What is Online Therapy?

Online therapy is where mental health services are provided over the internet. This may be via texting, e-mail, instant messaging, face-to-face video call, or regular phone calls. Online therapy is often referred to as e-counseling, teletherapy, and e-therapy.

What is online therapy?
Therapy is where an individual (or group) meets with a professional therapist to resolve mental health issues, problematic behaviors, relationship issues, and beliefs. Therapy is overwhelmingly considered by the scientific community to be useful in becoming healthier, even for people who do not have a diagnosis or believe they need therapy.

Generally, therapy can be an effective way to change bad behaviors and habits, improve relationships, resolve and heal past traumas, and many other problems. Online therapy is no different, only the communication between therapist and client is done through the internet.

Are all therapists the same?
The short answer here is no, therapists differ from a wide range of backgrounds, education, and practices. An important point of distinction is that psychologists cannot prescribe medication but can provide therapy sessions, whilst psychiatrists can do both. However, in some states, psychologists can prescribe medication in some scenarios.

What type of therapists provide online therapy?
There is a wide range of types of therapy, from using ketamine and psilocybin to group counseling sessions. However, online therapy is almost entirely through a process of communication over the internet between a psychologist and a client.

One common concern with online therapy is that it’s lacking transparency, and the therapists aren’t as qualified as traditional therapists. The truth is that all therapists used by the key, reputable online therapy providers are all licensed professionals with the appropriate qualifications.

Is online therapy effective?
Many will wonder, is online therapy good? Is online therapy safe? The truth is that online therapy is considered to be as effective as traditional therapy. There are some advantages and disadvantages to restricting communication to being over the internet only. For example, some psychologists make use of body language when in the same room as the client. However, such drawbacks are met with unique advantages, such as being more easily reached and on-demand due to the instantaneous messaging infrastructure.

Ultimately, the core of therapy remains the same: a client communicates with a licensed, professional psychologist. Studies suggest that the vehicle of communication is far less important than the communication itself.

There is also evidence that online therapy can more easily provide access to mental health services for people who live in rural areas, or those who are too shy to go to traditional therapy. In this sense, online therapy is often perceived as an important stepping stone to more traditional therapy.

In rural United States, internet-based cognitive therapy was discovered to be an effective treatment of psychiatric disorders such as panic disorders, OCD, GAD, addiction, and substance use disorders. With the increased internet access in rural areas, online therapy proved to not only be an effective alternative but often the only viable option.

When was online therapy first used?
Online therapy isn’t a recent phenomenon, it has been around for almost as long as the internet itself. Online therapy can be dated back to as early as 1986, where Dear Uncle Ezra, a Cornell University Q&A forum, would produce many questions surrounding mental health. Soon after this, forums began a place of communication for almost anything in life, of which mental health inevitably plays a big role.

It has only been the past 15 years or so since online therapy has been legitimized through scientific study, which is why more therapists are now drawn to it. With the backing of the scientific community, online therapy has become a job role of preference for therapists that enjoy working from home, remotely, and can be in contact with patients more easily.

When did online therapy become mainstream?
Therapy has rarely entered the mainstream due to it being somewhat a taboo to talk about, though this is slowly changing. Therapy is featured in some popular culture, such as The Sopranos, but was never as openly talked about as it is today.

Online therapy has played an important role in this. Rarely do we see celebrities partner with mental health providers, but today we can see some of the world’s most successful pop stars work alongside online therapy providers. For example, in July 2021, Ariana Grande sponsored a $1 million free therapy giveaway in partnership with Betterhelp. The Instagram post generated over 1 million likes, as well as a lot of news exposure. Demi Lovato also partnered with Talkspace to advertise the platform’s services.

This is as mainstream as therapy has ever been, in part due to the power and profitability of tech companies.

Is online therapy safe?
Online therapy is considered to be highly safe due to the regulations and licensing that they must comply with. Legal and reputable online therapy providers will declare on their website the credibility of their own therapists, usually stating that each and each one is vetted and licensed. It is true that the vetting process isn’t often transparent, but it’s a guarantee that any therapist you speak with will be licensed with the same credentials that are required to provide traditional therapy.

How to start online therapy
Starting online therapy is considered to be somewhat easier than traditional therapy, hence its success and vast number of sign-ups. Signing up to online therapy is a matter of deciding on what your needs are, finding the best online therapy sites, and picking one that suits your needs.

From here, signing up can take all of 10 minutes, along with payment or exercising a promotional offer. An advantage of online therapy is that it’s fast and instantly available, and this is reflected in the onboarding process.

This is a blog post by Jacob Reeves.

What are the Drug Options for Depression and Anxiety?

Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States? In fact, anxiety affects over 40 million people above the age of 18 in the U.S., or 18.1% of the total adult population. The sad part is that only 39.9% of people who suffer from anxiety ever receive any form of treatment. That's why it is important to see medicine for depression and anxiety.

When looking for the right medicine for depression and anxiety, it's a good idea to take a look at every option available. That's because each type of medicine for depression and/or anxiety can react differently. Here's a look at the top five options that are currently available.

1). Alprazolam (Xanax)

Alprazolam or Xanax is perhaps the most common perception medicine front the treatment of anxiety. While this medication is extremely effective, there is a risk that it could become addictive. Some side effects of alprazolam include drowsiness, poor concentration, and irritability. Does alprazolam work in the long term? Since this is one of the most prescribed medications for the treatment of anxiety, it can be said that it is indeed effective. Chances are that if you are seeking treatment for anxiety, you will likely be prescribed alprazolam.

2). Citalopram (Celexa)

Citalopram is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. As one of the top prescription medications for depression, this is one of the top options that you can have to treat symptoms of common depression. Like most perception medications for depression and anxiety, you will not be able to have alcohol while you are on Citalopram. Some side effects of Citalopram include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. Overall, millions of people currently take Citalopram and it should be a top option for treatment.

3). Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax)

Fluoxetine is available under a number of brand names including Prozac, Sarafem, and Symbyax. Known as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), fluoxetine can help with the treatment of depression as well as common symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and bulimia. One of the big appeals of fluoxetine is that you are likely to experience fewer side effects than other prescription medications.

4). Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)

Paroxetine is currently available under the brand names Paxil and Pexeva. This medication is also an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). This medication is not only used for the treatment of depression and anxiety, it can also be used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks,or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some of the side effects that you can experience with paroxetine can include headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and nervousness.

