of winters. For fragrance and to keep feet smelling fresh, we added natural peppermint oil."

Fast-acting, CalleX Ointment produces significant improvement within 15 to 30 days. According to one user, "CalleX actually does what it says! …(This is) a product I don't mind spending the extra penny for." Another recently described CalleX Ointment as "the most amazing stuff" after using it for three weeks on his feet.

A $3.00 Mail-In Rebate for CalleX Ointment is available at the brand's website: www.callexointment.com/xenna_coupons.html

For photos of toenails and heels before and after using Xenna products, click http://www.xenna.com/callex_beforeAfter.html.

Environmentally friendly, Xenna Corporation values the environment and formulates brands containing natural ingredients are made in the USA, not tested on animals, not in PET containers and not harmful to the environment.

CalleX also contains no acids, lanolin, parabens or colorants and is diabetic-friendly. CalleX Dry Heel Ointment is sold in the FOOT CARE section at Walgreens, Rite-Aid, CVS, Walmart Supercenters, Target, Snyders, Longs, Duane Reade, Giant Eagle, HEB, Kerr Drug, Stop & Shop, Bi-Lo, Bruno's, many grocery stores in the Southeast and most Medicine Shoppe pharmacies.

Xenna Corporation is a privately-held, woman-owned company based in Princeton, NJ which develops and distributes natural personal care products for skin, hair and nails. To contact them call 800-368-6003 (business hours, Mon-Friday Eastern Time). View their press page at http://www.xenna.com/info_pressreleases.html.

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Contact Information Carol J. Buck

800-368-6003

Acara Launches Laser Lipolysis Business Boosting Program

Acara Launches Laser Lipolysis Business Boosting Program

Acara generates on average $35K per Laser Lipolysis Event for its Medical Spa Clients. This success rate is the catalyst for their new Laser Lipolysis Business Boosting Program which is a cost effective vehicle for MedSpas and Aesthetic Practices to increase revenues.

Branford, CT (Vocus) February 23, 2009 -- Acara announced the launch of their new Laser Lipolysis Business Boosting Program (http://www.acaramedspas.com/services-turnkey_programs.html#smartlipo) for Medical Spas and Aesthetic Practices. This is a low up-front investment program that allows an Aesthetic practice or MedSpa the opportunity to enjoy the success that many of Acara's clients have already experienced when holding Laser Lipolysis Events.

"It is very exciting to know that we are able to have such a tremendous impact on our client's business by planning, marketing and facilitating their Laser Lipolysis events." comments Francis X. Acunzo. "We have been able to achieve an average of $35K per event with our client best of $75K. Truly an effective way to build an Aesthetic Medical practice or Med Spa."

Acara's new event program includes advertising and promotional templates, an event promotions plan and guide, event coaching, onsite sales training and event facilitation. This program offers Aesthetic Practices and MedSpas an opportunity to receive the benefits of Acara's tried and true marketing success.

Mr. Acunzo is available for consultations to discuss how Acara can support MedSpa owners and operators to improve their company performance.

For companies seeking more insight into Acara's expertise and knowledge they can visit their blog www.spabusinessmd.com which is a Medical Spa business resource or attend one of their complimentary Webinars (http://www.acaramedspas.com/events.html).

About Acara Partners:

Acara is the business team for the spa industry offering turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Spa, Medical Spa, Wellness Center, Cosmetic or Aesthetic Practice. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com .

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Contact Information Francis Acunzo

Acara Partners

http://www.acarapartners.com

203-488-0028

Medical Spa Industry Expert Presents Opening a Successful MedSpa and the Recession

Medical Spa Industry Expert Presents Opening a Successful MedSpa and the Recession

Entrepreneurs, Hospitals, and Physicians all want to know how to open a successful MedSpa during the recession. Francis X. Acunzo, Medical Spa Business Expert will address this topic during his upcoming Acara Webinar on Tuesday February 24th.

Branford, CT (PRWEB) February 20, 2009 -- On Tuesday, February 24 at 1:00 p.m. EST, Acara is hosting the webinar, How to Open a Successful Medical Spa presented by Medical Spa industry expert, Francis X. Acunzo. As a special feature, to this Webinar, he will discuss the recession and its impact on launching a MedSpa or Aesthetic Cosmetic Practice.

"Most people don't' know that Trader Joe's, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, Disney and 16 of the 30 companies that make up the Dow Industrial Average were all started during a recession or depression." states Francis X. Acunzo (http://www.acaramedspas.com/team.html), "Every week, I am asked, 'should I open a Medical Spa now, in the middle of this recession?' My research shows that many successful businesses launched during recessions. In addition, there might be some advantages that I will discuss during this upcoming Webinar"

Mr. Acunzo will also touch on the "Four Cs": concept, credibility, collateral and credit that you need to finance a project during a tight credit environment. In addition, he will review Acara's development steps to opening and launching a successful MedSpa or Aesthetic Practice.

