Vicki Iovine is now facing her own new horizons as a recently divorced mother of four after 27 years of marriage. As Vicki embarks on a journey that she’s coined her “next 27 years,” she plans to not only continue sharing kindness with others, but also taking the time to be kind to herself. With this commitment to spreading kindness and giving back, Vicki is thrilled to be an ambassador for the My Expressions of Kindness campaign.

Through a quarter of a million dollar donation from Allergan, Inc., the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA), the campaign benefits three deserving charities, including Dress for Success, an organization with a mission that’s very close to Vicki’s heart: providing women with the tools they need to succeed. Allergan will make a $25 donation on behalf of each consumer who shares their acts of kindness online.

A little bit more about Vicki: she is a former member of the board of directors of the Special Olympics, as well as a former television producer and radio talk show host. She was Playboy magazine’s Playmate of the Month for its September 1979 issue and was photographed by Arny Freytag.

In this interview Vicki Iovine talks to Marta Walsh about her passion for writing and her successful “Girlfriend’s Guide” book series. Her collaboration with BOTOX Cosmetic. Gives advice to anyone considering BOTOX for the first time. Makeup bag. Why Eunice Kennedy Shriver is one of her biggest inspirations. And future plans.

Marta Walsh: Where do you call home?
Vicki Iovine: I live in Los Angeles, CA—the city in which I was born.

MW: What drove you to write and how did your idea for writing “Girlfriend’s Guide” book series come about?
VI: With my first pregnancy, I felt like I was doing everything wrong—at least according to the books that I was reading. Remember, this was nearly 23 years ago and most pregnancy books were written by male doctors or postmenopausal women. I got too fat, I was too horny, I was cranky and nauseous and I was craving coffee. I ended up with a spectacular son in spite of my ineptitude, but even that didn’t seem to make me feel like a “good mommy” right away.

I knew so much more when I got pregnant again a year later, but I still got too fat, burped unexpectedly and nearly stalked my husband for his attentions—in spite of the fact that I closely resembled the Dancing Hippos in “Fantasia.”

By the time I got pregnant for the third time in four years, I was a little angry that I felt like such a complete failure as a pregnant woman. I started to suspect that it wasn’t me who was wrong, but maybe all the “experts” I’d been listening to. There seemed to be so many Rules of Pregnancy being spread around by people without ovaries, or at least any that still functioned, and by other Stepford Wife Mommies who tended to hide the brutal truths and play up their own perfect pregnancies.

By the time I had my fourth baby in six years, I decided the whole Perfect Pregnancy thing was a conspiracy against encouraging mommies-to-be to follow their instincts, do their best, and then let Mother Nature take care of the rest. That’s when I wrote the Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy—turns out, millions of other imperfect moms were feeling my pain and we bonded like sisters.

MW: How did your collaboration with BOTOX Cosmetic come about? What does your role as a campaign ambassador for BOTOX Cosmetic: My Expressions of Kindness campaign entail?
VI: I’ve received treatment since 2002 with BOTOX Cosmetic from a licensed and trained physician to treat my “11″ lines between my eyebrows and have been very happy with the results. You know I can’t help but share with my Girlfriends when I find a great thing.

As a long-time fan of the product, I was thrilled when Allergan, Inc, the maker of BOTOX Cosmetic, asked me to be an ambassador for the My Expressions of Kindness campaign. As part of the campaign, Allergan has donated up to a quarter of a million dollars to benefit three deserving charities–Children’s Action Network, Make it Right, and the organization I’m supporting with ultimate Girlfriend, Vanessa Williams — Dress for Success.

MW: What advice can you give anyone considering BOTOX Cosmetic for the first time?
VI: It’s important to see a licensed and trained physician to treat your “11” lines, and also be sure to do your research so you can ask the right questions.

