Attaining and maintaining beauty is an increasingly challenging task, particularly as our changing environment wreaks havoc on our skin. “This is not your ancestors’ environment,” says Dr. Dennis Gross,
board-certified dermatologist and author of Your Future Face. “In today’s world, the reality is that our skin is bombarded daily with external environmental pollutants and impurities. We must combat these aggressors to achieve our healthiest, most vibrant skin.”
Dr. Gross cites tap water as a leading environmental aggressor. Impurities such as iron, calcium and heavy metals are not filtered out of our bathing water, leaving collagen-destroying, cancer-causing free radicals on our skin after we shower. High levels of chlorine, used as a germicide, are also harmful. In addition to heavy metals, we inadvertently come into contact with a wide range of airborne and water pollutants, often made more damaging when they interact with the sun. According to Dr. Gross, carbon monoxide can cause skin redness and rashes, ozone in the air from pollutants depletes antioxidants in our bodies and causes free radicals, and nitrous oxide depletes sebum, the naturally occurring layer that protects our skin.
So, besides wading through the myriad of skin care products available everywhere from drugstores to dermatologists’ offices, what can people do to maintain healthy skin? Not surprisingly, exercise and good nutrition play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. “There is no better combination than that of a healthy diet and exercise,” says Dr. Gross. “The combination of the two can help reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone.” He recommends reducing high-impact exercise or alternating routines to incorporate both high- and low-impact exercise in order to reduce the amount of pounding that can cause collagen breakdown. Also, simple yoga moves increase circulation and get blood to the head and face.
As for nutrition, Dr. Gross says, “What’s good for the heart is good for the skin.” Foods high in fatty acids, such as avocado, salmon, eggs, cheese and other dairy products can be beneficial. The astaxanthin in salmon improves skin elasticity and reduces the propensity for wrinkles. Protein helps repair cells that have suffered free radical damage. Eggs, a complete source of protein, also contain biotin, an essential vitamin that protects against dry skin. “Eat vegetables that have a lot of color, like red cabbage, green lettuce, and carrots,” says Dr. Gross. “Nature colorcodes vegetables for us. The more colors you eat, the better.”
When it comes to supplements, Dr. Gross believes that applying vitaminstopically is the most effective means of preventing aging and treating existing skin conditions. “Applying ingredients to our skin early on can make a significant difference in preventing premature aging,” he says. Sleep is also a powerful skincare remedy. “The most important thing we can do to change our skin for the better is to get more sleep,” says Dr. Gross. “This is number one. Sleep helps our skin with immunity and regeneration.” And, he adds, use a satin pillowcase to reduce friction on the face while sleeping.
Hip fracture, broken wrist, sprained ankles, broken pelvis—these are all injuries we have treated at Back to Sports Physical Therapy that occurred as the result of a fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury and deaths among older adults and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Nationally, more than one third of adults age 65 and older fall each year. Not surprisingly, given our fast-moving lifestyle, falls are an even more common occurrence in New York City, particularly the Upper East Side. Fall rates and fall-related hip fractures are more than 20% higher in our neighborhood than the average New York City rate. Several factors contribute to falling: weakness, poor coordination, reduced vision, rushing and drug interaction. But there is hope and falling does not have to be a normal part of aging. Most of the factors that contribute to falls are modifiable, if not preventable:
Lower body strength can be greatly improved with a good exercise regimen, providing a strong base of support.
Our internal position sense, or proprioception, can also be greatly improved with practice.
Working to negotiate challenging obstacles, curbs and uneven surfaces improves coordination and control.
Maintaining regularly scheduled vision examinations helps identify issues with depth perception and the ability to judge
potential tripping hazards.
Keep current with physician consultations to review updated medication lists.
In some cases, falls can be related to inner ear deficiencies of the vestibular system, which give the brain information about proprioception. A deficiency in this system may result in vertigo, especially after turning the head or rolling. This can be checked during an exam by a physician or physical therapist and is often cured with a series of specific head movements and follow-up exercise program.
