Selfie Awareness: Millennials and Generation Z Love Plastic Surgery

There used to be a stigma associated with plastic surgery. However, that stigma is disappearing faster than landlines in homes.

Baby Boomers and the older end of Generation X used to think that plastic surgery was reserved for the super-rich and the superficial. This was mainly because the only people they saw getting work done were celebrities, and the work often looked pretty obvious. 

But more advanced and accessible techniques have combined with new pressures from social media to lead Millennials and Generation Z to see plastic surgery differently. 

Social Media and Social Pressures 

Think of the world that older generations grew up in. 

They may have had a dozen or so pictures of them taken in a year, with a handful showing up in frames around the house. But today’s generation will take and appear in dozens of pictures every day, and their tagged image will show up on social media whether they like it or not.

An unflattering candid shot can be enough to send a person down a rabbit hole of looking at before and after photos of liposuction procedures. This has been particularly prevalent during the COVID-19 lockdown as millions of people are dealing with weight gain, or the so-called Quarantine 15.

Make Me Look Like Myself(ie)

Previous generations would also probably use a picture of a celebrity as a guide when talking to a plastic surgeon. They had to theorize how Tom Cruise or Nicole Kidman’s nose would look on their face. 

However, today’s plastic surgery patients can show their surgeons exactly how they want to look by showing them a filtered or touched-up selfie. In fact, 55% of Millennial-aged plastic surgery patients used a selfie to explain what they wanted. This is leading to better conversations and better outcomes.
 

Millennials Enter Their 40s 

The older end of the Millennial generation has recently celebrated their 40th birthday. This means they are now:

1.     Financially secure in their career
2.     Have had all the children they plan on having
3.     Seeing the signs of aging showing up in the mirror 

This is why the Millennial generation is easily the fastest-growing demographic in plastic surgery. They currently account for about 25% of the entire plastic surgery market. They also accounted for about 37% of all breast augmentation surgeries in North America in 2019 and 35% of all liposuction procedures.

Right now, a 35-year-old Millennial is statistically more likely to get a plastic surgery procedure than a Baby Boomer, and the gap is only going to widen as Millennials age.

This means that Generation Z will be the first generation to truly grow up in a world where their parents had plastic surgery. Plastic surgery will be de-stigmatized and normalized.

These trends are only being hastened by the COVID-19 lockdown. In fact, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) surveyed 1000 people and 49% of respondents said that they were open to the idea of getting their first-ever plastic surgery. In 2014, a similar study revealed that only about 17% of those surveyed were open to the idea.

This is a guest blog entry.

Hidden Roles of Dentists You Ought to Know About

Dentists have come up with a new way to deal with teeth complications, and that is by the usage of cosmetics, which are the substances that are put on the face or body mainly to make it more attractive. There are different types of dentists: general dentists who provide general dental services and treatment, those who fit the victim with a variety of porcelain and alloy replacement of their teeth. There a cosmetic dentist who can change your smile for the better, and they also provide simple and complex cosmetic options. Some dentists take care of the issues of children only under the age of 14. All these dentists take care of any teeth problem, and they enhance faster and safer alternatives braces.

The Importance of a Smile

In current days, there is a pandemic of coronavirus that does not allow human beings to share, much like smiling together and spending doing any other things together. As the World Health Organization is looking forward to this problem's solution, you as an individual need to know the importance of a smile on your face. You need to look forward to the days when the world will turn normal and remember when you used to smile together with friends. A smile can make someone who is depressed happy, it shows the love between spouses, and it also brings hope to the smile's target. You cannot smile if your teeth are not presentable, that is, they are dirty, or there are teeth problems like cavities and others. It also depends where you are situated so that you receive treatment of your teeth; if you are in Melbourne, consider visiting cosmetic dentistry Melbourne to get treatment of your teeth to present yourself well to your friends.

How to Book a Dental Appointment 

It depends on the feeling that you are having and how soon it needs treatment; if it is an emergency, then consider contacting the dental hospitals around you or the one that you are comfortable or used to be using. This will help escape the pain you will be going through and having done this, you are assured that you will be helped as soon as possible. There are online websites where you can book your dental appointment, considering the place you are staying. Having treated all of your teeth complications, then you are good to go out with friends and smiles in any way because you will be having confidence in yourself.

Process of Cleaning the Teeth and its Importance

Taking care of your teeth involves visiting dental specialists around you for treatment and advice. Brushing and flossing is the most crucial action of cleaning teeth, which helps control bacteria in the mouth that may cause bad breath; they are responsible for making your breath fresh. Frequent cleaning is an essential part of good oral hygiene in your body and also keeps all your gums healthier. All this action will help you avoid the development of major dental problems between your teeth. If you need all the advice on how to take care of your teeth, they consider using cosmetic dentistry Melbourne.

This is a guest blog entry.

Had an Injury at Work? Here are 5 Steps You Must Take

An injury at work is never something to be ignored. Whether you’ve broken a bone or simply sprained your wrist, you need to make sure you are compensated properly, and your injury is seen to. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having hurt yourself at work, then read on for five steps you should take. 

1: Report the Injury
You must report the accident to your manager or supervisor present at the time as soon as possible. You don’t want to wait too long before you do this, as this could affect any claims you end up making. If your injury doesn’t need urgent medical attention, then try to do this before you get it checked out. 

If you have co-workers around, have them help you and check your injury. Listen to them if they tell you to go to a hospital, as sometimes, the people who aren’t injured know best. You don’t want to make it worse by putting off medical help!

2: Seek Medical Attention
Whether urgent or otherwise, you must see a doctor. First of all, this is to prevent any further damage, and secondly, you will need their notes for any compensation down the line. Make sure you write down everything your doctor says and keep a note of any prescriptions you are given. 

3: Speak to Your Manager
Before making any claims, your manager may offer you compensation. If you think this is fair, then you have the option to settle it between the two of you privately. Make sure they allow you paid time off work if you need time to heal, and don’t feel pressured to accept any offers they may give, especially if it doesn’t cover what you have lost.

4: Contact a Solicitor
Not everyone wants to make a claim after a work-related injury, and that is entirely up to you. It doesn’t hurt to talk to someone, however, so if you’re curious about what you could claim, have a look at a no win no fee solicitors guide. This way, you won’t lose out on any money, but you could find you are owed some.

You should consider filing a claim if your injury is significant enough to impact your work, but you don’t feel you have been compensated fairly. If the injury wasn’t your fault and you have lost money because of it, then it is worth at the very least talking to somebody. 

5: Focus on Yourself
A work-related injury can leave you feeling stressed and worn out. Before any other obligations, you should ensure you are healthy. Don’t overdo it, take time off work, and allow yourself to heal. An injury can impact both your mind and your body, so, no matter what the outcome, allow yourself to de-stress at home.

A work-related injury can knock you backwards and impact your daily life, but these steps will ensure that you will get what you are owed and can rest up peacefully. 

This is a guest blog entry.

New Treatments for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is typically associated with women. However, did you know that men can get it, too? Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of breast tissues and spread locally within the breast. But it can also spread regionally to the surrounding lymph nodes and to other organs, such as the liver, brain, lungs, and bones. 

