May
08

Save On Sun Protection in May

By | Services, Sunflower Dermatology

Leave a Comment

May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and Sunflower Dermatology wants to help you protect your skin. Like any cancer, the only cure for  melanoma is prevention. This includes wearing sunscreen anytime you are outside in the day, and making regular appointments with your dermatologist to have moles checked.

Through the end of May, you can receive 15% off all sun protection products and clothing from Sunflower Dermatology. It’s our way of emphasizing the importance of skin protection as we head into summer months. Save on:

• All sunscreen, including SkinCeuticals SPF and Eco Sport SPF
• All SkinCeuticals antioxidants, including CE Ferulic, Phloretin CF, AOX Eye Gel, and NEW Phloretin CF Gel
• Coolibar, UPF sun protective clothing
• Colorescience Sunforgettable powder SPF

Stop in today for all of your sun protection needs. And if you’d like to make an appointment to have your skin checked, give us a call at (816) 472-0400. Have a safe and happy month.

 

 

May
07

Tips for Getting Your Child to Brush

By | Burleson Orthodontics, Services

Leave a Comment

From an early age, children can begin taking on the responsibility of brushing and flossing their teeth. However, a parent will still need to double check their work and likely go over their teeth, even when they are 6 or 7 years old or longer. Children should be brushing their teeth twice per day, ideally once in the morning and once before bed, and flossing once per day as well.

When they brush their teeth, it is recommended that they use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste, and that they should brush for a period of two minutes. It is important to also teach kids to brush their tongue and to gently brush their gums as well.

The number one goal should be to establish the healthy habit of regularly brushing and flossing. But just how do you go about doing that? There are some things you can do to help get your child more interested in taking part of this daily ritual, including:

  1. Make it fun. You can do this by letting them choose a new toothbrush every time they need a new one (which is every three to four months, or when the bristles are frayed).
  2. Use a reward chart. Kids love to get stickers or checkmarks! You can set up a tooth care reward chart to keep them on track each day. Keep track of each time they do it, and then provide a small reward for doing well.
  3. Make it a routine. If you create a morning and evening routine that includes oral care, kids will be more likely to know that it is going to happen, and they will avoid trying to get out if it.
  4. Use an electric toothbrush. Not only do kids like them, and some are quite affordable today, but they will help them learn how long to brush as well.
  5. See the results. Pick up some disclosure tablets from the drugstore or dentist office that will reveal the job they are doing. After brushing, kids chew the tablet, and it shows all the places they missed. It will help them learn to brush better.
  6. Make it musical. Put a CD player near the bathroom with some kids tunes. Each tooth-brushing time, play one song and have them brush through the whole song. You can even dance around some while it plays.
Apr
29

Lower Your Car Insurance

By | Services, The Bower Agency, Uncategorized

Leave a Comment

Did you know that people in certain professions qualify for lower auto insurance? It’s part of the Affinity program from Farmers Insurance, which offers discounts for selected workplaces and trade associations. The Bower Agency in Briarcliff offers Affinity programs to employees around Kansas City in the following disciplines:

  • Education (K-12 or college professors)
  • Science and Engineering
  • Accounting
  • Medicine (Doctors, RNs, Veterinarians, Pharmacists, Dentists)
  • Police Officers
  • Fire Fighters
  • Psychologists

Why these particular groups? Studies show that people in these fields are statistically less likely to have an accident, and therefore a better risk to insure. But you don’t have to actually work as a doctor or teacher to reap the benefit of those statistics. You just have to work in the industry. That’s because Affinity discounts are offered to entire companies or employee associations. So, let’s say you’re an office assistant for a dentist who is enrolled in the program. You, too, would be eligible to receive the reduced insurance rate.

Want to find out more about the Affinity program and how it can benefit your entire office? Contact Jenny Bower at (816) 746-8181. A representative from the Bower Agency will come to your office and explain how your staff can start saving today.

Apr
29

Can I Really Reverse Aging?

By | Services, The Spa Tuscano

Leave a Comment

Whether you’re currently using anti aging skin care products or just beginning to explore the best anti wrinkle products for younger-looking skin, you’ve probably been told about antioxidants. Many people extol the virtues of an antioxidant-rich diet, and topical creams packed with antioxidants are said to give you an extra boost of anti aging ingredients. So, what does all this mean? Do antioxidants really work? The Spa at Briarcliff is here to explain, thanks to the scientific research of the Murad Inclusive Health Centers, our partner organization.