MW: Why in your opinion BOTOX Cosmetic is a subject women shouldn’t be embarrassed to talk about?
VI: First of all, any mother should be respected regarding nearly all of her decisions because she’s earned the right to make choices. If I got over being embarrassed about having several medical interns reach their arms up to my cervix when I was in labor at a teaching hospital, I certainly can’t be embarrassed about anything I do to take care of myself. I find the whole subject of shame regarding women; for their weight, their career decisions, their mothering decisions, their age, their fertility and on and on and on, so annoying that I’d like to do anything I can to relieve it.

MW: You are recently a divorced mother of four after 24 years of marriage. What advice can you give to women in similar situations on how to keep strong?
VI: What I’m most proud of about my divorce is that the father of my kids and I are still great friends and we speak almost daily, if not several times a day, to discuss how the kids are doing and what their schedules or concerns are. Our children have been placed ahead of ALL other considerations—NO MATTER WHAT!

My other advice is to trust that there is life after divorce—which I now know from experience—and it’s great. Sometimes it’s lonely, especially at night, but I took up hobbies like knitting, reading and jigsaw puzzles with the kids so that I was occupied at home with them and not taking on a big social life for the first year.

And, of course, I think that my Girlfriends who have been there, done that, were my greatest comfort. They were my dates to movies, writers’ workshops, dinners and many of the social functions I used to attend with my former husband. Girlfriends, at least for me, seem to be the answer to most of life’s crises.

MW: What’s in your makeup bag?
VI: Carmex, lipstick and translucent powder. I’m terrible about refreshing my makeup throughout the day and the best I can do is avoid chapped lips and a shiny forehead.

MW: What was the first film you’ve ever watched on a date?
VI: This is really aging me, but it was the Franco Zefferelli production of “Romeo and Juliet.” I cried so hard that I think I scared the poor guy to death. He was just there to see “Juliet’s” bare breasts, I think, which all the boys in middle school were talking about!

MW: What and who inspired you?
VI: As a child, I was an avid reader of biographies for school kids. I loved the stories of Betsy Ross and Abigail Adams and Eleanor Roosevelt. When I got older and realized that I wanted to write for a living, I was hugely influenced by Tom Wolfe, Nora Ephron, Erma Bombeck and Charles Dickens (who was also a popular writer of serialized articles and stories.)

As an adult and for the last 25 years, my inspiration and mentor, of sorts, was Eunice Kennedy Shriver. I met her through my volunteer work for Special Olympics, the sports training program for people with intellectual disabilities, before I got pregnant with my first child and I have devoted much of my time to that amazing program ever since. I have learned the power of “Fierce Mothers,” as I call them—the women who will do anything in their power to make sure that their children will not be overlooked or excluded. We mothers are so strong and determined that we can do almost anything where children are concerned.

Eunice Shriver passed away a year ago, and I still miss her every day. She taught me everything from how to listen to children, how to join in with them in their play, how to raise money and awareness for a movement and even how to respond to an invitation to the White House!

MW: What’s next for Vicki Iovine?
VI: In late 2011, my next book, Girlfriends’ Guide to Teenagers, will be released by Pocket Books. In the meantime, I am a featured writer for HuffingtonPost.com—usually on Fridays in the Living Section. Oh yeah, and I am in love again, Girlfriends!!

I’m excited to share with you my interview with Didiayer Snyder an Australian model and an American television personality known for her roles on the ABC Network program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Amazing Vacation Homes on the Travel Channel.

In this interview Didiayer Snyder talks to Marta Walsh about her first breaks as a model and TV personality. Her collaboration with Botox Cosmetic. The best part about her roles on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Amazing Vacation Homes. Personal style, beauty philosophy, what’s in her makeup bag, and future plans.

Marta Walsh: Where do you call home?
Didiayer Snyder: California is home. My husband and I just moved to a cute place at the beach.

MW: What were some of your first breaks as a model and TV personality?
DS: My very first job was a TV commercial in Australia for a clothing company, and it wasn’t long after that when I hit the runways.

MW: What do you enjoy most about your roles on ABC Network’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Amazing Vacation Homes on the Travel Channel?
DS: When I worked for Amazing Vacation Homes on the Travel Channel, I really enjoyed meeting the architects. I really love architecture so getting inside their minds was fascinating. On ABC Network’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, it’s definitely the communities that make my week!