The first indication that you should see your doctor and get breast cancer screening is when you discover a lump in your breast. However, there are other signs, such as a change in the size or shape of the breast. You may also find swollen, red, or scaly skin, or notice some dimples that resemble orange peel. Changes to the areola and inward-turning nipple may also be signs that you should not ignore.

Your doctor can determine what type of breast cancer you have as a result of the tests given to you. Breast cancer usually starts to grow in the milk-producing glands or in the ducts that carry the milk to the nipple. The growth rate and the way they spread vary.

Several types of breast cancer exist, which are broken into two primary categories: non-invasive (in situ) and invasive, and they are used to describe the most common types of breast cancer. You can know more about breast cancer and other related information by visiting https://belong.life/breast-cancer.

The non-invasive types of cancer are Lobular Carcinoma in situ and Ductal Carcinoma in situ.
On the other hand, there are two invasive types of breast cancer: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and Invasive Lobular Carcinoma.

The newest breast cancer treatments

Right now, new targeted therapies are used for the treatment of breast cancer, which can be used by itself or combined with other therapies. Targeted therapies mean that the treatment directly aims at the cancer cells or the particular processes that promote the growth of cancer cells. Target therapy is increasingly becoming a preferred option because it causes fewer side effects.

• Immunotherapy. Patients are given specific medication to help the immune system recognize and fight the cancer-causing cells.
  

• Poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. This type of treatment blocks the repair process of DNA and may cause the death of cancer cells.
  

•  With this treatment, the protein called mTOR is blocked. Blocking the protein can stop the growth of cancer cells. At the same time, it prevents new blood cells from growing. Tumors need new blood cells for their further growth.
  

• Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. This treatment works by blocking the cyclin-dependent kinases, a group of proteins that contribute to cancer cell growth. Doctors believe that combining hormone therapy with cyclin-dependent kinases inhibitors can be effective in advanced breast cancer treatment.
  

• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Using this treatment helps in blocking the body's signals for the tumors to grow and may be used with other anticancer drugs as ancillary therapy.
  

• Monoclonal antibodies. These are artificial immune systems proteins that are made in the lab for cancer and other diseases. The antibodies kill the cancer cells by attaching to a particular protein on cancer cells. These antibodies are given to a patient through an intravenous drip. They can be used alone or used to carry radioactive materials, toxins, or drugs directly to the cancer cells.
  

See your doctor at the first sign of abnormality you notice to ensure that it is not as debilitating as breast cancer.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/SMxzEaidR20

This is a guest blog entry.

Long Term Benefits of Being Healthy

The human body is a wonderful thing, and it is important to keep it in peak condition to give the best chance of living a long and healthy life. Whether through diet controls or even exercise, there are many ways to look after your health and ensure that you are prepared for anything that life can throw at you.
 

Can diet help?

It should not come as any surprise that what you put into your body can substantially affect many facets of your physical health. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet makes it possible to lower the risk of suffering from serious ill health, ranging from heart attacks, strokes, and even diabetes. A healthy diet with a mixture of nuts, fruit, and green tea can stimulate blood flow, strengthening capillaries and arteries. With them being full of Vitamin C, it can also help to improve circulations, helping to stave off some of the key concerns that come with high pressure and heart disease. You can also improve your digestion by eating foods containing high levels of fiber and ginger, as they help regulate your digestive system and prevent your body from bloating as often. Cutting back on salt can help to reduce the strain on your heart as it can lower the risks of high blood pressure, while avoiding high levels of sugar can lower the risks of diabetes and, as such, can decrease your chances of developing glaucoma and visual issues. 

Keeping your eyes healthy

Looking after your eyes is vitally important as it can help to prevent the effects of numerous afflictions, such as short-sightedness, glaucoma, and even cataracts, whereas, for those who already have some form of sight loss, there are many alternatives. Using methods such as Ortho-K, commonly known as corneal reshaping therapy, it is possible to temporarily reshape the corneas using contact lenses worn overnight so that they can refract light and process images properly. Longer-term laser surgery might well be a more viable option to help treat myopia, but for those too nervous or unwilling to undergo the treatment, then there are specially designed lenses to help to at least make life more manageable without the need for glasses. 

Lifestyle

Some health issues might be linked to diet, but some can be directly linked to lifestyle, so exercising regularly can help lower the chances of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Much like eating healthily, it can stimulate blood flow and circulation to the muscles around the body. As an example, aerobic exercise can help strengthen the lungs and significantly improve oxygen flow, which can improve the strength of your heart and the rest of your body. There is a positive psychological side effect from exercise as it releases endorphins into your bloodstream, which can help combat some of the long-term effects of depression and anxiety, along with any medication or therapy that you regularly have. Meditating is also a good way to destress and give yourself a few minutes thinking space when you need it.

This is a guest blog entry.

What Are The Surprising Benefits of Exercise?

Exercise is good for you. It’s good for everyone. No matter what age you might be, no matter what health conditions you suffer from, no matter what you want to gain – or lose – from exercising, it’s always a good thing, and lack of exercise is going to lead to many different health conditions that can be life-limiting or even fatal. Yet there is much more to exercise than ‘just’ getting (or staying) fit and healthy and losing weight. There are, in fact, some rather surprising benefits to having a good exercise routine in your life; read on to find out what they are, and you might be even more motivated to get fit than ever before.

Stimulates The Brain
Keeping the brain healthy and active is just as important as keeping the body healthy and active. When the brain continues to work well, it is much less likely that someone will develop any cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Even if the condition still occurs, having a stimulated brain can certainly delay its onset.

Strangely, exercise is something that can stimulate the brain. Therefore, the more you exercise, the healthier your brain will become as well as your body. Scientists have discovered that exercise actually changes the brain’s structure, enabling it to stay healthier. As you might expect, there is a lot of research going on in this area right now, and although we don’t have an answer as to exactly why this happens, the point is that it does, and therefore exercise is crucial.

Protects Your Eyesight
Our eyesight is a precious thing; imagine life without being able to see, and you’ll understand just why it’s so important to take care of your eyes and visit an optometrist on a regular basis. Of course, as well as seeing an expert for help, there are some things we can do ourselves to keep our eyes healthy, including using screens less, getting as much natural light as possible, and, surprisingly, exercising more.

Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the chances of developing age-related vision issues, including glaucoma. Although exercise won’t be able to prevent long or short-sighted vision from worsening, being able to prevent glaucoma and similar conditions is certainly a benefit to consider.

Good For Your Skin
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, but a lot of the time, apart from some cleansing and moisturizing, we don’t really do a lot for it. By exercising, you can make your skin glow and look extremely healthy. It’s all down to the amount of oxygen flowing around the body. When you exercise, you are stimulating the blood flow, and more is being pumped through the body, which means that more oxygen is getting to all the parts too.

When this happens, your skin will look much healthier and prevent dullness. Another benefit is that more oxygen promotes faster cell healing, so if you have suffered any injuries, exercise – potentially in moderation depending on the injury itself – can ensure you heal more quickly.

This is a guest blog entry.

Heel Pain Causes and Relief: Myths and Misconceptions

As a podiatrist, I’ve treated people for a wide range of foot pain problems for years. For a large percentage of my patients, pain in the heel and arch is caused by heel spurs. There are a variety of treatment options for heel spurs in Brooklyn, with no single best treatment. I approach each patient’s condition individually, creating a treatment plan tailored to their symptoms and how they respond to each option. There is no golden rule in treatment, so I carefully monitor progress and adjust as needed.

