The Sips You Take May be Destroying Your Teeth

Dr. Larry Lieberman

Dr. Larry Lieberman

The beautiful weather we all look forward to is here! It’s a time to dust off the old barbque, enjoy some delicious grill time with family and friends and sip on some cold, thirst quenching soda. Although this image appears heavenly – the soda you are drinking can create a dental nightmare!

I have told my patients for years that besides smoking cigarettes, soda (this includes diet soda too) is the worst thing you can do to harm your teeth. For many people, soft drinks are the beverage of choice. But you may not realize the two-fold damage it is doing to your teeth. First, soft drinks can contain 10-12 teaspoons of sugar per serving. So, when you drink a soda, you are essentially bathing your teeth in liquid sugar. The bacteria that naturally live on your teeth feed on that sugar and produce acid. Without proper care, the acid dissolves the surface of your teeth and creates a cavity.

Second, soft drinks- especially diet sodas- contain phosphoric and citric acid to enhance flavor. The acids wash over your teeth, affecting the entire tooth structure. Over time , they erode the hard, protective enamel, causing your teeth to get thinner and expose the sensitive dentin layer inside your tooth. As your teeth continue to get thinner, the edges can crumble and lose their natural shape. When the enamel is worn away, it exposes the dentin layer to both decay and pain. Tooth enamel that’s lost to decay or erosion won’t grow back. We can repair the damage, but the best solution is prevention.

This is not a problem only for adults. Children and teens who have frequent access to soft drinks can greatly damage their teeth because their teeth are still forming.

Sodas (regular and diet), sports drinks, energy drinks, vitamin waters, fruit juices, teas, blended coffee drinks and wine all contain the sugars that can damage your teeth. A 16-ounce blended coffee drink can contain 500 calories and 69 grams of sugar.

Your best choices for a beverage are milk and or course, water. If you must drink soft drinks – use a straw, do not drink for extended periods of time, do not hold the liquid in your mouth before swallowing, cut down on the amount you consume, and after you drink, rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth. The best decision is to choose the very best thirst quencher. Water has no fat, no caffeine and no acid!

With smarter choices and regular check-ups, you can  protect the health of your teeth for years. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Haute Spots

Embrace This Season’s Dotted Style Trend

There’s absolutely no doubt you’ll be seeing spots everywhere this fall. Polka dots, specifically! The posh and pleasant print is back in style this season! And it’s hauter than ever!

High-profile designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney have embraced the freckled fad. This fall, they’ve dotted their chic collections with polka dots — big and small—in every color of the rainbow.

Meanwhile, celebrities like Christina Aguilera, Olivia Palermo and Katy Perry have been taking the trend from the catwalk to the sidewalk. Spotted in this season’s striking specks on and off the red carpet, they’ve inspired fashionistas around the world to do the same.

Even the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, seems to have a special fondness for the precious print. In the last year, she’s been photographed in polka-dotted clothing and accessories—from popular brands like Topshop and Cath Kidston—on numerous occasions.

Looking more sophisticated than ever, the of-the-moment print can be found on everything from cocktail dresses and skirts to hosiery and accessories.

So if you’re hoping to be spot-on trend this season, here’s some advice on picking the perfect polka-dotted pieces for you:

START SMALL
If you’re not totally convinced that the dots are for you, don’t worry. There’s no need to dress from head to toe in the graphic print to be on trend. Simply pick an accessory — like a handbag, shoes or scarf—to start with. Then work up the courage to go bigger and bolder later!

THE POWER OF ONE
The easiest way to wear the haute spots is to keep the rest of your outfit simple. To allow the print to really stand out, pick one flecked item to serve as your stylish centerpiece — like pairing a polka-dotted blouse with your favorite jeans or wearing a polka dot dress with solid shoes and accessories. By embracing the power of one, you’ll get maximum attention for your polka pieces.

SIZE MATTERS!
Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or embrace the trend with a little less attention, there’s a dot that’s right for you. Larger spots are a great way to add some eye-catching prints into your fall wardrobe, while smaller-sized specks can look more refined. Just remember tiny specks are typically best for petite women, medium spots work for most sizes and a bold dramatic dot can work for larger women.

