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Conditions & Treatments

Laser spine surgery helps seniors find relief

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Senior ChampionTwo recent clinical studies bring good news to the aging population. If you have lower back pain, burning pain or numbness in your legs you are probably one of the many people suffering with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) – a condition affecting a vast majority of the over-60 age group – and this good news applies to you.
The condition is most often part of normal deterioration due to aging but can also be caused by osteoarthritis, bone spurs, bulging or herniated discs, or injury or trauma to the spine. It can be hereditary, too.
“It’s possible to have spinal stenosis while experiencing no symptoms at all, or the symptoms can appear slowly and then gradually worsen over time,” says Dr. Michael Perry, medical director of Laser Spine Institute.
The condition has been treated for years with invasive surgery which can be risky – especially for seniors – and not always successful.
The studies by Laser Spine Institute, published in the “Journal of Spine” in January 2013 and the “Journal of Orthopaedics” in March 2013, showed that minimally invasive surgeries are more successful than open back surgery at treating patients with LSS. The studies used real-life cases to prove that doing the procedure in an outpatient setting is a safe and effective option to treat even severe LSS conditions. The studies also found that minimally invasive surgery results in fewer risks, including lower complication rates, lesser rate of blood loss and a quicker recovery time.
What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis occurs in the spinal column, where the spinal cord, nerve roots and vertebrae are located. Over time, the spinal canal may become constricted or narrowed. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots, causing pain, numbness or weakness in the legs. The lumbar region is the lower part of the spine, and is the most common area where spinal stenosis happens.
Dr. Perry provides some guidance on how to maintain a healthier spine and possibly prevent the onset of conditions like spinal stenosis. Some of his recommendations include exercising and stretching regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, using proper posture and lifting techniques, as well as ensuring correct body postures are used while sleeping and driving. Additionally, adequate rest, anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy may ease your symptoms.
If you’ve tried all these and still have severe, limiting pain that is interfering with daily activities, it may be time to explore surgery.
Surgical options for spinal stenosis
In the past, a surgeon typically performed open back surgery, called a laminectomy (or decompression), which removes the bone, bone spurs and ligaments that are compressing the nerves. The doctor makes a single, large incision to access your spine.
According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, elderly patients, those with multiple medical problems and others, have higher rates of complications from this type of surgery. There could be nerve injury, blood clots, return of symptoms and more. A several-day hospital stay is usually required.
Additionally, a 2010 study published by the American Medical Association found that these invasive surgeries resulted in a high rate of life-threatening complications, and patients were often re-hospitalized within 30 days.
A less invasive surgery is gaining popularity. Minimally invasive spine surgery using endoscopic techniques – sometimes as outpatient surgery – is becoming more common. In this procedure, small incisions are used and recovery is often quicker, with less injury to the surrounding soft tissues. Dr. Perry says that most surgeons and medical practices are moving toward these minimally invasive techniques because patients are requesting them.
“Patients are concerned about the more invasive surgery, both its risks and potential outcomes,” he says. “At Laser Spine Institute, we make smaller incisions, have a lower infection rate and a quicker recovery. Our surgical complications are generally very low compared to open back surgery. Our surgeons have been regularly performing these procedures for eight years and are very familiar with the technique.”
The surgeons at Laser Spine Institute are industry leaders in this type of procedure. Laser Spine Institute has regional surgical centers in Tampa, Fla., Scottsdale, Ariz., Philadelphia and Oklahoma City.

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Conditions & Treatments

Oral Health Care To Avoid Oral Cancer

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

DentalOral health care is indeed essential and any sort of negligence can be detrimental. Regular oral health check up safeguards against any sort of unwanted oral disease, actually studies have revealed that each year about 400,000 people across the glove get suffer from oral cancer. Again, in case of oral cancer there remain chances of developing a second cancer. So, through proper dental and oral care it is necessary to take precautionary steps against the oral cancerous growths.
To be specific, smoking and use of tobacco is a major cause being oral cancer, it has been found that use of tobacco products can be the cause of a direct carcinogenic effect on the epithelial cells which remain within the mucous membranes. It is best to checkout the main symptoms behind oral cancers:

  1. Often mouth ulcers don’t heal; up and the jaws or the oral regions remain affected for log weeks, this can be the initial stage of oral cancer and it is prudent to seek advice of the dentists at the earliest
  2. Often swellings are found below the necks or the chins and this can be also an indication of oral cancer
  3. Problem or pain while chewing or swallowing may be the cause of oral cancer
  4. In many cases a patient can also feel that there remain something within the throat and that cannot be swallowed
  5. Plaque, gum disease and dental pain should never be ignored as any ignorance can lead to a major dental disease.