At Back to Sports, we treat balance deficiencies with a three-pronged approach: a thorough assessment, a home exercise prescription and individual training. An accurate balance assessment is crucial.
We have recently acquired the BIODEX Balance System SD™— a premier assessment tool that, in as short as 15 minutes, will generate a Fall Risk Assessment that will flag individuals who are at high risk for falls. Following the objective assessment, a plan is developed and implemented. Frequently the plan will include strengthening exercises, challenging balance tasks and/or a visit to the pool for aquatic therapy. Research in The Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy found individuals in pool programs improved their balance 30% faster than those working on land alone. Proactively attacking a balance deficit is the best way to prevent falls and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. For more information or to schedule an assessment, call 646.707.0400.
Back to Sports Physical Therapy has been invited to join the prestigious Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Network, representing an important endorsement of our commitment to excellence at the 92nd Street Y.
We Didn’t Quite Hear You, Can You Repeat That Please?
“Researchers found that exposure to subway noise levels for two hours or, at one 102.1-decibel-loud station, as little as two minutes a day could damage hearing."–L Magazine: Subway Noise is Making You Deaf.
“Noise is the number one complaint to the City’s 311 citizen service hotline, currently averaging nearly 1,000 calls a day."–CityMayors.com: New York Mayor in fight against noise pollution
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Noise Abatement and Control was defunded in 1982. The Noise Control Act of 1972 and the Quiet Communities Act of 197: “...remain in effect today, although essentially unfunded."–EPA.gov
Living in New York City is a privilege people all over the world fantasize about. It can also be challenging and stressful, particularly when dealing with the noise. Noise is not only a nuisance, as the information noted above shows. Studies have also shown it is a hazard to our physical and mental health.
To learn more about these issues, and new strategies to preserve and improve hearing for life, join audiologist Craig A. Kasper on Nov 17 for Healthy Hearing, Healthy Life. Explore the link between healthy hearing and overall well-being. May Center Members will receive more than %50 off ticket prices when calling 212.415.5500 to purchase tickets.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the U.S. during 2009, of which about 1,910 new cases are expected in men. Worldwide, more than 1.3 million people were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women excluding skin cancers.
The Estee Lauder Companies have put out 7 points of “What You Can Do” to reduce your risk of breast cancer, including get screened, check yourself regularly, eat more vegetables and fruits, exercise, don’t smoke and quit smoking if you are, and drink less.
Lauder has a long standing commitment to supporting breast caner research and treatment, and The Evelyn Lauder Breast Center of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital just opened – an ahead–of-state-of-the-art research, diagnostic and treatment center right here on 66th street and 2nd avenue. Evelyn and Larry Norton, deputy physician-in-chief of Memorial Hospital, were the visionaries and guiding forces behind the Breast Center. Norton will be presenting a lecture here on Oct 22: Update on Breast Cancer to discuss the latest advances in the medical fields dealing with breast cancer. This lecture is supported by Evelyn and Leonard A. Lauder.
Time Out New York Visits 92Y May Center for Health and Fitness
In the current issue of Time Out New York, they offer a review of 50 fitness classes, rating “everything from Warrior Boot Camp to Booty Slide. (And, um, Eye Yoga.)”.
With three instructors and just 15 students, there’s nowhere to hide from the grueling reps of crunches, lifts and twists with medicine balls, kettlebells (imagine a bowling ball with a handle), and TRX, a total-body strengthening system where participants must use nylon straps to fight gravity. TRX was, by the way, designed by a Navy SEAL.
But don’t let that scare you. As a matter of fact, that might not be the most challenging class here. Another class enjoyed by fitness buffs is our Relentless class. Watch the videos in the aforementioned links, and see for yourself.
Next up for TONY was Splash Dance, a water based aerobics class. “It takes a while to work out how to move properly in the water,” wrote TONY, “but when it clicks, the added resistance, especially on the arms, makes it tough going (and, ipso facto, beneficial, right?).” And our pool has been using Del Ozone cleaning system for ten years, with Fit Celeb.com calling it: “...one of New York City’s cleanest public swimming pools.”
