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Finding the right breakfast foods can be extremely challenging. According to a recent online ABC news story as Americans become more health-conscious oatmeal is taken front and center as one of the breakfast foods choice. But, the reality is oatmeal every morning can become boring rather quickly. The recent ABC news story gave some new ideas to old-fashioned oatmeal. Most of us already know about berries and almonds but the news story challenges us to get more creative with fruit and nut choices. One of the suggestions pomegranate arils and pistachios found quite interesting. It claims to be a nice combo slightly sweet and made nutty when adding almond milk. Try substituting nuts with nut butter. Any kind of nut butter with crisp sweet fruit for instance a pair can be tasty with a splash of any milk alternative including soy or almond milk. Banana and walnuts are also an excellent addition for hot oatmeal. Think banana bread in a bowl. For an added sweet flavor try vanilla extract. One added suggestion as a standby was to take two parts oatmeal, one part low-fat yogurt, and one part juice stirring until creamy. Placing it in the refrigerator overnight, gives you a thick, cool, creamy and tangy oat treat that you can either eat cool from the refrigerator or warm up to fit your taste. One suggestion from a health Magazine included crumbled piece of turkey bacon, low-fat cheddar cheese, and scallions sprinkled on top. The bottom line is that you will get plenty of protein, fiber, healthy fat, and just the right amount of carbohydrates. Dr. Kim encourages patients to eat healthy and maintain a stable weight following cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Body contouring procedures like liposuction or abdominoplasty can lead patients to believe that they do not need to worry about added weight. The truth is that even after having fat removed, fat cells remain they can in fact accommodate weight gain. Patients who are considering body contouring procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

After the holidays it is common knowledge that the gym is likely to be packed with people who have promised to work out. The running joke is that they should be all gone by February. According to recent ABC news story you can lose weight, get healthy, and skip the expensive the gym altogether. According to Consumer Reports you can get in shape and keep your wallet fat. All you need are a few inexpensive props and a good fitness routine to get started, said Gayle Williams with Consumer Reports. A stability ball is one of the suggestions for building core strength and improving balance. It can also be used to tone your glutes as well as your legs. A stability ball cost about $30. Jumping rope about 15 min. a day is an instant cardio workout. Using the jump rope with nonslip foam handles works best. This will cost about six dollars. Hula hooping is a great cardio exercise and also great for your core. A hula hoop will cost not more than six dollars. Elastic bands or tubes are also great for inexpensive exercise at home. They were great for resistance training and help to strengthen and tone muscles. Their estimated cost is a little over eight dollars. The news story also suggest and exercise mat with extra cushioning which helps to make push-ups and other floor exercises more comfortable. Mats should go for about $20. Free weights are also useful and could cost between $10 and $60. Ultimately it is suggested that you work up to having two pair a lighter pair to work your arms and shoulders, and have your one for your back and chest. The suggested exercise routine should consist of 30 min. of aerobic exercise five times a week and strength training 2 to 3 days a week. Patients who are considering breast augmentation should share their exercise habits with Dr. Kim prior to surgery. Dr. Kim will make specific recommendations for patients concerning their post surgical exercise activities. It is important to use common sense when resuming exercise activities following breast augmentation. Patients who have had breast augmentation combined with breast lift need not only to be concerned with the possibility of dislodging the implant but also with protecting the incisions during early healing period. Dr. Kim will advise patients when it is safe to return to their normal exercise routine. Patients who are considering breast augmentation are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

Menopause brings about many physical changes. According to recent ABC news story the well-known affects and a womans mood, sleep, and heart health are well documented. According to new research there are specific changes that go on in the brain during the first year of menopause. The University of Rochester Medical Center had researchers take a closer look at what some of referred to as menopause brain fog. Most people are familiar with hot flashes, and trouble sleeping but people tend to talk less about memory loss. Researchers sought out the reasons as to why this happens. The theory is that areas of the brain that are used to process the learning of new information are packed with estrogen receptors. So, when estrogen levels are reduced the function of these critical areas sufferers. The good news, according to the researchers, is that once women get through the first year following menopause, their memory and concentration along with fine motor skills are likely to return in time. This is expected whether they use hormones to treat the symptoms of menopause or not. For women who do not want to wait the year out, hormone replacement therapy appeared to be beneficial. Dr. Kim consults with women who are noticing body contour changes as a result of menopause. The hormonal shift can cause some women to have bulges of fat that appear on the upper abdomen, upper back, and outer thighs. For many women, their weight has not changed; just the contour of their body. In these cases Dr. Kim may recommend liposuction as a way to sculpt the body. Liposuction removes small areas of fat in targeted areas creating a much more aesthetically pleasing shape and contour. As an artist as well as a surgeon Dr. Kim is uniquely qualified to produce exceptional results that exceed those that are capable through diet and exercise alone. Patients who considering body contouring procedures including abdominoplasty are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

