Flu Vaccinations Now Available to Reno, NV Residents. This Flu Season, Protect Yourself From This Serious Illness With a Flu Shot.

Happy fall to all. Snow already on Mount Rose is perhaps a sign of things to come. Fall means beautiful colors, cooler weather, cool new outfits and flu.

Flu season is as follows in Nevada…

H1N1 strain—all year long including summer; other strains may start as early as August and usually done by late May, heaviest months for flu are typically October thru March, but it varies from year to year.

But is it worth it? Who should have the flu shot?
Now before you make that decision, understand that the Flu is a serious illness and kills about 36,000 yearly in the US. H1N1 is year round. Other strains are present as well.

Flu Vaccination Update For Reno, NV Residents: If you are looking fro a flu shot, we have all 3 flu vaccination shots in stock—standard dose shot for ages 10-64, intradermal (tiny needle) for those aged 18-64 and high dose shot for the 65 and up crowd.It’s that time of year again, and you’re seeing signs all over the place encouraging Reno residents to get a flu shot. Since most insurances companies cover this vaccination, you can get a flu shot at our office in Reno, NV. To check coverage or to schedule a flu shot in Reno, NV, call our office at 775.473-0011.

Commonly Asked Questions About The Flu Shot in Reno, NV:
Q. Can I get the flu from a flu shot?
A. No. The shots do not have living virus and cannot transmit flu.

Q. I’ve got the sniffles; can I still get the flu shot?
A. Yes, but people with significant infections, like pneumonia or someone with a fever should probably wait until they feel well for a few days before a flu shot.

Q. Do flu shots save lives?
A. Definitely. Studies show a 48% reduction in all cause mortality (deaths) at 10 months after a flu shot compared to dummy shots.
Q. Flu shots are grown in egg yolks and I don’t like eggs. Is it safe to get the shot?
A. Yes. However, people with severe egg, feather or chicken allergies should not get the flu shot.

Q. Should people with poor immune systems, HIV or on steroids still get the shot?
A. Yes, it is especially important for them.

Q. I have diabetes and I know I’m supposed to get the flu shot. Are there other shots currently recommended for diabetics?
A. Yes, current vaccine recommendations for adult diabetics include hepatitis B series of 3, flu and pneumonia. Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis)
should be dosed every 10 years. At age 60 zoster (shingles) is also recommended.

Q. Will I have a co-pay to pay for a flu shot?
A. This is different and depends on whether you are having a medical visit with the Dr. the same day or just a flu shot. For most insurance there is one co-pay daily,
so if you have a medical visit co-pay that day there is no second co-pay due. Some insurances have no co-pay for flu shots even if you get only the shot that day.

Q. I have no insurance, what do you charge for flu shots?
A. $35 for the standard shot, $45 for the intradermal shot and $55 for the high dose shot.

Q. Does Dr. Van Reken get flu shots?
A. Yes, but only for the last 39 years in a row. I seldom miss work.

Q. I had a flu shot this year in April. Am I OK now?
A. No. Flu strains change often and the vaccine is changed every June. New strains are placed into the shot, but we still have H1N1 which has been the same for a few years now. You are only partly protected. Get a shot now and preferably each fall.

Schedule Your Flu Shot Appointment Today…
To schedule your flu vaccination, contact our office using our online scheduler or give us a call.

Calvin H. Van Reken, M.D. of Reno Sparks MedSpa Recognized as One of the Best Doctors In America ® for 2013.

Calvin H. Van Reken, M.D. has been named one of the Best Doctors in America ® for 2013. This recognition of excellence in medicine marks the first time Calvin H. Van Reken, M.D. has received this honor. When asked how he felt about being added to this year’s Best Doctors in America ® list Calvin H. Van Reken, M.D. simply commented, “I am always touched when a patient tells me they feel I am the best doctor in Reno but to know so many of my peers have recognized me as an expert in the field of internal medicine is a feeling I just can’t put into words”. Dr. Van Reken further stated, “Being named one of the Best Doctors in America for 2013 is truly an honor.”