5). Sertraline (Zoloft)

Finally, there is sertraline, also known by its brand name Zoloft. This medication is also a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication can treat many types of mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Some side effects of Sertraline include nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting.

This is a guest blog entry.

How do I know if I have whiplash?

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If you feel pain in your neck or pain that radiates down from the neck, you may have whiplash. This feeling may have appeared as a result of being in a car accident or another situation in which your head suddenly snapped forward and back. It is common for this injury to appear when playing sports, when someone gets punched, or through physical abuse, when someone gets roughly shaken by the shoulders. In all of these cases, the neck flexes and then hyperextends in a short period, normally not more than a few seconds. And if tears in small blood vessels accompany these movements, the injured party may also experience pain and swelling.

Main Signs of Whiplash

Whiplash can show up immediately after the accident, or it can take several days to appear. If you want to be on the lookout for whiplash symptoms, keep an eye out for any or a combination of the following:

• Stiff neck
• Muscle spasms
• Pain
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Memory problems

Getting a Whiplash Diagnosis

Visiting a medical professional to diagnose whiplash means starting with a thorough physical exam. After this, your physician may consider whether an MRI, a CT scan, or an X-ray is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Some of these injuries are so small that it is difficult to find them in any of the above tests. If so, your doctor will rely mostly on your explanation of what you are feeling and when these feelings began.

Risk Factors Associated with Whiplash

Some people are more prone to experience whiplash, mainly because they:

• Are younger
• Are female
• Have a persistent history of neck pain
• Have been hit from behind by another vehicle
• Are hit while their car is stopped
• Have a job that entails repetitive motions, which may make them more prone to having tight neck muscles before the accident

How long can you expect whiplash to last?

For many, the pain associated with whiplash tends to disappear within a few days, and others are rid of it after a few months. However, it has been estimated that up to half of all the people who experience whiplash may still experience persistent pain in their neck even one full year after the accident. This tends to happen to people who:

• Felt severe pain from the moment the accident took place
• Feel pain developing shortly after the accident
• Feel pain shooting into their arms or fingers
• Have neurological issues such as memory loss

In general, the more severe the pain is after the accident and the more anxiety that accompanies it, the greater the chances of it developing into a chronic problem.

Whiplash Treatment

The point of whiplash treatment is to diminish the pain and regain the range of motion of the neck. Physical therapy is important with a concentration on stretching, rotating, and bending the neck back and forth. While before, patients were advised to wear a neck brace when they experienced whiplash, these days, the recommendation is that it is more important to keep the muscles and joints moving to achieve improvement.

If you are still feeling pain after about three months, it may be a good idea to read more here on how your doctor can better evaluate and treat your whiplash.

This is a guest blog entry.

What Should I Do If I'm Injured at a Gym or Fitness Center?

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It is unfortunate when you get injured at your favorite gym or fitness center and have to take time off to recover from your wounds. You can seek damages for your personal injuries if you are not at fault for the accident. When you are injured at a business, your lawyer has to prove that the premises owner was negligent in some way, thereby causing your injury. This requires a several-step process, defining how you were injured.

What I Should Do When I Am Injured at a Gym or Fitness Center

According to personal injury attorneys Wattel&York, you will need evidence that shows duty, breach, cause, and harm done by the other party. This means that the premises owner has to be neglectful to show that they are at fault for your wounds.

Get Evidence of How the Injury Happened

You have to begin collecting information about your personal injuries, such as how you were harmed and where. For example, if it was faulty equipment, take pictures of the fitness machines. When the mats are torn, the carpet has rips, or the machinery is malfunctioning, you should make sure you have photographs of this. It will reveal how you were harmed. You will also need to get medical treatment so that you know what injuries you received. If your doctor says the injuries happened naturally, such as from an over-worn ligament, torn muscle, or tight tendon, then you cannot seek damages. 

Have Your Attorney Prove Duty, Breach, Cause, and Harm

Once you have your initial evidence, you can have your attorney begin strategizing how to fight for your case. The premises owner owes you a duty through service, where you paid for a gym membership to have access to a clean and functioning facility. If they failed that duty in some way, then this is a breach of duty. This means they fell beneath the standards and expectations that are owed to you. The breach of duty is then the cause for what happened to you. The issue at the gym is what caused you harm. Your damages are then revealed as a result of your accident. 

Present Additional Damages to Your Attorney

You shouldn’t only seek medical expenses in your settlement. Additionally, you can also add in wage loss and pain and suffering. Your income loss has to be estimated with your current wages in mind as well as future income. If you expect to be disabled for a long period of time, your attorney can include this amount in your settlement. 

You will also need to include your pain and suffering, where you will need to describe the emotional anguish you have been experiencing. The injuries will probably give you aches, soreness, and extreme discomfort. You may also be feeling shame, embarrassment, depression, PTSD, and other deep emotional distress. When you are experiencing this, you should describe this to your attorney, so an estimate for your pain and suffering are included in your settlement. 

Next Steps for Claiming a Personal Injury Settlement 

You can seek damages from the premises owner of your gym or fitness center. With the help of a personal injury attorney, you can receive compensation for your injuries. 

This is a guest blog entry.

What You Need to Know When Furthering Your Career in Nursing

No matter how long you have been nursing, you will by now realize that no two days or no two shifts are the same. Any career or role within nursing is always very rewarding and worthwhile. However, sometimes you can feel the urge to push for more. Getting the career that you want and deserve doesn’t have to be out of reach. Now that you know what you want to achieve, how can you set about putting your plans and ideas into action? Sometimes, furthering your nursing career may come naturally, or it may be something that you wish to focus your attention and efforts on that little bit more. Whatever circumstance you find yourself in, the more that you know, then the better prepared you will be.

What Are Your Ambitions
So, to begin with, what are your career ambitions? Which direction do you want your career to go in and why? For example, do you have a burning desire to specialize and work with children, or perhaps you would like to focus your care and work on older patients? Is there an ambition that you have been wanting to follow or pursue, but up until now, have struggled to realize? When you can lay out what your ambitions are, you can then start to pursue them.

Deciding on a Path to Follow
There is no set route or path for you to follow to allow you to realize your ambition. Within nursing, you can tailor an approach or path that suits you, your needs, and your requirements. For example, you can continue to work while studying. Or you can take a gap year away from your work to wholly focus your attention and efforts on your studying. Getting a path to follow established as soon as possible allows you the opportunity to move forwards positively and proactively.

