The Beginners Guide to LASIK Surgery

Before you type “LASIK near me” into your Google search bar, it’s important that you learn about this type of surgery and find out what you’re in for. LASIK is an acronym and stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis. It is a very popular form of surgery that is used to treat astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness through vision correction.

LASIK is one of many kinds of laser eye surgeries. All laser eye surgeries are concerned with one main agenda: the reshaping of the cornea. The cornea is the lens of the eye and is the clear part that sits right at the front, filtering light in and focusing it on the retina that sits at the back of the eye. LASIK, just like other kinds of laser eye surgeries, seeks to alter the shape of the cornea to enhance its focusing abilities.

What Are the Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery? 

There are many benefits to this type of eye surgery:

• This type of surgery works. It has been successfully applied in hospitals all around the world for two and a half decades now. In fact, it has a success rate of 96 percent where that proportion of patients reported getting the desired improvement in their vision after the surgery.
• LASIK involves minimal levels of pain due to the administration of anesthetic in the form of eye drops.
• The correction is almost instant, with vision improving within a day after the surgery.
• You don’t need bandages or stitches with this kind of surgery.
• Even after the surgery, you can still make further adjustments years later as your vision deteriorates with age.
• Most patients see a decrease in their dependence on glasses and contact lenses after the surgery. Some don’t even need them anymore. 

How to Prepare for the Surgery

 Before you undergo the surgery, it is important that you meet with the eye surgeon who will conduct the experiment and have him or her explain to you the procedure and what your expectations should be. There will be an evaluation of your medical history and a full examination of your eyes. The thickness of your cornea and its refraction will be measured as well as pupil dilation and eye pressure. They may even come up with a full mapping of your cornea. After this initial evaluation, all your questions will be answered, and you can now schedule the actual operations.

In case you wear contact lenses, and they are gas permeable, you should not have them on for a minimum of three weeks leading up to the surgery. With other contact lens types, you should not have them on for at least three days before the surgery. Your eyeglasses prescription should also be renewed so be sure to bring them to the surgeon prior to the surgery. Don’t wear any eye makeup on the day of the surgery and have a light meal only.

What Happens During LASIK Surgery

During the process, a thin flap will be created in the cornea using either a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. That flap is peeled back so that the corneal tissue underneath can be reshaped using yet another type of laser. The whole process is painless. Once the reshaping has taken place, and the cornea is better able to focus light the flap is put back. The whole process will take about 10 minutes, and the patient is under local anesthesia the whole time. 

After the Procedure 

Have someone around to drive you back home after the surgery. You will experience temporary dryness in your eyes. The doctor will prescribe some eye drops for you that will keep them moist as well as prevent inflammation and infection. The eye drops may blur your vision a little and cause a slight burning sensation. Do not use any eye drops that your doctor has not prescribed to you.

This is a guest blog entry.

Protecting Yourself from a Job That Requires Constant Use of a Computer

Just because you sit inside an office while using your computer to work does not mean you are safe. You will still be at risk because of the nature of the job. Sitting for several hours a day could pose health risks. Add to that the use of a computer that exposes you to radiation for several hours a day. These are some tips to remember if you have no choice since this is how you need to do your work.

Adjust the monitor

Find the right table where you can work without having posture issues. If the computer is either too low or too high, you will have a hard time seeing the screen. If you are using a laptop computer, find one that you could quickly adjust so that it does not matter even if your table is not the perfect one for work. Ask your manager for help if you cannot work well because of your table.

Always observe proper posture

You might not realize it at first, but you will have back problems over time because you are on your computer for an entire day. Sit properly while typing. Make sure that your arms are in a vertical position to put less strain on your muscles. Avoid leaning heavily forward since you might slouch. Keep the neck and spine lined up all the time.

Stand every 30 minutes

You need to stand and shake your body every 30 minutes. If not, you need to walk around the office. You could also do some exercises on your chair without disturbing others. Set the alarm to remind you that it is time for you to move.

Stop working during your break

The downside of having a job that only requires a computer is that you might feel tempted to continue working during the break. You can eat at your desk while working. It is not a good idea. The break is your only chance to walk around. Therefore, you need to take that opportunity. If possible, you need to find the farthest away place to eat at work and walk in that direction. Even when you are on a toilet break, you should look for the most distant toilet from your office.

Try pacing yourself

You can create a schedule before you start working that allows you to accomplish the task even when you do not remain seated for eight straight hours. If you pace yourself correctly, you will not have spine issues in the long run. You will also avoid fatigue due to the burden of your work.

Use EMF protection

You are facing your computer for many hours, and it releases radiation. The EMF or electromagnetic field could harm you. Therefore, you need to use EMF protection devices like the ones you can buy at www.lifeenergysolutions.com. You need protection so that even if you work for extended hours, you will not worry about radiation.

With these tips, you will feel less worried about the nature of your job.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/v0KyvB3J-TI

This is a guest blog posting.

Are Clear Braces Right for You?

You’ve visited the dentist (or a mirror) and found out that your smile isn’t as beautiful as it could be or once was.  You’ve got crooked teeth and you’d like to do something about them, which is good, because there’s a number of ways to straighten your smile and let it shine.

Typically, crooked teeth meant braces – nasty, sharp and jagged metal braces.  Metal braces, also known as regular or traditional braces, are never fun - causing many annoyances and pain for the wearer.  Eating or taking care of your oral health is complicated and there is also no relief because they cannot be removed until your treatment plan has been completed.  Regular braces can also stain or damage your tooth enamel, leaving you with discolored teeth once the braces are removed.  Even after your teeth have been straightened, you could still find yourself with a less than perfect smile years down the road when your teeth fall out of alignment again.