For more information on these and other classes offered at 92Y May Center, visit their page online. And call the membership office at 1.212.415.5729 to hear about fantastic fall discounts available to first time members.
After the jump, you can view a few more class videos.
TLC’s What Not To Wear is looking for the The Worst Dressed American. Unfortunately for all of you who no doubt have many men in mind, the contest is only open to women.
The style and makeover show is hosted by Stacy London (right) and Clinton Kelly, and frequently features stores and boutiques in New York City. They have even created a very cool flash map of all the stores mentioned, broken down by neighborhood.
Stacy is one of America’s premiere style experts, helping women to boost their confidence by creating and celebrating their personal style. She told Diablo Magazine: “I have been every size in my life. I’ve been smaller than a zero, up through a size 16. I’ve had lots of issues with body image and weight my whole life and it really took a great deal of work to recognize that at all those weights, no matter how I felt, I could still find a dress that made me feel sexy and powerful.”
Stacy lectures across the country on the connection between personal style and self-esteem, and has spoken at Oprah Winfrey’s O You! Conference for the past three years. See what people are saying about Stacy London on Twitter.
Upcoming Events at 92Y:
The Future of Women’s Fashion: Oct 21. Read more on the 92Y Blog.
Karim Rashid and Gaetano Pesce: Dialogues with Design Legends Nov 3
Are You Ready for Life (Part 2)? Phil Donahue, Evan Handler, Gail Sheehy and others
The new season of Life (Part 2) is coming to PBS soon! The first episode will air on Sep 16. Life (Part 2) offers lively conversation from an eclectic mix of writers, thinkers, performers, and ordinary people, on how they can overcome the obstacles that come with aging to live a vibrant and fulfilling second part of life. In the clip above, PBS hit the streets to find out what annoys Baby Boomers about twenty somethings and vice versa.
And on Oct 7, join us at 92Y with some of the guests featured in the series and others, such as as Phil Donahue, Evan Handler, Gail Sheehy, Robert A.F. Thurman, Faye Wattleton, and Robert Lipsyte as moderator as they discuss the issues and questions raised in the series.
If you have questions for the panelists, leave it here in the comments, with your name and age, and we might use it on stage!
Experience the aggressive fitness challenge in store for you in this 30-second video when you sign up for Relentless!, a 75-minute fast-paced class packed with intensive cardio strength moves to build upper, lower and core muscles. You don’t need a 92Y Health, Fitness & Sport Membership to register, though if you had one the class would be free, and there are plenty of health & fitness classes for all levels available now.
As you can see in the video above, the Jazz/Hip-Hop Dance Class at 92Y is energetic, fun and will have you dancing like Justin Timberlake in no time. Taught by teachers who love music, dance, and teaching, the classes are inspiring. Or maybe we should we rephrase that. When we visit the classes to film or just say hello to the teacher, we are inspired and secretly wish that we could stay for a session.
Shane Richards is a 15 year old 6-foot-4 shooting guard playing for the NYC Metrohawks 15U AAU team. In the forums of NYCHoops.com, someone described him as: “one the best 15 year olds in nyc.”
Richards showed flashes of brilliance as a sophomore, albeit against lesser competition. He closed his first high-school season with 33 points in a PSAL Class B first-round loss to eventual champion Brooklyn College Academy. He’s a 6-foot-4 shooting guard with length and athleticism. This winter, Richards averaged 15.1 points and 4.3 points per game for the Gators, leading them to the PSAL Manhattan B-3 regular-season title.
Richards also trains every day at the 92nd Street Y. Arriving around 3pm, he stays for hours and doesn’t leave until 8:30 p.m, putting even more time in on the weekends.
We were happy to report (via Twitter, of course!) on our class montage video created for the launch of our fall season class schedule— and some people were excited to see it. So watch the video above and see away! If you’re feeling adventurous, leave a comment and tell us your thoughts.