Making a Plan of Action
Now that you have a path that you wish to take, you have to set about writing up a plan of action. A plan of action will lay out and set out what you need to do and by when (to realize your ambitions). When you create a plan of action, you allow yourself the time and space needed to bring about action. For example, if you have a family to look after, but you know that you need to return to studying (to further your career), then you can set about getting arrangements in place for care and assistance. Having a plan of action that can be used for your personal life and also within your professional life will give you a sense of direction and a much-needed sense of control.

Education and Self Development Are a Top Priority
As you move your way up the career ladder, you must place self-development and education at the top of your to-do list. When you focus on your self-development and education, you can be sure that you are reaching and achieving your full potential. If you do not focus on your education, then you may struggle to leap to a better position, and you may struggle to get the recognition that you deserve.

Where You Study is Important
Of course, studying just anywhere is not going to be beneficial to the furthering of your career. You may want to study at a prestigious university. There is a lot to be said about universities with good names, and the respect and reputation that you get when you are part of the alumni could well just help your resume stand out from a competitor.

What You Study is Crucial
Deciding what to study is just as important as deciding where to study. If you rush into studying the first course or topic that attracts you, then you may well end up limiting your choices and options a little further down the line. However, if you pursue a PhD in nursing you can be sure that you are giving yourself both the chance and the opportunity to push for the career you want, and not the one you have to have.

Having Realistic and Achievable Goals is a Must
When you are following a path to further your career, it is important that you set out realistic and achievable goals. Studying, focusing on self-development, and juggling other responsibilities can get the better of your sometimes, and this is when goal setting comes into action. When you set achievable and realistic goals, you give yourself something to work towards and something to aim for.

When you are furthering your career, you must realize that you are not on your own. Getting support to help you through difficult times and also having a support network around you that you can lean on will be beneficial to you and your career goals. Being able to share your experiences with others and just seek support and guidance can be sometimes what you need the most.

A Mentor Can Help You Advance and Further Your Career
Within your support network, you may also greatly benefit from a mentor. A mentor can provide you with insight and knowledge that can be difficult to gain from other sources. Mentors have the experience that they can share and impart, and it is this experience that you need to help further your career. Learning from other people’s mistakes and taking on board feedback and constructive criticism will ensure that you can reach (and realize) your full potential.

Meeting New People and Exchanging Ideas
You may find it beneficial to look at networking when you are furthering your career. Meeting like-minded people, forging new relationships, and even getting together to exchange ideas can be beneficial to you and your aspirations/ambitions. Meeting (either online or in-person) gives you a chance to network. When you network, you never know who you may meet or what doors may open as a result of a meeting. When you invest time and energy into meeting new people and exchanging ideas, you also open up to new ways of thinking and new ways of working, which can help you land that promotion or advancement within your nursing career.

This is a guest blog entry.

What Are Dermal Fillers and How Do They Work?

Body changes and skin aging are two natural processes that are inevitable for every person on the planet Earth. With age, the organism starts producing less beneficial substances like collagen, elastin, etc., so you can notice the first wrinkles and lines after the age of 25.
 

However, some individuals cannot accept this fate and are constantly looking for more ways to slow down skin aging and keep younger looks for as long as it is possible. And how great it is that aesthetic medicine developed very fast, so now plenty of effective and original solutions for this problem are available on the market. Today, we would like to discuss one of the most wildly used and popular treatment options out there - dermal fillers. What are those, and how do they work? Keep reading to learn more!
 

Types of the injectables and their working principle
 

Some patients are not aware of that, but there is more than just one type of dermal filler. The correct version and brand are usually chosen after discussing one's aesthetic goals, special health peculiarities, a skin condition in general, and many other important factors. Specialists distinguish three main kinds of fillers' active substances that are typically used in their composition. Each one can help reach a more youthful appearance but still has its own special features that differ it from others. So, let's start the discussion.
 

Hyaluronic acid fillers
 

Hyaluronic acid – (HA)  a special substance produced in the human body naturally that can also be included in dermal filler injections. Its main task is to attract water, as well as make sure the dermis is well-moisturized. Lack of this substance in the body causes such problems as dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and other unfortunate imperfections. Typically the effect after this medical procedure lasts up to a year.
 

Calcium hydroxylapatite
 

If HA is a naturally occurring substance in our skin and cartilages, calcium hydroxyapatite is typically found in our bones. Dermal filler products with this substance in the base are the most suitable for a partially surgical procedure to restore volume, improve facial contours and smooth lines in certain facial areas. The average time of effectiveness varies between 12 and 18 months (all depends on one's skin peculiarities and the type of the filler).
 

Poly-L-lactic acid
 

The last option we would like to tell you about is biodegradable synthetic material poly-L-lactic acid. This one is special because it is also used to make special medical products such as dissolvable stitches. It is wildly used in cosmetic surgery to reduce wrinkles, solve the problem of facial volume loss, and create a more defined framework. The effect after these injectable treatments may last up to two years.
Can I use dermal fillers for my skin improvement?
 

Any type of aesthetic medicine procedure, whether it is soft tissue fillers administration or more complicated PDO threads lifting, always demands a proper technique and rich experience of a cosmetic surgeon. Safety and satisfaction of the customer is a number-one priority, and every step included in the pre-treatment period is required to guarantee the best experience during the appointment.
 

In order to be sure that wrinkle fillers are safe for patients, it is important to be aware of all limitations and contraindications to every type of injectable. The first and the most common limitation is hypersensitivity or allergies to any component of the used product. Then, we, of course, have skin damages, irritations, or inflammation in the about-to-be-treated zone. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also wait before trying this type of skin improvement because it is unknown how filler can affect the baby.
 

As always, we would recommend talking to a specialist to make sure the procedure is right for you and that you can effectively eliminate facial lines without any severe complications.
 

Where to Buy Dermal Fillers Online?
 

The first thing we would like to remind you is that dermal fillers, as well as other products for aesthetic medicine treatments, can only be purchased by licensed specialists. That means, if you are an amateur or haven't gotten your license yet, it would be impossible for you to buy dermal fillers.
 

Even though there are many physical places where you can buy aesthetic products, many people prefer online shopping because it's more comfortable, time-saving, and mainly cheaper. There are plenty of suppliers like FillerSupplies who can provide you with everything you may need for your clinic.
 

Just be careful while ordering online. There are many scammers out there, so it is better to check the information twice and talk to your colleagues before placing an order anywhere. It matters not only for your success and reputation but for your patients' safety too. And that's the most important thing in this sphere!
 

