What Is Prep and How Long Does It Take for HIV Prep to Work?

PrEP is a medication used by individuals who are HIV negative to prevent them from contracting the HIV virus. It works by taking two different drugs (often formulated as one pill), tenofovir and emtricitabine. The medication is highly effective when taken correctly. Anyone taking the PrEP medication must see a nurse or doctor every three months for screening; testing includes STI testing, HIV testing, and possible side effects. Currently, this drug has been approved for people 18 years of age and older. Healthcare providers can prescribe PrEP to patients younger than this age, depending on the risk.

What is the difference between PrEP and PEP?

Both medications are used to prevent a patient from contracting HIV. PrEP involves taking two different medicines on an ongoing basis, starting before any exposure has occurred. PEP medications (called post-exposure prophylaxis) are used after having potential exposure to HIV. It includes three different medications that can reduce the risk of getting HIV. It must be used by an HIV-negative person as soon as possible after exposure. It must be used within 72 hours of being exposed. Users must take the PEP medication for four full weeks to prevent HIV.

Who can prescribe PrEP?

This medication requires a prescription to have it filled. Often, a doctor or nurse must give the medicine to their patient, although pharmacists can write the occasional script. Those wanting to receive the medication quickly can look into PrEP prescribed online. The medication can be taken for a short period or a long time. Most people will use the drug while at risk for HIV. It’s important to talk to your doctor before stopping this medication, especially if there has been a potential risk in the recent past.

Who Should Use PrEP?

Anyone having vaginal or anal sex without a condom (particularly if they don’t know the current HIV status of their partner) should consider using PrEP. Likewise, anyone who uses injection drugs occasionally or shares needles can lessen their HIV risk by using PrEP. If you’re with a partner that is HIV positive (even if they’re on medications to reduce the viral load), you should consider using antiviral drugs to improve their chance of staying HIV negative. Individuals that have HIV should not take PrEP medications. Using these drugs while HIV positive can increase the chances of drug resistance developing. It’s important to discuss your current medical health with your doctor before starting this medicine.

How does PrEP work within the body?

People who take PrEP consistently and regularly have drug levels in high concentrations in places that HIV can enter the body. This includes the bloodstream, rectal tissues, and genitals. The pharmaceuticals located in PrEP prevent HIV from making copies of the virus within the body. You must take the medication at least seven days before exposure for it to be effective. For vaginal sex and needle usage, users should be taking medicine for 21 days before exposure.

Men who engage in sex with other men can opt to take PrEP on demand. If following this schedule, they are protected after the first two hours of consumption. It’s important to keep taking your medications on a regular schedule, at approximately the same time each day. If someone forgets to take their medication, it’s important not to double up on the pill. Using additional protection like condoms can keep patients safe when drugs have been forgotten.

Does PrEP Fail to Prevent HIV Occasionally?

Most often, PrEP fails when a person fails to take the medication correctly and as prescribed. If pills aren’t taken properly, the levels of medicine in the body may not be high enough to prevent infection. In rare instances, individuals may be exposed to a resistant form of HIV, despite taking medications properly. Only a few reported cases of HIV have been reported while taking PrEP properly.

Can People Take PrEP When Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Daily PrEP medications are safe for breastfeeding and pregnant individuals wanting to protect themselves against infection. It’s important to discuss any health concerns with your doctor before starting a new medication. A doctor will help you determine the risk of the drug versus the potential exposure to HIV.

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6 Long Term Effects Stress Can Have

Stress is defined as any disturbance in the regular activities of homeostasis. Homeostasis is when things are balanced in our bodies, there are many ways that stress can be introduced to your body, whether physically or mentally.

It doesn’t matter if it’s mental or physical stress, either. These things that happen to the body will not always occur, and it varies from person to person. Here are six common long-term effects chronic stress can have on you.

You feel tired and exhausted

Stress causes your body starts to pump out more adrenaline into your blood system. This boosts your energy levels and allows you to run away from danger, like a bear chasing you.

Over time, prolonged exposure to cortisol can reduce muscle tissue and bone mineral loss, increased appetite and abdominal weight gain, high blood pressure, and slower wound healing. This can lead to a weakened immune system.

You have trouble sleeping

Lack of sleep is a symptom of stress. However, sleep deprivation can cause stress as well.

When you are stressed, the body will release the hormone called cortisol which blocks your REM sleep, your deepest stage of sleep. During that stage is when you feel rested and refreshed after a long night's rest.

That is the only stage of sleep where your body repairs and rejuvenates itself. If you do not get enough sleep, you will be more prone to illness and disease.

You have trouble concentrating

While under stress, you might find it difficult to pay attention to other things going on around you.

Sometimes it might feel like people are talking around you, but you can't make out what they are saying because your mind is clouded with other thoughts. This does not mean that you cannot pay attention to things while under stress. This just means it will be more difficult than normal.

You feel more emotional

People might notice that you have become more irritable, anxious, depressed, or angry. This is due to the high levels of cortisol your body releases into your bloodstream, which can make it hard to control how you act or feel.

In contrast, while under stress, your body will also release higher dopamine levels into your brain, which can make you feel more happy and positive things. Unfortunately, due to this contrast, it's easy for some people to become addicted to drugs because their dopamine receptors are much more sensitive to the dopamine made when they are using drugs.

You feel more tired in the day

Stress drains your energy, even when you are not doing anything. Your body is constantly working hard to keep itself healthy, even if it’s not happening visibly. This causes you to tire out easily.

Your cells are constantly repairing themselves from daily wear and tear, your heart is pumping blood throughout your body, and you have a hard time sleeping. Without enough sleep, your immune system won't be as strong, and it will then feel very difficult for you to deal with stress.

You have very strong feelings of fear

Stress can leave you in a constant state of fear, and that danger is all around you.

This feeling of fear can vary greatly. It can range from small changes in behavior to panic attacks or nervous breakdowns.

If you're in a constant fear mode, it can cause health problems, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, headaches, stomach aches, fatigue, nausea, and irritability.

Being stressed out for long periods can have some harmful effects on how you are feeling or thinking about things. The negative effects of stress can grow to be a serious issue and become difficult to fix.

Everyone goes through periods of stress in their life, but if the stress is chronic, you should strongly consider taking action. You should consider engaging in activities that can help you relax, like reading or journaling. If you are suffering chronic stress due to previous trauma, consider going to trauma therapy. You must think about your health and what you can do to improve it.  

This is a guest blog entry.

Three Conditions Medical Cannabis May Treat Effectively

Credit: Sharon McCutcheon via Pexels

Most medicines treat a particular ailment. Then there’s medical cannabis, which doctors may authorize to address a range of conditions. 

While there’s no such thing as a medical cure-all, doctors are still researching medical cannabis to learn more about the different illnesses it can treat. Decades of cannabis prohibition have set cannabis research back by years, yet we currently have access to a substantial amount of credible information.

Let’s look at three conditions doctors use medical cannabis to treat patients.

1. Nausea

Pharmacists like those at Medical Cannabis by Shoppers may recommend treating nausea with medical cannabis because the endocannabinoid system regulates both nausea and vomiting in humans and other animals. In a lab setting, cannabinoids have an anti-emetic effect across various animals.

Medical cannabis can be used to help chemotherapy patients who may otherwise struggle to find a conventional treatment to help with pain relief. If you are interested in trying medical cannabis to treat your nausea, coordinate with Medical Cannabis by Shoppers Drug Mart to get a medical document and access a wide range of products and formats.

