Electrology World - April 2017

Vol. 36, Issue 12017 “Problem” Clients? Put a P.I.N. in it! HIPAA Information for Electrologists Unexpected Hair Growth Is Biotin to blame? Grants Available for PCOS Clients ElAepcrtilrisolysis Awareness Month 6 pages of tips to help promote your practice!

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Celebrate Electrolysis Awareness MonthA NOTE FROM AEA’S PRESIDENT,PEARL WARNER, CPET his is just the beginning of a year full of both changes and challenges. AEA has big plansfor 2017. We are very happy andexcited about our fresh, new, vibrantbranding image. We know you willenjoy and appreciate the effort that willbe put forth throughout this year.We have updated many of the affiliate A nationwide membership drive was Mission Statementand membership forms. Please take launched in March, beginning withthe time to review them and refer licensed electrologists in affiliated The American Electrology Associationto the AEA website where many of states since those lists are the easiest (AEA), established in 1958, is the largestyour questions and concerns will be to gain access to and to follow up on. international nonprofit membershipanswered. We will be depending on you for your organization for permanent hair removalNow that each of our members has a help. Talk to your friends who have professionals. The AEA promotesstrong online consumer presence, we not joined the AEA or who have not the highest standards in electrologyare equally committed to expanding renewed their membership this year. education, practice and ethics andour awareness efforts with programs We need the voice of every electrologist champions state licensing and regulationthat reach out to doctors, allied health nationwide to make a difference of the profession to protect the publicfields, and practioners in related fields, and to ensure that the profession of interest. The AEA plays a key role inlike aestheticians. We continue to work electrolysis continues to thrive. providing reliable and scientificallywith partners like PCOS Challenge to Remember that April is Electrolysis accurate information to its membership,get the word out about electrolysis, Awareness Month! This issue of EW the public, the medical community andincluding participating in the upcoming includes six pages of tips, products, government agencies.PCOS Awareness Weekend in Atlanta, and information to help promote youras we have for the past three years. practice locally. Electrology WorldThere are important changes to When you do nothing, nothingelectrolysis regulations being proposed happens. Get out there this April and Electrology World, published threein many states. AEA and our state make things happen! times yearly, is the membership newsaffiliates are working hard to stay on Sincerely, publication of the American Electrologytop of these proposals, to ensure that Association, Inc. Please direct allthe highest standards are maintained Pearl Warner, CPE inquiries to the appropriate officers andand our profession is protected. AEA President committee chairpersons.Your continued membership in AEA Electrology World and the Americanis valuable and appreciated. The Electrology Association, Inc. bear nostronger our membership base, the responsibility for, or endorsement of,more effective we can be at negotiating the content of its advertisements andfavorable rates for critical products and contributed articles. The editorial staffservices, communicating the value of reserves the right to accept or reject anyelectrolysis to a wider audience, and editorial of advertising material.influencing regulations. ELECTROLOGY WORLD 1

Contents 3 15 24GOING THE DISTANCE ELECTROLYSIS GR ANTS UPCOMING CEU OPPORTUNITIES DO WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED YOUR CLIENTS WITH PCOS COULD RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RACK UP SOME SWEET EDU-POINTS! 4 16 26 E L E C T ROLY S I S AWA R E N E S S HIPA A INFOR MATION TIPS FROM THE FIELD FOR ELECTROLOGISTS SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT HAVING EMERGENCY CONTACT YOUR PROFESSION PROTECTING YOUR CLIENTS INFO ON FILE SAVES TIME & LIVES PROTECTS YOUR PRACTICE 8 28 20 MEDIA COVERAGE CLASSIFIED “PROBLEM” CLIENTS ADS 8 TIPS FOR GETTING COVERAGE IN YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPERS LEARN AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING YOUR RELATIONSHIP 12 UNEXPECTED HAIR GROWTH WHY THE VERDICT IS STILL OUT ON BIOTIN 14 PCOS CHALLENGE CREATING OUR OWN SOLUTIONSAdvertiser IndexDectro Inside Front Cover Advertiser LocationSynoptic Products 11 Advertiser LocationAdvertiser Location Advertiser LocationAdvertiser Location Advertiser LocationAdvertiser Location Advertiser LocationAdvertiser Location Advertiser LocationAdvertiser Location Advertiser LocationAdvertiser Location Advertiser LocationAdvertiser Location Advertiser LocationAdvertiser Location Advertiser LocationAdvertiser Location Advertiser Location2 ELECTROLOGY WORLD

Going the DistanceTake the extra steps to position yourself for success!On a long flight, I learned an important lesson The dancer showed how to go the distance, howabout life. My seatmate was a gentleman in his to manipulate what he could, and to seek outlate 40s. We struck up a conversation about what opportunities to enhance his marketability. Prettywe do for a living. I explained my background as a good advice whether we’re going to a performancecancer doctor and hospice physician. or whether we are the performance.He expressed some anxiety about a connecting Edward T. Creagan, MDflight to Amsterdam. I asked if this was an About the author:important business or professional connection,and he said yes, his career was in the balance. So Dr. Creagan, a Newark, NJ native, is board certified instay tuned for the rest of the story. internal medicine, medical oncology, and hospice medicineHe was fit, looked 25 years younger than his age, and palliative care.and brought his own vegetarian lunch and dinner. He has been with Mayo Clinic since 1973 and in 1999 wasHe shared with me that he was a professional president of the staff of Mayo Clinic.dancer, and a finalist in an international Articles Mayo Clinic’s award-winning websitecompetition. (www.MayoClinic.org) offers consumer health informationHe said that the studios which hired him made it and selfimprovement tools. Mayo Clinic’s medicalcrystal clear that there were many male dancers experts and editorial professionals bring you access towho were younger, more athletic, and better the knowledge and experience of Mayo Clinic for all yourlooking, and he needed the credential of finishing consumer health information needs, from cancer, diabetesamong the top performers in his profession. and heart disease to nutrition, exercise and pregnancy.He then explained his fanaticism about diet, Submit Your Questionsexercise, stress management, and sleep. Hehas a strength and conditioning coach and a We can’t all be experts at everything! If you could usekinesiologist focusing on muscle memory and some expert input on related topics such as behavioralmuscle movement. health, marketing, medical conditions, products, orSo here comes the payload, and this is hardly personal safety, let us know! We’ll try to track down asurprising. professional in that field who can provide some answers.In a real sense, we’re all performers. We’re athletes;we’re acrobats, and we better invest in ourselves. Email your questions to:Whether we work on a stage, in a boardroom, or in a [email protected], there’s always a replacement available who’syounger, thinner, happier, and more energetic. ELECTROLOGY WORLD 3

