By Jennifer Farnsworth

Dr. Karissa Scarabino, DO, MPH, has opened an office for osteopathic health services in Saratoga Springs.

Osteopathic Health of Saratoga, 28 Clinton St., Suite 3, offers what she describes as osteopathic manipulative medicine with a diagnostic and therapeutic practice of medicine based on wellness.

“I say everyone deserves an osteopath. There’s always something that needs to be treated. The goal of osteopathic medicine is to optimize health by restoring the normal structure and function of the body,” said Scarabino.

Scarabino said osteopathic physicians treat patients by looking at the whole picture before prescribing medical treatment. They use a hands-on approach to identify structural problems and support the body’s natural tendency toward good health and healing.

Scarabino can treat  patients with musculoskeletal injuries and sport injuries, in addition long term chronic problems.

“I knew it was my calling to become a doctor. When I learned about osteopathic medicine, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” she said.

“The goal of osteopathic medicine is to optimize health by restoring the normal structure and function of the body,” Scarbino said. “Osteopathic manipulative medicine is a diagnostic and therapeutic practice of medicine that focuses on wellness. Instead of just treating specific symptoms, Osteopathic physicians concentrate on treating you as a whole. 

By Maureen Werther

Full Circle Fitness of Colonie recently opened a second location at 3257 Route 9 in Saratoga Springs.

Owners Laurie and Dan Romand have been attracting people, who might shy away from the traditional gym atmosphere, to their more intimate-style facility where everyone ends up knowing each other’s name and sharing their journeys toward a healthier lifestyle.

There are never more than 15 people per class, the owners said. The company’s claim to fame is personalized attention and a commitment to helping each person realize their fitness goals and develop healthy lifestyle habits.

Laurie Romand, CEO of Full Circle, said their program is geared toward people who may feel uncomfortable or intimidated in what she calls the “big box” type of gym.

“Perhaps the person has never worked out before and doesn’t know how to operate equipment. Or, they feel that, if they ask a question about a particular exercise machine, they’re going to be pressured to sign up for expensive personal training sessions,” said Romand.

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Beekman Street is now home to a different kind of skin care spa.

At Faces on Beekman, Crystal Cobert-Giddens is bringing a holistic approach to skin care that many people have not experienced before. Her approach is based on health and wellness, and she is confident people will be receptive to the detailed and careful type of service she provides.

Her office is at 30 Beekman Street, Suite B, in Saratoga Springs.

Cobert-Giddens, a native of California, said having rosacea— a condition that causes redness and often small bumps on the face—gave her an understanding of the self esteem issues people can experience.  It led her on a path to becoming a certified integrative nutrition health coach, as well as a licensed esthetician and certified oncology esthetician.

“My practice is always different than what people anticipate. I take the time to analyze each client because one treatment does not fit all,” she said.

She used to visit make-up counters seeking advice. Eventually those visits led to a job with a skin care and cosmetic company, which evolved into her business. Her approach to healthy skin goes beyond quick fixes. She approaches it from a medical standpoint, mixed with a holistic style.