They will give you personalized and professional guidance through the entire process, and you may be able to claim medical cannabis as an expense under your insurance or health spending account. 

2. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a condition where pain persists months or even years after an injury has healed. Pain can be near-constant, but it’s liable to flare up occasionally due to stress or surges in activity.

Here are a few common forms of chronic pain:

• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Muscle aches

In severe cases in the past, doctors prescribed drugs like opioids as a last resort. A new study from researchers at the University of New Mexico found that cannabis extracts and flower provide effective relief for the symptoms of nausea, with 96% of patients reporting some symptom relief.

Even relief from chronic pain may constitute a major and immediate improvement in quality of life. If cannabis can relieve the pain entirely, it could prove to be transformative for the patient.

3. Insomnia

Getting a good night’s sleep has an enormous impact on people’s quality of life. There’s a major difference between having general sleep trouble and insomnia, and before deciding the best path for treatment, it’s crucial to get at the root of the problem. 

The Mayo Clinic says that sleep troubles can be caused by many things, from mental health conditions like anxiety or PTSD, medications, environmental factors like loud noises or an uncomfortable bed, and more. 

Whether you have short- or long-term (chronic) insomnia, speak to a medical professional to help manage those sleepless nights.

There are many different cannabis products and formats which can potentially help to treat the above conditions and more. To feel better soon, speak to a healthcare professional near you to get the medical guidance and care you need today. 

This is a guest blog entry.

What to Expect From an Assisted Living Facility

Assisted living facilities provide numerous benefits to elderly residents in terms of care and well-being. With nearly 30,000 of these facilities in the US, there are many options to choose from. If you or someone you love wants to learn more about these special types of homes, the information below can help.

Services

For those who are unfamiliar with assisted living, it’s worth knowing that these facilities provide numerous services that go just beyond the basics. Along with comfortable, private accommodation and home-cooked meals, many assisted living homes also offer the following services:

• Medication management (typically administered by onsite medical staff)
• Assistance with grooming/bathing/toileting
• Help with dressing/undressing
• Transferring (e.g., from bed to chair to wheelchair)
• Laundry
• Weekly housekeeping
• Pet care
• Scheduling medical appointments
• Social and recreational activities (e.g., yoga, movie nights, Bingo games, arts/crafts)

Levels of Care

Another thing to bear in mind when it comes to assisted living facilities is that they often provide multiple levels of care. These range from lower to higher to memory care.

Lower Levels

As the word implies, lower levels of care are for residents who require minimal assistance or support. These individuals are fairly independent and are physically able to take care of daily hygiene needs. Lower-level care may involve some assistance such as help with medication, showering, or getting their clothes on; however, they don’t require intensive medical monitoring.

Higher Levels

Higher levels of care are for residents who require more physical assistance from the caregivers at the facility. For example, individuals who require help walking and/or transferring from one place to another are often given higher levels of care. These individuals may also be at a more advanced stage of memory loss or cognitive decline and will require help with bathing, dressing, and managing their daily hygiene. They also tend to require intensive medical monitoring.

Memory Care

Memory care is a higher level of care that is designed for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Residents requiring memory care are often in the advanced stages of memory loss, and they are provided with customized support for their illness. Staff members are also specially trained in dementia care. The emphasis in memory care is to maintain the support and dignity of the clients and assist the family members where possible. Facilities such as Clifton Woods in Silver Spring also offer Alzheimer’s care activities such as daily exercise, puzzles, and art projects.

Community

Another beneficial feature of assisted living facilities is the sense of community. Not only do these homes enable and promote socializing, but they also provide recreational programs and services that bring the residents together. While facilities can differ from state to state and across cities, most homes aim to encourage independence and treat their residents with the utmost dignity and respect. 

Costs

Assisted living costs vary from one center to the next in terms of amenities, size, privacy, and levels of care. While it’s difficult to provide exact costs, the national median rates for these facilities can be around $4,000 per month. This might seem exorbitant at first, but it tends to be less expensive than nursing care and private home health care.

This is a guest blog entry.

What does someone with PTSD act like?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that is often triggered by experiencing or witnessing a horrible event such as sexual violence, a natural disaster, serious injury, war, or being threatened with death. Many people with PTSD have difficulty coping with their feelings and intrusive symptoms, such as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Fortunately, with the help of a therapist who is trained in counseling PTSD patients and medical therapies, people with PTSD can get better.

PTSD not only affects the sufferer but the people in their lives, such as friends, family members, and coworkers.  Loved ones may also have difficulty understanding how to help or support someone with PTSD.

The symptoms of PTSD often interfere with the person’s day-to-day functioning. Most often, the person living with PTSD will exhibit:

●    Being panicking when reminded of the trauma
●    Angry reactions that seem to come on suddenly
●    Extreme alertness, or 'hypervigilance'
●    Lack of sleep or sleep disturbances
●    Irritability
●    Emotional distance in relationships
●    Aggressive behavior
●    Being more easily startled
●    Avoidance of places, people, and situations
●    Auditory and visual hallucinations
●    Memory issues
●    Difficulty concentrating
●    Inability to articulate

PTSD Can Be Different For Everyone

There are a number of human emotions and responses to traumatic situations based on a person’s upbringing and culture. How a person responds to a traumatic event also depends on what the event was. A veteran who has fought for their country may be triggered by different stimuli than a person who develops PTSD after a catastrophic earthquake.

A person suffering from this disorder may deny that they have PTSD and not seek therapy for years. Thus, they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Some coping mechanisms, such as working out or dedicating oneself to school or work, may be mistaken by loved ones as “being back to normal” and may not consider such obsessions a sign of PTSD. Because such qualities are often mistaken as “positive” traits, it can delay a person recognizing their PTSD and thus delay their treatment.

However, PTSD could look different for another individual. Rather than being overly hard-working and articulate, they may have difficulty keeping track of work, bills, their finances, and their families. They may become more forgetful, avoid friends and loved ones out of embarrassment, and seem more distant even when around them.

There Is Hope

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) added PTSD to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) in 1980, paving a new way for the identification and treatment of sufferers. Since its inclusion in the DSM, millions of patients, from sexual assault survivors to veterans, have been able to successfully seek help for their symptoms and move forward with their lives.

The PTSD Group, which is led by a double board-certified pain management/physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, and a board-certified emergency room physician, say that if a person gets help right away with the right therapies, they recover within a matter of weeks or months. People living with PTSD have medical options available to them in addition to talk therapy, such as stellate ganglion block (SGB) treatment. If you or a loved one are suffering from PTSD, then it’s worth it to yourself and your future to learn more about these life-changing therapies.
 

This is a guest blog entry.

Can My Employer Legally Terminate Me While Out On Disability?

If your employer fires you while you are on disability, this is called wrongful termination. There are several acts in place that guard you against retaliation and protect your rights. You can depend on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the California Family Rights Act & Job Protection (CFRA), and the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to prevent this from happening without repercussions.

Can I Be Legally Terminated While Disabled?

Sometimes your employer may act unreasonably and no longer want you as an employee because you were gone too long. However, retaliation is illegal and against federal policy.