Common Causes of Heel Pain  

There are five common causes of heel pain I see in my practice:

1.    Pronation, or flat feet. This is sometimes referred to as having fallen arches.
2.    Significant weight gain or loss.
3.    Prolonged standing, particularly for repeated periods.
4.    Overuse or overexertion of the heel, which can lead to stress injuries.
5.    Wearing shoes with little or no arch support.

Treatment Options for Heel Pain

Treating heel pain depends on what kind of injury or inflammation is involved, what is causing the discomfort, and how advanced the damage or trauma to the foot is. Each patient’s response to specific therapies also comes into play. Standard treatment options may include steroid injections, wearing orthotics, stretching exercise, radiofrequency nerve ablation, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, using class 4 MLS laser, and, eventually, heel spur excision surgery.

About 25% of individuals suffering from heel pain caused by heel spurs don’t respond to conservative, non-invasive treatments. I often see these patients after they’ve seen another podiatrist and have been disappointed in the results. Injections, physical therapy, and orthotics have had disappointing results, and they are frustrated and tired. Many of them have been given misinformation based on myths and misconceptions.

Common Myths and Misconceptions Regarding Heel Spur Treatment

Patients often ask questions based on information that is outdated or inaccurate. I’ve outlined the most common questions here, including my response to them, to help clear up some of the misconceptions people have about heel pain relief:

1. Is it true that I have to be treated for heel spurs conservatively for at least six months before I can have surgery?

Answer: No. Although conservative treatment may be initially recommended, there is no justification for six months of suffering.

2. Is it true that I won’t be able to walk after heel spur surgery?

Answer: No. How quickly you will be able to walk depends mainly on the procedure your surgeon chooses. After calcaneal osteotomy, you will not put weight on your foot for some time. On the other hand, after percutaneous heel spur excision, you will be able to walk almost immediately.

I personally prefer performing percutaneous heel spur excision with plantar fasciotomy so that my patients can recover quickly and get back to their everyday routines. Using fluoroscopy to pinpoint the heel spur ensures the procedure is safe, simple, and effective and allows the individual to walk normally right away.

3. What is the healing time for heel spur surgery?

Answer: Depending on the procedure, anywhere from ten days to six weeks.

4. Can you guarantee that the heel pain will go away?

Answer: No. Any surgeon who guarantees heel pain relief isn’t being honest. Although most of my patients obtain full or dramatic pain relief, a small percentage will continue to feel some pain. This is usually related to a different underlying issue such as local tissue inflammation caused by the surgery, scar tissue, cuboid syndrome (pain on the lateral side of the foot), or chronic pain not related to the heel spur.

Overall, conservative and surgical treatments of chronic pain caused by heel spurs effectively reduce or eliminate discomfort. If you have additional questions or concerns, I will be happy to discuss your heel spur treatment options.  

This is a guest blog entry.

Locum Tenens in Medical Recruitment Is Booming

The locum tenens sector is booming as today's healthcare environment is extremely dynamic and demand is growing for those medical professionals who can fill short-term temporary positions to meet growing patient needs.

The term locum tenens is Latin and means "replacement" and refers to a doctor who has a temporary position in a medical institution or practice. Many doctors have temporary jobs in medical facilities or practices. 

Locum Physicians

A locum doctor is one of the most common types of substitute physicians in the United States. Statistics vary on how many doctors work in each hospital, but in most hospitals, 50 to 80 can work temporarily there as locums. These doctors are called independent doctors because they work as long as they want, whether they have a full-time job or a temporary job in a hospital, practice, or hospital.

Recruiting Locums

There are numerous locum tenens agencies that can put doctors in different positions and offer payments necessary for insurance and medical errors, which can reduce costs. Many doctors get their temporary jobs through these agencies or a physician recruiter. 

Some agencies also help locums find a place to live in an area where they have a temporary job. If the job is in the country where the doctor is trained, no additional training is required and temporary work can allow them to travel throughout the country in many cases. If they are in an area that they like, they may look for a permanent job there eventually, but if there is an appealing job in another country, they may look elsewhere.

GP Practices

Smaller GP practices sometimes employ a senior doctor to fill the hours that the practice can't provide service to its patients. Otherwise, the practice may not open for business. For example, the only regular doctor available is on vacation or attending a medical conference.

If the doctor wants to take leave from the small practice, whether for a few days or weeks, they can get a locum act as a 'stand-in' doctor. Employing a locum doctor and agreeing to work regularly with the replacement doctor means that patients who need medical help at all times do not have to find a doctor elsewhere. 

Patient Care And Billing

While it is beneficial to have GPs who can deal with emergencies when there are no regular doctors available, some patients complain that problems arise. There is little continuity in care, as people rarely see a doctor often, and billing in hospitals can lead to insurance-related problems since locum doctors typically have contracts with insurance companies. 

One way to solve this problem is by providing all the necessary information to medical professionals through the introduction of electronic recording methods. The billing of hospitals by locums can be done separately or using the same system in some cases without causing problems for the patient or the hospital.

The best scenario for superior patient care is that a highly qualified physician is always on site. When a doctor treats a patient, they can rely on patient data and have access to previous medical records. If these programs are available, the hospital and the doctor's office must ensure that only authorized individuals access them.

Planning For A Locum

If a medical professional works as a locum, the work is normally done using the healthcare facility's equipment, laboratory services, etc. Some doctors and veterinarians in small communities take precautions to ensure that everyone has access to the resources needed to ensure that community health care is always available in their absence. The replacement doctor must be able to provide the standard of care that a regular doctor provides, as well as the same level of quality care as the patient's regular doctor.

Contractual Obligations

The exact details of the locum work are usually set out in the contract, where fees and hourly wages are discussed, as well as a clause that allows the doctor to leave the work if they must, for whatever reason. For both the locum doctor and health facility hiring them, it is important to read the contract carefully to ensure that all conditions are fully understood. Considerations include who is responsible for insuring medical errors, what type of hours of work to expect, whether the doctor is paid directly or through an agency, and how long the work will last.

Patients And Locums

Patients may have some reservations about locum doctors, as they normally make special arrangements with their doctor about paying or screening. When patients have a stable relationship with a doctor, they may feel uncomfortable with a replacement. But they should remember that the temporary doctors have the same professional capacity as their regular doctors. 

A Flexible Career Choice For Medical Professionals

The work of a locum medical professional is interesting because it exposes doctors and nurses to all kinds of people, clinical environments, and places of work. It is a good way to gain experience quickly.

This is a guest blog entry.

Here’s All You Need to Know about Adaptogens

It’s a word you hear a lot nowadays – in blog posts, on health websites and in common conversation – but what exactly is an adaptogen? 

While the term may be buzzy right now, it’s actually been in the medical field for over 70 years, and the herbal medicines to which it refers have been used by people for millennia. If you’re feeling out of the loop, don’t fret. This article will offer basic information about this hot new class of medicine.  
 

What Exactly Is an Adaptogen?
 

In 1947, a scientist and toxicologist named N. V. Lazarev sensed a renewed interest in traditional medicinal practices, and decided to try and classify one such group that he saw as helping reduce stress and promote homeostasis. He coined the term adaptogen, which scientists and traditional medicine practitioners still use to this day.
 

