Author: Anna Riley

Your skin is made up of proteins, including elastin and collagen, which give your skin elasticity and structure. As you grow older, your body produces less collagen, which may cause your skin to lose its firmness resulting in sagging. Stretched and saggy skin may make you appear older and negatively affect your self-image.  You can, however, improve your skin’s condition by visiting your leading aesthetic medical spa in McDonough to enhance your skin’s appearance.

What is skin tightening?

Skin tightening involves various methods used to make your skin firm and appear younger. These processes include:

Ultrasound skin tightening

Ultrasound produces heat and vibrations that cause thermal effects in the deeper tissues of your skin, increasing blood flow to your skin cells and stimulating collagen production. Ultrasound waves may also cause slight injury to your skin, resulting in a trigger that causes a natural healing response. These effects make your skin tighter and more firm.  This treatment method also improves your skin tone and may make your skin less oily.

For successful ultrasound treatment results:

• You should not smoke because it reduces the ability of your skin to produce new collagen.
• Your skin should be healthy with no active infections, acne, or open wounds in your treatment area.
• This process is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with electrical medical devices such as a pacemaker.

You will require one session of treatment to achieve your desired outcome.

You may experience a bit of discomfort depending on your pain threshold; therefore, your doctor may give you pain-relieving drugs to make you relaxed and comfortable. Your specialist will pass a hand-held device across your skin, covering all treatment areas.  This process may take between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the skin’s surface area requiring treatment.

Radiofrequency treatment

This is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure involving tiny needles and radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production. This treatment method is safe but should be avoided under certain conditions, including:

• Cold sore breakout.
• If you have a skin infection.
• Having a history of poor wound healing.
• Pregnancy

One hour before treatment, your doctor will apply a topical anesthetic on your skin to prevent you from experiencing pain during the process.

During this procedure, your doctor will clean your skin using alcohol to kill bacteria and use a micro-needling device to prick your skin.

Treatment takes 20 minutes but may take longer depending on the size of the skin being treated.

Your doctor will apply a growth solution on your skin to promote cell regeneration and soothing gel to minimize any pain.

Laser treatment

Before treatment, your doctor will require you to take off skin products like make-up, sunscreen, and lotion.

During this session, your specialist will use a hand-held device to exert pulses of laser energy to your skin as cool air is released to prevent you from pain or discomfort.

Your doctor will repeat this process thrice for successful results. This procedure takes 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the size of the skin treated.

You may experience minimal side effects like redness, minor swelling, and warmness on your skin which may fade away within a few hours.

You do not have to be unhappy with your skin’s condition. Schedule an appointment with your skin tightening specialist at Ideal MedSpas for radiofrequency or laser treatment to eliminate aging signs such as loose skin.

Emergencies, including dental ones, call for fast reactions every time they occur; the more you wait, the higher the chances of a negative treatment outcome. West End Dental offers emergency dental services to help salvage your smile when the situation calls for immediacy in treatment. Here is what your dentist would like you to know about emergency dental services.

What types of dental issues does a dental emergency plan cover?

Dental issues come at any time, while others can wait for a weeklong appointment; others require immediate help to keep your teeth. Acting quickly can save your dangling tooth. Many situations call for a dental emergency plan. However, when making your assessments, you should always treat most dental issues as an emergency to have your dentist decide whether they need a quick check.

What dental problems require a dental emergency plan?

West End Dental has a unique chart where it classifies dental issues. The center will decide whether your problem requires an immediate checkup once you pay a visit. The dental issues that need an emergency plan include:

• Oral trauma
• Severe toothaches
• Bleeding
• Cracked tooth
• Damaged tooth

Dental emergencies extend to other things such as implants and prosthetics. When you suddenly get a knock on the prosthetic, making you unable to use it, you must treat the situation as a dental emergency. A point to note, any dental issue that comes to you suddenly, making you unable to eat, is a dental emergency.