ADA Laws

If you are terminated, it cannot be due to a disability. This includes anyone on disability leave and even after you return to work after your hiatus. If your company has more than 15 employees, then these laws are in effect. Your employer is required to create reasonable accommodations to help aid you despite your disability. This is as long as it doesn’t cause your employer undue hardship. You have to inform your employer of the accommodations that you need.

FMLA Laws

You cannot be terminated from your position if you do not go over the maximum of 12 weeks’ leave. FMLA was created to provide unpaid leave when you have a medical issue. This is also the case if a family member has fallen ill and you have to take care of them. This law does not protect all workplaces. The company must have a minimum of 50 employees and be in the range of 75 miles of your home. You also have to be at that job for more than one year or at a minimum of 1,250 hours.

CFRA Laws

According to these state laws, you can receive up to 12 weeks of leave within one year. This is to take care of a child, yourself, or if a family member becomes ill. However, if this time has to include vacation time, you have to be paid time off. You should be reinstated to the same position you were in before you left. Being terminated while on leave for a child or family member means that they are breaking laws.

If Your Employer Violated a Law, Take Action

When you believe you were wrongfully terminated, you should speak with an attorney to represent your case. This is because you cannot collect unemployment while on disability. If you are unable to perform job duties, you are deemed ineligible for unemployment compensation. During a challenging situation like this, a legal advisor can help prevent you from being stuck with no job or any income. In addition, your lawyer can investigate whether you were lawfully following the rules of your medical or disability leave and whether or not you should take action. A lot of attorneys provide free consultation and don’t require a fee unless they win the case.

Get Additional Help if You’ve Been Terminated

You can learn more about how disability attorneys can represent you as they work towards protecting the disabled or wrongfully terminated. In addition, you can visit our website, click Ghitterman, to read more about how to improve your circumstances. A disability shouldn’t prevent you from living your life and staying financially stable.

https://ca.db101.org/ca/situations/workandbenefits/rights/program2c.htm
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This is a guest blog entry.

Why Living Among Construction Scaffolding is a Way of Life in New York City

If you live in New York City, walking beneath scaffolding is a way of daily life. Or, if you are a construction worker, climbing and standing on scaffolding is also something you experience on a daily basis. Whereas the dangers to pedestrians is relatively minimal, working on and around scaffolding can be a dangerous business. If just one little thing goes wrong with a connection that’s not secured properly, you can experience serious personal injury or even death.
 

The Barnes Firm Rich Barnes, a personal injury legal expert states that if you’re injured due to faulty scaffolding erection procedures, you might only get “one shot” at fair compensation. That’s why it’s imperative to find a reputable personal injury lawyer to make sure you get the compensation you need to heal without the added burden of financial strain.
 

But why so much scaffolding in the first place?
 

According to a recent report, if you find yourself walking a major New York City street, there’s almost no escaping the scaffolding. Or what residents like to refer to as “sidewalk sheds.” It might be on the surface, an eyesore, but scaffolding has more uses than just providing temporary staging platforms for construction workers. For instance, scaffolding can provide a way to stay dry during a rainstorm, and it also protects pedestrians from falling construction debris.
 

New, New York City Construction

But the real reason for all the scaffolding is said to date back to the 2008 financial collapse that gripped the U.S. economy at the tail end of the Bush administration. When China and other foreign countries took advantage of the situation, much needed cash poured into the failing New York City real estate market, reviving both commercial and residential construction, and in many cases, altering the towering landscape of Manhattan for the foreseeable future.
 

New construction in the city, from foundation excavation to adding finishes, can take upwards of four years. And that’s without experiencing costly delays that often come with highly bureaucratic local and state governments to be found in New York City and New York State as a whole.
 

How New Development Relates to Scaffolding
 

As a new project goes from blueprint stage to “groundbreaking,” there will likely be the demolition of an existing structure and/or the commencement of ground-up construction. Both situations present risks, such as hard materials that will come loose and drop from great heights.
 

Pieces of glass, concrete block, wood, metal, and even tools that fall from even moderate heights is enough to seriously injure pedestrians or outright kill them. This is why scaffolding is required to shield pedestrian walkways that would otherwise be exposed to the construction jobsite.
 

Scaffolding Sheds
 

If a sidewalk becomes entirely impassable due to the scope and size of a new construction project, contractors will erect “scaffolding sheds” that are pushed out onto busy streets (causing further traffic congestion). These are engineered to provide a right-of-way for pedestrians to walk freely.
 

If there’s not enough room for a scaffolding shed on the road, signs will be erected instructing pedestrians to cross the street. With construction not slowing down in New York anytime soon, it’s likely that more and more scaffolding will be erected from uptown to downtown and everywhere in between.
 

Conversion Scaffolding
 

Old commercial buildings in NYC such as abandoned garment or meat processing factories are finding new use as condo and apartment buildings, especially in downtown areas like the Meat Packing District. While heavycranes aren’t required for these projects like they are for brand new construction, conversions will generally require scaffolding and protective netting to be wrapped around the entire edifice.
 

The project will also likely require an exterior construction elevator since the project will call for extensive façade work such as brick pointing/replacement, new windows, and new roofing. In this case, the risk of falling materials such as bricks, loose mortar, wood, glass, and more is high. Therefore, the need for scaffolding to protect pedestrians is essential.
 

The scaffolding also needs to be erected by a reputable licensed outfit in order to protect the workers who occupy it for up to eight hours per workday.
 

Local Law 11
 

As an added safety precaution, every five years, most buildings located in Manhattan must submit documentation regarding the state of their exterior façade to the Department of Buildings. Part of Local Law 11, which was passed some decades ago after a young woman was killed by a falling brick, the mandate is said to apply to buildings six-stories and taller. Loose bricks, cracks, crumbling parapets, unstable balconies, loose mortar, and more qualify as potential problems.
 

It can be said that Local Law 11 alone, has been a significant cash boon to scaffolding companies in Manhattan, the surrounding boroughs, and New Jersey.

This is a guest blog entry.

3 Beneficial Uses Of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is an often misunderstood medical phrase, this is mostly due to the controversy surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells (cells from fetal tissue). However, stem cell therapies nowadays are a different type of procedure that uses the body’s own stem cells (adult stem cells) instead of someone else’s. What are stem cells exactly? They are similar to a cell building block in which they can become a variety of different cells depending on what specific kind is around them. Because of this, stem cells have many different uses and applications; hopefully, more will be discovered over the years. Here are three promising uses of stem cell therapy that are currently being implemented. 

Regrowing Cartilage

Our bodies undergo large amounts of wear and tear over the years, this can be from moving and the effects of gravity. Even though the human body can repair itself, there are certain parts that are harder to regrow than others — sometimes even impossible. One of these is cartilage — the strong, smooth, and flexible fibers that protect bones and joints. Once the cartilage has been worn away, it’s likely gone forever. This can cause friction and uncomfortableness. However, injections of stem cells into the knee joint can have beneficial, restorative effects. If you’d like more information about stem cell therapies for knees, contact the stem cell therapy experts at ThriveMD.

Fighting Blood Cancers

Another beneficial use of stem cell therapy is to combat blood-related diseases. Diseases like leukemia and myeloma are being treated with stem cells obtained from the bone marrow of the affected patient. A stem cell transplant’s main goal is to replace cells that have been damaged by chemotherapy and disease. There have been positive results over the past few years that will hopefully yield even more effective treatments.

