Humans domesticated horses millennia ago, changing the way our ancestors traveled, fought, and survived. They are majestic, beautiful creatures built for speed and power.

Sadly, one of the most serious and devastating diseases affecting horses, ponies, and other equine animals is laminitis. Let’s take a closer look at laminitis and how low-level laser therapy can give our equine companions a leg up.

What is Laminitis?

Laminitis describes a condition wherein the laminae—the tissues bonding the hoof wall to the pedal bone in a horse’s hoof—become weakened and inflamed from disruptions in blood flow, leading to tears in the structure supporting the pedal bone within the hoof. Laminitis typically occurs in a horse’s front feet. The condition is caused by various physical and metabolic issues, including:

• An excessive intake of grain or grass
• High levels of insulin
• Enlargement of the pars intermedia in the pituitary gland
• Impact from riding on hard surfaces
• Stress from long distance travel

This can result in tremendous pain, lameness, and deterioration in the hoof. Left untreated, laminitis can cause the pedal bone to rotate and point downwards. In worst cases, the pedal bone will penetrate through the hoof wall.

Laminitis greatly reduces a horse’s usefulness, and many horse owners are forced to put down the horse to prevent further suffering.

Treating Laminitis

Many traditional treatments are expensive and time-consuming and don’t guarantee full recovery. These include changing your horse’s diet, providing greater hoof care, and moving your horse to a different enclosure featuring deep shavings or sand. Severe cases wherein the pedal bone has sunken through the hoof require surgical procedures involving tendon release, but this can put the horse at risk of infection or cause damage to surrounding structures.

Low-level laser therapy has been used in humans to treat joint pain, edema, soreness, and wounds, but veterinarians have extended these laser treatments to horses suffering from laminitis. Studies show that the photon energy in a low-level laser stimulates blood vessels in a horse’s foot, promoting greater circulation, better tissue nutrition, and ultimately faster healing. Laser therapy also greatly reduces the chance of infection or damage to surrounding areas as the procedure is entirely non-invasive.

Animal Health Options, a purveyor of innovative and effective supplements for animal wellness since 1990, has found success in incorporating low-level laser therapy into its treatment for laminitis. Horses undergo low-level laser sessions two to three times a week. This is coupled with:

• A restrictive diet to reduce weight and make up for insulin resistance
• Plenty of lying down to keep pressure off the affected feet
• Visits with a farrier to trim hooves to correct the angle of the feet

Preventing Laminitis

One of the best ways to treat laminitis is to prevent it from happening altogether. While you can’t always predict your horse’s health, you can control parts of his environment, primarily his diet. Too much grain or lush green grass leads to excessive sugars stored in the hind gut. When these sugars are absorbed, the horse develops hyperinsulinemia (an overload of insulin), which can trigger laminitis. A bad diet can also lead to obesity, putting more pressure on your horse’s hooves. To keep your horse’s diet in check:

• Feed your horse a high fiber, forage-based diet, comprising a mixture of mature grass, hay, and alfalfa. Vegetable oils can be included in this diet for added calories.
• Carefully manage grazing. Considering grazing your horse at night, when sugar levels are lowest.
• Avoid hard feed unless your horses are performing hard work.

Maintain a regular hoof trimming schedule for good hoof health. Your horse may also need specialist shoeing for proper support.

People are under the common misconception that staying healthy means eating less. Far from causing fat loss, skipping meals actually causes numerous health problems, including:

• A slowed-down metabolism
• Deteriorating muscles
• General fatigue
• Impaired concentration

Contrary to what you think, eating can help you lose weight. It’s just a matter of finding the right foods to eat. Let’s take a look at some foods that can help you shed pounds and improve your health.

1. Eggs

Doctors, dieticians, and scientists seem to have seasonal debates about eggs and their validity in the nutrition realm, particularly in the area of cholesterol, but you can rest easy. In fact, eggs are good for you and can help you stay thin. One study published by the International Journal of Obesity found that participants who had eaten two eggs for breakfast for eight weeks lost 65% more weight than those who ate bagels for breakfast.