There is, literally, something for everyone. Enrollment is now open, and some of those classes fill up very quickly, so browse the list and make your choice.
Another week has passed. With that, we have another cheat sheet of highlights on the blog this week:
Pianist Jenny Lin was featured on WNYC’s blog, Soundcheck, two days after we reminded you that she offers private piano lessons here at 92Y.
Again in sync with WNYC, (hey good culture is good culture!) there was a post on The Newman Lecture: Richard Dawkins with Robert Krulwich on Evolution.
Park Slope and bloggers across New York City were intoxicated with the news that Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker might have bought a home in the Slope. Then the New York Times came and spolied everyone’s fun.
Christian Tetzlaff, the long distant runner of classical violinists will be playing a marathon performance this fall of Bach’s complete sonatas and partitas
How-To Write a Blog Post About How-To Make How-To’s
Via Twitter we asked: “...if we made a how-to video, what would you like to see? How-to what? ‘How to be Anna Wintour?’ ‘How to swim laps?’”
Our followers, who we LOVE, responded with awesome ideas. @greenpointmom suggested a how-to live like Anna Wintour on a budget, how-to blow dry your own hair, tennis lessons, and how-to “make a Starbucks triple venti latte in your work pantry.” @Jawsh_E chimed in with: “how to make a how to video on making a how to video.” And @Chriz10 from the Netherlands suggested: “How to....lay on the grass in Central Park...”
We really want to make these videos. In the meantime...let’s see what we have here in our little box of keepsakes under the desk that might be similar.
Here’s Anna Wintour talking about what she looks for in employees. Beauty tid-bits from Why Smart Women Still Care About Their Looks. Our Maycenter Health and Fitness page has a video, and though we’ve no tennis courts here, we do have everything else under the sun, including handball, which is like tennis, right?
A “How-to make a latte” video might be right up food historian and author Francine Segan’s alley, who is a frequent guest here and has discussed the topic of coffee before. The “How-to make a how-to make a video” will be a fun one to make. As you may or may not know, we like to make videos.
Lastly, there was our favorite suggestion for a video on “How to....lay on the grass in Central Park...enjoying the view, the joggers and the people eating their lunch out of brown paper bags.” Again, a superb idea. We enjoy Central Park as much as the next person, and have some upcoming classed and events there. Such as a Watercolor in Central Park class, Gouache Painting in Central Park, and the Central Park in the Dark—Nocturnal Creature Tour. Clearly we will need to bring the camera along next time and do a quick how-to lay in the park video.
An article in the Associated Press by Ann Levin explores the subject of adult learning, by “so called life-learners.” The U.S. Department of Education estimates that about 20% of adults takes classes taught at colleges, community centers, libraries and other venues, such as here at the 92nd Street Y. Adults such as Kumar Shah who has taken writing classes at 92Y since semi-retiring from his career in corporate finance, where he earned a reputation for a “pretty decent way with words.”
92Y the AP notes, has: ”more than 4,000 classes, some taught by leading scholars and writers such as Frank McCourt and Margaret Atwood.”
“You get a lot of value in taking a course,” said Sean Gallagher, program director and senior analyst at Eduventures, a higher education research and consulting firm. “If you take a course for $200 and it meets weekly for eight weeks, that’s a lot of value compared to some other activities.”
Dr. Gross cites tap water as a leading environmental aggressor. Impurities such as iron, calcium and heavy metals are not filtered out of our bathing water, leaving collagen-destroying, cancer-causing free radicals on our skin after we shower. High levels of chlorine, used as a germicide, are also harmful. In addition to heavy metals, we inadvertently come into contact with a wide range of airborne and water pollutants, often made more damaging when they interact with the sun. According to Dr. Gross, carbon monoxide can cause skin redness and rashes, ozone in the air from pollutants depletes antioxidants in our bodies and causes free radicals, and nitrous oxide depletes sebum, the naturally occurring layer that protects our skin.
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The style and makeover show is hosted by Stacy London (right) and Clinton Kelly, and frequently features stores and boutiques in New York City. They have even created a 
