Eyelash Extensions - Everything You Need to Know

By ERICA DYMOND

From Kim Kardashian to Gwen Stefani, eyelash extensions are all the rage in Hollywood. But you don’t need to be a celebrity (or have the income of one) to get this sultry look anymore.

If you’re anything like me, you don’t leave the house without mascara. My lashes are fine, fair and barely there. As an active girl, mascara isn’t always the best option. When you hop from work to hot yoga, there’s rarely time in between to wash off that make-up.

Eyelash extensions are convenient, low-maintenance, and refills are roughly the same price as getting a bikini wax. But as they become more available to us commoners there are a few things you should know before glamming it up. I asked my lash-go-to girl Linh Nguyen from Beyond Beauty in Toronto to give us the 411 on what to look out for.

The Scoop
The lash extensions are applied individually with an adhesive by a professionally trained esthetician to your natural lash. Linh suggests applying at least 50 single lashes per eye. They come in various materials such as mink, silk, human hair or synthetic materials such as polyester and are available in different lengths, thicknesses, colours and styles. For the drama queen in you, get them with glitter, feathers or even rhinestones!

Your eyelashes grow and shed just like the hair on your head does so they will naturally fall out over time. They usually last six to eight weeks depending on how fast your hair grows and you typically need refills every four to six weeks to maintain the look.

Linh uses mink or synthetic lashes charging between $60 and $150 for a full set and starting at $30 for refills depending on the style and length of the lash. Some salons use human hair or silk extensions which can run anywhere from $150 - $500 for a full set.

Single vs. Cluster
Cluster lashes combine anywhere from three to six lashes on one extension. They look a little less natural because more glue is needed for the larger lash, making the glue visible. Also, because they are clumped together, when the lash falls out you end up creating a gap in your eyelashes. An esthetician may offer these because they're cheaper and take less time to apply. For a more natural look and flawless transition between refills single lashes are best.

The Sticky Stuff
The glue dries soft to create a flexible lash. Linh warns that the adhesive used should be SGS-approved, a standard in safety certification that ensures there are no harmful ingredients commonly used in cosmetic products such as formaldehyde. The glue only needs a few minutes to dry and after 24 hours it’s fully set (avoid water in the eye area during this time).

Does it hurt?
Not at all. Typically the application is done while lying down, eyes closed on a spa bed with cool aloe pads to cover your lower lashes, much like resting cucumber slices over your eyes. These pads also protect your lower lashes from the glue and are very refreshing. It can be so relaxing that I’ve been known to fall asleep during the process! It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete the application depending on the experience of the esthetician, how many lashes are being applied and whether you are getting a full set or a refill.

Before and After


Lasting Lashes and other Do's and Don'ts

1. First time? They take some getting used to. Rub your eyes in the morning? I wouldn’t suggest it. It won't tear them out but you'll make them messy and pull at them.

2. Water: Avoid water to the eye area for the first 24 hours. Feel free to dunk your head in a pool after that. The best part about them is heading to the cottage, beach or poolside and having long, luscious lashes without make-up on.

3. Washing your face: Linh says to use water-based products for your make-up remover or face cleanser. Oil-based products may damage or remove the extensions encouraging more frequent refills. I use a Q-Tip to clean the area around my eyes to limit contact with any potentially damaging products.

4. Using a sealant or coating: Use a coating or sealer specially made for lash extensions. It is optional but it helps limit your refill frequency by protecting the adhesive.

5. Brushing: Doing this daily prevents them from looking messy - just like your hair! Your esthetician should give you a clean unused mascara wand and just curl and brush like you would apply mascara.


Original article

Vibrance Wellness Spa 851 Anders Road West Kelowna, B.C. V1Z 1K2 Tel: (250) 769 - 1985  http://www.vibrancewellnessspa.com

Prevent Osteoporosis

Just came across this article on osteoporosis. Another great thing you can do to increase bone density is Whole Body Vibration! Studies have shown that use of whole body vibration can increase your bone density up to 30%.