Restoring Damaged Tissue

Finally, stem cell therapies can restore damaged tissues if the operation is successful. Certain problems like back pain can be debilitating such as injuries resulting from a car accident. Damaged nerves and tissue are difficult ailments to solve; however, stem cell therapy is seeking to solve them. By implementing stem cells around the damaged area, the adult stem cells can replicate and replace the damaged cells if the conditions are right. With more research and study, hopefully, the days of taking pain medication to deal with pain are over: stem cell therapy is shaping up to be one of the solutions. 

This is a guest blog entry.

Can You Do Ketamine Therapy Instead Of Using Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

The hyaluronic acid serum is being used as a way to fight aging and it's been very effective for many people. But what if you could do ketamine therapy instead?

Ketamine therapy has shown great results in fighting wrinkles and fine lines caused by years of sun exposure. It can also help with pain relief, depression, anxiety, PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), and more. For anyone who has thought about doing ketamine therapy to replace hyaluronic acid serum, but doesn't know where to start, this post will hopefully answer some questions that you have.

What Is Ketamine? 

Ketamine is a medication, classified as a dissociative anesthetic. This means it distorts perceptions of sight and sound and suppresses memory of events. It is most often used in the form of a liquid for injection or use in a nasal spray for depression therapies.

Ketamine is most often used by veterinarians to immobilize large animals, but it has been prescribed to people for use in surgical procedures to induce anesthesia and relieve pain. If you're considering ketamine therapy injections for your wrinkles, it is important to note that it's very effective in combination with other therapies.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Ketamine Therapy vs Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

If you are thinking about replacing hyaluronic acid serum with ketamine therapy, there are several benefits to this treatment option. First, the long-term effects on skin cells can be substantial since many people stop using hyaluronic acid serum after only a short time. 

Second, unlike hyaluronic acid serum, there is no need to apply multiple treatments every day, week, or month which saves time and money. Thirdly, if the treatment doesn't work then you haven't lost anything but your time, unlike hyaluronic acid serum that you not only spent money on but also wasted.

Last, but perhaps most importantly, is the long-term effects of ketamine therapy injections in combination with other therapies that can make your skin look younger for years to come.

Does Ketamine Work?

Yes. Ketamine stimulates the release of growth factors in your skin cells, which is why it's used for wound healing in hospitals. It also stimulates collagen production in the skin. This increased collagen helps to decrease wrinkles and fine lines, making you look younger with regular treatments.

What Types Of Treatments Are Available? 

There are several types of ketamine therapy that are available for people suffering from different conditions. For anti-aging benefits, most doctors will use the topical cream on the face with the ketamine dissolved in it. 

For pain relief or PTSD, intravenous infusions are more common. You can also try dissolving Ketamine under your tongue if you don't want to have needles put into your body. You can read more about it on Ketamine Therapy HQ.

How Effective Is Ketamine? 

Ketamine has been studied extensively in clinical trials and has shown great results in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, lines, dark circles under your eyes, and other signs of aging. 

It can also help with pain relief for things like arthritis or after surgery when there are too many pills to take every day. One treatment lasts about three days before you need another one, but once-daily treatments can make a huge difference for people suffering from depression or anxiety since it works much faster than regular anti-depressants that target serotonin levels in the body.

Does It Cause Any Side Effects? 

Just like the hyaluronic acid serum, ketamine therapy does not pose any serious risks to your health. However, some side effects may include soreness in the muscles where you had the infusion done.

Ketamine Therapy or Hyaluronic Acid: Which Is Better? 

There is a lot of research that has been done on the Ketamine vs Hyaluronic acid debate. One of the benefits of doing ketamine therapy is that it provides anti-inflammatory and pain relief benefits without being addictive. It is also super effective, which makes it a better choice for those who are suffering from chronic pain.

The benefits of using hyaluronic acid serum include how it can be used to promote skin health and repairs, as well as hair growth. 

The question of which one is better really depends on what you are looking for in a treatment. Both have been proven to frequently help with age-related problems and both have their pros and cons.
 

Pros and Cons Of Hyaluronic Acid Serum
 

Pros

• Hyaluronic Acid Serum can be done at home
• It's easily available
• Hyaluronic acid is used in many skincare products
• No serious side effects
• The hyaluronic acid serum is an effective way to obtain the benefits without having to take medication
• Benefits in hair growth as well
• Can repair damaged skin

Cons

• You have to keep re-applying it
• Doesn't work for everyone
• Might not work long term
• Can cause mild skin irritation to some people

Pros and Cons Of Ketamine Therapy 

Pros

• The benefits of ketamine are well documented in the medical world.
• As an FDA-approved anesthetic, it has been used since the 1970s.
• Many studies support the effectiveness of ketamine
• Reduces depression and anxiety
• No risk of skin infection

Cons

• There could be side effects that we don't know yet
• The only way to find out if ketamine will work for you is if you try it out
• Can’t do home treatments, only a professional can perform ketamine therapy
• There are many unknown long-term effects of using ketamine
• Ketamine therapy is not easily available everywhere
• Your insurance may not cover ketamine treatments

A good way to decide if ketamine therapy is right for you, or if the hyaluronic acid serum works better, is to talk with your doctor. They can help you understand how these products work and which one may be more effective at helping with your unique needs.

To Sum Up
Ketamine therapy has been found to aid in the treatment of wrinkles and fine lines caused by years of sun exposure. It can also aid in pain management for conditions like arthritis or the following surgery when too many pills are given every day.

The main takeaway is that both hyaluronic acid serum and ketamine have their benefits in different areas. You can try out the hyaluronic acid serum to see if it will help you with skin issues or hair growth. 

But, if you are looking for something more long-term or you need stronger pain relief, then talk with your doctor about trying ketamine therapy. It's important to have an open dialogue with your doctor so they can give you strong advice on which one might be more effective to get rid of your skin-related issues.

This is a guest blog entry.

Common Nursing Roles & What They Do

Have you ever wondered what nurses do? With so many specialisms and roles out there, it can be difficult to know exactly what kind of care they provide. If you’re interested in learning more about nursing, below are some of the most common nursing roles and what their main responsibilities are. 

Registered Nurse

Salary: $60,300 median annually

It’s likely that you’ve heard of registered nurses (RN). These specialist nurses are responsible for providing and coordinating patient care, and they often work in a team of physicians, clinicians, and other health care specialists. RNs also educate people about health conditions while providing advice and emotional support to patients and their loved ones. 

To become a registered nurse, you’ll need to obtain at least a bachelor of science degree or an associate’s degree in nursing (these are usually 2-year degrees). The advantage of this line of work is that you can enter the workforce faster than other medical professions. RNs are highly regarded, and there are many opportunities to work in various nursing specialties, depending on your interests.

Nurse Educator

Salary: $68,450 median annually

Nurse educators play an important role in nearly all healthcare settings. Not only do they utilize and share their clinical experience with others, but they also draw from academic expertise in the field to educate nursing students about patient care. Some of the responsibilities of nurse educators include setting educational curriculums, preparing newly-graduated students for the transition into the nursing workforce, empowering nurses to succeed in their profession, and improving the systems that provide nursing education.

To become a nurse educator, you’ll need a master’s degree and a registered nurse license (RN). This requires a longer educational period than a registered nurse, but the salary range is usually higher. Nurse educators also work in a variety of settings, such as teaching in universities, hospital-based nursing programs, and in technical schools. They can also work as consultants, independent contractors, or in other education-focused roles.