The definition of adaptogen hasn’t changed much over the years. It still refers to non-toxic plants that are used to help the body resist a variety of stressors, including chemical, physical and biological stress. 

They have enjoyed a recent surge in popularity with people looking for natural ways to center themselves.
 

What Are Some Examples of Well-Known Adaptogens?
 

Some adaptogens you’ve probably already heard of, like ginseng. Others, which have been popular in places like East Asia for centuries, are only now making their way into the western mainstream. If you’re interested in the calming, centering effects of natural adaptogens, here are a few to look out for.
 

Chaga
 

Chaga is a large coal-like fungi that grows on birch trees. It has been used by several cultures – North American Indigenous cultures, Russians and East Asians, to name a few – to help with several ailments. You can order chaga powder online – it comes in pre-portioned packets that you can add to hot water, coffee or smoothies.
 

Siberian Ginseng
 

Siberian ginseng, also known as Eleuthero root, is a rich source of polysaccharides – long chain polymeric carbohydrates that support your body’s natural immune defenses. It can also help you relieve stress. Sometimes powdered and paired with chaga (see above), the two make a potent adaptogen.  
 

Reishi
 

Another type of fungi, Reishi has been revered in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is known specifically as a calming adaptogen. Like chaga and Siberian ginseng, Reishi is popularly enjoyed in beverage form, mixed into liquid.
 

Ashwagandha
 

Ashwaganda is a member of the nightshade family and has been a staple of Indian medicine for over 3,000 years. It has a pungent, barn-like aroma, and has been studied for its potential anti-cancer, cortisol reduction and anti-stress properties.
 

Have There Been Studies?
 

There have been numerous studies on the efficacy and nutritional value of various adaptogens. One influential overview cites several benefits, like immune system regulation, nervous system improvement and anti-fatigue effects. As scientific interest in adaptogens continues to gain momentum, expect to see more studies, more headlines and more dialogue surrounding these calming plants.
 

Hopefully this article has helped demystify adaptogens. Ultimately, it’s a scientific word for a very straightforward concept: plants, used for ages in traditional medicine, that can reduce stress and benefit the body in several ways.

This is a guest blog entry

What Help Is Available to Children in Hospice?

The scariest thing for most parents is to imagine their child in hospice.  There are so many unknowns, with answers that you find online seeming vague or noncommittal.  Parents want to ensure that their children are well taken care of and given the support they need.  Luckily, hospice can grant a lot of these wishes.

Here are the top things children’s hospice can offer and how to ask for them.

Community For The Children
Having to be in hospice can make most patients feel lonely or uncomfortable.  The best way to ease this is to build a sense of community.  Most hospice care facilities offer communal spaces and areas where young patients can enjoy other children's company and get to feel a sense of normalcy.  This sensation can be hard to come by for children with severe illnesses and disabilities, so any ounce of normalcy can mean the world.  Those caring for the children help build up this feeling of togetherness and let the kids relax.

Around-The-Clock Care
Although many families try to take on the care for fatally ill children on their own, they often find themselves at a loss for what to do and when.  We can go into this with the best intentions, but unfortunately, those intentions can't mean everything turns out according to plan.  Instead of putting the stress of remembering medication, timing appointments, figuring out sleep schedules and diet while also having a life of their own, family members can let professionals swoop in.  This plan doesn't mean that the family doesn't get to participate in the care; it's encouraged that they do. It just means that hospice professionals can make that gesture easier.

Peace of Mind for Parents
Parents of sick children want to do the best for their kids.  Any slight mistake or misstep can set a child back or leave them in pain- taking that pressure off of the parents’ minds is the best way to ensure they get to enjoy these precious days with their child.  It can be scary and traumatic to go through, but these hospice centers often also offer support for family members to learn how to cope and grow through this.  There's rarely a happy ending to these stories, so everyone involved in the family must get to heal.

Great Days
Children in hospice don't want to sit around and cry and be scared; they want to live how children usually do.  Most would rather spend their short and precious time getting to have fun and live.  Hospice allows them to have fun, interact with professionals and kids alike, and have more happy days than you would expect. Of course, no one lies to these kids or promises them anything that can't be kept, but they must be treated with the kindness and dignity that everyone deserves.  Kids need more than just medicine and schedules; they need to know they're loved and cherished and that the impact they make on the world is good.

This is a guest blog entry.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice is the 3rd leading cause of death in the US. Unfortunately, not all people realize that their situation is suitable for a claim due to a lack of information. For you to file a claim due for medical malpractice, you need to understand it first.

Medical malpractice refers to when a health care provider or professional fails to provide the appropriate treatment, or gives substandard treatment and fails to take the appropriate action, causing the patient injury, harm, or even death.

Medical malpractice generally involves a medical error. Such an error could range from health management to medication dosage, treatment, and even aftercare. 

There are medical malpractice laws that enable patients who fall victim to malpractice to recover compensation. Through these laws, a claimant may get compensation for any harm resulting from substandard treatment. Here is a more in-depth explanation of the concept of medical malpractice.

Basics of a Medical Malpractice Claim

Medical malpractice is quite delicate; dissatisfaction with your treatment’s outcome does not mean you can file a medical malpractice claim. There are specific aspects that must be satisfied in order for your experience to count as malpractice. 

First, you need to cross-check your experience with a medical malpractice law firm for a successful claim. Consulting with a qualified lawyer saves you from either giving up on a potentially fruitful claim or following up with a frustrating and expensive lawsuit with no chance of a successful outcome.
Here are a few basics of a medical malpractice claim:

An Existing Doctor-Patient Relationship

Before you sue a doctor for medical malpractice, you are required to prove that you had a physician-patient relationship. This is mainly an issue when dealing with a consulting physician. A consulting doctor does not always treat you directly but this does not free them of responsibility. Such cases and scenarios are easily maneuvered through by a medical malpractice law firm.

Proof of Negligence by the Medical Practitioner

Negligence means that compared to what a competent practitioner in the same situation would do in the same position, the practitioner acted in a manner to degrade the profession. That said, a doctor is not required to be perfect. The expectation is that they perform their duties with reasonable skill and care.
Therefore, a qualified attorney is required to show how the doctor in question deviated from the required medical standard of care.

The Medical Practitioner’s Negligence Was the Cause of Injury

Patients are sick before they seek a doctor. So, did the doctor’s negligence cause the harm, or was it the illness? For example, if a lung cancer patient passed away, was it cancer or malpractice that caused it? You have to prove that it was “more likely than not” that malpractice was the cause in such scenarios.

Even the confusing cases are a lot easier to prove when in the hands of an attorney. They provide clarity including getting a secondary medical expert to provide insight on your case.

The Medical Malpractice Specifically Led to Damages

So, the doctor or practitioner in question failed to perform within the expected standards. Did the failure cause any harm to the patient? Damage isn’t always physical as most people assume. Here are some other types of injury that could arise from medical malpractice:

• Mental anguish
• Loss of work
• Loss of earning capacity
• Additional medical bills
  

What’s Next After Medical Malpractice

If you feel you or your loved one has fallen victim to medical malpractice, the first step is to file a lawsuit in a court of law. It’s best to get a lawyer to do this for you. Before the commencement of the trial, you will share information with the defendant. Such information includes dispositions, interrogations, and documents.