MW: How did your collaboration with Botox Cosmetic come about?
DS: As a television personality, motivational speaker, wife, daughter and friend, being my best self is as much about giving back to others as it is about taking care of myself. But a few years ago I noticed that the two lines between my brows – the ones that form an “11” – had deepened and my facial expression didn’t reflect the “me” I felt inside. I did some research and spoke with my doctor, who recommended treatment with BOTOX Cosmetic. I’ve not only been able to lose my “11,” but I’ve regained the confidence that my face expresses how I truly feel inside.

This commitment to being my best self through helping others is what drew me to the BOTOX Cosmetic My Expressions of Kindness charitable campaign, launched by Allergan, Inc., the maker of BOTOX Cosmetic. The campaign celebrates acts of kindness around the country by inviting women and men who are treated with BOTOX Cosmetic, or are considering speaking with their physician about treatment, to fill out a simple My Expressions of Kindness profile on Express KindnessCampaign.com to help raise a quarter of a million dollars for three deserving charities.

MW: What advice can you give anyone considering Botox Cosmetic for the first time?
DS: My advice is to speak with his or her physician first. As with any medical procedure, side effects can occur, so speak with your physician about the risks and benefits of BOTOX Cosmetic, as I did. For more information, please see BOTOX Cosmetic full Product Information, including Medication Guide.

For me, it’s been wonderful to join the ranks of men and women around the country who value BOTOX Cosmetic – not only for the aesthetic results, but also as part of the My Expressions of Kindness charitable campaign. Whether you have experience with the product or have been talking with your physician about treatment, you too can join us in encouraging expressions of kindness!

MW: How would you describe your personal style and what beauty means to you?
DS: My personal style would be comfort, comfort, comfort. Inner beauty is the most important beauty we can have. Kindness looks better on everyone than any designer dress.

MW: What’s in your makeup bag?
DS: Mascara, lip gloss and an eyebrow pencil—three things I can’t leave home without.

MW: What was the first film you’ve ever watched on a date?
DS: I didn’t date much when I was younger, but one of my best movie memories was watching Bridges of Madison County with my husband when we first dated.

MW: What one or two things some people may not know about Didiayer Snyder?
DS: I do free online mentoring for teens that are looking to pursue television careers.

MW: What’s next for Didiayer Snyder?
DS: I started a non-profit and I am heading to Haiti to build 50 homes for Earthquake victims.

Visit the BOTOX Cosmetic official website for additional details.

I would like to thank Didiayer Snyder for a brilliant interview! xo Marta Walsh

I’ve recently interviewed Laurie Casas, MD, ASERF‘s (Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation) President and a plastic surgeon practicing in suburban Chicago.

I would like to share with you Dr. Laurie Casas’s insight and tips about injectable treatments like BOTOX Cosmetic & Juvederm, & her answer to this question: Why patients are no longer keeping their injectable treatments a secret?

Laurie Casas, MD, a plastic surgeon

Marta Walsh: Where does your passion for plastic surgery come from?
Dr. Laurie Casas: My passion for plastic surgery comes from a life long desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives and the opportunity to express myself artistically.

MW: Why patients are no longer keeping their injectable treatments a secret?
DR. LC: People know longer feel it is necessary to keep their injectable treatments a secret because these treatments are safe, reliable and affordable when performed by properly trained physicians.

MW: Why injectable treatments became so popular with so many patients men & women?
DR. LC: Injectable treatments are popular because they are safe and reliable and actually deliver predictable results which allow people to feel and look their best.

MW: Why is it easy to fall in love with Botox?
DR. LC: Like most injectable products, Botox Cosmetic delivers predictable, safe and affordable results when performed by properly trained physicians.

MW: How much injectable treatments hurt physically and our pockets? Can we really afford it?
DR. LC: Much like a hair cut or a new pair of shoes, most people budget for injectable treatments.

MW: Which other great facts or findings you would like to share with us about injectable treatments?
DR. LC: The key is to match your expectations and budget with the procedure that will safety and effectively deliver results by a qualified provider.