2017 is going to be big! We’re running Find out what you can domembership drives, and reaching out locally to help expandto doctors, allied-health fields, and our outreach efforts andpractioners in related fields. grow your practice! AEA can (and does) work to increase general Promoting Awareness Online awareness of the benefits of electrolysis, but it’s up to you to promote your individual practice. Facebook We have created a variety of helpful tools and products, so get out there and make some noise! Keep your Facebook Business Page fresh and active. If you feel like you don’t have time orSpring don’t know what to do, you can activate the free Facebook Autopost tool and AEA will post Savings for you! Just log into members.electrology.com and click Auto-Post to Facebook. April 1st – May 31st Your Website Save 10% on If you don’t have a website for your practice, Brochures, Sell Sheets, Postcards you should. You may not use computers, but Jackets & Most Pins/Patches your potential clients do. A dedicated website electrology.com/store is key to being found when potential clients search online for hair-removal providers in4 ELECTROLOGY WORLD their area. For best results, your website should also be mobile-friendly and search-engine optimized. If you have questions about this or want your website checked out, contact the AEA Presence Team at [email protected]. They are always willing to help out an AEA member.

is Electrolysis Awareness Month!Get the word out to potential clients!Postcards are a great and low-effort way to get the word outlocally about what you can do.AEA has made this even easierby providing a set of eye-catching professional designs foryou to choose from.We’ve also arranged for AEAmembers to get a great price onprint-to-mail service, includingthe addresses. You just picka design and go! The AEAPresence Team will personalizeyour selected design with yourpractice information and getyour postcards out the door toyour potential clients.Make April 2017 your month todo some marketing!electrology.com/store ELECTROLOGY WORLD 5

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Wear your profession with pride!You can do amazing things for people with unwanted hair. Don’t keep it a secret!T-shirts, jackets, pins, and patches are a great way to remind people that electrologists are still out thereboosting confidence, smoothing skin, and changing lives. Seeing a proud electrologist at the store, theGet the word outbank, or the game is a great way to call attention to the availability of the only hair-removal method that ispermanent and safe for all skin and hair colors.electrology.com/store ELECTROLOGY WORLD 7

8 Tips to Get Coverage from local media!Want to boost your business profile in the community? Reach out to your local newspapers! Though staffwriters write most stories, an editor will often consider a well-presented press release submitted by a business.Many newspapers, especially the weekly papers, have community and business sections that will promoteupcoming events, new businesses and business accolades – most times for free or a minimal cost.In order to take advantage of this, you will need to do some basic homework, but the long-term payoff willexceed the time spent. 12 3 Determine What Make Contact Know the Difference BetweenYour Area Papers Are With Newspapers A Newsworthy Event and AdvertisingMake a list of the area newspapers You have created a list of newspapers, News is something that is of reasonable interest to the general readership. If thethat are published in the region that now reach out to each and find out owner of a business has been honored by the local chamber of commerce thisyour business serves. Don’t limit what their policies are pertaining is news. If your business has set a day in which it will donate a percentage of itsyourself to the daily newspapers, look to press releases. Is there a proceeds to a local charity, this is news. If an employee has received a promotionat weekly, bi-weekly and monthly specific person that handles press or acquired accredited skills in their field, this is news. A properly written presspapers as well. Many weekly / bi- releases? What is the preferred release could be considered by the newspaper for publication.weekly papers have sections that are method of submission? Many smallerdesignated to community businesses newspapers prefer However, if your company has just added a new line of services,and local people and they welcome to have information opened a new location or extended their hours, this is consideredpress releases to fill these sections. sent to them via email, Always look for advertising and the newspaper could refuse the press release some accept fax or ‘human interest’ and require you to pay for an advertisement. It should be noted mail as well. Larger stories within that some newspapers are willing to run a press release along newspapers may have your business with a paid advertisement for items like this. If that is the case, a point person assigned ask if you can run your paid ad in one edition and then have the to your area. When press release run in an upcoming edition – this is a win for your submitting your press release via email business, as you will receive twice the coverage over an extended time period. it is recommended that you put the press release in the body of the email As a small business owner, sometimes it isn’t easy to differentiate between news as opposed to an attached document. and an ad. Step back, and take a look at it from the outside, would a stranger who Make sure that the subject of the email has no particular interest in your field be interested in what you are promoting? contains relevant information – this Would they want to ‘read your story’ and find out more? Always look for ‘human helps when the editor is scanning interest’ stories within your business. through 1,000’s of emails.8 ELECTROLOGY WORLD