This Webinar is for anyone currently developing or contemplating opening a Medical Spa or Aesthetic Practice, now or in the near future. Registration is complimentary and Opening a Successful MedSpa webinar is being held Tuesday, February 24 at 10:00 a.m. PST and 1:00 p.m. EST. Register here (https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/989870261).

For companies seeking to tap into Acara's expertise and knowledge you can go to their blog (http://spabusinessmd.com/) which is a business resource for MedSpa owners and operators, visit their website (http://www.acaramedspas.com/) to learn how they can support you in developing, managing or marketing your spa or aesthetic business or attend their weekly complimentary Medical Spa business webinars (http://www.acaramedspas.com/events.html).

About Acara Partners:

Acara is the business team for the spa industry offering turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Spa, Medical Spa, Wellness Center, Cosmetic or Aesthetic Practice. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com .

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Contact Information Francis Acunzo

Acara Partners

http://www.acarapartners.com

203-488-0028 +303

Elemis Releases new Pro-Collagen Body Serum

Elemis Releases new Pro-Collagen Body Serum

Elemis has extended its anti ageing body care range with the new Pro-Collagen Body Serum Intensive Lift

(PRWEB) February 20, 2009 -- Elemis has added to its anti ageing body care range with the introduction of the new Pro-Collagen Body Serum Intensive Lift.

Studies have shown that as skin ages, collagen and elastin degenerate and cell cohesion loosens as the skin loses calcium. Pro-Collagen Body Serum Intensive Lift is a non-sticky, easily absorbed gel-serum that stimulates the fibroblasts (network of skin fibres) to speed up cell-communication and aid the production of collagen and elastin.

The serum harnesses micro-lattice technology which has been designed specifically for the body to target ageing skin. The technology uses Mexican skin tree and amino acids to strengthen the cohesion between skin layers. A lattice forms to protect against external forces while the acids stimulate the skin's Natural Moisture Factor (NMF).

As part of the Pro-Collagen range (http://www.timetospa.co.uk/Anti-Ageing/Pro-Collagen-Range/ ), Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Serum Intensive Lift is an anti ageing (http://timetospa.co.uk/Anti-Ageing/ ) product designed to restore skin firmness and elasticity to instantly tighten slackened skin of the buttocks, abdomen, arms and neckline.

Noella Gabriel, the director of product and treatment development at Elemis, said: "An ageing skin is a thinning skin and as skin ages it starts to slacken and lose elasticity. Whatever your age, stress levels effect your skin so good skin maintenance is a must.

"Elemis recognises that consumers are more aware, educated and sophisticated in their needs from a body product than ever before. Not only do they want to moisturise but want to address their anti ageing concerns. I am very excited to have created a product to meet this demand."

Noella continued, "We at Elemis have sourced natural, powerful ingredients from around the world to deliver a super soft after-feel on the skin, designed to be layered without feeling the overload."

The natural ingredients used in the new body serum (http://timetospa.co.uk/Anti-Ageing/Pro-Collagen-Range/Pro-Collagen-Body-Serum/ ) include paracress (a flower bud originating from South Africa), peptide pea pods (which stimulate skin firmness and elasticity while reinforcing the skin's natural moisture) and acacia gum (which creates an immediate skin tightening effect and wrinkle filler).

The full Elemis anti ageing body care range, which was originally launched in February 2008, also contains Elemis Pro Collagen Radiantly Smooth Body Cream (http://timetospa.co.uk/Bath-and-Body/Moisturise-and-Massage/Elemis-Pro-Collagen-Radiantly-Smooth-Body-Cream/ ) and Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream (http://www.timetospa.co.uk/Bath-and-Body/Hands/New-Elemis-Pro-Collagen-Hand-and-Nail-Cream/ ).

About Elemis:

Created in 1990, Elemis is the leading luxury British spa and skincare brand.

Elemis partners with over 1200 luxurious spas and salons, 130 cruise ship spas, British Airways Elemis travel spas and over 100 retail stores around the globe. Elemis treats over 5.7 million people each year and has the single largest influence on trends and developments in the global spa and skincare industry. The successful combination of powerful natural ingredients, cutting-edge formulation technology and proven clinical trials has enabled Elemis to bring to market some of the most influential anti ageing homecare products and professional spa-therapies the beauty industry has ever seen.

timetospa is a lifestyle destination for the spa lover and the official spa shop for the British brand Elemis and La Thérapie.