Long story short, braces suck!  Until now that is, as clear braces have been developed and are taking over the fight against crooked teeth.  Also known as clear aligners, invisible braces, clear aligner trays and more – these custom made, plastic trays have simplified and taken most of the hassle out of wearing braces to straighten your teeth.  Clear braces let the wearer say goodbye to the pain of metal braces cutting into their gums and lips as well as freeing them from the confidence draining nightmare of an ugly metal smile.  Clear braces are virtually invisible, way more comfortable and can be removed when you eat or clean your teeth.  Best of all, they can give you a straighter smile in record time.

Types of Braces

You want straighter teeth – here are your options:

Metal Braces (Traditional Braces)

These types of braces feature metal brackets that are attached (bonded or glued) to your teeth and connected with a metal wire.  The wire acts to pull your teeth into their correct alignment over time and allows for incremental adjustments (tightening).  Metal braces are very uncomfortable, ugly and require many visits to the dentist for adjustments.  They are also non-removeable and create issues keeping your mouth clean and healthy.

Ceramic Braces

These braces look and function just like metal braces but use ceramic brackets that are colored to match your teeth.  They are less noticeable but most of the discomforts and the hassles or traditional braces still remain.  Ceramic braces are applicable for virtually all teeth straightening requirements but cost more than traditional metal braces.

Lingual Braces

Just like traditional braces, lingual braces feature metal brackets and wires attached to your teeth.  They differ from regular metal braces because they are attached on the inside of the teeth as opposed to on the front.  Lingual braces cannot be seen when you smile but they are very hard to clean, uncomfortable to wear, difficult to adjust and often affect a person’s speech, causing slurring and a lisp.

Clear Braces (Invisible Braces)

The most sought-after teeth straightening method is undoubtedly clear braces and for good reasons.  Clear braces feature a series of custom-made mouth guard like clear aligner trays that patients wear all day and night to progressively straighten their teeth.  Clear braces are almost invisible, do not require any attachments (brackets and wires), are comfortable to wear and can be removed while eating and for your oral care routine.  Clear braces don’t work well for seriously crooked teeth and are not available for children.  Clear braces are often used as follow up or maintenance treatments to ensure your smile stays straight for life.

What You Need to Know About Clear Braces

Since the inception of teeth straightening braces, dentists have been trying to find a method that produces results without filling a patient’s mouth with uncomfortable brackets and wires.  Clear braces have been in the works since the 1970’s but the first concept didn’t appear until 1997 when 3D technology allowed fabrication of clear plastic aligners trays that looked like mouthguards.  Clear braces have since been available as a treatment option since around the year 2000 but it’s been in the last few years that their prominence as a viable tooth straightening tool has really come to bear.

Clear braces are available for teenagers and adults with mild to moderate teeth alignment issues.  For patients with severe issues, traditional or ceramic braces may be required instead.

Benefits of Clear Braces Compared to Regular Braces

Clear braces are becoming very popular and it’s easy to see why.  The benefits of clear braces minimize the three largest drawbacks of traditional braces –pain, maintenance and looks.  No more metal mouth, no raw and cut up gums or lips and performing your oral care routine is a breeze.  Even though patients are required to wear the clear braces 24 hours a day (just like regular braces) they can be removed for meals and for cleaning, which is a massive bonus as anyone who’s every had to wear braces can attest.  Clear braces are also just that, clear, meaning that they are almost invisible and won’t give you an unsightly smile that can end up hurting your confidence. Another big advantage is that clear braces don’t require repeated and annoying appointments with your dentist.  Instead, your clear aligner trays are mailed directly to you and all you have to do is pop in the new set and away you go.

•    Clear and virtually invisible
•    Not directly attached to your teeth (no staining, discolouration or damage to your tooth enamel)
•    Virtually pain-free to wear
•    Can be removed for meals and oral care
•    No repeated visits to the dentist
•    Allow rapid straightening of mild to moderate tooth Talignment problems
•    Can be used as a remedial or maintenance treatment to help keep teeth straight for a lifetime

However, clear braces may not be right for everyone.  Patients with moderate to severe teeth alignment issues may still need corrective help from regular braces.  Some dentists are using two-part treatments, where the toughest realignment is achieved with regular braces before transitioning to clear braces for the final touches.

Clear braces can be a game-changer for patients looking for a straighter smile.  It is recommended to speak with your dental care professional for more information on whether invisible braces are a suitable treatment option.  There are a handful of invisible braces brands out there, such as Invisalign and ClearCorrect, and consumers can research which options they prefer.  Our dental offices at Martindale Dental specialize in Invisalign style invisible clear braces and can help you or your family achieve the beautiful, straight smiles you deserve.

This is a guest blog posting.

Revolutionary Dental Procedures to Look Out For At Your Dentist

A beautiful smile starts with the perfect dental health but this is not easy. Most people suffer teeth problems from an early age and these become major issues leading to teeth decay, loose teeth, periodontal disease, and oral cancer among other serious dental issues. Ultimately, a smile for such people becomes a mirage.

Luckily, advances in dental technology have seen new revolutionary dental procedures to remedy even the worst dental cases. If you have always wanted to restore that beautiful smile but you have a problem with your teeth, it is time to learn more about the latest dental procedures and how they can transform your life.