There are no shortages of celebrity fads especially here in Beverly Hills. One of the latest especially in new year is the infusion of vitamins through IV . According to a recent ABC news story the main purpose of the vitamin infusion is to boost energy and build up the immune system. Many celebrities are jumping on the bandwagon and towering the attributes of the vitamin boost. According to a chiropractor Dr. Craig John, only 15 to 20% of oral vitamins are actually absorbed. He claims that going straight IV or intravenously you will get 100% absorption. He claims that the infusions boost energy, strengthen the immune system, protect against diseases and increase the speed of muscle repair. Vitamin cocktails are personalized for each patient and cost an estimated $150 each. The majority consist of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium and other smaller amounts of minerals. Some medical doctors dispute the claims and called the vitamin cocktails unnecessary. It is widely believed that patients who have a healthy diet on a regular basis are likely to be getting most of the vitamins that they need. The overall consensus of medical doctors is that intravenous vitamins for healthy person are for the most part a waste of money. Like any intravenous treatment there are risk including bruising, infection, and vein inflammation at the injection site. There is also a possibility that the wrong dose of any specific nutrient could be infused. Still, those who applaud the effects of IV vitamins stand by their belief that they look better and feel better after the vitamin treatments. Dr. Kim explains to patients were considering cosmetic surgery procedures including rhinoplasty, or facelift that there are certain medications that must be avoided prior to surgery. These medications include specific vitamins and patients are given a detailed list of which vitamins to avoid. Some vitamins can increase bruising and swelling for the patient during and following surgery. Patients are advised to refrain from any unapproved medications a minimum of three weeks prior to surgery. Patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

Skinny jeans continue to be a style seen on men and women both young as well as older. In 2013 they continue to be fashionable and are now shown in many different colors as well. According to a recent KTLA news story some medical doctors are warning against what can be harmful side effects of skinny jeans. According to the news story medical doctors say that an overly tight fit can actually cause nerve damage which could in the long run become permanent if it were not corrected. This occurs when one of the nerves which is on the outer part of the thigh is compressed. The pressure on the nerve will cause symptoms of tingling and numbness. Wearing the jeans with ultrahigh heels(which is the preferred look) can make the effects even worse. The high heels tend to tilt the pelvis which can increase the pressure on the nerve. Experts suggest that an option for those who love the look of skinny jeans is to choose genes that have Lycra or some amount of stretch built into them. Some patients consult with Dr. Kim because they are unhappy with the shape and contour of their thighs and skinny jeans would never be an option for them. For these patients Dr. Kim is likely to recommend liposuction of the outer thighs. This procedure allows Dr. Kim to remove what is often referred to with saddlebags on the outer thigh which can be like stuck on balls of fat. The outer thighs can be delicate areas to sculpt and the inner thighs can be even greater challenge Dr. Kim have the skill and expertise necessary to achieve a svelte and aesthetically pleasing contour to the outer and inner thighs. For some patients a circumferential liposuction procedure which would encompass the majority of the thigh is a better option to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing appearance. Patients who are considering liposuction of the thighs are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

