30 Sep 2025 Care for the ages

By Rita Halter Thomas

Aging is an inevitable part of life, affecting us physically, emotionally and cognitively. While we can’t stop the hands of time, we can face the aging process gracefully with vitality, clarity and confidence. Each person’s aging journey is unique in that our bodies are all different. So where does one begin?

Sheila Hayes, APRN, FNP-C, and the owner of Restoration Wellness in Conway, suggests starting with a conversation and lab work. “I spend a lot of time with my patients because I want you to be informed, I want you to make the best decisions you can for you because there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” she said.

Hayes said balanced hormones are marriage-changers, adding that it’s less about an improved libido and more about the intimacy level. She said her patients often tell her they’ve found their best friend again. Because of the great impact on us, leading to body aches, weight gain, sleep deprivation, mood and motivation, hormones are too important to overlook.

Peptides are another age-fighting hot topic. In layman’s terms, a peptide is a short chain of amino acids that influences muscle growth and hormone regulation. Among the hottest are the GLP-1s, which tout weight-loss benefits, but they are everywhere and are not created equal. “You want to make sure they’re getting sourced from a reputable pharmacy. We vet our pharmacies well. If they have issues with quality checks or anything like that, I don’t use them,” Hayes said. “I would be cautious of the TikTok doctors out there, for sure.” She also cautioned about the type of peptides used. “[Peptides] are awesome. But there are some that you’ve got to be very careful with as they can trigger cancers … and other things you may not be aware [of],” she said, advising the oversight of a knowledgeable medical professional.

Likewise, supplements are huge in treating various age-related issues, but they can interact with necessary medications prescribed by a doctor or affect the body in ways the patient may not be aware. While nutrition is important, access to the right nutrition balance is difficult to get from food alone. Proper tests and labs can reveal deficiencies, whether in vitamins, hormones or peptides.

Another weight-loss alternative is the Emerald Laser. It’s a great solution for someone with a 40 BMI or less. It’s a noninvasive, low-level laser for overall body circumference reduction. “Unlike cool sculpting or liposuction that kill off fat cells only to reappear in other areas, resulting in malformation, the laser basically pokes holes in the fat cells over a period of about 72 hours, and the fat seeps out and drains through the body’s lymphatic system,” Hayes said, indicating a person can lose eight inches in just eight sessions. There is no downtime, no pain and no side effects during or after treatments, and patients can return to normal daily activities afterward.

What about that double chin, sagging cheeks, dark spots, fine lines or unwanted facial hair? Patients may like the lightweight, hand-held LMNT that targets multiple skin concerns all at once. Hayes describes it as basically using similar technology as the Emerald Laser, but in a hand-held that patients can purchase and use at home. Use is not limited to the face. It can be used on the whole body. While it doesn’t remove facial hair, it can reduce growth and coarseness.

Laser treatments not for you? Maybe skin-care creams and firming lotions are more your style. “We have a new line of skin care that has a CBD base, but it’s a very low amount,” Hayes said, adding that CBD helps with inflammation.

How about hair loss solutions? Hayes recommends the Alma TED treatment. It’s non-invasive and results in fuller, thicker hair, with patients seeing up to 33% increase in thickness of the strand and up to 50% increase in hair growth. “The coolest thing is, a lot of times, it changes your hair color back to what your natural hair color was. My brother tried it. He’s solid gray, and it came back brown. It’s phenomenal,” she said.

Yes, aging is inevitable, but the effects of aging need not take a toll on our lives. See a trusted professional, like Hayes at Restoration Wellness, and start the conversation. “Invest in yourself, because you are worth it,” she said.