Instead of procrastination it is best to seek consultation of the dentists; there remain several therapeutic treatments and medications that can be helpful in curing basic oral health disorders. There are several digital imaging and digital x-ray methods that effectively identifies the inner diseases. Minor dental pain due top plaque should be immediately cured as negligence can lead to a major oral disorder and even to oral cancer.
The fact is indeed true that oral cancers can be the effect of smoking or drinking alcohol. Often oral cancers remain undiagnosed and can have shocking effects when identified. A periodical checking of the oral cavities are highly advisable for the smokers. It is advisable to quit use of tobacco products. Self check up of the cheeks, gums, the neck, palate etc with the help of a mirror can be of immense benefit. Surface of the tongue also gets discolored during oral cancer.
Medical science has advanced a lot and now it is possible to cure if any disease is diagnosed at its early stage. Consciousness and self knowledge can help to take necessary steps whenever required. It must be remembered tat late diagnosis and procrastination can be dangerous. There are several online articles that helps us to know more regarding oral cancer and the preventive measures.

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Conditions & Treatments

Managing and Living Life with Incontinence

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

couple fieldManaging and Living Life with Incontinence

Managing, Living, Life, Incontinence, Bladder
How can I prevent and manage accidents?
A weakened or overactive bladder doesn’t have to keep you from living your life. There are steps you can take to prevent accidents or to manage them discreetly when they do happen.

  • Make simple changes
    • Keep the path to the bathroom clear and well lit at night.
    • Wear easy-to-open clothes.
    • Empty your bladder before bed, a big meeting or a trip.
  • Use the right incontinent product. Depend® Brand offers many styles and products designed to fit your needs and lifestyle. We have a comprehensive range of sizes and absorbency levels. Use our product finder to find the most appropriate products for your needs.
  • Minimize odors Though you can’t prevent odor completely, you can curb it. First, stay hydrated. The more concentrated your urine is, the stronger it smells. Next, consider taking urine-deodorizing tablets, such as vitamin C, or supplements made for this purpose. You can also help reduce urine odor by drinking apple, pear, cherry or other non-citrus juices.
  • Stay sensibly hydrated Drink at least six to seven 8-oz. glasses of water a day to keep your bladder healthy. When you drink less water, your urine is more concentrated and may irritate the lining of the urethra and bladder.
  • Pay attention to your diet A lot of things—including caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus fruits) and drinks, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, hot spices and carbonated drinks—can irritate your bladder. Take time to learn what foods and drinks trigger your leakage and then remove them from your diet.
  • Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles You can do Kegels anywhere, without anyone noticing. With a little practice, Kegels can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles—and that can help reduce feelings of urgency, the need to frequently urinate and accidents.

How do I get a good night’s sleep?
Preparation is everything. Take these steps to prevent accidents from happening:

  • Limit your fluid intake before bedtime, try not to drink liquids after 6 p.m.
  • Avoid bladder-irritating foods and beverages. This includes caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus fruits) and drinks, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, hot spices and carbonated drinks.
  • Urinate twice right before bed
  • Do pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels)
  • Use the right incontinent product. Modern incontinence products, like Depend®, Brand, use super absorbent polymers (SAP) that lock in urine and hold more fluid so they’re more protective. Depend® Brand offers many sizes, styles and absorbency levels designed to fit your lifestyle. Use our product finder to find the most appropriate products for your needs.