Not all malpractice claims make it to court, you could end up settling out of court. Attorneys are often responsible for such settlements. There are high chances that your defendant will have a lawyer or even a legal team of their own. This could get very intimidating if you approach them as an individual; hire an attorney to tackle this for you.

If you decide to go to trial, you will have to prove without a doubt the defendant’s malpractice. Finally, the jury or judge will pass a verdict. If you win, the judge decides the damages given in reparation. The defendant may file an appeal to reduce their obligations. The two probable outcomes are damages for you or the defendant winning.

This is a guest blog entry.

When Medical Conditions Should Be Part of a Criminal Defense

Imagine being charged for a crime you had no control over. Defense against such a criminal charge may be one of the hardest courtroom battles you have to face. It not only requires vast knowledge in the criminal defense field, but also high levels of court experience for you to stand a chance and avoid an unfair ruling or penalty.

There are often common errors in regards to whether or not medical conditions should be part of a criminal defense. Without the help of a criminal defense lawyer, you may find it very difficult to navigate the jargon and complexities of criminal defense. However, here are some of the instances in which medical conditions may be used as defense in court.

What Medical Conditions Can You Use as Criminal Defense?

1. Insanity Defense

If you committed a crime as a result of a persistent, cyclic, or an episodic psychiatric disease at the particular time of the criminal act, you can employ the insanity defense,  hence arguing that you were not responsible for your actions, rather, your state of mind caused you to behave as you did.

2. Mental Illness

This refers to a condition or disease, other than senility, epilepsy, mental deficiency, or alcoholism, which significantly impairs a person’s perception of reality, thoughts, judgment or emotional process. In simpler words, mental illnesses can grossly impair the victim’s behavior.

Examples of some of these medically recognized mental disorders are bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, and major depressive disorder.

If you are clinically proven to be suffering from any of the above, it can influence the conviction and save you from unfair rulings.

3. Learning Disability

This is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the ability to read, write, or do math, which are foundations to one’s ability to learn. Such a disability can be used in criminal defense.

4. Autistic Spectrum Disorders

This is a developmental disability which causes great social, communication, and behavioral challenges. These challenges often affect the decision-making process and its effects range from mild to severe.

What Cannot Be Ranked as a Disorder?

Not all disabilities of the brain are regarded as mental disorders. For them to be considered as such, and be used in a criminal defense, these disabilities have to give rise to a disability or disorder of the mind as well.

1. Incompetence      

            
Mental incompetence is the inability of a defendant to carry out major decisions regarding their own affairs. This could be due to a number of mental or physical inhibitions. The defendant in this case is unable to understand the nature of their trial and he/she is often institutionalized until they regain sanity and are able to stand trial.

Keep in mind that incompetence is very distinct from mental illness. It is possible that some defendants may be competent to stand trial despite suffering serious mental illness.

2. Mental Retardation (currently known as Intellectual Disability)

This is a permanent condition in which intelligence levels are severely impaired. It is often accompanied by a great deal of limitations in adaptive functioning. This is quite different from mental illnesses. Unlike the common myth, the majority of those with mental illness have no intellectual deficits. On the contrary, some are highly intelligent. It is possible, however, for a person with mental retardation to also have a mental illness.

What Impact Do Medical Conditions Have on Verdicts?

The court is often considerate on cases in which the perpetrator was under the influence of the disorders that ail them. It is therefore important to know how to deal with criminal charges if you suffer from the mentioned disorders.

All that must be a lot to process, especially when dealing with the stress that comes with facing criminal charges. Worry not however, you can seek counsel from a criminal defense attorney in Dallas and get all the legal representation you need to avoid unfair conviction.

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Protect Your Skin from Hard Water if You Can’t Afford a Water Softening System

Everyone knows that that hard water can be tough on your pipes and your washing appliances like your dish washer. The hard calcium, magnesium, and other mineral and metal deposits can build up and cause serious clogs. If the hard water is this bad for your home, you can only imagine the ill effects it has on your skin. According to Skinkraft.com, water that contains a high amount of undissolved minerals isn’t a serious risk to your overall health, but it will leave a greasy residue not only on your dishes and clothing after the washing cycle, it will also have a negative effect on your skin condition too. Because hard water is filled with minerals as opposed to pure water, it will leave a buildup of soap which can clog pores and inhibit our natural ability to release the oils we produce. This can inevitably lead to bad acne and/or eczema. What’s more, hard water will leave you with persistent dry skin as it inhibits the natural moisturizing of the skin. You will eventually begin to look older than your age while the dry skin leads to wrinkles and fine lines.   

So how do you go about getting rid of hard water? The one truly effective approach is to install one of the many water softener systems on the market today. These systems are connected to your plumbing system and usually use salt to soften your water, ridding your H20 of all those unwanted minerals that are doing damage to your pipes and your otherwise healthy skin. But these are trying economic times and what if you just don’t have the cash budgeted for a new water softener system? If that’s the case, you should be aware of the ill effects hard water can have on your skin and then you can make a plan to do something about them. 

Long Term Effects of Hard Water

Says Skinkraft.com, since hard water is filled with iron, calcium, magnesium, and other “free radicals,” they are known to break down the skin’s natural collagen which is what keeps it firm. This can lead to premature aging while fine lines emerge and the loose skin begins to sag. Exposure to hard water for prolonged periods of time can result in extreme cases of eczema and other aggravating skin conditions.    

Short-Term Effects of Hard Water

Short-term effects of hard water on the skin will result in itchy, dry flakes that are a constant cause of irritation. Your hair will also dry out and appear dull looking. This can lead to an annoying itchy scalp condition.  

How Can You Protect Your Skin from the Ill Effects of Hard Water?

The simplest, most cost-effective solution for fighting the ill effects of hard water to is use an over-the-counter water softener solution which can make the soap easier to rise. This will eliminate at least some of the soap residue that can build-up on your skin. You can also invest in soap-free cleansers that are said to be gentle on the skin, and you can make certain to keep your showers very short, avoiding extreme cold and hot temperatures. Skinkraft.com stresses the importance of using warm water on the skin, but at the same time, avoiding frequent face washing. When you are done, you should gently dab your face with a clean dry towel rather than an aggressive “rub down.” As a final dry skin preventative, you should use a moisturizing body lotion on the skin so that it can trap your natural oils and moisture thereby preventing further drying of the skin. Anyone with overly sensitive skin should look into moisturizers and body washes/soaps, that are said to be free of fragrances.  

An Easy Test for Gauging Your Water Hardness with Soap

Fill a drinking glass with 350ml of water, then add 10-12 drops of liquid handwashing soap. Rinse the mixture with a spoon vigorously. If very few soapy bubbles result, it means you have hard water. You can repeat the test to check for hard water severity by slowly adding more and more soap to the water and continue stirring. If very few bubbles continue to show up and the water also looks cloudy, you just might have a case of severely hard water.  

Even if hard water is said not to have any prolonged ill effects on your overall health, it can still be a constant source of irritation to the skin, and this can’t be good for your overall well-being. There are a number of ways to combat hard water using over-the-counter methods that come with little cost, but the only real solution is the installation of a water softening system. If you can’t afford to pay full price for one right now, perhaps you can find a reputable company that will allow you to pay for your service over time.  

