Maricopa Wellness Center medical director answers common questions

Maricopa Wellness Center’s Medical Director, Kristina Donnay FNP-C, gets many emails asking aesthetic and wellness questions. We have decided to answer some of the most common questions in this article.

Q: I have these sunspots on my face and chest. I have tried chemical peels and all the creams and lotions. What else can I do? M.S.
A: Sunspots are common in Arizona. But, before you decide to treat any skin changes or pigment, I always recommend you see a dermatologist first. Skin changes can actually be something more serious, like melanoma or skin cancer. Once your sunspots are cleared by a dermatologist, I recommend Lumecca treatments. Lumecca is a very powerful intense pulsed light (IPL) that treats pigmented and vascular lesions. Lumecca is one of the most effective ways to safely and comfortably restore an even skin tone. Most people need 3-6 treatments for full resolution of the sunspots.

Q: My OBGYN gave me estrogen cream for vaginal dryness, but I’m not comfortable using it. Are there any other option? D.A.
A: There are many non-hormonal vaginal treatments. The one we recommend is the AnteAGE® Vaginal Rejuvenation System (VRS). The VRS is a regenerative vaginal moisturizer and safely restores the vaginal wall using growth factors and cytokines without any added hormones. Clinical studies show tremendous improvements in dryness, pain and vaginal epithelium thickness within 1-3 months of use. The VRS is a home vaginal cream system and used in the comfort of your own home.

Q: My provider told me I should take vitamin D because it was low. Should I also take K2? M.R.
A: Recent studies clearly demonstrate that vitamin D and vitamin K2 are essential to good health. Deficiencies in both these vitamins are extremely common, which is why more and more people are taking vitamins D and K2 as a daily dietary supplement. It’s very important to know that if you take vitamin D regularly over a long period, you should take vitamin K2 as well. K2 is responsible for depositing calcium at the right places in the body including bones and teeth. Taking vitamin D stimulates the body to produce more of the vitamin K2-dependent proteins that transport calcium. These proteins have many health benefits but cannot be activated if insufficient vitamin K2 is available, so anyone who is taking vitamin D needs more vitamin K2. Vitamin D and K2 work together to strengthen bones and promote the health of the heart and arteries. As always, check with your provider before you start any new supplements.

Q: I’ve tried everything to lose weight. Nothing seems to work or work for long. Is there a magic pill for weight loss?! D.B.
A: Unfortunately, there is no magic pill for weight loss. Weight loss takes effort and consistency. We always recommend following up with your primary care provider to make sure there are no underlining issues causing weight gain like low acting thyroid or hormonal imbalances. But, even if you do have underlining issues making your success more difficult, weight loss takes effort. We can provide you with great tools to help you on your weight loss journey. But they are just tools, and you still must do all the hard work. But, if we do ever find that magic pill, we will let you know!

If you have a question, you want answered in the next edition of “Ask Kristina” email them to [email protected].

You should always speak with your provider before you start, stop, or change any part of your care plan or treatment. This article is not considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your provider or dial 911 immediately.

520-464-6193
MaricopaWellnessCenter.com
41600 W. Smith-Enke Road
Building 14, Suite 3

This sponsored content was first published in the May edition of InMaricopa magazine.