Navigating Healthcare: A Guide to Modern Medicine and Wellness

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Painful varicose and spider veins on female legs. Woman massaging tired leg
Leg Swelling, Spider Veins, Varicose Veins, Vein Conditions, Vein Treatments August 25, 2020 0Comments

Most Common Vein Conditions

There are many types of vein conditions that people develop over the course of their lifetimes.  Many people are genetically predisposed to develop venous issues and suffer with longstanding vein disease, where others breeze through life with just minor vein issues in later years.  Anyone who has had vein disease for many years is at increased risk for developing Chronic Venous Insufficiency (often abbreviated as “CVI”).  CVI is an umbrella term for the more advanced stages of venous disease.  This would include swelling of the ankle and leg, or edema, stasis dermatitis and venous ulcer.  Probably the most-common vein condition, and the one most people are familiar with, is the malady of varicose veins.  A brief synopsis of each of these vein conditions is discussed below:

Leg Swelling, Spider Veins, Varicose Veins, Vein Conditions, Vein Treatments August 25, 2020 0Comments 0Likes
back pain - scoliosis
Anti-Aging, Back Health, Back Pain, back pain treatments June 17, 2020 0Comments

Is Back Pain a Normal Sign of Aging?

We’ve all seen the pictures of the hunched-over elderly person who has to walk with a cane. It’s one of the first things that come to mind when we think of older folks’ ailments… back problems. But is back pain a normal sign of aging? Does it really have to be this way? Must we suffer with back problems, medical conditions of the spine, and back pain, just because we’re headed toward our senior years? The answer is an unequivocal ‘Absolutely not! Back pain is not an inevitable, unavoidable part of getting older. In fact, many people throughout the country find that ‘aging gracefully’ includes aging without having to suffer with it.

Anti-Aging, Back Health, Back Pain, back pain treatments June 17, 2020 0Comments 0Likes
Things You Did Not Know About Sunburn
Anti-Aging, Skin Health May 6, 2020 0Comments

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.

Anti-Aging, Skin Health May 6, 2020 0Comments 0Likes
Laser Vein treatments, Spider Veins, Vein Center April 19, 2020 0Comments

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.

Laser Vein treatments, Spider Veins, Vein Center April 19, 2020 0Comments 0Likes
Noninvasive Weight Loss Surgeries
CoolSculpting, Gastroenterologist, Weight Loss, Weight Loss Procedures February 16, 2020 0Comments

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.

CoolSculpting, Gastroenterologist, Weight Loss, Weight Loss Procedures February 16, 2020 0Comments 0Likes
surgeon with face mask and plastic shield
Medical Professional, Surgery, Treatment November 29, 2019 0Comments

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!

Medical Professional, Surgery, Treatment November 29, 2019 0Comments 0Likes