What Are The Pros Of Laser Liposuction

One of the popular methods of fat removal includes laser liposuction. There were traditional methods in place prior to the invention of the laser liposuction procedure. Thanks to the popularity, the procedure has become safer and more reliable. If you’re thinking about having a laser liposuction cosmetic procedure, here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons.

Advantages of Laser Liposuction

• FDA Approval - The procedure has been approved for use by the FDA. Therefore, it is considered safe for patients who are minimally overweight and looking to have some fat removed from their bodies. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there are no risks involved entirely. However, the approval means that the risks have been assessed and concluded to be inconsequential or minimal. It also means that the analysis and testing of the procedure has been done thoroughly to allow public usage.

• Less Scarring - Laser liposuction has been introduced in the cosmetic surgical niche since the traditional liposuction procedures always caused excessive scarring. The procedure reduces scarring and the results are less disappointing to the patient. The incision is only large enough to accommodate the laser used during the procedure thus it is not a standard incision. Therefore, regardless of the amount of scarring, it will definitely not interfere with the overall appearance.

• Minimally Invasive - Since the procedure doesn’t use the standard surgical techniques, it is considered minimally invasive. In any surgical procedure, there should be general anesthesia which comes with its own risks. However, laser liposuction uses localized anesthesia where the only area being treated is numbed. Therefore, all the risks associated with general anesthesia are completely removed from the equation.

• No Downtime - If you undergo traditional liposuction, you need general anesthesia, hospital admission and 2 or 3 weeks of downtime after the procedure with limited activity. Thanks to laser liposuction, you can resume normal activities within hours. Since local anesthesia is used, the patient will be alert and awake during the procedure. Also, there’s no hospital admission necessary since the procedure is not invasive. Patients are also not limited to activities once the procedure completed.

Disadvantages of Laser Liposuction

• Costly - Just like any cosmetic procedure, you should prepare yourself for the cost associated with laser liposuction. Although it’s considerably cheaper than traditional liposuction, it is still costly and most insurance providers will not cover it. You should expect to pay a considerable amount for it but the overall cost is determined by various factors such as where on the body the procedure is being performed, the amount of fat removed, the underlying health conditions and where in the world you’re getting it done. For instance, laser liposuction of the upper abdomen is costly than the lower abdomen.

• Burning Sensation - Most of the patients who have undergone the procedure often report a burning sensation once it’s completed. It is a painful feeling and can be worse if the procedure is done on a large area of the body since the laser tool will be applied for longer periods. However, most of the cosmetic surgeons will provide you with medications and ointments that prevent this feeling depending on the degree of pain.

In conclusion, laser liposuction is one of the answers that many people are looking for in the cosmetic surgery niche. If you have been looking for effortless ways to lose some fat in specific areas of your body, you can enjoy the benefits of choosing this procedure.

This is a guest blog entry.

How To Quit Smoking and Stay the Course till The Habit is Quit

Smoking is a terrible habit and also extremely bad for your health. Quitting could be one of the best things you ever did and here are some tips on doing so.

1. Make a Plan to Quit.

If you fail to plan, you won’t have the checkpoints and performance indicators that let you know you’re still doing well even when you feel your worst. A plan makes it easier to stay focused on the quest and motivated toward your goals. You can create a quit plan for your specific needs or get help coming up with one by contacting a quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or taking advantage of the many apps and other resources available online. Be realistic about your goals and consider slowly easing out of the habit within a given time frame. Nicotine replacement therapy has had many results.

2. Keep your mind occupied

Keeping yourself fully occupied is one way that you can keep yourself from falling into older habits. By having your mind focused on some engaging task or activity you can keep your mind too busy to wander off to cravings. Consider getting into anyone of the following activities.

--Exercise.
--Go to a delicious dinner at a nice spot
--Take time out of the house
--Spend time with non-smokers
--Chew gum or a preferred candy
--Go to a movie.
--Drink lots of water.
--Keep your hands busy with a pen or toothpick,
--Practice deep breathing exercises
--Many people find that vaping helps them quit and it tastes good. Check out this Grape Reds Apple eJuice.

Be sure you take your progress slowly and one day at a time. The progress you build today will make your efforts tomorrow all the easier.

3. Avoid Smoking Triggers

There will be certain elements of your environment, people you know and even certain situations that will set off your urges and impulses to light up. The best way to begin your new life is to eliminate all the triggers you can. People and neighbors can’t simply be eliminated, but you can begin by throwing out all the ash trays, lighters and cigarettes that you have in your environment.