This is a guest blog entry.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Electric Massage Devices

The usage of electric massage devices is highly appreciated by people all over the world. This is partly because these devices come handy and are compact in design. Moreover, they are easy to use and give relief to people in pain within a few minutes of utilization. However, most people disregard the questions that come within the use of these massage devices such as ‘they are effective, but are they safe?’ or ‘do they create skin problems?’? To find out the answers and strike off ambiguity, let’s look at the advantages and the disadvantages of these electric massage devices.

Advantages Of Electric Massage Devices

1. Electric Massage Devices Freshens The Person

Through electric massagers, along with reducing chronic pain, anxiety is reduced as well as skin elasticity. This makes him/her feel relieved and fresh. Don’t you want to feel refreshed after a long tiring day and relax your body? Electric massage devices are perfect for that because you will feel like a different person after you get this procedure done on your body! Does it surprise you? It has been proven through research that a massage gun can efficiently lighten up the body and treat the sore muscles. You will have no more worries and pain in the back anymore! Feel younger and look younger after investing in a massage gun for yourself!

2. Undependability

By having an electric massage device, you don’t have to depend on anybody else to give massage to your body; you can help yourself out by giving a massage without the need of another individual. It is always a hassle to get out of bed and go to a massage parlor every time you want to feel relaxed. Some people think about getting a massage done and when they have to get out of their bed, they change their mind. They think that they might as well sleep and rest at home. If you do not want to depend on any other person to give you a massage so that you can feel relaxed, then you should go for it and get a massage gun for yourself. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself and investing in yourself. You are one of a kind and you deserve nothing but the best! So, what are you waiting for? Order yours now!

3. Highly Portable: Can Be Carried Anywhere

These massage devices are light in weight and occupy little space thus they can be carried anywhere without facing too many hassles. This ensures you will get quick massages frequently.

4. Stimulates Blood Circulation

When you have these massaging devices a hand away, you can get a good massage whenever you want, while staying at home. By taking frequent massages, your blood circulation becomes stimulated and you automatically start working better. When blood circulates in the body thoroughly,  a person is able to maintain a healthy body from inside as well. Even if you are looking fine from the outside, it is important to do things that are good for your inner body that you cannot see. Flowing of blood is very important for health and marinating a healthy well-being of a person. You will face health problems such as clotting of blood in certain places of body if the blood is not circulating properly. So, invest in a massage gun and make sure that you do not have to face any blood circulation issues ever again!
Disadvantages Of Electric Massage Devices

5. Crosses The Affordability Border

Some of these electric massaging devices are super costly which is why not everybody can afford them. In the same price of buying these devices, a person can have several trips to the masseuse to get the massage. It is not rocket science that massage guns are affordable. It costs way less to purchase a massage gun because it is a long-term investment. You will not have to pay for getting a massage again and again. There are travel costs too when you have to travel to a destination to get a massage done on your body. Overall, purchasing a massage gun will save you lots of money and time. 

6. Chances Of Carotid Artery Dissection

If these massaging devices are constantly used on areas such as the side of the neck and inside the throat, a stroke can possibly happen.

7. Painful In Case Of An Injury

If there’s some kind of blood clotting or injury, these electric massagers won’t prove to be of great help. Similarly, if a bone has been broken and the massaging device is used onto them, it will aggravate the situation even more.

8. Avoid Electric Products As Much As You Can

It is soothing and relaxing but at the same time, it is an electric product that can prove to be harmful if isn’t used with 100% attention and focus. A person is likely to get an electric shock if they lose their attention while getting massaged by them.

Summing All of It Up

 
Who wouldn’t like to be massaged after coming home after 10 hours of hard work? However, don’t overlook what might come your way just because of enjoying a few moments of relief. Everything in this world has good side and a bad side to them, and electric massage devices are no exception either. Therefore, one has to evaluate between its advantages and disadvantages to reach to a proper decision!

This is a guest blog entry.

Learn All About the Porcelain Veneers Brisbane Treatment

We’ve come a long way from replacing teeth simply because they’ve lost their sheen to having advanced robots that can perform complex dental procedures. In-between these times, the world of dentistry has witnessed several revolutionary innovations and improvements over traditional procedures. One such novel procedure among the many pertains to the invention of Porcelain Veneers.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain Veneers are a form of prosthesis that is attach to the front of the teeth to elevate the aesthetics of that smile. They were first created by a Californian Dentist named Dr Charles Pincus in 1928 who wanted to provide his patients, the majority of them being Hollywood stars, with an attractive smile.

Although the veneers had a temporary life span back then due to its weaker teeth bonding method, it was after the development of a new etching technique in 1959 by Dr Michael Buonocore that it was used by J.R. Calamia and R.J. Simonsen together in 1982 to perfect the method. It additionally involved applying a special compound to the teeth which helped form a strong bond between the adhesive compound and the veneers to the teeth.

After their contribution and several remarkable advancements in the bonding technique and the creation process of the dental veneers, today we have amazingly thin porcelain veneers that can last between 10 to 20 years while offering an impeccably flawless smile.

Prerequisites for Porcelain Veneers Brisbane Treatment

Getting the Dental Veneers is quite simple and you can also get them on the same day of your visit to your dentist in healthy cases. While there are no special requirements that you must attain to get the treatment, ideally, having the following conditions met can help you make the porcelain veneers last you longer:

• The condition of your teeth should be healthy for easier and better bonding.
• Any dental cavities or infections should be first treated or cleaned before getting new porcelain veneers.
• There should be no other underlying dental conditions that could create problems for your ne porcelain veneers later on.

Procedure for Porcelain Veneers Brisbane Treatment

Getting the Porcelain Veneers Brisbane Treatment is quite simple and it follows the below-mentioned procedure when you obtain them from a reputable and experienced dentist or dental facility.

• The procedure will begin by examining your teeth and when no implicating dental conditions are found, or if they are found. Regardless, your teeth will be cleaned thoroughly.
• Your dentist will then ask you to let them make a mold of your respective teeth in question which needs Porcelain Veneers Brisbane Treatment.
• Using the mould, your dentist will construct your custom porcelain veneers with great accuracy so that it matches the shape and dimensions of your teeth and mouth.
• The front enamel of your specific teeth will then be buffed away to apply the custom porcelain veneers that will be laced with bonding adhesive on its side that will be affixed to your teeth.
• The Veneers are now in place and you now have an impressively alluring smile.
  

Six Benefits from Porcelain Veneers Brisbane

This versatile solution to improve the appearance of your smile offers the following benefits:

Dull or Discolored Teeth

Make your dull teeth look perfectly stunning even if they have discoloration or stains. The porcelain veneers will conceal it properly only to offer you a perfect looking radiant smile.

Cracked or Chipped Teeth

One of the best advantages of the porcelain veneers Brisbane treatment is that it offers marvelous flaw correction of your smile. Your chipped or cracked teeth will be concealed masterfully with porcelain veneers to make your smile look fantastic.

Decayed Teeth

Whether you have damaged or decayed teeth that have lost their enamel or degenerated teeth, porcelain veneers can restore their glory to again make your smile appear simply splendid.