While most dieters eat just the egg whites, the yolks contain half the protein of an egg—and a lot of the nutrients. The high protein content is what makes eggs so great. One large egg contains about six grams of protein and nine amino acids with only 77 calories and five grams of fat. That keeps you satisfied for longer and prevents unhealthy snacking. The proteins also stimulate the release of glucagon, which aids in metabolism and can help burn belly fat.

Along with protein, eggs are rich in:

• Vitamins A, B12, and C
• Iron
• Phosphorous
• Selenium

2. Almonds

Almonds are high-quality nuts that are rich in vitamin E and monounsaturated fats—the good kind of fat. Almonds are packed with fiber, keeping you full without adding extra calories. They contain magnesium and vitamin B2, which can combat stress, calm nerves, and boost your energy levels. Almonds also contain zinc to curb sugar cravings and oleic oils to curb hunger pangs. If that’s not enough, almonds are also good for your skin and hair.

Almonds also happen to be easy to include in your diet. Snack on a handful at your desk or sprinkle chopped almonds on your meal for added crunch and flavor.

3. Chia Seeds

If you’re looking for fiber, you needn’t look any further. Chia seeds are extremely high in soluble fiber. This prevents the absorption of fat, lowers cholesterol, and stabilizes blood sugar levels. The high fiber acts like a sponge, allowing chia seeds to soak up to twenty times their weight in sugar and liquids. As the chia seeds plump up, they expand in your stomach, keeping you full for longer without the extra calories. They are also rich in calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Add chia seeds to your oatmeal or create a healthy pudding of chia seeds and unsweetened chocolate almond milk.

4. Quinoa

Although it’s a grain, quinoa acts more like a vegetable and is a close relative of kale, spinach, and Swiss chard. High in fiber and protein, quinoa offers a sturdy foundation for healthy fullness while also offering plenty of vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin B12. Quinoa has a low glycemic index, so it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar. One serving of cooked quinoa only has about 172 calories.

The best part about quinoa: you can eat it with just about anything. Eat it plain, add it to veggies, salads, or consume with cinnamon, banana, and almond flakes for an oatmeal replacement. The possibilities with this gluten-free grain are endless.

5. Grapefruit

Sweet and tangy, grapefruit is a great source of vitamin C and an antioxidant called lycopene, but these treats may also offer a helping hand in weight loss. One study conducted on mice found that daily grapefruit juice intake expedited weight loss, improved blood glucose, and controlled insulin levels.

Some studies suggest that the mere smell of grapefruit is enough to aid in weight loss, but feel free to go in for the real thing, raw or juiced.

6. Yogurt

Yogurt offers a healthy dose of calcium, vitamin D, and protein to keep you full, but probiotics are the key fat-burning ingredient in yogurt. Consuming active bacteria may seem unpleasant, but probiotics are the type of germs that your body needs. They reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs and add flora to your gut that improve your digestion. Eat yogurt plain, add fruit, or use it for creamy sauces. Opt for an unsweetened Greek yogurt instead of regular if you can—Greek yogurt has almost twice the protein and fewer carbs and sodium than regular yogurt.

Food gives you the energy you need to live life to the fullest. Instead of depriving yourself, learn to eat the right things to keep your body healthy and fit. What are some of your favorite foods for weight loss?

Sources:

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/eating/weight-loss-foods/

http://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2014/08/23/two-eggs-in-the-morning-can-help-you-lose-weight/

http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/30/how-almonds-can-help-you-to-lose-weight-4163723/

http://www.doctoroz.com/slideshow/5-ways-chia-can-change-your-life?gallery=true

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/4-reasons-the-quinoa-grain-can-help-you-lose-weight.html#b

http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Ways-Grapefruit-Can-Help-You-Lose-Weight-26331222

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/yogurt-smackdown-greek-vs-regular.html#b

The holiday season can wreak havoc on your diet. From signature apple pies to decadent cookies and creamy mashed potatoes, the environment is fraught with traps that seem set up just to derail your resolve and have you elbow deep in a pile of irresistible holiday treats. But before you give up altogether, consider trying to adhere to the following smart tips that can help you lower your chance of disaster while maintaining a healthy dose of cheer.