In the end, it doesn’t matter how you choose to wear polka dots, as long as you’re not afraid to have fun and be a little daring. After all, the timeless print will have you looking mod and marvelous all at once!


Tom Castañeda

Tom Castañeda

Tom Castañeda is a creative writer, blogger, and award-winning broadcast journalist who has worked at Architectural Digest, In Touch Weekly, and Latina – a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle magazine for today’s bi-cultural Latina woman. Throughout his career in publishing, Tom has planned and executed numerous celebrity, fashion, and beauty programs throughout the country, including fashion shows, and shopping events for brands like Bloomingdale’s, Chanel, Mikimoto, David Yurman, Givenchy, Armani Fragrances, Macy’s, Southpole Collection, and more. Additionally, Tom has drawn on his strong journalism background to create various print, online, and video reports on various subjects, including fashion and beauty.

Lisa Sibley Photographic Artist

Lisa Sibley

Lisa Sibley

PV: Why did you choose this business or line of work?
LS: I come from a creative family that includes photographers. Photography came naturally and I fell in love with working with people in order to help document their lives. I started very young and my focus has changed as my life has changed. When my children were young I photographed mostly young children so I could take my kids to work with me. Now my primary client is a business who needs marketing images or women over 35 who are rediscovering themselves and want to be captured in an Intimate Portrait.

PV: What is your primary role or duty in
your company?
LS: I am the owner and chief photographer of Graffiti Atelier Gallery and Lisa Sibley Photography. I do it all. From photography to marketing, sales, writing business plans, and teaching classes. I also restore old or damaged photographs. Often I am asked to restore an image of a family member for a memorial or family book. I am always honored to be included in people’s lives at such an emotional time.

PV: What sets you apart from your competition?
LS: As an individual we each see things differently. I am able to create a fun, inviting environment where all of my subjects feel comfortable to allow their inner spirit to shine through so I can capture the real person. I connect with people.

“It is my soul inspired passion to capture moments in time for me and those who walk through the world.”

PV: What would you be doing now if it weren’t for your business, taking money out of the equation?
LS: I would be traveling as a documentary photographer for National Geographic or Life Magazine.

PV: What do you do for fun?
LS: Photography is still what I do for fun. You may find me shooting a landscape, an old building, or even a protest rally. But I do have big fun shopping with my daughter.

PV: Who or what is most important to you, personally or professionally?
LS: Personally my children, hands down. They have been the center of my life. They are now grown but I am fascinated everyday by watching them grow into meaningful adults. I am a perfectionist in all parts of my life. Professionally I strive to do my very best to meet the needs of all my clients and provide them with a quality product that will last their lifetime and beyond.

PV: A little secret about you that would shock those who don’t know you!
LS: I’m a NASCAR fan!

PV: What are your personal and professional mottos?
LS: There are several things that I use in my everyday life but the two most important are treat others as you would like to be treated and “the glass is always half full!” Of course I use those both professionally too but the other that I use professionally is “do what you love and the money will come.” For me it’s not about the money.

PV: When you were five, what was your dream to be when you grew up?
LS: Well this will shock everyone that knows me but I was influenced by my grandmother but mostly by Sally Field, I wanted to be a nun. I probably wanted to fly off balconies like she did in “The Flying Nun”.

PV: Have you achieved all or most of your dreams thus far?
LS: No and I probably will not. I dream every day. If I achieve all of them then it’s “game over”. However, I am very blessed and I have achieved many of my dreams. I look forward to many, many more.

My professional career began in 1992; however, my interest in photography began in 1974, first being influenced by two uncles who were photographers.

I have worked as a photographic portrait artist, photojournalist, photo-restoration artist, and commercial photographer; capturing my images using various traditional and non-traditional techniques such as infrared photography, SX 70 Polaroid manipulations and transfers, black and white photography, and mixed media which include digital ART and acrylics.

My memberships include Professional Photographers of America, the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Tarpon Springs Historical Society, and Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce. Recently I have been named to the Creative Advisory Board of the Florida Center for Creative Photography.