Importance of New Dental Procedures

People with dental problems struggle with low self-esteem and other mental health issues. A smile might not sound like much but for anyone with discolored teeth or missing teeth; it is something they would give anything to regain. 

The latest dental procedures not only help with smile restoration but also help overcome dietary problems such as an overbite.  It is also possible to prevent periodontal disease by protecting the gums. These procedures can also keep off serious dental issues such as oral cancer.

Dental Procedures Your Dentist Should Use

Your dentist first carries out a thorough dental assessment and an evaluation of your dental history. A recommendation for treatment only comes after this assessment. Some of the main dental procedures dental professionals use today includes:

1. Dental Implants:  If you have a missing tooth, it is easy to understand how frustrating this situation can be in your life.  A dental implant is a permanent replacement and includes a titanium screw fixed deep into your jawbone and a crown replacement which looks and feels like a natural tooth.

2. Laser Dentistry: Some dental procedures involve discomfort and pain but with laser dentistry, such problems no longer occur. From tooth fillings, cavity detection, reducing tooth sensitivity, eliminating tumors to teeth whitening, laser technology has revolutionized modern dentistry.

3. Invisalign: Braces have for a long time helped correct dental issues but the problem with traditional braces is the discomfort they cause. Invisalign are invisible braces custom-made to fit perfectly over individual teeth. They straighten teeth without causing discomfort and you can remove them any time you wish.

4. Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technology: Dental visits have become shorter with CAD technology. Preparing a crown is faster with this technology and the tooth replacement fits better.

5. Porcelain veneers: These veneers made from porcelain shells help correct tooth defects such as discoloring, chipping or cracking. They look natural and last longer than other tooth coverings.

6. Better Bonding and Filling Materials: Modern bonding materials include resin which is thinner and lasts longer. "Tooth-colored" composite or porcelain fillings perform better compared to traditional materials used in these procedures.

7. Gum disease treatment: Some of the advanced procedures in diagnosis and treatment of gum disease include laser technology, membranes, Scaling and root planning, bone grafts, or proteins for tissue growth, flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery and Guided tissue regeneration are a few of the new approaches treating gum disease.

During your next dentist appointment, ask about the latest dental procedures and ask which can help improve your treatment.   These advanced dental procedures will restore your smile and make a huge impact on your life.

This is a guest blog posting.

Bladder Scanning: Preventing Unnecessary Procedures

One of the most common infections in the hospital is a catheter-associated urinary tract infection or commonly known as CAUTI. This infection is caused by germs which enter the body via a urinary catheter, a tube inserted into the urinary tract to drain urine. If patients get affected with it, these infections can lead to serious complications, even death, especially for critically ill patients.
Hence, the role of nurses plays a very important part in preventing this infection to occur. Through the help of a bladder scanner, many patients can now prevent costly and painful procedures, such as unnecessary catheterization and cystoscopy.

What is a Bladder Scanner?

Bladder scanners are revolutionary tools that use technology to noninvasively and accurately evaluate the need for catheterization of the patient. It is a portable, hand-held ultrasound device, which can do an easy and painless scan of the bladder.

All bladder scanners have a transducer or probe and each piece determines the type of procedure your physician will conduct. Basically, a bladder scanner mainly uses high-frequency sound waves which are transmitted through the probe that provides a virtual 3D image of the bladder and the volume of urine retained within the bladder. This data will be documented and registered on a computer for examination and analysis of the physician afterwards. The data also includes images of the internal soft tissues of the bladder and other related organs.

This ultrasound procedure is known as bladder scanning which normally takes only a couple of minutes to complete and does not require the supervision by a sonographer. Most physicians use different medical approaches for diagnostic purposes. This usually varies on the organ that needs scanning. For instance, external organs such as bladders, breast, and muscles require higher frequency application while lower frequencies are applied in assessing deep structures such as the kidneys, and the liver.

Benefits of a Bladder Scanner

Bladder scanning is an innovative medical procedure as it provides painless medical assistance to patients and eliminates the risks associated with an unnecessary medical procedure, such as catheterization. There are several bladder scanners now available in the market consists of a battery-operated LCD display console, an ultrasound probe that scans the patient's bladder, and a pair of rechargeable batteries with a charger.

A bladder scanner is an effective device which is now commonly used by many medical professionals in ascertaining post void residual left in the urinary bladder of the patient. No wonder why this powerful device is considered as a powerful medical tool as aside from providing noninvasive medical assistance, this medical device also provides a cheaper procedure compared to other procedures like cystoscopy and catheterization. In fact, bladder scanning has superseded urethral catheterization as the latter medical procedure has been linked to unnecessary pain and other potential medical risks.

Bladder scanning has so many benefits to offer which include:

• Bladder scanners can provide data about the prostate size, diverticula, stones and large tumors in the bladder.
• Bladder scanners are utilized to identify the main causes of bladder irritability, urinary frequency, and identify bladder distention. It is an effective tool in bladder training, too.
• It is proven to be a powerful device in assisting in an accurate examination of a patient's hydration status.
• Bladder scanners are useful in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of postoperative urinary retention or commonly known as POUR. It is likewise essential in avoiding catheter-associated urinary tract infections. 

Conclusion

The utilization of ultrasound bladder scanner is not only imperative but necessary in order to prevent the aggravation of bladder illnesses such as urethral stricture, urosepsis, urinary tract infections and bladder dysfunction. This is important to save the patient from excruciating pain, damage to his/her renal structures and most especially, to avoid unnecessary medical care that can only lead to additional medical expenses and may lead to other potential medical risks to the patient.