What to do when you have a dental emergency

Dental emergencies come from sudden knocks or issues that influence your eating. You can also refer to an oral issue as an emergency when you feel unbearable pain that refuses to go away. Once you note you have an emergency, you can take several steps before reaching West End Dental for treatment.

Permanent teeth do not have a natural replacement, so your speed can make the difference during an emergency. When one of your permanent teeth becomes loose, the first step is to maintain its position in the socket, then contact West End Dental. Some accidents knock your teeth out of their socket; in such cases, you must pick the tooth, clean it using tap water and return it to its socket gradually as you work to find your dentist. However, when it comes off, you will need to put it in warm milk as you reach West End Dental for help.

When you reach your dentist, you will need to have a straightforward narrative about how you got into the emergency; your dentist will use your explanation to help deal with the crisis.

Can you find dental emergency services after regular working hours?

Emergency services are when you have an emergency because the more you wait, the higher the chances of losing your teeth.

Emergency services come in handy, especially when you want them the most. West End Dental offers the services even during the weekends. Call the center or book your spot online to begin your journey to better dental health.

Asthma and allergies are among the most common chronic infections among many children and adults in the world. These conditions mainly occur due to body reactions caused by foreign substances such as dust, pollen materials, and pollutants. The diseases affect your health and life quality and sometimes lead to death. Significant reactions include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, among others. Having access to a quality care provider helps manage your condition and improve your daily life. Ms. Rachael Stillwagon in Gilbert is a physician assistant at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD, dedicated to providing professional care to patients to better and promote their lives. Call or book your appointment online and schedule your consultation.

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD consists of highly skilled and trained specialists who offer exceptional and individualized care to address every patient concern. The welcoming team offers gentle and detailed care to patients of all ages in their two locations in Gilbert and Scottsdale, Arizona. The allergy practice is among the first to offer oral immunotherapy services. The allergy, asthma, and immunology specialists understand your experience and look forward to providing the best care available. Visit them today for services you can trust.

About Ms. Rachael Stillwagon

Rachael Stillwagon is a board-certified physician assistant and serves at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, LTD. She is caring and compassionate and helps patients achieve their optimum health through professional care.

Born and raised in Iowa and Wisconsin, she graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in biology and psychology. She then pursued her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Rachael spent two years in Chicago, practicing internal medicine, and co-taught a pharmacology class at Rosalind Franklin University with her husband.

She began working in the allergy and asthma specialty in 2000 and moved to Scottsdale in 2002, where she continued with her work. She serves in several allergy associations worldwide and currently lectures on atopic dermatitis.

What services does Ms. Rachael offer?

Rachael serves as a care provider within the clinic, where she performs responsibilities such as history and physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and patients’ follow-ups. She focuses on providing personalized care to develop a treatment plan to meet all your health concerns and produce excellent results.

The highly experienced physician assistant works alongside other asthma and allergy specialists to offer comprehensive care and promote health. Some of the services and treatments they offer at Allergy and Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD include

•         Allergy testing
•         Eczema
•         Hives
•         Asthma
•         Allergies
•         Hereditary angioedema
•         Immunodeficiency
•         Allergy shots

What to expect during your appointment with Ms. Rachael?

During your consultation, she carries out a thorough exam and diagnosis using the latest diagnostic techniques. She then creates a treatment plan using the latest and advanced therapies to provide the most outstanding results. She focuses on providing the best care available while ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

In conclusion, Rachael Stillwagon is a highly experienced physician assistant at the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates. She is caring and friendly and strives to meet all your health needs. Visit the practice today for the compassionate and expert care that you deserve.

If you or your loved one is on course for hemodialysis, it can be a scary time since you do not know what to expect. You will most likely be anxious and scared of what is going to happen. However, hemodialysis is a very effective procedure that facilitates removing waste products from the blood when the kidneys cannot do their job as they should any longer. During the treatment, a machine is used to filter wastes, salts, and fluid from your blood. It is a popular way of treating kidney failure. If you are undergoing hemodialysis, you will need dialysis access, a catheter required for the treatment. When looking for dialysis access in Bakersfield, you should know it serves as the point where the hemodialysis machine removes blood from your body and passes it through an external dialyzer. It is all part of eliminating excess fluid and waste from the body and ensuring you are left with only clean blood.

