Practice Support

Caution tends to still exist for most radiology groups these days when teaming up with a teleradiology practice, with uncertainties ranging from quality assurance and access concerns to perceived threats to their business; while the list of issues that could end up being roadblocks is certainly extensive, however, teleradiology actually tends to lower overhead, tends to improve morale, and tends to help grow a practice, and that is only the beginning!
This entire topic reaches back to 2000, when teleradiology emerged with a focus in a support capacity, with a number of large, national practices merging with the goal of changing the model that had been in place for years, and instead pursuing daytime hours - all in an effort to replace conventional radiology groups. Teleradiology is beginning to reemerge with its original intent, however, as concerns over both quality control and overall commitment have caused there to be a shift toward teleradiology specialists who operate in a more traditional manner and are content to operate in a strictly supportive role - all of which will likely end up creating a renewed interest in teleradiology amongst radiology groups.
When it comes down to it, after all, there is typically not enough volume to support the cost of a dedicated professional, with only five to fifteen reads generally being available each night (which means that paying a physician a substantial salary for this menial task neither makes the greatest use of the money expended nor of the physician's time and talents) - and what's more, teleradiologists are generally focused on on interpretations that are preliminary only, which means that final reads can still end up being accelerated for their counterparts working days. As is widely known already, practices are required to reread and verify results, but QC/QA requirements can be fulfilled with this duplication.
In addition to increasing the profitability of a practice (while decreasing those administrative problems that tend to occur), teleradiology also has the ability to enable a practice to do more with a smaller staff, which means that the group can look into hospital engagements that will be profitable, while also knowing that they can absorb overnight coverage without needing to add additional employees.
Teleradiology also allows for the obstacle of attracting new talent to no longer be as large of a problem, as undesirable, overnight hours is no longer a necessity - which means it will be easier it appeal to young practitioners, while also making it easier to keep veteran professionals around.
And most importantly of all, when working with a teleradiologist, a practice can significantly lessen the problem of trying to juggle staff, and will be able to run far more smoothly as a result!

Exploring The Four Main Risks That Are Associated With Skin Mole Treatment

Let us take this opportunity to learn more about the four associated risks to skin mole treatments. It is our goal to have a full grasp on the dynamics behind these risks, especially on how they came about. With that knowledge, we will be in a better position to look for ways to mitigate or even eliminate those risks as we go about the treatments. We will keep those risks at bay by employing some precautions and safety measures. It is worth noting that the treatment of skin moles tends to be quite invasive. We're still a long, long way off from the time when you can simply wash down a capsule or a tablet with water and your skin moles would fade away. When we say "treating the moles", we are talking about procedures such as excision (cutting) or cauterization (burning) of the moles. They are, unfortunately, both of them, invasive. Being invasive medical procedures, they naturally come with various risks.
Now the first of the four main risks that are associated with skin mole treatment is the risk of infection. It is a risk that is present even if you are careful in choosing which treatment to use between excision and cauterization. But, to be sure, the risk is higher in cases where the procedure involves simple excision. During the mole removal procedure, it is highly possible that bacteria and other pathogens gain entry through the openings made on the skin and start messing around inside the body, resulting to various illnesses. The risk of infection can be reduced by having the procedure carried out under hygienic conditions. Many people ignore this part, thinking it's just a minor surgery anyway. There would be lower chances of infection if the medical practitioner or the doctor who is performing the skin mole treatment undertakes it with the same amount of care and diligence he practices in major operations or surgeries. As with any other major surgery, it is important that the area or room be made conducive to surgery, and that the surgical tools and implements have been thoroughly sterilized beforehand. Proper post-operative care can also reduce the chances of infection.
There is also a risk of the person who had the mole removed experiencing anesthetic allergy. Since moles are rooted deep in the skin, it is a given that before they are taken out, the person has to be administered with anesthesia first. However, there are some anesthetic agents that can cause allergies when administered to some people. It would be difficult to mitigate this risk for the simple reason that it is also difficult to tell whether a patient is predisposed to be allergic to the anesthetic agent that will be given.
A procedure to remove skin moles is invasive, so another risk present is nerve damage. This can be mitigated if the medical practitioner carrying out the treatment is very careful. In the course of the procedure, some nerves could go all over the place without any provocation. This could be due to certain anatomical differences among patients.
And the fourth major risk associated with skin mole treatment is the risk of scar formation. Take note that there is a possibility of an uglier-looking scar taking the place of the mole that has been previously removed. Keep in mind that you'd have lesser options in scar removal than you do in mole removal. What you could do, however, would be to try to hide or mask the presence of these scars using various tricks and tips.

Functional Foods: The Lines Have Blurred

The line between food and medicine has blurred considerably in the last two decades. Today our grocery aisles are flooded with foods that promise health benefits beyond their basic nutritional value. These benefits range from memory lapses cured by herbs, to digestive disturbances cured by beneficial bacteria (probiotics), to heart attacks prevented by plant sterols. In between there are thousands of products that claim to promote health or prevent disease.

The market for these so-called "functional foods" has become one of the fastest growing industries in the US. Already a multi-billion dollar industry, experts predict annual growth rates of 7% or higher for the functional food market, but no one dares predict how far this new wave may carry us. The red wine "pill" has already been developed, and some researchers already foresee the day of edible vaccines.

