BQ on The Huffington Post

I have had several articles in The Huffington Post related to the BQ philosophy. Check them out and please comment so I may understand you thoughts.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-tornambe-md/plastic-surgery-narcissism_b_782293.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-tornambe-md/10-reasons-why-cosmetic-s_b_771366.html#s163917

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-tornambe-md/does-stress-make-you-ugly_b_750805.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-tornambe-md/accepting-your-genetic-de_b_733881.html

Accepting Your Genetic Destiny-An Important Clarification

I recently wrote an article for The Huffington Post, titled “Accepting Your Genetic Destiny” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-tornambe-md/accepting-your-genetic-de_b_733881.html

The premise of the article is that certain physical traits, good and bad, are passed on from generation to generation, affecting one’s physical appearance, or beauty. In the hereditary card game of life, each of us is dealt a genetic hand, and only YOU have YOUR combination of looks, personality and behavior. At the same time, you share those traits with some people on earth. You may look like your father but possess your mother’s charm and wit.

It is far healthier to accept your genetic destiny, than to yearn for a pretty nose like your girlfriend or perfect hair like your co-worker. The article urged readers to recognize the many wonderful qualities, both physical and emotional, that they have inherited from their parents.

The article received several comments from readers lambasting me for trivializing the problem of genetic diseases being passed on unintentionally from parent to child.

I had no intention of doing such a thing, as the purpose of the article was to address genetics and DNA, and their affects on beauty only. If I offended anyone, I apologize! I have a dear friend who has a genetic disease, and it breaks my heart to see how it affects her every day life. Yet her courage and tenacity also amazes and inspires me.

We must continue to seek out the cure to these awful diseases and in the meantime, embrace genetic testing.

Small Natural Breasts…A New Trend?!

Can it be? Is the pendulum of chic now swinging away from Grand Canyon sized cleavage, EE brassiere cup sizes and Victoria’s Secret models’ breasts falling out of their lingerie? Are smaller, natural, perky breasts the new trend? Possibly, let’s look at some recent developments.

Hollywood, the mecca of silicone gigantomastia, appears to be changing it’s tune about large fake breasts. Casting agents for the upcoming mega-sequal, Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 , banned actresses with breast implants, saying that only women with “lean dancer bodies and real breasts” would be considered. They were looking for true “Treasure Chests”, according to a recent article in the N.Y. Post.

Boutique brassiere shops are thriving around the country, offering non-padded bras that are comfortable and fit well. Women of all sizes are learning that a proper fitting brassiere will maximize the appearance of a woman’s breast. The smaller bras are flying off the shelves, as so many women are realizing that maybe more than a handful is truly a waste!

Even Heidi Montag, self proclaimed queen of the scalpel, who was so proud of her GG watermelons implanted less than a year ago, has decided that she would prefer to go smaller, rather than try for HH!

Look. the message that I am trying to convey here is breast implants and monstrous breasts are not for everyone! Do not let style experts or temporary trends influence your decisions. Just like fashion, conservative outfits, and smaller breasts, with or without implants, are likely to endure the test of time. You can always donate that awful dress you bought because it was in all the magazines to Goodwill, it is a lot more complicated with breast implants!

Sunscreen May Be Hazardous to Your Health? Baloney!

Well it is summertime, the most important time to use sunscreen daily, and the worst time to scare the general public about “possible” serious side effects from using it!

Recent Reports in the media quote a recent study saying that sunscreen containing Retinly Palmitate, a Vitamin A derivative, causes cancer in rats! Rats…NOT humans! Studies in the past discovered that Benzoyl Peroxide, the highly effective and widely used medication for the treatment of acne also caused cancer in rats. Further studies revealed that it was SAFE for humans! The present studies about sunscreen causing cancer are few, and more research needs to be done. Clinical evidence does document that sunscreen reduces skin cancer risk. We have years of solid research demonstrating that sunscreen clearly decreases skin cancer and we know that it’s an effective protection against cancer.

The other bogus scare going around is that by using sunscreen, you are preventing the body from manufacturing enough Vitamin D, possible causing weak bones. Very little UV rays are needed by the body to produce Vitamin D, easily obtained by very short stints in the sunlight when it is safest, early in the morning or later in the day. Also there are so many foods chock full of Vitamin D, like many dairy products, oily fish and fruits and vegetables. Daily reasonable consumption of these foods provide adequate amounts for your body even if you were locked in your windowless basement. If you are really phobic about the sun and don’t like the foods described, vitamins containing Vitamin D may be taken daily.

The bottom line. Use sun screen religiously( see previous blog)! It will help prevent skin cancer and help you avoid premature aging!

Read more: http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2010/06/15/dermatology-sussing-a-sunscreen-cancer-risk/#ixzz0uYEeX0DK

The Scoop About Sunscreen

Summer is here and it is time to remind everyone about the need to use sunscreens, and all the do’s, don’t's and misconceptions. First of all, the obvious; yes, a golden summer tan looks great, but the trade-off is premature aging and skin cancer! These effects can be minimized with some rational behavior regarding the use of sunscreens.

Let’s address the misconceptions. The SPF rating. What offers the most protection? SPF of 35, 50, 100? Confusing, at best! Theoretically, the SPF number, say 50, means that your skin will not burn (it blocks the sun’s UVB rays that cause sunburns) until it has been exposed to 50 times the amount of solar energy that would normally cause it to burn. However, there are several variables affecting that number. Those variables include time of day (high noon, when sun is hottest vs early morning or late afternoon), skin type of user(fair skin burns faster!), amount of sunscreen applied and frequency of application, how much you sweat, and the amount absorbed. Recent studies strongly question the effectiveness of sunscreens with SPF higher than 50 providing more protection that say one with SPF of 35 or 50. Finally the FDA is supposedly getting involved with the SPF controversy!