--Caffeine can make you feel jittery and goes well with a smoke so it is better to steer clear of both.

--Spend more time with non-smokers and those that will be considerate of your efforts.

-- Hang around places that don’t allow smoking

--Get plenty of rest and focus on maintaining a healthy diet during the transition.

-- Change out elements of your routine that urge you to smoke.

4. Stay Positive

Quitting smoking will be no easy feat. There are many urges and impulses to control as well as an entire lifetime to look forward to. But you must keep your focus on the moment and keep positive at all times. Your first day will be tough, but make the commitment to not smoke at all, not even a single puff. Then be sure that you give yourself a pat on the back and a special detail that reminds you of your accomplishment.  Don’t be discouraged if you end up smoking a few days later. You can totally ease your way out of smoking with a plan that is exact for you. Just get up and try again, soon you will find your resistance is building.

This is a guest blog entry.

Dealing With The Effects Of Dizziness

Have you ever experienced that feeling that the room is spinning when you get up suddenly or when you sit down? Most people refer to this feeling of uneasiness as dizziness, and there can be many different causes for it.

If it happens occasionally, there is often no reason to be overly concerned, but only your doctor can make a precise diagnosis. Here are a few ways that you may be able to deal with the dizziness throughout the day.

Some Common Causes Of Dizziness

If you’ve been feeling a little woozy at different times throughout the day there could be a medical condition related to your dizzy spells. It’s important for your doctor to be informed about the symptoms that you’re having so he can take the necessary steps to help you feel better. Here are a few common causes of dizziness:

• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Getting up or down out of a chair too fast
• Pregnancy
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Migraine onset
• An inner ear condition such as vertigo or Meniere’s disease
• After-effects of alcohol

A general feeling of unsteadiness can also trigger a dizzy spell. It’s important that when you start to feel dizzy you find a safe and comfortable place to rest. Some people prefer to lie down flat while others prefer to remain in a sitting position to help gain control of their balance. Your doctor may wish to run a series of blood tests on you to see if anything shows up that could be an underlying trigger or he may wish to adjust your medications. If you drink a lot of alcohol, this can cause feelings of unsteadiness and dizziness. Overworking yourself and not replenishing fluids is another way that dizziness can occur.

Tools Around The House To Help

If your dizziness is becoming more than just an isolated event, you may want to incorporate some tools around the house to assist. One would be a recliner lift chair. A lift chair helps to slowly re-position you so you can get in and out of it. If you need the assistance of a walker or wheelchair, it can become especially helpful for transitioning. Because it slowly moves you in an upward or downward motion, it can reduce the likelihood that you’ll feel dizzy upon standing. Having handles in your shower and around your toilet can also help you cope with dizzy spells. Being able to grab a handle for support can reduce your fall risk and give you a little more balance.

When To Be Concerned About Lightheadedness

Most of the time feeling a little lightheaded is nothing to worry about. It can be as simple as a temporary fluctuation in your blood pressure or not getting enough nutrition. It may be time to show concern when you actually pass out from it, this is referred to as syncope. This means you completely lose consciousness. Even if it’s for a few seconds, it can be due to the cause of an underlying medical event that needs attention. If you fall when you pass out, you’ll need to see a doctor right away.

Experiencing any sort of slurred speech or cognitive issues could be the sign of a stroke, so call 911 right away. If you’ve noticed that you’re dizzy when you get up in the morning, be sure to rise out of bed slowly and not shift your head too fast from one side to the other. A sudden movement of your head can change the pressure in your inner ear and cause you to feel dizzy when you rise out of bed.

Controlling The Symptoms

Occasional dizziness often passes on its own without having to do anything but sit or lie down and rest for a while. If you do have dizziness frequently, you’ll need to find ways to control the symptoms. This starts with staying hydrated and taking all of your medications as prescribed by your doctor correctly. Avoiding any changes in your eating habits can also help. Try not to keep your eyes open during a dizzy spell, close them and try to relax. If you know what the triggers are for your dizziness, try to avoid them or take the steps to take precautions from having a severe dizzy spell spiral out of control.

Dizziness doesn’t have to be debilitating. Finding ways to cope will help you avoid panic and discomfort when an episode occurs.

This is a blog post by Nancy Evans.

Tips to Ensure Quality Sleep in Seniors

Do you have a hard time falling asleep? Do you experience an erratic sleep cycle or notice symptoms of sleep disorders? Do you still feel tired even after hours of sleep?