456Get the Word Out Leave Room In Your Budget Triple-Check Your Submission & Stay On Point For Advertising Expenses Before You Hit SendThe most important thing to remember is keep your When you make contact with the local papers, always Newspapers that run press releases cannot be heldmessage on point. Many newspapers will accept get current media kits and anticipate the need to do accountable when you submit incorrect phonepress releases that are one page long, well written some advertising. All newspapers rely on advertising numbers, hours and contact information. These areand to the point. Remember the basic who, what, dollars in order to exist – especially those that are some of the most common errors that come into ourwhen, where, and why, and also plan for the how if distributed for free. Most newspapers give priority local paper – make sure you proofread. If you areappropriate. Newspapers and other media should placement of press releases to advertisers over those supplying technical or industry specific terms in yournever be required to contact you to ask for this businesses that are only looking for free coverage. A press release make sure the information is a) spelledinformation or why it should be of interest to the small business card ad that you run monthly in the correctly and b) explained so that the general publicnewspaper’s readers. Publishers reserve the right to local paper may cost you $20 to $50 per run, however, understands what you are talking about.reformat press releases to fit their publication and/ the loyalty you show to that newspaper may mean Michelle Zivoderor the space that is available. This means that if you your press releases are frequently run – and if thewant free coverage, you have to accept that you topic is a hot one, may actually garner a reporter Michelle is the editor and owner of The Weeklycannot dictate what the final article contains – as long coming out to do an extended story on your business. Villager newspaper which serves a tri-countyas the article does not state anything that is false. area in Northeast Ohio and is also available online at weeklyvillager.com. She holds a degree in marketing and business management from Kent State University. 78 Be Ready to Provide Respect The Newspaper’s Additional Information Submission DeadlinesA timely press release on a topic of interest could land you a One of the most important things you can do is RESPECT THEfull-blown article written by the newspaper. Be ready to expand DEADLINE! Newspapers have deadlines in place for a reason juston the information you sent to the newspaper in case you get that like you schedule appointments. The worst thing you can do is sendcall. This is the perfect opportunity to be the expert in your field over a press release at the last minute for an event happening at yourand to let the world know it! business and expect that it make the paper. If you have something that is time sensitive you may wish to consider purchasing an ad as many papers will only run press releases as “space permits.”

confideSnhcoewlothoekms likweh!at Nothing raises awareness like information. Don’t be caught without a card, sell sheet, or brochure that you can give to someone interested in electrolysis. The promotional materials available in the AEA Online Store can be easily personalized by printing labels with your contact information. Hand them out to anyone who expresses an interest and, when they decide that electrolysis is worth a try, they’ll have your number! electrology.com/store10 ELECTROLOGY WORLD

ELECTROLOGY WORLD 11

Biotin (also known as Vitamin B7 or IsBiotinVitamin H) is necessary to metabolizecarbohydrates, fats, and amino acids. to blame for your client’s unexpected hair growth?Humans cannot synthesize biotin, andmust instead obtain it from food or B ecause of the correlation of hair This information combined with the factsupplements. Food sources include loss with biotin deficiency and that mild biotin deficiencies are morebrewer’s yeast, cooked eggs, nuts, the ability to slow or reverse widespread than previously thoughtsoybeans, whole grains, and bananas. that loss with biotin supplements, the results in a big maybe. If it turns out that dietary supplements and cosmetics mild biotin deficiencies do contribute to  industries appear to assume that some version of hair loss (intriguing but biotin will promote healthy hair not proven to be true), and if correctingThe exact mechanism of biotin growth. However there are few this mild deficiency will reverse/stopdeficiency-caused alopecia is scientific studies that investigate the loss, then the fact that mild biotinunclear, but ultimately is due to some whether biotin promotes hair growth deficiencies are more common thandisruption in the hair life cycle. in generally healthy people. previously thought means that a decent subgroup of people may indeed beThe effect of biotin supplements The available research on biotin helped by biotin supplementation.is to put the follicles back on their deficiency and hair loss/growth cannormal cycle. You don’t get new be divided into the following three HEALTHY PEOPLEfollicles, but you get thicker hair categories: WITH NO BIOTIN DEFICIENCYbecause more follicles are populatedat a given time5, 7. SEVERE BIOTIN DEFICIENCY AND HAIR GROWTH AFTER AND HAIR LOSS SUPPLEMENTATION  The research here clearly shows both There is no supporting evidence for this.There is currently no evidence that that severe biotin deficiency causesbiotin increases andogen levels or hair loss, and that correcting that This category is created more by thecauses new hair to appear in places deficiency will reverse/stop the loss. absence of research. It is important towhere it has not appeared before. understand FDA regulations in this area. MILD BIOTIN DEFICIENCY They prohibit topical biotinic products  AND HAIR LOSS from making claims about hair growth because there is zero evidence (so far)The FDA has determined that based There is evidence for correlation, but that shows they are effective. The FDAon current evidence, over-the-counter no proof yet of verifiable cause-and- does allow oral biotin supplements tobiotin products meant for topical use effect. make some claims about hair becausecannot be advertised as a hair grower of the link between severe biotinor for hair loss prevention2, 8. The Trüeb (2016) study9 starts deficiencies and hair loss/growth. with a group of women who have  experienced hair loss, and shows that If you look at the labeling for those oral a substantial subset of them have a hair growth supplements, you’ll noticeMilder forms of biotin deficiency could mild biotin deficiency. This shows a that the products are careful to sayresult from pregnancy, long-term use possibility that in some cases, mild something like ‘biotin is necessary forof certain antibiotics or antiseizure biotin deficiency is linked with hair hair health,’ which is true. They cannotmedications, long-term consumption loss. Studies that went the other way make strong claims about oral biotinof raw egg whites, or cigarette and recruited people with mild biotin supplements causing hair growth (forsmoking10. deficiency in order to document the the average consumer) because this is incidence/severity of hair loss were unproven outside of severe deficiency. Marissa Westerfield, Ph.D. not found. Marissa is a Research & Development scientist living in San Diego, California12 ELECTROLOGY WORLD