The final word
 

Dermal fillers can be effectively used for skin rejuvenation in the aesthetic medicine sphere. They are biocompatible, safe, and are suitable for practically every type of client out there. Various brands of filler can be purchased both online and offline, depending on what option is more comfortable for a beautician. Remember, they are meant for professional usage only, so don't try to buy fillers if you are not a board-certified specialist. That's all for today's article. Thank you very much for reading, and stay safe!

This is a guest blog entry.

Suggestions for Improving Your Posture

Poor posture can lead to several issues, such as chronic pain, sleep problems and poor circulation. So, by working on improving this, you can help to avoid other health problems too. Here are some suggestions for improving your posture.

Using equipment to avoid bending or slouching
 

Depending on your profession, there are plenty of options for using equipment to make your job more manageable. For example, mobile medical carts can make nursing professions easier. Many of these can be adjusted so you won’t have to bend and risk hurting your back and as they store a variety of medicines, equipment and tools in one location, nurses and medical teams are much more efficient as a result.
 

Alternatively, if you work at a computer all day, you can get a standing desk or an ergonomic chair. If you already experience back pain, some of these chairs are specially designed for people with either lower or upper back pain.
 

Finding the right equipment to help with posture at work can also mean you get more work done, as you’ll be more comfortable. Whichever profession you work in, there should be equipment you can use to decrease the chance of back and neck pain.
 

Practice yoga
 

Yoga and exercise can also help with posture. Yoga may also reverse the effects if you’ve already experienced health problems from not sitting or standing correctly.
 

Poor posture can weaken different areas of the body and in turn, makes straightening up more of a challenge. Yoga allows you to focus on these specific areas of the body to strengthen them. For example, the triangle pose (or Trikonasana) can help to stretch your spine. This will also strengthen it, so when you try to sit or stand up straight, your spine will have more strength to help you do this.
 

Posture correction tape
 

If you’re already seeing the signs of poor posture and are struggling with weakened parts of the body, making sitting or standing straight harder than it should be, you can use posture correction tape to help. 

This encourages your body into the correct posture and serves as a gentle reminder when you start to slouch. As your posture improves, your body will become stronger and better able to hold this position without the tape.
 

You might feel self-conscious wearing tape at first, but it comes in lots of colors and you can even stylize it with your outfit if you prefer.
 

Wear heels less often
 

If you wear heels but experience regular lower back pain, you could try wearing these less often, or choose smaller heels to see if this makes a difference. Higher heels, particularly stilettos, are some of the worst shoes for creating bad posture and causing back pain. It might be the best option if you only wear these very rarely.
 

As heels often have other side effects such as causing weak ligaments or constricting the blood vessels, there are plenty of reasons to cut down on how often you wear them.

Making a few slight changes in your work and personal life can help you improve your posture. It might be possible to talk to your employer and get more ideas about how to achieve this in the workplace.

This is a guest blog entry.

3 Affordable Tips to Help Deal With Your Asthma

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Having a sickness that may affect your day-to-day living can be rough. While being mindful of your lifestyle is one thing, thinking of the expenses of medication or treatment can take a toll financially. Medicines, especially prescription drugs alone, can cost a lot.

Asthma is one of those illnesses where one needs to be wary of the environment and their activities. Specific conditions by said illness can vary between people, but the same precautions are still used to stop asthma attacks from happening. Treatments can cost a lot of money, and you might want to be prepared financially in the event of an attack or alarming symptoms.

The following are tips to get affordable deals to help with one’s asthma condition.

Avail Cheaper Options

A simple tip for someone with asthma -or anyone with a particular condition- is to have cheaper options. If you need to be on medication, prescribed or not, looking for more affordable brands can save you money. Do note that just because certain brands are cheaper than some does not necessarily mean that they are less effective.

Here are a few more specific tips to look for cheaper asthma medication:

Ask your doctor for alternatives. When prescribed medication or an inhaler by your doctor, you can always ask for several brands and where to purchase them. Don’t be shy to ask which brand is cheaper or has a generic version. Alternatively, you could ask that to your local pharmacy.

Another thing you could do is to compare pharmacies. If your area has more than one pharmacy, you can make comparisons. Usually, pharmacies with big names have the more expensive products. If your area has a local pharmacy, chances are they might have cheaper products.

You could see for yourself which one has the cheaper products available. You could also scout for discounts or sales they have from time to time. Knowing which places you can purchase the medication you need will come in handy with your budgeting.

Apply for a Discount Card

 
Medications can financially hurt, primarily if used in the long term. This might not be the case for many people with asthma, but it would help if the prescribed medications came in cheaper. This is where discount cards come in.

Drug discount cards or coupons can provide discounts on certain medicines. These are provided by drug discount services on their websites which you can access digitally. These services partner up with various pharmacies and brands to negotiate a discount for card users. Depending on the service, you can get several cheaper drugs, from albuterol cards to a generic symbicort coupon.

There are two benefits one can get by getting a discount card. The first one is that you can save more money. Discounts for these can go up to 80% or more. You have to present the card to the counter, and the pharmacy will provide the discount.

Another benefit of using them is that you can acquire these cards for free. Yes, free. Some of these may offer a premium account with extra services, but if your only aim is to get discounts on medication, you can get that with no charge. Not only is it free, but it is also accessible.

Among the many discount card services, you need to select which one has access to several pharmacies, as well as the medications you need the most. The process is primarily easy as you can request for the card to be sent to your email, or you could set up a free account and quickly access what you need there.

Inquire for Health Insurance Policies

You might also want to get medicines and treatment procedures in an insurance policy at a more affordable price. If you already have one, it’s best to review your policy to see if it can cover the expenses for asthma.

The good thing about it is not only can it help with your medication, but it can also help save money on procedures. Such procedures or treatments may cost more than medication, which can be challenging for those with severe asthma. Also, health insurance can cover more than one illness, so if you suffer from conditions other than asthma, the policy can also cater to it.

If you don’t have an insurance policy yet, it would be best to have one as soon as possible, as long as you have a consistent source of income. When setting up the policy, make sure that you reveal all your medical conditions so that the insurance company can help cover all the services you need in your policy.

To Sum It Up

While treating a condition may be expensive, there are ways to obtain them that allow your finances to breathe. Always inquire for the more affordable options, and negotiate for programs that can help with your medical expenses. Asthma can be difficult to manage, but with the right medicine, you’ll be able to live your life without too much worry.

This is a guest blog entry.