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse

Salary: $64,50 median annually

Psychiatric nurses support, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health issues. These nurses are also trained in counseling and are able to make a real difference in people’s lives. Unlike other nursing jobs where they are required to visit numerous patients each day, psychiatric nurses often spend time getting to know individual patients and gaining their trust over time. This enables them to properly treat patients who are struggling with mental health conditions. 

It is no surprise that psychiatric nursing jobs are challenging roles. Not only do they require a great deal of patience and empathy, but many of these nurses are also exposed to the distressing experiences and emotions of their patients. To qualify as a psychiatric nurse, you’ll need a master’s degree and a registered nurse license (RN). The benefit of working in this field is that you will have the opportunity to be placed in a variety of environments such as prisons, community centers, and psychiatric wards in hospitals. You may even be required to visit patients in their homes.

Pediatric Nurse

Salary: $64,600 median annually

Pediatric nurses specialize in providing care for children. Also known as a children’s nurse, pediatric nurses typically work with kids under the age of 18. Like other nurses, pediatric nurses are qualified to perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, and provide treatment plans for patients. Some of the responsibilities of a pediatric nurse include basic medical care for children, monitoring and assessing a child’s requirements before matching them with the right level of care and communicating with the parents to keep them updated and informed about their child’s progress.

Pediatric nursing jobs require an associate’s degree or a bachelor of science degree, along with a registered nurse license (RN). Most pediatric nurses are employed by hospitals, doctor’s offices, surgical centers, and other healthcare settings. One of the most vital roles that these nurses play is in properly assessing and treating each child while considering their development, medical history, and family circumstances. These nurses must also be able to efficiently communicate with neonatal units.

Geriatric Nurse

Salary: $66,169 median annually

Contrary to pediatric nurses, a geriatric nurse specializes in treating older populations. This includes treating and assessing injuries, ailments, or illnesses in elderly individuals. Along with providing medical care, geriatric nurses can also anticipate future care for age-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

While geriatric nursing applies to the elderly community, it is also a broad field that allows you to work in various settings. This includes rehabilitation centers, nursing homes or assisted living facilities, hospitals, senior centers, hospices, or in patient’s homes. 

To become a geriatric nurse, you’ll need an associate’s degree or a bachelor of science degree and a registered nursing license (RN). Once qualified, you’ll also work closely with multiple teams such as other doctors, carers, social workers, and other clinical workers. This is a great role for people who love working with elderly people and are interested in a role that involves developing relationships and improving care.

Cardiac Nurse

Salary: $67,490 median annually

Cardiac nurses are perhaps one of the lesser-known roles among the general population. As the name suggests, these specialist nurses are responsible for caring for patients with heart-related illnesses. Working primarily in hospitals, private clinics, and cardiovascular centers, cardiac nurses provide vital support to patients as well as assist with surgical procedures such as heart bypasses, angioplasties, and pacemaker surgery.

With heart disease being one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., it is no surprise that cardiac nurses are in high demand. Along with treating patients who have heart-related issues, cardiac nurses are also responsible for caring for patients who are recovering from surgery. Cardiac nurses also have to keep track of patients’ medical histories, monitoring or administering medications, and helping patients put together a lifestyle plan following their surgery. To qualify for this role, you’ll need an associate’s degree or a bachelor of science degree, along with a registered nursing license (RN). 

This is a guest blog entry.

The Top 6 Reasons to Become a Dentist

Credit: Pixabay Via Pexels

You may already be in dental school or in the process of submitting your application. The road ahead might be arduous, filled with intense training and study, but given the critical reasons people decide to become dentists, you know it will be worth the effort. Still, if you’re considering whether or not you’ve chosen a good career path, the following information is for you.
 

Helping Other People
 

The number one draw that brings most medical professionals to the field is that they want to pursue a career that contributes to helping other people. Even doctors and nurses working in the public sector who experience long and difficult days get to come home with the satisfaction that they’ve made an enormous difference in the lives of others. And that’s a reward that money can’t buy.
 

Scientific Interest in Teeth
 

The fact that dentistry is just one of many medical fields you can choose to pursue is evidence that dentists have a genuine interest in the study of treating teeth. The research component of a medical career is often overshadowed by the altruism involved in this work, but it may be a more influential factor for many people. If this is the case for you, you’ll be happy working in a field where you get to spend your days learning more about a subject you love.
 

A Great Paycheck and Job Stability
 

On average, dentists in Canada make about $274,000 a year. In today’s troubling economic forecast, including a potential recession caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to earn a comfortable income is an enormous factor for many.

Generate Passive Income

On top of the money you make treating patients, you can create a source of passive income simply by collecting unwanted dental scraps. Since dental work often results in leftover materials that contain precious metals, those scraps can be refined and sold to dental refining services for the precious metals they contain.

Keeping Your Options Open

Most people who finish dental school and start practicing tend to either join an existing practice or start their own, and given all of these reasons that draw people into the field, they tend to stick to it. The reason dentists do not stop treating patients, however, isn’t for lack of options.

Given that there are so many types of dentistry work that you can choose to specialize in, there are also options if you decide to go to dental school. Some of these specializations include

• Endodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Public Health

You can also choose to remain self-employed or work for a larger organization.  

Prestige

Although this factor isn’t discussed openly as much as it once was, everyone enjoys knowing that they are admired for the kind of work they do. When you work in a prestigious career, you’ve got one more reason to feel good about what you do every day.

If you’re already a dentist and didn’t realize that you can sell dental scraps for refining, talk to a company that offers dental scrap refining. Some of the precious metals that you might find in dental scraps include gold, silver, platinum and palladium.

This is a guest blog entry.

Where do Americans get their insulin?

If you are among those who follow the latest news in the "world" of diabetes mellitus, you are surely aware of the situation with insulin drug prices and people's desperation because of it. 

Even though this situation is not something unusual for the US, patients all over the country look for more ways to find a better insulin supply. Especially in recent years, when Insulin Affordability Crisis in America became highly crucial.

To be honest, the question of why Americans try all possible ways just to get their lifesaving drug doesn't even appear at this point. Just think about it - pharmaceutical research demonstrated that insulin medications are 80% cheaper outside the country than in the United States. 

That sounds crazy, eighty percent difference on vital product people with diabetes cannot live without. No wonder many individuals are ready to risk it all, stop thinking about legality and safety, and do what they need to do to avoid severe health complications and to save their lives.

After American patients started talking about this issue, the Border Patrol and the FDA allowed bringing in a limited amount of medicine when re-entering the country. All of those, obviously, are meant for the personal use of a patient. Mainly, people with diabetes often choose Canadian pharmacies to stock up on all needed remedies because it is closer and, as followed, safer for transportation, more comfortable in general, and easier to deliver in terms of border patrol.

And now, without further ado, let's dive into the world of drug companies and the health care system in America. Hopefully, you'll find answers to all your questions about insulin supply in the USA.

An average price of insulin per month

Of course, it is impossible to say the exact price for every patient with diabetes of type 1 and type 2. Everyone has different needs depending on the type of diabetes mellitus, the time a person is living with it, medications prescribed by a medical professional, and various other factors.