Irregular Teeth

Another impressive advantage of getting the porcelain veneers Brisbane treatment is that they can correct the irregularity of your slanted or misaligned teeth without needing invasive procedures. This makes it a wonderful solution to have a new smile without needing painful dental treatments.

Gapped Teeth

Porcelain Veneers could also correct the gapping between your teeth to save them from extraction and to save your gums from becoming infected easily. The veneers will be placed strategically to make your teeth appear and feel correctly aligned so you can experience better dental comfort.

Smile Makeover

The porcelain veneers are one of the primary components in all types of Smile Makeover treatments. By getting the customized porcelain veneers, you can redefine the appearance of your smile so it can match your vision of a perfect smile.

Final Words

The porcelain veneers are to date one of the quickest and best ways to increase the luminance of your smile. A personalized porcelain veneers Brisbane treatment can effectively gain you the smile you may desire without involving any hassles or complication whatsoever.

This is a guest blog entry.

Why Exercise is So Important

It’s easy to get intimidated by the word exercise. You may think of all those fitness influencers effortlessly working out, or even just people at your local gym knowing what they’re doing. Exercise is for everyone and it’s important to move your body. If you’re thinking about starting your fitness journey, here’s a boost to get you going.

Physical Health

It pretty much goes without saying that exercise is good for your physical health, but we may as well cover some of the basics to get you motivated. Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of getting chronic conditions, like diabetes or heart diseases. Even some kinds of cancers. It can also help you sleep better. You may be tempted to go all out with a new exercise routine, but you might injure yourself. If you experience medical negligence, there are people who can help.

Start Small

You don’t have to torture yourself at the gym or slog out a 5k run. You can start small. When you begin exercising, you want to find things you actually enjoy doing - that way you’ll keep doing them and form a habit. Whether it’s going out for a walk every day, dancing around your kitchen, or trying yoga - find the activity that works for you. It’s ok if you’re nervous to try something new, everyone starts like that. Even those fitness people you see had to start somewhere.

Mental Health

While you’re probably aware that exercise helps your body, did you know it also helps your mind? Physical activity has a huge impact on your mental wellbeing. It can improve your mood and self-esteem. It can also make you feel less stressed and anxious. You shouldn’t view exercise as something you have to do, but something you want to do to make yourself feel better.

Socializing

Exercising can also help you feel connected with people. Even for those people who prefer to work-out alone, they feel like they’re part of a community. Whether you take part in online fitness classes or simply nod at your fellow runners - you’re all doing something together. Or, if you do need the motivation of another person to help get you started, exercising gives you a great excuse to hang out with a friend.

Exercise is not about looking a certain way, but feeling a certain way. Moving your body can make you feel better in more ways than one. What motivates you to exercise?

This is a guest blog entry

3 Myths About Adolescent Eating Disorder Treatment, Debunked

Residential eating disorder treatment is generally considered to be the most effective way to effectively treat bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and other disorders, But some people may feel apprehensive about going into treatment. Before entering a residential treatment program, many adolescents and families have heard some myths about what residential treatment is like and maintain some fears about what they’ll face. After all, there will be new responsibilities, a new location, a new schedule, and separation from the day-to-day schedule they are used to. 

Despite these fears or hesitations, there's nothing to worry about; in fact, in addition to providing solid psychological and medical residential treatment programs, residential eating disorder programs are increasingly comfortable and homey. Modern residential eating disorder treatment facilities are nothing like the sometimes negative media portrayal – they’re places of healing and growth, not institutional, cold hospital-like settings. Here are some common concerns people have about entering a residential treatment facility, and reasons not to be worried about them.

1. It will be like a prison

In the media, mental health treatment centers are portrayed as sterile, fluorescent-lit hospitals where clients are held involuntarily. This perception of residential treatment facilities, often based on outdated and old-fashioned ideas about mental health treatment from movies like Gia or Girl, Interrupted, is truly out of date in 2021. The simple fact of the matter is that residential treatment programs are often luxurious and comfortable, and residents are NEVER held involuntarily.    

Normally speaking, residential treatment for adolescents with an eating disorder is strictly structured, however, creating a focused space where clients can address the underlying symptoms that influence the eating disorder as well as work on a positive relationship with food and eating. This means that a comfortable, home-like setting is to be expected since a feeling of comfort and safety is key to eating disorder recovery.

2. I’ll have to retake my grade in school
 

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and most other eating disorders often (but not always) first appear during adolescence. This means a statistically large amount of cases will appear in people who are still in middle school or high school, stretching out into college years. These are important periods in students' development and their college prep. Of course, this can be a huge concern for both students and parents.

Thankfully, adolescent-focused residential treatment centers normally include a scholastic program as part of their daily routine. For long-term residential stays, there is normally a time set aside each day for maintaining the client’s educational path. At the highest quality residential treatment centers, they’ll have certified education professionals to teach lessons and provide tutoring in line with the client’s educational track. They will also coordinate coursework and lessons with the client’s school and parents, ensuring that eating disorder treatment won’t interfere with their education.


3. I’ll be away from home for so long

Another common fear regarding residential treatment programs is that the client will be stuck in treatment for months or years on end. While treatment can take a long time to achieve a full recovery, residential treatment is usually not needed for that length of time. Even for 30-day sessions, though, there might be fears that it will become a dreary, repetitive routine. Thankfully, most quality programs include various excursions and exposure therapies that take clients out of the facility, for learning experiences, and mental well-being.

For example, as part of nutritional and meal-planning purposes, a group of residential eating disorder clients might take an excursion to an open market and do a little shopping in preparation for a meal. Excursions to visit the movies, a live show, nearby attractions like parks, or even to the mall not only make the time fly by faster but also provide a way to put recovery lessons into everyday practice.
 

Residential Treatment Programs Can Be More

The modern eating disorder treatment experience is one that can be personally and academically fulfilling. It’s certainly not the desperate, boring, difficult experience many people imagine it to be. If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of an eating disorder, don’t wait. Seek out a quality adolescent residential treatment facility today and get started on a happier, healthier life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: CARRIE HUNNICUTT
 

With 20 years of behavioral health business development experience, Carrie combines world-class marketing, media, public relations, outreach and business development with a deep understanding of client care and treatment. Her contributions to the world of behavioral health business development – and particularly eating disorder treatment  – go beyond simple marketing; she has actively developed leaders for her organizations and for the industry at large.

A New Way; Emerging Treatment Methods for Binge Eating Disorder

Ever since it was added to the official list of eating disorders in the DSM-V (the diagnostic manual for mental health disorders), the need for binge eating disorder (BED) treatment has become obvious.  BED is the most common form of eating disorder, but treatment is still in its relative infancy as compared to treatment for other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. A binge eating recovery center that offers personalized programs and non-traditional methodology can often make greater strides in treatment than a one-size-fits-all treatment program, and for that reason eating disorder treatment centers are employing new, evidence-based, and holistic treatment methods to help their clients.
 

Although Western medicine has its place in eating disorder treatment, as it does in all forms of modern medicine, more holistic and alternative treatment methods have increasingly become centerpieces of eating disorder treatment. As complementary components to a more traditional talk-therapy methodology, they’re often used at full continuum of care facilities. Check out a few new approaches to BED treatment that are helping people make strides in their recovery.
 