While it is easier to think that hemodialysis is all about the blood and making it clean, it comes with some significant benefits. The following are some of the things you stand to gain;

1. It carries a relatively low risk of infection

Hemodialysis uses an AV fistula, the gold standard vascular access for accessing a person’s blood. You are not at an increased risk with hemodialysis as is the case of peritoneal dialysis, where you may get infections of the abdominal linings or at the site of catheter insertion for carrying the cleansing fluid.

2. Better quality of life

If something is wrong with your kidneys, they become incapable of performing regular functions. It leads to the building up of waste, fluid, and electrolytes in your body, affecting your organs and could result in your death. Hemodialysis helps maintain the required balance to enable you to live a healthy life. When you do not have toxins in your body, you can enjoy the quality of life you deserve.

3. Hemodialysis is done three times a week from the dialysis centers

Most patients do not want to spend a lot of time going through hemodialysis. Thankfully, this is a procedure that can be done three times a week, leaving most of the week dialysis-free. You do not have to waste time and end up affecting your daily routine.

4. Less surgical interventions

AV fistulas for dialysis last several years, which is longer than transplanted kidneys and catheters for peritoneal dialysis. The good thing with this type of dialysis is that you will not have to undergo several surgeries. Your safety is not compromised, and you will not have to go through many inconveniences, especially in your daily life.

Before deciding to try hemodialysis, you will receive intensive training on what the procedure entails and what you should expect. You could also get advice on using the equipment safely. You may also want to have a family member walk with you every step of the way. Remember, you will need a support system you can rely on because hemodialysis requires commitment and can get you to the point where you feel like you cannot do it anymore.

We all want to be loved. We all want to be treasured. But did you know you don’t need anyone but yourself to make you feel good? That’s right! You are enough! You want to give yourself a treat…so let’s do it! We’ve got kisses for your face. TNW Lip Scrub and Face Sheet Mask are sterling products to make your face feel kissed with its glow.

Check Out A Lip Scrub!

What is a Lip Scrub?

They are a product specifically designed for your lips. Since lips are one of the more delicate parts of your body, gentle ingredients are used to make the scrub instead of the ingredients used in body scrubs. They help to remove the dead skin cells from your lips and leave them looking fresh and hydrated.

Fragrance Galore:

You’d be amazed to know the variety of flavours and fragrances. These scrubs are available in:

• Cocoa Butter (For that chocolatey glaze)
• Fruits (Strawberry, Orange, Mango…Sky is the limit)
• Walnut and Sugar (For deep exfoliation)
• Aloe Vera (Deep moisture)
• Rose (Cooling Effect)

How do you use it?

Simple and easy, these scrubs are easy to apply and help you gain rosy lips in no time!

1. Moisten your lips beforehand with some rose water.
2. Ensure they are not chapped or bleeding, as it may irritate if you apply the scrub to such areas.
3. Take a pea-sized amount of the scrub on your finger.
4. Massage it into your lips gently to remove the dead skin cells.
5. Rinse it off with water after done.
6. Pat dry with a towel or microfiber cloth.
7. Moisturize using petroleum jelly or olive oil.
8. Your soft lips are ready!

Check Out A Face Sheet Mask!

How are they made?

The face sheet mask can be made from several fabrics and materials. The cloth is then enriched with an assortment of ingredients that enhance the beauty of your skin and nourish it.

Fabrics used for making the mask:

• Cotton Fibres
• Synthetic Fibres (Rayon, Viscose)
• Cellulose
• Thick Paper
• Microfibers
• Hydrogel
• Cotton Wool
• Coconut Pulp

Ingredients used for infusing the mask into:

• Rose Water
• Vitamin C
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Aloe Vera
• Green Tea
• Olive Oil
• Shea Butter
• Fruits (Strawberry, Peach, Apple, Pineapple, Avocado)
• Collagen
• Honey

Why use them?