Types And Strains Of HIV Virus

In recent months and years, the HIV virus has completely changed the world. People must educate themselves regarding this virus because it is more prevalent than ever before. One important fact to understand is that there are several strains and varieties of the virus. Therefore, it is essential for Americans, Africans, Australians, and others to learn more about each type. What are the various strains of the HIV virus? How is each strain unique? Below, readers will delve deeper into these topics.

About The Basics

First, readers should educate themselves regarding the fundamentals of the human immunodeficiency virus. Unfortunately, it is a medical condition in which the virus begins attacking the patient’s immune system. Three years ago, the American CDC concluded that more than 1.2 million individuals in America were living with the virus. While most people suspect that HIV is a single virus, this is a fallacy. Instead, it is a diverse medical condition with numerous varieties. In addition to this, it can be divided into several types, including HIV1 and HIV2.

Then, you can organize HIV1 into several categories. While it seems confusing, it is easier than you might imagine. Below, you’ll discover more about the various types of the virus.

Main Varieties

Ultimately, there are numerous types of the condition. However, it is often easier to delve into the main types first. Continue to the section below to do that.

Primary HIV Types

As mentioned above, American patients may develop HIV2 or HIV1. While many suspect that they’re similar, they have unique, distinct differences. When considering the genetics of the illnesses, researchers say that HIV1 is at least 55% different than HIV2. Still, patients must understand that HIV1 is more common. More than 95% of individuals dealing with HIV will be diagnosed with the HIV1 virus. As for HIV2, it is mostly diagnosed in people residing in western Africa. Another thing to fully understand is that the conditions are transmitted differently.

HIV2 can’t be transmitted as easily and it often worked slowly. One of the biggest issues associated with HIV2 is the fact that it often cannot be treated using common antiretroviral drugs. Then, HIV1 can be separated into other groups.

HIV1 Illness Groups

Again, the HIV1 condition can be broken down into multiple groups such as M, N, P, and O. While the others are found around the world, most patients will experience Group M HIV-1. As a result, M means major. As for the remaining groups, they’re less common. In most cases, N, O, and P are primarily discovered in Western and Central Africa. As for the HIV2 condition, it is separated into nine unique groups. They range from A to I. Nevertheless, only HIV2 Groups A through D are found in modern humans.

Another thing to understand is that there are various HIV1 subtypes. Within Group M, patients may experience a unique subtype of HIV1. In total, there are nine subtypes within the M category. When considering these unique subtypes, patients will discover that each is roughly 25 or 35% different than the others.

Unique Differences

The commonality of each subtype depends on the region. In general, Western and Central Africa have the biggest diversity of HIV strains. Around the world, Subtype C is the most common. From 2010 to 2015, it is estimated that this subtype made up more than 46% of all diagnosed cases of HIV1. While it may be found elsewhere, it is primarily diagnosed in India, South Africa, and East Africa. In America, most patients experience Subtype B HIV. The condition is also regularly discovered in North America, South America, Australia, Africa, and Australia.

Kangaroo offers medications designed to combat these conditions.

Mutations & Strains

Once a virus invades a host cell, it will immediately begin replicating. In other words, the virus will create duplicates of itself. Strangely, some viruses do so sloppily. As a result, there is always a slim chance that the virus could mutate. HIV is one of the many viruses that will mutate. Once this happens, the patient may develop a unique strain of the virus. The mutations are medically referred to as viral strains.

Patients must identify their strain by working with a licensed medical professional. Doing so guarantees they can combat the illness effectively.

This is a guest blog entry.

Laser Hair Removal: Benefits, Side Effects, and Cost

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You probably know how frustrating and time-consuming hair removal can be. If you have tried all the traditional methods to remove hair such as tweezing, shaving, or waxing, you are well aware of how temporary those methods are and how much time you have to dedicate to them on a weekly basis. That is why laser hair removal is so attractive, since it provides an almost 95 percent reduction of new hair, making any hair that grows much easier to maintain.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

There are countless benefits of laser hair removal, among them:

Fast treatments – In less than 20 minutes you can take care of your underarms or bikini area and just a little longer for arms and legs.

Save money – In the long run, opting for laser hair removal means that you no longer need to purchase shaving cream, razors, waxing products or pay for appointments. Laser hair removal is financially smarter.

Eliminate ingrown hairs – Laser hair removal offers you the possibility of eliminating or preventing ingrown hairs. And if your problem is skin irritation after waxing or shaving, you can forget about that too.

Save time – When you have laser hair removal, you can use the time you previously dedicated to appointments such as waxing, to other pursuits. 

Are there any side effects of laser hair removal?

Although generally minor and temporary, laser hair removal does come with some side effects like:
 

Redness and irritation – When hair follicles get damaged with the laser, the body may react by experiencing irritation and redness. In some cases, people may experience tingling or swelling that goes away within a short period of time.

Changes in skin pigmentation – Some people may notice slight color changes of the skin in the treated area. In some cases, the skin turns lighter and in others, darker.

Risk of infection – As is the case with any cosmetic hair removal procedure, as the hair follicles get damaged with the laser, there is always a small risk of infection. That is why you should always treat the area as a wound and take care of it accordingly, reporting any signs of suspected infection to your dermatologist.

Other risks – It is uncommon for skin to develop burns or blisters when getting laser hair removal. However, when the procedure is not done correctly, they may appear. A professional will apply a cooling device to your skin before laser hair removal to avoid this issue. Some people have reported scars, but they are usually a result of an error on the part of the practitioner. Read more here about other uncommon risks.

Cost of Laser Hair Removal

The cost of laser hair removal depends on the area being treated, the number of treatments that will be required to achieve the desired results, and the person who is performing the treatments. Generally speaking, when you are having laser hair removal in a small area of the body, you can expect to pay between $150 and $275 per session. This can include underarms, chin and lip, or sideburns. Medium-sized areas like upper or lower legs can run between $275 and $400 per session. If you want a much larger area treated such as your entire back, each session can cost you between $375 and $400.

This is a guest blog entry.

How Long Does it Take for a Bone Injury to Heal?

When you experience a broken bone, also known as a fracture, the first question that comes to your mind is how long it takes until your injury heals. Although the human body has an incredible ability to regrow new bone after a fracture, the healing time varies and depends on a series of factors.

In most cases, a bone injury occurs following physical trauma or overuse. However, age and medical conditions such as osteoporosis or cancer may also be responsible for painful and unwanted bone fractures.

We will further take a deeper look into how fast a bone fracture heals and the key factors that influence this natural process.

How Does a Fractured Bone Heal?