Indeed, the benefits of bladder scanning cannot be overemphasized and medical experts, as well as patients, should take advantage of these. Many medical suppliers, such as Emech Medical Supplies, sell high-quality bladder scanner that helps medical experts easily gather accurate data of the patient’s bladder status.

This is a guest blog posting

Have You Ever Experienced Transient Global Amnesia?

Transient global amnesia is a sudden temporary occurrence of memory loss. What happens is that if you suffer from transient global amnesia, you can’t remember recent events. Most incidents will lead you to repeat the same question despite being answered.

Note, with transient global amnesia, you know who you are, and you can recognize people. The condition is quite rare but is harmless. It will most likely not occur again after it happens the first time.  It is characterized by short episodes with it lasting a couple of hours. After that, you regain your memory fully.

You suddenly can’t remember how you got where you are. You certainly can’t remember the answers you’ve been given which makes you ask questions repeatedly.  During the recovery process, you may slowly begin remembering stuff.

This condition mostly affects the middle-aged and the elderly.

Symptoms

For transient global amnesia, it is mainly characterized by a person’s incapability to form new memories. Below are some other signs to diagnose transient global amnesia. They have to be present to confirm that a patient is suffering from the condition.

• Knowing one’s name despite the memory loss
   
• Sudden memory loss which has to be verified by a witness
   
• An absence of any physical damage to particular areas of the body such as the brain
   
• Normal cognition of ordinary objects or ability to follow directions
   
• The condition staying no more than 24 hours or less
   
• No history of epilepsy
   
• No seizures during the amnesia period
   
• The gradual return of memory
   
• Repetitive questioning

Possible action

When you notice your loved one having the above symptoms, seek urgent medical attention. This is the only way to distinguish other serious illnesses that also cause memory loss.

Causes

The primary cause for transient global amnesia is not known. However, there is a slight link to migraines. Also, another possible cause is overfilling veins with blood due to some blockage or venous congestion.

In as much as the primary cause is unknown, there are reported events that have been associated with this condition:

• Strenuous physical activities
   
• Sexual intercourse
   
• Some medical procedures including endoscopy and angiography
   
• Mild head trauma
   
• Prompt immersion in hot or cold water

Another cause could be stress. Stress could be due to the loss of a loved one or having a bad credit score which deters you from accessing loans. However, there are service providers who can give you a personal loan without checking credit. This should help reduce your stress levels to avoid episodes of transient global amnesia.

In most cases, transient global amnesia is likely to occur 4.5 more times in people aged 50 and above than in young adults. However, if you experience migraines, you risk getting transient global amnesia more than people who don’t experience migraines.

This condition should be treated as an emergency. Schedule an emergency appointment and take the affected person to the hospital.
 
How to support the affected person in the hospital

1. Ensure that you stay with the person all through. Take notes as the doctor gives useful information that will help in making the decisions after that.
    
2. Notify the doctor of any emotional or physical events that could have triggered the memory loss such as immense debt.
    
3. Provide the doctor with any previous conditions or diagnoses the person may have received.
    
4. Don’t forget to point out any medication your loved one is taking.
    
5. Since the loved one is not in a position to ask some questions, do so on their behalf. For example, ask about what causes the symptoms, what are the recommended tests? Will it be a full recovery?

Tests to be performed to rule out other illnesses

Memory loss can be due to other conditions such as seizure and stroke. This is why it is crucial for physical examination such as checking reflexes, coordination, and sensory function.

The doctor may also ask questions that will test judgment and thinking.

Imaging and brain tests are also necessary. The doctor may perform an MRI, CT scans or an EEG.
The EEG is necessary mostly to rule out epilepsy in case you have more than one episode of transient global amnesia.
 
Remember, the condition in most cases occurs a maximum of two times.

In the case that you bring the affected person, the doctor will ask some common questions to help understand the occurrences. Some of the questions will be:

• Has the person had seizures since the condition started?
   
• Does the person have a history of migraines?
   
• When did the memory loss start?
   
• Did the person accidentally fall and injure his or her head?
   
• Is there any recent surgery the person underwent?

All of these questions are meant to help the doctor understand what happened precisely to rule out other severe conditions. Transient global amnesia does not need any treatment. As mentioned earlier, the episodes are, and the affected person regains his or her memory fully.

This is a guest blog post.

Allergic Reaction or Something More? Common Rashes You Shouldn’t Ignore

Everyone gets a rash at some point in their lives. More often than not, rashes are minor and pop up as a reaction to an external irritant, like changing soap or laundry detergent or coming in contact with certain plants or animals.

These rashes typically go away on their own or with a simple over-the-counter treatment and are nothing more than a temporary annoyance.

Sometimes, though, a rash is an indicator of a more serious health issue. In fact, doctors often look at patients’ skin as a sort of window into what’s happening inside the body, as many serious illnesses often appear as hives, rashes, lesions or other skin issues. The kinds of rashes requiring medical attention are usually, but not always, accompanied by additional symptoms that need to be addressed. If you have a rash or skin irritation along with any of the following signs and symptoms, or you simply don’t feel well, don’t ignore it, and see a doctor right away.

Bullseye Rash
One of the most common types of rashes that needs immediate medical attention is a bullseye or circular rash, whether it appears with additional symptoms or not. One of the classic signs of Lyme Disease, the bullseye rash appears after you’ve been bitten by an infected tick; it can take up to 30 days for the rash to appear, and it might appear in several places on your body. If you notice this rash, get to a doctor right away as a course of antibiotics can cure the disease. It’s especially important to see a doctor if this rash is accompanied by a fever and chills, fatigue, headache, body aches and a stiff neck.