It’s not that simple...This current state of affairs will Since much of this research is done by to the products’ success. The lack ofprobably persist. Because of the the companies themselves, it is probably studies focusing on biotin’s effect on hairdocumented link between biotin and in their best interest not to look too hard. growth in healthy (not biotin-deficient)hair loss, companies can promote While there are studies1, 3, 4, 6 that show people means that claims that anybiotin supplements as being ‘good’ what appear to be promising results particular biotin-containing product willfor your hair. As long as there aren’t regarding biotinic products and hair reduce hair loss or promote hair growthstudies showing a lack of effect of biotin health/density/strength, none of them must be viewed with caution.supplements on hair growth either for focus specifically on biotin—the authorshealthy or mildly-deficient people, the of each of those studies actually proposecompanies remain compliant. that other active ingredients are the keyReferences:1) Beer, C., Wood, S., & Veghte, R. H. (2014). A clinical trial to investigate the effect of Cynatine HNS on hair and nail parameters. The Scientific World Journal, 2014, 641723. http://doi.org/10.1155/2014/6417232) Drug products containing active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention, 21 CFR § 310.527 (2016).3) Fischer, T. W., Trüeb, R. M., Hänggi, G., Innocenti, M., & Elsner, P. (2012). Topical melatonin for treatment of androgenetic alopecia. International Journal of Trichology, 4(4), 236–245. http://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.1111994) Glynis, A. (2015). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center, extension trial evaluating the efficacy of a new oral supplement in women with self-perceived thinning hair. The Journal of Clinicaland Aesthetic Dermatology, 8(12):15-21.5) György, P., Rose, C.S., Eakin, R.E., Snell, E.E., Williams, R.J. (1941). Egg-white injury as the result of nonabsorption or inactivation of biotin. Science, 93(2420):477-478.6) Jacquet, A., Coolen, V., Vandermander, J. (2007). Effect of dietary supplementation with INVERSION Femme on slimming, hair loss, and skin and nail parameters in women. Advances in Therapy, 24(5):1154-71.7) Korkmazer, N., Vurucu, S., Demirkaya, E., Unay, B., Kul, M., Akin,R., Gokcay, E. (2006). Serum and liver tissue biotinidase enzyme activity in rats which were administrated to valproic acid. Brain Development,28(8): 515-20.8) Makino, Y., Osada, K., Sone, H., Sugiyama, K., Komai, M., Ito, M., Tsunoda, K., Furukawa, Y. (1999). Percutaneous absorption of biotin in healthy subjects and in atopic dermatitis patients. Journal of NutritionalScience and Vitaminology, 45(3):347-52.9) Trüeb, R.M. (2016). Serum biotin levels in women complaining of hair loss. International Journal of Trichology, 8(2):73-77.10) Zempleni, J., Hassan, Y. I., & Wijeratne, S. S. (2008). Biotin and biotinidase deficiency. Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism, 3(6): 715–724. http://doi.org/10.1586/17446651.3.6.715 ELECTROLOGY WORLD 13

PCCOhaSllenge Sasha Ottey, BA, MA dealing with PCOS, the constellation Hirsutism and PCOS Sasha Ottey is Founder of symptoms can be devastating While there are multiple causes and Executive Director of and many describe feeling like their including tumors, pharmacologic PCOS Challenge, Inc., the femininity is under attack, thus calling agents, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, leading nonprofit support PCOS the “thief of womanhood.” and others, PCOS is the most common organization for women Unfortunately, 50% of women are cause of hirsutism, accounting for three with Polycystic Ovarian going undiagnosed, and go years and out of every four cases. We surveyed Syndrome. even decades before a proper diagnosis. our PCOS Challenge membership This is something that electrologists and learned that over sixty percentP olycystic ovary syndrome know all too well. In fact, professionals are concerned about hirsutism and (PCOS) can be described in such as electrologists are often the want to learn more about solutions for multiple ways. The complex first to recognize that a patient has unwanted hair growth. This percentage disorder can be explained as PCOS and prompt them to alert their is consistent with the prevalence ofan endocrine, metabolic, genetic and physicians. hirsutism in PCOS, which is reported atreproductive disorder that affects 10- There is something unique 70-80%.15% of women. about electrologists Hirsutism is one of the mostDepending on the diagnostic criterion Over the years, PCOS Challenge distressing PCOS symptoms that oftenused, PCOS is commonly diagnosed has worked with many different surfaces during adolescence. The effectfrom two or three of the following: professionals to educate the public of unwanted hair growth on healthblood work or symptoms showing about polycystic ovary syndrome and and quality of life is profound. Manyandrogen excess such as hirsutism and related conditions. We have worked girls and women develop depression,acne; irregular or absent menstrual with many electrologists in different social anxiety and even agoraphobia,cycles or ovulation; or polycystic capacities. Electrologists have led isolating themselves from otherovaries shown using transvaginal some of our workshops and support people, and report behaviors suchultrasound. groups, spoken at the PCOS Awareness as using their hair to hide their face;PCOS is the most common hormone Symposium across the country, written apprehensiveness to receive hugs; anddisorder in women that can lead to articles for our magazine and have been being so riddled with anxiety and selfcardiovascular disease, anxiety and interviewed on our radio show. consciousness that they become unabledepression, endometrial cancer, non- The thing that stands out about many to perform duties at work or schoolalcoholic fatty liver disease, and other of the electrologists we have worked when they are expected to interact withlife threatening illness. Fifty percent of with is that a large percentage are others.women with PCOS will develop pre- also women with PCOS who havediabetes or type 2 diabetes before age an intimate understanding of some40, making PCOS the most common of the challenges that come withcause of type 2 diabetes in young having PCOS! Even those who do notwomen. have PCOS seem to have a specialAlong with those health complications, compassion for their clients, manyPCOS is the most common cause of of whom are deeply impacted byinfertility and hirsutism in women. For hirsutism.many women and adolescents who are14 ELECTROLOGY WORLD