Let Yourself Indulge…Later

This tip might initially seem counterintuitive, but studies show that individuals who completely deprive themselves of their edible desires often buckle and end up eating even more than those who allow themselves to indulge. Interestingly enough, those who allow themselves their food of choice, but not until later, either ended up eating a more moderate amount or none at all. Giving yourself permission to indulge but making yourself wait buys you time to allow the craving to potentially pass. Plus, if you eat something more nutritious first, you’ll take a lot of the power out of that craving and find that it’s not begging quite so loudly anymore.

Stick to Your Exercise Routine

Maintaining your gym routine throughout the holidays can remind you how hard you’ve worked to maintain your goal up until this point. It can also help you curb cravings and improve your mood. As an added benefit, it also allows you to burn off more calories—offering you some much-needed breathing room in your daily calorie count.

Set a Time Limit

The holidays are a time of abundance, and leftovers, snacks, and baked goods are often no more than an arm’s reach away. By setting certain times during the day that are dedicated to eating, you can prevent yourself from the constant grazing that can pack on pounds. By limiting not only the times during the day which are dedicated to eating, but also the number of snacks per day, you can set concrete barriers that can keep your consumption from running wild. Of course, if you find yourself genuinely hungry during an off time, be sure to grab a healthy snack to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level—a handful of raw nuts, an apple, or some Greek yogurt will do the trick.

Limit Your Variety

When we have a wide variety of foods in front of us, we tend to eat more. One deviled egg here, one cookie there, a dollop of mashed potatoes and a few candied yams may not seem like much when you look at each food separately, but combined they can add up fast. By limiting the number of foods you consume, you can prevent your mind from tricking you into thinking you’ve only had a few bites here and there. The holidays are a time for enjoying festivities with loved ones, and that almost always includes delicious food and drink. Have fun and partake in the holiday cheer, but remember these tips to keep your health and fitness routine on track.

Every new day brings with it a new way to lose weight. But many of these new diets perpetuate pervasive myths about just how fat loss occurs and what can help an individual shed unwanted pounds. Here we’ll take a look at some of the most common fat loss myths and focus on tried-and-true ways to successfully shed that winter layer.

Myth: Saturated fat increases bad cholesterol and the risk of stroke and heart disease. Saturated fat has long been demonized, and its role in climbing cholesterol numbers has been focused on the LDL, or “bad” form of cholesterol. But the fact of the matter is that eating saturated fat also increases HLD, or “good” cholesterol as well! This means that saturated fat effectively has no effect on bad vs. good cholesterol numbers, as it increases both in tandem. Although a common claim, modern-day research has yet to prove an association with ingestion of saturated fat and an increase in the risk of an individual suffering from stroke, cardiovascular heart disease, or coronary heart disease.

Myth: A high carbohydrate diet is better than a high fat diet. Everyone knows that eating fat is always bad, right? Well, it turns out that is not necessarily true. Studies have shown that fat releases hormones that increase satiety levels, lowering an appetite that might otherwise be spurred by an overabundance of high carbohydrate foods. Oils and healthy dietary fats such as those found in avocados take time to break down, helping normalize insulin levels within the blood. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, can spike blood sugar and then insulin, creating drastic swings in glucose levels. Research concludes that an overabundance of carbohydrates—not fats—is linked to weight gain and Type 2 diabetes.

Myth: Eating at night will make you gain weight Everyone has heard this one. If you eat at night, your body will store that late night feast as fat. Many diets have strict rules about not eating after eight or nine and to lock yourself away from the snack cabinet. But likely the reason that those who eat late at night tend to gain weight is simply that they are consuming more calories throughout the day than those who do not. Although there is no definitive proof to determine whether time of day counts, the total amount of calories consumed is the number one contributor to weight gain or weight loss. The better rule of thumb is to eat when you’re hungry, not according to a clock, and stop eating a bit before you feel full.

When it comes to weight loss, health, and fitness, rumors and misinformation run rampant. Be sure to put in some research to ensure that you’re giving your body the nutrients it needs to thrive!

What you recognize as the sudden onset of an intense pain in your heel, Mayo Clinic staff refers to as plantar fasciitis. It denotes an inflammation of the plantar tendon, which is a layer of tissue that stretches across the bottom of your foot. The plantar fascia connects the bone in your heel with your toes and presents sharp stabs of pain when inflamed.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Long periods of standing, running downhill, wearing high-heeled shoes, and climbing stairs may cause the condition. In fact, any movement that causes a pull on the plantar tendon has the potential to result in painful stabbing sensations in the heel. For runners in particular, plantar fasciitis creates a problem when their running styles incorporate a consistent heel strike. Ballet dancers and high-impact Zumba participants, too, may find that these exercises overstress the tendon.