Purple Rashes
Any time you notice a rash that appears purple, you should see a doctor right away as these rashes are often indicative of chronic disease. For example, rashes that are purple and velvety feeling and appear on the back of your neck and in the folds of your body (like your underarms) are often a sign of Type II diabetes, especially when accompanied by other symptoms including fatigue, unexplained weight changes, excessive hunger or thirst, headaches and vision problems.

Another purple rash that shouldn’t be ignored is one that appears as spots on your hands and feet, which may indicate a bacterial infection in the heart. Lesions that look like bruises and are located all over your body can also be an indicator of a circulation issue or vasculitis, which indicates that your blood isn’t clotting properly. And finally, a purple rash that is limited to your lower legs and feet can be a sign of hepatitis C, so a visit to the doctor is in order.

Butterfly Rash
Facial rashes are commonly caused by sun exposure or cosmetics, but one type of rash in particular requires medical attention. The so-called “butterfly rash,” named because of the way it spreads across one’s cheeks, is a classic sign of the autoimmune disease lupus. While the rash isn’t typically painful, it can itch and burn. This type of rash may be accompanied by fatigue, stiff or sore joints, headaches, mouth or nose sores, hair loss and extreme sensitivity to cold temperatures; if this sounds like you, you need to see your healthcare provider for testing and treatment.

Itchy, Dry Skin
Itchy rashes aren’t necessarily a sign of a serious health problem, but they can be if they don’t clear up quickly or they come with other symptoms. For example, many people suffer from eczema, characterized by dry itchy skin that appears inflamed and might be thickened or crusty. Most eczema can be managed with topical treatments, but you should see a doctor to rule out more serious illness, including thyroid conditions or autoimmune diseases that could be causing the problem. It’s especially important for women to see a doctor if the itchy rash appears on the breasts and is accompanied by discharge from the nipples, as that may be indicative of cancer in the breast ducts.

Ultimately, any rash that is accompanied by pain or fever, has blisters or any type of pus or discharge or isn’t readily explained by a change in your environment — especially if it appears to be triggered by your diet or medication — needs to be evaluated by a physician. It might be dry skin or a reaction to something unexpected, but it’s better to be sure and take care of the issue quickly.

This is a guest blog posting. 

Radical treatment of moyamoya disease

Moyamoya disease is a chronic pathology that affects cerebral vessels. In patients with moyamoya, main arteries of the brain become narrow and can’t provide sufficient blood supply. In order to compensate deteriorated blood flow, smaller arteries begin to widen and new tiny vessels grow.

It is believed that the pathology is caused by a genetic factor, as it is often diagnosed in members of one family. Other possible causes include autoimmune disorders, fibromuscular dysplasia and cranial trauma.

Symptoms of the pathology

Symptoms of moyamoya disease are caused by two factors: cerebral hypoxia due to blockages of vessels and formation of new, abnormal artery clusters. Patients usually have the following complaints:

●    Headaches
●    Blurred vision
●    Numbness and/or weakness in the extremities, usually unilateral
●    Seizures or seizure-like episodes
●    Uncontrolled and involuntary movements
●    Speech disturbances
●    Psychomotor retardation in children
●    Decline of cognitive functions in adults

Symptoms usually reveal themselves during the physical exertion – sports training, intensive coughing, crying. Other trigger factors include fever and arterial hypertension.
Moyamoya disease diagnostics

Diagnostics of the pathology includes a number of investigations that allow visualizing cerebral vessels and checking their function:

●    MRI and CT scans provide a comprehensive picture of the whole brain
●    Cerebral angiography is a direct vessel examination that includes highlighting them with special contrast agent
●    Transcranial Doppler ultrasound examination provides information about vessels’ structure and intensity of blood flow
●    PET and SPECT scans reflects brain functional activity
●    Electroencephalography measures electrical activity of the brain

Only well-equipped hospitals abroad are able to carry out all the necessary examinations and ensure reliable result of the diagnostics.

Approaches to treatment of moyamoya

 Moyamoya disease treatment tactics includes drugs administration and surgery. Drug intake can
prevent stroke in some measure and improve headache and seizures.

During the direct revascularization, or direct bypass surgery, a doctor connects a superficial scalp artery to a brain artery. This allows for passing narrowed vessel segments and restoring normal blood flow.

Indirect revascularization, or indirect bypass surgery, involves gradual growing of normal superficial arteries into the brain tissue. A healthy scalp artery is attached to the brain surface through a hole in the skull. Over time, the artery forms new branches inside cerebral tissue.

Surgery is more preferable than drug treatment, as it reduces hemorrhage risk more significantly and doesn’t require lifelong medications intake.

Clinics that help patients with moyamoya

In order to provide effective treatment with a low rate of complications, hospitals should have state-of-art equipment for neurosurgical interventions and a well-coordinated team of doctors (neurosurgeons, neurologists, therapeutists). World leading hospitals that offer moyamoya disease treatment include:

●    University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian, University of Munich, Germany
●    Charite University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
●    University Hospital HM Monteprincipe, Madrid, Spain
●    University Hospital for Neurosurgery, Salzburg, Austria
●    Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel

All of these hospitals admit patients from abroad provided that they have a visa, correctly prepared medical documents, and invitation for treatment.

