Meet Dr. Fabian Lopez, Anti-Aging Expert.

“Dr. Fab” is a high profile physician, speaker and noted anti-aging and wellness expert based in Miami's South Beach. Dr. Fab has a private practice and multi-specialty aesthetics clinics that host quite an A-list of VIP clientele.

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Dear Dr. Fab,

With the weather so unpredictable, I can barely get out of bed to exercise. How can I motivate myself to get out and kick butt?

During a cold winter, getting up and getting started was sometimes the last thing I wanted to do. The key to keeping yourself motivated is to be prepared and find exercise routines that will interest you. Being prepared means packing a gym bag the night before, making sure your gear is ready to go and allowing yourself enough time to make it to classes and workouts. It’s easy to skip exercising when you’re already running ten minutes late and you haven’t even packed a lunch for work yet.

The important point to keep in mind is to keep your workout routines varied and explore different types of exercises during indoor months. Joining a health club can keep your interest piqued and provide you with the support you need to get you motivated when you are feeling under the weather. Colder months also offer great opportunities for activities to do on the weekends that you can’t enjoy the rest of the year: skiing, snowboarding, sledding and ice skating all burn calories. Just be careful when you are outside and protect your skin and face from cold air. Sure, it’s easy for me to say “forget about the gray skies and get moving” from Miami Beach, but trust me, you’re body will be much happier once spring rolls around.

Dear Dr. Fab,

My resolution this year was to lose 10 pounds. Well, I’m already a few months in, and I haven’t lost pound one! How can I stick to my resolution and make it work?

Last year, I made a resolution to run the Boston Marathon. By March, I had already given up jogging and gone back to biking. Why? Because I realized that I hated running (and I wasn’t too crazy about Boston either!). The point is, I sometimes make my goals just a little too unrealistic. Once I slipped up (which was inevitable), it was easy to just disregard the whole mess and plan for next year.  So how did I get out of this rut?  I started making my goals more realistic by breaking them down into smaller tasks. You say that you want to lose 10 pounds and haven’t lost a single one yet; maybe instead of resolving to just lose that weight, anyway anyhow, why not resolve to review your food choices and start eating healthier?  To cut out high-risk foods and beverages like soft drinks and junk food?  You could also make a commitment to be more active during the day or join a gym. Reducing portion sizes and increasing physical activity is the healthiest and most effective way to weight loss, and it’s easier to see your goals when you have a clear purpose instead of a vague idea of wanting to lose weight.  Getting support can also help you work towards your goal, so find diet buddies, family or friends with whom you can share your progress.  As for my resolution for 2008?...Stop making impossible resolutions!

Dear Dr. Fab,
I live in Phoenix, and never leave my house without applying sunscreen. But does it really matter what SPF I use?

Aaah, SPF and I have a long, loving relationship.  Without it, I would have looked like a John Wayne years ago (no offense to the Duke!).  These days, you can get products with SPF of 80 or higher.  SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. This is basically the amount or degree of UV ray protection the sunscreen supplies.  The higher the number, the more protection you get from the sun's damaging effects.  Technically speaking, SPF 15 to 20 will supply you with the maximum amount of protection available from any sunscreen.  Sunscreen needs to be applied liberally (one ounce at least) and regularly (half an hour before heading out and about every two hours in the sun). Studies have found that people who used a higher SPF often had a false sense of security and didn’t apply as much or as often as necessary, leading them to literally "get burned" later on.  So again, for emphasis: LIBERALLY and FREQUENTLY.

Dear Dr. Fab,

I always get so depressed during the winter. Why is that, and what can I do about it?

I’m sorry to hear that you are depressed. My initial advice is for you to get outdoors as much as possible (be sure to keep using sunscreen).  Even if it’s overcast outside, open up the shades and get moving.  Winter blues may be caused by the shorter days because lack of light can disrupt natural serotonin levels, which in turn affect mood and behavior.  Exercising on a regular basis can also improve your mood; ideally, you’d be doing this outside, but even if you visit a health club or workout in your home, exercise can naturally lift spirits in as little time as 15 minutes.  However, if you find yourself suffering from the winter blues intensely or it’s really disrupting your day-to-day life, talk to your doctor about your symptoms.  You might be a candidate for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can often be treated with light therapy.

Dear Dr. Fab,
How can I take care of my rough, dry skin during the winter? 

Many of my patients travel extensively and split their time between the tropics and colder climates.  Returning to cold weather can stress skin and lead to dryness, emphasize fine lines, and aggravate pre-existing conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. I recommend you apply a non-greasy moisturizer within a few minutes of showering or washing, and use hand creams and lip balms regularly.  Kiehl’s moisturizing products are great, and I have always believed in spending extra for a high-quality product; the results can be dramatic over time.

And, once again, don’t forget sunscreen!  You might not think its necessary during colder months, but the sun’s rays can reflect off of snow and other surfaces and do just as much damage (or more) to your skin.  In fact, using a moisturizer that contains appropriate SPF is a great bet.  Keep exposed skin protected from wind chill and low temperatures by covering up with a hat, scarf, gloves and a well-insulated coat.  And of course, drink plenty of water…this helps moisturize skin from the inside out and keeps you hydrated.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information on this site is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure or treat any medical or other condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider any questions you may have regarding a new fitness or diet program or medical condition. Please also be advised that the nutritional and other information on this site is specifically intended for adults and does not apply to those under the age of eighteen.