Experts say that sleep patterns change as a person ages. It's common for doctors to hear seniors complain about sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea, which are usually influenced by the following factors:

• Seniors produce lower levels of a hormone called melatonin that functions to regulate the sleep cycle.
• Seniors experience different medical and psychological issues, including chronic diseases, that interrupt sleep and rest.
• Physiologic changes brought on by aging may lead to aches and discomforts in different parts of the body that can disturb their sleep.
• Seniors often take various medications that cause sleep disruptions.
• Due to old habits, some seniors continue to live an unhealthy lifestyle and have poor sleeping routines.

Some might dismiss poor sleep as a normal part of aging. However, this belief is actually a myth. Barring the factors that might cause sleep problems, your body still needs the same consistent hours of quality sleep whether you’re 30 years old or 60.

Importance of a Good Sleep

Like eating a balanced diet and doing regular exercise, getting quality sleep also helps to keep your body in optimum health. If you’re well-rested:

• You have a better mood and disposition.
• You have a sharper mind.
• Your body produces more hormones that help with tissues repair.
• You feel energized.
• You increase your immune system.
• You alleviate stress.

Sleep Quantity vs. Sleep Quality

Experts determined that the recommended hours of sleep for adults, including those above 65 years old, is between 7 to 9 hours, while the appropriate hours of sleep are at least six hours. However, sleep quantity is not nearly as important as the sleep quality.

To evaluate your sleep quality, determine how many of these situations below apply to you. If you agree to more than one, then you’ll need to make changes to improve the quality of your sleep.

• Do you stay a long time in bed at night tossing, turning, and hoping you can fall asleep faster?
• Do you need sleeping pills to fall asleep?
• Do you find yourself waking up more than once in the middle of the night?
• Do you need caffeine or sugar to wake you up or stay alert during the day?
• Do you take long naps during the day?

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Follow a sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time in the morning as well. Do this daily, including the weekends or even if you’re on vacation.

Get comfortable. If body pains keep you up at night, you need to do something to manage the condition. For back pain, you might need to apply a cold pack or a hot compress in order to numb the pain. For foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis, alleviate the pain by wearing night splints with adjustable straps for proper splinting and support. For neck pain, consider using a soft pillow with just the right height.

Have a bedtime routine. A warm soak in the tub or a good book to read helps the body relax before bedtime. Develop a routine to prepare your body for rest each night.

Ditch the gadgets. If you use a computer or cell phone or if you like watching TV in bed, then perhaps it’s time to ditch these a couple of hours before your bedtime. It has been shown that artificial light coming from these sources can affect sleep and induce sleep disorders.

Make the bedroom conducive to sleeping. Keep an ideal bedroom temperature and adjust the air conditioning, fan or thermostat before you settle in bed. Choose low lighting coming from a table lamp when you’re set up for bedtime. Use earplugs, if needed, to drown external noise.

Watch what you eat or drink. Eating large servings during dinner time can keep you awake at night, especially if you have gastric issues or diabetes. Stay away from caffeine and alcohol before bedtime as well.

If you have been suffering from a lifestyle disease, you should also consider:

• Asking your doctor to change your medication if it’s causing you discomfort and sleepless nights.
• Seeking other methods, such as breathing techniques, meditation, yoga or acupuncture, to help with anxiety or pain.

Discuss your sleep issues on your next regular visit to your doctor. You might be asked to undergo additional tests to determine if there are specific health issues that need to be addressed in order to solve your sleep problems.

This is a guest blog entry.

What to Expect on Your First Prenatal Checkup

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So your prenatal test showed positive, and while you’re still reeling from the excitement, don’t forget to keep your health-care provider in the loop!

Your first prenatal exam is essential, as it confirms your pregnancy and provides you with a baseline of your health and your baby’s as you go along this significant journey. Your first checkup may be thrilling, nerve-racking, or everything in between, so it helps to know what to expect to make you better prepared for this moment.

When to Schedule an Appointment

The best time to have your first prenatal visit is as soon as your home pregnancy test shows positive. Even if you don’t have a doctor of choice yet, it is important to check with an obstetrician as soon as possible to help you get started on your prenatal care.

After all, you can always switch to another health-care provider once you find someone you prefer more. Usually, doctors schedule a first prenatal visit when you are eight weeks pregnant, although it may be sooner for some, especially those who have a certain medical condition or a problematic pregnancy in the past.

