Snacking has become an American pastime as common as the meal.

Research shows that letting off a string of expletives when in pain can actually help to reduce the pain. A closer look at the research shows it only works when cursing is not a frequent habit.

Anyone who drives and lives in California remembers a few years ago when the hands-free law went into effect. For most of us it meant buying a Bluetooth or the more popular brand Jawbone so that we could be hands-free yet talk freely on our smart phones.

It has long been known that exercise benefits the health both physically and mentally. Recently a new study showed this to be especially true among women.

The reality that obesity is commonly a family issue has begun to sink in across the country.

Reducing the amount of salt in your diet is much more difficult than one would think.

Many things have changed over the last decade.One of the most evident is that women are waiting longer to have children and therefore much more open and willing to consider plastic surgery including facelift.

Enjoying the golden years together may mean more now than ever before. Gone are the days when women and men were supposed to grow old gracefully and embrace their wrinkles.Patients in growing numbers are realizing that growing older doesn't mean that they need to look old.

In these busy times it is easy to feel overwhelmed, worn down and without energy. A recent MSN health article highlighted tips to help energize even the most worn down person. 

As we approach the flu season there will be many people sniffling, coughing, and sneezing. The big decision becomes should they go to work or stay at home and try to feel better. According to a recent online article on the grindstone the writer shared her view. 

Commuting to work is very much a part of the lives of many in the Los Angeles area. A new study says that commuting could have very bad consequences when it comes to our health.

Aging patients, especially women are at risk of health issues with their thyroid. According to a recent online article people who are using what they think are natural supplements may actually be causing more harm than good.  

There has been a lot of hype about the importance of baby boomers to the plastic surgery market. A recent online industry article referenced a  Los Angeles Times article highlighting  the fact that Generation X( who are in their 40s) are very much a part of the plastic surgery market as well.  Many from this generation feel that the pressure to appear young is more prevalent today than ever before.

It is quite difficult to maintain a positive attitude with information overload a 24-hour occurrence. A recent Reader’s Digest article offered some helpful tips on maintaining a healthy and positive attitude. According to the article no matter how hard things become, there are ways to approach your situation that can make it less burdensome. 

The abuse of prescription pain medications has become fairly common as far as media coverage is concerned. According to ABC newsVicodin and other narcotic pain medications from the schedule 3 class are under review to be moved to a more tightly controlled schedule 2 class.

America has labeled itself the melting pot and Los Angeles is known as a city of cultural diversity. Perhaps, that is why an exhibit called ”Beauty CULTure” on display here is such a treat.  According to CNN correspondent Alana Dawson, our beauty icons have become more diverse, a topic she wrote about after visiting the “Beauty CULTure” — an exhibit of more than 170 images by renowned photographers at the Annenberg Space in L.A. 

Consumers are notorious for hoping to find easy solutions to complex problems. Post pregnancy bloating and excess abdominal skin is a common problem for new mothers.  According to a recent ABC news story a new garment promises to return a woman to her prepregnancy figure.

As women age certain health risk are increased.  One disease women should be concerned about is heart disease.  Many call it the silent killer. 

The cost of obesity is tallied in the media quite often.  But ,few people think about the additional cost to buy healthier foods. According to an online women’s magazine health food can sometimes cost more than four times as much as junk food. 

We love good health news that includes chocolate as a plus in our diet. A recent Swedish study found a link between preventing stokes and adding chocolate to a woman’s diet. The findings, released today, appear in the Oct. 18 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 

A new law signed by the governor is designed to protect patients who are having surgery in outpatient surgery centers. The new law will require that the surgery centers are inspected regularly and are subject to surprise visits. 

With the obesity epidemic front and center for so many health focused media outlets, it was big news to see that a recent study actually  pointed to the health benefits of liposuction. 

  No it is not out of a science fiction novel. According to an industry online publication scientists in Australia are studying the regeneration of tails on alligators to determine if the same ability can be mimicked for patients who have had a mastectomy. 

In the world of easy access and do-it-yourself benefits it is not very surprising that Botox has become the new at home consumer craze. Available over the Internet it is very enticing and seems easy when compared to diabetic who inject on a daily basis. 

It would be difficult to find any positive information concerning the smoking of cigarettes.  Now a new report finds that there is proof tobacco companies knew of the danger from high levels of radiation without disclosing  it to the public. 

