My entire life I have seen my mom, Lori, suffer from debilitating headaches. Until recently, about one-and-a-half years ago, she has anguished from the pulsating pain caused by the dreaded migraine. Although her headaches have not completely gone away, they are definitely less severe and not as frequent since receiving Botox injections. According to my mom, “ I am able to do a lot more without the headaches. Before I would lie around with pain, but now I have more of an active life.”

Her form of relief? Botox injected from Upland, California-based neurologist Shashi Shah, M.D. To learn more about the procedure that has made a world of a difference in my mom’s life, I decided to talk with Dr. Shah directly to gain insight.

Q: How does Botox work to prevent migraines?

A: “Botox works by interfering with the pain pathway, and also by relaxing the muscles that are tight in the neck area. It has been clinically proven to be helpful in moderate to severe types of tension headaches associated with tight neck muscles, and also migraines.”

Q: How do you determine if a patient is an ideal recipient of Botox?

A: “Patients do have to come in to see me for an initial consultation to determine if he or she would be a candidate. Then I give them a neurological exam and review their medical history.”

Q: How long do the injections take? And, what does the procedure consist of?

  A: “The actual procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes. On the day of the procedure, the Botox is mixed with preservative-free normal saline as soon as the patient walks in. The mixture can sit for no more than three to four hours. It has to be used fresh.”

Q: Is there an average of injections administered?

A: “Per sitting, anywhere from 40 to 45.”

Q: How severe is the pain associated with these injections?

A: “It’s less painful than getting a regular shot. Most patients are already in pain so this is not as bad as that pain.”

Q: How often are the injections administered?

A: “Usually we recommend it every three months. After a series of injections, some patients might be able to decrease the frequency to four months.”

Q: What type of results do patients typically receive from Botox?

 A: “The patient does not notice any results right away. After about three days they usually start noticing the benefits, for example; improvement in the tightness of the neck muscles, improved range of motion, and reduction of the frequency and intensity of headaches. The benefits reach a peak in three weeks and they last for about three months. There is about 30 to 40 percent improvement after the first series, and after the second it is usually about 50 to 60 percent. After three of four series, we see 75 to 80 percent in most patients. The quality of life is better.”

According to Dr. Shah, Botox can even be used to help alleviate the pain associated with writer’s cramp and tennis elbow!

In the meantime, I strongly recommend that if you are plagued by uncompromising, unrelenting, and unbearable headaches, consider Botox injections. Because the injections don’t get absorbed into the circulation, there are no systematic Botox side effects. So why not try it? It has made a world of a difference for my mother, and may just be perfect for you as well.

(Consult a Botox specialist with any additional questions — learn if your’re an ideal candidate!)

Dr. Shah can be reached at (909) 946-2828.

Her address:  600 N Mountain Ave. # D 100
Upland, Ca 91786

~ Leeann

Photo Credits: Courtesy of my own camera work!

It was the week we’ve been waiting for on MTV’s The Hills – the night of more Whitney Port! 

Whitney is only a few months into her new position at Teen Vogue, and editor-in-chief Lisa Love has bestowed some weighty responsibilities on our favorite ex-intern.  It was Whit’s first time in charge of a photo shoot for the magazine.  Sending her off to meet the models (the band Red Jumpsuit Apparatus), Lisa offered the encouraging words, “If anything goes wrong, it’s your problem!”

And something did go wrong, thanks to the night that Whitney, Lauren Conrad, and Audrina Patridge spent partying with the band.  The next day, Whitney and Lauren were presented with the challenge of dealing with a hung-over band showing late and their diva frontman refusing to change into the wardrobe presented by Teen Vogue. 

                 (Whitney deals with trouble on the set. The band is late!)

Knowing she was in trouble, Whitney accepted defeat and the sentence from Lisa that was to come. But Lisa’s confrontations are nothing new to Lauren and Whitney. This time, her icy demeanor was at its best when she told Whit, “You really to step it up from this point on.”    

Meanwhile, those who keep up with the real-life drama of the The Hills on MTV finally saw Jason Whaler (yes, the guy who was eliminated from “Celebrity Rap Superstar“) tell Lauren about her replacement, a pretty blonde athlete named Katja. To add icing to the cake, when Lauren arrived to the party at Jason’s new apartment, she learned that he and Katja are now engaged. 