CREATING OUR OWN SOLUTIONSUnlike what the health insurance In response to this disservice to women The truth is that we all need to workcompanies would have you believe, with PCOS, in 2016 PCOS Challenge together to educate the general public,hirsutism is NOT just a cosmetic created a grant called the “Confidence medical community and insuranceissue. It is a medical issue caused Grant” to help offset the cost of companies about the importance ofby increased androgens, and has treatment for hair and skin issues putting patients’ health first.a detrimental effect on women’s caused by PCOS and are not covered by As Electrolysis Awareness Monthhealth and quality of life. Insurance insurance. approaches, we salute all electrologistsusually covers treatments such as oral We were excited and grateful that the and the AEA for putting patients first.contraceptives and antiandrogens, American Electrology Association Whether you understand PCOS fromyet despite the medical research and matched two of the grants, doubling personal experience or from listeningrecommendations from medical the award to $1,000 for two lucky to the experiences from your manysocieties that permanent hair women! This grant is the first step in clients, we are grateful for the life-removal methods should be used in our plan to changing the narrative changing work that you do and theconjunction with pharmacologics, and about unwanted hair and empowering compassion that you show women withthat hirsutism “should not simply be women to be more vocal about the need PCOS. Thank you!looked upon as an issue of cosmesis,” for this to be given higher priority in To learn more please visitinsurance claims for solutions such healthcare. pcoschallenge.org, or pcoschallenge.comas electrolysis are being rejected as“cosmetic” procedures.Grants Available to Electrolysis Clients with PCOSAs part of a multi-year endowment from PCOS Diva, the loss, excess facial hair growth and acne.nonprofit organization PCOS Challenge, Inc. will be offeringgrants up to $500 to help women and girls struggling with hair Many of these problems in women and girls with PCOSand skin issues related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). are being dismissed as cosmetic concerns when they areThe PCOS Diva/PCOS Challenge Confidence Grant assists medical issues and should be treated as such. Unfortunately,with the costs associated with treatments many healthcare, insurance and grantingand options for hair and skin issues caused organizations, as well as individuals whoby PCOS, including dermatology treatments, In 2016, the AEA are in a position to help, are unaware of theelectrolysis, laser-hair removal, androgenic matched two of the pervasiveness, severity and impact of thealopecia solutions and others. grant awards, doubling problem. This leaves many PCOS patients the amount to $1,000 unable to pay for treatments that are beingPCOS is a genetic, hormonal, metabolic each for electrolysis denied by their health insurance companies.and reproductive disorder that affects 10 Since it was established last year, this grantpercent of women. In addition to carrying has helped eight women on their journey tohigher risks for infertility, diabetes, cardiovascular disease confidence, the majority of whom chose electrolysis to combatendometrial cancer and other serious conditions, PCOS often their hirsutism. We are grateful to the American Electrologyhas devastating effects on women’s and girls’ quality of life and Association and their continued commitment to helpingself-esteem due to symptoms including excess facial and body women and girls with PCOS.”hair growth, acne, scalp hair loss, anxiety and depression.Sasha Ottey, Executive Director of PCOS Challenge, Inc. says, To learn more about the Confidence Grants or to apply online“This grant helps address a major issue within the PCOS please visit pcoschallenge.org/confidence-grantcommunity. Polycystic ovary syndrome affects all major organsystems including the skin, with symptoms such as scalp hair ELECTROLOGY WORLD 15

INFORMATION FOR ELECTROLOGISTSELECTROLOGISTS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT THE PRIVACY OF THEIR CLIENTSAND TO UPHOLD THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALL MEDICAL INFORMATIONP rotecting the privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of each electrology client is an Anyone who provides healthcare services, as well as their important professional responsibility. Because business associates, must comply with HIPAA regulations. laws, licensure regulations, and practice Under HIPAA, healthcare providers and organizations environments can vary from state to state must develop procedures that safeguard the security ofand from electrologist to electrologist, not protected health information (PHI), including procedures for transmitting and sharing this information with otherall electrologists may be legally required to follow HIPAA entities (e.g., referring physicians, third-party payors).regulations. However, best practices still dictate that all Noncompliance with HIPAA can have major consequenceselectrologists establish and follow policies and procedures for organizations and individuals who are bound by thesethat maintain client privacy. Complying with HIPAA regulations, such as fines, loss of professional licensure, andregulations will ensure that your clients feel comfortable even criminal charges.sharing pertinent healthcare information with you, and willinstill confidence in your ability to provide HIPAA consists of four distinct rules withhigh-quality electrology services. which electrologists should familiarize themselves: the security rule, the privacyElectrologists offer treatments that can Regulations rule, the enforcement rule, and theimprove self-esteem and help alleviate vary from state breach notification rule. The security rulesigns and symptoms of underlying medical to state. Not all requires healthcare providers to establishconditions, such as polycystic ovarian and follow physical, technical, andsyndrome (PCOS). administrative safeguards for protectingMembers of the American Electrology electrologists medical information. These includeAssociation (AEA) are also bound by the may be legally using appropriate software, encryption,organization’s Code of Ethics and Standards required to data storage, and password protectionof Practice. The AEA Code of Ethics states follow HIPAA for managing client records, as well asthat electrologists “shall respect the dignity regulations. ensuring that all staff members receiveand confidences of each patient,” while the training in managing client information— these points are especially important forStandards of Practice dictate that “patient electrologists who work in group practicerecords and other personal information are settings in which multiple individualsconsidered privileged and confidential unless disclosure is could potentially have access to client records.mandated by federal or state statute, by court process, orconsented to by the patient.” Therefore, it is essential that The privacy rule establishes patient rights regardingelectrologists familiarize themselves with and comply with personal medical information, and sets limits on the waysrelevant patient privacy regulations, particularly HIPAA. that this information is used and transmitted by healthcare providers. To comply with the HIPAA privacy rule,The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability electrologists must allow clients access to their medicalAct of 1996, commonly known as HIPAA, is a federal records, must not disclose identifying information to outsideregulation that was designed to ensure the confidentiality parties without authorization to do from the client, and mustand appropriate handling of medical information. follow HIPAA standards when sharing and transmitting16 ELECTROLOGY WORLD