How do I talk to my loved ones about incontinence?
First, figure out a good time and place to talk. Look for a quiet, comfortable environment where you’ll have privacy—and be sure to give yourselves enough time. Think about what you’re going to say in advance. You’ll want to explain the nature of your condition, why it has happened, how it affects you, and what treatment you’re trying.
Plan to give your loved ones a chance to ask questions. Experts say people with incontinence often overestimate how much the news will embarrass or upset their loved ones. And by trusting them enough to tell them, you could make your relationship much stronger than before.
How do I manage incontinence at work?

  • Use the right incontinence product. Modern incontinence solutions, like Depend® Brand products, use super absorbent polymers (SAP) that lock in urine and hold more fluid so they’re more protective. We have a comprehensive range of styles, sizes and absorbency levels designed to fit your needs and lifestyle. Use our product finder to find the most appropriate products for your needs.
  • Avoid the caffeine or water. The caffeine in coffee makes it diuretic, which increases your need to go.
  • Wear dark-colored business attire. It’s a timeless look, and it hides a multitude of problems, including little stains.
  • Practice pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)—even in meetings. To do Kegels, contract the muscles that you would use to stop the flow of urine. Hold the contraction for three seconds and then relax. Do this eight to 10 times, at least three times a week.

How do I do Kegels (pelvic floor muscle exercises)? And do they help?
Kegel exercises help tighten your pelvic floor muscles. They work the muscles that you use to stop urinating, making these muscles stronger helps you hold urine in your bladder longer.
Locate the pelvic muscles by pretending to stop the flow of urine. Squeeze and hold these muscles for three seconds, then relax for a count of three. Your goal is to try to do 10 tightening/relaxing exercises for a set. Rest and then do two more sets (30 exercises total) each day. Your doctor can give you more exact directions.
Yes, exercises often help, particularly for persons with the stress type of bladder problem. You should consult with your doctor about the type of bladder weakness you have, and which exercises are best for you.
How long before Kegel exercises begin to help?
Depending on the type of bladder weakness you have, you may begin to feel the benefit of exercises after just a few weeks, and after eight to 12 months there is a good chance you’ll have reduced symptoms or even be symptom-free. Even if you’re not symptom-free, exercises may improve your situation and, with the right products to help you, you can regain your confidence. The sooner you act, the better. Most people wait so long that it takes the body some time to get back to earlier routines. Please consult your doctor about your particular situation.
How do I control odor?
The best way to control odors is a combination of good hygiene, overall body cleanliness, staying properly hydrated, and using fresh, clean undergarments. Dispose of products in an airtight container. When traveling or sharing a house with others, dispose of each incontinence garment in a plastic bag with a zip-style seal. Also consider taking urine-deodorizing tablets, such as vitamin C, or supplements made for this purpose. You can also help reduce urine odor by drinking apple, pear, cherry or other non-citrus juices. Finally, because sometimes people are not aware that an odor is present, find someone you trust to tell you honestly if there is any odor anywhere.
I have a pretty active life. Do you have any tips for changing on the go?
Yes. Here are some simple things you can do to always make sure you’re ready, no matter where you are.

  • Carry a Spare. Keep a change in your purse or in a stylish make-up bag.
  • Keep plastic bags on hand for disposal. Get the darker blue kind to mask what’s inside if you need to toss it out in public. You’ll be able to find these bags, or special deodorized disposal bags, in most stores or online.
  • Keep a couple of “emergency” changes in your glove box.
  • Keep a gym bag full of essentials in your trunk.
  • Set a schedule for regular changes
  • Locate bathrooms ahead of time—especially in places you visit frequently. Planning ahead makes all the difference.
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Conditions & Treatments

Incontinence 101

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

incontinenceIncontinence Questions and Answers (FAQ’s)