Cost of treatment
 
Patients with moyamoya disease usually require thorough diagnostics followed by individually chosen neurosurgical intervention. Moyamoya surgery cost mainly depends on the country, level of the hospital, and doctor. Surgery price starts from 7,215€ in Thailand, from 8,485€ in India, and from 9,793€ in Spain. Price for diagnostics starts from 535€ in Thailand, from 876€ in Turkey, and from 1,725€ in Germany.

In order to choose the best hospital exactly for your case, you should contact Booking Health. Booking Health is the only international certified medical tourism operator. We will guide you through the whole process of treatment abroad, assisting with all medical and organizational aspects.

This is a guest blog entry.

Implementing Responsible Gambling Using Online Casinos

Gambling is something that most people enjoy. Currently, online gambling is a huge trend among people all around the globe. Online casinos guarantee a safe gaming environment. But is it really safe for you to gamble at these online casinos?

The Online Gambling Trend

 The gambling community has gone digital with online gambling. There are several online casinos which offer an extensive range of games for you to select from. People are rapidly adjusting themselves with this new industry.

The different leading online casinos offer an ultimate gambling experience. But along with that, there are certainly other things that must be taken care of as well. These are things that can easily destroy the well-being of any person. And must therefore not be neglected by the online casinos.

Things to Consider

The online casinos must take preventive measures to protect their customers from all kinds of problems. Too much gambling can turn into an addiction. The privacy of the members of these online casinos could be at risk by hackers. Here are some tips for responsible gaming that you need to know about.

-    Protecting users against Gambling Addiction.

Did you know that online casinos can limit the amount of time their visitors are allowed to play? If you are looking to sign up for one, note if they have any such rules. The decision to limit the time is to prevent people from getting heavily addicted to gambling.

-    Not Allowing Underage Gambling.

In many countries, it is illegal to gamble if you are under the age of 21. So, care must be taken to make sure that the age of the visitors is at least 21 or higher than that.

-    Securing Private Details of Customers.

When their members register at their online casinos, they enter a lot of personal details on their servers. These details must not become available to any other person without the consent of the customer.

-    Protecting their Members against Criminal Offenses.

The online casinos must host a protected server for their customers. They will be entering a lot of personal details including their credit card and bank account details. No one should be able to compromise their privacy.

Effect of Responsible Gambling

Online casinos must implement responsible gambling at their casinos. This will develop trust among the people and will, in turn, be good for the casinos themselves. All the measures mentioned above must be taken seriously by every online casino. These are necessary to make gambling a secure and safe experience for people around the world.

Gambling is not illegal, but it can be disastrous when a person gets addicted. With the option of online casinos, people are more at risk of getting addicted than ever. For this reason, implementing responsible gambling has been a necessity. And it must not be overlooked by online casinos to provide their customers maximum satisfaction.

How do you gamble and what is your strategy to ensure that you do not go overboard? Let us know below.

This is a guest blog entry.

Brief Overview of Coping With Heavy Periods

Unfortunately, menstruation is a problem women have to deal with on a monthly basis. You're most likely infinitely familiar with the cramping, fatigue, and irritability that accompany your week-long flow. But are your symptoms more serious than average? If you're consistently experiencing extreme bloating, gut-clenching stomachaches, and a very heavy flow, this is not normal. Use the following information to help yourself cope with heavy periods and finally put an end to your monthly suffering.

What Classifies as a Heavy Period?

Generally, most women don't lose more than 80 milliliters (16 teaspoons) of blood per cycle, with the average blood loss being about 6 to 8 teaspoons. Your flow will be considered heavy if you have 80 milliliters or more of blood loss or if your period lasts more than seven days. A good way to measure this is to use a menstrual cup, which often comes with measurement lines below the rim.

Get Help From Your Doctor

If you suspect you're dealing with a heavy period, your first step should be to contact your doctor. They can better diagnose your condition and also look for what might be causing it. They might ask you a number of questions about your period, such as how often you have to change your sanitary products, if you have any blood clots in your flow, or if you need to use two sanitary products at one time.

In many cases, your doctor will prescribe hormonal birth control to help. Contraceptives make coping with heavy periods easier because the estrogen in the pill, patch, or ring increases the clotting factors in your blood, helping to slow your bleeding.

Take Ibuprofen

Image via Flickr by timsackton

Ibuprofen has a multitude of benefits for women on their period. Not only can it help reduce cramping, but it can also limit your flow. In fact, research has shown that taking high-dose anti-inflammatories can reduce your flow by as much as 10 to 20 percent. Just keep in mind that ibuprofen isn't a permanent solution; you'll need to take continuous doses each period to limit how much you actually bleed.

Change Your Diet

Eating better and drinking more water on your period can definitely influence how you feel. In addition to eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, you'll want to add a few specific foods to your diet to help lessen your flow. Turmeric, in particular, has been shown to block the enzyme aromatase, which can naturally lower estrogen and prostaglandin levels. To get the most effects, take it daily and then increase the dose while you're on your period.

Iron is another good nutrient to supplement, as women with heavy periods often become anemic because of the extreme blood loss. Eating plenty of red meat, eggs, and leafy greens are the best way to boost your iron intake.

You don't have to keep suffering each month. Instead, take back control of your body with the above tips. These heavy flow hacks won't get rid of your period, but they should make it far more manageable than it was before.

This is a guest blog entry.

Ways to Maintain Your Mental Health

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving society, there are many factors that may have a negative effect on your mental health. These include hectic work schedules, a busy family life, natural disasters, life-changing events, and ever increasing exposure to screen time, among others. The natural aging process also influences mental changes, such as decreased mental functioning and slower processing speed (although certain lifestyle habits can help delay or prevent these types of age-related changes in mental abilities from occurring). In this article, we will explore some of the most essential and beneficial strategies for maintaining your mental health.

