NatNews

It’s quite possible you’ve recently seen surprising (or maybe even haunting or shocking) images or videos of influencers or perhaps people you know wearing masks with red lights glowing behind them. The red light therapy trend has become more popular lately for its promise in treating wrinkles, redness, acne, scars, and additional signs of aging.

There is still ongoing research as to its effectiveness for various health uses, but it is believed that red light therapy essentially works by acting on the “powerhouse” (mitochondria) in your body’s cells. With an increase in energy, other cells can work more efficiently (e.g., repair skin, boost new cell growth, and enhance skin rejuvenation). Additionally, certain cells absorb light wavelengths and are stimulated to work. Its popularity, however, doesn’t seem to be solely the result of science and research.

“No doubt about it, red light therapy is all the rage right now,” Dallas resident and owner and founder of Cryo1one Kelly Carden said. “A lot of credit goes to wellness and beauty influencers for educating the general public on the benefits of red light and to manufacturers for making home-use products so that people can put it into their daily lives without having to go anywhere.”

Cryo1one offers contour red light therapy as part of its services for individuals seeking to slim down, recover from soreness, or simply feel better. Red light therapy is also used medically to treat certain skin conditions, including skin cancer, psoriasis, acne, warts, and other types of cancer.

“Red light has been widely accepted for its benefits of skin health, which is our largest organ in the body,” Carden said. “However, there are so many other benefits.”

Such potential advantages include body contouring as a result of reduction in fat cell size; temporary relief in muscle and joint pain, arthritis, and other related issues; improved circulation; enhanced recovery as a result of supported cellular repair and energy production; and a sense of calmness and relaxation after use.

Many athletes have also begun incorporating this method into their lives to help with recovery in their respective sports. Dallas-area resident and avid runner Emmanuel Amadi said his first experience using red light therapy was in 2021, mainly out of curiosity. It is now one of his supplemental tools he implements for inflammation control, as needed, approximately once every three to five months.

“It personally provides an almost immediate relief in inflamed muscular areas,” he said. “After each red light therapy session, aches in my calves reduce noticeably. According to research, it speeds up blood circulation and tissue repair.”

Amadi said he believes red light therapy has become a more common method many individuals employ because of its time-efficient and non-invasive factors.

“The LED works to penetrate through the skin layers without force or pain, compared to massage therapy, cupping, or dry needling,” he said. “Also, unlike most recovery tools, this infrared LED device is easily accessible, durable, and affordable. One can use it during a workout right at home. It’s also especially useful for quick post-workout recovery. I encourage anyone to be curious and try to utilize it before a long run or a race.”

Like Amadi, Dallas resident Sabra Hanson, who practices yoga and competes in triathlons, appreciates the improvements she feels after using red light therapy. She started regularly using this form of treatment three months ago and now does so approximately three or four times each week. She said it has helped her significantly with enhanced muscle repair post-training.

“I have personally noticed a quicker recovery between training sessions,” she said. “I also get better sleep and have lower anxiety, increased white blood cell counts (strengthened immunity) in my labs, hormonal changes for the better, and less chest pain from acid reflux.”

Hanson said red light therapy also proved to be beneficial for her after a cycling accident she experienced.

“It helped speed up my recovery from broken ribs and a radial bone,” she said. “I highly recommend it for anyone to try.”

An important note of which Carden wants to remind people is that not all red light machines are built the same. She said home-use machines have smaller wavelengths that aren’t as strong, and while they still deliver benefits, they are not as effective as commercial-strength red light machines.

“Also, the pro tip to red light therapy is that you want to be as close as possible to it so that it can effectively penetrate the skin,” she said. “People with darker skin tones may need to go 30 minutes instead of 25 minutes, as their skin takes longer to penetrate.”

While this form of treatment has several benefits for many individuals, Carden said pregnant women, children (those under the age of 16), individuals who have cancer, people with photosensitive conditions, those who take medications that suggest avoiding strong lights, and people with eye disorders are advised to avoid its use.

“Red light therapy is incredibly powerful and can help accomplish so many wellness goals,” she said. “However, there are certain people who should not do it, and if you’re ever concerned, it is always best to consult a doctor.”

In 1936, John Steinbeck’s dog, Toby, ate the author’s first draft of Of Mice and Men. Steinbeck restarted the well-known tale, and it was published in February 1937.

