Archive for May, 2010
Bariatric Surgery – Is it a Cure For Type II Diabetes?
If you have been diagnosed with type II diabetes, you probably have been told by your doctor that in order to keep your diabetes in control you must make major lifestyle changes. Those changes include regular aerobic exercise, modifications to your diet, proper sleep, regular medication and most importantly losing weight. However, many people have difficulty following these lifestyle changes and up until recently these were they were the only options to get your type II diabetes under control.
But recently, a new body of research has shown that bariatric surgery, because it promotes dramatic weight loss, has been effective at controlling type II diabetes and even eliminating it in some people. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine in August 2007 showed that people who had undergone bariatric surgery had an increased survival benefit as opposed to those who did not opt for surgery. Unfortunately, many insurance companies still do not cover the complete cost of bariatric surgery for obesity.
Here is a brief summary of the study that was published in JAMA in 2007:
1. The study was the first randomized controlled trial in medical literature that demonstrated that bariatric surgery was a viable treatment for early diagnosed type II diabetes.
2. People who had surgery rate of 73% compared to 13% for medical management. These results suggest that bariatric surgery should be considered a treatment option for patients with type II diabetes.
3. For people with a BMI of less than 35 surgery is also appropriate if you have diabetes.
4. Given the positive results of this study it is now appropriate for the government to spend additional money on well-designed clinical trials in order to address other areas related to bariatric surgery and type II diabetes. These other areas include durability of remission, effect of surgery on more advanced diabetes, impact of the surgery on secondary complications of type II diabetes such as blindness, rental failure and heart disease.
5. The positive results of this study raise many ethical and legal arguments against insurance companies who refuse to provide coverage for the surgical treatment of type II diabetes.
6. Although bariatric surgery has been shown by this study to be an effective treatment for type II diabetes, he single best treatment still is prevention.
So, if you are overweight and have had trouble controlling your diabetes in the past you might want to talk to your doctor about having bariatric surgery. If you have health insurance, find out what your benefits are. As of late, more insurance companies who offer large business plans have seen this research and are now starting to cover bariatric surgery for the treatment of type II diabetes and obesity.
If your insurance company denies you coverage for bariatric surgery get a copy of your benefits manual. Inside the manual, under exclusions, there must be specific language such as “any surgery to treat morbid obesity” in order for the insurance company to deny you. Otherwise, you may have your doctor prepare medical information about you that challenges the insurance companies decision.
Even if you are denied by your insurance company and don’t have the money to pay for surgery all at once other options exist. If you simply Google with the keyword term “bariatric financing” you will find some other payment alternatives so that you can have this promising surgery for the treatment of your type II diabetes.
Holistic Medicine For Dogs Explained
As more and more people experience the vast benefits of holistic medicine sometimes coupled with a homeopathic approach when treating their common illnesses, the question often arises if whether or not this same vein of thinking will apply to their dogs as well. Today complementary treatments, therapies, and holistic medicine for dogs are all now gaining more credence as pet owners and veterinarians work together to find effective methods of prolonging and bettering the lives of our beloved animals.
Coming from the word “whole,” holistic medicine utilizes a comprehensive approach to medical care and treats the body as one entire unit, rather than merely focusing on an ailment or its ensuing symptoms the way conventional or Western medicine often does. Some examples of holistic medicine for canines include the use of herbal preparations, massage and physical therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, and acupuncture.
In many instances, holistic medicine is used as a last resort or when conventional treatments alone have failed to work. However, there are many circumstances that will call for both modern and holistic medicine to bring about the most favorable results, such as a broken leg that needs surgery to be repaired along with holistic methods used to decrease healing time.
Although there are several different modalities involved with holistic medical care for dogs, many of them rely partly on modern medicines and treatments. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese form of medicine involving incredibly fine needles, has been used for thousands of years for pain relief and improving overall health and has now made its way into the veterinary world of medicine.
Besides the use of needles, acupuncture may also involve similar techniques like acupressure in which pressure is applied using the fingertips, or even lasers or ultrasound for the treatment of ailments and conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, disorders of the stomach, and to speed up recovery time after surgery. Acupuncture may even take the place of some surgeries and be a natural alternative to pain medication or steroids.
Trigger point therapy is another modality of holistic medical care used to relieve pain in dogs. Trigger points are sore spots in the muscles with restricted blood flow that when irritated cause pain to radiate to other muscles. Through trigger point therapy, which may call for chiropractic care, massage therapy or acupuncture, the trigger points are released to bring about pain relief.
There are a number of herbal remedies used in holistic veterinary medicine and it’s highly recommended to only use herbal medicine that is prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. Although herbal and botanical medicines are natural, they can be rather powerful with some even having toxic effects especially when mixed with other medication or when given to dogs with allergies.