The winter months even here in Southern California can tempt many to take a trip to the tanning salon to maintain tanned skin. According to recent Fox news story both the FDA as well as the World Health Organization considers tanning beds to be a carcinogen. California has banned the use of tanning beds for people under the age of 18. This has been the combination of a long and powerful push by medical doctors and other health officials who cited numerous studies that proved the increased incidence of skin cancer for people who regularly used tanning beds. With the ban in full effect the tanning salon industry has begun to fight back. The group is lobbying for the tan van for minors to be repealed in California. Recently a group of about 1400 salon owners across the nation band together creating a group they called the American Suntanning Association. Its goal is to convince the public that the risk associated with indoor tanning have been largely exaggerated. It Blames the American Academy of Dermatology for raising what they call hysteria. According to the ASA they are pushing for what they call a higher level of discussion surrounded around the risks versus the benefits of indoor tanning. Dr. Kim shares with his patients that tanning whether indoor outdoor is harmful to the skin. It clearly contributes to premature aging and for many patients the damage can be irreversible. Patients who tan excessively can expect to see premature lines and wrinkles on the face including around the eyes. The texture of their skin is likely to be hard and rough. Patients who are considering procedures like a facelift or blepharoplasty have to consider skin damage from tanning when assessing the expected results following their cosmetic surgery procedure. It is advised that patients where the appropriate level of sunscreen daily to prevent sun damage. There is no amount of suntanning that is recommended or considered safe for patients. Patients who are considering facial rejuvenation procedures are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation to see which procedures are best for them.

Working out in the wrong sports bra can be not only uncomfortable but also damaging to a womans health. According to recent LA Times news article 8 out of 10 women are likely to be wearing the wrong size sports bra according to Heather Cvitkovic, a product manager at Moving Comfort, the womens fitness clothing company that sells more sports bras than any other brand. It is noted that the style of raw that you wear should fit the type of activity that you are doing. A compression bra is one that presses against the breast holding them against the chest wall to restrict movement. This is best for women with small breast who are doing low-impact activities such as swimming. A bra that is a combination of compression with encapsulation – with semi-molded cups – is a better fit for women who have larger breast and need more support than what can be obtained from compression alone. An encapsulation bra – which is a style that lifts and separates – is much better suited for larger breasted women who are doing medium and high-impact activities including running or frequent jumping. Regardless of which style you choose the bottom band which goes around the chest wall should fit much more snugly than a lingerie bra because thats what creates the support. A basic guideline is being able to take a deep breath without feeling uncomfortable but the band should feel tight. The bottom band should lie flat and straight across the back. The right brought is also essential in their early stages following breast augmentation. Patients who have had a breast lift combined with breast augmentation should also pay close attention to Dr. Kims recommendations for the type of bra to be worn following surgery. It is important for patients to refrain from purchasing and/or wearing any bra without a specific recommendation and approval from Dr. Kim. Patient should not wear their bra until Dr. Kim has given the okay to do so. It is important that the breast implants are permitted to settle into the pocket following surgery. Dr. Kim will discuss postoperative instructions with each patient following their breast augmentation surgery and will instruct patients when to begin wearing a bra and which bras are acceptable. Patients who are considering breast augmentation are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.

Mammograms still remain the most effective way to detect breast cancer. However, having dense breast tissue can make reading a mammogram more challenging. The reason is tumors intends tissue are harder to detect. According to a recent ABC news story doctors are creating new ways to help women and other doctors detect breast cancer earlier. Approximate 10% of American women have will be considered dense breast tissue. A recent study by the National Cancer Institute indicated that women with dense breast tissue were more likely to die than patients who did not have breast tissue that was as dense. Dense breast tissue has been linked with a for to sixfold increase in a womans risk of developing breast cancer, partially due to the fact that tumors within the dense breast tissue are harder to spot using a mammogram.Mammography is the most effective tool that we have for detecting early breast cancer, said Dr. Jennifer Harvey, radiology professor and director of breast imaging at the University of Virginia. The way that we measure breast density is not very good. Harvey is developing a risk model study that is being funded by a $5.5 million government grant. It will continue to be developed throughout the next three years. If successful the model could be available to be used widely in the US within six years. Dr. Kim advises women who have had breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction to follow the American Cancer Societys recommendation for early detection of breast cancer. This includes monthly breast self exam as well as a yearly mammogram beginning at age 40. It is important for patients to realize that breast surgery does not change the recommendation for maintaining breast health. Patients who are considering breast augmentation are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

