Albany Kripalu Yoga Center
6 Metro Park Road, Albany
454.9642; www.akyc.org
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Describe your business: We are the oldest and largest not-for-profit Kripalu affiliate in the world, having been in business for over 30 years. We offer over 50 classes per week in four locations–Albany, Schenectady, Delmar and Burnt Hills. Classes include Kripalu Yoga, Anusara Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, pilates, tai chi, KidsYoga, Pre-Natal Yoga, Mom & Baby, Tots ItsyBitsy and more. We offer a variety of workshops on yoga, health & wellness, stress reduction, chanting and community events. We also offer specialty classes for those with chronic medical problems, including people living with cancer, in conjunction with Gilda’s Club.
Our teachers are all certified yoga and pilates teachers through accredited programs. Most of our yoga teachers are Kripalu certified yoga teachers.
How did AKYC get its start? AKYC was founded in 1973 as the Kripalu Yoga Fellowship. It began in the living room of a yoga teacher’s home with five classes per week and has grown to a center with three yoga rooms and over 50 classes per week.
The wellness industry has exploded over the last few years. Why do you think this industry has become so popular? Yoga is part of a practice of health and wellness. Currently, we live in a culture of business and stress. The practice of yoga allows you to step outside of regular ways of being in the world and allow a space to rest and rejuvenate, spend time with your own body and take care of yourself.
What kind of classes will we be seeing in months to come? Since stress contributes to most disease, AKYC will continue to offer yoga and wellness programs that help reduce stress and promote healthy lifestyles. If you have never taken a yoga class or think you are not the “type” AKYC has a class for every body.
Capital Region Center for Dental Implants
100 Main Street, Cohoes
237.0019; www.marradmd.com
Owner: Dr. Frederick J. Marra, D.M.D., 51
How long have you been in business? Since 1981. This dental practice was founded by Dr. Harry Marra in 1941.
Describe your business: My dental practice focuses on all aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry with an emphasis on the utilization of dental implants. My staff and I have the background and knowledge to carefully coordinate and implement a sound, logistic approach to good oral health and oral cosmetic enhancement.
How did you become involved in the health & beauty industry? In today’s environment, cosmetic improvements in a patient’s smile must fulfill in both the maintenance and restoration of their health. I have been actively pursuing new advances in dentistry since my graduation.
Where did you receive your training? I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1980 and my graduate training from their Residency Program in 1981. I have reached the highest level of achievement in the Academy of General Dentistry, Mastership, and continue to pursue educational programs, allowing my office to take a full comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s care.
What types of treatments/procedures do you offer? Out of those, which do you perform the most of? We offer cosmetic bonding procedures, orthodontics for cosmetic enhancement, porcelain veneers, implant therapy, bleaching of the teeth, and some plastic surgical procedures of the gums for improved cosmetic appearance.
The health and beauty industry has exploded over the last few years. Why do you think this industry has become so popular? I think cosmetics are important today because many of us are conscious of our health and appearance, and we are willing to utilize the advancements in the world to sustain our youthful appearance and bolster our self-esteem and general well-being.
What beauty treatment do you think has the best results and is the most cost-effective? I think bleaching of the teeth and simple bonded composite restorations (fillings) are very reasonable in cost and can provide great results.
What kind of new treatments/procedures will we be seeing in months to come? I think the advances in dental implantology are occurring very rapidly and we will see many new advances and innovations in the months and years to come.
Catskill Dental Care
132 Jefferson Heights, Catskill
943.0920; catskilldentalcare.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm
Owner: Dr. Joseph M. Pilatich III, 39 and two associates Dr. Jamie Stauss and Dr. Stacey Russell.
How long have you been in business? 12 years
Describe your business: It’s a family dental practice with emphasis on cosmetics and implant technology.
How did you become involved in this industry? Practicing cosmetics and improving one’s smile makes me happy and fulfilled in my work and I believe one should do what makes them the happiest.
Where did you receive your training? I received my B.S. in Biology in 1988 from Siena College, my D.D.S. from the University of Maryland in 1992, completed a General Dental Residency at the Albany V.A. in 1993, and completed a mini-residency in Prosthetic Dental Implants from the University of New Jersey Dental School in 1996. I studied at The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Training, and am currently the only Las Vegas Institute graduate in the Capital District. This distinction is for those who have completed Advanced Functional Aesthetic, Comprehensive Reconstruction, Full Mouth Reconstruction as well as Occlusion 1-3. I, along with Dr. Gary Wadhwa and Dr. Paul Johar, are mentors for Nobel Biocare Implant Systems which entails giving instruction to other colleagues.
What types of treatments/procedures do you offer? Our office offers all types of dental procedures from general dentistry to full mouth rehabilitation.