In this way, those who require an insulin analog need a basal dose once or twice per day, while others administer regular insulin for controlling blood sugar levels from three to four times per 24 hours. But let's take average numbers - when buying insulin for 30 days, the US citizens need three vials or thirty pens per month. Once again, the price may vary depending on the brand that was prescribed to a patient; but in general, during the last year, Americans paid $1200 per month for their drug supplies. As you may have guessed, this amount of money is something unreal for most categories of individuals with diabetes.

And don't forget about all additional tools, such as syringes, test strips, and (for some people) insulin pumps. The last one can cost up to $4000 plus $3000 for batteries and other important parts. No wonder most patients look for ways to import drugs because, even with international shipping, the cost will be much lower than at any American local pharmacy.

Is it possible for Americans to buy insulin in Canada?

The answer to the question above is pretty confusing - and yes, and no. It is illegal to purchase Canadian insulin supplies; however, it is legal for Canadian pharmacies to ship medications to residents in the US directly. Not only that, federal and state proposals to import drugs from Canada were created to give people more opportunities to buy medications from abroad. But Canadian locals are not really supportive of this idea; they are worried that this step may lead to shortages or make overall insulin prices higher. Other than that, the Canadian pharmacists association supports the USA citizens who are in need of insulin for glucose control and is ready to help any of them. And that is exactly why American buy insulin from Canada.

Why is insulin cheaper in Canada?

The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board in Canada is in charge of making sure that high insulin prices are not a problem for diabetes patients in the country. Of course, they cannot control mark-ups by retailers who are working for themselves; they also do not regulate the costs of generic drugs.
The United States, on the other hand, has absolutely no regulations over pharmaceutical pricing. That is exactly why insulin medicines cost hundreds of dollars and may be 2-6 times more expensive than in Canada.

How to transport insulin medications safely across the country?

As with all insulin and insulin-like products, there are certain storage rules which should be followed in order to keep remedies appropriate for drug administration and the overall safety of the patients. For example, unopened vials and pens should always be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature from 2°C to 8°C, away from the freezer compartment or the back of the fridge (which is typically colder than other parts of the machine). Frozen medications cannot be used by individuals because they may lead to unexpected health complications and life-threatening conditions.

Speaking about the products which are about to be used or are currently in use, those are mainly stored at a room temperature not higher than 25°C (however, some still need to be kept in the fridge; detailed instructions are usually present in the box). The place of storage needs to be dark, dry, away from direct sunlight and kids. It is crucial to look at the expiration date carefully in order not to administer expired medicine into the body.

During transportation, special cold shipping boxes, packaging, or containers are used to preserve products at a perfect temperature. It is also recommended to use specially designed pouches during trips to make sure purchased insulin won't spoil during the journey. It is better to use it despite the weather or season outside, not only for thermal control but for damage prevention as well.

Final word

As you may see, insulin medication purchase is the problem almost every American is familiar with. People prefer buying drugs abroad because it is more affordable, comfortable, and it is a perfect way to shorten medication expenses as well. Fortunately, it is still an option to buy insulin in Canada as it is the closes place with the best prices nowadays. We really hope this problem will soon be left in the past. Thank you for reading and take care!

This is a guest blog entry.

Career Options for Nurses with an Advanced Degree

If you are already working as a registered nurse or are planning to get into this career in the future, you may already be aware of the fact that nursing is a career choice with an endless array of options when it comes to career advancement and progression. Nursing is a career path with opportunities to move both sideways and upwards, with nurses able to choose to move into different specialty areas or work their way up the career ladder into management, leadership, education and advanced nursing positions.
 

Whether you’re already working as a nurse and want to progress or are thinking long-term when it comes to your nursing career, an advanced degree qualification is often essential for nurses who want to move up the career ladder. With nurses in higher demand than ever before and advanced nurses taking on more roles and responsibilities these days in order to fill the gap that has been left by the shortage of primary care physicians in the US, there are now more training programs and degree programs available for nurses who are interested in bettering their careers. 

In addition to a larger range of programs to choose from, nurses who are considering progression can also find more flexible options including online advanced nursing study, which is often designed with busy full-time registered nurses in mind. Today, nurses do not have to consider leaving their jobs or working part-time to accommodate for attending on-campus classes and lectures while getting their advanced degree, thanks to flexible and self-led online programs that allow the student to make his or her own decisions when it comes to when and how they’d like to study, making it easier to fit getting a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing around a busy healthcare career. Some of the best career opportunities for nurses with an advanced degree qualification include:

Nurse Practitioner:

The nurse practitioner role is currently one of the most popular advanced roles in nursing and it’s also one in very high demand. To become a nurse practitioner, you will need to be educated to an MSN or DNP level and, in some cases, earn a postgraduate nursing certificate that is designed to prepare you for advanced clinical practice. Nurse practitioners work in a variety of areas including family practice or working with specific patient populations such as pediatric, neonatal, adult-gerontology and psychiatric and mental health. In twenty US states, nurse practitioners are provided with full practice authority, allowing them to diagnose, treat, prescribe and have many of the same responsibilities and roles as a primary care doctor without requiring supervision. In other states, they still have the ability to do these roles; however, their decisions must be signed off by a doctor. 

Certified Nurse Midwife:

For nurses that are interested in women’s health and working with babies, a career as a certified nurse midwife could be one that is worth getting an advanced nursing degree for. A nurse midwife is an advanced practice nurse specializing in women’s health, particularly through the stages of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. In addition to this, nurse midwives are active health professionals when it comes to providing primary and reproductive care for women in particular. They work in various different settings including within the community and in doctor’s offices, but are most commonly seen in hospitals in labor and delivery wards. 

Critical Care Nurse

Critical care nurses are advanced practice nurses who play an important role in caring for patients who are suffering with life-threatening injuries or illnesses. Critical care nurses will often work in hospitals and are typically found in the ICU departments or other areas where patients are acutely unwell such as the operating theatre or ER. Critical care nurses are required in any area of healthcare where patients might be found in life-threatening situations, including anywhere that needs high intensity interventions and a high level of around the clock nursing care. Recently, critical care nurses have played a vital role on COVID-19 departments particularly working with patients that have suffered badly with the virus and have required specialized care such as ventilation. 

Nurse Manager:

Nurse managers are responsible for overseeing the clinical operations of patient care units. They facilitate the work of healthcare professionals and ensure that the direct care provided to the patient is of the right standard and quality. A role as a nurse manager will typically require education to the MSN or DNP level and is less bedside-based and more administrative to that of a registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse. Nurse managers are crucial for ensuring that the highest quality and standards of patient care are delivered and are often the loudest advocates for patients since representing unit needs to relevant stakeholders is often a key part of this role. 

Clinical Nurse Leader:

Clinical nurse leaders are advanced nurses who possess a high level of knowledge and clinical competence. Typically, clinical nurse leaders will work with a specific set of patients that they are assigned to, overseeing their care in the position of team leader. Clinical nurse leaders work in a role where they are required to regularly stay on top of the latest innovations and developments in healthcare, medical care and care delivery. They are responsible for putting evidence-based practice into action and ensuring that patients are provided with the highest standards of care. 

Nurse Executive:

Although nursing is a caring profession first and foremost, there are several opportunities to consider for those who are interested in working in a more management-focused career option. Nurse executives are senior-level nurses who are often in highly influential roles when it comes to shaping clinical practice. Nurse executives are often required to hold at least a Doctor of Nursing Practice qualification and their role involves defining strategic visions for success. They work collaboratively across the entire healthcare organization to ensure that patient care is of high quality and that both patients and employees report high satisfaction levels. In order to work at this level of nursing, you will need to have gained an advanced nursing degree along with management experience. Nurse executives are also required to be highly skilled in the operations management, human resources, and financial side of healthcare. 

