Aging with Grace
America is a land in a hurry, a country where youth and beauty have always been exalted. Even in the 19th-century folk song, “Ole Dan Tucker” is advised to “get out the way” of those too busy to deal with an old man who “just stands there looking.”
The compulsion to preserve health and beauty has only intensified in recent years and science has risen to the cause. In 2011 alone, Americans spent $10.4 billion on cosmetic surgery, a number that continues to rise. Annually more than $1.2 billion is spent on liposuction, $800 million on hair transplants and $11 billion on vitamins and supplements.
The desire to remain youthful can even be seen as a necessity in a society where workers can begin to experience ageism their 40s and 50s.
On October 5th at 2:30PM, the Litchfield Women’s Forum will explore the concept of Being Your Best Self – Now and Always! at the Litchfield Community Center. Among the experts speaking will be Dr. Alicia Zalka of Dermatology Associates of Western Connecticut; Dr. Amir Nasir who practices cosmetic surgery at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington; Carla Angevine, a nutritional counselor at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital; and Tonya Benvenuti, program coordinator and trainer at the Litchfield Athletic Club. They will discuss the latest methods for optimal health and beauty at any age and the changing attitudes towards aging. The program will be moderated by Joseph Montebello.
Dr. Zalka is on the staff at Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital and past president of the Connecticut State Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Society. She has been interviewed on issues pertaining to skin health by many national publications and news outlets including: Family Circle, Glamour, The New York Daily News, the Associated Press and on ABC News.
She frequently lectures and leads workshops on topics pertaining to skin health, including to teens about the dangers of tanning beds. She was responsible for implementing the Connecticut Tanning Bill, which requires those under age 16 to have parental permission to use tanning beds.
Dr. Nasir is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who has performed thousands of plastic surgery procedures. He received the Top Plastic Surgeon Award for two years in a row by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. Nasir specializes in all aspects of cosmetic surgery, including facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, body contouring, fat transfers and liposuction. He is also interested in the distinct needs of men when it comes to cosmetic surgery.
Carla Angevine is a registered dietitian nutritionist and is the clinical nutrition manager at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington. There, she is responsible for providing medical nutrition therapy to inpatients and intensive behavioral nutrition counseling to outpatients.
She has been active in CHH’s community initiative; Fit Together, and developed an eight-week nutrition and movement program for at risk children.
Tonya Benvenuti, general manager of the Litchfield Athletic Club, has been in the fitness industry for 17 years. She has certifications in programs ranging from youth to senior fitness with a focus on whole body fitness and keeping people moving.