For further Elemis media information, please contact:

Emily Buchanan

10 Haunch of Venison Yard

Mayfair

London

W1K 5EX

020 7907 2743

www.timetospa.co.uk

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Contact Information Emily Buchanan

Elemis

http://www.timetospa.co.uk/

020 7907 2743

What's Hot in Organic Beauty? YOGA Magazine Chooses Softress Fragrance-free Body Oils

What's Hot in Organic Beauty? YOGA Magazine Chooses Softress Fragrance-free Body Oils

Softress body oils -- designed for care of very dry skin, sensitive skin, and eczema -- have been earning 5-star reviews on Amazon.com and PristinePlanet.com. This month Softress is recognized by YOGA Magazine in "What's Hot in Organic Beauty."

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 19, 2009 -- Softress fragrance-free and chemical-free body oils for chemically sensitive skin (http://www.softress.com) are featured in this month's YOGA Magazine special section, "What's Hot in Organic Beauty."

Softress's benefits for sensitive skin and very dry skin are earning 5-star reviews on Amazon.com and PristinePlanet.com, an "eco-friendly comparison shopping" site. One reviewer notes: "My facial skin is very dry and sensitive to many products.... I am very happy to have discovered Softress products, as they are the answer to my sensitive skin issues." Another writes: "I have finally found a product for super dry hands that really works.... After suffering my whole adult life with very dry hands, I can rely on SoftHands to keep my hands lovely and smooth. Even my manicurist has commented on my improved hands and cuticles!"

YOGA Magazine Editor Vanessa Vasquez notes that the magazine researches beauty companies extensively before featuring them in the magazine. Companies must offer a unique, sustainable product and be signatories of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. "We are very selective in who we offer editorial to. The beauty line must match our consumers. . . . Softress has made a fantastic beauty line that is committed to the natural and organic philosophy."

Softress body oils are unusual in the natural body care industry: they are made completely without fragrances or essential oils. Although essential oils are almost universally used in natural body care, they have the capacity to trigger contact allergies and increase skin's sun sensitivity. Some essential oils may affect the hormonal system. These are serious concerns for those with sensitive skin, eczema, fragrance allergies or multiple chemical sensitivities. They're especially relevant to women going through chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer.

Ann Fonfa, founder of the Annie Appleseed Project (www.annieappleseedproject.org/) is a Softress fan. "I became chemically sensitive shortly before my cancer diagnosis -- reacting badly to anything with fragrance, preservatives, or alcohol. Softress products are exactly what I and others like me can really use. And some people getting chemotherapy become sensitive too, so these items would be perfect for them."

Softress also eschews almond oil, coconut oil and soy oil--key ingredients in a majority of natural body oils--so their oils can be used by many nut allergy sufferers.

Softress formulas are especially effective for softening and healing very dry skin and protecting against moisture loss. They have a luxuriously smooth and non-greasy skin feel. The oils are protected against oxidation (rancidity) with a powerful antioxidant blend of natural vitamins C and E, which is up to 10 times stronger than the plain vitamin E used by most manufacturers. The antioxidant vitamins are also wonderful for skin, contributing to Softress oil's healing qualities.

Each product is a proprietary blend of whole, food-grade plant oils and antioxidants. Natural plant oils contain high amounts of Vitamins E, A and D. The essential fatty acids they contain are utilized by every cell in the body.

The Softress line comprises seven formulas designed for winter and summer dry skin care, eczema care, care of dry hands, dry curly hair care, and baby dry skin care. Softress body oils are available at www.Softress.com and Amazon.com.

For more information, visit the Softress website at http://www.softress.com or contact Nina Birnbaum at ninab at Softress.com.

About Softress

Softress, Inc. (www.Softress.com) manufactures a line of vegan-certified, fragrance-free, preservative-free moisturizing oils for dry, sensitive skin. The line includes E-Blend, for care of eczema and extremely dry skin; Deep Moisture, for sensitive skin and dry hair care; Love Your Hair, a natural conditioner/detangler for dry, damaged hair and curly hair; and SoftBaby, for soothing baby dry skin and infant eczema. SoftHands utilizes macadamia oil to soothe and heal very dry hands and cuticles. All products except SoftHands are nut oil-free.

"Mompreneur" Nina Birnbaum founded Softress with products she developed to manage her daughter's eczema and condition her dry, curly hair. When her daughter developed pre-diabetes, Ms. Birnbaum spent several years researching the links between diabetes and the topical steroids used to treat eczema. An eczema resources page (http://www.softress.com/eczema_information.php) presents this information along with natural eczema management techniques. Ms. Birnbaum, treated for breast cancer in 2006, has also written a comprehensive resource guide for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer (http://www.softress.com/breastcancer.php). Softress is based in New York City.

About AnnieAppleseed Project

The Annie Appleseed Project (www.annieappleseedproject.org/), founded by Ann Fonfa, provides information, education, advocacy, and awareness for people with cancer and their family and friends who are interested in complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) and natural therapies from a patient's perspective. The site is a comprehensive database of information and links to studies about nutrition, vitamins, herbs and alternative cancer therapies.

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Contact Information Nina Birnbaum

Softress, Inc.

http://www.softress.com/

212-961-1156