Even when you still haven’t had your first prenatal appointment, it’s best to let your pregnancy sink in immediately. This means being cautious in everything you do, what you eat, and taking note of all the basic dos and don’ts of pregnancy.

Preparing for Your Initial Checkup

You don’t want to be unprepared for your first prenatal consultation, especially once your doctor starts asking relevant questions. During your visit, your practitioner will want to know all the nitty-gritty details of your medical history, so make sure you key him or her in with adequate and the right information. If you need help remembering, check your home records or give your primary care doctor a call.

Fill in your doctor with the basics of your personal medical history, such as previous medical conditions, immunizations, or current allergies; your gynecological history, which includes the age when you had your first menstruation, details about your cycle, or any gynecological problem; your obstetrical history if any; a list of medications or supplements you are currently taking; and you and your partner’s family medical history.

Getting a Physical Exam

Your first trip the doctor should include a physical assessment in order to obtain baseline information for your overall health status. It also ensures that you are at your best shape as you start off your pregnancy.

During the procedure, your doctor will obtain your vital signs, which include your temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry using a Nonin pulse oximeter. Your weight is an important parameter as well, as a baseline is needed to determine your weight gain throughout pregnancy.

Aside from your vitals, you will undergo a routine check of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat, as well as the chest, lungs, abdomen, reproductive organs, and other important parts and organs of the body. Particularly, your doctor may focus more on your breast, abdomen, and pelvis since these are areas of your body that will dramatically change as your pregnancy progresses to full term.

Laboratory Tests to Be Done

Other than the physical exam, your health-care provider is likely to request several laboratory tests that need to be done. Some of these tests include blood tests for hepatitis B, rubella, hemoglobin/hematocrit, Rh factor, and HIV.

Other procedures may also include a pap smear, cervical cultures, or an ultrasound, which will confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy. A urinalysis can also be another method to verify pregnancy, as well as to check for urinary tract infection.

Take Note

Once you’ve had your first prenatal check, you are then expected to visit your doctor regularly for prenatal consultations until your baby is born. Being constantly updated on how well your baby is developing through these trips to the doctor is not only a health measure, but also an overwhelming and memorable experience for expecting parents every time.

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Decide if a Nursing Home Is Necessary for Your Elderly Parent

Making the decision to put an aging loved one into a nursing home isn’t easy, and there are plenty of factors to consider before opting in or out. Caring for an elderly parent is difficult, and while many of us are hesitant to introduce the idea of a nursing home, in some situations, it’s truly the best call.

Signs It’s Time to Consider Professional Care

We can’t be with our aging parents 24/7, as much as we might wish that was the case. Look out for signs that it may be time to make the move to a nursing home:

• Your parent’s age or dementia has progressed to the point of anger or aggressive behavior
• Your parent has wondered outside the home and gotten lost
• You’re suffering from caretaker burnout
• Your own health is suffering
• Your loved one has needs you simply can’t fulfill on your own
• Your parent’s doctor has recommended nursing home placement

Consider Your Own Capabilities

With your own career, family, or personal life to think of, it’s easy to burn out trying to handle your own responsibilities while caring for an elderly loved one. Many discover they simply can’t “do it all”, and it’s no surprise; those who choose to become full-time caretakers to their aging family members often give up on their own social and professional commitments. Take your limitations into account, and make a decision that benefits both you and your loved one. 

Tour a Variety of Facilities

If you do decide full-time care at a nursing home is the right move, make sure you give yourself enough time to find the right senior care facility. Seek out referrals from friends or family members, and take tours of all facilities you can. It’s important to ensure you’re placing your loved one in a safe, clean, and welcoming environment—don’t rush this part of the process.

If it’s Not Yet Time for a Nursing Home…

If you’ve considered the benefits and drawbacks of moving your aging parent into a nursing home in full, and decided against it for now, make sure to do the following:

• Invest in a Medical Alert System

Even if your elderly parent is still fairly independent, it never hurts to have safeguards in place. To ensure your parent gets the assistance they need when they need it, make an investment in a high-quality medical alert system. This technology is designed to call for help in the case of an emergency, and offers many features that will provide both of you with improved peace of mind. As you shop, look for medical alert devices with GPS capabilities, especially if your parent is showing early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

• Create a Check-in System with Relatives and Friends

You shouldn’t have to shoulder all the responsibility on your own, and providing more social opportunities for your elderly parent can help them feel better longer. Set up a check-in system with family members and close friends; designate Monday as your day to check in, Tuesday as your cousin’s, Wednesday as your spouse’s, and so on. Loved ones are likely available to hang out for an hour or two throughout the week, and this will relieve some of your responsibility—hopefully helping you avoid caretaker fatigue.