patient information electronically. It is important to keep dictate that adolescent confidentiality is maintained, whilein mind that the privacy rule does not preclude healthcare also allowing parents appropriate access to medical recordsproviders from discussing patient information for treatment in compliance with HIPAA regulations.purposes. For example, it is perfectly acceptable for Transgender clients often have particular concerns aboutelectrologists to discuss a client’s treatment plan with the privacy as well, due to fears of discrimination based on theirreferring physician; however, best practices dictate that only gender identity status. Electrologists can work to providepertinent information be shared, that cases not be discussed an affirming and welcoming treatment environment forin public areas, and that HIPAA regulations be followed these clients by addressing confidentiality issues. Underwhen sharing or accessing information electronically. HIPAA, the privacy of individually identifiable healthcareThe breach notification rule requires healthcare providers to information is protected; this includes information relatednotify the patient, as well as the U.S. Department of Health to a person’s transgender status, physical anatomy, andand Human Services, in the event of a breach of PHI. The the gender transition process. Transgender clients shouldHIPAA enforcement rule provides further guidelines for be assured that electrology treatment, along with anypenalizing noncompliance with these regulations. While information shared with the electrologist, will remainHIPAA was designed to protect the privacy of healthcare confidential. Additionally, this information should not beinformation, it is important to point out that the regulation shared with other staff members unless there is a valid,does have some limitations. For example, information treatment-related reason to do so.related to domestic violence or abuse of a minor must still be For more information visit:disclosed to the appropriate authorities, and the electrologist https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/index.htmltypically does not require client consent to report thisinformation.Electrologists who work with teenagers must be aware of Jennifer Pilgrim RN, BSN, MAspecial HIPAA privacy considerations related to adolescentpatients. Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of Jennifer Pilgrim is a registered nursepediatric clients is just as important as it is for adults. who writes about healthcare. Jennifer isHowever, clients who are under the age of 18 are generally passionate about communicating complexconsidered minors, and in most cases their parents or legal medical information in an engaging andguardians must provide consent for treatment and are easy-to-understand style.entitled to access their child’s healthcare records. Lawsgoverning adolescent confidentiality can vary from state tostate, so electrologists should familiarize themselves withthe specific regulations that pertain to their jurisdiction.Furthermore, confidentiality is often a particular concernfor adolescents, and the client-provider relationship can beimproved when teenagers feel assured that information theyshare will be kept private. For this reason, best practices ELECTROLOGY WORLD 17



Need CEUs? Order Back Issues of the JOEFor license renewal, and CPEs needing additional CEUs, back issues of the Journal of Electrology are available for purchase through the AEA Online Store at electrology.com/storeCurrently Available for Order Hirsutism Infection Control Standards Understanding for the Practice of Electrology Autoimmune Diseases Volume 27 • Issue 1 Published: February 2012 Volume 29 • Issue 1 Volume 31 • Issue 1 Published: February 2014 Published: February 2016 Germs Revised: December 2016 Understanding the Volume 27 • Issue 2 Skin Diseases LGBT Community Published: August 2012 Volume 29 • Issue 2 Volume 31 • Issue 2 Mental Disabilities Published: August 2014 Published: August 2016 Volume 28 • Issue 1 Ebola Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Published: February 2013 Resistance Volume 30 • Issue 1Bone & Tissue Disease Published: February 2015 Volume 32 • Issue 1 Published: February 2017 Volume 28 • Issue 2 Intersex Published: August 2013 Volume 30 • Issue 2 Published: August 2015 AEA Members Save $$$ on JOE Booklets Online JOE Tests CEU Recording Online Store electrology.com/store

How to Deal Effectively with “Problem Clients” • Every practitioner has Problem Clients. That client who is always late, who doesn’t follow instructions, who overshares. We try to get past it, but some clients cause us some real stress when it comes to dealing with them, or worse, “firing” them. • 20 ELECTROLOGY WORLD

One of the major issues faced by PreventionSterStyCciltwattmanhhhrhelaonetlieenaccoeeeeictutyeaalehgkyhprutcifnrtoiueinhmlv,wydriottfiaineesiuheoeftiUttegttnlinueheaynlaeaaanstxraeoplrktceadSspmmheuaseorsptneteaaesrsoapabl.frdcdsssianbortysoites,neugpiratld.nisnesammuo.ltras.eGiminonomgrwoYessdYobdu,nnnoretbwilaos,isotntpeunet,lhuahmoaoigoftsbmnnriornfcfecaoowsdgtraeghyinuuegwioniotdignnhffhiuihdtttrhahprayrpa-spceteitybaoayiIptbmtnsnncfthhuoooireeednesaaarrncuu.veetyhhrvipgnshcirrnaaaaaaoosipamoleatttnivvlneertgewloiiascemafoonnnepensnmslrrtcsetas.drstatoMliteeipdayh,anhafiMnlmexo,tetktfiacatahheeadieulitknfetrnutriotrkobreeegyodeienia,,ssmtesusttts.rhh,eeIettcchmhoaanatiysiictsspmrrTewanirsnhneeethetprehbibahaqcflesnoalepaeitutullsyiuspfhodueoatcsaretpeietmnsepaiidaetosssnan.diloeplssenwtoeytIcausienitoamstnnoitlerotdlnlihwhcainstmttnetofcgrhe.into.ietutpneoofinaehdmu-rrIlsrttyulkaatbaptpidrfetmapnptiriieemehinnnnfdbnr,adrcrabmgtaicaolytgtocosteutlmnymoenuethftddtcahudobdtoeoyafaignaoieanesoonyteadtlrehtur.lcttaseieeeran.nIsrtosgepracticioners who perform treatmentsas personal as electrolysis is how Intervention contact local law Be consistent. Stayingto keep a client’s problems from enforcement. objective and detached isbecoming our problems. Conflict is an opportunity. not a violation of positiveWhen experienced practitioners Some of the problemstalk about client problems, the list clients bring through the door could regard and acceptance. It is respectfullooks something like this: adherence to the agreement you made be time management, chaotic lives, • Arriving to appointments late disrespect for the needs of others, fear with your client. (Note: Some of us may of the procedures, anxiety in general, have to address our own boundary- • No-shows and last-minute setting issues first.) reschedules money management issues, limited ability to set relationship boundaries, • Noncompliance with treatment etc. To avoid having their problems recommendations • Delayed payments or not at all • Inappropriate or uncooperative behavior • Blaming or hostility • Overdependence on the practitioner • Expressing stronger feelings of friendship than you are comfortable with. become your problems, help them identify and problem-solve as best you can. Write down the agreed upon solutions.Putting A P.I.N. In “Problem” ClientsPrevention Intervention Neccesary Separation Set clear Make Don’t make boundaries opportunities it personal on Day 1 for positive ELECTROLOGY WORLD 21 change

