Category: Health Problems

CoolSculpting has become a lucrative profession, to say the reason. There are various reasons and purposes for which people decide to avail of this service. The first thing is to know what CoolSculpting is. This is nothing but an effective body-contouring procedure. 

If some individual is looking forward to losing excessive weight or fat, then CoolSculpting is the best option to go for. This technique is likely to work as the perfect catalyst to push the individual in the right direction. 

If you are interested in working as a professional CoolSculpting provider, you must first consider various considerations. Apart from knowing this technique in and out, you need to study this field properly. It would also be essential to go through several useful and effective coolsculpting reviews. In this regard, some of the ultimate tips are described below that you are supposed to follow to become a CoolSculpting provider.

Validate your business idea

You need to be interested and eager to make CoolSculpting as your business plan. This is why it is essential to validate the business idea in the best way possible. You have the option to talk to the other businessmen that are dealing with CoolSculpting. This is the first step towards starting as a CoolSculpting professional.

Set up your business

On the other hand, you have properly set-up your business first to start your business. In this regard, you need to know various aspects regarding this business and professional first. Once you manage to set-up the business structure, you are halfway about becoming a CoolSculpting service provider. You must try to know as many things about this profession as possible. It would also be better for you to know about coolsculpting reviews.

Utilize useful business ideas

To grow your business, you have to launch and utilize plenty of useful business ideas out there. This is how you can manage to do something in the field of CoolSculpting in the best way possible. You can talk with other CoolSculpting business professionals to have different creative and innovative ideas. It will then really be effective and useful for you to say the least.

Have proper marketing strategies

Without proper marketing strategies, no business can shine and grow. Hence, you are supposed to determine the most suitable marketing strategies to grow CoolSculpting business to its highest extent. You can develop your ideas and visions to do great things in this field. Once you can utilize some good market strategies, you will not have to look back again. 

Research and research

Last but not least, you are extremely required to do your research about various aspects of CoolSculpting. It would be best if you made it a habit of exploring all the things about this profession. There are several useful techniques and procedures that you need to know while working in this line of work. The more you manage to explore, the better it will be for you. Therefore, you are required to do a lot of online and offline research about this profession.

Ever seen red and blue spider web-like things on your legs and wondered what they are? What do they do other than spoil the beauty of your legs? Most of us wouldn’t even worry about them had they not been so “visible” and “ugly”. But are they worrisome?

There are basically two names depending on the look and feel of those red and blue lines. There are varicose veins that are bulging and more twisted to the extent that you can see them and quickly feel them under your skin. A smaller version of the varicose veins is what we know as spider veins. Spider veins appear in a webbed pattern and consist of both red and blue lines. The main difference between the two other than the physical look and feel is that varicose veins can cause more severe problems in the future. 

About 30% of the world population tends to suffer from varicose veins, and most of the time, they can be just cosmetic issues, like in the case of spider veins. So how do you know whether the varicose veins that you suffer from are severe or not? The first and primary sign to keep in mind is whether your varicose veins are painful. If they are painful, then they should be looked into immediately. 

How do varicose veins get formed?

To understand what are the hidden dangers of varicose veins, it is firstly important to understand what causes the formation of varicose veins. They are an indication of a problem in the circulatory system. Two reasons lead to the appearance of varicose veins. 

1. The veins in our body have one-way valves to prevent the backflow of the blood. When these valves become leaky and blood pools in the veins, they result in varicose veins. 
2. The other reason is that sometimes the vein walls are weakened over a while and cannot handle the pressure of the increased amount of blood flow. 

These further result in the enlargement and the twisting of veins, which happens to the extent that it grows into varicose veins. 

Dangers of Varicose veins

If left untreated, you can get serious health conditions because of varicose veins primarily related to the circulatory system. Some of the conditions have been discussed below.

• Deep Vein Thrombosis – 

If blood clots are being formed in the varicose veins, there is a probability that blood clots will develop in the deeper veins. This leads to a condition called deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis is a severe medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. It can lead to warm, swollen, red, and painful legs. 

The most crucial risk is that if the blood clot breaks and travels to the heart or the lungs, it can cause a blockage in a major artery which can even result in death. This condition is known as pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism can be identified by chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough, which brings pinkish fluid. 

• Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Another condition that can arise due to varicose veins is known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is when the blood pools in the legs and makes it difficult for the blood circulation to move from the legs to the heart. This restriction in circulation can lead to the accumulation of fluid and the condition known as edema.  