Considering all of the above, here is my recommendation. When outdoors for any length of time in the summer, find a sunscreen with a SPF of 35 to 50, and apply it 20 to 30 minutes prior to going out to allow absorption by the skin. Do not skimp! Apply generously, 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to the face alone! Re-apply every 2 hours, and more frequently if you are exercising and sweating a lot, or after swimming. Remember, Sunscreens block UVB rays only, the ones that cause sunburn! UVA rays from the sun cause skin damage and premature aging, and are unaffected by most sunscreens. Only those containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide partially block UVA rays. Of course, a big hat or tightly woven tee shirts will provide complete protection, so cover up after a while, and get the best of both worlds.

My next blog will address the issues of adequate Vitamin D (from the sun) and accusations that some sunscreens can be harmful. Hint, keep using sunscreens for now!

Why Are Women So Stubborn?

I hope the title got your attention! I have spent the last month at various venues in an effort try to get the word out about The Beauty Quotient Formula I have given interviews, appeared at health clubs and health fairs, and even participated at a charity benefit. My message is to try to get women to stop obsessing about their alleged “physical flaws” and instead identify those traits that are wonderful and unique to each of you. Remember, I am talking about positive physical and mental traits, the whole package! Then, fall in love with those traits, learn to accentuate them, and achieve your personal best. This breeds confidence, and there is no better beauty balm than that!

I was astounded by the reaction by so many women! They could not be convinced. They would not even care to discuss it. Too many still believe that shots of Botox, or a little liposuction here, or a little tuck there, is the path to success and happiness. Quick easy fix! Obviously, I am a proponent for plastic surgery, but for the RIGHT REASONS! We will never be comfortable and confident in our own skin unless we become proactive with regard to our own mental and physical beauty routines!

So stop following the trends and start blazing your own trail toward a better you. And if you see me at some event, please stop and at least listen to what I am trying to do. It may be the most important 5 minutes of your day!

Book Expo America-NYC

I spent the last two days at Book Expo America here in NYC. It is one of the largest book fairs and some 30,000 people from the publishing industry and related fields attended. For someone new to the field, it was a nice way to become acquainted with this large community, and I was able to meet some very interesting people, including other authors. I also got to visit with the people from Hay House, my publisher, and was able greet several people that I had spoken to, but never met in person.

The people from Sideways LLC, the designers of my author App, Dr. Tornambe, demonstrated their capabilities to interested parties at the fair using my App as an example. It really pops on the new I-Pad’s larger screen! I was interviewed by the folks at Book Expo America about the book and you can access that interview as a podcast starting anytime after June 1. Just look for it on their website, www.BookExpoCast.com/authors-studio. I will update further info when available. So Long for now.

A New App Called “Dr. Tornambe”

Apple has accepted our App, called “DR. Tornambe”. It is free and will serve as a link to our practice, Madison Plastic Surgery and the book. You can link to either website from the App. One feature lists most common plastic surgery procedures and a brief description, including pros and cons and photos. There are some fun features, including a interactive map marking future events and pertinent locations, such as hospitals where I am affiliated and office locations. It even marks the various cities where I went to school and trained to be a plastic surgeon (just in case I forget!). The calender will list all upcoming events pertaining to the book and the practice. It even links to our blog, twitter and face book accounts. Future plans include updating the App to be even more interactive. Please check it out!

If any anyone plans to attend The National Book Fair on May 26 and 27 at the Javits Center, please stop by booth 2335, and say hello. I will be there with the talented gang from Sideways LLC, the folks who designed the App. I hope to see you there.

Plans for a Personal BQ Evaluation

I am working on a new concept regarding The BQ. I plan to offer a private BQ consultation and plan of action. I am assembling a team of experts here in NYC, covering everything from life coach to hair and make-up specialists to personal trainers and dieticians, and even personal shoppers and style experts. I would meet with each individual, privately, to review and discuss their score after taking the BQ Quiz. Based upon those results, consultations with various members of the team would be scheduled to maximize that person’s BQ. Progress for each person would be carefully monitered weekly. It is still in the planning stages as we anticipate a Fall launch.

I am still trying to get the word out about the book, and I will be attending the National Book Fair next week to appear with the folks from Sideways.com. They designed the new phone App for The Beauty Quotient Formula, and they will feature it at the fair. They did a fabulous job, including numerous details about me and the book. We are awaiting approval and hopefully acceptance from Apple sometime soon. So keep your eyes open.

I am also looking foward to my next book party and signing in Washington, D.C. Will provide details soon.

A Busy Week!

Today marks the end of a busy week.

There were two book events this past week, a book signing party at The Port Washington Yacht Club on Long Island, and a book signing at Barnes & Noble bookstore here in Manhattan on E. 86th St. A short power point presentation by me entitled The Perception of Beauty Through The Eyes of a Plastic Surgeon preceded a discussion segment, followed by the signing. Both went well, although an eccentric lady heckled me during the question and answer period after the presentation. It worked out fine, and spiced up the event.

There are plans for another book signing event at Barnes and Noble and Equinox in Manhasset, Long Island in the near future. The DC book signing party has been tentatively scheduled for May 24th.

The exciting news is that Oprah.com has added our Healthy Vanity vs. Narcissism Quiz to their website. Just search the name of the quiz to locate it.

More to come-please keep checking the website. Check out our daily beauty tip, also on the website!