Nurse Educator:

If you want an advanced nursing career role that will have a direct and positive impact on reducing the nursing shortage that we are experiencing in healthcare today, a role as a nurse educator might be an ideal option for you. Currently, one of the main reasons behind the increasingly worrying shortage of nurses in the US is due to the fact that there are simply not enough education professionals to prepare new nurses for the workforce fast enough. The problem is not that there are not enough people who want to become nurses – at some nursing schools and colleges, applicants are being turned away or having their enrolment deferred due to the simple fact that there aren’t enough people to teach them. To become a nurse educator and be influential in shaping the next generation of nurses, you will need to get a DNP qualification. This will prepare you for teaching nursing in formal educational settings to prepare students to become nurses or teach nurses who are looking to advance their careers further. 

Care Coordinator:

The role of a care coordinator is a relatively new one in the healthcare industry. This role is designed to focus mainly on the improvement of patient safety, care quality, and cost-effectiveness within patient care. Professionals who work in these roles are often nurses who take on the role of ensuring that the right type of care is being delivered to the patient at the right time. Care coordinators are also responsible for looking after transitions of care, such as moving patients to different departments, hospitals or clinics. They ensure that this is done smoothly without leading to any gaps in the patient’s treatment plan. Care coordinators are typically required to have at least a master’s degree in nursing and will usually work in collaboration with a variety of healthcare providers, equipment companies, insurance companies, and other organizations to ensure that patients receive uninterrupted, high-quality healthcare. 

Clinical Trial Nurse:

Clinical trials are consistently ongoing in order to improve our understanding of and develop new treatments for a wide variety of conditions. If you are interested in a career where you can be involved with the cutting edge of healthcare and make a difference to the healthcare of the future, you may want to consider a role as a clinical trial nurse. These nurses can be found working on large research studies designed to prove the efficacy and safety of new healthcare treatments including medication, devices, protocols and more. They have a variety of roles within clinical trials including coordinating research, ensuring the integrity of data, and providing treatment when needed to study participants along with ensuring that they are prepared for the trial. 

Getting an advanced nursing degree such as an MSN or DNP can lead to a wide range of advanced and lucrative nursing career options.

This is a guest blog entry.

5 Tips for Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Prioritizing your health helps you avoid illness caused by stress that comes with being overwhelmed by too much work, racing thoughts, and poor living habits. It focuses on harmonizing the mind, body, and soul to promote longevity. You will have to sacrifice frivolous things like eating junk and drinking too much alcohol to achieve maximum wellness.

In order to receive quality medical care, visit a highly rated hospital by searching them on the internet. Apricot Law, an SEO marketing firm specializing in personal injury law provides services to achieve page 1 ranking on search engines. For many websites and businesses, incorporating local SEO is vital in making themselves visible in local map results.

Benefits of Staying Healthy

Healthy living nourishes your mind, soul, and body. Together, these bring harmony into your life. A healthy body and mind keeps you active, ensures you stay focused and engaged, while a healthy soul provides access to serenity. Fulfill your life in all aspects, lead yourself to find a peaceful state of mind and achieve great success in all your endeavors.

What Are the Best Tips for Living a Healthy Lifestyle?

1. Keep Exercising

Exercise activates your body and increases strength, endurance, heart rate, and balance. Take 30 minutes each day doing some exercises to help you keep fit and reduce your chances of getting cardiovascular diseases. If exercise routines bore you, try joining an outdoor sport or sign up for a class. Finding community in your exercise helps bring a natural enjoyment to the experience.

Getting and staying fit requires you to maintain high levels of discipline. Motivate yourself with some music while trying to accomplish daily fitness goals for a positive mindset.

2. Eat Healthy Foods

Healthy foods boost your immunity and help keep you strong. Eat whole foods rich in fiber, protein, nutrients, and vitamins containing low-calories from natural plants.

Avoid taking too much-processed food containing unhealthy levels of added sugar, sodium, and fat. They lead to health issues that cause high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, and obesity.

3. Drink Water Regularly

Consuming adequate amounts of water will boost your metabolism and energy level. Drinking a glass of water in the morning and eight cups during the day helps you achieve good health.
Supplement it with sugar-free juice if you do not like its taste or take some hot fruit tea. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that provide you with water and are rich in nutrients.

4. Go for Regular Checkups

Investing in living a healthy lifestyle begins with you going for regular checkups, even when you feel good. Schedule a visit with your doctor once or twice a year, depending on your age and medical history.

It helps you discover life-threatening health conditions and ensures you receive proper medical treatment.

5. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol

Consuming drugs affects you physically and psychologically, leading to short-term and long-term health effects. It’s a self-destructive behavior which can cause hallucinations, depression, and unhealthy stimulation of your nervous system.

Consumption of too much alcohol is harmful to your brain and liver, making it crucial to avoid it.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Making the most out of your daily actions determines whether or not you lead a healthy lifestyle. It all begins with the food you eat, your level of activity, and how health-conscious you are. The 5 tips mentioned above will help you achieve good health and a long and happy life.

This is a guest blog entry.

Dr Carlos Barba Shares Seven Common Myths About Weight Loss Surgery and the Truth Behind Them

Many people have preconceived notions about weight loss surgery that are not based in fact. These myths can be harmful to patients who have undergone weight loss surgery and discourage people who need the surgery from talking to their doctors.

Dr Carlos Barba, a Harlingen, TX bariatric surgeon, explores some of the common myths of weight loss surgery. He explains the truth behind each situation and helps patients understand whether weight loss surgery is right for them.

Myth #1: Surgery Equals Effortless Weight Loss

It may seem like weight loss surgery is the easiest way to lose weight, but this is far from the truth. Weight loss surgery requires an extensive preparatory process that can last months or years. Still, it is necessary to ensure that the patient is psychologically and physically ready to begin the process.

While it is true that the pounds seem to melt away in the early weeks and months after surgery, weight loss reaches a plateau after about two years. After this point, patients need to continue putting in a serious effort to keep losing weight. Diet and exercise plans must be followed carefully for the remainder of the patient’s life to keep the weight off.

Myth #2: Surgery is for People Who Lack Willpower

Some people are reluctant to consider weight loss surgery because they are afraid that people will think they lack the willpower to lose weight independently. Dr Carlos Barba knows that weight loss is not easy and that severely overweight and obese people have the odds stacked against them when it comes to weight loss.

The National Institutes of Health have stated that weight loss surgery is one of the only ways the severely obese can lose weight and keep it off. Willpower does not come into the equation, but it is based on physiological facts.

Myth #3: Weight Loss Surgery is Dangerous

While the negative side effects of weight loss surgery are commonly discussed, complications are relatively rare. The most common complication is the abdominal hernia. About 10 to 20 percent of patients require follow-up surgery to correct conditions like hernias caused by the initial procedure.
 

Other types of side effects are serious but rare. These can include infections, gallstones, and malnutrition.

Myth #4: Patients Can’t Have More Children After Weight Loss Surgery

Many patients are afraid that they will not be able to have more children after weight loss surgery. Doctors recommend preventing pregnancy until 18 months to two years after surgery. After two years, most people reach a weight loss plateau.