People suffering from CVI or edema are known to experience cramps and pains, and weakness in the legs. With time, it can affect your mobility and further cause a reduction in the quality of life. 

• Phlebitis or Thrombophlebitis

Due to varicose veins, the veins get inflamed, and you will often find people complaining about the area hardening or getting painful to touch. This condition can occur both in the veins on the surface and even deeper veins, resulting in a condition known as Phlebitis or Thrombophlebitis, when it is on the deeper veins. 

Phlebitis or Thrombophlebitis can further lead to narrowing of the arteries and further increase the chances of blood clots. 

Other than these, there are various skin conditions, like swelling, skin ulcers, and skin infections, which are found to occur due to varicose veins.

Conclusion

There are various reasons and factors for the development of varicose veins. In the earlier stages, like spider veins, this might not seem so severe. However, if a change of lifestyle is not adopted, there is a chance that it might develop into something much more powerful. The treatment of varicose veins is not wholly possible; however, some medicines, like laser treatment, can help to an extent. 

Like it always said, precaution is better than cure. Hence it’s better to take specific steps for the prevention of varicose veins, like 

1. Have some exercise regime 
2. Manage your weight 
3. Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods. 
4. Reduce salt intake
5. Avoid wearing high heels or tight-fitting clothes. 
6. Elevate your legs above heart level.

However, if you find your condition getting worse, ensure that you consult a doctor. 

Pain behind the knee is not a normal symptom and its occurrence may indicate important things that should be evaluated by the traumatologist. Some situations that can cause this pain are the presence of a Baker’s cyst, varicose veins or osteoarthritis; tendinitis of the hamstring muscles, or a meniscus injury.

The diagnosis should be made by the physician after physical evaluation and the indication of some imaging tests, such as an MRI or ultrasound of the knee, for example. Treatment may involve the intake of anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain and physiotherapy sessions. 

Pain behind the knee: 5 main causes and what to do. The most common causes of pain behind the knee are:

1. Baker’s cyst

Baker’s cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is a type of cyst with synovial fluid inside located in the back of the knee and is usually related to other diseases such as arthritis, meniscus injury, or cartilage wear, so it does not need treatment, disappearing when the causative disease is controlled. Most commonly it is located between the medial gastrocnemius and the semimembranosus tendon. Symptoms include pain behind the knee, as well as some limitation when bending the knee and localized swelling, which forms a sore and mobile “bump” that can be felt.

What to do: Not all cases need treatment, but in case the individual presents symptoms, the doctor could indicate several sessions of physical therapy to alleviate the symptoms. Also, in case of severe pain, aspiration of the fluid containing the cyst may be indicated.

2. Tendinitis or hamstring bursitis

Pain behind the knee can also be caused by tendonitis located in the hamstring tendons, which are located in the posterior region of the thigh. This region is more prone to injury in people who are athletes and who practice intense physical activity such as running, soccer, or cycling. The main symptom that arises is pain at the level of the tendon at the back of the knee, on the side, or in the center. 

What to do: Stretching exercises should be performed on these muscles and a cold compress should be applied to the region for 20 minutes after stretching, relieving pain and discomfort. It is also recommended to avoid heavy exertion and intense physical activity, such as running. Physiotherapy can also help to reduce pain and discomfort, as well as to normalize daily activities. 

3. Varicose veins 

When the person presents varicose veins in the legs and in the area behind the knee, these can leave the area more painful, mainly when there is a greater accumulation of blood in this area. Telangiectasias or spider veins can cause pain or a feeling of heavy legs at the end of the day. Varicose veins are easily identified with the naked eye, however, in more serious cases the doctor may request tests for a more thorough evaluation, and may even indicate surgery to remove them. 

What to do: You should go to the doctor for an evaluation, which usually indicates the use of compression stockings, as well as the use of medications that help improve circulation such as Daflon, for example. 

You should also avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time, and should stand up and walk every so often. There are also some treatments such as sclerotherapy or surgical treatments to remove varicose veins from the legs, which are indicated by the doctor, if necessary.

4. Arthrosis

Osteoarthritis in the knee can also cause pain in the knee when the worn areas of the joint are located in the most posterior area. It is more common in people over the age of 50 and may be associated with other conditions, such as excess weight or weakness in the thigh muscles.