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Clients and Problems are different things. Address the •problem. Maintain your regard and acceptance of theclient. Stay out of the trap of thinking of your client as a Reframing the IssueProblem. You are their electrologist, not their therapist.The only problem you can actually fix for them is the Perhaps these clients are notunwanted hair. Anything else is about managing your “Problem Clients” but ratherability to continue to treat them. clients who, like everyone, happen to have problems. OnePositions and Interests are also different things. If of those problems is unwantedyou focus on how complying with your rules serves the hair, which is why they are inclient’s interests, you will automatically advance thepositions for both of you. Make your solutions beneficial your treatment chair.for the client as well as yourself. •Examples:• Professional behavior ensures a safe environment for the hair-removal procedures.• Upfront payment reduces unnecessary issues that get in the way of performance.• Timely arrival for the appointment ensures that the client gets their full service for the fees charged.Necessary Separation Being Kind yet FirmAs you know, people in need of hair removal 1gpf.ioorPismnrsgeibgpltraeooruersneafadoycrbtaietonhfnodersehcfooyrnwoovmueyrbosteuhagetiwinoc.inllil.enPretla.spnPouwntdhyatotouyrvosauerlifaoruoensmay well suffer from lack of positive regardand acceptance in their families, work places 2. Stay calm.and sometimes their entire communities. If you 3la. ySintigckblatomeneourtgraolinagnodn d“Ie”fesntsaet.eImt’senntosboindsyt’esafdauoltf.decide that there are irreconcilable differences brieflybetween how you need to do business and how 4. Have a reason to gsteetpuopusett,ofsothteheryoocman collectthe client is able to conduct this aspect of their if the client starts tolives in spite of the efforts above, then so be it.It is imperative to both the client and you that themselves.positive regard and acceptance not be sacrificed 5smtR.t“oaIaUetajgteuscvamehsort.eitd”ddhnlRoeetgsneesblp’ittrokettoiefthnik,htigenioo“nkwIdnrtrjhtaoeuhifwcsseoytnircosdlduiianeortntngeopt’octorhoaeindtrnshgiptmqiunouimasknetdaecwtsnnhh,t.ii”etstshhfofeeirascatdninaveserewugawteoirlroeaaiddyls.,in order to justify discharging the client. It Someone elsecan be hard to do this one. Blaming the client pre-vetted referral for them.or ourselves is a natural path for us all to run 6. Have a better match.down. Remember that terminating a working may be arelationship that is not having good results is apositive thing for both the client and for you.Your needs as a practioner and as a person matterjust as much as the needs of the client. Kristen Frankel Licensed Professional Counselor, NC, GA, FL. National Certified Counselor Kristen currently lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband and two rescue dogs. Currently her mental health practice is exclusively in service to the military. ELECTROLOGY WORLD 23

Seminars & Conventions CEU Opportunities from AEA Affiliates April 29–30 April 30 May 21 Oregon Association Electrologists Association Electrology Association of Licensed Electrologists of New Jersey of Illinois 1.0 CEUS PLANNED 0.5 CEUS APPROVED DETAILS TO FOLLOW ONLINE Benedictine University • Lisle, ILMonarch Hotel • Clackamas, OR Holiday Inn • East Windsor, NJ www.electrolysiseai.org www.oregon-electrolysis.org www.electrolysisnj.com  April 29 May 6 For updates and detailed Greater Piedmont Association of Vermont information on seminars and Electrolysis Association Electrologists conventions, please see the affiliate events listed on the AEA websites at 1.0 CEUS APPROVED DETAILS TO FOLLOW ONLINE www. electrology.com/eventsWillow Creek Meeting Place • Cary, NC White River Jct • West Lebanon, NH We regret that sometimes Electrology World goes to print [email protected] www.vtelectrolysis.com after an event is scheduled, and therefore not every upcoming event April 30 May 7 is listed here. Connecticut State New York Electrolysis Please submit your events for Electrology Association Association publication to Sheila Ahern, CPE as soon as possible. 0.6 CEUS PENDING APPROVAL 0.6 CEUS PENDING APPROVAL [email protected] Crystal Room • Naugatuck, CT Ramada Inn • Newburgh, NY www.electrologyct.com www.electrolysisnyea.com2017 Annual Convention & Exhibitors’ Showcase Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa October 26-29  San Diego, CA electrology.com/convention24 ELECTROLOGY WORLD

AEA has made it easier than ever to become a Certified Professional ElectrologistThe American Electrology Association (AEA) and Prometrichave a new CPE exam format: online testing and registration.This allows you, upon registering for the exam with Prometric,the freedom to select from available examination dates andchoose a conveniently located Prometric testing center.Go to: prometric.com/aeaThe CPE Credential is ImportantBoard certification is recognized as going above and beyondwhat is required. As a voluntary credential, this helpspromote you as a true professional committed to continuingeducation pursuits.Board certification demonstrates to other professionals,as well as to the public at large, that you are serious aboutenhancing your knowledge - thereby better serving them.To assist you in studying for the CPE exam visit electrology.com/cpeView & Print Earn More CEUs Your CEU Transcript With Pre-Approved CoursesThe American Electrology Association makes it easy to The Continuing Education Review Committee hasview your CEUs, and print an official transcript or show approved several sources of continuing educationoff a Certificate of Completion from the Annual AEA home study. Visit electrology.com/homestudyConvention. Visit electrology.com/ceus and log in to to find out how to earn CEUs from the comfort ofview yours. your own home.