Other factors leading to the condition include obesity and footwear that does not provide adequate support for the feet. Sports hobbyists do not always recognize that the internal support system in their shoes has given way long before the shoes look like they need to be replaced. By delaying the replacement of the footwear, these folks run the risk of encouraging calcium buildups near the heel, which results in consistent pain when exercising, walking, or even standing.

Counteracting Early Warning Signs

The good news is that plantar fasciitis does not appear overnight. The condition builds up gradually. At the first sign of pain on the bottom of your foot or an uncomfortable feeling in the heel, it is time to take counter measures.

• Footwear. Stop wearing unhealthy footwear. Turn to shoes with proper arch support and replace your running or exercise shoes regularly.
• Change your running style. Runners should examine their foot landing styles. If they realize that they are landing on their heels, it is crucial to make a conscious effort to change the landing pattern to a healthier fore-heel strike.
• Change your running locations. Although running hills offers you more fitness, the pain in your heel calls for flat surface running only.
• Reduce high-impact activities. Consider switching out your dance aerobics routine for water aerobics when you feel the first twinges of pain.
• Cushion your feet. When you stand for long periods at work or at home, invest in cushioning mats that take some of the pressure off your heel. These mats reduce the stress your plantar fascia experiences.

Dealing with Fully Developed Plantar Fasciitis

When the early twinges of pain have developed into a chronic condition that causes pain every time your foot touches the ground, you still have options. It starts with a visit to your doctor. This professional helps to rule out other problems.

Over-the-counter pain relief medication can ease the pain. The downside is the potential for side effects when you take these medications for longer periods. Since plantar fasciitis may last for a while, discuss the use of these medications and their side effects with your doctor before making this decision. Some physicians suggest the use of steroid injections, which do have the potential of greatly reducing the pain. Unfortunately, this treatment can cause more problems than it solves when used repeatedly.

Consult with a physical therapist about the best way that you can change your gait to undo the inflammation now and prevent it from recurring in the future. Orthotics assist with day-to-day activities such as standing at work or walking to your car. Experts at Erchonia have had excellent success with low-level laser therapy. After administering two 10-minute therapeutic laser treatments per week to the heels of affected patients over the course of three weeks, the majority of patients reported a positive change in pain levels. Whereas over-the-counter medications and steroid injections do bear some risks, the laser method did not lead to the report of any side effects.

Laser body contouring remains one of the most advance medical procedures today, promoting natural fat loss through a non-invasive process. While non-invasive means you won’t have to woryr about incisions or anesthesia, it doesn’t necessarily mean the procedure is risk-free. Stay safe by doing your research.

Have you been struggling to lose weight only to find “problem areas” that don’t change in response to diet and exercise? Luckily, cosmetic procedures like liposuction take the painstaking effort out of shedding the fat in these areas. Unfortunately, liposuction also has its drawbacks, like causing sagging skin in some patients.

Candidate Must Have a Normal Body Weight

Candidate Must Be in Good General Health

Candidate Must Not Be Pregnant

Candidate Must Struggle With Specific Problem Areas

• Abdomen
• Arms
• Buttocks
• Neck
• Thighs
• Knees
• Ankles
• Waist

Candidates Must Be Educated and Have a Good Reason For Undergoing the Procedure

Damage to the Soft Tissues of the Neck and Shoulders Causes Pain

Low-Level Laser Therapy Creating Photochemical Effects to Treat Fat Loss, Onychomycosis, Pain, Toenail Fungus and
Plantar Fasciits

Steven C. Shanks
President

BIO:

Steven Shanks, the President of Erchonia Corporation; stands at the forefront of medical innovation and the growth of low level laser technology. He has spent the last 20 years advocating and promoting bio-modulation as an alternative modality to invasive procedures and primary treatment. A calculated risk taker, with profound understanding of clinical research, he has devoted his knowledge to researching applications that advance safe, effective and non-invasive medical technology. Even with the numerous FDA issued market clearances to his credit, all awarded based on FDA IRB approved Level 1 clinical trials and the creation of a new product code OLI, Steven Shanks continues to look for opportunities where low level laser as a medical modality can improve healthcare and the quality of life.