                       (Cheers to you, Jason! Lauren raises her cup.)

Later, Lauren mused, “I realized that could have been me…at the party to announce my engagement, with a kegger and a Bob Marley poster.”  Way to keep your perspective, Lauren!     

~ Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com

This week on Dr. 90210:

Dr. Robert Rey returns to the 9th episode in high spirits! With his recent voyage to Brazil to mend his broken relationship with his father, every aspect of Dr. Rey’s life seems to have improved. His relationships are stronger and his practice is thriving.

Another familiar face is that of Joe, a man that we were introduced to last week. Unable to undergo a procedure to correct his genital problem, he hopes that this time around the surgery will be possible.

We also meet two models, one who undergoes breast augmentation and the other gets Botox ® injections!

As usual, this week of Dr. 90210 is full of surprises. To learn of all of the events that took place during episode 9, check on my iEnhance.com recap!

~ Leeann

Dr. 90210 Season Archive

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

From the woman who has attempted everything from music to designing handbags, Gwen Stefani now has a perfume! The new scent has a little something for everyone. It is clean and fresh, with a hint of floral and musk. Similar to Gwen Stefani, it is a wonderful mix of fun, sophistication, and style. She can now add fragrance designer to her list of business ventures that have become overwhelmingly popular (even recently scoring a deal with Hewlett Packard!).

Check out the gorgeous Gwen Stefani in the commercial for her L perfume:

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nW54YPfF7k[/video]

The L perfume definitely holds true to the bright colors of the L.A.M.B. clothing and accessory line.

~ Jacquie

Product image: http://shop.nordstrom.com

 This week on MTV’s The Hills, we were privy to Part Two of the Lauren Conrad and Jason Whaler reunion.  This time, the two ex-lovebirds visited Ketchup in Hollywood, seemingly unaware that there would be a run-in with Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt. 

When the couple that everyone loves to hate arrived on the scene, there were plenty of rude remarks and evil deeds thrown around to add fuel to Lauren’s disdain.  From Spencer’s, “It’s great to see you two back together again,” to Heidi’s “movie-making action” comment, capped off by their “gesture” of sending over drinks (non-alcoholic to mock Jason’s time in rehab), Lauren was driven to her breaking point. Turned out that she and Jason quickly called it a night.

(Lauren doesn’t try to hide her disgust when Spencer and Heidi show up bearing insults and insincere gestures.)

The next day offered a refreshing change of pace in Lauren’s work day at Teen Vogue, as she and Whitney Port were sent by Lisa Love (editor-in-chief) to scout out locations for a Young Hollywood Party featuring designer Marc Jacobs.  It may be the most I will ever see of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel!

(Sitting next to Lisa Love, editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, Whitney must find the perfect location for the Young Hollywood Party!)

But the real action on this episode of The Hills Season 3 was taking place at Bolthouse Productions, where Heidi assumed the responsibilities of her new position.  These included the grueling tasks of gazing at a screen with her hand on a mouse, and telling an assistant to hold all calls that weren’t personal (huh?).  As the week wore on, her scorned co-worker Elodie could barely tolerate the injustice. 

Finally, while listening to Heidi barking about the previous night’s run-in with Lauren, Elodie told Heidi the truth about herself: “You don’t even know what’s right anymore, and it’s just so sad.”  Ouch!  There’s really no better way to end this re-cap of The Hills on MTV than with that!    

~ Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com

This week on Dr. 90210:

While the single life was the topic of choice for Dr. David Matlock last week, during episode 8 we see one of our Beverly Hills plastic surgeons eager to further his commitment to his girlfriend.

Although Dr. Will Kirby is friends with some of the most eligible bachelors in Los Angeles, he is dedicated to strengthening his relationship with his girlfriend. By asking her to move in with him, he hopes that they can become even closer. Is marriage in the near future for Dr. Kirby?

As usual, patients’ personal plastic surgery experiences are showcased on this week’s show. Dr. Kirby helps his mother look her best, a woman – whose daughter is usually the patient – visits Dr. Dean Manus for her own plastic surgery procedure, and a man seeks normalcy from Dr. Gary Alter and his medical abilities.