Animal Assisted Therapy
 

The presence of our furry, domesticated friends brings calmness, trust, and comfort to people all around the world. Their presence can also be a boon to people engaged in mental health treatment, including treatment for eating disorders like BED. Because of this, some eating disorder treatment centers are beginning to incorporate treatment methods employing cats, dogs, and especially horses.
 

Working with horses allows these magnificent animals to become close to clients. Their sense of calmness and strength may transfer to the client, and the sense of responsibility gained from taking care of the animal can give them a better sense of their capability. Many people who engage in animal-assisted therapy for the first time have come to swear by it.
 

Massage Therapy
 

Massage therapy and chiropractic massage is a form of relaxation therapy used at many modern binge eating disorder recovery centers that can release serotonin and dopamine in the brain–these brain chemicals prompt positive feelings like contentment and relieve the mood. In recent years, many studies have been conducted on how massage affects a person’s psychological outlook; one result, in particular, shows great promise for eating disorder recovery.
 

The NCBI published the results of a study that was performed on 19 women with anorexia nervosa. The group of 19 was split in two; one group received standard therapy and the other received both the standard and additional massage therapy sessions. The ones who had had both talk therapy and massage therapy reported a lower rate of body dissatisfaction than the control group. This indicates that as part of an integrated treatment program, massage therapy can help lead to even more positive outcomes than therapy alone.
 

Yoga
 

One of the most tried-and-true alternative health and wellness treatment components used for eating disorder treatment is yoga. Yoga’s well-established in psychological, medical, and addiction-treatment circles as a physical and mental tool.
 

In a study titled “Body Awareness, Eating Attitudes, and Spiritual Beliefs of Women Practicing Yoga,” the authors came to the conclusion that:
 

“Qualitative data reported improvements in body satisfaction and disordered eating due in part to yoga and its associated spirituality.”
 

Yoga, in addition to being an ideal form of self-aware meditation, is also perfect for mindful movement. Many people with eating disorders also engage in excessive exercise – sometimes beyond the point of suffering an injury. Yoga provides a way to stay active without the high-impact exercise that becomes problematic for too many people with eating disorders.
 

New Approaches for Better Outcomes

A quality binge eating disorder recovery center in the modern age will employ multiple forms of therapy and therapeutic activities. This can include yoga and mindful meditation, traditional talk therapy, dedicated therapeutic techniques such as CBT and DBT, and many more. Binge eating treatment shouldn’t necessarily be old-fashioned – a new way has emerged, which incorporates both traditional and alternative approaches.

This is a guest blog entry. 

How to Recognize an Eating Disorder When You See One

Eating disorders are serious mental health disorders that can affect people of every age, race, ethnicity, and gender. Someone who has an eating disorder may exhibit a range of signs and symptoms that range from obvious to subtle. People close to someone with an eating disorder may not be prepared to recognize the more subtle signs; this can prevent them from reaching out to help the person who is struggling with the eating disorder
 

For this reason, we’ve listed some basic information about eating disorders, the signs you may see when these disorders are present, and what steps you can take to get help for yourself or a loved one.
Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
 

A binge eating disorder is actually the most common form of eating disorder in the United States, although it doesn't get as much recognition as others. People with binge eating disorders engage in binge eating episodes, where they compulsively eat large amounts of food in a short time. They may engage in dieting behaviors, but they do not engage in purging behaviors, such as vomiting.
 

If you suspect that your loved one may have binge eating disorder, keep an eye out for:

• Episodes of eating large quantities of food in secret.
• Frequent dieting.
• Extreme concern with weight and/or body shape.
• Unexplained weight gain.
• Keeping stashes of junk food, or hiding food.
• Discomfort about eating in a public setting.

People with binge eating disorder may feel out of control during episodes of binge eating, and they might begin to organize their schedule to accommodate these binge eating episodes. Binge eating disorder can lead to many of the negative symptoms of obesity such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
 

Signs of Anorexia Nervosa
 

Anorexia is a well-known restrictive kind of eating disorder where people severely restrict their caloric intake, leading to extreme weight loss. They are typically preoccupied with their body weight and may experience a distorted body image. Some of the most common signs of this disorder and behavioral symptoms include:

• Obsession with body weight, appearance, and avoiding weight gain
• Prolonged or extreme weight loss.
• Frequent dieting and counting calories.
• Chewing and spitting.
• Wearing baggy clothes to hide body shape.
• Always feeling cold
• Lethargy.
• Lack of normal menstrual cycles in women.
• Intense fear of weight gain.
• Extreme or compulsive exercise
• Becoming isolated or withdrawing from social engagements.

People with anorexia nervosa face a long list of negative symptoms. It is the most dangerous form of mental health disorder, with the highest death rate and suicide rate of them all. People with anorexia nervosa might also experience gastrointestinal problems, anemia, dizziness, thinning hair, muscle weakness, and a variety of other physical problems.
 

Signs of Bulimia Nervosa
 

Bulimia nervosa is similar to anorexia nervosa in that it often includes body image distortions and a fear of gaining weight. However, rather than restricting food intake, people with bulimia try to prevent weight gain by purging the food they eat, often during binge eating episodes similar to those in binge eating disorders. The most common way to purge is self-induced vomiting, but other methods like laxative abuse or excessive exercise are also common. Sometimes, the person will use several purging methods. Some of the signs of bulimia nervosa include:
 

• Obsession with weight and body shape.
• Evidence of binge eating episodes, such as large amounts of food disappearing or watching the individual eating large amounts of food at one time.
• Discomfort at meal times.
• Unusual rituals involving food.
• Keeping breath mints on themselves at all times, and other ways to hide the smell of vomit.
• Calluses on the fingers and knuckles.
• Evidence of purging, such as disappearing after meals, spending too much time in the bathroom, and laxative packages.
• Rapid or sudden tooth decay.

Bulimia nervosa can have many negative health effects, including thinning hair, dry skin, muscle weakness, and a range of other issues.
 

Recognizing Eating Disorders in a Friend or Family Member
 

If you believe your loved one may have an eating disorder, make sure you research their symptoms and maybe even talk to a professional before raising the issue with them. Many eating disorders cause the person great stress at mealtimes, especially when others are present, so keep your eye out during shared meals. In fact, many people discover eating disorders during the holidays, when family gatherings are common. Make sure you don’t jump the gun – a conversation about a person’s potential eating disorder is not an easy one.
 

Getting Treatment for Eating Disorders
 

Treatment for eating disorders is available in a variety of forms, including residential treatment, outpatient day treatment, and partial hospitalization programs. Residential treatment programs are conducted in inpatient facilities that provide all the resources people with eating disorders need to get better, with 24/7 medical, psychiatric, and therapeutic care.
 

Reach out to an expert such as an eating disorder counselor or the admissions staff at an eating disorder treatment center if you want to help yourself or your loved one attain a full recovery. They can help you diagnose the disorder, arrange treatment, and enter an eating disorder treatment facility, as well as arranging transportation and financial considerations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: CARRIE HUNNICUTT
 

With 20 years of behavioral health business development experience, Carrie combines world-class marketing, media, public relations, outreach and business development with a deep understanding of client care and treatment. Her contributions to the world of behavioral health business development – and particularly eating disorder treatment  – go beyond simple marketing; she has actively developed leaders for her organizations and for the industry at large.