Incontinence, Questions and Answers. FAQ

What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary Incontinence is the medical term for the “complaint of any involuntary leakage of urine.” This definition was standardized by the International Continence Society and is being used more consistently by medical professionals, researchers and industry.
Involuntary urine leakage for any reason is more common than the general public is aware of. Symptoms are sometimes related to temporary or reversible conditions and other times related to long term conditions or risk factors. The good news is that with access to good information you can find how to reduce, eliminate and/or manage the risk factors that may be involved for your symptoms. If the symptoms are very bothersome, please do not hesitate to consult with your primary physician or urologist.
How common is urinary incontinence?
Recent research using the standardized definition of any involuntary urine leakage, indicates that millions of adults, between the ages of 20-85 years old, in the United States may experience some symptoms. Over 65 million Americans experience bladder leakage and nearly half of them are under age 50. This translates to about 1 in 4 Americans that may experience bladder leakage.
Bladder leakage is not a condition that just affects older adults, 22.9 million Americans under the age of 45 experience also have some bladder leakage. That’s approximately three times the population of New York City and eight times the population of Chicago. These numbers include both men and women, although women are about 3 times more likely to have any urine leakage than men.
We hope these facts inspire you to seek the information about the range of solutions available to meet your needs without embarrassment. It is also advisable to consult with your doctor about your urine leakage symptoms since in some cases it can be associated with another condition or drug interaction that may need medical evaluation.
What causes urinary incontinence?
There are many causes of urinary incontinence. Some include weak bladder muscles, pregnancy, childbirth, hysterectomy, complications from surgery, stroke, or chronic diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s disease. Other diseases that affect the bladder nerves or spinal cord could also cause urinary incontinence.
How does my bladder work?
Your body stores urine in the bladder. During urination, muscles in the bladder tighten to move urine into the urethra – a tube below the bladder. At the same time, the muscles around the urethra relax and let the urine pass. Incontinence occurs if the urine leaves the bladder and urethra without warning.
What are the different kinds of incontinence with the symptoms and potential causes?
Stress Incontinence

  • Loss of urine when you place pressure or ‘stress’ on your bladder
  • Leakage when you sneeze, cough, laugh, exercise, or lift heavy items
  • Causes may include: physical changes from childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, being overweight

Urge Incontinence

  • Sudden, intense urge to urinate – often followed by involuntary loss of urine
  • Sudden or frequent emptying of bladder; getting up two or more times per night to urinate
  • Causes may include: bladder or urinary tract infections, bladder irritants, stroke, neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis

Overflow Incontinence

  • Frequent or constant dribble of urine
  • Feeling your bladder is never empty; sometimes only a weak stream of urine
  • Causes may include: damaged bladder, blocked urethra, diabetes

Functional Incontinence

  • Inability to reach bathroom in time
  • Physical or psychological impairment where you cannot reach the bathroom in time
  • Causes may include: mobility limitations, pain with movement, medications, arthritis

What health and lifestyle habits can help reduce the likelihood of incontinence?
There are several simple things you can do to help maintain bladder and urinary health, including:

  • Urinate regularly and don’t delay having bowel movements.
  • Monitor your fluid intake. Drink at least six to seven 8-oz glasses of water a day to keep your bladder healthy. When you drink less water, your urine is more concentrated and may irritate the lining of the urethra and bladder.
  • Pay attention to your diet. A lot of things—including caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus fruits) and drinks, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, hot spices and carbonated drinks—can irritate your bladder. Take time to learn what foods and drinks trigger your leakage and then remove them from your diet.
  • Consider the weight factor. A 5% to 10% weight loss can help relieve the added pressure excess weight puts on your bladder and surrounding muscles and aid in controlling your incontinence.
  • Practice pelvic floor muscles exercises, also known as Kegels, to strengthen the muscles that help control urination.

I think I might have urinary incontinence. How do I talk to my doctor?
First of all, educate yourself. Learn how your body works (especially your urinary system) and what’s normal. That way you can give your doctor better information.
One of the best ways to do this is to a keep a bathroom journal. At least a few days before your appointment, begin keeping track of information such as how much fluid you drink and when you drink, how often you urinate, when you experience incontinence and under what circumstances (exercising, lifting something heavy, laughing, etc).
If you’re feeling embarrassed or find it difficult to talk with your doctor, write down your questions at home before you go to the doctor’s office. You might even want to practice saying these questions out loud when you’re alone. That will make it easier to say them during your appointment. Here are some questions you might consider:

  • “Could what I eat or drink cause bladder leakage?”
  • “Could my medicines cause bladder leakage?”
  • “What are the treatments to regain bladder control? Which one is best for me?”