Free Radicals and Aging Skin
The first thing you’ll need to know before you can understand the importance of antioxidants in anti aging skin care is the definition of a free radical. No doubt you’ve heard the term “free radical” used frequently when discussing aging skin, particularly in relation to Environmental Aging or sun damage. In scientific terms, a free radical is an oxygen molecule that has only one electron instead of two.

How Do Free Radicals Form?
Free radicals form from UV damage to the skin or from exposure to toxins or other pollutants. The existence of a certain level of free radicals in your system is a natural part of aging. However, environmental elements and exposure to the sun and pollution can increase the number of free radicals in your body and accelerate the signs of aging.

How Do Free Radicals Cause Older-Looking Skin?
When a free radical forms, it immediately begins to attack other molecules in your system looking to “replace” its missing electron. Collagen molecules are often the first targets. Obviously, anything that contributes to an accelerated rate of collagen breakdown also leads to the formation of lines, wrinkles and loose skin.

Antioxidants Fight Free Radicals
This is where antioxidants come into the picture, both as part of an anti aging diet and as ingredients in your anti aging products. Antioxidants are nutrients that work to slow down the effect of free radicals and neutralize them in your body. A good metaphor is an apple. If you cut an apple, it begins to turn brown. However, if you dip the apple in orange or lemon juice, which contain Vitamin C (high in antioxidant properties), the apple stays white. Antioxidants can have the same impact on keeping your skin looking fresh and healthy by combating the elements that lead to collagen breakdown and even sun spots and age spots.

Where Do You Get Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are an important part of an anti aging regimen, both as an element of Inclusive Health® and an ingredient in your skin care products. In your skin care regimen, look for products that actively contain antioxidant ingredients (such as the Murad Vitalic® line or the Murad Environmental Shield® line). In your diet, incorporate fruits, vegetables and even green tea. The more you expose your body to antioxidants both internally and topically, the more your skin will stay healthy and youthful.

Apr
20

From Hollywood to Briarcliff Village

By | Eclektica Salon, Services

Leave a Comment

Celebrity Stylist Carlo Novoa is bringing a few red carpet tips to the team at Eclektica Salon. Carlo, whom you may recognize from his segments on the Style Network, has over 20 years of experience as a master colorist, stylist and salon owner for the entertainment industry. Now, his cutting edge styles seen throughout Hollywood on award shows, movie premiers and on music videos, will make their way to Briarcliff Village.

The staff at Eclektica are very excited about the upcoming master class with Carlo on Sunday, April 29. And we’re even more thrilled to pass along the latest hair trends and techniques to our clients!

Apr
16

Getting Braces Off – Celebrate 7 Ways

By | Burleson Orthodontics, Services

Leave a Comment

Having braces on your teeth can last from a few months to a few years, depending upon all the factors involved. And during the time that you have had them on your teeth, you probably felt like you missed out on a lot! There are things you couldn’t eat at all, things you had to cut up real small, and most likely you longed for the day that you could sink your teeth into an apple!

So the day is finally in sight. It’s time to get the braces off and give your teeth and mouth the freedom for which you have been waiting. Now is the time to celebrate! There are so many ways that you can celebrate, everything from writing a journal about your experience to recording a video that shares your experience and shows your new look. Here are seven options that you may want to consider:

1. Throw a party. Throwing a braces are off party is a great way to celebrate. Invite your friends over, put out the Doritos that you have been longing for, and enjoy showing off those new straight teeth. Your friends will love being able to take part in your celebration.

2. Plan a photo shoot. You deserve to show the world your new beautiful smile! Plan a photo shoot, so you can be one – on – one with a photographer and put your best smile forward. You will get some great shots and can show all your MySpace or Facebook friends your new look. You may even want to complete the whole look by making your photo shoot one of the glamour shot ones, where you get the make-up and hair pampering right before the shoot.

3. Chew some gum. You know you have been wanting to have gum for the longest time . Although it’s not a good thing to still do regularly, you can take an afternoon to chew some gum and feel guilt and worry free. Chew to your heart’s content!

4. Go caramel. Now is the time that you can sink your teeth into a caramel apple. No more avoiding the caramel and cutting the apple into bite-sized pieces. Nope, you can actually eat a full caramel apple, right off the stick! Get one at the mall, a carnival, or have fun making them yourself. Either way, you will love being able to bite into that sticky, gooey sweetness worry-free!

5 . Picnic in the park. Weather permitting, a picnic in the park will make for a fun celebration. Take some of your favorite outdoor games, invite the friends, and have a cooler filled with icy drinks. On the grill, you can plan for things like corn on the cob that you have had to largely avoid while having your braces. It will make for a memorable afternoon!