The health & beauty industry has exploded over the last few years. Why do you think it has become so popular? In an era of riding high on the accomplishments of body aesthetics, cosmetic dentistry is quietly delivering astonishing life altering effects. Just turn on the TV and one can find a variety of “make-over” reality television programs featuring smiles that show off dental veneers and other beautiful smile enhancements. A recent study published in the Journal of Dentistry, reported that smile-makeover patients feel more “at ease in social settings, having the confidence to express opinions, being more sociable and greeting people spontaneously.”
What treatment do you think has the best results and is the most cost-effective? Porcelain veneers on the upper teeth (usually 8-10). With a large population being partially or totally edentulous, implants will become much more widely used. They are highly successful when placed correctly and improving chewing capacity enormously especially for those with ill-fitting dentures.
A Sacred Space
542.8795 or 347.1183
Hours: By appointment
Owner: Cindy E. Barg, M.Ed.
How long have you been in business? For at least 18 years I have operated a private practice in NY, Cape Cod and Florida.
Describe your business: I do individual counseling and I design and facilitate workshops throughout the country and abroad. I offer, but am not limited to counseling in death and dying, catastrophic illness, divorce, self-empowerment, and getting beyond life’s “stuff.”
How did you become involved in the wellness industry? I was extremely fortunate to have participated in a multidisciplinary setting years back where I trained as a psychotherapist for chronic pain. It was an environment that spoke to treating the whole person, utilizing various techniques (counseling, acupuncture, massage, nutritional analysis, lifestyle) toward wellness.
Where did you receive your training? I have acquired a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from the University of Massachusetts.
What service do you think has the best results? It is more experiential. When I do workshops people realize they are not alone. It helps a client to participate so they feel part of the experience and that helps in the healing process. I can only do so much behind closed doors. I am a guide, but they must do the work to get the best results. All of their answers lie within and when that well becomes tapped, amazing results can take place.
What kind of new workshops will you be offering in the coming months? I will be doing a workshop (in February or March 2006) on how to be intimate without sex, for men only.
Dr. Christopher J. Lyons, DMD, PLLC
Dr. David M. Delaney, DMD
Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
476 Albany-Shaker Road
Loudonville, NY 12211
438.6800
How long have you been in business? Dr. Lyons 16 years; Dr. Delaney 31 years.
Describe your business: We offer cosmetic dentistry, including bleaching, veneers, bonding, implants, metal free dentures and all general dentistry. Our family dentistry includes cleanings, digital X-rays, intra oral cameras and sealants.
We’ve created a homelike atmosphere in the newly built office, staring in the waiting room, which is decorated with comfortable chairs and sofas. There are TV screens in every room for the patients to view during procedures, and a large playroom is available for small children and their parents. Coming soon, will be a spa feature where patients can receive paraffin hand treatments during their visit, free of charge.
How did you become involved in the health & beauty industry? We both believe the link between health and beauty starts with your smile.
Where did you receive your training?
Dr. Lyons: Temple University School of Dentistry, 1989; VA Hospital Albany, General Residency 1990.
Dr. Delaney: St. Michael’s College, 1967; University of Pennsylvania 1974.
Out of the treatments you offer what is the most popular? Bleaching –the results are fantastic.
The health & beauty industry has exploded over the last few years. Why do you think it has become so popular? People are interested in their appearance now more than ever, especially people between the ages of 40 and 60. Their smile is very important to them.
What procedure do you think has the best results and is the most cost-effective? Bonding and bleaching can make someone’s smile look better immediately. In some cases, it looks like the patient had years of orthodontics all in a one-hour appointment.
What kind of new treatments/procedures will we be seeing in months to come? The use of digital X-rays has revolutionized dentistry. They’re more accurate and diagnostic, and use less radiation. Bleaching products that are guaranteed to work and last. Painless, short visits due to new high speed fiber optic drills. Lasers will soon be introduced to the office.
Gooding Skin Systems
296 Wolf Road, Latham
783.0163; www.skinsystems.com
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-7pm; Saturday 10pm-5pm
Owner: Thomas and Nancy Gooding. There are also three estheticians and a nail technician.
How long have you been in business? 25 years
Describe your business: Gooding Skin Systems is a full-service salon specializing in facials, anti-aging treatments such as glycolic treatments, micro-dermabrasion, opti-clear light therapy and more. We also offer manicures and pedicures, hair removal (waxing and IPL), and for the sun worshipers there is spray on tanning.
How did you become involved in the health & beauty industry? Nancy has extensive training in all aspects of skin care–she has been in the business for 33 years. She also has a passion for perfection–not just in the service we provide, but also in making that person feel great about their experience with us. Because we are a small family-owned business, we are able to give our clients that personalized touch that they deserve. People are living longer–they are more active and as a result they want to look as good as they feel. The treatments are now available to help them do that.