Remember, under a doctor’s care, incontinence can be treated and possibly cured. Even if treatment is not completely successful, careful management can help you feel more relaxed and confident.
What’s bowel incontinence and what causes it?
Bowel incontinence is the inability to control your bowel movements, causing stool (feces) to leak unexpectedly from your rectum. Also called fecal incontinence, bowel incontinence ranges from an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control.
Bowel incontinence affects more than five million Americans. Both men and women suffer from this problem, although it’s more common in women because of the injury to the anal muscles or nerves that can occur during childbirth. It becomes more common with advancing age as the muscles that control bowel movements (anal sphincter muscles) weaken.
Many people resort to altering their social and physical activities, even their employment, to cope with the problem. However, finding the right incontinence product can go a long way in boosting their confidence. To find the product best for your needs, use our product finder.
What’s irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and what causes it?
Nearly one in five American adults have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by abdominal pain or cramping and changes in bowel function, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and fecal incontinence.
It’s not known exactly what causes IBS. If you have IBS, the muscles that line your intestines may contract stronger and last longer than normal, forcing food through your intestines quicker, causing gas, bloating and diarrhea. Conversely, food passage slows and stools become hard and dry. Abnormalities in your nervous system or colon may also play a role, causing you to experience greater than normal discomfort when your abdomen stretches from gas.
For many people, IBS causes symptoms that are mild, which do not interfere with daily activities. For others, IBS may severely compromise their quality of life. Finding the right incontinence product can go a long way in boosting his or her confidence. If you have symptoms and suspect you may have IBS, please speak to your doctor or medical provider.
What’s a “Bathroom Journal” and Why should I keep one?
In many cases, you can train your bladder to empty at the appropriate time. One key re-training tool is a bathroom journal. This journal answers a lot of questions about your bladder health and patterns and creates a baseline picture of your bladder control that you can share with your doctor.
Can I use feminine care pads for bladder leakage?
No, we don’t recommend it. Feminine care pads aren’t designed to lock in urine and protect you in the same way as modern incontinence products like Depend® Brand. Our products are specifically designed to protect women where you need it most. Plus, they’re made of super absorbent polymers (SAP) so they can absorb more fluids and lock out odors at the same time.
How does menopause affect bladder control?
During and after the process of menopause, levels of the female hormone estrogen drop significantly. Besides controlling your monthly periods and body changes during pregnancy, estrogen helps keep the bladder and urethra healthy. Lack of estrogen may cause the pelvic muscles responsible for bladder control to weaken, resulting in urinary incontinence.
What kind of bladder control problems can develop after menopause?
Some of the problems that may develop because of menopause include:

  • Stress incontinence. Pressure from coughing, sneezing or lifting can push urine through the pelvic muscles weakened from the dropping levels of the female hormone estrogen. This kind of leakage is called stress incontinence. It’s one of the most common kinds of bladder control problems in women.
  • Urge incontinence. Urge incontinence is another common bladder control problem. With this condition, the bladder muscles squeeze at the wrong time—or all the time—and cause leaks.
  • The need to get out of bed to urinate several times a night.
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Travel Tips & Deals