Prevent Osteoporosis Preventing Osteoporosis By William Reville

It is very important to have strong bones. Unfortunately from about age 30 onwards everyone starts to lose substance from their bones and this can eventually develop into osteoporosis, when the bones become fragile and more likely to break. The disease is common in elderly people. Women are four times more likely than men to develop the condition and about 30 per cent of women over 50 develop osteoporosis. There is no cure but the disease can be treated and can also be prevented by taking simple steps. If osteoporosis is not prevented or treated it can progress painlessly until a bone breaks, typically in the hip, spine or wrist with hip fractures usually requiring major surgery. On average, 24 per cent of hip fracture patients aged 50 and over die in the year following the fracture. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis include being a female, having a thin frame, advanced age, family history, being post-menopausal, abnormal absence of menstrual periods, anorexia nervosa or bulimia, low-calcium diet, certain medications such as anti-convulsants or corticosteroids, inactive lifestyle, low male testosterone levels, excessive alcohol intake, smoking and being Caucasian or Asian. Our bones act like scaffolding, providing structural support for muscles, protecting vital organs and storing the calcium which is essential for bone density and strength. Bone is a complex tissue and undergoes constant turnover involving the build-up and breakdown of tissue. Bones are constantly changing, they heal after injury and are affected by diet and exercise. Until the age of about 30 you build bone faster than you break it down, but during the later ageing process your bones break down faster than new bone is formed. The critical years for building bone are from pre-adolescence to about age 30. The more bone you have "in the bank" at that stage the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis later. Women are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis because, on average, their bones are smaller and less dense than mens' bones. Also, bone loss accelerates after the menopause when the ovaries stop producing the female sex hormone that protects against bone loss. To determine if you have osteoporosis, or may be at risk of developing the condition, your family doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle and medical history, e.g. has anyone in your family suffered from osteoporosis or fractured bones. Based on this assessment you may be referred for a bone mass measurement. This painless, non-invasive and safe test is the only way to tell for sure if you have osteoporosis. The good news is that osteoporosis is largely preventable by taking four steps. No single step alone prevents the disease. The steps are: (a) eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D; (b) do weight-bearing exercises; (c) adopt a healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive use of alcohol; (d) test bone density and take special medications when appropriate. Inadequate calcium intake contributes to the development of osteoporosis, and many girls and women consume less calcium than recommended to maintain healthy bones. Depending on age, an appropriate calcium intake is between 1,000 and 1,300 mg a day. You can increase dietary calcium by eating calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, broccoli, etc. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium from food in the intestine. Apart from building bone, your body needs calcium for other purposes such as allowing the heart, muscles and nerves to function properly. If you are not absorbing enough calcium from food your body takes the calcium it needs from your bones. Vitamin D comes from two sources: it is made in the skin when exposed to sunlight, and it is obtained from the diet. As we age the ability to make vitamin D in the skin decreases. It is recommended that we take 400 to 800 international units of vitamin D daily. Major food sources of vitamin D are fortified dairy products, egg yolks, saltwater fish and liver. Unlike mechanical machines that wear out with use, our bodies get stronger the more (within reason) they are used. Bones become stronger and denser when demands are made on them and conversely, lack of exercise particularly as you get old may contribute to lower bone density. Two types of exercise are important for building bone density - weight-bearing and resistance exercises. In weight-bearing exercise your muscles and bones work against gravity, e.g. jogging, walking, climbing stairs and football. Resistance exercises are weight-lifting exercises. Many daily activities and most sports involve both types of exercise. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has proved useful for the prevention and management of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Some women experience side-effects and the HRT approach should be carefully discussed with a medical specialist. William Reville is a Senior Lecturer in Bio-chemistry and Director of Microscopy at UCC.

Ideal Protein Weight Loss & Vibrance Laser Skin Care Centre 851 Anders Road West Kelowna, BC 250-769-1985 http://www.vipweightloss.ca/

Proellixe Whole Body Vibration for Cellulite?

Interested in getting rid of cellulite?  Here's an article you might be interested in:

Proellixe for Cellulite Reduction. How this machine can help

Ever heard of someone trying out Proellixe for cellulite reduction? Curious about their results? Are you tired of being overweight and out of shape? Do you have limited range of motion and stiff muscles? Do you have limitation restrictions that hinder you from engaging in vigorous physical activities?


