Navigating Healthcare: A Guide to Modern Medicine and Wellness

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Things You Did Not Know About Sunburn

How Do I Choose Sun Block?

SPF and Skin
SPF Bottle

The sun is instrumental in our bodies ability to create vitamin D. Skincare experts suggest that we spend about 15 minutes a day in the sun but overexposure or unprotected exposure can lead to unpleasant skin conditions that include sunburn, unsightly wrinkles, skin degeneration or skin cancer. In order to protect our skin it is highly recommended that sun block be used, especially if an individual is aware that they will be exposed to the sun’s harmful rays for a long period of time. But like choosing many dermatology products, choosing a sun block can be confusing with all the varieties that are available. Sun blocks are categorized by various features such as ingredients, resistance to water, sun protection factor (SPF) and whether or not they block UVB or UVA rays. Some are also categorized by the age group they are specified for such as those which should be used for children, teens or adults. In order to maintain proper skin health, it is important to select the right sun block. Here are a few things to think about in making a selection.

What are the Risk Factors for Spider Veins?

Spider veins are one of the most common conditions that affect people. While typically not dangerous, spider veins can be unsightly and cause embarrassment for those who have them. Some studies have shown that up to half of adult women in the United States and many men will develop them at some point. Luckily, there are many safe and effective treatment methods that can be used to eliminate them. However, like many conditions, the best strategy is to avoid developing them in the first place by understanding the risk factors and taking steps to prevent them. A vein center will be able to give specific advice for each individual situation if you notice spider veins developing or are worried that you might be at risk.

Noninvasive Weight Loss Surgeries

Types of Noninvasive Weight Loss Surgeries

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Obesity is common, serious, and costly.” The CDC’s website reports that more than one third of all American adults are obese, adding that “obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer can be prevented.” Pretty shocking to think that many of these diseases are largely preventable when obesity is overcome. The cost as well is shocking, as the CDC reports that the estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the United States is close to $150 billion. Sadly, these statistics do not surprise top gastroenterologists. If you are facing obesity-related health problems now or in the future, you may be considering weight loss surgery, but you may also be reluctant to take such drastic measures. Clearly, invasive weight loss surgeries are not for everyone. Thankfully, there are newer, noninvasive weight loss procedures.

surgeon with face mask and plastic shield

Benefits of Same Day Surgery

Cost Efficiency for Patients

One of the biggest selling points for patients to use an ambulatory surgery center is the cost. Unlike a regular hospital which may rack up health cost bills in the hundreds of thousands for one individual, ambulatory surgery centers can afford to not charge so much because of the cost it takes to upkeep a center versus a hospital. In fact, if you look at the numbers the cost for ambulatory surgery centers versus hospitals is quite different. Numbers range from 25% to 33% lower for surgeries and treatments in an ambulatory surgery center setting rather than a hospital setting. That could mean a lot for individuals that choose not to get an important surgery or treatment because money is an issue. 25-33% less might not seem like a huge deal, but if you start to look at surgery and treatment costs; you begin to see that small percentage really does make a large impact on your financials.

Consumer Benefits

Most hospitals where I’m from are in the city. They tend to be a pain to get to; you have to deal with a lot of traffic and crowds. Ambulatory surgery centers are usually quite the opposite. They tend to be in more suburban areas which mean they are easier and quicker to get to which means they have better access to patients than a traditional hospital setting. Also, because ambulatory surgery centers don’t deal with emergency surgeries, it’s almost out of the question that your scheduled procedure will be “bumped” for an emergency surgery or situation. This means you can get your procedure or treatment done on the day it was scheduled which means you can get back to life and your job and not have to keep rescheduling when they can do your procedure!

Summer Skin Care Tips

New Jersey residents excitedly embrace the summertime months. While the weather is enjoyable, it can also wreak havoc on the skin. Summertime will require that special attention be given to the skin in order to keep it healthy and in good shape. The dermatologist can suggest many ways to protect the skin during the harsh summer months. Here are just a few tips for how to care for the skin in summer.

Healthy Teeth

What Causes a Toothache

Toothache“This toothache is killing me!” Okay, this might be an exaggeration, but if you have a toothache now, or have ever had one in the past, you probably don’t think so. Anyone who has never had a toothache cannot possibly know the pain, not to mention the disruption it can cause in your life. You have trouble eating because you can only eat on one side of your mouth, and you often can’t stand any food that’s too cold or too hot. (And how many of the foods you love does this eliminate? In those cold Essex County winters, you can’t drink anything hot, and in those warm Jersey summers, you can’t eat anything cold!) You have trouble sleeping because the pain keeps you awake unless you reach, yet again, for pain killers. Yes, a toothache only seems like it’s not a big deal to a person who’s not suffering from one. So what caused your toothache?