Face Sheet Masks are the new trend picked up primarily from the Asian beauty culture. The enticement mainly stems from how flawless the skin of Asians is, and many wanted to replicate it. So whether you want to look like your favourite K-Pop idol or want radiant skin, these masks are the way to go.

• Skin Cleansing
• Tones the Skin
• Hydrates, Refreshes, and Moisturizes
• A cooling effect that leaves your skin feeling fresh

How to use them?

1. Make sure your face is clean beforehand.
2. Take the mask out of the packaging and place it on your face.
3. Make sure it fits well in place.
4. Leave it on your face for 15-20 minutes.
5. Remove the mask after done and massage the serum into your face.
6. Say hello to gorgeous skin!

Lip Scrub and Face Sheets Masks are absolute treats for your face. They are so gentle on your skin; it feels like kisses.

Your body’s range of motion and stability relies on the general health and wellbeing of your joints. Any injury or disease that affects the structures of your joints can result in pain. Ron Marinaro, DC, an accomplished chiropractor at Pain Relief Center Studio City, specializes in diagnosing and treating joint pain. To boost joint stability and reduce the pain, he uses a mix of chiropractic treatments and advanced methods and modalities. Enjoy long-term relief from your joint pain by scheduling a consultation with a Studio City joint pain specialist by calling the Los Angeles, CA, office or request online today.

What Are The Causes Of Joint Pain?

Joints are intricate body parts that bind two or more bones together. Your body’s mobility is regulated by complex joint structures made up of bones, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and muscles.

Your joints’ structure and function also make them more vulnerable to damage and disease, all of which cause pain. Some of the most prevalent cause of joint pain include:

•   Bursitis
•   Sprains or strains
•   Arthritis
•   Tendonitis

An acute injury, overuse, or general wear and tear of joints that happens with age may cause joint pain. Joint pain is usually mild and can be treated at home. On the other hand, Dr. Marinaro will help if your joint pain is messing with your everyday life.

Dr. Marinaro specializes in the treatment of joint pain in the elbows, knees, and shoulders. He employs various cutting-edge treatments to facilitate joint healing, reduce inflammation and pain, and restore normal function.

What Should You Expect During A Consultation Concerning Your Joint Pain?

When you schedule a joint pain evaluation with Dr. Marinaro, you should expect a thorough examination. He will ask you specific questions about your symptoms during your appointment, such as when they began, the type of pain you’re experiencing, and how your pain impacts your everyday life. He will also go through your medical history and do a physical examination, paying special attention to the joint’s condition and function that’s responsible for the symptoms.

Dr. Marinaro also examines the spine for subluxation signs, which may be causing your joint pain or other health problems. He can also order medical imaging to help him figure out what’s causing the joint pain.

What Are The Treatment Options For Joint Pain?

Based on your joint pain’s root cause, Dr. Marinaro develops a personalized treatment plan for you.

o   Chiropractic changes.

o   Heat and ice.

o   Therapeutic exercise.

o   Physical and occupational therapy.

Pulsed electromagnetic stimulation can also help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Electromagnetic energy is used in this revolutionary therapy to induce cell activity, helping with the body’s natural healing abilities. Dr. Marinaro also treats anxiety with pulsed electromagnetic therapy.

In conclusion, Ron Marinaro, DC, is a top-level chiropractor provider who offers specialized care for patients across California at Pain Relief Center Studio City. Both new and returning patients are welcome. To achieve relief from debilitating joint pain, schedule a consultation over the phone or request online today.

Whether you have developed signs of diabetes, need a wellness checkup, or having a panic attack, a family practice doctor is the first person you run to. They are your point of contact if you want to get a referral for specialized treatment and other emergency services. The best part is a family doctor caters to each of your family’s needs in one or multiple visits. If you are based in Chamblee and its environs and require family practice services, the Lenox Medical Clinic will be ready to assist you.