Tips from the Field Emergency ContactsO NCE UPON A TIME, not so long ago, in a land The first thing to do is call 911 and then the contact person. just like this one, our client contact info included We no longer have the luxury of additional numbers to a HOME number, a WORK number, and OTHER call. If we call the number listed on our client’s card, in allnumber [whatever that meant] and, possibly the number for probability her pocketbook will start ringing because that’sthe person who recommended the new client. where the cell phone is. No help there.Now the bulk of our new clients come from the Getting this information is not a big deal.internet and I am sure that a thank you note a few seconds Run a couple of sheets of labels with just -to the World Wide Web has never been sent. EMERGENCY NUMBER - printed on them.Our New Client Forms generally list only one at check-in can When your clients come in, ask them for anumber and that would be a mobile or cell save you time name and a number. Write the info in and affixnumber. in an emergency the label to their form and you are good to go. No lists to make. The info is handy shouldThe American Electrology Association very something happen when they are in yoursensibly requests emergency contact information when we office. This is just another way of serving our clients.sign up for conferences and meetings. Without that info theAEA would not be able to let a loved one know if one of our Based on discussions between:members fell ill while attending an event. How often does Catherine LaGrutta, CPE & Linda Weller, CPEsomething like that happen? Once is all that it takes.26 ELECTROLOGY WORLD

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COMMITTEE CONTACTS Classified Advertisements SHEILA AHERN, CPE ADVERTISING COORDINATOR HELP WANTED 503-227-6050 Position Opportunity in NYC [email protected] Leading electrolysis center seeking another electrologist! We welcome you to apply KAREN PORTNOFF & CO even if you applied in the past. Email: [email protected]; or call 212-863-9058 PUBLISHER Job Opening in CT 732-536-8999 Unique opportunity for Connecticut electrologist or for electrology student. I have [email protected] no issues if you work part-time in addition at a different office. Full/part-time. AEA EXECUTIVE OFFICE For more information call: Laurie at 888-663-4891 x1 4711 Midlothian Turnpike, Ste 13 Electrologist Position in Atlanta, Georgia Crestwood, IL 60445 Mishael’s Electrolysis Center, LLC, is an established electrolysis company serving 708-293-1400 Atlanta, Georgia, since 1984. We have an opening for an electrologist who completed Fax: 708-293-1405 the electrolysis training course, willing to work part-time (15-20 hours/week) and www.electrology.com interested in working up to 30-35 hours/week within 18 to 24 months, as needed.PEARL G. WARNER, CPE, PRESIDENT A candidate with experience and/or the CPE designation will be a huge plus but 708-293-1400 not required. [email protected] Please visit our website for our location and information at: mecatlanta.com. Please MARY KAYE JOHNSON, CPE, 1ST VP submit your cover letter and resume to Avie Mishael at: [email protected]; DIRECTOR, COUNCIL ON EDUCATION 770-712-0265 859-219-9523 [email protected] Placing Your Classified Ad JULIA HAMILTON, CPE Classified advertising in Electrology World or on the AEA website is reserved for 2ND VP electrology practitioners and is restricted to the sale of equipment and supplies for Grievances electrolysis, and for electrolysis business sales and staffing. 831-426.3540 Ads may be placed in Electrology World, online, or both. Each option charged [email protected] separately at $20 (for AEA member) or $40 (for nonmember.) STEPHANIE SHIELDS, CPE Printed in Electrology World, upon approval, after you have sent or e-mailed all ad 3RD VP text, membership number (if you are an AEA member), and check or credit-card 5702 N. 19th Avenue information. Phoenix, AZ 85015 Posted on the AEA website for four months, upon approval, after you have sent or 602-246-1966 emailed all ad text, membership number (if you are an AEA member), and check. [email protected] ELIZABETH SPAGNOLO, CPE Send all information and payment to: SECRETARY 443-330-2120 Sheila Ahern, CPE [email protected] 610 SW Alder Street Suite 920 DEBORAH CASSIN, CPE TREASURER Portland, OR 97205 978-250-9449 503-227-6050 Fax: 978-454-0036 [email protected] Fax: 503-241-4299 PATSY KIRBY, CPE Email: [email protected] IBEC, Certification, Legislation or go to the Classified Exchange at: www.electrology.com [email protected] VICKIE C. WIDMYER, CPE OCE Director, CERC Chairman 509-961-0435 [email protected] JAIMEE BLOOM, CPE CEU Database 503-224-3300 [email protected] KEIKO TEZUKA, PH.D., CPE Director, Japan Off. of Cont. Ed. [email protected] ELECTROLOGY WORLD

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AMERICAN ELECTROLOGY ASSOCIATION Prsrt StandardMembership Committee U.S. Postage PaidRanda Thurman, CPE Red Bank, NJ2600 Garden Rd, Ste. 207 Permit #411Monterey, CA 93940CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED.Remembering Gerrelyn C. Adams, CPEOur dear Gerrelyn passed away Gerrelyn loved to follow the stock several months ago. We would market and for years she belonged tolike to extend our warm condolences a ladies stock market club. She wasto her family, friends and to those an avid reader and active in a bookwhom she helped and inspired. club. In 1993 Gerrelyn became 3rd VP of Gerrelyn will be remembered for herthe AEA and continued on to become humility, integrity, hard work andpresident in 2001. She helped develop wisdom.new marketing strategies for the AEAthat are still used today. She remained We will miss her.president until 2005 and then stayedon to help as new membershipchairperson. She welcomed many oftoday’s members.