MW: How can we decide on which type of injectable treatments works best with our skin?
DR. LC: The best way to know what may or may not work for you is to discuss your objectives with a trained physician.

MW: What is the difference between BOTOX Cosmetic & Juvederm?
DR. LC: BOTOX Cosmetic is a neurotoxin that selectively paralyzes muscles that produce facial expressions that give us a sad, tired or an aged appearance. Fillers like Juvederm fill or lift lines or facial depressions that give us a more aged appearance.

MW: Is there any recovery time necessary after injectable treatments?
DR. LC: Not unless you have injection site bruising.

MW: Aside from injectable treatments which other skincare tips can you share with us?
DR. LC: It is important to hydrate your skin, protect yourself from direct sunlight and wind with sun block that blocks UVA and UVB rays, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and rest.

MW: What are some your passions besides your work?
DR. LC: I like to spend time with my family and I enjoy sports like scuba diving and skiing.

I would like to thank Dr. Laurie Casas for interviewing with me for Talking Makeup. Visit her website to learn more about her: http://www.casas.md

For additional information and to find a physician in your area visit www.BotoxCosmetic.com  or www.Juvederm.com .

There are some interesting findings thanks to a survay by Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) about treatments with injectables. Talking Makeup would like to share with you some!

A recent survey from the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) found that respondents are no longer keeping their treatments with injectables a secret! In fact, the survey revealed that nine out of 10 patients discuss the use of treatment with their friends.

What’s more, nearly seven out of 10 received support from those they told. The perceived stigma – or the idea that these treatments are hush-hush or only for the rich and famous – seems to have been removed.

The survey also paints a picture of the “typical” patient, and it’s not who you may expect – she’s a married, working mother making less than six figures!

Who is the “typical” patient for treatments with injectables? Working, married female, with one to three children.

Those receiving injectable treatments are health-conscious (95 percent exercise; 78 percent follow healthy eating habits) showing that injectables complement a healthy lifestyle along with exercise and eating right.

Seven out of 10 believe injectable, non-surgical treatments are important parts of their aesthetic routine.

What’s the most popular filler? The most popular hyaluronic acid dermal filler was Juvéderm Ultra/Ultra Plus (61 percent)

Who are people telling about their treatments? Of the nearly nine out of 10 respondents (87 percent) who openly discuss their BOTOX Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) and/or hyaluronic acid dermal fillers (e.g., JUVÉDERM) treatments with others, most are likely to tell their close friends (65 percent) over immediate family and husbands (45 percent).

What kind of feedback do they get? Seven out of ten (70 percent) received support from the people they told while only one out of ten (12 percent) received criticism – demonstrating that aesthetic injectable treatments have continued to evolve into mainstream and accepted options for the everyday woman.

SURVEY REVEALS INJECTABLE PROCEDURES ARE MAINSTREAM AND ACCEPTED MEDICAL AESTHETIC TREATMENT OPTIONS

Survey Shows Majority of Respondents Openly Discuss Use of BOTOX Cosmetic and Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers

Despite what some may think, people aren’t hiding their use of BOTOX Cosmetic and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. In fact, according to survey statistics released today by The Aesthetic Surgery Education & Research
Foundation (ASERF), the research arm of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), nearly nine out of 10 respondents (87 percent) openly discuss their BOTOX Cosmetic and hyaluronic acid dermal filler treatments with others, with seven out of ten (70 percent) receiving support from the people they told.

“In a similar survey issued four years ago, we dispelled the myth that Hollywood and corporate wives were the typical BOTOX Cosmetic patient,” says ASERF President Laurie Casas, MD, a plastic surgeon practicing in suburban Chicago. “Now, demographic and perception data trends show us that aesthetic injectable treatments have continued to evolve into mainstream and accepted options for the everyday woman.”