As soon as a bone is fractured, the natural healing process begins. The body starts to protect the injured area by forming a blood clot and callus around the fracture. At the same time, new bone cells start to grow along the fracture line. These new bone cells, known as osteoblasts, will eventually replace the callus entirely within a few months.

The new bone tissue will be thicker than the previous one, making it more difficult to break it in the same spot.

It is important to keep in mind that bone fractures heal differently depending on age, lifestyle, state of health, or severity of the fracture and its location. In some cases, surgical intervention might be required instead of just immobilizing the fracture with a cast or splint.

The Bone Healing Phases

The fracture healing process includes three stages:

Inflammatory Stage

This stage lasts for about a week and involves the formation of a hematoma at the injury location.  
Reparatory Stage

The reparatory phase starts one or two days from the fracture and lasts for up to three weeks. During this stage, the callus begins to develop along the fracture line, thus stabilizing the bone.

Remodeling Stage

During this phase, the newly formed solid bone tissue will replace the callus. Blood circulation improves at the fracture location also, and this stage lasts for several months after the bone fracture occurs.

How Fast Does a Bone Fracture Heal?

Typically, a broken bone takes between 6 to 12 weeks to heal. However, children’s bones heal much faster than the bones of adults.

Also, when it comes to bigger and heavier bones such as the thigh bone (femur) or the shin bone (tibia), the healing process might take up to 5 months.

For the elderly, things are a little bit different. Due to age, the bones of the elderly are more fragile and tend to heal slower than those of younger people. Moreover, even if it is completely healed, the bone is prone to new fractures due to its fragility.

How Can I Speed Up the Healing Process?

Although a bone fracture usually takes time to heal, there are some steps to follow to speed up the process:

Immobilize the fracture - It is essential to keep a broken bone as stable as possible to ensure proper healing and regrowth. The orthopedist will give you a cast, splint, or boot to help you keep the bones in place during the healing process. Remember not to remove the immobilizing device without your physician’s approval.

Avoid high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids - During the healing process after a bone fracture, try to avoid medication such as corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories. These medicines will slow down the healing process.

Manage medical conditions - Conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders slow down the healing process after a bone fracture. Osteoporosis and anemia also negatively affect the healing process. Make sure you treat these diseases appropriately so you can heal faster.

Quit smoking - Tobacco products inhibit blood flow, thus significantly slowing down the healing process after a bone fracture. If you smoke, consider quitting.

Maintain proper nutrition - The bone fracture healing process requires an optimal dose of minerals and vitamins, so it is important to have a balanced diet with healthy food.

Physical therapy - After your fracture has healed, your physician will prescribe physical therapy to help prevent stiffness, lingering pain, or muscle weakness. Make sure you don’t miss those sessions.

Final Thoughts

Bone fractures represent a break in the continuity of a bone. They range from small cracks to complete breaks and are unwanted events that negatively affect health, especially for the elderly. The most common causes of bone fractures are physical trauma, overuse, or disorders like osteoporosis.

The human body possesses an incredible healing power, but sometimes medical intervention is required. Bone fractures need medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

It is recommended to get in touch with medical physicians who are experienced in diagnostics and orthopedic care. If you suffered physical trauma and all symptoms point towards a bone fracture, schedule an appointment and let certified professionals help you heal and recover faster. If you need high-quality orthopedic medical assistance, you can find more information here.

This is a guest blog entry.

Expert Advice for Starting Your Own Medical Practice

There’s no denying that you require a degree to become a doctor, but only a professional degree is not sufficient to practice medicine. Acquiring a medical education is just one milestone in your journey to becoming a doctor. So, what happens after graduating from medical school? 

It’s no secret that you will earn a doctor’s degree after completing your MD or DO program, but prior to starting your career in medicine, you need to go for more training to become a specialist. You are required to complete an internship, residency, fellowship, and board certification before you can start your own medical practice or work in a local hospital.

Well, attending a high-quality medical school can make a huge difference in the quality of a physician. So, you can consider Caribbean medical school to earn lifelong learning skills besides an in-depth knowledge in medicine.

Suppose you have completed all the stages of medical school and obtained practical skills, competencies, and experience in the area. Now, you want to begin your career as a physician by starting your own medical practice because of numerous benefits. So, let’s start with the tips to create your medical practice.

Steps to open a private medical practice

1.    Make an effective business plan

After obtaining a state medical license, the first step is to outline an effective business model and open a practice checking account. Your business plan must include budget, fee schedule, and staff workflows.

2.    Get your finances in order

You need a considerable amount of money to get started with your business idea. Opening a private medical practice is arduous and requires a detailed plan and cash flow to run it smoothly. So, you can approach traditional banks, financial institutions, private investors to fund your business idea.

3.    Learn about local government requirements

You need to get a tax or employer identification number (TIN or EIN) and your credentials. Don’t miss out on the right insurance policies like malpractice insurance and medical indemnity insurance.

4.    Find the right location

Location plays a crucial role in the success of your business. Choose a site that has easy access to public transport. Ensuring your clinic is accessible will maximize the foot traffic.

5.    Invest in the latest technologies and equipment

Obtain high-performance medical equipment, tools, and technologies to empower your team. Investing in the proper clinical management platform is the key to success in this competitive landscape. A good patient experience will maximize the referral network, contributing significantly to the success of your business.

Conclusion

Setting up your own clinic is an incredibly satisfying goal for many medical graduates. According to a report published by Medscape in 2019, self-employed physicians made an average of USD $359,000 per year, while physicians employed by hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or universities earned an average of USD $289,000 annually. So, follow these steps to make your dream come true.

This is a guest blog entry.

Medical Translation Vs. Interpretation: How Are They Different?

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Despite the ongoing trend toward globalization in healthcare, some of the biggest challenges facing the medical community today are language barriers. Healthcare may slam to a halt when doctors, technicians, and patients can’t understand each other.

Translation and interpretation are two services that help healthcare practitioners overcome these barriers, but it may not be obvious which one you need. If you aren’t sure how you can elevate your communication on a global stage, here’s a quick guide to the differences between healthcare translation and interpretation.

What is Medical Translation

Medical translation is the process where someone takes a written document and converts it from one language to another. These healthcare documents may include drug data sheets, lab results, patient histories, and brochures. 

These documents tend to contain incredibly sensitive, private, and technical information, so only certified medical translation companies should ever be given this task. 

Only accurate medical translation services can attain globally recognized accreditation, as they go through multiple levels of review to ensure they make faithful translation while following healthcare privacy standards and regulatory compliance.