Some individuals who obtain undergraduate degrees in their specific fields of study opt to continue their educational pursuits by earning master’s degrees—but they often do so later in life and not immediately after their undergrad years. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average age of individuals completing their master’s degrees in the U.S. is 33.

Going back to school as an adult with a full-time job and established lifestyle can often present challenges, including trying to balance rigid schedules and deadlines that often conflict with one another. Dane Sebring, who lives in Washington, D.C., recently earned his graduate degree in computer engineering from Virginia Tech. As a military service member, Sebring said he spent several years with a demanding overseas deployment schedule, but when he relocated to D.C. and assumed a more manageable work pace, he figured it would be an ideal time to return to school. That didn’t mean it was easy, though.

“A full-time job in a data science shop and full-time academic load left zero time for social engagements,” he said. “I would go months without seeing anyone outside of work or school. I studied all day Saturday and Sunday and only took breaks to eat or do house chores.”

Re-entering the classroom setting, whether online or in person, can also prove to be difficult for those who have been removed from the learning environment for quite some time.

“The biggest academic challenge was remembering some of the advanced math I needed for an engineering program,” Sebring said. “Thankfully, there is a ton of helpful content on YouTube.”

Like Sebring, Dallas-area resident and teacher Megan England chose to pursue a graduate degree years into her career. She obtained her Master of Education — Curriculum and Instruction from Southeastern Oklahoma State as part of achieving one of her bucket-list items and with encouragement from her fiancé, who had just completed his MBA. Throughout her journey, England faced some unique difficulties based on her own timeline she created for herself.

“My biggest issue was personal,” she said. “I wanted to complete my two-year master’s program in eight months. It required a lot of organization, discipline, and insanity. I had to work on three classes while on vacation.”

But England was able to draw on inspiration from a beloved unapologetically fierce and highly ambitious Gilmore Girls character.

“I channeled Paris Geller and girlbossed it,” she said.

Paige Ryder Celuch, former Dallas resident who now lives in Cincinnati, recently began courses to earn her MBA in finance from Xavier University. She said she knew that to advance her career into a leadership role, it would require adding a master’s degree to her accolades. Like many adults pursuing higher education degrees, Ryder Celuch is faced with trying to ensure that she is dedicated to her studies while also remaining present to the other important parts of her life.

“The biggest challenge is time management,” she said. “I work roughly 50 hours a week, try to work out four to five times a week, go to mass, and make time for my husband and dogs.”

Ryder Celuch said she has found a way to stay organized and make the balancing act work, though.

“It really takes a lot of planning and self-discipline to get it done in two years instead of pushing it out further,” she said. “I have moved most of my workouts to the morning and block out 12 hours of school time on the weekends and during the week. I live and die by my calendar these days.”

Ryder Celuch said she will know for sure if the sacrifices and concerted efforts she’s making now truly pay off in another five to 10 years as her career progresses.

“I hope getting my degree is worth it,” she said. “It’s a huge investment of time and money.”

Sebring said he also isn’t completely certain if his degree will be useful, but he is choosing to have a positive outlook at the possibilities it could present in the future.

“I still have another two years until I separate from the military,” he said. “I hope it will make me more competitive for a decent job when I get out, but there’s no way to tell until sometime next year.”

England, however, doesn’t need to wait to see whether or not her degree is a beneficial addition to her life.

“For me, getting a master’s at 41 and almost 20 years into my career was simply for myself,” she said. “I am a classroom lifer, and I wanted to practice what I preach to my students—always keep investing in yourself.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Dear readers Darlene Alcocer Estrada and Lucy Keith recently enjoyed taking part in puppy yoga 

Monday, January 27: Mavs vs. Wizards at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, January 28: Free Rooftop Movie — Anyone but You at Sundown at Granada; &Juliet begins at Music Hall at Fair Park (runs through February 9)
Wednesday, January 29: Dallasites101 Female Fitness Event at Dallas Urby; Celebrate Chinese New Year at Central Market Cooking School (Dallas Lovers Lane)
Thursday, January 30: National Croissant Day
Friday, January 31: Le Freak at Legacy Hall; Chicago Tribute — Windy City at Granada Theater
Saturday, February 1: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Community Beer Co. 12-Year Anniversary Party; 80s in Aspen at Henry’s Majestic
Sunday, February 2: Stars vs. Blue Jackets at the American Airlines Center; DMA Free First Sundays — Access for All at the Dallas Museum of Art