Budget-Friendly Road Trip Tips

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

road-342878_640Road Trips are the best get-away to take a break from your regular routine. If you are concerned about affording it all, author and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi offers the following tips to help you have fun and save money on your next vacation.
Bank on gas-saving apps
Look to budget-friendly websites, such aswww.GasBuddy.com, which also offers an app that helps you find the closest gas station with the best prices near you. Another gas-saving app is Gas Hog. It costs 99 cents and calculates your car’s fuel economy, then provides tips on ways to make your car more fuel-efficient.
Rent a car
It turns out that, contrary to popular belief, it can actually be cheaper to rent a car for weekend getaways than it is to drive your own. According to a study by Brett Smith, co-director, manufacturing, engineering and technology for the Center for Automotive Research, when renting a compact car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car at its weekend rate, the savings can come to 12 cents per mile. If your getaway is a 300-mile round trip, the fuel savings could be more than $20.
“By renting a car, you reduce the stress and mileage placed on your own vehicle, and you can upgrade or downgrade depending on the size of your family and fuel economy needs,” explains Torabi. To learn more about the benefits of renting a vehicle for your summer getaway, visit www.Enterprise.com/familytravel.
Pack and save
On road trips, most people grab a few snacks every time they stop for gas. Over time, those candy bars and sodas can really add up. A family of four can easily spend $15.00 for drinks and snacks at just one stop. “One easy way to lower the cost of your trip is to pack your own food. Pack a cooler full of bread, peanut butter, string cheese, water, juice and plenty of fruit. You’ll be less likely to splurge while filling up the tank, make healthier choices, and save a bundle over all,” says Torabi.
Book hotels on Sunday nights
This is when the weekend rush is over and hotel managers have time to talk on the phone and discuss available discounts. Ask to get a free night’s stay if you’re staying for more than two nights. That’s at least $100 saved right there.
Better yet – skip the hotel
Find cheap – but chic – guest rooms in local homes and apartments through websites such aswww.AirBnB.com and www.OneFineStay.com.
“With a little planning and flexibility, your family can enjoy a vacation they’ll remember for years to come,” says Torabi.

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Health Insurance

Do you really know who is providing your medical care?

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

11617.14368
Whether you’re being treated for a minor injury or undergoing major surgery, it’s likely you’ll encounter not just one, but a team of health care professionals. While having multiple professionals working to provide you with the highest quality and safest care eases some fear, it also can cause confusion. When undergoing a surgery or procedure, it is important to truly know and understand who is providing your care.
From physicians with various specialty backgrounds to nurses and assistants, it’s important to understand the credentials of those treating you. The need for more transparent communication across health and medical care providers triggered several pieces of legislation issued to protect patients.
The Truth in Healthcare Marketing Act of 2013 focuses on eliminating misleading or deceptive advertising for health care services. It also requires health care professionals to identify licenses. A congressional committee is currently reviewing the pending federal legislation.
Additionally, recent legislation in Texas requires health care providers to wear badges clearly identifying themselves in the interest of improving patient safety. For example, badges must be clearly labeled and may even be color-coded – physicians may wear green badges, while nurses may wear red badges. Similar legislation has been enacted in 12 other states.
The need to identify the differences in medical qualifications is rooted in the quality and effectiveness of health care. A recent American Medical Association survey revealed 90 percent of respondents said a physician’s additional years of medical education and training, when compared to a nurse, are vital to optimal patient care. Furthermore, 83 percent said they prefer a physician to have primary responsibility for the diagnosis and management of their medical care.
It’s important for patients to know who is involved in providing their care, including the education, training, degree, licensure and clinical experience of each person. Without this essential knowledge, a patient is not well positioned to make the most informed and best decisions for their care.
For example, there are several levels of anesthesia providers – an Anesthesia Care Team consists of a physician anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologist assistants. To ensure the most optimal care, a physician anesthesiologist should always oversee other members of the Anesthesia Care Team, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
Physician anesthesiologists have 10,000 to 14,000 hours of specialized medical education and training, while nurse anesthetists have 1,000 to 2,500 hours. In addition, physician anesthesiologists are able to diagnose and respond to any medical complications that may arise suddenly due to their exhaustive education and training.
In an emergency, when seconds count, having a physician anesthesiologist advocate for you or your loved one can make the difference between life and death. “I was caring for a 23-year-old first-time mother,” says Patrick H. Allaire, M.D., a physician anesthesiologist practicing at a 220-bed hospital in Ames, Iowa. “I had just given her an epidural and was still on the ward when her nurse ran into the hall calling for help. I ran back to her side and immediately determined she was having a heart attack.
“Fortunately, I was able to diagnose the multiple complications occurring and treated each quickly,” says Dr. Allaire. “We performed a cesarean section and delivered the baby safely. It remains to this day one of my biggest saves – two lives at once. I am absolutely certain that had I not been immediately present, this story would have a very different and heart-wrenching ending.”
Dr. Allaire recounts several instances where he bumped into his patients at the grocery store or ice cream shop over the years following this life-saving event. Each time, the mother reminded her daughter who Dr. Allaire was, affectionately referring to him as their “guardian angel.”
As a patient, it’s essential to be informed. Knowing who is on your medical team, their respective roles and what training and education they bring to the table ensures you are well prepared to achieve the most optimal outcomes. As a patient, you must feel empowered to ask questions about your providers’ qualifications and experience. Being inquisitive isn’t intrusive; after all, every patient deserves the highest quality and safest medical care.