To find out firsthand why Calvin H. Van Reken, M.D.’s patients often refer to him as the best doctor in Reno, call 775.473-0011 to schedule an appointment today.

The Best Doctors in America ® List, put together by Best Doctors, Inc., results from the polling of over 45,000 doctors throughout the United States. In a discreet and confidential review process, current physician listees answer the question, “If you or a loved one required a doctor in your specialty, to whom would you refer?” Best Doctors, Inc. evaluates the results and verifies all additional information to determine which doctors are chosen as One of the Best Doctors In America ®.

Best Doctors has earned a reputation for trustworthy, impartial results by staying completely independent. Doctors cannot pay to be featured in the Best Doctors database, nor are they paid to for their input. The list is a product of validated peer review, in which physicians who excel in their specialties are chosen by their peers in the profession.

Over the past 20 years, Best Doctors has earned worldwide recognition for its remarkable database of physicians. The Best Doctors per review process is strictly independent and impartial; only those doctors recognized as the top 3-5 % of their specialty earn the honor of being named one of the Best Doctors in America. The physicians who are a part of the Best Doctors in America database provide one of the most advanced medical proficiency and expertise to patients with serious health conditions– often saving lives in the process by discovering the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

About Calvin H. Van Reken, M.D., Internal Medicine / General Practitioner in Reno:

As an internal medicine doctor / general practitioner in Reno, Dr. Van Reken practices both family practice and cosmetic medicine. He takes an integrative approach to healthcare. From nutrition programs to treatments to help lower blood pressure, he offers a comprehensive solution to today’s healthcare crisis. Calvin H. Van Reken, M.D. also provides general medical care for conditions like arthritis, menstrual problems, contraception, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, depression, hormone replacement and thyroid problems. We believe strongly in a mainstream medical approach, but will often add diet and supplements based on a patient’s unique problems and blood test results.

But at his office it’s not just how you feel that’s important, it’s how you look too! That’s why Dr. Van Reken takes a whole body approach to helping you look and feel your best at any stage of life by integrating cosmetic medicine procedures such as the fractional CO2 Laser for Laser Facelift and Laser Eyelid Lift into his traditional medical practice. It’s for these reasons that Dr. Van Reken’s patients often refer to him as the best doctor in Reno…and now the honor is being extended by being named one of the Best Doctors in America for 2013!

If you’d like to improve the way you look and feel at any age, give Dr. Van Reken, referred to by his patients as the best doctor in reno, a call toll-free at, (775) 473-0011 or contact his office online to schedule a consultation.

Botox Specials & Botox Deals: Look Your Best for the Holidays and Save With This Cost Effective Wrinkle Treatment!

The holiday season is officially here! With the many office parties, family gatherings and New Year’s Eve parties just around the corner, everyone is in a hurry to look their best. Fortunately, thanks to a cost effective wrinkle treatment called Botox Cosmetics, it is now possible to smooth out deep facial lines and look younger before you welcome in the new year. And with our Botox Specials and Botox Deals, you can save money too!

Keep reading now to learn more about Botox Cosmetics or click here see our Botox Specials and Botox Deals to help you look your best this holiday season while saving a few dollars.

We also have some great holiday promotional offers on all our laser treatments including our fractional CO2 Laser and combination Juvederm / Botox deals. Appointments for our Botox Deals and Botox Specials can be made by calling our office directly at 775.473.0011 or visiting the Contact Us page.

What is Botox, Anti Wrinkle Treatment?
Botox is a purified protein derived from clostridium botulinum bacteria. When injected into a muscle, it acts as a nerve impulse blocker; in other words, it keeps muscles from contracting thus working wonders as a wrinkle treatment for on forehead creases, frown lines between the eyes, and crow’s-feet. Click here to see our wrinkle treatment, promotional offers and Botox specials.

Who can benefit most from these anti wrinkle injections?
Botox works best for what are known as dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic facial wrinkles are wrinkles that occur over time due to muscle contractions resulting from facial expressions such frowning, smiling or laughing. Click here now to see our wrinkle treatment promotional offers and Botox deals.

Are the results permanent?