• Consider Transportation Options

If your aging parent is no longer able to drive, you’re not their only option for transportation. Many communities offer free or low-cost senior transportation services; whether they have a doctor’s appointment or need to get their hair cut, shuttle options can ensure they get to where they need to be on time—without you having to rush over from your own job.

Deciding whether or not to move your elderly parent to a nursing home is challenging, but with the right consideration and strategies in place, you can make the decision a whole lot easier.

This is a guest blog entry.

The Ultimate Guide to Home Workouts for Elderly Women

People often equate getting older with a decline in physical health. You might even be told to "slow it down" if you're 60 years or older because your body is supposedly not what it used to be.

Avoiding physical activity in old age, however, is bad advice as many age-related health problems actually arise due to lack of exercise. The truth is that the human body, regardless of age, will be healthier, stronger, and happier simply by staying active.

Use It or Lose It

Studies have shown that people normally begin to lose eight percent of muscle mass every 10 years beginning at 40 years old. If you slow down on exercises in middle age then you might just exacerbate muscle loss and bone deterioration especially if you’re a woman.

A woman’s body changes faster than men due to hormonal changes brought on by menopause. Osteoporosis is also common in postmenopausal women, increasing their risk of sustaining fractures from a fall and other musculoskeletal injury caused by direct trauma. Physical fitness, therefore, is crucial during this transition as it can:

• Prevent weight gain
• Strengthen the bones and lower fracture risk due to osteoporosis
• Improve balance and coordination
• Lower the risk for developing lifestyle diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease

Undergo a Medical Evaluation First

If you haven't exercised in a while, it's best to get a medical evaluation first. If you suffer from pain, discomfort, or difficulty in accomplishing certain activities, you'll need to get a clearance from your physician before enlisting in a fitness regimen. It’s also wise to ask for advice from your doctor on how to manage physical activities in old age.

Best Home Exercises for Elderly Women

Upper Body

Upper body exercises help improve your posture and the flexibility of your back, neck, and shoulders. They can also prevent muscles from tensing up with knots (which can lead to back pain and tension headaches).

• Head and Neck. Begin with a head roll by tilting your head to the right until it almost touches the shoulder. Hold the position for at least one to two minutes and then do the same on the left side. Alternate directions for 8 to 10 times.
• Shoulders. To ease shoulder tension, try letting your arms hang loose and then count to 20 while shaking your upper extremities. Slowly stretch your right hand over to your left shoulder and hold the position for a minute. Do the same for the left arm.

Lower Body

Women in general store more fat from the waist down to the hips and thighs, hence it's also important to keep these areas fit and trim. Make sure, however, that you are not currently suffering from back pain before you do these exercises below.

• Waist and Hips. Set your feet apart while standing and hold your arms to your chest for balance. Slowly twist your waist as far as you can reach and switch directions. Do this at least 20 times. This exercise also helps with the flexibility of the muscles in your lower back and spine.
• Buttocks. Sit on the floor with your legs stretched to your front. Slowly try to move forward using just your buttocks. Stretch your arms to your front to maintain balance. Do this routine for 20 counts.
• Buttocks and Thighs. Lie down on the floor with your right ankle crossed over your left. With straight knees, raise your legs to a comfortable distance from the ground and hold the position for 10 seconds. Alternately switch your ankles and do this exercise at least eight times.

Feet and Legs

Keep your legs mobile and flexible to avoid developing health conditions like varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

• Legs. You can use a platform for this exercise or use the first step on the stairs. With your back straight and your legs slightly apart, begin by stepping your right foot on the platform and then bending your knees to a lunging position. Hold for five seconds. Stretch your arms and then do the same for the left side. Do the routine at least 16 to 20 more times on each side.
• Knees and Calves. Stand with your feet apart and slowly sit in a squatting position. Hold the position for 10 seconds and go back to starting position. Repeat at least 20 times.
• Ankles. Sit on a chair with your legs slightly stretched out in front of you. Rotate your ankles clockwise and counter-clockwise to loosen the joints.

Putting an effort into physical fitness is more about managing your retirement years better. You'll notice your muscle power, body endurance, balance, and gait improve over time, allowing you more independent movement and better self-esteem.

This is a guest blog entry.