While the trend is certainly good for the health of processed food manufacturers, environmentalists and health policy experts worry that as the clamor for functional additives provide a slippery slope for more genetically modified foods. Nutritionists and scientists also see hazards for the consumer that may outweigh the benefits. Chief among them is simple safety.

Regulatory authorities around the world tend to be years behind the companies introducing these products. Our own FDA requires nutrition facts only for those substances with FDA daily values, such as vitamin A or calcium. Amounts of ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acid and probiotics are not regulated, so consumers can't know how much they should be ingesting, but manufacturers are not required to disclose how much or little they are putting in their foods.

Another concern is the possibility of overdose, or hyper-vitaminosis. The combination of taking multivitamins and also consuming fortified nutrition bars, health drinks and cereals may be too much of a good thing. Vitamin A, for example, is required at low doses, but may be toxic at levels only 10 times those required to prevent deficiencies.

Studies have suggested that long-term intake of a diet high in vitamin A may promote the development of osteoporotic hip fractures in women.

(1) The Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has also warned about consuming too much folic acid from food. The HSPH doesn't suggest we give up our daily multivitamin-multimineral supplement, but that we avoid heavily fortified foods that deliver a full day's dose--or sometimes more--of folic acid.

(2) The most basic concern, however, is that these new prescription foods might encourage consumers to switch from a diverse, healthy diet to a basically unhealthy one - with an increasing reliance on functional: additives or modifications. The front package claim, "Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals," on products like breakfast cereal and drinks can be a powerful distraction from the fact that these products often contain high amounts of sugar. While enriched or fortified foods can make significant contribution to nutrient intakes, they do not have the same nutritional benefits as the whole foods for which they substitute. The whole food will always be superior.

What Foods and Diets Cause Low Libido in Men

In another article I mentioned "the big 3" factors on how to increase sexuality in men. I want to get a little bit more specific now on diet. In particular, what foods and ingredients would destroy libido.
Soy is the first culprit here. Avoid this ingredient altogether! Yes soy is a bad thing and can increase estrogen levels in both men and women. Soy is everywhere in processed food so beware! Next time you are out shopping look at the ingredient labels and you'll see what I mean! Some will argue to me and say "what about food like tempeh?" Now here's a little bit of the difference. Fermented and unfermented soy are two different things. Fermented soy is actually fine. I personally wouldn't have too much of it but understand, fermented soy is a big process in preparing food, getting rid of things like phytic acids and such and such. Too much in depth information to cover in a small article. Unfermented soy is the former in which I mentioned. Soy is cheap, easily used as a filler for food and definitely bad for you. Throw away that tofu!
Trans fat is the next thing here. Maybe people will argue with me and say, even yes it is bad, it won't exactly lower libido. I say it does since trans fat clogs your arteries and clogged arteries mean less blood flow to any part of your body. It won't affect libido directly (at first) but it can affect it indirectly. Trans fat is not usually found in the label so you have to look at the ingredients again for this. However, trans fat won't be said on the ingredient label since it's not really called trans fat. To find trans fat just remember the word "hydro" If you see anything with that word then put it back on the shelf. An example is "hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" etc. Know the margarine on the shelf that stays there for 5+ years and ever wondered how that exactly worked? Trans fat, or that hydrogenated goodness is the reason.
Low fat diets actually cause testosterone to plummet. Our body needs fat and needs a lot of it from food. Saturated fat, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated fat, we need them! Trans fat is the only fat we should avoid. We also need cholesterol too since that is a steroid hormone in our body and our body, even if it produces 70% of its daily requirement still needs it from foods. Fat is what helps cell membranes function, helps hormones get regulated and is what keeps us alive.

Considerations Regarding Treatments For Facial Mole Removal

When you are in the process of looking for a treatment to remove your facial moles, there are sure to be many considerations to be made. We will name four of the most important ones here. It is our aim in this article to fully flesh out these considerations so we can have a better grasp of what we're up against. At a general level, we have to keep it in mind that the removal of moles (just like the removal of all other skin moles), tends to entail the use of certain surgical procedures. Facial moles can also be sometimes excised off the skin with a sharp surgical tool. Anesthesia would have to be administered prior to the actual excision, though. Aside from those, cauterization is also a possibility, as noted by many medical experts.
Now, the first thing you have to keep in mind when seeking mole removal treatment is that the treatment will almost certainly be invasive. We have already mentioned two of these options: excision and cauterization. Those who are looking for less invasive treatments would most likely turn to laser treatment. However, you have to know that laser treatment has not gained much success when it comes to deep-seated moles. Unfortunately that leaves us to make our choice between two highly invasive procedures: cauterization and excision. If you go for cauterization, we must warn you that some excision would still have to be performed before the mole is burned off.
Your next concern would be the cost that mole removal would demand from you, as it could be quite pricey. A health insurance would take care of this problem for you. But if your health insurer deems mole removal as a cosmetic procedure and does not have really anything to do with your health, you might not be able to rely on your health insurance.
The third thought would be: would the treatment leave a scar after the mole has been removed? You would have to think about your options carefully because even if you managed to get rid of the mole, you might be left with an uglier scar.
Next, you have to think carefully and assess if the treatment could possibly lead to you having infections. Remember that, in essence, you are undergoing a surgical procedure if you are having your moles removed. All surgical procedures have a risk of infection, and that includes the mole removal treatment, no matter how simple or straightforward you deem it to be.