As women age medical professionals recommend regular exercise and a healthy diet to improve longevity and quality of life. A new study says that moderate exercise can be extremely beneficial without the added stress and intensity of a new work out regimen.

A local woman was recently highlighted in a CBS Los Angeles news story because of her passion and commitment to a product that she created in response to her mother’s death from skin cancer. The need to wear sunscreen on a daily basis is the consensus of the majority of the medical community as well as those in the beauty industry.

Who would have thought that kicking the bad habit of smoking would merge with the popularity of social media? USC recentlyreleased the results of research which shows that the mobile media applications designed to help people stop smoking really do produce better results than just quitting alone. 

The shape of the face can be very instrumental in determining how a person feels about their appearance.  People who have with they feel is an elongated  facial structure because of a large chin can be very dissatisfied with their face. F

Fads come and go and it is likely that the concept of putting new dimples on your face is a fad.  In plastic surgery  staying current with trends both medical and non-medical is a very important part of helping patients to understand choices that are best for them long-term

The hot news right now is that liposuction may in fact have health benefits instead of just cosmetic benefits. This is huge,and is set to be presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons conference in Denver this Sunday.  

It appears people who kick the habit of smoking may actually improve their memory. There can never be too many good reasons to quit smoking.  It has long been known that smoking not only affects a person’s health,but also their appearance. 

There is no doubt that Americans are living longer. Part of the reason is the improvement in our diets.  A recent study looked at the possibility of certain proteins extending our diets. 

A new study claims that obese people have a difficult time controlling real food impulses. Their uncontrollable urges are suspected to the be reason behind their obesity.

Women in today’s society have multiple roles and many responsibilities. It can be very stressful for women balancing life at home and their career. Recently a study found that stress is a huge factor in the reported new  cases of breast cancer.

A disturbing report recently stated that OB/GYN guidelines were largely based on opinion and therefore inconsistent.  For women, this is a disturbing report because it casts a shadow of doubt on everything they are being told from their doctor. 

Men can be very sensitive when it concerns their sexual health.  A new study found that erectile dysfunction could be less of an issue for men with a healthy and active lifestyle.  For men, just as it is for women; how they feel can be directly related to their appearance.

Consumers seem to be anxious to try new health and wellness drinks, and supplements with little or no solid testing behind them. From a marketing perspective if a celebrity is tied to product, it seems to generate even more sales quickly.

Lack of sleep is fairly common these days. Many people take prescription medication to help them fall asleep on a nightly basis (even though this is not recommended). A recent study found that the obsession with technology and gadgets could be the reason for many Americans getting less than the recommended amount of sleep.

The old adage that laughter is the best medicine  is true according to a recent report. The report highlights the benefits of laughter and heart health. Dr. O’Toole explains to patients who are concerned with what are commonly known as laugh lines, that cosmetic surgery procedures are available that will not only treat the laugh lines, but also create a smoother and more youthful looking face. 

The past few decades in the United States has been marked by a considerable reduction in the number of people who smoke. Research has shown that secondhand smoke is also harmful and as a result smoking has been banned from most public places, especially in California. But, smoking in one’s own home is still permitted. 

The overuse of antibiotics has been a global concern for years, especially in the treatment of children. The fear is that bacterial will become resistant when so many patients use antibiotics on a regular basis. Dr. O’Toole  explains to patients who are having surgery that antibiotics are prescribed primarily as a precautionary measure against infection. For breast augmentation patients, the concern is also that the body may reject the implants as a foreign body which can cause not only infection but also capsular contracture. 

Anyone who has been to a public gathering recently will confirm that soda is still very much a public favorite. The amount of sugar in these drinks vary from a lot… to a whole lot. Of greatest concern is the fact that sugary drinks are likely to add pounds to the waist line

After 40 years of age looking for eyesight options is inevitable. Unfortunately it is easy to overlook the appearance of the eyes. Many patients experience droopy eyelids and bags beneath eyes.For women the droopy eyelid not only interferes with vision it can also cause a problem with creasing in the eyeshadow makeup that women wear. 

We have heard for years that chocolate is good for your heart. Now another study confirms it yet again. No one advises that people consume unlimited amounts. As a matter of fact this study states that there is no proven correct dosage so moderation is the recommendation.