A healthcare translation service reduces its margin for error by employing professional medical translators with several years of experience in the industry. With this familiarity with the industry, these translators can deftly make the best substitutions when converting technical words, acronyms, and other complicated terminology.

What is Medical Interpretation?

Medical interpretation is a vital step in the healthcare system when two parties don’t speak the same language. An interpreter speaks both languages, so they act as an intermediary between a patient and a physician to communicate what they say to each other.

Healthcare interpreters are professionals with practical experience in the industry, so they surpass friends and family who may be fluent in both languages. This professional experience helps them convey accurate diagnostics, treatment plans, and test results. 

From there, interpretation can be divided into three, highly specific categories:

1. Simultaneous Interpretation

This method interprets conversation in real-time as it unfolds. It’s best for situations when you need to share the spoken word as quickly as possible, like during a physical examination of a patient who doesn’t speak the doctor’s language. 

2. Consecutive Interpretation

When a rapid exchange of information isn’t on the table, you can opt for consecutive interpretation. This method involves a few seconds of delay, during which the interpreter refines the speech to make the most accurate translation.

3. Remote Interpretation

At the start of the pandemic, virtual healthcare and telemedicine usage increased significantly. According to Deloitte research, despite the slow reintroduction of in-person care, many physicians and patients still choose these remote options today. If your event or appointment is unfolding online, an interpretation service can facilitate the live video and audio interpretation remotely. 

The Takeaway:

Long story short, there is one major difference in setting these two industries apart. Whereas medical translation relates to the written word, interpretation deals with speech. Now you know the nuts and bolts behind these two options, you’re in a better position to choose the right service for your needs.

This is a guest blog entry.

5 of the Best Patient Engagement Strategies for Driving Better Outcomes

In the healthcare industry, players aim to improve the health and well-being of their patients. Improved patient involvement is one method of doing this. Evidence demonstrates that patients who actively participate in their treatment process are more likely to have better results and healthier lives.

According to a Catalyst Insights Council poll, healthcare executives and physicians feel that only 34% of their patients are deeply involved on average, which is why healthcare businesses are taking steps to engage patients better. Getting patients to participate in their treatment is not always easy, but a few tried-and-tested methods are available. So, what are the factors that contribute to patient engagement?
 

Here are the top five most important strategic considerations.

1. Patient identifications
Segmentation of patients is the very first step to improving patient engagement and results. It is possible to better understand a patient's risk factors, diagnoses and insurance coverage by segmenting the population into smaller groups. A greater understanding of the population and the particular care requirements of these patients may lead to improved methods for delivering this care.

Every service should begin with a population health assessment of your patients. Patients with high-risk conditions should be identified, as well as how their insurance will pay for care. Your solutions will be most effective if you identify the customers who will profit from them.

You can improve these patients' health and results by dedicating resources to them. Patients' requirements may be better understood by segmentation, which aids the care team in deciding on the best possible care coordination.

2. Shared decision-making interventions should be implemented
Patients and healthcare professionals must make choices jointly as part of patient involvement. Physicians must treat patients as active members of the care team to make informed judgments. Before making any choices, the patient and the care team discuss their opinions and input on their objectives and treatment plan.

Implementing mechanisms and analytic indicators to track how often doctors use decision-support technologies may help health systems foster patient involvement by promoting system-wide shared decision making.

3. Stay in touch with your patients!
According to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine, roughly half of individuals with persistent health issues fail to get clinical gains from therapy because of a lack of compliance. Patients' lives are placed in danger as a consequence of poor coping outcomes.

Keeping patients involved and informed of their health state is critical to reducing hospitalizations, which may also be an effective preventative tool. Effective patient education may lead to patient compliance. When healthcare practitioners keep patients informed, it empowers them to evaluate their health better while getting them interested in their treatment.

4. Embrace technology
As a result of the pandemic, healthcare practitioners have seen an increase in digital technologies. Communication is streamlined, data is collected and analyzed to help create room for improvement, and patients have immediate access to all the information they need thanks to technology. Consumer healthcare is becoming more reliant on digital channels. Patients are looking for a high-tech and easy-to-use online experience.

As technology advances, the marketing and public relations aspects of healthcare are also progressing rapidly. For example, patient satisfaction is primarily influenced by the length of time they wait, but this alone does not tell you much about how the patient feels.

5. Communicate with patients using visuals and charts
When feasible, physicians and healthcare workers should use visual aids in their efforts to engage patients. Many of these technologies have the potential for simplifying complex topics into easy-to-understand diagrams, graphics or films. It is easier for patients and physicians to work together when visual aids are used, especially in decision-making.

Patients are more accountable for their health when they are involved in making choices about their treatment. With access to complete patient data, health institutions can transform patients into partners and find areas for improvement in patient engagement.

Complete data sets enable healthcare professionals to use data-informed strategies to enhance patient experience and health outcomes. Patients who are actively involved in their care are not only more likely to respond well to treatment, but so are the whole care team as a whole, including providers, patients and families as well.

This is a guest blog entry.

5 Most Common Personal Injury Claims

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Personal injuries happen when people least expect them and in the most surprising situations. Also, they can and do happen to anyone. When they do, people are left with injuries and losses and, while dealing with medical issues and financial concerns, many reach out to a personal injury lawyer to file a claim.

Trying to make sense of what types of injuries these personal injury claims represent is like trying to understand at once all the pieces in a puzzle since the accidents and injuries are due to so many different causes. However, statistics show that the most common types of personal injury claims are:

Claims for Car Accidents

As the number one type of personal injury claim in the United States, millions of car accident claims are filed every year. Their primary purpose is to seek compensation to cover both economic and non-economic losses associated with the accident.

The main reason for car accidents is distracted driving. This covers all accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, texting while driving, and speeding, among others.

Claims Due to Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are extremely common as well. Although not as massive as car accidents which involve large moving vehicles, slip and falls can be surprisingly dangerous. As a result of slipping and falling, victims suffer injuries to their backs, necks, legs, arms, shoulders, and in some instances, heads. Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of hip fractures and brain injuries.

Claims Due to Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can be caused by all types of healthcare practitioners, including nurses, doctors, and providers of healthcare services, when they provide medical care that does not meet the expected standard of care. No matter how unintentional medical mistakes are, they can leave patients dealing with significant injuries. Medical malpractice claims cover many situations, from injuries received at birth, surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis of conditions, pharmaceutical errors, and improper or untimely treatment.