Survey results found that the typical aesthetic injectable patient is a married, working mother between 41-55 years of age with a household income of under $100,000. The survey also found that women receiving aesthetic injectable treatments are healthconscious and philanthropy minded, with the majority incorporating exercise (95 percent) and healthy eating habits (78 percent) into their lives, and many volunteering with charitable organizations that matter to them (32 percent). In addition, nearly seven out
of 10 respondents believe that BOTOX Cosmetic (72 percent) and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers (65 percent) are important parts of their aesthetic routine.

“Interestingly, among BOTOX Cosmetic patients, nearly seven out of 10 respondents also received treatment with hyaluronic acid fillers with the majority of respondents being treated with JUVÉDERM,” says Dr. Casas. “Most people have great success with BOTOX Cosmetic and dermal fillers; however, we need to make patients aware that even though injectables are not ‘surgery,’ their administration is a medical procedure
with risks that depend on the training and experience of the clinician, the clinical setting and the technique used.”

Additional findings of the survey found that 72 percent of respondents received BOTOX Cosmetic injections to treat their glabellar lines – also referred to the “11″ -the frown lines in between the brows, while 63 percent of those surveyed received hyaluronic acid dermal filler injections to treat their nasolabial folds – also known as the “parentheses” – the lines around the nose and mouth. A few of the most frequently cited reasons to receive treatment with BOTOX Cosmetic was “to look more relaxed, less stressed” while patients reported choosing treatment with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers to “look more rejuvenated.”

Based on its annual survey of U.S. physicians performing cosmetic procedures, ASAPS recently reported that BOTOX Cosmetic injections have remained the most frequently performed procedure since FDA approval of the product in 2002. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers ranked as the third most popular procedure performed last year. ASERF conducted this follow-up survey to quantify the characteristics and opinions of the patients who receive the treatment to help its members and the public obtain a better understanding of these important modalities.

In honor of working women who have helped make BOTOX Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) the most popular physician-administered aesthetic treatment for the last seven years, Allergan, Inc. just launched the “BOTOX Cosmetic: Express Success” charitable education campaign. Spearheaded by actress and singer Vanessa Williams, the campaign will benefit the not-for-profit Dress for Success, an organization that helps disadvantaged women succeed in the workforce, through a $250,000 donation from Allergan.

Allergan is donating $2 to Dress for Success on behalf of each of the first 25,000 people who visit and register on the campaign Web site, www.ExpressSuccessCampaign.com  click to Get Involved!

When pledging support on the ExpressSuccessCampaign.com Web site, you also can enter to WIN a trip for two to New York City to have lunch with Vanessa Williams, read Vanessa’s personal blog as well as get interview and workplace tips.  This is such am amazing opportunty!

About Vanessa Williams: Vanessa Williams has achieved success in every area of entertainment, including the worlds of music, theatre, film and television. She has sold millions of albums, earning multiple Grammy Award nominations and countless other awards and honors. She has starred in numerous films, television and Broadway productions and has won or been nominated for the Emmy , Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards and has won two NAACP Image Awards for her role as the deliciously wicked Wilhelmina Slater on the hit ABC series, “Ugly Betty.” Concord Records will release her 13th album, “The Real Thing” in June and she recently appeared in the box-office hit, “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”

About Allergan, Inc.: Founded in 1950, Allergan, Inc., with headquarters in Irvine, California, is a multi-specialty health care company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices that enable people to live life to its greatest potential – to see more clearly, move more freely, express themselves more fully. The Company employs more than 8,000 people worldwide operates state-of-the-art R&D facilities and world-class manufacturing plants. In addition to its discovery-todevelopment research organization, Allergan has global marketing and sales capabilities with a presence in more than 100 countries.

About Dress for Success: Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to more than 90 cities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, the UK and the West Indies. To date, Dress for Success has helped more than 500,000 women work towards self-sufficiency. Visit http://www.dressforsuccess.org  to learn more.

Few months ago I had an amazing opportunity to interview the very famous Olympic Gold Medalist: Nadia Comaneci. I don’t want to sound too star struck, but Nadia Comaneci was a big deal back where I grew up, Israel that is. And I used to even mimic her Olympics moves with my friends, it was our inside joke.

