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 Clinic Location: 4005 West 65th Street Edina, MN 55435 Phone: (952) 922-2345 Fax: (952) 922-1309 Email: info@idinhealth.com |
Frequently Asked QuestionsPlease use the links below to find answers to many common questions about our anti-aging services:
Is anti-aging medicine "alternative medicine"?Not quite. Alternative medicine focuses on treating and diagnosing established diseases using unconventional means, such as herbs, acupuncture, bio feedback, etc. Anti-aging medicine, on the other hand, focuses more on the underlying processes of aging to improve vigor, vitality, and looks, and to prevent or delay the occurrences of episodes such as heart attacks, strokes, cancer, dementia and the like. As science and technology evolve, there is bound to be some dovetailing of these disciplines. What are the possible benefits I can expect from these treatments?There are many possible benefits that can be specifically targeted and achieved for different patients depending upon their individual needs. The following are many, but not all of the possible benefits of these treatments: 1. Anti-Aging
2. Disease Risk Reduction & Other Health Improvements
What is the "hormonal balance" in anti-aging therapy? I am confused about the government's HRT study results. I am thinking about stopping my hormones.Strictly speaking, the government's HRT study was not a hormone study; rather it was a drug study. Hormones should have the same chemical structure as those produced in the human body. The drugs studied here did not have that structure. One is derived from pregnant horse urine and the other is a synthetic progestin. These drugs have well documented side effects that have been known for some time. For example:
As the subjects began suffering the consequences of these effects, the study had to be stopped. At Innovative Directions in Health, we use only "bio-identical hormones" and administer these in natural ways. For example, we give estrogen as a skin cream or gel, which eliminates any direct entry into the liver. Studies have shown that transdermal (skin) route does not cause any of the above mentioned problems. Instead, it lowers cholesterol and C reactive protein. It is the human female hormones that protect women from heart attacks before menopause. After menopause, the incidence of heart attacks rises sharply. Similarly, we use other sex hormones (progesterone and testosterone) in more natural ways in order to produce the best possible effect. Numerous studies have shown that female hormones are also protective against osteoporosis, depression, and dementia, and promote healthy sexual function. An added bonus is their importance in maintaining a shapely female physique. At Innovative Directions in Health, we prefer to check and
balance all hormones (not just female hormones). Elevated levels
of
certain hormones
can be harmful to health and should be kept at the lowest possible
levels
(such as insulin). Others are beneficial (thyroid, testosterone,
estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, growth hormone, etc.) and should be
maintained at optimal, but not excessive levels. These hormones are
important for metabolism, synthesis of protein, RNA, and DNA, for
damage repair in our cells, for our bones, minds, immune systems, and a
myriad of other important functions. Falling levels of beneficial
hormones is associated with aging and with age-related diseases, and
our philosophy is to slowly and precisely adjust, then maintain our
patients' hormones at optimal levels. Can your programs prolong my life?Many of the techniques used here have been shown to prolong life in animals such as mice, rats, dogs, etc. These experiments have been possible because the animals have short life spans. In humans, these treatments have improved quality of life. A recent report from the west coast demonstrated such benefits in 4,000 patients studied over several years. What was even more intriguing was the fact that only one of these patients developed cancer. It is very likely that these therapies will prolong human life; but, it will take decades to prove it. The question is: "Can you wait that long?" Are there any side effects of these therapies?Because these therapies mostly rely on lifestyle modifications, and natural, rather than synthetic, substances, the chance for serious side effects is small. It is possible that a person could be allergic to some of these substances, just as he/she could be allergic to certain foods. In the A4M 2002 meeting, several hundred physicians were asked if they had seen a serious/life threatening side effect to these therapies. The answer was an astounding "No." I am in my mid 40s and feel good. Can I still benefit from Innovative Directions in Health's programs?Yes. You may continue to feel good until underlying pathological processes have resulted in a disease episode or state that causes symptoms. Then, it may already be too late! In anti-aging medicine, we strive to prevent or delay disease. What does it cost to go through the Innovative Directions in Health Programs?We have looked at the charges/costs for similar services
elsewhere in the country and have established our fees extremely
competitively. Our programs are broadly divided into two
categories: Internal
Anti-Aging and Disease Prevention and External Anti-Aging (skin
rejuvenation and lipodissolve). Each category has several components
that can be
tailored to individual patients' needs. Therefore, the costs vary
widely for
different patients. Please CONTACT US today for your free,
initial consultation.
Is there an age range for these programs?Most of our patients are between the ages of 40 and 60; however, we have had some younger and many in their 70s. We believe that even a 20 year old could benefit from going through the NuEx (nutrition and exercise) program to establish a healthy lifestyle. Why are your skin rejuvenation programs better than others?We are cognizant of the fact that skin deterioration is not only a result of external factors, such as sun damage, but quite importantly it is also related to internal deterioration from improper nutrition, hormonal changes, oxidative stress, glycation of proteins, underlying/unrecognized inflammation and the like. Our remedies are targeted at both external and internal factors. We use superior technologies, such as Foto-Facial RF and Dermaglyde microdermabrasion. We incorporate the latest technique for reducing unwanted fat deposits, lipodissolve, into our programs when appropriate. |
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