Topics this week range from facelift surgery to tummy tucks. Read my summary on iEnhance.com, and catch up on what you may have missed out on!

~ Leeann

Dr. 90210 Season Archive

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

The next season of America’s Next Top Model is about to begin. Tonight, we will all get to finally meet the new Top Model hopefuls! 

This season, dubbed “The Future of Fashion,” promises to have new and exciting photo shoots. Tyra Banks, who is going for a more high fashion approach, feels this season has a more unique group of girls, saying, “They are less obviously pretty.”

After all, the models that typically appear on America’s Next Top Model are not your traditional-looking, “commercial” models (like Jaslene, the winner from last season). After looking at all the girls’ photos and parts of their video interviews on the CW, I have already chosen my favorites, as well as the girls I think will cause some issues.  

Half of the fun for me is trying to predict who will win the modeling contract!  My predictions?  Ebony is going to be the girl we all love to hate!  She seems to have the personality that is going to rub other girls the wrong way.  I would love to see Sarah win. She is the only plus size girl, but in my view, not really a plus size at all.

Tyra, Jay Manuel, Miss J (J. Alexander), Nigel Barker, and Twiggy, along with the new guest judges on Top Model, are going to have their work cut out for them!

Many of the girls seem to have tried out for the show as a joke. I can’t wait to see the cat fights, challenging photo shoots, Tyra Banks’ style for the new season and of course: Miss J and all his fabulousness!

Plus, I wonder if these models every had to undergo plastic surgery to look as fierce as they do!

 ~ Jacquie

Sometimes it’s the pits being a celebrity on the red carpet. No…I don’t mean it’s unfortunate to be a star making a pre-award show appearance (Are you kidding me?!), I am referring to their pits — as in armpits.

With the flashing of a million cameras, the weight of promoting their Kevan Hall gowns or Prada suits, and the anxiety of the acceptance speech that they may possibly have to recite later; even famous people can suffer from sweating.

Feel better?

 Before celebs hit the press line at shows, such as last night’s Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, they often pay a visit to their plastic surgeon, or dermatologist, for Botox ® injections to stop their excessive perspiration. This is a growing trend; however not just among celebrities.

We recently saw one of Dr. Will Kirby’s patients on Dr. 90210 undergo Botox to stop his underarm sweating. These injections are also great at tackling wet palms as well. In a procedure taking only a few minutes, perspiration can be temporarily halted for up to seven months! (Botox-only boutiques are popping up all over.

At SmoothMed in Manhattan, you can undergo injections in less than 30 minutes. This is great for time-pressed celebrities and ordinary Joes – or Jills – alike!)

While recently watching E! News, I also learned that a red carpet trend catching on is Restylane ®. This facial filler is being used to plump up the face and lips, as well as an effective combatant against, yes ladies…uncomfortable shoes!

When injected into the heels and balls of the feet, Restylane can make a pair of stilettos feel as comfortable as some furry slippers. With the extra cushion, beauty doesn’t have to be exchanged for blisters and cramping.

So who doesn’t want to have the luxuries of the rich and famous?

Well here’s your chance to indulge like one, minus the excessive spending. Contact a physician for further information on Botox and Restylane injections — and start living like a star! 

~ Leaann

Photo Credits: www.feetforlife.org and http://tv.msn.com

 As a child, my curly hair was characterized as “Shirley Temple-esque.”  This name was aptly given to me at a time  when my curly hair withstood that ‘round-the-clock frizz and maintained both its shape and moisture. Thanks to my grandmother’s self-concocted banana curls ‘do and the help of Johnson & Johnson’s No More Tears Spray Detangler, I was able to happily cope with the unruly mane biologically given to me by my Mexican-American mother.

With age, my desire for the banana curls became a distant memory, not unlike Ms. Temple’s youthful stardom.Nonetheless, I have found my efforts to achieve glossy and weather-resistant tresses to be a never-ending battle. Not to mention, that it appears that in the said beauty world, it’s either the straight way or the high way (á la Maxim and Vogue magazine). Thus, I have subjected my hair to the tortures of the straightening iron.