Useful Information on In Vitro Fertilization Treatments

A mother is born the moment she gives birth to her child. Pregnancy is certainly a turning point in a women's life. In today's hectic world, consumption of contraceptive i-pills and eating unhealthy diet can affect the ability of a woman to conceive. This situation affects the physical and mental health of a woman. Unfortunately, there are thousands of women all over the world who are unable to give birth or conceive in the natural way. It is a tough situation for the couple. If you too are one of them, then there is ray of hope as now you can get in touch with a fertility clinic. These clinics help woman who are not able to conceive. Medical experts have introduced In vitro fertilization to help such women.
In vitro fertilization has earned great popularity in the recent years. If you are thinking about the treatment, you need to become familiar with the benefits and IVF cost. Babies conceived through In vitro fertilization are also called as Test Tube Babies. This treatment gives hope to those women who cannot have babies. It is an option for those women who have reproductive complications ranging from tubal blockage, uterine or tubal scarring, or infertility resulting from endometriosis. This treatment consists of the fusion of an egg and sperm in a controlled medical environment. The fertilized egg is then introduced into the uterus of the woman. A single round of IVF involves implantation of about 3 or 4 embryos, as the chances of failure of a single embryo are more. Because of the multiple embryos being implanted into the uterus, there is a greater possibility of the treatment being successful.
The main aim of In vitro fertilization is to help woman to become pregnant with safe treatments. Thus, in case if fertilization is not taking place in her womb, the medical experts fertilize the ovum and sperm in the test tube. After 3 to 5 days the embryo is placed in the woman's uterus. Thus, after the successful implantation of the embryo in the uterus there are better chances that a woman would get pregnant. Normally, IVF costs are about $12,500 a cycle. As the first cycle produces odds of about 25% effectiveness, it may take multiple cycles to produce a viable embryo. This treatment has come as bliss for many couples who can't have babies. It is a less invasive procedure that is a ray of hope for many couples. There are infertility clinic that provide this treatment.
Surrogacy procedures have benefitted a number of gay couples and it has helped them to have their own babies. This medical procedure has made gay parenting possible. If you are a lesbian couple who wants to have your own babies, then you can check for the best clinic that offers Lesbian ivf. The fertilization clinics make sure that you get the best medical treatment so that the chances of the development of the embryo would increase and you can become pregnant. The procedure is very easy if you opt for reliable and trustworthy medical experts. The rate of success depends on the age. You must give it a try now and not wait until it's too late.

Kidney Stones

Are you looking for ways on how to dissolve kidney stones? Before you look for ways , it is best to know first some information about their cause. This brief article will give you valuable information about remedies that will surely help you deal with kidney stones formation inside your body.
Quick Facts
· It is a hard and like crystalline minerals formed inside your urinary tract or kidney.
· The medical term for it is Nephrolithiasis.
· The five basic kinds are calcium, uric acid, struvite, cysteine and drug-induced.
· The common symptoms are blood in your urine or hematuria and flank pain that can be severe.
· There can be a formation once there is a decrease in volume of your urine and if you form stone substances excessively in the urine.
· The major reason why there is formation is due to dehydration. If you live in a hotter climate and do not make it a habit to drink water, you are a candidate for formation of stones.
· If you have specific medical conditions like gout or take certain supplements or medications, you are at a higher risk.
· Hereditary and dietary factors can also be a factor.
You will undergo treatment if you have severe conditions of stone formation. However, you need to help yourself dissolve kidney stones through proper diet and following natural remedies for kidney stones.
Your diet is a big factor that leads you to form kidney stones. There are different types of kidney stone formation that can be prevented if you follow a strict diet. Drinking sufficient fluids especially water throughout the day is an excellent preventative.
You must limit sodium or salt because it helps increase your excretion of calcium in your urine. In result, you will form kidney stones. It is much better to reduce your salt intake than to reduce your calcium intake.
Foods that are high in animal proteins like fish-contain purines, eggs and meats can increase your chances of forming calcium stones and uric acid stones. Foods that are rich in calcium can help you prevent in the formation of kidney stones and assist you in maintaining your bone density. Try to avoid as well foods high in oxalates like rhubarb and spinach in order to prevent formation of calcium oxalate stones.
It is best to consult a doctor on how for your best treatment options. Take note, there are different kinds of treatment for a certain type of stone. Some can be treated with home remedies and some must be treated through surgery. Your doctor will be able to help you as well to know the causes of the kidney stone formation. Seek help from a dietician in planning your meals in order to lessen your chances of having to deal with the problem again.

Bill set up this site to help those that are suffering from kidney stones. His family members had suffered and with the help of the information he gathered they have not had any incidences since. check out the site. subscribe to the mailing list and have a better tomorrow.

A Healthier Life Through Chiropractic Care

Let's face it. Today's lifestyle doesn't provide us with many opportunities to stay healthy. Between long commutes and spending hours sitting in front of a computer, we don't give ourselves many options to move around much.