CEOCFO: What is the idea behind ERCHONIA?

Mr. Shanks: We are a research development company. Our core technology is low-level laser therapy. We conduct research to determine the effect of low level lasers on the body and develop treatment protocols based on the research. From there, we do clinical trials on human subjects, similar to what drug companies do; in order to obtain new indications for use from the FDA.

CEOCFO: Would you tell us about laser therapy?

Mr. Shanks: Erchonia promotes low-level therapy or non-thermal laser therapy. Most people are familiar with heat lasers that obliterate tissue. Low-level or non-thermal laser therapy stimulates the tissue without causing damage. The effects on the cells are similar to the basis of a medication. With a drug, you are going to get a biochemical effect and many side effects. With non-thermal lasers, you will obtain a photochemical effect and depending on the wavelength, usually red, green or violet, different photochemical effects will happen. The benefit of non-thermal laser therapy photochemical effects are you can go directly to the site. You can get phenomenal results, and there are no known side effects.

CEOCFO: What are some of the areas you are tackling?

Mr. Shanks: We have a number of FDA clearances, each obtained through clinical research. We obtained our first FDA clearance in 2002 on chronic neck and shoulder pain; then in 2004 and 2008 we received post-surgical pain indications from the FDA. Erchonia has seven indications for non-invasive fat reduction that we received from the FDA from 2010 to present day. The most recent indication for use was FDA cleared in June of this year for Onychomycosis or toenail fungus.

 

CEOCFO: Would you tell us about that product?

Mr. Shanks: The Lunula Laser is FDA market cleared to treat toenail fungus. We use two different wavelengths with this laser in order to target the fungus and obtain clear nail growth. To prove efficacy in our clinical trial we measured “clear nail” growth. Erchonia submitted clinical data three times to the FDA and finally received this new indication in June 2016. It took us about seven years of clinical research to get one indication for toenail fungus, but the final results were worth it — The FDA success criteria was a minimum of 3 millimeters of new clear nail growth at 6 months in 60% of the patients. Our results were an average of 5.18 millimeters of new growth in 67% of the patients in 6 months so we easily obtained the FDA success criteria.

CEOCFO: Why does low laser treatment work and what do you understand that others may not?

Mr. Shanks: When developing a treatment protocol, whether by a drug or a low-level laser, we focus on the photochemical effect of the body. We have done research at several universities where we identified the photochemical effect three different wavelengths have on mitochondria production, TNF-alpha (Tissue Factor-alpha), which is inflammation into the tissue. We have looked at laser Doppler, where we can get blood to the area.  We then apply the cellular effects from each wavelength based on this research; we then select the wavelengths that will result in the desired affect for the condition to be treated. For instance, we just started a clinical trial on Alzheimer’s disease based on a completed pilot study. Knowing that I can reduce inflammation and stimulate neuron function with red lasers, we will then mimic the pulsing of what a normal brain operates at (alpha, theta, beta waves, etc.) and that is how we develop protocols. From there we perform research and compare the laser to placebo LED to see if our theory is correct.

CEOCFO: You mentioned a wide range of medical areas. How do you decide what to look at next?

Mr. Shanks: We consider market, medical need, doctor request and building upon and following what was learned from previous research. At present, fat loss as an indication, is as viable as its application is extremely widespread. It is also a natural progression for the research we have conducted since 1999, when attempting to make liposuction less intrusive. In the fat reduction industry is probably one of the largest markets out there, and it is one where there is a possibility for return on investment. We try to go into those markets where we have the best chance of success.

For medical needs such as brain diseases, even being new to us, we have done pilot studies on Parkinson’s disease and Autism. Typically for new a medical area, we conduct pilot studies in order to observe the results and determine viability. Once successful results are obtained, we take those to clinical trial. Application will depend on some of our basic research, what we have looked at in the past and as we get through a pilot study, we will look at what the results are. We will then take those results and go through a process with the FDA called Pre-IDE where we say we figured out what it will take to get FDA clearance for an indication. We work out the protocol with the FDA and from there, we to go to clinical trial.