The Proellixe machine is just what you have been looking for and it is now available for purchase to the public. Proellixe for cellulite reduction is just one other advantage of this therapy which centers around vibration technology.

First developed in the USSR by Russian scientists for the cosmonauts to use, the Proellixe machine was developed to utilize the muscles of the whole body and involves gentle stretching motions achieved through a machine that releases small vibration impulses throughout the entire body. It was found that using this machine for 10 minutes per day is equivalent to one-hour of heavy weight lifting. All this can be done in your bare feet right in the comfort of your own home, what is any better than that.

Major athletes, NASA astronauts, ballet dancers and various others have experience this Proellixe machine technology for years and it works. It allows for gentle resistance exercises and this involved inducing involuntary muscle contractions which causes the muscle to increase in size and an increase in bone density. This has been proven in several scientific studies done all over the world.

Proellixe for cellulite reduction is another important advantage to using a Proellixe machine. This machine not only fights cellulite, it works to reduce the appearance of cellulite all over the body. Nobody likes having cellulite so this machine is sure to be a real eye-opener to consumers, men and women alike.

You cannot get rid of cellulite by simple diet and exercise, cellulite occurs because of a combination of genetics, body shape and weight, skin elasticity, and dietary habits. If you eat a lot of junk food, never exercise, have no tone to your body, and don’t drink enough water, then chances are at some point you will, like countless others, experience cellulite in your lifetime. There are no magic pills, no juices, vitamins or exercise that will specifically target and eliminate cellulite; however, using a Proellixe machine may combat cellulite by increasing circulation in the body.

With new and improved technology available every day and no sure fire cure for toning and shaping the body, why not trust technology that has been around for over 40 years and is being used by NASA? It is a sad thing to think about how society dictates body image to many women today; it gives them a distorted view of how they should look and what their body should look like. By improving your appearance through diet and behavior modification, why not go a step further and give something new a try. When used in conjunction with diet and other positive self-image practices, this machine may be just the thing you need to change your whole life.

Thanks to the amazing science of vibration therapy you may be able to literally transform your appearance in just minutes per day. This not an extreme treatment, it is a natural way to tone and shape your muscles, Proellixe for cellulite reduction is something that can benefit anyone. Before beginning any program, please consult a physician for your own health and safety.

Vibrance Wellness Spa 851 Anders Road West Kelowna, B.C. Tel: (250) 769-1985  http://www.vibrancewellnessspa.com

Killer At Large Teaser Trailer

Vibrance Wellness Spa 851 Anders Road West Kelowna, B.C. Tel: (250) 769-1985 http://www.vibrancewellnessspa.com

Kelowna Capital News - Thiel: Positive results for fibromyalgia vibration therapy study - Mobile Edition

Here's an interesting article by Dr. Thiel in the  Kelowna Capital News.

Kelowna Capital News - Thiel: Positive results for fibromyalgia vibration therapy study - Mobile Edition

It is estimated that fibromyalgia (FM) presently affects approximately one in 1.5 million people in Canada.


FM patients, by definition, must have widespread pain throughout their body for a minimum of three months and must demonstrate 11 of the 18 specified trigger points in order to be diagnosed with FM.

These trigger points are found in the chest, hip, shoulder, neck and knee regions.

It is a very difficult disease to diagnose and some question as to whether or not it actually exists, as its diagnosis is one of exclusion.

One of the more disturbing symptoms include loss of balance and disequilibrium.

Exciting research published in Arthritis Care & Research this August may prove beneficial in managing some of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

Dr. Narcis Gusi used an interesting tool that had positive effects on neural, muscular and musculoskeletal symptoms. This intervention is called Whole Body Vibration (WBV).

They write: “In WBV, the patient stands on a platform that oscillates at a particular frequency and amplitude, causing muscular contractions through stimulatory or sensory receptors.”

The study group had a sample of 41 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia between the ages of 41 and 65 years of age.

They were randomized into the control group or the vibration group.

The vibration group had three 30-minute sessions a week of vibration over the course of 12 weeks. The frequency of 12.5 Hz was used.

The balance, both static and dynamic was assessed pre-and post-study in both groups.