 A new study found the trial and error was effective for older adults. This is not the case when it comes to plastic surgery. Dr. O’Toole stresses to his patients especially those who are older that plastic surgery procedures can have many irreversible consequences.

 Antibiotic use has skyrocketed over the years. A new research study looks at the correlation between obesity rates and the use of antibiotics. Often patients have the idea that antibiotics are not a very important part of their post surgical instructions.

 Medicine and health care have changed dramatically over the years. The access to medical information has become much easier. Prescription drugs are advertised virtually every where.

 There is a concern among Californians that Hookah use has become more popular and widely used among young adults. Although proponents say that the product is harmless medical officials say that it carries the same dangers as smoking tobacco.

 Most are not surprised that tobacco companies are not anxious to put graphic pictures of damage from smoking on their packaging. Patients are rarely able to escape the premature aging that come as a result of smoking

 Fitness trends and styles are always hot in LA. The recent trade show for fitness showed the overwhelming favorite to be dance for fitness.

 It has been a long-held belief that a glass of wine or a nice stiff drink is just the thing to give a person a great night of sleep. A new report disputes that belief.

 Bullying on the playgrounds gets a lot of press these days. Most of us remember it as a part of life. Unfortunately, for some young people being teased can become more serious and escalate to bullying. Patients who consult with Dr. O’Toole concerning otoplasty or gynecomastia were often bullied and teased.

Sleeping disorders specifically problems breathing while asleep are a concern for many people. Beside the life threatening implications sleep deprivation can also be an issue. Some patients do not have a sleep disorder but rather nasal obstruction which causes difficulty breathing. In some cases insurance may not cover correcting the issue which often leads the patient to consult with Dr. O’Toole.

 It is a commonly held belief that having a good cry will make you feel better. A new study, has proven this is not the case. It is common for women to tell Dr. O’Toole that they are discouraged with certain areas relating to their appearance.

 We have all heard the old saying something is better than nothing. This appears to be true when referring to exercise programs. Dr. O’Toole explains to his body contouring patients whether they have had traditional liposuction,Smart Lipo, or abdominoplasty, regular exercise and a proper diet will be an important part of maintaining great results.

 Americans waist line appears to finally be catching up to the health statistics. A new report states that Western Europeans are living longer than Americans. This primarily due to obesity.

 Vitamins as a means for great health are nothing new. As a matter of fact the industry is worth billions. A new treatment now available allows patients to have an in fusion of vitamins intravenously.

 Most people would never have imagined that the pricing of prescription drugs would be so astronomical that it would cause patients to creatively stretch their medications.

 Living in an urban area may in fact be healthier a recent study found. One thing is certain, in urban areas especially Los Angeles plastic surgery choices are abundant

 How many times have we had a glass of wine with the expectation of relaxing? A new report says… Not so! It is believed that the wine can actually cause you to be more stressed.

 The fact that LA area hospitals ranked among the best in nation is no surprise to those of us who have seen the influx of patients from around the world who come here for medical treatment

 The common cold is something most of us take for granted as an inevitable part of life. During the warm and balmy summer months we hardly think about it at all. When patients are considering plastic surgery they must be healthy for the best surgical patient experience.

 Stress has many negative effects whether you are the boss or not. It can become evident rather quickly when a person looks stressed. It is important for people to maintain a calm and relaxed look because in most circles that equals a healthy and happy person.

  The new push to display nutrition labels for everything from grocery items to restaurant choices as people firmly planted on both sides of the debate. History shows us that most are apathetic

 As American children continue to gain weight to the point of what some call an obesity epidemic, experts have widely mixed opinion when it comes to providing solutions.

 The DEA has released their findings that marijuana does not have any medicinal value. Patients considering plastic surgery should be prepared to disclose all medications that are being taken

 Most likely, not many women would find having a mammogram a reason to party. More realistically women shudder at the thought of what can only be described in the kindest terms as uncomfortable.

 There has long been a perception that Californians are thin and healthy. The truth is the perception is quickly turning into a myth. Outside of the television and movie industries the real world has continued to put on weight. Californians are no longer the exception.

 Diet soda may seem to be an unlikely source of weight gain but some say that is not so. No one likes to have fat show up in unattractive places like the upper and lower back

 Americans are living longer than ever before, much of it due to early screening. As patients approach middle age health screenings are important for early detection of many diseases.