Some herbs used for curing dog ailments include licorice as an anti-inflammatory, passionflower or valerian as a sedative, and black walnut or wormwood in place of conventional de-worming medication.
One of the most important principles behind holistic medicine for dogs involves the proper nutrition. The foundation for a long, vibrant life always begins with the right nutritional balance and it’s essential for dogs to eat healthy without an array of added chemicals, by-products, artificial colors. Whole grains, organically grown vegetables, fish, and whole grain-fed beef, lamb, or chicken are highly recommended to give dogs the energy and vital nutrients they need to thrive.
In addition to dealing with current illnesses and conditions already affecting the body, holistic treatment methods in veterinary medicine are also used to ward off disease and improve the dog’s overall health, and hopefully lengthen life span as well.
There is Always Someone Much Busier Than You Exercising Right Now
We can all make up excuses why we do not need to exercise. Many people view an exercise program as something to be abandoned during stressful or busy times which is a shame as physical activity is the very best remedy for dissipating stress and anxiety.
Most of us tend to make excuses at one time or another for our behavior particularly in regard to exercise. In our busy and stressful modern day lives it is easy to convince ourselves that there is simply not enough time for it and we can get away without it. When we are busy and rushing around we can easily think we are being active but being busy is not a self care exercise program no matter how much you try to justify it.
Most of our excuses center on being too busy. We seem to cram our week full of stuff and not leave time for one of the most important things we can do for our own self care. If we do not take the time for some proper exercise that works our muscular system we cannot have a high quality of life and our health becomes at risk.
The old way of exercising involved hours of low intensity repetitive endurance type activity such as walking or jogging but this was very time consuming. Now-a-days we know more about the human body and how it responds to exercise and the way to get the most results in the shortest time is with strength training exercise. Just two short sessions of around 30-40 minutes each week will give you fantastic results.
No matter what you want to achieve – losing some excess weight, increasing strength and fitness or creating more energy strength training will do it if you put a little effort into the program. It will boost your metabolism and that is why it is so important for weight loss and toning up your body. Muscle tissue is where fuel (calories) are burnt for energy and that is why long slow activities do not give good weight loss or toning results as they do not work the muscles through their ranges of movement under a load.
So, now that you know how easy it is to achieve your fitness and weight loss goals without hours of useless activity you will find it easier not to make excuses and actually do it. Your local gym or fitness center can help you get started, show you how to do the exercises correctly and monitor and update your program.
Although people think it costs time to exercise the opposite occurs when you are stronger and fitter. It creates energy, and the more energy you have the more productive you can be and the more you get done each day. You gain time – as you can do everyday tasks and activities quickly and with a clearer head.
To get strong and fit you will make the time regardless of how busy your schedule is. There is something less important that you do that can be replaced with taking some time out for yourself. After all, participating in a proper exercise program is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family to ensure that you live a high quality, long, disease-free life.
Types of Face Lift Surgery
A rhytidectomy, the technical term for a face lift, is a fairly common cosmetic surgery that it utilized to restore a more youthful appearance. It can encompass any manner of smaller face related surgeries or involve a simple lift. For example, rhinoplasty (nose job) or Blepharoplasty (eye surgery) are not considered face lifts per se, both may be performed in conjunction with a face lift.
Yet and still, you can opt to simply have the face lift without the additional surgeries. It all really depends on the results you wish to obtain post surgery.
This is why an in office consultation is so important prior to considering any type of cosmetic surgery.
What to expect during face lift surgery consultations
Many of the people who wish to undergo a face lift are forty plus and seek the lift due to dissatisfaction with wrinkles and sagging skin. A visit with a board certified, reputable physician will help them assess the areas that are in need of correction and what it will take to remedy the situation.
You can discuss issues like downtime and the costs of surgery as well as financing options during this initial visit.
Face lifts procedures and techniques
As with any cosmetic surgery, a face lift is determined by the incision and the procedures utilized during the surgery. A good example of this is the SMAS (Submuscular Aponeurotic System) Lift. With this type of cosmetic surgery a plastic surgeon arranges the underlying musculature of the face to create a more youthful appearance. Liposuction is often combined with this procedure to get rid of any subcutaneous fat after which excess sagging skin is cut away. This skin is the sutured and sewn together.
Other types of face lifts include:
A neck lift: People hate the jowly or “waddle” neck appearance that can develop as we age. This sagging jaw line can age the face even more than wrinkles do. A basic chin lift may eradicate this problem but cosmetic surgery that concentrates on neck area can really provide a more dramatic, youthful look.
Mini lift: An outpatient procedure, it a mini face lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery that may not produce the results of a full face lift with a small incision by the ear. Also called a weekend face lift, this technique is best for individual between the ages of forty to fifty-years-old with small signs of aging to correct.