Their findings indicated that the vibration group had an overall improvement of 36 per cent when compared to their baseline, whereas no benefit was observed in the control, or non-vibration group.

The authors found that “this raises the possibility of adding a new technology with potential health benefits to the usual exercise regimes recommended for patients with pain,” as a result of fibromyalgia.

When one stands on these vibratory platforms, the cerebellum, also known as the motor part of the brain, becomes overwhelmed with proprioceptive input.

This is essentially our balance sense.

The pathways that are responsible for reporting position of body and righting posture becomes very dominant.

This would allow the individual to bypass the normal nociceptive, or pain stimuli.

Essentially, balance becomes dominant over pain.

It is also noted in the literature that WBV is also very effective in increasing bone density in a patient who have osteoporosis.

In addition to this, the oscillations of the vibration machine would also facilitate lymphatic drainage and venous congestion.

One of the major limitations of the device is its cost of approximately $1,500 to $3,000 for home use.

Having said that, I believe that there are facilities in town that possess such a machine for public use.

This is a nice example of how we are able to retrain our nervous system as a result of activity.

The body is nothing more than a vessel that adapts and overcomes its environment.

I’m reminded of my physiology professor. His name was Dr. Yageesh Bambani.

I would say to him, “How are you today Dr. Bambanni?”

He would always reply, “I am adapting and overcoming through my internal environment.”

The body and nervous system adapts to whatever stressors you determine are appropriate at a time. For so many exercise, for others, cigarettes.

The stressors are ours to choose.

Markus Thiel is a doctor of chiropractic in Kelowna.


Vibrance Wellness Spa 102 - 3480 Carrington Road West Kelowna, B.C.V4T 3C1 Tel: (250) 768-1989Fax: (250) 768-1909 http://www.vibrancewellnessspa.com

Ideal Protein Diet - Lose Weight without feeling hungry.

Here's an article I found about the Ideal Protein diet, enjoy.

The Ideal Protein Diet - Lose weight fast without feeling hungry....really.

So I've tried almost all of the diets out there, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutri System, Atkins, etc. Each time I had success, but it was difficult to stick it out for the long haul, and never really achieved my desired weight.

So recently, my doctor started offering the Ideal Protein Diet through her clinic. After attending the orientation I gave it a try. Now after three weeks, I'm down 15 pounds, haven't been hungry (after the first couple of days), haven't had cravings nor do I feel weak. So how does it work? This diet was introduced in the US in February of 2008, but has been available in Canada for 10 years and in Europe for 20 years. It was developed by a French doctor, Dr Tran Tien, Chanh, initially intended for French Olympic athletes, allowing them to drop weight quickly without decreasing muscle mass or athletic performance.

The Ideal Protein Diet is offered through doctors or clinics, where you will be monitored weekly. The food you eat consists mainly of protein diet products offered by the company through your doctor. These products consist of shakes, drinks, soups, puddings, protein bars, and other items such as chili, stew, omelets, oatmeal, pancakes and more. On the diet you get two meals plus one snack per day of these protein products, along with salad and select vegetables, and one meal a day you fix on your own, consisting of a lean protein and vegetables.

You get all of the carbohydrates you need through the vegetables you eat each day, but not any more than you need. Therefore instead of burning carbohydrates and sugar, your body is burning fat. Since the body burns protein along with fat, you need to make sure you are getting a sufficient amount of protein to handle this without causing muscle loss. That's what their products provide, sufficient protein (not high protein) that your body easily absorbs.

Information Night:

Monday, February 28 at 5:00 pm
Sample foods – come out and taste test for yourself!
Location: Ideal Protein Weight Loss & Vibrance Laser Skin Care Centre
851 Anders Road West Kelowna, B.C.
Tel: (250) 769-1985   http://www.vibrancespa.ca/

Your Last Diet - The Knowledge to Keep Those Pounds off Forever!

Your Last Diet - The Knowledge to Keep Those Pounds off Forever!