I have been a contributing photojournalist to the Jupiter Courier, in Jupiter, Florida, a member of the National Press Photographers Association, and the Lighthouse Camera Club. Following Hurricane Katrina I traveled to New Orleans with Operation Photo Rescue where I assisted in restoring water damaged photographs. I have taught summer photo camps to tweens and teens, and led Photoshop classes for adults.

I have been featured in Tampa Bay Woman’s Women in Business and I am a featured artist in the Tampa Bay Business Journal Book of Lists 2011 and 2012.

Currently I am a senior Visual Arts student at Eckerd College, the photographer for Panache Vue’ Magazine and owner of Graffiti Atelier Gallery and Lisa Sibley Photography in Tarpon Springs, FL.

That’s Not All

Raye Toscano

Raye Toscano

After 800 SmartLipo procedures at Red Bamboo Medi Spa, you might guess that we focus mainly on beautiful transformations of the body. But we are known for much more. The transformations we achieve in the skin

We start with a detailed photo analysis of your skin using the revolutionary Visia® Complexion Analysis System. One of our expert aestheticians will examine your home skin care regiment and recommend products that are specifically designed to address your own complexion issues. She may guide you toward one of our custom tailored facials treatments designed to awaken tired skin, calm redness or smooth texture.

We also have advanced tools available to address more serious issues. Our Lamprobe can remove skin tags and cholesterol deposits. Our microdermabrasion machine is the best in the industry. Our staff is trained in dermaplaning and a new, exciting procedure called micro-needle collagen enhancement. This technique produces skin-tightening very much like a fraxel laser but without the expense and downtime.

Finally, we are blessed to have the skilled hands of Dr. Toscano. Dr. Toscano believes the goal is not to change your face, but to enhance your own natural beauty by delicately enhancing your eyes and lips. His training and years of experience allow him to melt away years with advanced Botox injection techniques and the subtle and artistic use of fillers. His unique Liquid Facelift techniques have enticed patients from all over the state to Red Bamboo. He can erase brown spots, red spots, broken capillaries and sun damage with Intense Pulsed Light from the Lumenis Quantum and he uses the Erbium Whisper Laser to resurface wrinkled skin and give you that peaches-and cream complexion you’ve always wanted.

Make an appointment at Red Bamboo Medi Spa and you, too, can experience beautiful transformation.

Why Does My Shoulder Hurt?

Dr. Stephen Hanff

Dr. Stephen Hanff

Shoulder pain is a prevalent affliction that is common to both young, athletic individuals and our maturing population. Although the reasons for shoulder pain often differ, an appropriate evaluation by a physician can help to diagnose the problem, with most treatments being non-operative and quite effective.

The reasons for shoulder pain can range from inflammation of the underlying structures to tendon tears, arthritis, or even pinched nerves. However, the most common reason is impingement, or compression of the tendons in the shoulder with overhead reaching that can cause secondary tendonitis or bursitis. This condition usually occurs without major tendon tearing, and responds well to medical treatments that may include anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, or in some cases a local injection

The more severe causes include rotator cuff tears, labral tears and arthritis. These conditions are diagnosed with an appropriate exam and diagnostic imaging such as an XRAY or MRI. There is a role for non-operative treatments for these conditions, but advances in shoulder arthroscopy and joint replacement have significantly improved the outcomes for these problems which, when left untreated, may contribute to chronic pain, weakness or instability of the shoulder.

There is no precise treatment for every diagnosis, and treatments may vary from person to person depending upon age, level of activity and severity of the condition. It is important to discuss these options with your physician before starting any treatment. Visiting an orthopedic surgeon can give you the education and tools you need to maintain shoulder health and keep your active lifestyle.

César Lara – Creative, Passionate and Purposeful

Dr. César Lara

Dr. César Lara

“Creative, Passionate and Purposeful” – These three words describe Dr. César Lara best! For more than 20 years now, it has been his passion to become one of the most powerful forces in America’s ever growing obesity crisis…one patient at a time.