The effects of Botox injects are not permanent lasting approximately 3 to 6 months. Therefore, to maintain results, the procedure must be repeated at that time. Click here to see our wrinkle treatment promotional offers and Botox specials.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

Once the area to be treated is mapped out, the actual injections themselves take only a few minutes to administer. Usually, a topical anesthetic cream is applied to the area prior to the procedure, the area becomes numb and there is no pain. Otherwise, patients just feel a needle prick. Click here to see our wrinkle treatment promotional offers and Botox deals.

How soon will I see results?

Botox typically produces noticeable wrinkle reduction in 5-7 days. As mentioned earlier, the results achieved last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. Click here to see our wrinkle treatment promotional offers and Botox specials.

Botox Specials, Botox Deals and Fractional CO2 Laser Promotional Offers : Look Your Best for the Holidays and All Year Long!
Once again, if you have just a few weeks to get ready for an upcoming seasonal parties and holiday celebrations don’t waist another minute, click here to see our Botox specials and look your best this holiday season.

We also have some great holiday promotional offers on all laser treatments including our fractional CO2 Laser and combination Juvederm / Botox deals.

If you would like to schedule an appointment, call our office today for a FREE consultation and put your best looking face forward with one of the most effective ways to reduce the appearance of wrinkles…Botox Cosmetics!

Discover How The Reno Sparks Medspa Laser Facelift Procedure, Using The Latest In Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Technology, Can Take 10 Years Off Your Appearance in a Matter of a Few Short Weeks!

If facial wrinkles or sagging skin is making you look older than you are or feel, attend our next FREE seminar at the Reno Sparks Medspa to learn how the Laser Facelift procedure using Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Technology, can improve the appearance of your skin without the risk or expense of surgery!

Door prizes and refreshments will be served as well as short video and lecture/demo on the CO2 Laser. You’ll also have a meet and greet opportunity to speak to existing patients who had the CO2 procedure done.

To learn more about this breakthrough in non-surgical cosmetic medicine, including the laser facelift cost and laser skin tightening cost, call 775.473-0011 to attend our next FREE Laser Facelift Seminar, with Dr. Van Reken at the Reno Sparks Medspa.

Conditons Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Technology Can Treat:
• Acne and Acne Scars
• Brown Spots & Sun Damage
• Large Pores
• Moles (flat and raised types)
• Melasma (superficial)
• Roughly Textured Skin
• Saggy Skin, including around the eyes
• Scarring including postoperative scars, laceration scars and acne scars
• Skin Cancer and Actinic Keratoses (Precancers)
• Sun Damage
• Rhinophyma
• Sebhorrheic keratoses
• Syringomas (if small)
• Nevi (moles)
• Warts
• Wrinkles both fine and deep

Learn More About The Laser Facelift Procedure and Conditions Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Technology Can Treat At This FREE Seminar. Call 1-775-473-0011 To Attend or To Schedule a FREE Laser Skin Tightening Consultation:
If you’re bothered by facial wrinkles, eyelid sagging, sun damage, dark circles around the eyes or considering a cosmetic surgical procedure, give our office a call at 1-775-473-0011 to schedule a FREE Laser Skin Consultation or to attend our FREE Laser Facelift Seminar to learn more about this breakthrough in non-surgical cosmetic medicine, including the laser facelift cost and laser skin tightening cost.

We also offer treatments for sun damage skin, deep facial wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, pigmented changes caused by over exposure to the sun or other signs of skin aging.

Fractional CO2 Laser Tightens Sagging Skin and Smooths Under Eye Wrinkles Without the Risk or Expense of Cosmetic Surgery!

Look at any awards ceremony or talk show, and undoubtedly you may notice celebrities who are looking younger in appearance. In the past, you’d be correct in assuming they’ve all had some form of cosmetic surgery but today that isn’t the case as many public figures such as Jennifer Aniston have said no to the scalpel and have turned to laser skin tightening technology to help tighten sagging skin and smooth under eye wrinkles.

This non-surgical, celebrity facelift secret known as Laser Skin Tightening or Laser Facelift, is now available at our Medspa…and at a price you don’t have to be a celebrity to afford. For a comparision of the non-surgical, laser face lift cost usng the Fractional CO2 Laser, versus a traditional surgical facelift click here now.