However, this inactivity can cause people to suffer from a variety of issues such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Most Atlanta chiropractors recommend that those suffering from these ailments receive treatment.

Another factor affecting our lives in a negative way is nutrition. With an abundance of fast food, junk food, and processed food, it makes it difficult to eat healthy on a regular basis. If you are looking to enhance your chiropractic care, Atlanta chiropractors state that proper nutrition can enhance the treatment.

While some aspects of nutrition may appear to be easy to remember, it helps to put it all into perspective. One of the key elements to good nutrition is hydration. When you're thirsty, your best option is water. Water is an essential part of our body, especially our joints. It keeps our joints lubricated which will prevent any excess friction or wear known to cause osteoarthritis. Dehydration will also cause the discs in your spine to become stiff which could lead to potential injury and a limited range of motion.

While we all know a balanced diet is good for our health, it's also an essential part of musculoskeletal health. When you eat the correct portion of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, you provide your muscles and bones with the right elements to stay healthy. Every essential nutrient plays an important role in your overall health but it's important to pay attention to a few that stand out.

Calcium promotes healthy bones and can prevent osteoporosis. Omega-3 can reduce inflammation along with many other health benefits. Your Atlanta chiropractor may also recommend that you supplement your diet with glucosamine or chondroitin, especially if you are at risk for osteoarthritis. Glucosamine can prevent cartilage breakdown in joints and chondroitin can actually help rebuild it.

There is some controversy about adding these supplements to your diet. Some research shows the favorable results from them while others have shown no improvements from taking them. Since glucosamine and chondroitin may interact with some prescription medicines, you may want to consult with your doctor before including them in your diet.

Overall, staying active and eating the right nutrients will help to keep you healthy. Consult with your local Atlanta chiropractor to find out more information on how chiropractic care can enhance a healthy lifestyle

Constipation: An Overview

Constipation is an extremely common condition. It is estimated that up to 4 million Americans suffer from constipation at a given time. Constipation affects children, women, and elderly most commonly, although individuals of all age can be afflicted. If you are having difficulty passing stool, or having incomplete or infrequent passage of stool, it is likely that you are experiencing constipation. For reference, the normal bowel movements varies person to person, but usually range from 3 bowel movements per day to 3 times per week.
The most common causes of constipation includes dietary and life style factors. If you do not take enough fibers, do not drink enough water, or do not exercise, then, there is a higher likelihood of developing constipation. Other factors that are thought to be important in constipation includes medications. Medications that you take for high blood pressure or heart condition, medication for depression, calcium and iron pills are all important in causing constipation. Patients with diabetes or thyroid condition also have higher incidence of constipation. Another important cause of constipation is colon cancer. If you are over the age of 50 and is developing a new onset constipation, this possibility needs to be fully excluded.
In the treatment of constipation, it is very important that we modify certain life style and dietary factors. To do this, you will need to increase fiber intake that will result in increased volume or bulk of stool, and increase hydration to soften the stool. This is analogous to the situation with toothpaste. With a new toothpaste, it is extremely easy to squeeze out the toothpaste. But when there is very little toothpaste left or it is dried out, it becomes very difficult to squeeze out the toothpaste. Thus, it is important to increase the fiber and fluid in your diet to increase the bulk and soften the stool. It is also helpful to exercise on a regular basis to increase colonic activity. Other helpful measures include ingesting dietary fiber supplements. They can be purchased under the brand name of Metamucil or Citrucel. You can also soften the stool by taking stool softener sold under the name of Colace or mineral oil. Colonic stimulants are another type of medications that you can take to relieve constipation. They are sold under the brand name of Dulcolax and Senokot. Medications that require prescription includes Miralax, Amitiza, Lactulose, and Orlistat, and they can be helpful in certain situations.

Constipation is a very common condition that can be easily managed by following simple steps.

Preventing Osteoarthritis in Men Over 50

Over 50? Take action now to limit your osteoarthritis risk
If you're a man over age 50, your odds of getting Osteoarthritis are going up. In fact, research shows that by age 60, most men will have some form of this degenerative joint disease.
Osteoarthritis simply explained is a deterioration of the soft cartilage material lining our joints. The cartilage breaks down, leaving rougher, uneven surfaces where the joint grinds instead of slides. At worst, the cartilage can wear away entirely, leaving direct bone-on-bone contact.
Osteoarthritis normally shows up in the following joints:

1. Hips
2. Knees
3. Spine
4. Shoulders

While osteoarthritis causes are subject to much discussion, two main factors seem universal:

1. Joint overuse or repetitive stress
2. Joint injury

In limiting the risk of osteoarthritis, we will focus primarily on joint overuse and repetitive stress.
Regarding joint injury, leading a high-impact lifestyle, where you're likely to fall hard or impact the joints with blunt force, will increase your osteoarthritis risk. But hey, you gotta live your life, so make these lifestyle decision with discretion.
Osteoarthritis Causal Factors
Most men over 50 don't understand joints very well. For our purposes, it's important to understand that the skeletal system, including where bones connect as joints, aren't really designed to bear a lot of weight.
Our skeletal role is mostly just to provide a rigid structure for muscle attachment. The following two factors can contribute greatly to joint stress:

1. Obesity; carrying too much weight
2. Muscle atrophy; weak muscles

For example, if you're a man about 50 and six feet tall, your body weight should be in the neighborhood of 175 pounds, give or take a few. For this same person who might weigh, say 250 pounds, that's an extra 75 pounds of weight your body must support.
On top of that, throw in a sedentary lifestyle where muscles have shrunk to a limited capacity in supporting the joints. After all, a joint is really only as strong as the muscles and tendons that hold it together.
The combined effect is "settling into the joints", placing tremendous loads on the knees, hips, and spine. Now think of joint cartilage as the "contact points" of this load.
After years of abuse the joint cartilage just starts to fall apart.
Risk Prevention
Limiting osteoarthritis risk in men over 50 then is pretty self-evident, but it's up to you as the individual to take the right actions now, so here are the keys:

1. Lose weight. Universally, this is the single best thing any man over 50 can do to improve overall health. However, specific to osteoarthritis, maintaining proper weight is an imperative.
2. Strengthen your muscle base. Resistance training (weight lifting) is the best way to achieve muscle strength gains. If you don't have resistance training experience, find a reputable personal trainer to help start you. Any program must include total body strengthening with heavy emphasis on increasing core strength.

Osteoarthritis is not completely preventable in men over 50, however understanding the causes and taking specific action now will limit anyone's risk in a favorable way.
Remember, it's your body, the only one you'll ever have. It's up to you to take the steps required to maintain a healthy body and a healthy, happy life.

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Natural Ways to Treat Leg Pain

To treat leg pain, medical doctors usually prescribe various pain killing drugs. Pain killers usually work within a short amount of time. However, if your body becomes dependent on these drugs, this may have an adverse effect on your vital organs, especially your kidneys and liver. So to prevent this from happening, you may want to opt for natural ways and home remedies to treat the pain. Below you will find some suggestions.
1. Hot compress
To feel better, you can try applying hot compress on your legs. Doing this will give you a soothing effect. While the most common hot compress technique is to put a hot compress bag on your legs, you can try other procedures such as the following: hot towel, hot brick, or even a hot bottle. Just make sure that the temperature is tolerable enough to prevent scalding and burning.
2. Mind your posture.
If your job requires you to always stand, you want to make sure that you stand on both legs to distribute your weight evenly on both feet. Don't stand on one foot as this causes you more pain.
3. Never ever cross your legs.
As previously stated, one of the causes of leg pain is a compressed artery. This compression can be because of several reasons, but one of these reasons is bad circulation or blood flow. So if you have a bad habit of crossing your legs, it's about time that you quit as this will contribute to your pain.
4. Wear a comfortable pair of shoes.
Women who love wearing heels often suffer from leg pain. Sure, these heels will make you look lovely and sexy, but they can also give you much pain. So as much as possible, wear comfortable shoes or choose a better alternative such as wedges and flats.
5. Get a massage regularly.
Leg pain can also be caused by aching muscles. So get a massage or a foot rub from time to time. This will relax the muscles and soothe aching and tired feet.
6. Get enough vitamin D.
If your body does not get enough vitamin D, not only will your legs suffer but also your bones. One of the best natural sources of vitamin D is the morning sun. So as much as you can, go jogging right after the sun shines in the morning to catch some of the sun's healthy rays.

Learn When To Get Gynecomastia Surgically Treated

Some doctors advise you to simply wait for gynecomastia to go away on its own, since it often does. However, this advice does not work for everyone, which is why there is treatment available. If you are not sure if you should wait or do something about it, learn why the latter option may be best for you.
If you are uncomfortable with the way this condition makes you look, you might want to get treatment sooner rather than later. For example, you can get plastic surgery that eliminates most of the excess fat on the chest area. This is a quick way to get rid of the issue, though you will need some time to heal. If other people have made fun of you or you are simply not confident with the excess fat on your chest, fast treatment is likely a good option. Otherwise, you could be waiting years for the issue to go away on its own.
Some may think of surgery for gynecomastia to be solely a cosmetic procedure, in which case it would not be covered by insurance. This is a big reason some people wait for the condition to clear up by itself, as they simply do not have the money to spend on a procedure. However, many insurance companies actually cover this surgery, in which case there may be no need to wait for it to heal by itself. If you have been avoiding the treatment because you cannot afford it, you should ask your insurance provider if it will be covered, either fully or partially.
In general, gynecomastia tends to go away on its own within a few months. If it is still present after one or two years, you might consider surgery. This is especially the case if you have tried other methods, such as medication, to no avail. Your doctor will let you know if you should get a surgical procedure. Most doctors advise patients to wait until they are at least through puberty, and then get the proper treatment for the issue.
If you have been dealing with this condition for months and are ready for it to disappear, you might consider waiting a bit longer. If it has already been years, or you are tired of the humiliation you feel, you should look into the price of having it treated. If it is quite affordable, or even covered by insurance, you are advised to seriously consider having the excess fat surgically removed as soon as possible.