 While the best method to quit smoking will be continually debated, few will deny the deadly effects of smoking. Dr. O’Toole explains to his patients that smoking can considerably increase the risks associated with plastic surgery.

 Obesity has many risk for health complications. Dr. O’Toole explains to his patients that even after major weight loss there will will be residual health conditions. This is the major reason patients should only consider post massive weight loss surgery with experienced board-certified plastic surgeons

 Unless you have spent the last decade and a half under a rock then you should know that obesity is a major problem in America. Lack of exercise and activity by most accounts is the root of the problem

 Recent studies show that dieting teens are likely to spend a life time dieting. It is important for parents to help teenagers determine what a healthy weight would be for them. Parents should address concerns for daughters who complain about back pain, shoulder pain, or neck pain due to the heaviness of disproportionately large breast

 With diabetes on the rise globally scientists are scrambling to find a cure. Type II diabetes which is a huge risk in the obese population can be cured in many patients once they lose the excess weight. After the weight loss has taken place it is not unusual for patients to have large amounts of loose and lax skin.

 People who are good about diet and exercise including counting their calories can become discouraged rather quickly when they are unable to lose weight. It is most discouraging for those who have only about 10 to 15 pounds to lose.

 When Botox was first introduced for cosmetic purposes it took the cosmetic world by storm. Millions of patients have used it to fight off wrinkles. Now that Botox has a competitor patients are questioning which product works best.

 A woman’s choice 0f birth control is personal. Women have been given several different choices. Birth control that includes hormones is an issue with respect to surgery. Studies have shown an increased risk for blood clots in patients using birth control that includes hormones.

 There are many different ways that our bodies show that something is wrong. It is said that you can tell a woman’s age by her hands. Dr. O’Toole explains to patients the importance of creating a natural looking appearance.

 Pregnancy brings about a great deal of anxiety for many women. Worrying about the health of the baby is just one of the thoughts on a pregnant woman’s mind

 Sun damage over the years has become very to identify. Dr. O’Toole explains that premature aging of the face is usually a form of sun damage. Patients can see visible wrinkles that could appear deep set. Some patients also have lines surrounding the lips.

 Figuring out the correct amounts of vegetables, meats, and fruits, for a healthy diet is nearly impossible. Although it has become a bit easier patients should be aware that diet is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight.

 Patients today are bombarded with marketing words like”simple”, “easy”, “natural”and the list goes on. With plastic surgery these words can be very enticing. Marketers have even made an effort to replace the word surgery with procedure. Over the years one thing has never changed. When patients invest in cosmetic procedures especially those performed by a plastic surgeon they expect a dramatic result. History has shown us that a smaller investment does not reduce the patient expectations.

 Omega 3 has become the “wonder supplement” of the decade.Thanks to Dr Oz and the other media health experts it has become a regular part of the supplemental vitamin intake for many Americans. For patients considering plastic surgery, most plastic surgeons have put Omega 3 on their list of drugs to discontinue prior to surgery

 The fitness industry is a multi-million dollar industry. Consumers especially men are anxious to find a way to have a flat and toned abdomen. Dr. O’Toole explains to his patients that liposuction is an excellent option for flattening and toning the waistline. Patients need to be at or near their ideal body weight. Dr. O’Toole offers traditional liposuction as well as Smart Lipo.

 As summer approaches there are safety tips for almost every age group. These days, seniors are not the little old grannies that we remember. Dr. O’Toole treats many older patients who are healthy and consider plastic surgery as an opportunity to look as good as they feel. Older patients consider procedures such as facelift, brow lift, and believe it or not even breast augmentation.

 According to The Los Angeles Times between the sheet-cake birthday parties and hours-long, cookie-fueled management meetings, office work has a way of undermining all our plans to live healthfully. Americans spend nearly nine hours at work each day — and our sedentary jobs wreak havoc on our bodies.

According to ABC 7 last year, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration held the first ever National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Tons of drugs were properly disposed of at designated locations.

According to The Los Angeles Times psoriasis isn’t just an itchy, unsightly skin disease, researchers say -- it’s also linked to an increased risk of heart disease, abdominal fat, stroke, type 2 diabetes and other cardiovascular issues that together make up what’s known as metabolic syndrome.

According to The Los Angeles Times paging Stacy London and Clinton Kelly: Apparently dermatologists need some help in deciding what to wear when they see patients.