Dr. César Lara is a Board Certified Family Physician and a leading expert in the treatment of obesity and weight loss management. Dr. Lara’s dream of helping men and women overcome diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and other chronic conditions related to obesity was realized with the emergence of the César A. Lara, MD Center for Weight Management as a premier weight loss center in Tampa Bay.

Although Dr. Lara has been treating obesity for over 20 years now, dating back to the day he first hung his shingle, it was about seven years ago that he changed the focus of his medical practice to tackle obesity head on! His main focus and his philosophy that drives him and his practice are to help people change their lifestyle, not to just lose weight. The only true way to do that is to make real adjustments, to change behavior. Diet by itself is not the answer to the true problem. We asked Dr. Lara what sets him apart from the competition, his reply was very humble. “I try not to compare myself to other people; a lot can be learned from many in our community and world. My main focus is to treat each and every patient individually; I don’t use a cookie – cutter program. I address their problem that will be a lifelong change for them, not temporary. At all of my clinics, we first recognize that it is a spiritual journey, how you think, how you react. We utilize hypnosis, nutritional supplements and the newest technology available, that’s how we do it”.

Dr. Lara treats patients from all over, not just the Tampa Bay area. Some come from as far as California and Latin America. Currently, there are 3 locations to serve you, Clearwater, Palm Harbor and St. Pete. Soon Dr. Lara will be expanding to Hillsborough County as well.

Dr. Lara is also a member of many, many organizations, is known for his strong personal faith and his many generous contributions to the Tampa Bay community. He also regularly appears on television as a medical contributor to Bay News 9 en Español.

Each and every patient is memorable to him, he feels they are a gift to him, they are allowing him to take care of them. Dr. Lara feels blessed by all his patients, but one in particular stands out just a little bit more that the others, his mom. Dr. Lara began treating her about five or six years ago. She was a diabetic, over weight and insulin dependent. He first told her to stop taking the insulin. She said to him “are you trying kill me?” Of course he wasn’t, he loved his mother, but he knew there were other ways to treat her diabetes. She questioned her own son, who was a doctor and a good one at that! He was right. Today, Mrs. Lara is 50 lbs. lighter and not on insulin.

When not treating patients, Dr. Lara is a family man, first and foremost. With his beautiful wife Penelope by his side and their three beautiful kids; Julian, Marcus and Zoe, his home is where his heart is. Zoe, who is fourteen, is the only child still at home, and she is daddy’s girl. Dr. Lara tries to spend as much time with her as possible and makes it a point to have a family dinner, each and every night, with his two favorite girls, Penelope and Zoe.

As much as he is out and about in our community, attending many events, César Lara is a very private man with only a very few close friends. He cherishes his friendships just the way he cherishes his family and all of his patients. He loves to relax with them in his home, enjoy a good glass of wine and philosophize about life. Panache Vue’ also asked Dr. Lara if there was something special he wanted to share with our readers, something that only those very close to him knew. His answer, he loves to dance and let his feet do the talking!

César Lara is someone you will never forget, if and when you are fortunate to meet him. Extremely handsome and very humble. Soft spoken, smart and exudes kindness and sincerity. He is also the founder of St. Michael’s Free Clinic and Weight Away Tampa Bay, his charitable organizations that provide free medical treatment to those who cannot afford it. His heart is bigger and heavier than its weight in gold!

Rejuvenate Yourself for the Holidays

Dr. Larry Lieberman

Dr. Larry Lieberman

This is the time of the year that most of us look forward to all year. But instead of joy many of us feel dread. Do you have that stressed, worn out look by the time the holidays arrive? In one visit to our office we can give you a fresh, relaxed “looks like you just got back from a vacation” look.

In our 27 years of dentistry we have offered many solutions to the question, “How can I rejuvenate my smile to help me look and feel younger? “ We are now able to offer you a long lasting, non-invasive, non surgical technique that will keep your appearance looking younger too – Botox and facial fillers. These treatments are a natural extension of the cosmetic treatments we already provide to help ease the aging process, and sustain one’s youth.