The Impact of Soft Drinks and Energy Drinks On Wellness

Most people have heard at some point or another, "soda is horrible for you" but the question is- why are they bad?
If you're like me, being reprimanded and told that "something is bad" isn't necessarily going to stop me from doing it. I have got to know why and alternative options always help make the transition easier
So first off- why "soda is bad":
Diet and regular sodas have both been associated with obesity, kidney damage, and certain cancers. Soft drinks have also been linked with elevated blood pressure. The drinks are seen as a major contributor to the obesity crisis and in a way- it's hardly surprising. Soda is relatively cheap and they are usually wrongly recognized to be "low-calorie" items (which obviously, they are not- particularly when several soft drinks are ingested).
Many reviews indicate that overweight children and adults consume more sugary drinks than normal-weight kids and adults, and several studies found that the greater sugar-sweetened drinks people drank the greater their probability of becoming overweight. And the following is where not only soda, but sugary products take it to the next stage: the more sugary drinks you consume, the more food you usually eat. Why? Due to the "sugar highs and lows" from the soft drinks and the quantity of caffeine. Sugary and highly refined foods (and drinks) often hold you over for 10-15 minutes before you find yourself looking for a snack again... or another sugary or caffeinated drink. A treat of lean protein and a complex carb can hold you over for three hours!
Why energy drinks are harmful:
Energy drinks can be linked to all of the negatives of soda (above). But added to that is the even HIGHER level of caffeine. With soda the FDA limits the amount of caffeine can be in soda (65mg per 12 oz), however with energy drinks, they are certainly not restricted. "The FDA does not regulate caffeine in energy drinks, some of which, like Cocaine, contain huge amounts of caffeine: 280 mg in an 8.4-ounce serving, compared with about 100 mg per 6 ounces in coffee." (Boston Globe)
For the most part, the increased caffeine has not been discovered to be "life-threatening". Nonetheless caffeine can increase anxiety, panic, some stomach problems, and some cardiac arrhythmia.
Drinks high in sugar or caffeine choices:
-flavored water..not the sort you shop for! Toss a handful of frozen strawberries inside a water bottle, or have a pitcher of water in your fridge. The frozen fruit triples as "water flavoring", ice cubes, and a healthy treat once it's thawed!
-green tea- it's calorie-free (if you have it without milk or sugar) and naturally high in antioxidants
-seltzer water & juice- you have the fizziness of the soda (without the majority of the sugar and caffeine) in addition to the flavor of your favored juice. Again, add pieces of frozen fruit to spice it up!
-soy milk- effortlessly sweet and are now supplied in a variety of flavors, including almond and vanilla. The rewards show that soy milk may reduce your risk for heart disease and osteoporosis. Look for low-fat, unsweetened soy beverages to minimize calories

Things You Can Get Done With A Facelift

If you are looking to change your appearance in either a dramatic or subtle way, you may want to consider getting a facelift. You can erase the effects of time, weather and poor dieting from your face without having to have extensive surgery. It doesn't matter what type of changes you want made, virtually any blemish or flaw that makes you unhappy or uncomfortable can be taken care of. Keep in mind that your face is often the first place where aging is prominent. It is also the first thing people see when you are out in public. In order to present the world with your best face, a facelift can be done to help you accomplish that.
Many people often find that when they start to see signs of aging, it starts to deflate their spirits. This can cause some very negative effects on mood and affect other areas of your life. Instead of being proud of their age, they often start to resent what they see. Their spirits and energy don't coordinate with what their body looks like. In order to prevent that type of scenario from happening, a facelift can help keep you in tune with your body.
There are several things you can have done with a facelift procedure. You can choose to have them done individually or together. If your skin shows signs of excessive elements exposure, feels tough and looks blotchy, you can have skin resurfacing done. There are cosmetic peels and laser techniques that offer microdermabrasion to get rid of the old, dull and dead skin and allow the fresh, softer and younger skin to show through. If you want to tighten up sagging skin or get rid of extra skin that frames your features, you can always have your skin tightened up. This can also get rid of some of the wrinkles that may sprinkle your features.
Depending on the type of work you want done, you may or may not need to have anesthesia. Some techniques that are involved in the facelift process are more involved than others. For instance, you may need to have minor surgery where incisions are placed along certain point in the perimeter of your scalp, in order to do a skin lift. Most procedures don't require you to be put to sleep and can be done in your doctor's office. Sedation and anesthesia can be administered if you and your doctor deem it necessary for your particular procedure. Many procedures also don't require a lot of operational or down time. This makes it much easier for you to schedule an appointment and make time for recovery as well. Of course if you are having surgery, you may want to enlist someone to keep you company for the first day after your operation. Even though the risks are very minimal, you may still see some swelling or bruising in the areas that were worked on. These are temporary and will resolve on their own in a few days. Then you will be free to show the world that age is indeed nothing but a number.

