Greeting the New Year at the ripe age of 70 (1955 is my birth year), meant reflection of a particular type. At this stage of my life, it’s really good health and taking on better wellness habits, that are primary on my mind. I don’t weigh myself that often, but I did right after Christmas and discovered that I had gained 10 pounds from the last time I recall being on a scale, back in early 2025. This caused a frisson of worry and concern on my part. And I have to admit there was no way I could call it “a good increase of muscle, or ideal body mass.” I exercise regularly; but it’s tennis, so more cardio than weights and bulking up.

Beyond the increase in the surface, subcutaneous fat that’s visible around my belly and flanks, an analysis of my body mass and composition revealed a corresponding increase in my visceral fat – this is the deep belly fat that surrounds our internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Stored in the abdomen, we can’t see or pinch visceral fat; but it is active in the sense that it releases hormones and inflammatory chemicals that can negatively affect our body. Healthy for cushioning, but excess amounts can be dangerous; raising risks for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and even heart disease and certain cancers.

So yes, when clothed; I may still come across as relatively lean, and it looks like nothing much has changed – but I can’t deny that my trousers are more snug, and there are some pairs I’d use regularly, that now require me to inhale deeply to just close. Even some of the slim-fit shirts I would always purchase, now stretch along the buttons when I’m seated – and I personally hate that look in others, like you’re bursting out of the shirt you have on, the longganisa look.

Before the pandemic struck, I would do regular sessions at Marie France, Facial Care, and Svenson – they would be non-invasive procedures for my body, face and hair that I favored in order to augment my regular tennis/cardio of four to five times a week. That’s one hour of singles play with a trainer at 7 a.m., before I shower and head to work. Perhaps it was time I resumed those sessions, and discover what new therapies and services are now being offered, as it has been five years since those regular visits.

EndoSpheres therapy is a non-invasive body treatment that uses a device with rotating silicone spheres to create compressive micro-vibrations. These stimulate lymphatic drainage, improve circulation, reduces cellulite, tones muscles, and contours the body. The sensation when undergoing the treatment is like having a semi-deep massage, and it’s recommended that one does multiple sessions – up to two times a week, over two months minimum. It’s like simulating a vascular workout; achieved by stimulating blood flow and that aforementioned lymphatic drainage – flushing out toxins and excess fluids.

Another key benefit with EndoSpheres is that it breaks down fatty deposits and stimulates fibroblasts – thereby improving skin quality and texture. It’s painless and non-invasive – two important factors in my books! Men have such low thresholds for pain; and I like to say that so far, knock on wood, I’ve kept away from any invasive procedure.

My other issue, as I age, is hair loss and thinning. It’s come to the point that when you shine a light at the top of my head, one can see a lot of scalp. And when I come out of the shower, I can easily discern how the strands on the top have drastically been reduced. Luckily for me, it’s still not that obvious when my hair is dry… or maybe I’m just fooling myself. And sure, this issue may more to do with vanity than it does with health or wellness; but do allow me this indulgence.

At Svenson, I first consulted with their resident trichologist – a specialist in hair and scalp health, which one can elect to pursue when studying Dermatology. Issues such as dandruff, thinning, and falling hair are addressed after a microscope camera examines one’s hair shaft and scalp. The prognosis was to undergo a Scalp Corrective Treatment. What hair I had were healthy, but there was a lot of spacing in between shafts, plus there was build up around the roots. After the deep-cleansing scalp treatment, we could then decide what course to take to alleviate the hair loss – as I had said I was hoping to keep it non-invasive.

During these post-Christmas prodigal visits to the Marie France Group, I admit I regretted my “five years in the wilderness.” Don’t wait until the problem has reared it’s head; and you’re left with corrective and repair measures. Maintenance and prevention is the key; invest in that early on, and stick to the regimen.

I’ll keep you abreast of my progress, but this was a reminder of just how much truth there is in Benjamin Franklin’s “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” He may have uttered the proverb to promote fire safety, but it applies as well to health and life – how foresight and proactive measures carry as much weight as reactive remedies.