Admittedly, I have preferred the faux straight look over my naturally curly hair. Maybe, it’s due to the fact that compliments are more frequent and my hair does not look “messy” (?). But, what is it about straight hair that is simply so great? Furthermore, why do many women, especially those women of color, struggle with the notion of letting their natural locks go astray?

It seems that the media generally portrays straight hair as the grooming standard, which often leaves the rest of us mop tops with much to be desired from our own natural hair. Few curly-hued celebs have actually embraced their natural locks. Instead, they have opted for a straight look, reserving the curly hair appearance for a rare occasion.  Other Hollywood personalities, however, may beg to differ (Thank you Leyla Milani and Nyee Moses!), while some stylists are conjuring up salon recipes in  the form of shampoo and conditioner exclusive to curly  hair. 

Enter Cibu International Haircare. Although an  innovative, mid-tier priced product line that is “intentionally broad,” as Jennifer Mapp (Cibu brand manager) comments, Cibu has several hair care godsends that speak directly to ethnic hair.

Blended with such Far East-inspired ingredients as soy proteins and green and white tea extracts, Miso Knotty ® Leave-In Detangler and Oso Shimmer ® Smoothing Solution (note the clever Asian-infused puns) are just two Cibu products that aim to sculpt your curls. Mapp describes Cibu as a hair treatment that is “exclusive to the salon environment and neither diluted nor diverted.” Rather than influence us curly-headed folks to play hide not seek with our hair, Cibu aims to inspire us to embrace the often overlooked hairstyle of naturally curly.

As stylists continue to create hair care lines for women who wish to embrace their authentic curly hair, us “mop tops” (Hollywood A-listers not excluded) may start to tuck away that straightening-iron vixen and more often than not, leave the house nappily happy.

 ~ Mellori V.

Product Image: Courtesy of Cibu International Haircare

This week, The Hills on MTV handed us some important social pointers we couldn’t have learned anywhere else. The first one, courtesy of Lauren Conrad: If you find a guy unbearable the very first time he speaks to you, don’t cut him loose until you start considering self-mutilation. The scene: When she and Audrina Patridge meet their personal trainer Jarrett and his friend for a double date at Lola’s, Lauren appeared to be exceeding her tolerance level as the date droned on awkwardly about thrift store bargains vs. vintage rip-offs.

(Lauren of MTV’s The Hills sits with Audrina, weighing her options for escape from blind date hell. Instead, she opts to stick it out.)

Rather than running for cover, Lauren (who, of course, filled Whitney Port in on the details the next day at the office of Teen Vogue), agreed to go on a second date with Jarrett’s friend. Where else but at Les Deux in Hollywood! At this trendy nightclub in Los Angeles, Lauren continued to absorb his pushy behavior for awhile before heading to the restroom, where she made such observations as: “I have never wanted to stab myself in the eye more!” We didn’t get to see how the night ended, but since she appeared as beautiful as ever the next day, it seems she eventually made a safe exit.  

Over at Bolthouse Productions, Heidi Montag learned from coworker and confidante Elodie that a new position is opening up. After two years on staff, Elodie believes that she deserves this promotion for herself. At this point in the installment, Heidi offered us her own lesson, revolving around the old adage: “Looking out for Number One.” At Spencer Pratt’s urging (of course!), Heidi scored the coveted job and a sleek new office behind her friend’s back. Nice!

(Audrina welcomes the return of Justin Bobby, as well as the opportunity to wear her cute helmet.)  

Winding down this episode of MTV’s The Hills, Audrina instructed us that: If at first your on-off boyfriend doesn’t show any affection for you, try, try again until he invites you back on his motorcycle. Looks like Justin Bobby isn’t going away anytime soon.  

Finally, the long-anticipated reunion between Lauren and Jason Whaler occurred as follows: Lauren drinks coffee, returns Jason’s sunglasses, and smirks as he acknowledges his “pretty bad habits” at the time of their breakup. Inserted here is the best lesson of the night, when Lauren, ex-Laguna Beach star of The Hills on MTV, showed us the virtues of moving on!

~Brook

So with Lauren and Jason over, what is going on with her and Brody Jenner? Check out my rundown of The Hills on MTV: Episode 5. (It just was a friendly sleepover, people!)

 Photo Credits: www.MTV.com