Gynecomastia Is Associated With Several Risk Factors

Not every male gets gynecomastia, but more get it than you would think. This is likely because few people like to talk about it. If you have not been affected by this condition, there is no way to tell for sure if you ever will. However, there are some factors that may be able to tell you if you have a high chance of developing gynecomastia.
One of the most common culprits is the impact of hormones. For this reason, it is likely that if you develop this issue, it will be during puberty. Of course, this happens to be when many boys are already self-conscious and possibly being humiliated for unrelated factors, so adding excess fat on the upper body can lead to increased social issues. You should know, though, that hormones are unbalanced when you are particularly old or young, too. This means that you can develop this condition in old age, and even some newborns have it, so hormones can strike at any time and lead to excess chest fat.
If you take certain medications, you may have an increased possibility of developing gynecomastia. Not surprisingly, anything that alters you hormone levels can have an effect. This means androgens and anabolic steroids can increase your chance of facing this issue. Even anti-androgens, which are given when you are fighting certain types of cancer, can cause this problem. Additionally, your risk of getting excess fat on your chest increases when you are given medication to treat AIDS, infections, or ulcers. This does not necessarily mean you should refuse medication because of the slight risk of getting this issue. Instead, let your doctor know your concerns if you are worried about this.
Before you skip medications, it is important to note that some conditions can actually increase your risk of gynecomastia. Examples include kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, and hypogonadism, and these are just a few conditions that can lead to excess fat on the chest when left untreated. For this reason, you should not avoid treatment for these issues just because of the slight chance of excessive fat.
In addition, self-medicating can improve your chance of developing gynecomastia. For example, if you regularly drink alcohol or take recreational drugs, you may be putting yourself at risk for excess chest flab, among other issues.
It should be clear by now that this condition has several risk factors. Some of them can be controlled, while others cannot. However, either way, you have some treatment options if you do notice flab in the chest region at any age.

Reasons to See a Knee Doctor Soon After You Notice Pain in the Area

For many people, a knee doctor is a necessity when they can no longer handle the pain. The discomfort can be in one or both knees, and it can range from mild to extreme. Whether you are suffering from pain that has been around for years, or have recently been injured, you should go to a specialist to get the care you need.
If you have a lingering injury in this part of your body, choosing the right knee doctor may allow you to finally get it treated. You should not have to live with constant discomfort. If it hurts to simply walk, you need to get treatment for the issue soon. Even if it only hurts when you are particularly active, such as while working out, you need help. It can be hard to stay healthy or get in shape when you have injuries in your legs, which means this issue can have a major negative impact on your life. Do not let your quality of life diminish because you have an issue that could be treated by a specialist.
If you recently got the injury, you should go to a knee doctor as soon as possible. Many people get these types of injuries in sports, keeping them from achieving their best. If you have impressive athletic abilities, do not let them go to waste just because your knees are out of commission. In many cases, surgery will be necessary. While this requires a recovery period, you at least have a date by which you can expect to start feeling well enough to play sports again. When you let injuries go untreated out of fear of what surgery will do, you face years of discomfort, and you may not even be able to play sports at all during that time. You certainly will not be at your best anyway.
Another reason to get the injury checked out is that it could spread to other parts of your body after a while. You may find that another area of your body has had to work harder to compensate for your knees, leaving you with additional problems. In fact, when you see a knee doctor, you may find out that you have a condition that starts in your knees and spreads to the rest of the body. Therefore, getting treatment early on can alert you about such conditions.
It clearly makes sense to at least get an initial consultation from a knee doctor near you. You will find out if you have to have surgery or if there is another treatment available. At that point, you can look forward to the pain finally going away in the near future.

Walk In Clinics For Fall Care

Walk in clinics tend to be busier during the fall and winter months. If you are getting sick, it is a good idea to visit a local facility to get the medical care you need. Doing so can help you to avoid some of the more devastating and difficult types of health problems that exist. During this time of the year, the demand for healthcare goes up. However, you do not have to wait in line at your doctor's office or deal with an ER visit that takes too long. Rather, just turn to one of these immediate care providers instead.
For Prevention
One of the main reasons to visit walk in clinics at the start of the fall season is to take steps to prevent illness. These providers can offer you a flu shot, for example. This can help you to ward off the more dangerous and more limiting types of flu that may be present this year. It may also help you to get a checkup so that you are well on your way to being healthy heading into the holiday season.
Sports and School
With the start of the school year, many of these facilities see an increase in the number of students that come in. Did you know that these facilities can provide you with a large list of services? The facility can help you to get the exams and health screenings necessary to enroll in school or sports programs. If you do get injured during a sport, they can help with the diagnosis of the problem as well as the treatment plan. In addition, many children need shots prior to heading into the school year. You do not have to wait for your doctor's office to have time for this. These facilities can do it for you, too.
Handling the Cold
Once people are back to work in closed quarters or in school buildings, the increase in the amount of illness present goes up. You are more likely to become ill during the fall months than in the summer. This is the prime time to go in and see these medical facility professionals for help. You can get medications that you need. You can make sure your child's fever is under control or get strep through cultures to rule out that condition.
Walk in clinics are fast and easy to use. You do not have to have insurance to make use of them either. They can serve as a simple tool to getting you back on your feet, back to school or back to work in no time. If you need medical care, turn to these facilities as a go-to solution that is right near you.

After Hours Clinic: Urgent Care On Your Schedule

The proliferation of urgent care and walk in medical facilities has been an undeniable boost to a portion of the population that would have sooner skipped treatment altogether than make a doctor's appointment or go to the ER. These facilities are easy to use, don't require an appointment, and are often much more affordable than either specialist appointments or a trip the emergency room. That said, many of them are only open during regular business hours. This means that those who need to see a doctor at 6:00 PM still have to go to the ER. If you have an after hours clinic near you, however, you might have an alternative.