Erchonia is extremely fortunate. We have many brilliant doctors come to Erchonia with requests to explore a diverse number of research projects. We usually have anywhere from six to eight research projects going on at any time.

CEOCFO: There are many people in the non-invasive fat loss arena with many claims. Why is the ERCHONIA approach valid?

Mr. Shanks: In non-invasive fat loss, there are two different kinds of science. Everyone has heard of Cool Sculpting by Zeltiq. It is one of the bigger players in the market. It is a publically traded company. Their indications are to affect appearance of fat loss. Affecting appearance is the lowest form of science that you can prove. To get an appearance claim is simple; basically you have someone say they treated one flank and did not treat the other. Then you ask, “Can you tell which one was treated?” This is how success is measured. It is not compared to a placebo which is the gold standard. If you look at the Zeltiq research, it is based on what they say is a 22% fat reduction, but what they do not tell the consumer is that the 22% is a 1.8 millimeter fat reduction off a fat pad according to Dover on their website, which is not much. The clinical trials that we do are Level 1, blinded and controlled. We have a treated group and we have a placebo group. Our fat loss laser can take 3 ½ inches off your waist, hips and thighs with the red laser in two weeks, compared to placebo. Those are reduction claims. We have seven different indications for reduction claims with the FDA for fat loss. My latest device, I took over the counter (OTC). When you look at science, what is the difference between fat loss and affecting appearance? Some of that stuff gets lost in marketing. What people do not understand with the FDA is 90% of all devices, when they get their 510(k) marketing clearance, they have submitted no data. Of the remaining 10% that due submit data, virtually none of it is blinded and controlled. Depending on what the FDA requires, most all of our clinical trials are blinded and controlled. We do the same clinical trials that drug companies perform, but have a smaller sample size. To date, we have reported no side effects.

 

CEOCFO:Do providers want an ERCHONIA product? Do they know the company?

Mr. Shanks: We have been in business since 1996. We were the first company to get a low-level laser through the FDA in 2002. Now we have thirteen different indications through blinded and controlled clinical trials. We are a small research development company. We are known in the pain management market, but we are getting more and more known for our research. We have been published in over 20 peer review journals and textbooks.

CEOCFO: Are all the products something that a provider would use as opposed to something a person could use at home?

Mr. Shanks: Most of our devices are by order of physician through the FDA except our Zerona Z6® device. The Zerona Z6 is over the counter, which does not require a doctor’s supervision. We decided to take this device OTC to go after the tanning market which is kind of getting beat up because of the carcinogen effects that the FDA has claimed for tanning. We are working with some of the tanning chains to put our Zerona Z6 in them to give another form of income. We market to Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Physical Therapists, Podiatrists, Chiropractors and Obesity doctors.

 

CEOCFO: With the toenail fungus product, would people anticipate this being a first line treatment or might people eventually turn to a provider because they have tried other methods?

Mr. Shanks: Yes. Currently high powered lasers are being used to treat toenail fungus and many of the patients are diabetic and cannot feel their toes. If you apply a hot laser to a diabetic foot, you do not know if you are burning the patient, and there is an increased risk of getting an infected wound. Hot lasers also vaporize tissue, making fungus spores airborne. When you can smell the smoke you are breathing in some of the fungus.

 

With most of the drugs used to treat this condition, you have to do liver tests, before, during and after treatment. We have a patent on the process of using low-level laser to treat toenail fungus. The results are very good, and there are no known side effects. Additionally, if you used a Laser Doppler, which measures blood flow, directly after the Onychomycosis treatment, you would see the blood being delivered to the foot. Erchonia sees this as a two phase treatment which not only kills the fungus but makes the toenail grow out clearer. The treatment is unique in its application, and it is a different way of looking at toenail fungus treatments. Since we just received the market clearance from the FDA, we are going to start educating doctors on the efficacy and safety of the Lunula Laser for toenail fungus. We think this will be a huge success. We have sold probably over a hundred devices in Europe this year so we think this indication will be a front line treatment.

 

CEOCFO: How do you reach potential customers?