6. Have a potluck dinner. Have your friends each bring a dish people with braces have to take precaution with. This will give them the chance to learn a little more about what you went through, and it will be fun to see what options they come up with. Ask each of your guests to write down a comment about you with or without your braces. Your potluck will be filled with interesting dishes, laughs, and a good time!

7. Hit the spa. What could be better then spending a couple of hours being pampered? Not much! Have a spa party for yourself, or invite a friend or two. Get a make-over, manicure, pedicure, massage, or whatever else you feel like getting. Just pamper yourself for making it through your treatment. You will walk out feeling and looking great!

Doing some of the above things, such as chewing gum, may still not be good for your teeth or your body overall. But doing it on a special occasion, and not making a habit out of it, shouldn’t do any harm. Now that you have made it through wearing braces, you will find that you like to smile
more , show off your beautiful teeth, and feel great! Having a celebration for getting your braces off is a great way to remember the day as something really special, include those you love, and start a new you!

-Dustin S. Burleson, DDS, Burleson Orthodontics

Apr
16

Knowledge Is the Best Sunscreen

By | Services, Sunflower Dermatology

Leave a Comment

Days are getting longer, school’s almost over, and everybody’s dreaming of basking in the sun. But don’t start your summer without the latest facts about skin protection, courtesy of the doctors at Sunflower Dermatology.

On Thursday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m., Doctors Molly Mesner and Brian Matthys will lead a free seminar on ”Healthy Skin: Learn to Detect and Prevent Skin Cancer Early.” According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is among the most common of all cancers. It can affect people of any age, even under 30. Come get equipped with the knowledge you need for a great summer in the sun.

To RSVP, please email jenny@sunflowerdermatology.com. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Mar
08

Smart Financial Planning Strategies

By | Ameriprise Financial, Services

Leave a Comment

Frustrated by the ups and downs of the stock market? Ameriprise Financial has a wealth of ideas that just might work for you. And during the next few months, they’ll be hosting a series of seminars about smart investing in a “post-2008” economy.

Join Fuller, Hartman, Sullivan and Associates on Tuesday, April 3, 5:30 p.m. at Piropos. In an informal setting, they will introduce the concept of non-traded Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and discuss why, for some, they can complement stocks, bonds or mutual funds you may currently own.

“Non-Traded REITs have only become more available to the average consumer in the last several years,” Jerry Fuller says. “This is a perfect opportunity for anyone who’s serious about planning for the future to learn something they might not have known.”

For more information or to sign up, contact Jerry at (816) 997-9780 or jerry.k.fuller@ampf.com.

Mar
02

Helping Brides Find Their Style

By | Eclektica Salon, Services

Leave a Comment

Carolina Coleman has studied hair around the world: in Spain, Italy, Cuba and her native Mexico. In 2006, she opened Eclektica, the Salon at Briarcliff, giving Kansas City clients a sophisticated destination for style.

“Every client to me is a star,” says Carolina. “I always imagined a salon where stylists could contribute their talents and uniqueness, and together we could raise the bar.”

Raising the bar together is exactly what Eclektica does. The concept is indeed eclectic, embracing international trends and indeed treating clients like A-listers. And since every bride is a star on her wedding day, Eclektica is the perfect place to go for trends, insights, and that perfect look for you and your bridesmaids.Hair and makeup artists from Eclektica will be at the Briarcliff Village Bridal Fair to offer plenty of tips for brides-to-be. Learn about the latest trends, see demonstrations, and ask plenty of questions. You can even enter to win a free one-on-one consultation from Carolina and her artists, to help you prepare for the big day.

“To me, a good haircut starts with getting to know the client. Plus, taking into consideration the features so you can frame the face properly,” Carolina explains. “A haircut needs to be your signature.”

Find your beauty signature at the Bridal Show on Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Feb
15

$1000 Toward Your Wedding Smile

By | Burleson Orthodontics, Services

Leave a Comment

If there’s ever a day to smile, it’s your wedding. Burleson Orthodontics may not instantly conjure up bouquets and white veils, but feeling confident about your smile is crucial when you want to look your best. After all, you’re going to be in a lot of pictures that day.

Maybe you don’t need to run out and get braces before your wedding. But if you’ve always wanted to fix your smile, what could be a better time? Especially since you won’t have to pay for it. Simply enter to win our drawing at the Briarcliff Bridal Fair, Saturday March 3. Burleson Orthodontics is giving away two, $1000 gift certificates for brides-to-be. Services include Invisalign and other incognito braces, so no one will even know you’re wearing them.

Just another reason to smile.