Eat Nutritious Meals

A new and rapidly-developing field called “Nutritional Psychiatry” emphasizes the important role that nutrition plays in sustaining optimal mental health. Research shows that individuals whose diets consist of healthier foods are less likely to experience psychiatric symptoms or mental disorders (e.g. anxiety, depression, dementia). This healthy diet includes food such as lean meats, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruit, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and fish. In contrast, people who eat more processed foods (such as chips, hamburgers, pizza, white bread, flavored beverages, beer, etc.) have a higher risk of experiencing mental health problem.

Eating processed foods is associated with increased concentrations of inflammatory substances that can damage cells throughout the body – and brain. In other words, the same types of foods that are linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer may also impair your mental health. A consistent diet of processed food is associated with high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP): a marker of inflammation. Increased CRP levels are generally observed in the brains of individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease. High levels of this protein have been found to increase the risk of developing dementia as well. Healthy food such as legumes and fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that have active components which disrupt the activity of inflammatory substances that can damage brain cells. Research indicates that a nutrient-rich diet supports optimal mental clarity, focus, performance, memory function, and a heightened mood.

Perform Exercise on a Regular Basis
 
Exercise is as essential as proper nutrition. Regular physical activity has proven to be beneficial toward enhancing memory function while reducing anxiety and depression. In particular, exercising releases mood-, mental performance-, and energy-enhancing neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) such as adrenaline and dopamine, as well as endorphins, which are mood-enhancing hormones.

This process supports enhanced mental health.

Heightened levels of these neurotransmitters and endorphins improve the body’s ability to maintain mental stability in response to emotional distress that may be experienced during future incidents. Exercise has a sustained effect on anxiety levels and mood. This helps individuals who exercise on a regular basis display more emotional stability and enhanced mental resilience to intense situations.

Kids playing sports regularly show more resilience against stressful events.  The same degree of mental composure is not always observed in people who are not physically active. As little as thirty minutes of daily exercise provides these types of benefits toward your mental health.

Try Alternative Approaches

When you believe that self monitored measures are not adequate, it is time to see a professional.  The world of medications and therapy has developed over many decades although some individuals either do not like the side effects of the medications or do not find them helpful.  Talk therapy can be significantly helpful for many individuals.  Now there are various smartphone apps that help addressing anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health symptoms. 

Epidemiological studies show that about one third of people with depression do not respond to several trials of medications and therapy.  For them, other non-medication interventions such as deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) can be beneficial.  dTMS involves use of magnetic pulses to stimulate neurons in the brain. This type of deep stimulation helps target psychiatric symptoms such as depression, as well as cognitive impairments such as memory problems, language issues, and decreased processing speed. It even targets mental difficulties that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical research shows that dTMS reduces psychiatric symptoms in many neuropsychiatric conditions. 

There are different types of transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols, but dTMS is well tolerated and has improved efficacy with treatment resistant depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).  Shorter duration of the sessionis also an added benefit, especially for people who have busy schedules.  A session lasts for about 20 minutes, which allows people to return to their daily activities with little delay. It is an FDA approved procedure backed by multiple clinical trials. 

The key to maintaining your health is incorporating healthy habits into your lifestyle. 

Remember,habits that can have a negative effect on your physical health can also disrupt your mental health. A nutritious diet nourishes both your body and mind, and regular exercise releases natural substances that further enhance mental health.  If needed, seek professional help to see if you can benefit from technologically advanced treatments with deep TMS.  It is necessary that you approach your health in holistic manner and implement lifestyle changes that improve your physical and mental health because one is incomplete without other.

Author bio: Dr. Manish Sheth is Licensed and Board Certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. He has experience working with patients who have various conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and various mood disorders. He is the founder of AchieveTMS.com

How are the electronic cigarette companies helping people to shift from tobacco smoking?

Did you know that it was stated by Public Health England in the year 2015 that vaping is at least 95% safer than smoking? This declaration led the entire UK to completely endorse these vaping products as the best and the most effective forms of smoking cessation aids. It was later on added that although vaping is not 100% safe and free of risk but if considered as an option against tobacco cigarettes, they’re certainly much safer. Moreover, the e-cigarette companies are promoting e-cigs as smoking cessation tools and people are being asked to take to vaping in order to be able to quit smoking.


While you can vape e-liquids or e-juices, you can also find CBD oil and vape pens from Vsavi from the wide array of collections that they have. Keeping in mind the fact that CBD oil doesn’t produce the ‘high’ feeling which is usually common with THC which is also found in cannabis plants, it is common that CBD is also now being accepted as a vaping element.

What does a successful ex-smoker has to say about quitting tobacco?

The first thing that you have to focus on while quitting smoking is to use the vaporizer in the right way. When you take a single puff on  your cigarette, this will contain higher level of nicotine as compared to an e-cig and hence you have to determine the total number of puffs which you require taking in order to inhale the right level of nicotine. If you fail to get that required amount, the ex-smokers will continue to crave for the stimulant and this can soon make them reach out for a cigarette.

There are various types of vaporizers and the best ones for stopping smoking are the ones where you are allowed to adjust the level of nicotine that you inhale. This will let you minimize the amount of nicotine over time. Experts always suggest that at the first, you should rather keep it simple instead of experimenting with several flavours and other fancy devices for vaping. Remember that the familiar and simpler it feels, the effortless the transition will be.