Well, here it is, my interview with Nadia Comaneci which was published in Beauty Interviews August 2008 edition:

Nadia Comaneci is a winner of five Olympic gold medals, and the first gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastic event. She is also one of the best-known gymnasts in the world. In this interview Nadia Comaneci talks to Marta Walsh about some of the most memorable moments in her career, how did she first got interested in Botox Cosmetic, what compelled her to team up with Mark Spitz to launch the Your Personal Best Campaign, what are some of the pressures that come with being a champion, and what inspires her the most.

Marta Walsh: As world famous gymnast you don’t need much introduction. What have been some of your most memorable moments of your career?
Nadia Comaneci: When I got my first 10. The score board showed 10.00 for the first time and everyone was so shocked, including myself.

MW: How did you first get interested in Botox Cosmetic?
NC: My good friend Anastasia Soare, who is an eyebrow guru, first let me know that I could do something to relax the muscles in between my eyebrows that caused the 11, that were making me look stressed and tired. I then talked to my doctor who recommended BOTOX Cosmetic. She answered all my questions and made me feel very comfortable about my decision to try BOTOX Cosmetic. I’ve been using it ever since! What do you like most about Botox Cosmetic?
About five years ago, I realized that while I exercised and ate right most of my life, there was nothing I could do on my own that would get rid of those two stubborn frown lines stamped on my forehead. They looked like an ‘11′ and made me upset with the way I looked, and that’s when I decided to talk to my physician about BOTOX Cosmetic treatment. I like the treatment because its safe and simple solution to improving my appearance.

MW: How do you feel Botox Cosmetics changed the appearance of your skin?
NC: I still look like me, I still have lots of expression in my face, I am just without that 11 between my eyebrows.

MW: What advice can you give to women who are considering Botox for the first time?
NC: Women and men should feel empowered to do whatever it takes to feel their best and if that means aesthetic treatments like BOTOX Cosmetic, then that’s their choice. I would advise women to talk to their doctor about BOTOX Cosmetic. If you are looking for a doctor, one great resource for finding one is www.YPBevents.com

MW: What compelled you to team-up with Mark Spitz to launch the Your Personal Best Campaign?
NC: Mark and I are old friends. He’s always been motivated to work towards his personal best in all aspects of his life. It was natural for the both of us to want to help motivate others to do the same.

MW: Why is it easy for you to be honest about incorporating Botox into your skincare regimen?
NC: At the age of 46, I feel healthier and more confident than ever. As a young athlete I learned that you can’t sit back and wait for things to happen – you have to make them happen. To me that also means making the effort to look as good on the outside as I feel inside and I’m very proud of that fact.

MW: How have some of the disciplines you learned as an Olympic champion translated into your day to day life?
NC: Though I’m not competing anymore, I still have the same drive to achieve my personal “10″. That’s reflected in my attitude towards my work, my family and how I care for my body. To help me keep up mentally and physically, I eat right, exercise and take care of my appearance.

MW: What advice can you give us on staying in peak shape both physically and mentally and achieve our personal best?
NC: Take time for yourself and give yourself permission to focus on the things that help you feel your best in all aspects of life. For some of us, that may mean different things like seeing a doctor about aesthetic treatments, like BOTOX® Cosmetic, if you begin to feel like your best isn’t showing through.

MW: What was your toughest competition of your gymnastic career?
NC: All competitions were very difficult. Whether they were small or the Olympics, I always had to give my best. If I had to narrow it down to one, I would say the 1980 Olympics. It was difficult competing in Russia against gymnasts who were considered the best.

MW: What are some of the pressures that come with being a champion?
NC: When you’re competing young, like I did, you don’t think of the pressure. I just did the best I could and gave 100 percent every time. However, there was quite a lot of pressure in defending my title the second time around.

MW: Who and what do you find inspiring in life?
NC: My family.

It was a pleasure to interview Nadia you can find out more about Botox Cosmetic at the official website: www.botoxcosmetic.com

Nadia Comaneci was interviewed by Marta Walsh for BeautyInterviews.com

Legendary sports icons, Nadia Comaneci and Mark Spitz support Your Personal Best Public Education campaign.