To schedule a FREE Laser SKin Tightening Consultation call today.

How does Laser Skin tightening work?

With microablative lasers (also called fractional lasers) like our Cynosure CO2 SmartSkin Laser, the skin is treated one micro portion at a time – repeated thousands of times. Each micro column receives just enough laser energy to vaporize the aged skin while also stimulating new collagen growth of surrounding tissue. It’s more than skin resurfacing, it’s deep skin rejuvenation. Immediately after the treatment, your body naturally starts working by replacing aged tissue cells with new ones. Shortly after the procedure, you will notice your skin to be visibly smoother, healthier and younger looking. Results will continue to improve over time. Patients can resume their normal active lifestyle in as little as one day. For a comparision of the non-surgical, laser face lift cost usng the Fractional CO2 Laser versus a traditional surgical facelift click here now or give our office a call at 866.740.5363.

How long will it take to recover from treatment?

Usually 3-7 days. This is an aggressive treatment and most patients will experience redness, oozing and mild swelling following the procedure. Following this there may be pink discoloration in the treated areas for a few weeks.

What is the most common reason clients get fractional CO2 laser resurfacing?

To markedly reduce wrinkles while improving sun damage as a side benefit.

I would assume the “laser peel” or laser facelift Jennifer Aniston and other celebrities have had were for this purpose as well. For a comparision of the non-surgical, laser face lift cost usng the Fractional CO2 Laser versus a traditional surgical facelift click here now.

Is there pain after the procedure, in the next week?

Generally none.

What kind of improvement will occur and when?

Surface skin changes occur rapidly. Skin will be tighter, smoother and firmer within a month. Sun damaged areas will have more even color quickly. However, tightening will continue to improve over a period of about 9 months as new collagen forms.

How long does the skin tightening last?

Most experts feel the tightening is permanent due to the collagen remodeling that occurs.

How much younger will I look?

This is different for each client. A typical result is an 8-10 year reduction in age appearance when laser treatment on the face is done on a highly effective setting so that a 55 year old may look 46 after treatment and healing is complete. Milder treatments can be done, but are not as effective. Healing is fastest, however, with milder treatments. Nonsmokers get slightly better results with this than smokers, which is also true of other laser therapies.

I am originally from Mexico, but I’m pretty light-skinned. Is this laser still safe for me?

Maybe. For skin of a typical Latino patient we’ll do a test spot. The major concern with darker skin is that the laser can produce dark spots after healing. We must confirm this is not occurring before treatment is offered. East Indians and African-Americans are often better served by other laser or other procedures, like our Matrix-RF skin tightening.

Does the Fractional CO2 Laser help with acne cysts and scars with a lot of red pimples?

Absolutely, but first we should calm down your active, reddened pimples. Once this is done your scars can be markedly reduced by this laser. For a comparision of the non-surgical, laser face lift cost usng the Fractional CO2 Laser versus a traditional surgical facelift click here now or give our office a call at 866.740.5363.

My friend had Fraxel laser treatments, but she needed 3 or 4 in a series. Is this Fraxel?

This is quite similar. Fraxel is a brand name, like Chevrolet. Fraxel technology is fractionated laser beams with treatment areas and skip areas. True Fraxel brand name lasers come in various wavelengths. They have 3 types of lasers. Most Fraxel machines require multiple treatments. They do have a Fractional CO2 laser as well which is similar to the SmartSkin.

I have loose skin around the face, neck and abdomen due to a weight loss surgery, a gastric bypass. Will this laser help tighten my skin in these three areas?

Yes, dramatically. It will often be all one needs on the first two areas. The abdomen sometimes needs surgical help as well, but this depends on the client’s particular situation.

Laser Facelift Cost: I’ve been considering a facelift, but it costs about 8x as much as a Fractional CO2 laser treatment. Could you compare the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Sure, for wrinkles alone facelifts are slightly more effective. However, many skin benefits of this laser therapy (such as sun damage removal or scar reduction) are not helped at all by a by a facelift.’s right. For a comparision of the non-surgical, laser face lift cost usng the Fractional CO2 Laser versus a traditional surgical facelift click here now or give our office a call at 775.473.0011.