Work

Not everyone has a flexible work schedule. In fact, most people in the blue-collar world have very little chance of getting off work to go to the doctor. If it is an emergency, then perhaps. But for a cold? A slightly sprained ankle? These kinds of things are fodder for an overbearing employer to tell you to tough it out and see the doctor on your own time. This is unfortunate, but too many people are a single missed paycheck away from being in dire financial straits. This is where an after hours clinic can be unbelievably helpful. Not only are the prices reasonable, but they are also open during times when it is convenient for working individuals to get care.

School

When you combine extraordinarily early start times and after school activities, sports, and even detention, kids today spend a lot of time in school. While any parent has the right to take his or her child out of school to see the doctor, this can create problems in some circumstances. What if your child has to miss an important test? What if missing that day's football practice will mean riding the bench for next week's game? School is of paramount importance in a child's life, no matter how old he or she is. Why not take advantage of an after hours clinic, get your child the care he or she needs, and prevent him or her from missing any work in one fell swoop?

All Around Convenience

Sometimes it isn't work, school, or anything else keeping you from seeing the doctor, but simply the timing of your injury. You break your hand as the sun starts fading in the west, and you have no choice but to spend endless hours in the emergency room. But if you have an after hours clinic near you, you can skip the ER and get excellent treatment in a fraction of the time.

Pregnancy Week 4 Development: What To Expect And One Beneficial Food

What Is Happening Inside the Body
By this time, the journey of the zygote from the fallopian tube to the uterus should have been completed. On the fourth week, the uterus begins to thicken and it continues until the 4th month of your pregnancy. The zygote settles into the uterine lining and divides into two. The first half becomes the embryo and the second half forms a placenta which serves as the baby's lifeline until the delivery.
During this period, the embryo begins to develop. The inner layer develops into the baby's liver, lungs and the digestive system. This layer is known as the endoderm. Also known as the mesoderm, the second layer develops into the baby's kidneys, sex organ, bones, muscles and heart. On the other hand, the outer layer, which is known as ectoderm, forms into the baby's nervous system as well as the eyes, hair, skin. The growth and development of the organs at this stage is impressively rapid.
What Should You Expect During This Period
By this time, the signs and symptoms of pregnancy of your pregnancy might have become more evident. Just like the major changes taking place inside the body, you should also anticipate some changes outside the body. You may begin experiencing some PMS like symptoms. You probably have complained about dizziness, light-headedness, abdominal cramps, pains, morning sickness and feelings of fainting.
Early pregnancy symptoms such as mood swings and cramping may begin to manifest. Bloating should also be expected at this point in time. Blame it to the progesterone. This hormone slows down your digestion in order to allow nutrients to enter into your bloodstream. Your constantly changing mood should also be blamed to hormones. You might have a slight bleeding due to the implantation of zygote into your uterus.
You might even notice a little pressure on your stomach but this shouldn't cause you to worry. It is pretty normal during this stage. Your breasts may become more tender and appear bigger, and as time passes by, you will notice significant change in their size. Also, the breast becomes sore, tingly and fuller. This is due to the surge of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen in your system.
By this time, your heart should be beating more rapidly. In fact, you might have an additional 15 beats per minute. And you feel tired most of the time which causes you to fall asleep frequently. By the end of the 4th week of your pregnancy, your baby should be 1/25 inches long which is equivalent to a period (dot).
Appropriate Lifestyle for Pregnant Women
Observing a healthy diet and lifestyle is very important during this stage. Pregnant women are eating and breathing for two, therefore they should be careful in choosing the kinds of foods to take. They should take adequate amount of essential nutrients to optimize their baby's growth and development.
Limit your intake of softdrinks, teas, colas and cocoas, and prefer decaffeinated sodas and brews. Pregnant women are normally prescribed with health supplements during this period. You need to take plenty of iron, calcium and folic acid. Iron is best obtained from cereals, pulses, breads, meat and green leafy vegetables. Folic acid is important in preventing the onset of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Some pregnant are prescribed with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, zinc, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, potassium, phosphorus, pantothenic acid, manganese, magnesium, iodine, copper, chromium and choline.
Oranges for You and Your Baby's Health
Oranges are probably one of the best fruits to eat during this early stage of pregnancy. Oranges are citrus fruits which provide additional protection to pregnant women. According to research, taking at least one orange in a day makes the body less prone to infections. It offers plenty of vitamin C which provides additional protection and resistance against diseases such as cancer and osteoporosis.
Furthermore, oranges are packed with massive amount of Vitamin B6 which is beneficial during the process of hemoglobin production. In effect, pregnant women are less likely to suffer from hemoglobin deficiency during this very crucial stage.
Oranges are also beneficial to the baby. This citrus fruit contains ample amount of folic acid and Vitamin B which are beneficial in the baby's brain development. The fruit also contains high level of potassium and iron which ply vital roles in protecting the cardiovascular system of the body, especially the heart. Though this citrus fruit is beneficial to the body, pregnant women should not eat more than 2-3 regular size oranges, as it can cause stomach acidity, stomach cramps and heartburn.