Traditional, old fashioned lift
The traditional face lift utilizes a larger incision but produces the most dramatic, overall results. Most people who opt for the full conventional lift are older with more signs of aging to correct. If need be, newer techniques, like SMAS can be combined to recontour the face and make it more youthful. Lipo is often performed in conjunction with this cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic surgery additions and enhancements
Some men and women opt for surgical injections or additional surgeries like rhinoplasty or Blepharoplasty to complete the look they want. Non-invasive remedies like Botox or Restalyne injections can decrease the appearance of wrinkles that may be difficult to remove with skin excision alone.
The costs
On average, rhytidectomy surgery costs about $7,000 dollars but can go as high as $15,000 depending on the procedures and additional enhancements.
The best candidates for face lift, or any type of cosmetic surgery, are those who are psychologically sound and know what to expect. Plastic surgery will not make you look like someone else or appear to be a teenager again. Instead, you look like a more fabulous version of yourself at your current age! Keep this in mind as you hunt to find the best doctor and deal for your cosmetic surgery.
Back Pain Surgery – 5 Types of Spine Surgery For Your Back Pain
Spine surgery is a medical option that doctors usually recommend for treating severe and continuous back pain conditions. This treatment option is often applied as a last resort when all other conservative treatments have been exhausted. Hence, doctors may recommend that the surgery be applied at least between 2 to 6 months after every other treatment options have been exhausted. This article looks at the types of spine surgery that are performed by doctors on patients that have different cases of severe back pain.
1. Discectomy – This is a type of surgery that is targeted at the herniated disc in the vertebrae. The disc is removed through this procedure so that the patients can be relieved of the pains on the nerves.
2. Foramenotomy – This surgical procedure is carried out to remove tissues that are compressing the nerves in the back. If the condition in the back is more than herniated disk then foramenotomy is usually applied. Also, this procedure helps to remove a part of the bone that constricted the nerves in the spinal column.
3. Laminectomy – This procedure is used to treat back pains identified to be caused by spondylolisthesis and stenosis. It can be used to remove bones that are affected in the spine. This option can be carried out with spinal fusion.
4. Spine Fusion – This is a kind of surgery that is done to stop movement between adjacent vertebrae. This is often used in treating unstable spine known as spondylolisthesis.
5. Spinal Disc replacement – Although this procedure is not common, it is applied as a new surgical treatment for back pain. There are specific types of back ache which this procedure is usually carried out on. Moreover, it is used most times in association with spine fusion surgery.
Save Money on Fitness – Do It Yourself Exercise Equipment
You say that you’ll let nothing come between you and your quest for a lean body. But there are really some things that make it impossible to get to the gym. Hurricanes, blizzards, financial constraints and house arrest come to mind.
Still, thanks to good old-fashioned human ingenuity, there’s never a need to miss a workout. Because when you really think about it, the world itself is your gymnasium, and everything you see is a potential training tool. Below are some tips on how you can make the most of your everyday tool as your exercise equipment.
You want to work out but there’s no exercise equipment in sight. At the end of your rope? Good. That’s precisely where you should be. Now, go ahead and jump. For a super aerobic workout that requires no expensive equipment and can be done in a confined space, jumping rope can’t be beat. Basic rope jumping at 130 jumps per minute burns the same number of calories as running 9 to 10 minute miles.
It’s good to buy a real jump rope which is available at most sporting goods stores. But the fact is that you can make a jump rope out of almost any rope. It just has to be relatively thin, like a clothesline and have a slight amount of weight so that it keeps its shape and rotates easily. The great thing about jumping rope is that it can be done almost anytime, anywhere.
Before you take down the clothesline, you might want to grab one of the towels off it. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more versatile piece of training equipment. Think about it. You can stretch with it, strengthen with it, and even wipe your brow when you’re finished. Here are some sample exercises you can do with a towel:
Biceps curl: Hold the middle of the towel in one hand, with your arm straight out, palm up. Bend at the elbow to curl the arm upward while your partner kneels beside you and holds the ends of the towel and pulls downward to provide resistance.
Seated row: Sit on the floor facing your partner, with the soles of your feet touching his. Begin with your arms outstretched, each of you using both hands to hold an opposite end of the towel. Then pull your arms toward your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together, while your partner resists your pulling.
Lower-back exercise: Begin in the same position as the seated row, but instead of bending your arms, lower your back toward the floor while your partner resists. Then your partner lowers his back and pulls you up as you resist.
Hamstring curl: Stand with one hand resting on a desk for balance. Wrap the center of the towel around the back of your ankle. Bend at the knee to lift your heel toward your buttocks while your partner, who kneels beside you, holds the ends of the towel down toward the floor and provides resistance.
Remember, when there is a will, there is a way. Only when you stop giving yourself excuses to skip your workout, then only will you be able to get rid of your love handles and sculpt a lean body.