What beauty treatment do you think has the best results and is the most cost-effective? The secret to good skin is exfoliation. Micro-dermabrasion is the best treatment for that. It exfoliates the surface layers and helps promote celluar rejuvenation. As a result the skin looks younger and more vibrant. It is cost effective, non-invasive, has no down time and is effective with all types of skin.
Hair Loss Control Clinic
4 Avis Drive, Latham
220.1500; www.hlcconline.com
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-5pm; Tuesday, Thursday 9am-8pm; Saturday 10am-2pm.
Owners: William C. Blatter, 42; Brian R. Hempstead, 43. Michael S. Albert, M.D. is the medical director.
How long have you been in business? 18 years.
Describe your business: We are a medical hair loss clinic. We provide individualized treatment plans for your unique hair loss treatment concerns, offering a wide variety of hair loss products and service options. These include a revolutionary patented Laser for Laser hair therapy, which was named Time magazine Invention of the year. We also provide higher strength FDA proven products (Propecia & Rogaine), as well as unique products such as: HairScripts Complete, herbal alternative to Propecia and vitamins for hair loss. We can also recommend hair restoration surgery, laser treatment, cosmetic enhancement and hair replacement. Our products are so good that over 100 clinics buy their hair loss products from the Hair Loss Control Clinic.
How did you become involved in the industry? My good friend Brian Hempstead who has a 20-year medical back ground owned part of the company and gave me the products to help my hair loss because I was helping him with his website. I got back all the hair I had lost for the past five years and was so impressed I bought out his partner.
Center for Integrative Health and Healing
388 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
(at the Four Corners)
689.2244; www.cihh.net
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Evening times are available by appointment
Owner: Dr. Ronald Stram, M.D. is the director and founder of the Center for Integrative Health and Healing. On staff is Rebecca Rice L.Ac. (Licensed Acupuncturist), M.S. and Christopher Reilly L.Ac. M.S.A., C.C.H.M. Other colleagues include Alison Finger, ND, Diana Gribben, LMT and Connie Barber, RN, QTTP, CHTP.
How long have you been in business? Almost three years.
Describe your business: We are an integrative center with a team of practitioners working closely and collaboratively to enhance the health and wellbeing of our clients. We have licensed professionals practicing integrative medicine, naturopathy, therapeutic massage, healing touch, western and Chinese herbs, homeopathic remedies, nutrition, acupuncture, physical medicine, Reiki, Tui Na, guided imagery and more. We are also trained in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, an approach that focuses on beauty from the inside out. We see patients for many reasons including pain, infertility, menstrual irregularities, digestive disorders, depression, anxiety and chemotherapy support. We practice alongside traditional doctors providing a truly progressive form of healthcare.
How did you become involved in the health & beauty industry? Our involvement in healthcare was, and still is, pursued as a passion to understand and support the natural life processes of the human community.
Where did you receive your training? We (Rebecca and Christopher) earned our Master’s degrees in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, one of the most prestigious and largest schools of natural medicine in the country. We received our Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture training from its pioneer, world-known acupuncturist Virgina Doran, L.Ac., LMT.
Out of the treatments you offer, which is the most popular? We perform acupuncture more than any other procedure. We also use Chinese herbs, non-insertion acupuncture, meridian heat therapy and a system of acupressure called tui na.
The health & beauty industry has exploded over the last few years. Why do you think it has become so popular? Part of it is due to the blessings of abundance that we enjoy here in the United States. A large percentage of the population is comfortable enough to have room in their lives for the consideration of things like beauty. Another reason is the youth obsession of our culture.
What beauty treatment do you think has the best results and is the most cost-effective? Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, of course! But, of course, there is no one treatment or magic bullet that can do it all. A healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and a luminous spirit in collaboration with beauty-specific techniques such as acupuncture are the keys to success.
Northeast Spine & Wellness
Main office: 2 Emma Lane Clifton Park, 371.4800
2nd office: 2038 Broadway Schenectady, 374.4540
Hours: (Clifton Park) Monday-Wednesday 7am-1pm and 3pm-7pm; Tuesday & Thursday 2pm-6pm; Friday 7am-1pm; Saturday 8am-11am.
(Schenectady) Tuesday and Thursday 8am-12noon and 2pm-5pm.
Owner: Dr. Joseph S. Gulyas, chiropractor, is the director of Northeast Spine & Wellness. Mary Ann Gulyas is the office manager.
How long have you been in business? Dr. Gulyas has been a chiropractor in Clifton Park since 1988. In 2004, we reformed the practice into Northeast Spine & Wellness moving into a new facility and bringing along other friends to help them to deliver holistic health to the community in a caring atmosphere.
Describe your business: We are a full-service facility offering a variety of health and wellness programs such as chiropractic, acupuncture, Reiki, massage, cranial sacral, holistic counseling, lifestyle coaching, therapeutic exercise and nutritional and diet analysis. Weekly yoga, fitness, meditation and anti-aging classes are also offered.