Mr. Shanks: We do many of our own trade shows. We are also present at most of the medical conferences, whether they are in dermatology, plastic surgery or podiatry and we have our own general pain management seminars where we reach out to the chiropractic market.

 

CEOCFO: Would there be a one-time treatment or an ongoing series of treatments?

Mr. Shanks: Most of them are a series of treatments. Typically for fat reduction, it is six treatments over 2 weeks or you can treat 1 time a week for 6 weeks. The toenail fungus is one treatment a week for four weeks. For plantar fasciitis, it is six treatments over three weeks. For post-surgical pain, we usually just do a pre-treatment, a post-treatment and follow the pain over a month. Laser treatment times are influenced by acute and chronic conditions. Acute treatments like post-surgical pain respond quicker, so there are fewer treatments. Chronic conditions such as toenail fungus, plantar fasciitis and low back pain require more treatments over time and are harder to treat so our clinical trial follow up is much longer.

 

CEOCFO: Is the device easy to use in general for the providers?

Mr. Shanks: With the newer laser devices like Zerona Z6 OTC, Verju, Lunula and FX 635, we are using many scanning techniques that are unattended. The doctor positions the laser on the treatment area, then presses a button and the treatment is performed. This saves time and money.

 

CEOCFO: Your site indicates ERCHONIA is the world leader in low level laser technology. What is your geographic range, and where do you see growth?

Mr. Shanks: We are in most countries except for China, which we hope will happen later this year. We have sold in Europe, Brazil, Canada, Australia and North America. We are working on several other countries, which have to go through the regulatory process to begin marketing.

 

CEOCFO: What is next?

Mr. Shanks: We are getting heavily involved in brain diseases. Currently we are in the process of performing clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, post-surgical pain following neck and low back surgery and peripheral neuropathy pain in diabetic patients.

 

CEOCFO: How have you maintained the cultural and principles of a small family business?

Mr. Shanks: My business partners are my brothers John, Charlie, Mark and Kevin Tucek. We have been in business for 20 years. This is a family business with many of the employees’ last names being Shanks or Tucek. My Dad when he was alive really kept all of us close. It is the only way we know how to do business and work together.  It helps that we have each other to rely on when things get tough.

CEOCFO: Why pay attention to ERCHONIA?

Mr. Shanks: We believe low-level laser is the future of medicine. We feel that we can accomplish as good or better results than pharmaceutical intervention without side effects. That is why we tag ourselves as the world leader in low-lever laser technology. There are 15 indications for low-level laser right now, and ERCHONIA has 13 of them. We have a history of science publications and FDA indications, so people need to start paying more attention to this technology. The problem we face right now is doctors were not taught this in school, and it is really hard for them to wrap their minds around this technology. They don’t know how shining a laser that you cannot feel works. In my opinion, this requires lots of cellular research and many Level 1 clinical trials trying to get new FDA indications.

We believe low-level laser is the future of medicine.”- Steven C. Shanks

ERCHONIA CORPORATION

www.erchonia.com

ERCHONIA CORPORATION
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Erchonia, the global leader in low level laser healthcareapplications, today announces the company is expanding with a London-based team, Erchonia Laser Ltd.

This experienced management and sales team will handle European sales for all of Erchonia’s laser products including Zerona, Lunula, Verju, and the new XLR8 handheld device.

Steven Shanks, president of Erchonia, comments, “We are excited to expand the Erchonia brand in Europe. The research supporting Erchonia’s lasers and their level of technological advancement make them exceptionally-suited to the European market. The added focus of a dedicated direct sales staff will help fuel an even stronger growth projection for Erchonia in 2014.”

For more information, please visit www.erchonia.com.

About Erchonia
Erchonia is the global leader in low level laser healthcare applications. Over the last 15 years, Erchonia has been conducting research and development with the world’s leading physicians to advance the science of low level lasers. Prior to market introduction, all Erchonia lasers are proven safe and effective through independent level 1 clinical trials. Erchonia has garnered eight FDA 510 (k) market clearances and has several other products in research and development for new applications. Currently thousands of Erchonia’s lasers are used daily to reduce body fat, eliminate pain, and treat acne. For additional information, visit www.erchonia.com.

Contact: Katie Cycan
Crier Communications
310-274-1072 x 207
katie@crierpr.com