Do you have a frown that doesn’t go away, wrinkles on your forehead, a gummy smile, thin lips or creases around your mouth and nose? Botox is a protein famous for reducing the appearance of unwanted signs of aging by temporarily blocking muscle movement. Facial fillers (dermal fillers) temporarily correct and smooth facial folds and wrinkles as well as enhance the lip area.

I realize you do have many choices as to where to get these services. However, being very familiar with the anatomy of the face, years of training on what the mouth and, smile are supposed to look like and extensive training on injection techniques, I feel offering these services to you is my honor and pleasure. Now when you visit us for your routine cleaning appointment you can easily add these injections to your dental visit and leave our office looking younger and refreshed.

To add some additonal sparkle to your holidays why not consider one of the following quick dental fixes:

  • tooth colored bonding – to reshape your teeth, repair small cracks & fill in some gaps
  • crowns & veneers – to conceal spaces, crooked, chipped or discolored teeth
  • teeth whitening – to instantly brighten and rejuvenate your smile
  • Snap on Smile – to instantly snap on a beautiful new smile over your existing teeth Whichever option you choose, we are available and happy to help you find the right one. Wishing you and your family a holiday season, filled with good health, happy times together and lots of smiles!

Q&A with Philip Orsino – Chairman, Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant

Philip Orsino - Ceviche Tapas Bar

Philip Orsino

Phillip Orsino is the Chairman of Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant, a Tampa Bay institution with locations in South Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Orlando and Sarasota.

With over 11O tapas options and full weekend brunch menu, Ceviche offers not only a unique dining atmosphere, but also one of the best dining values in Tampa Bay. And the sangria is delicious too!

Nosh recently had the chance to chat with Canadian-born Orsino from his home in Toronto, Ontario where he spends his time when he is not in Tampa Bay.

Nosh: What made you want to invest in Ceviche?
Orsino: It sounds corny, but I really enjoyed going to Ceviche for dinner. I saw a viable business interest and first got involved as an investor. We expanded to Sarasota and Clearwater and eventually I bought out my partner.

Nosh: What sets the Ceviche dining experience apart?
Orsino: It’s a great cultural experience. People enjoy our intimate environment by sharing Tapas, while taking in some live entertainment. It makes for a great night out.

Nosh: It seems like everyone has some sort of small plate offering, how is Ceviche different?
Orsino: We have over 110 tapas options. I’ve traveled (and eaten!) all around the world and I think that the food we serve is comparable to the food you’d find in Barcelona, Spain. It’s not just about serving small portions—lots of places are doing that. We offer a great wine list and an authentic Spanish experience that no other restaurants in town offer. The value of our dishes is unrivaled.

Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant

Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant

Nosh: So what in your opinion, is the key to success in the restaurant industry?
Orsino:You can have the best location, but it still comes down to the food. The quality of our food is very good and our Executive Chef, Antonio Escobar, works hard to make sure that every night we offer our customers a consistent product. There also has to be a passion for what you are doing. I have always enjoyed eating out and have a passion for it. Sharing a meal with good conversation and good wine gives people an escape from reality. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing people at the restaurant enjoying themselves, laughing and trying new things.

Nosh: So what are your favorite items on the menu?
Orsino: The tuna tartar and the paella are my favorites. The pork shanks with potatoes bravas was one of the first things that I ever ordered at Ceviche and I still love it!

Nosh: Do you have any plans to for new concepts?
Orsino: At this time, no. We are constantly staying abreast of what’s fashionable and innovating items on our menu—all the while focusing on our core values of offering our customers a full dining experience focused on food quality.


Gina Giradot Melton

Gina Giradot Melton

Gina Giradot Melton is a Tampa-based food blogger. Her blog, Zest: The Florida Foodie Insider’s Guide (www.ZestFloridaFoodie.com) documents her gastronomic attack on Florida via restaurant reviews, recipes and other bon vivant obsessions. She was born into a boisterous Italian family where food was paramount and early on, her Mom – an amazing pastry chef in her own right—fueled her interest by teaching her everything she could in the kitchen. Her goal is to give readers easy access to delicious food that’s a little bit off the beaten path and miles away from the many chains and tourist traps that proliferate Florida’s landscape. She can be reached at zestfloridafoodie@gmail.com

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