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Conditions & Treatments

6 Simple Routines for Healthy Hair and Skin

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

shutterstock_119504788Whether quick and efficient or long and relaxing, 61 percent of Americans would rather give up brushing their teeth for a week than remove showering from their daily routines, according to a recent survey commissioned by Delta Faucet. While people may recognize the value of a steaming shower, they may not consider the effects water temperature and beauty rituals have on the body and mind.
Healthier hair, softer skin and less stress can be achieved by following a few simple steps:

  • Glowing skin. Cold water can cause pores to tighten, making it difficult to thoroughly clean skin. Conversely, hot water can dry out skin, causing it to become tight. To offer peace of mind and ensure the temperature of the water flowing from your shower or bathtub spout is right for you, Delta Faucet introduced Temp2O Technology – a digital temperature display featuring LED color indicators to easily identify water temperature ranges.
  • Luxurious locks. Where cold water can reduce hair volume, hot water can strip locks of natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle. Most shampoos work best with a moderate water temperature so be aware of hot versus cold when treating your hair.
  • Olive your new look. Whether harsh summer sun or cold, dry winters – damaged, dehydrated hair can happen year round. Repairing distressed hair does not always mean you need to make an appointment at the salon or stock up on expensive hair treatments. Simply look in your kitchen cabinet. Olive oil adds moisture and shine to lackluster hair, so treat it – wet or dry – at a fraction of the cost.
  • Turn up the volume. After a shower or bath, tousle your hair from root to crown with your fingertips as you blow-dry to create the illusion of fuller hair. When strands are dry, give the roots extra lift by back-combing undersides with a clean, dry toothbrush. Rather than tearing at hair with a comb, the soft bristles will grip and rough up strands just enough to maintain lift.
  • Relaxing fruit bath. After a tough day of sun exposure, stress and pollution – a bath set at the appropriate temperature can help de-stress the body and mind. Start by running a warm bath – 80 to 100 degrees – with a half-gallon of milk and lavender oil, and rub pureed watermelon, a natural anti-inflammatory, on the skin for a soothing finish.
  • Drink up. We’ve all heard about the benefits of drinking water – and they’re true. Add a few slices of cucumber or mint leaves to a glass of ice water for a post bath or shower refresher. Skin care expert and research scientist Warren Wallo explains, “Water helps flush toxins from your body and hydrates your system, for healthy-looking skin and a soft, natural glow.”
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Money Tips