Where did you receive your training? Dr. Gulyas is a graduate of Skidmore College and New York Chiropractic College. He continues his training every six months to stay on top of the latest technology.
Out of the services you offer, which is the most popular? Chiropractic care is an answer to good health and longevity and that remains integral to our work. We perform a “wellness review” to determine a person’s level of health and determine which procedures and treatments are needed. We will also give advice on nutritional information, exercise and proper breathing. Although we offer a variety of treatments, our mission is to get people to understand that health and beauty is simple.
The wellness industry has exploded over the last few years. Why do you think it has become so popular? The paradigm is beginning to shift on behalf of society’s awakening that health is not a “quick fix” in a bottle. Rather, health is simple and basic. There really are no expensive shortcuts. It is a lifestyle and the understanding that we can live to 100 years old unless we get in the way.
V. Pilar Arthur-Snead–Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant
Albany, 330.4085
www.marykay.com/varthur
Hours: Monday-Saturday by appointment only.
Owner: V. Pilar Arthur-Snead, 33
How long have you been in business? I began my Mary Kay business in February of 2001. Mary Kay, Inc. has been in business for 42 years.
Describe your business: I teach proper skin care and color cosmetic application through private one-on-one consultations or get-togethers of two or more women. I offer my customers quality products, the opportunity to try-before-you-buy, as well as a personalized shop-at-home experience, all backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. I strive to offer many ways for women to look, feel and be their best.
How did you become involved in the health & beauty industry? I was planning my wedding and did not wear a lot make-up. I was mortified at the idea of going to a make-up counter so I began searching the web for an alternative and discovered Mary Kay. I was so impressed with my sales director and everything she shared with me that I began my business the next day!
Where did you receive your training? I attend weekly training in Albany and both national and regional training sponsored by Mary Kay, Inc.
What services do you most recommend to your clients? Women are typically interested in a customized skin care regimen and in advanced color application techniques. I can suggest a skin care regimen, which will meet the essentials for healthy-looking skin and foundation shades and color cosmetics to meet every woman’s lifestyle needs.
The health and beauty industry has exploded over the last few years. Why do you think this industry has become so popular? There has been a great deal of scientific research dealing with the mechanisms of the skin, and creating products to aide those mechanisms during the aging process. I believe consumers are savvier about the products they buy and will invest in those products that have a direct impact on their everyday life.
What beauty treatment do you think has the best results and is the most cost-effective? The TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set offers instant gratification by fighting lines and wrinkles and offering smoother skin immediately!
What kind of new treatments/procedures will we be seeing in months to come? Mary Kay is above the curve with on-trend cosmetic colors and skin care.
Teresa Figueroa’s Skin Care & Make-Up Studio
1229 Central Avenue, Albany
438.3280;
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm; Friday 10am-3pm and Saturday by appointment only.
Owner: Teresa Figueroa
How long have you been in business? Over 15 years.
Describe your business: My business consists of skin care procedures, make-up applications and retail of the products that I use on my cliental. I am a professional make-up artist and have the ability to work with all women to help them discover their true beauty and youthfulness inside.
How did you become involved in the health & beauty industry? I always had an interest in how our physical and spiritual well-being is expressed in how we look and feel. I was particularly interested in skin–our largest organ and an outer reflection of our inner selves. I studied cosmetology and worked for a while at the cosmetic counter of department stores. My interest in finding ways to integrate the best of Eastern philosophy, natural wellness practices and traditional Western medicine began when my son developed some serious chronic health issues. Following that path has lead me to explore how to blend the best of each of those traditions into effective and common sense care for the complexion as an integral part of the whole person.
Where did you receive your training? When I first became involved in the industry I apprenticed under a Swedish esthetician. I then began a more extensive training program at Alfred State University and became certified in all areas of esthetics. I have also trained with the top make-up artists from Miami, Hollywood and NYC. In recent years, I have studied pera-medical esthetics. I also continue to attend training classes on a regular basis.
What types of treatments/procedures do you offer? Out of those, which is the most popular? I offer microdermabrasion, facials, peels, facial waxing, eyebrow shaping, pre and post operative make up application, bridal make-up and every day make-up application. The most popular treatment is microdermabrasion with peels.
The health & beauty industry has exploded over the last few years. Why do you think it has become so popular? I think it’s due to the fact that women are much more mentally young than in past years. They want the latest and greatest to help them look more youthful and feel better about themselves.
What beauty treatment do you think has the best results and is the most cost-effective? Microdermabrasion and peels show the best results on softening the texture of the skin, which results in a brighter, firmer looking skin.
What kind of new treatments/procedures will we be seeing in months to come? Soon, I will be offering light therapy treatments, anti-oxidant and anti-aging treatments.