Schedule a FREE Skin Care Consultation and Receive a Special Discount Price on Our Laser Facelift Procedure…

As an introductory special, for a limited time, we are offering a significant discount on our Laser Facelift / Laser Skin Tightening Procedure. To schedule a FREE Laser Skin Tightening Consultation, you can contact our office using our online appointment scheduler or give our office a call at 775.473.0011.

Acne Vulgaris is a disease of the skin that involves the hair and oil glands. It is characterized by pimples, black/white heads, reddishness and cysts.

Face acne can spoil your appearance to a great extent and body acne can really ruin your day by making you very uncomfortable. Considering acne as a minor problem, some people tend to totally discard the topic of acne skin care. However, the importance of this cannot be undermined in any way especially in the treatment of severe Acne Vulgaris.

Acne treatments like this are more about being proactive than reactive and should really start long before the acne actually appears. So let’s take a look now at how acne skin care can be applied to our daily routine.

Acne skin care starts with the most basic thing – cleanliness…so morning showers are the most basic way of keeping your skin clean. If you are living in a hot and/or humid place, a night shower becomes a must. In fact, a shower is recommended after any activity that causes high levels of sweat to develop. It’s a very effective treatment technique.

Besides that, you should also use a mild, water-soluble, oil-free and soap-free cleanser for keeping your face, neck and arms clean. Cleansing is the most important part of any acne vulgaris routine. Cleaners are the easiest and the most effective way of removing dirt, grease, pollutants and excess oil from your skin; thus reducing the probability of the occurrence of blemishes. There are various creams and lotions available over-the-counter. If you are looking for a physician grade acne skin care line, we offer PCA Skin Care Products. We feel they have the best acne treatment products.

It is also recommended to remove your make up using a make up remover, and this should happen before you go to bed (not in the morning). In the same sense, if you are a woman, it is also recommended that you clean your make-up brush and any equipment that you use on your body.

Acne skincare is also about wearing clean clothes and sleeping on clean pillows. Moreover, too tight clothes can cause sweat to accumulate quickly; so soft and comfortable cotton clothes are recommended, especially if you already have acne. In the same sense, it is also advisable to regularly clean your make-up brush and any equipment that you use on your body.

If you already have acne, do not try to touch them or squeeze them; it can lead to permanent scars. If you suffer from acne scars, we offer several treatment options including acne scar removal with Microdermabrasion and Acne Laser Treatment.

If these acne skincare tips don’t give you the desired results, you can contact our office to schedule a consultation or visit the acne section of our website to learn more about our medical acne treatment program including what we think are the best acne treatment products available today

The Reno Sparks Med Spa in Reno NV is delighted to announce the grand opening of their brand new Med Spa on Saturday, February 25th, 2012.

The new Med Spa in Reno has 8 patient and client treatment areas, beautiful new treatment tables for medical visits, laser work, physical exams, microdermabrasions and facials.

The decor is great and they now have 2,500 square feet.

At the Reno Sparks Med Spa they offer an extensive range of procedures to slow down or in some cases even reverse some of the undesirable effects of aging thanks to the latest breakthroughs in longevity and anti-aging medicine. From physician administered procedures such as Botox®, Juvederm®, Sclerotherapy and Laser Skin Resurfacing for acne scars and deep wrinkles to Mole Removal and Laser Hair Removal, their med spa services can now help you look and feel your best in a matter of weeks.

The new Med Spa in Reno is owned by well-respected physician Calvin H. Van Reken, M.D., who says, “Most of us would love to get rid of fine lines and facial wrinkles or at least soften them up a bit, but who wants to deal with the cost and pain associated with surgery in order to do it. Luckily, there are now some inexpensive, anti-aging skin treatments that don’t involve a plastic surgeon or a scalpel that we offer. At Reno Sparks Med Spa, your health and looks are our concern.”