Spitz and Comaneci share tips on achieving your personal best and discuss why they talked to their physicians about BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Treatment.

Mark Spitz (middle) and Nadia Comaneci (right) discussing Botox.

Five-time gold medalist, Nadia Comaneci, and nine-time gold medalist, Mark Spitz, today joined Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN), the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A), to launch a new consumer education campaign – Your Personal Best. As part of the campaign, Comaneci and Spitz will share tips on how they remain at the top of their game in an effort to inspire men and women to achieve their own personal best – be it through diet, exercise or by improving their personal skin care routine.

Nadia Comaneci-Five-time gold medalist.

According to a recent national survey (n = 2,403), four in five people define their personal best as a combination of feeling their best, looking their best and fulfilling their responsibilities. Recognizing this, long-time friends, Comaneci (46) and Spitz (58) will travel the nation offering tips and insights on how women and men can define their own personal gold standard and achieve their goals.

Nadia Comaneci who describes her personal best as taking care of her inner and outer self. “As a mother of an active two-year old boy, I am constantly on the go and trying to find time to take care of myself,” said Comaneci, who today runs a gymnastics school with husband and fellow gold-medalist gymnast, Bart Conner. “About five years ago, I realized that while I exercised and ate right most of my life, there was nothing I could do on my own that would get rid of those two stubborn frown lines stamped on my forehead. They looked like an ‘11′ and made me upset with the way I looked, and that’s when I decided to talk to my physician about BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment. I attained a perfect ‘10′ at age 14, and I’m working hard to stay close to that in all that I do.”

Mark Spitz, who holds the world record for the greatest number of gold medals achieved in a single Olympic game and was named one of the sexiest men over 50 by MSN.com, decided to talk to his physician about getting treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic for the first time. “As a financial advisor and motivational speaker, my facial expression is a very important part of my message,” said Spitz. “When I am serious, my ‘11′ makes me look angry and unapproachable rather than congenial. I knew I had to do something about it, but for a long time, I just didn’t know what my options were. Then I heard about BOTOX® Cosmetic and spoke to my wife about it. She encouraged me to see a great doctor who answered all my questions.”

Spitz is not alone. The survey also found that men are four times more likely to consider aesthetic treatments if their significant other recommends them. “Today, more and more women bring their husbands into my office for a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment to lose their ‘11,’” said Dr. Wechsler. “Men are now learning what women who are treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic have known for a long time – it’s not about looking younger, but about achieving a natural look.”

Also, According to acclaimed dermatologist and psychiatrist, Dr. Amy Wechsler, the Your Personal Best mission of encouraging people to define their own personal best and focus on total wellness is often a key factor to personal satisfaction. “I always tell my patients that their health and personal state of mind are closely connected. Simply put, improving your state of mind can be achieved by exercising, making healthy food choices and taking care of your skin. As a dermatologist, I recommend a personalized skin care regimen to help my patients achieve the results they’re looking for. By helping them improve their skin, I am putting them a step closer to achieving the ultimate mind-body connection.”

 Sharing Tips to Achieve Your Personal Best:
Comaneci and Spitz will participate in local Your Personal Best events where they will share their personal stories including their experiences with BOTOX® Cosmetic. Attendees also will have the opportunity to ask a physician expert questions about BOTOX® Cosmetic and will receive simple steps to help them achieve their personal best, including ways to:
1. Reduce Stress – Approximately three-quarters (77%) of Americans experienced physical symptoms of stress (fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness).
2. Be Sun Smart – While 58 percent of people say they are concerned about skin cancer, 40 percent of Americans never use sunscreen and only 11 percent use an SPF15 or higher daily.
3. Get Active – 39.5 percent of U.S. adults are physically inactive.
4. Catch Some Zs – Approximately 7 in 10 U.S. adults (71%) are getting less than the recommended eight hours of sleep a night on weekdays.

Important BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Information: BOTOX® Cosmetic is indicated for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age.