Here are some reasons why having your family doctors’ number on speed dial can be fruitful:

1. 
   

       Family practice doctors monitor your medical history

As a patient, the last thing you need is to run from one doctor to another each time you have a medical concern. It is possible for your medical records to get lost, while in some cases, your new doctor might not get to understand you in person. Now that a family doctor treats patients of all ages, it is easy to monitor your family’s health history during your visits. Family doctors see the same patients for years, making it easier to track their patient’s health history.

2. 
   

       Family doctors offer more treatment options

Unless your medical issue needs emergency services, a family doctor can attend to you. Family doctors are not trained to diagnose and treat diseases. Instead, they also take part in monitoring your life cycle and educate you on good lifestyle habits. In some cases, they might also perform surgical procedures depending on their training background.

3. 
   

       They are the best people to consult for referrals

While a family doctor might not have medical training to offer specialized care, people rely on them for referrals for advanced care. For example, if you see your family doctor for chronic back pain, they might prescribe medications to help you feel better. But, when your pain persists, they will refer you to back pain specialists such as chiropractors, spine specialists, or physiotherapists. The next time you want an expert opinion from someone you trust, rely on your family doctor.

4. 
   

       Saving you time and money

Imagine scheduling an appointment with a pediatrician and a geriatric-care specialist for your aging mother, and the visits fall on the same day. Such an arrangement will make you spend so much money and time trying to beat the traffic. The good news is, a family doctor can provide primary care for teenagers, children, seniors, and adults. Scheduling a one-day visit with your family not only saves time but also allows you to spend less.

Are you ready for your next appointment with your family doctor?

Now that you have known the perks that come with being close to a family doctor, the final step you need to take is finding the right one, depending on your location. When you find one that meets your health and financial needs, please make a point of retaining them. To learn more about family practice services, schedule a consultation with your doctor today.

A good set of teeth is essential for your aesthetics and health. A bad dental outlook may be embarrassing. Discoloration and misalignment cause imperfections in your teeth. You do not have to be conscious every time you smile. At Lone Star Dental Care, there are different dental procedures that your cosmetic dentist in Frisco can use to fix your teeth.

What does cosmetic dentistry involve?

Cosmetic dentistry is a dental procedure that focuses on improving the aesthetics of your smile by fixing several tooth imperfections that may include:

• Teeth misalignment
• Discolored teeth
• Irregular teeth edges
• Spaces or gaps between your teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth

You can benefit from the results of cosmetic dentistry. Some of the advantages are:

• You will regain your confidence
• Your teeth will become brighter
• Cosmetic dentistry encourages patients to observe dental hygiene by brushing and flossing every day to maintain healthy teeth.
• You will have healthy gums because cosmetic dentistry involves the treatment of receding gums.

If you have stained , chipped, or misaligned teeth, your cosmetic dentist at Lone Star Dental Care will provide treatment for your specific dental problem. Different treatment methods are used for each cosmetic dentistry need. They include:

Teeth bleaching or whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the simplest ways of removing stains from your teeth. Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your tooth to ensure the surface is clean before using bleach to remove stains that cause discoloration.

Dental veneers

Veneers are thin custom-made coverings that your cosmetic dentist will use to cover your tooth that is broken, chipped, or discolored. Your dentist may use veneers made from porcelain or composite resin, depending on your preference.

Dental crown

Your dental specialist at Lone Star Dental Care will use a crown to cover your decayed or damaged tooth. Dental crowns restore the size, shape, and appearance of your teeth and improve your dental health.

Dental bonding

If your tooth has decayed, cracked, or chipped, your dental specialist may use this treatment for your teeth. During the process, your dentist will apply a composite resin to the surface of your tooth. Your dentist will shape your tooth by trimming and polishing the outer shell and then use laser light to firmly bond composite material on your tooth.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are used to fill decayed teeth and are made from different materials: gold, porcelain, and composite materials. Your dental specialist uses this method if you do not have sufficient enamel on the surface of your tooth. Inlays and onlays are made in the laboratory, and your dentists will use an inlay to fill the space in your tooth and an onlay to cover the tooth surface.