A reduction in body weight can help a woman achieve pregnancy, so the surgery may positively affect her fertility later in life.

Myth #5: Insurance Doesn’t Cover Weight Loss Surgery

While some employer-paid health plans do not cover weight loss surgery, it is worth checking with your insurer and discovering your benefits. A growing percentage of health plans are beginning to cover bariatric surgery since its life-changing health effects are becoming common knowledge in the medical field.

Myth #6: Weight Loss Surgery Causes Psychological Problems

Some people are worried about having weight loss surgery because they have been told that it causes depression and anxiety. The reverse is more likely to be true, with weight loss surgery causing an increase in self-esteem and body positivity. These factors can make a person who has had weight loss surgery feel better about themselves and lessen the chances of psychological problems.

To ensure that patients will have positive psychological outcomes, preoperative testing is conducted. This testing can identify people who are likely to have trouble with their body image after the surgery and pinpoint possible problems before they occur. 

Myth #7: Weight Loss Surgery is the Easy Way Out

Weight loss surgery is anything but the easy way out. It may be the most viable option for a severely obese person to lose weight. Still, it requires significant dedication, willpower, and medical support to be a positive force for change.

People who have weight loss surgery should not be looked down upon. Succeeding with the surgery shows that a person has the strength to confront serious problems in their life and work to change them.

Learning the Truth about Weight Loss Surgery

Dr Carlos Barba wants prospective bariatric surgery patients to understand these myths and know the truth behind them. Having a solid conception of the realities surrounding weight loss surgery can help patients increase their chances of success with the surgery.

Patients are encouraged to research on their own if they hear something discouraging about the surgery from a friend or loved one. Surgeons and their staff are always open to questions from patients as well.
Weight loss surgery can be a positive and lasting force for change in a patient’s life, and having the correct information at hand is the best way to start on the path toward success and a healthier outlook.

This is a guest blog entry.

Common Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents

Car crashes can be ruinous and are often fatal for the driver and its passengers. After a car injury, the driver and their passengers can wind up with many different wounds, ranging from bruises to permanent disability. The most common injuries you will see in a car accident include traumatic brain injuries, burns, back injuries, broken bones, limb loss, internal injuries, disfigurement, and scarring.
 

What Common Injuries Happen After a Car Accident

Drivers encounter life-threatening situations when other drivers are careless. They can end up with many injuries because of irresponsible driving.

Traumatic Brain Injuries
 

Concussions are a common occurrence in car accidents, where you can hit your head on the window, steering wheel, ceiling, or headrest behind you. You can also get brain tissue bleeding when your head gets hit, creating long-term cognitive disability. If you are not wearing a seatbelt or somehow slip out of the car, this can result in fatal consequences as too much brain damage can result in mortal wounds.
 

Burn Injuries

If the car ends up on fire because of an electrical malfunction or leaking oil that catches fire, you may also suffer from burns. Burns come in degrees of first, second, and third levels. This can be anything from a superficial burn to a deep internal burn that requires massive surgery.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Crashes are high impact and can cause your hands, feet, arms, or legs to be crushed during a high-velocity collision. This can result in minor fractures where you feel slight discomfort or in major broken bones that prevent you from normally living your life. 

Disfigurement and Scarring

When your skin gets injured by wounds of any kind, it can cause permanent scarring. For example, sometimes your face can get cut by flying glass or other loose objects in the car. When you become disfigured, it can be a profoundly negative life-changing experience. This will also require surgery. 

Internal Injuries

A lot of car crash victims wind up with internal bleeding when their organs are wounded. Sometimes, objects can puncture your organs, or your ribs can break and wind up injuring your organs. Sometimes drivers suffer from lung collapse because their chest gets hit in a car accident. 

Spinal Injuries 

If your spinal cord gets crushed or dislocated, it can cause temporary or permanent paralysis. This can result in paraplegia or hemiplegia. In other cases, a ruptured disk can occur. These result in long-term back pain and discomfort. 

Limb Loss

Sometimes, your toes, fingers, feet, hands, legs, or arms can become crushed in a car accident. This can result in your bones being permanently broken, severed, or unmendable. You can get amputations of body parts after a catastrophic accident. These injuries cause long-term disability and can prevent you from performing standard work at your place of employment.

Back and Neck Pain

After a bad car accident, you may suffer from whiplash or back pain. This is because your body gets jolted roughly during a collision, and this can cause trauma to your back muscles and neck. Though not as terrible as other injuries, back pain still reduces your quality of life. 

Learn More About Common Car Accident Injuries 

To find out what other wounds you might experience, you can read more at: agrusslawfirm.com. Most car accident injuries that are new are qualified for a settlement.

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/#!/
https://pixabay.com/photos/accident-aid-band-bandage-bleed-1238329/

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Buy Supplements and Vitamins Online

Supplements are manufactured products that supplement your diet in the form of soft gels, capsules, liquids, or powders, often with micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, and amino acids to maintain health. Although they don't substitute a balanced diet, lifestyle activities like drinking, smoking, and over-exercising deplete the body of vital nutrients. However, with many supplements and vitamins online, it can be challenging to find the best, and you can use some tips to help with the process.

Here is how to buy supplements and vitamins online.

Consult a Doctor

Before searching for different supplements and vitamins online, you need to visit your doctor. Your health status and biochemistry determine the products you need that differ from your family member or friend. The doctor will help determine the best compounds to meet your needs. The specialist conducts a blood test to determine the minerals and vitamins your body lacks to supplement the gaps during the visit.

Some supplements reduce the risks of future conditions. For instance, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, or vitamin K reduces the risk of osteoporosis. If you feel deprived of energy, you can take a vitamin B12 supplement. Additionally, they might help the body function better by optimizing overall health. If you don't consult a doctor, you might take vitamins that don't benefit your body.

Avoid Interactions

Before buying supplements and vitamins online, ensure you avoid dangerous interactions. Most people focus on the health benefits of supplements. However, some might interact with other medications. For instance, when taking blood thinners, avoid vitamin K in your supplements, as it can lead to a blood clot. Besides, you need to take some medications with food while others are taken on an empty stomach. If you plan to take iron supplements, ensure you drink more water than milk since calcium interacts with iron supplements.

Also, when taking vitamins the first time, you can start with one capsule to get the best outcome. By adding one supplement at a time, you access your body's reactions and monitor the unwanted side effects since even the safe vitamins and supplements can have reactions. For instance, you might have allergic reactions to a coloring agent. Finally, gradually taking supplements helps your body build upon the compound for your body system to benefit. However, overloading the body with many new supplements can lead to side effects.

Consider Tablets over Capsules

Supplements in tablet form are likely to contain many excipients like coloring agents, lubricants, binders, and coatings. Depending on the brand, some companies spray tables with preservatives such as corn oil. Instead of the extra ingredients, you can stick to the pure form of supplements. Typically, capsules are the best to get raw elements without unwanted additions. When buying vitamins online, find supplements that stick to one ingredient since they are more effective than multiple ingredients capsules.

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can try supplements. Fortunately, you can conveniently get supplements and vitamins online with safe and natural solutions to your health with fast delivery at affordable rates. The products contain the latest lifestyle, diet, and natural medicine to improve your health.

This is a guest blog entry.