So, if you’re bothered by facial wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, pigmented changes (age spots) caused by over exposure to the sun or other signs of skin aging, at the Reno Sparks Med Spa there are several surgery free options available for you. These services range from Botox, Photo-facial Skin Rejuvenation and Acne Scar Correction to Laser Hair Removal, Sclerotherapy and Laser Vein Removal. They even offer a full line of physician grade skin care products as well as Mole Removal and laser treatments for certain types of Skin Cancer.

This state of the art Med Spa in Reno, NV is holding its grand opening on Saturday, February 25th and to celebrate this they are offering area residents a FREE Look Younger Longer Skincare Consultation.

To claim your free skincare consultation please visit their website at renosparksmedspa.com or call toll-free (866) 648.6540. The fun starts at noon and goes until 5 pm. During that time they will be offering over 350 free prizes and gifts including free Botox, Vbeam laser services, facials, microdermabrasions, books, tapes & first aid kits!

There will also be a lectures series every 15 minutes on subjects including Botox, hypertension, migraines microdermabrasions, acne, sun damaged skin and many other topics.

Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Calvin H. Van Reken, M.D. and the team at Reno Sparks Med Spa are looking forward to welcoming both new and existing clients to their new facility.

Author: Calvin H. Van Reken, M.D.

55 Foothill Road, #1
Reno, Nevada, 89511

Telephone: toll-free (866) 648.6540

info@renosparksmedspa.com

After much planning and 17 years in Sparks we’re excited to announce that we’ve moved our office to a new location: 55 Foothill Road, #1 in Reno, Nevada.

Our old phone has even moved with us too! (775) 358-1717

The new office has 8 patient and client treatment areas instead of 3, beautiful new treatment tables for medical visits, laser work, physical exams, microdermabrasions and facials. The decor is great and we now have 2500 square feet.

Yes, we still offer internal medicine services and will continue to do so. We will be expanding our laser and cosmetic services due to our increased space.

If you accidentally end up at the old office the new one is just 18 minutes away.

We share the parking lot with The Squeeze In near South Virginia, The Grove, The Beauty Zone and The Whispering Vine.

We are about 0.9 miles south of the In and Out Burger and Pink Scolaris that are on South Virginia and about 200 yards south of the WinCo on South Virginia.

Our Grand Opening Event is 12 to 5 pm, Saturday, February 25th, 2012.

We’ll have over 350 prizes and gifts including free Botox, Vbeam laser services, facials, microdermabrasions, books, tapes & first aid kits! There will be a lectures series every 15 minutes about things like Botox, hypertension, microdermabrasions, migraines, acne, sun damaged skin and many other topics. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Direction to Our New Location:

Directions from the Spaghetti Bowl:
(I-80 and 395 junction): travel south (towards Carson) 6.5 miles and get off at exit 60 (South Meadows Parkway). Turn right (west) off the exit ramp onto South Meadows Parkway and get in the center lane, which has an arrow pointing straight ahead painted on it. Cross the light at South Virginia in 100 yards and go straight through. The road name changes at the traffic light from South Meadows Parkway to Foothill. After the light you are on Foothill. Turn right at the first driveway, only about 50 yards past the light at Virginia. You are now in the correct parking lot. Our building is separate from the others in the back near the barn (west end of parking lot).

The sign reads as follows:

RenoSparks Medspa
Calvin Van Reken, MD

Directions from Carson and Washoe Valley:
Travelling north on 395 you get off at exit 60 (South Meadows Parkway), but at the exit ramp turn left (west) onto South Meadows Parkway. You go under 395 and get in the center lane, which has an arrow pointing straight ahead painted on it. You’ll cross the light at South Virginia in about 150 yards and go straight through. The road name changes at the traffic light from South Meadows Parkway to Foothill. After the light you are on Foothill. Turn right at the first driveway, only about 50 yards past the light at Virginia. You are now in the correct parking lot. Our building is separate in the back near the barn (west end of parking lot).

The sign reads as follows:

RenoSparks Medspa
Calvin Van Reken, MD

We hope to see you at our Grand Openning Event on Feb. 25. from 12-5:00 pm.

To RSVP call (866) 648-6540