Everything About 0% Intro Rate Credit Cards

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

account-1778_640Tired of reading review after review about 0% APR intro rate credit cards? Having no luck when it comes to finding an all-in-one-review about 0% APR intro rate credit cards? Confused with what you’ve read so far about 0% APR intro rate credit cards because everything seems to be contradictory? Well, look no more because this article is indeed what you’re looking for. Everything About 0% Intro Rate Credit Cards
In this article you will learn everything you want to know about 0% APR intro rate credit cards. You may also discover more than you bargained about 0% APR intro rate credit cards – in a good way, of course. Ready for Lesson Number One about 0% APR intro rate credit cards? Well, here goes.
It’s True – Yes, 0% APR intro rate credit cards do exist and if we have our way about it, you’ll be one of the lucky people to qualify for a 0% APR intro rate credit cards.
The Application Process – Applying for any credit card, whether it’s for 0% APR intro rate credit cards or for credit cards offering reward points is always a tad difficult so don’t expect overnight success, especially since you’re angling for 0% APR intro rates.
The application process for a 0% APR intro rate credit card starts with submitting the necessary documents – this is SOP for all credit card applications – that would substantiate your contact details and give them an overview about your present financial status. Upon submission of the usual documents, depending on your income level and credit reputation, you may be contacted by the credit company and asked to submit additional documents.
The Qualifications for 0% APR intro rate credit cards – Basically, if you want to have 0% APR intro rate, you must have a squeaky clean credit reputation. That means having a reputation of paying debts promptly, not owing too much from the bank, not having high balances on your other credit cards, not having too much mortgages under your name and not having so many people requiring a credit check on you.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify for a 0% APR intro rate credit card, simply approach the nearest credit bureau and request for a copy of your credit report. The details in your credit report can easily tell you if you’ve a good shot of owning a 0% APR intro rate credit card or not. People with FICO scores equal to 650 or more are more or less guaranteed of having their application approved.

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Conditions & Treatments

New Study Lets Doctors See Signs Of Alzheimer's

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

New Study Lets Doctors See Signs Of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer-detecionOne of the things that makes Alzheimer’s disease such a major senior health concern is that it’s very difficult to detect early. In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, diagnosis depends on a variety of tests, many of which are observation based – meaning that the person in question is likely already experiencing significant symptoms. New Study Lets Doctors See Signs Of Alzheimer’s In Healthy Brains
Developing a standardized means by which doctors could identify Alzheimer’s earlier and more accurately could go a long way in the fight to treat or even cure the disease. One team of researchers is working to make strides in that regard.
Can you detect Alzheimer’s in healthy brains?
It’s widely believed that Alzheimer’s symptoms occur as a result of a certain type of protein building up in the brain. In high enough quantities, these proteins can clump together and form what are known as beta-amyloid plaques. These plaques are the primary culprits in the breakdown of brain cells due to Alzheimer’s, and the disease’s characteristic cognitive symptoms. However, doctors have historically struggled with early diagnosis since beta-amyloid plaques already need to be present in significant quantity to show up on many detection methods.
Researchers from Harvard University, however, have had success in identifying certain proteins in the brains of healthy individuals. The study, known as the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s, is using a new brain scan method that can reportedly detect tau protein tangles – another type of harmful protein associated with the disease – in healthy individuals.
According to Reuters, beta-amyloid and tau interact in a synergistic way to produce the harmful effects of Alzheimer’s. This scan is the newest step in the A4 study, which is working on a drug designed to eliminate beta-amyloid protein in the brain. While results of the drug are inconclusive, the source did note that if patients were treated early enough, with only mild symptoms, cognitive impairment could be reduced by up to 34 percent.
A step forward for Alzheimer’s treatment
With no cure and the only treatments available merely addressing symptoms rather than the cause of the disease itself, much of Alzheimer’s care relies on prevention and early detection. The Alzheimer’s Association noted, however, that there is currently no single test to determine the presence of Alzheimer’s. Much of the current process involves observation and symptom tracking, which means that by the time doctors are able to make a reliable diagnosis, the symptoms have already progressed to the point of interfering significantly with the senior’s quality of life.
Mild cognitive impairment can be a normal part of the aging process, but knowing when it may be indicative of the development of Alzheimer’s is a crucial step to managing the disease. The new scan from the A4 study means that doctors may have a way to screen patients displaying early warning signs more reliably. A treatment method that can slow or reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s still has yet to be developed, but detecting the disease earlier can give doctors, patients and their families a leg up in symptom management.
Early warning signs
Not all cognitive decline in seniors is normal. Similarly, not all instances of dementia are attributed to Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association outlined 10 of the most significant warning signs.
One key symptom, for example, is confusion regarding time or place. As the source pointed out, being unsure of what day of the week it is, or even what month it is, can be normal. However, when this confusion isn’t momentary, but rather persists, that could be an early warning sign. Similarly, a substantial drop in problem-solving ability that is persistent can indicate that there may be a medical reason behind the cognitive decline.
 
By Megan Ray | March 30, 2015

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