The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method is a medically designed protocol that results in fat loss while sparing muscle mass. The protocol was developed in France 25 years ago by Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, MD PhD, who focused his career and research on nutrition with a particular emphasis on the treatment of obesity and obesity related issues.
The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method is an easy 4-phase protocol which helps stabilize the pancreas and blood sugar levels while burning fat and maintaining muscle and other lean tissue. This protocol is also an excellent support for cellulite reduction and has been used in well over 2500 Professional Establishments in North America over the last eight years with great success.

What is the Source of Most Weight Issues?

According to Dr. Tran Tien, “The cause of most weight issues in a modern society is insulin dysfunction. A diet grossly disproportionate in its share of saturated fats and sugars, such as in breads, cereals, muffins, cakes, pastries, pasta, pizza, rice, corn - very much like the North American diet - causes the pancreas to produce an overabundance of insulin, which stays in the system and puts the blood sugar level in a negative balance.”
An overproduction of insulin also leads to hypoglycemia or low glycemia, which in turn induces constant sugar cravings and weight gain. Insulin’s primary function is to regulate blood sugar levels however it is also the hormone that facilitates the transport of fat (triglycerides) into the fat cells. Even worse, it "locks" the fat in the fat cell, preventing it to be used as a source of energy. Now, because the blood sugar has dropped (and we can’t access the fat as a fuel source) it creates "sugar cravings' and the vicious cycle begins again. In other words, an over abundance of insulin causes weight gain.
The Ideal Protein protocol will transform the body's ability to digest sugars properly by regulating insulin levels. How? By giving the pancreas a well-deserved break and by limiting simple and complex carbs until the weight loss goal is achieved.

Principles Behind the Protocol

Learn to live off of the body's own fat reserves. The body employs energy from three reserves: glycogen (carbohydrate), protein and fats. First from it’s simple and complex carbohydrate reserves and when depleted, turns simultaneously to its protein and fat reserves for energy. A person not in need of weight loss typically has approximately 1-2% of their body's reserves from carbs, approximately 19% from their muscle mass and 79% of their body reserves from fat.

Simple and complex carbohydrates can prevent weight loss. The body stores approximately three days worth of carbohydrates. Because of this, the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method has a beginning and an end. Until 100% of the weight loss goal is achieved, we restrict sugars (simple and complex). Why? Because, as long as sugar is being consumed, the body is not burning fat. It's as simple as that. Remember, the first source of energy is derived from glycogen (carbohydrate) reserves. The main principle is to deplete the glycogen (carbohydrate) reserves completely in order to compel the body to turn to its fat reserve to burn calories.
How do we get the body to burn its fat reserves and not its muscle mass reserves, if both are depleted simultaneously? First, by providing the body with foods that have a high protein value, complete with 8 essential amino acids, 97% absorbable, which make them biologically-complete proteins.
Secondly, by supplementing with nutrient-rich supplements such as Natura Multi-Vita, Natura Calcium & Magnesium and Natura Potassium, key ingredients in muscle building and electrolytes to replace those normally found in foods restricted on the Ideal Protein protocol.
A dieter will feel energized, look vibrant and feel strong. It is no wonder. Given the opportunity for the body’s natural ability to heal itself and showcase its innate and ingenious powers, such as in the way during the protocol the body will return the favor with unparalleled force, radiance and beauty.
We also offer a modified protocol for Type I diabetics, adolescents and children.

What to Expect

On average, women lose weight at the rate of 3 to 4 pounds per week and 4 to 7 pounds per week for men.
Based on over 25 years of experience and 5 million people in Europe, Canada, and the United States, the program enables the following:
Quick weight loss without sacrificing muscle mass

An understanding of how food affects and is utilized by the body, including what causes fat storage

Improved skin tone by providing the skin nutrients it needs

Utilization of stored fat for energy usually by day 4 — fat, (along with cellulite) that contains chemical toxins
Improved energy, appetite control and reduced cravings — usually on day 4 or 5
Improved blood sugar, cholesterol levels and reduced blood pressure

Information Night:

Thursday, August 26, 2010 6pm - 8:00
Sample foods – come out and taste test for yourself!
Location: Vibrance Wellness Spa

Vibrance Wellness Spa
102 - 3480 Carrington Road
West Kelowna, B.C. V4T 3C1
Tel: (250) 768-1989
Fax: (250) 768-1909
http://www.vibrancewellnessspa.com/