How much weight is too much weight? This question continues to be a controversial one. According to recent online Los Angeles Times article the common medical overview is that caring extra pounds will increase the risk for diseases including heart disease and diabetes thus increasing the risk of premature death. The question becomes does the reality of premature death apply to those were just considered overweight? A new in-depth look at close to 3 million people suggests that being overweight may not have the same implications as being obese. The results were published online in the Journal of American Association that collected data from 97 studies that included adult men and women in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, China, Taiwan, Japan, Brazil, India and Mexico. A total of 270,000 people had died of various causes during the studies. When the scientist reviewed the numbers they discovered as they had expected that those people who were significantly obese with a BMI of 35 or more live a shorter life than those who were of a normal weight which was defined as a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. However, side is also discovered that people who were considered to be overweight with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 died at slightly lower rates – not higher – than those who were considered to be normal weight. They also discovered that those who were consider mildly obese with a BMI of 3234.9 died in no greater numbers than those who were of normal weight. Lead author found no apparent reason for the survival edge of those who were considered to be overweight. There were no recommendations made for medical doctors in light of the study. The goal is to encourage patients to commit to following good health practices regardless of their weight. Dr. Kim warns patients that a few extra pounds can quickly turn to obesity if ignored. This is particularly the case with women who have gone through a pregnancy. It is not uncommon for women to add extra pounds after a pregnancy. If this weight is not lost and the woman has another child it is likely that the pounds will remain as she adds more pounds with the next pregnancy. Women who are postpartum and unhappy with the contour of their body and slightly increased weight gain consult with Dr. Kim when considering what is currently known as the “mommy makeover”. This procedure combines breast augmentation with abdominoplasty and or liposuction. It provides a solution for deflated breast which have lost volume, as well as loose and lax skin on the abdomen that is unsightly and detrimental to a womans figure. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and in most cases patients are able to return to normal activities within 10 to 14 days. Patients were considering the “mommy makeover”are encouraged to contact Dr. Kim and schedule a consultation.

The appeal of cosmetic surgery is undisputedly a global appeal. According to recent LA Times article Afghans are becoming more comfortable with the concept of cosmetic surgery as they are increasingly exposed to beauty trends from India and Iran through movies, travel and the countries proliferating media outlets. Afghan women tend to show up with pictures of their favorite Bollywood celebrities and Turkish telenovela stars. This is a fairly new trend since just over 10 years ago women were for the most part combined to their homes and were forbidden to work. In the war-ravaged country there were not many options even if they could find a job. Secluded from the rest of the world under the Taliban rule cosmetic surgery was generally unheard of. It remains a controversial subject for many Afghan families, specifically women, mostly related to questions about modesty and acceptance of Gods will. However, as women have come back to the workforce in large cities like Kabul, changing their looks as become easier as they have earned their own money. Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia and patients are sent home the same day. While some doctors have improve their skills while treating victims of the war the concern is that others may not have had the exposure to extensive training in plastic surgery and this could cause danger for potential cosmetic surgery patients. The most popular cosmetic surgery procedures are rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty in Afghanistan. While the process that Afghan women are going through seems primitive when compared to the cosmetic surgery process American patients go through one similarity is that finding the right plastic surgeon can be a daunting challenge. While admittedly there are many more options in the United States for women who are considering plastic surgery then there are for women in Afghanistan the reality is finding the right plastic surgeon for cosmetic procedures is still largely a decision left up to the patient. Dr. Kim explains to new patients that his board certification under the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is one that is earned by a small percentage of plastic surgeons who have committed to additional training specifically tailored to plastic surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the only certifying plastic surgery board recognized by the American Medical Association. It can be confusing for patients when they see the words when describing a plastic surgeon. It is important to ask by which board is the medical doctor certified? With the popularity of cosmetic plastic surgery in the US many have come to believe that cosmetic plastic surgery is a routine task that can be carried out by virtually any medical doctor. In a capitalistic society like the US cosmetic plastic surgery has come to be viewed as a commodity rather than a specialized service. Dr. Kim is not only a talented and skilled ASPS plastic surgeon he is also a talented artist in his own right. The art of plastic surgery is completely driven by talent and what is commonly known as an artistic eye. This is impossible to quantify by dollars. In simple terms it is the reason why a Picasso painting is worth more than that of an unknown artist. When choosing a plastic surgeon patient should always consider the talent and skills of the plastic surgeon they are considering. Patients who are interested in pursuing cosmetic plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Kims office and schedule a consultation.