Silverdale-based Peninsula Dermatology and Laser Clinic opened a new office in Gig Harbor in June, offering a range of services. Dr. Eric Rasmussen, who has been practicing in Kitsap for 21 years, will offer medical and cosmetic dermatology at the clinic, located in the medical center on Point Fosdick Drive.

Nurse practitioner and Gig Harbor resident Victoria Heinz will join Erin Lenza, a physician’s assistant, at the new site, while Dr. Rasmussen will split his time between the two offices. read more »

Gig Harbor’s Joe Piscatella, a best-selling author and renowned authority on healthy lifestyles, says a person can change to healthy habits in six months. As the presenter at a Bainbridge Island event recently, he was told by a man who read one of his books 10 years ago that he followed his advice after a doctor gave him three months to shape up or take medications for the rest of his life. read more »

Cold Laser Therapy, available at the Poulsbo Bond Rd. clinic of Kitsap Physical Therapy, uses low-level light or photon energy with the unique property of being able to penetrate up to two inches below the skin surface causing an increase in cellular metabolism with no tissue damage whatsoever. It is painless, non-invasive and is being used to treat a variety of painful and inflamed conditions of the soft tissues and joints such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, back pain, and sport injuries. read more »

Practiced for centuries in China, the gentle art of tai chi has now become an American mainstay. Despite its deceptive gentleness, Tai Chi boasts robust health benefits, including lowered blood pressure, improved stamina and a deeper sense of relaxation.

Tai Chi is balletic in movement and consists of a series of graceful motions or poses. These are expressed in gestures that are smooth and continuous. Because it also stresses the feelings which accompany the poses, tai chi is often described as a philosophy in addition to a martial art. read more »

Rice Fergus Miller Architecture & Planning recently hired Reuben Rios and Pamela Morrison to its staff.

Rios will focus on many of the firm’s community projects. His experience includes designing spaces for Starbucks and American Express, as well as projects in the health care sector. Rios carries a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Texas Tech University.

Morrison has been hired as the firm’s new Office Manager. She has an Associates of Science degree in Accounting from Modesto Junior College in California.

Rice Fergus Miller can be contacted at 377-8773.