Claims Due to Accidents in the Workplace

Millions of employees get injured at their jobs every year. These injuries can result from unsafe workplace conditions, insufficient or improper training, or equipment malfunction. The injured employee can be left without a job, be forced to train to perform another occupation, or be so severely injured that they become disabled.

Product Liability Claims

When products are manufactured in ways that the final user gets injured or harmed, consumers file product liability claims. Businesses must test their products before launching them for market consumption, but there are still cases when the product results in someone getting harmed or injured. Product liability claims can be filed against whoever manufactures the product or whoever sells it.

Other types of common personal injury claims include dog bites, accidents in construction sites, premises liability claims, and assault. If you or a loved one have been injured due to no fault of your own, you should reach out to a personal injury attorney to talk about your accident and understand what legal options are available to you. You must take the time to focus on recovering your health and allow your legal representative to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for your rights.

This is a guest blog entry.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney?

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence, then, yes, you might need a personal injury attorney. For example, if you get into a car accident and the reason is due to someone else running a red light, they are negligent, which means that you could have a personal injury case against them.

Thankfully, personal injury attorneys are there to help you when this situation arises. A lawyer can help you collect all the evidence you need for your case, give you legal advice, and represent you if your case goes to trial.  

There are many things thata personal injury lawyer can assist you with.

1)    Filing a Complaint

 
When you open a personal injury case you must file a complaint to the other person’s insurance company stating that you have suffered injuries due to their negligence. Filing a complaint will start the process of the personal injury case. You can do this yourself, but it may take many tries to get all the information correct and you want to make sure you get this done right the first time. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they can file the complaint for you, so you do not have to worry about doing something wrong and not receiving the maximum compensation.

2)    Gathering Evidence

 
After you have filed a complaint the other person in the case will reply back with an answer to the complaint. The response can be that something stating that what you said happened or didn't happen. Then, the gathering evidence phase begins where you must obtain evidence and documentation for your case. Gathering evidence can take some time to do. And, after suffering serious injuries it can be hard to remember what happened and all the evidence you need to gather, let alone deal with the other person. When you hire a lawyer they can help you gather evidence and documentation to help your case.

3)    Negotiations 

 
After gathering all the evidence needed, negotiations can begin. Your personal injury lawyer will negotiate with the other person’s insurance company. The insurance company will offer a settlement, and you have the choice to approve or deny it. Your lawyer can tell if they are lowballing you and help you negotiate a higher settlement.  For this reason, having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side in this process is essential.

4)    Trial

 
Most personal injury cases end up reaching a settlement, so you do not have to go to trial. In the rare case that you do, it is good to have a lawyer there to represent you. The reason that a personal injury case might go to trial is that both sides are not able to reach a settlement. A trial is not something anyone wants to go through. The reason is that it is time-consuming, expensive, and you do not know what the outcome will be. Therefore, having a personal injury attorney there to guide you in the process is essential. Plus, if your lawyer threatens to go to trial it might make the other side settle


The personal injury process can be confusing and overwhelming. You do not want to do it alone after suffering substantial injuries, so make sure to call a lawyer today to help you.  

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This is a guest blog entry.

4 Cosmetic Treatments That Can Smooth Out Wrinkles

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You want to smooth out the fine lines and wrinkles on your face. You don’t want to see the crow’s feet around your eyes, the lines across your forehead and the indents between your brows anymore. So, what can you do? 

These are four cosmetic treatments that you can try:

1. Thermage

Thermage is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses radiofrequency to tighten and contour the skin. During the treatment, the Thermage device emits radiofrequency waves that contract the collagen fibers in the dermis, which makes the surface taut and smooth. The waves also encourage the body to produce more collagen, meaning that you will continue to see results develop in the months after your appointment. 

Collagen is the protein that helps your skin look smooth and supple — and, of course, youthful. So, producing more collagen can minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines that you currently have, and it can slow down the development of new wrinkles and fine lines. It’s the key to having younger-looking skin.

Where do you get Thermage? You can book an appointment for Thermage in Toronto at this world-class medical spa. The medical spa is known for having the best skin experts Toronto has to offer. You can rest assured that your skin will be in great hands.  

2. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can be a dermatological treatment for all sorts of problems, from long-term sun damage to old acne scars. If you’re hoping to smooth out your wrinkles and fine lines, you should look into laser resurfacing therapy. 

Laser resurfacing therapy uses wavelengths to target the water molecules between collagen fibers in the dermis. By heating up these molecules, the collagen contracts and creates a smoother surface. And like Thermage, it stimulates collagen production and creates healthier, younger-looking skin after the appointment.  

3. Microneedling

Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment involving a handheld medical-grade device with fine needles on it — these needles are approximately the same size as the ones used for acupuncture. This device is rolled over your skin to create micro-injuries. The micro-injuries encourage the skin to produce more collagen in order to heal. This additional collagen can help smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. 

Another one of the benefits that come with microneedling is that it can enhance the effectiveness of your skincare products. These small perforations in the skin allow the products to penetrate deeper than usual, which can give you better results in a shorter amount of time. 

It’s possible to skip the professional microneedling appointment and learn how to use a derma-roller at home. The technique is similar. However, you should know that at-home devices won’t penetrate as deeply as the medical-grade ones at the spa. Your results may not be as noticeable. 

4. Botox

If you want to smooth out those wrinkles and fine lines immediately, then you could turn to Botox as a solution. Botox is a neuromodulator. What does that mean? It means that Botox can block nerve signals telling the facial muscles to contract, forcing them to relax. Since dynamic wrinkles are caused by the facial muscles contracting, Botox injections can help smooth them out.  

Botox isn’t the only neuromodulator on the market. You can look into similar cosmetic injectables like Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau.

Say goodbye to wrinkles and fine lines! These cosmetic treatments can wipe them away.

This is a guest blog entry.

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

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

What is the difference between PrEP and PEP?

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

Who can prescribe PrEP?

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

Who Should Use PrEP?

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

How does PrEP work within the body?

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

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

Does PrEP Fail to Prevent HIV Occasionally?

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

Can People Take PrEP When Pregnant or Breastfeeding

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

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6 Long Term Effects Stress Can Have

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

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

You feel tired and exhausted

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

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

You have trouble sleeping

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

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

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

You have trouble concentrating

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

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

You feel more emotional

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

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

You feel more tired in the day

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

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

You have very strong feelings of fear

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

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

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

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

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

This is a guest blog entry.