Dental implants

Before this process, your doctor will administer a local anesthetic and surgically attach an implant in the area where your tooth is missing. Dental implants are made from a metal called titanium which is durable and very strong. As you heal, your jaw will grow around the implant and offer a foundation for tooth replacement.

Dental braces

If your teeth are misaligned, your dentist will gently secure dental braces all around your teeth. The braces continuously apply pressure and cause the teeth to move slowly in the right direction.

A good smile enhances your personality and boosts your self-confidence—schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist at Lone Star Dental Care for all your cosmetic dental needs.

Once in a while, you may be unable to walk due to leg pain resulting from plaque buildup. Your doctor may use endovascular procedures to remove blockages and ease leg pain without surgery. Dr. Patel can help you enjoy a more active lifestyle through personalized and advanced treatment procedures. You can meet Dr. Nirav Patel in Yonkers or Jackson Heights, New York, at Premier Vascular to book an appointment or learn more about endovascular procedures.

About Endovascular Procedures

Endovascular procedures refer to a collection of treatment procedures performed inside blood vessels. At Premier Vascular, Dr. Patel performs each endovascular procedure using tiny cuts that are wide enough to allow catheter insertion into the affected blood vessel.

A catheter is a thin tube filled with specialized contraptions required to handle various complications in your arteries. Catheters are available in varied sizes to fit different widths and depths of each cut on your blood vessels without affecting neighboring tissues.

In an endovascular procedure, Dr. Patel uses ultrasound and other imaging procedures to make precise catheter insertions.

Vascular Conditions Treated with Endovascular Procedures

Endovascular procedures are administered for vascular complications like peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Peripheral arterial disease develops when cholesterol, plaque, and other alien substances accumulate to limit blood flow through your body.

PAD causes unpleasant symptoms like slow hair growth, hair loss, muscle cramps, leg fatigue, and pain when walking. Dr. Patel considers the extent of damage and specific symptoms of your condition to determine your endovascular procedures eligibility.

Endovascular Procedures Offered at Premier Vascular

Dr. Patel specializes in atherectomy, angioplasty and stenting, and angiography.

•   Angioplasty and stenting. When performing angioplasty, Dr. Patel uses a catheter equipped with a mesh stent or balloon. He guides the catheter to the plaque’s location and inflates the balloon to remove the blockage by pushing the plaque against the arterial wall.

Your doctor performs angioplasty with or without introducing a stent into the affected artery. If Dr. Patel releases a stent, the wire mesh enlarges after it is inserted into the artery. The stent remains inside your artery to hold it open and maintain a healthy blood flow.

Angiography refers to an imaging procedure using a special dye or contrast material with x-rays to deliver more details of your arteries. The dye highlights structures inside your artery to show the exact size and location of your atherosclerotic plaque.

Dr. Patel introduces a catheter and pushes it to reach the affected parts of your artery. After getting the catheter in place, he injects the special dye and uses real-time x-rays. Besides an accurate diagnosis, angiography is best for planning other endoscopic procedures.

•   Atherectomy. In case the plaque is too hard to push with a balloon, Dr. Patel may recommend an atherectomy. An atherectomy catheter is equipped with special devices like a laser generating heat to dissolve the plaque or rotating blades for cutting the plaque away.

Other Services Offered at Premier Vascular

Dr. Patel also specializes in:

• Endovenous radiofrequency ablation
• Varicose veins
• VenaSeal
• Wound Care
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Diabetic foot pain
• Vascular ultrasound imaging

Dr. Patel offers fully personalized treatment based on the severity of your symptoms. If you need endovascular procedures and other services highlighted above, reach out to Premier Vascular for immediate medical assistance and long-term pain relief.