You’ve got to control your health

Despite all this that you came to know about the benefits of vaping over smoking, no-one is suggesting that you should take to vaping e-cigs for a long term. Once an ex-smoker weans off of nicotine, he/she should begin to work on putting aside the vaping devices to take proper care of his/her health.

So, if you’re someone who is trying to quit smoking with the help of vaping, you can take into account the above listed ways of weaning yourself away from the habit of smoking.

This is a guest blog post.

Tips to Finding a Good Rehab Center in NJ

Overcoming an addiction is not easy if you don’t get professional help. In NJ, there are several rehab centers offering treatment services to addicts. Although there are several centers to choose from, finding the perfect rehab center for you or a loved one depends on many things. When looking for the best rehab center, there are certain things that you need to consider for you to make the right decision.

That is because rehab services are different depending on what type of addiction you want to deal with.

Some of the things to look for when searching for rehab centers in NJ include:

How long it has been in existence

The high demand for rehab services can make it easy for someone to take advantage of you. That's why it is better to go to a rehab center that has been in existence for a more extended period of time, let’s say five years. According to experts, a rehab center that has been operating for a longer period of time is more likely to be capable of handling your addiction problem compared to one which has just been opened recently.

Reports also have it that many new rehab centers in NJ end up being shut down due to unethical practices. Note that the high demand for rehab services should not point you to a rehab center that you know nothing about.

Types of treatment offered

Addictions are dealt with differently. As there are institutions that use medical procedures, there are others that use a more spiritual and mental approach. Depending on what type of addiction you want to fight, you will know which rehab center to go for. However, it is advisable that you find professional advice on which type of rehab center and treatment will work for you. It is better to know which kind of help you need because it will give you an easy time of knowing where to find help.



Location

The location of a rehab center plays a huge role. Addicts live a very stressful life, and there is nothing better than finding a rehab center that is ideally located. In most cases, people prefer going to rehab centers that are located in private and quiet neighborhoods. That is because such patients require a peaceful place where they can let go of their stress. A good location should also give the patient freedom to meditate peacefully without triggering a relapse.

How long the treatment will take

After being assessed by a physician and the problem identified, the physician is likely to know how long treatment should take. Note that, there are different ways of dealing with addiction. There are rehab centers that will take a matter of days to solve your problem while some addiction cases require the patient to be admitted.

Whichever the case, it is important to know how long you or your loved one can take before the problem is solved. You should also note that it is not a must for a patient to stay in a rehab center to receive treatment. Most rehab services tend to diversify how they treat patients with respect to their condition. That is why you will find rehab centers offering treatment to patients without requiring them to leave their homes.

Conclusion

Finding the best rehabilitation center for you or your loved one involves more than searching the internet. You need to make a few confirmations before starting your search. However, the best way to start looking for the perfect rehab center is to first identify the problem. After that, you will slowly get to find out the best type of treatment and then finally find where to get the treatment.

This is a guest blog entry.

Choosing the right bike for touring and for health purposes

Traveling on a bike is an incredible feeling plus a different means to mix travel with the cycling the sport. Bike touring has unique equipment needs beginning from the most vital item: the bicycle itself. If you desire to have it correct from the start, it is significant to discern how choosing the right bike for touring goes well with your needs.

What are some of the cycling benefits?

Weight control and obesity

Cycling is a decent way to reduce or control weight, as it increases the metabolic rate, burns body fat and builds muscle. If you want to lose weight, biking must be combined with an excellent eating plan. Cycling is a contented form of workout, and one can adjust the intensity and time– it can be built up gradually to suit your needs.

Muscle tone and strength

Cycling shall build muscle, particularly the glutes, calf, and quads. The extra muscle mass one grows, the stress-free it is to burn fat. Conditional on how you cycle it can likewise tone plus build the upper body. If one frequently stands in the saddle, the shoulders and arms shall get a decent work-out as well.

Better-quality cardiovascular function

Biking is an aerobic activity, which implies your lungs, blood vessels and heart all have a work-out. With time, cycling shall decrease the blood pressure plus the resting heart rate. Cycling a bicycle fast, or on mountains, is the sort of vigorous physical activity of which numerous people do not get adequately.

Cycling diminishes cancer risk and heart disease.

Cycling upsurges your heart rate and gets blood pumping in the body, plus it burns down calories, off-putting the risk of one being obese. Therefore, it is amid a collection of forms of exercise recommended as being a healthy means to cut the risk of developing serious illnesses like heart disease or cancer.

Augmented energy

Riding builds muscle strength, overall physical endurance, and stamina; consequently, for several new cyclists, it is an unanticipated advantage to have extra energy for everyday activities. Walking up the stairs shall no longer be a strenuous exercise with the extra fitness and strength built with consistent cycling.

Arthritis, bone injuries, and cycling

Cycling improves coordination, strength and balance. It may likewise aid to inhibit fractures and falling. Cycling your bicycle is a relaxing form of exercise for those people with osteoarthritis as it is a low-impact exercise that places little stress on your joints. Biking does not precisely help osteoporosis (the bone-thinning illness) because it is not a weight-bearing sort of exercise.

Mental ailment and cycling

Mental health disorders for example stress, anxiety and depression can be abridged by steady bike riding. This is owing to the consequences of the workout itself and because of the pleasure that riding can offer.

Choosing the right bike for touring can help to guard you from grave ailments for example stroke, several cancers, heart attack, obesity, arthritis, diabetes and dejection. Bike riding is healthy, delightful and a low-impact sort of exercise for everybody.

This is a guest blog entry.