What to do: The doctor may prescribe some stretching exercises for the legs, which can be done at home or with a skilled physical therapist , allowing pain relief and strengthening of the knee. In addition to this, he/she may prescribe the intake of anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, and food supplements to help restore the joint. In more severe cases, surgery may be indicated.

5. Meniscus injury

The meniscus is cartilage found in the middle of the knee between the femur and tibia bones. The symptoms that usually arise are a pain in the knee when walking, going up and downstairs, and, depending on the area of the injury, the pain may be in the front, back or sides of the knee. 

What to do: If a meniscus injury is suspected, an orthopedist should be consulted for evaluation. A knee pain doctor in NJ can perform some tests which trigger pain and confirm the diagnosis, however the best test to observe the meniscus is through an MRI. Treatment may be with physical therapy or, in more severe cases surgery, in which the surgeon may suture or cut the affected part of the meniscus.

Medications for pain behind the knee

Tablet medications should not be taken without medical guidance. The clinician may recommend taking anti-inflammatory medications for 7-10 days to decrease pain. Corticosteroid infiltration may be an option in more severe cases, mainly when there is no relief of symptoms with the use of medications and physical therapy. Some anti-inflammatory creams and gels that the doctor usually indicates are diclofenac diethylammonium, arnica, or methyl salicylate, which can be acquired in pharmacies and drugstores. 

However, it is not enough to take medication or use ointments, it is important to treat the cause of the knee pain. If it does not disappear after 1 week or if it is a very intense pain that prevents you from performing your daily activities, you should consult a doctor or physiotherapist.

The image of a homeless alcohol addict, sleeping under a pile of newspapers, on a park bench at night is for many fact of life. Secure places for homeless alcohol addicts to sleep at night are limited. The reality is that some who are addicted to alcohol do not want the confines of safe shelter. They make a choice to sleep out in the street. There are people homeless due to alcohol addiction in every city.

Whereas most drug addicts don’t see middle age, alcohol addicts who are homeless can be in late middle to early old age. Homeless alcoholics include both men and women who have chosen the bottle as a way of life. Some advanced alcoholics drink methylated spirits. Young adults and teenagers, including children as young as 10, who have become homeless often use alcohol and may have alcohol dependence because alcohol is cheap, can be legally obtained and it is a comfort to them.

There are many reasons why adult alcohol addicts become homeless. Most have previously been able to accommodate and support themselves, some have even been quite prosperous, owning their own homes and businesses, or employed in executive jobs.

Alcoholism is not a disease, it is simply caused by stress. There is said to be a relationship between alcohol addiction and a diagnosis of mental illness, and certainly if not pre existent, prolonged alcohol abuse will cause both physical and mental ill health.

The problem of homeless alcoholics highlights the fact that our world is structured such that no one has an entitlement to safe shelter and to a roof over their head. In our world, to have safe shelter you have to go out and earn it. Unless you win lottery, or seek charity, or find yourself rounded up into the custody of the system, there is simply no place in this world where, without money, you can lawfully be. This makes for temporary hang outs and an itinerant life style for the people of the streets.

Part of the problem for the homeless addicted is that they lack a sense of purpose and self-identity. Their only continuing connection with mainstream society might be a social security linked bank account. With no job and no social security, then for all intents and purposes, the homeless addict is simply invisible to the system. The homeless alcoholic depends on his wits and upon charity.

Due to alcohol abuse being a passive defense to the experience of emotional pain, alcoholics are not, like addicts high on speed, regarded as a public threat, more of a public nuisance. Alcoholics function in the depressive range – with little hope or expectation for the future and low regard for self. For some, a need to accept charity perhaps for the first time can be an added blow to self esteem.

Government housing assists many in poverty but it goes with the assumption that people will still pay a rental which is within their means. Providing homes for the homeless would require a bottomless purse. Not only do they lack both money and possessions, they are destitute in spirit.

The solution to homeless addiction lies in raising self esteem and optimism for the future. Holistic counseling methods can bring relief from a depressive outlook and provide help with issues of self esteem. Often the ladder back into society can look too hard to climb. Holistic therapy, including 100% drug free detox methods for alcohol addiction can provide a helping hand.

Alcohol drug abuse treatment deals with a variety of personality disorders in the compulsive range. When a person engages in compulsive behavior it is reasonably certain that the issues behind it are very deeply entrenched, such that no alternatives give the same degree of relief and satisfaction.

The medical fraternity considers alcohol and drug abuse to be a disease, or mental illness and so alcohol drug abuse treatment consists primarily of medications, sometimes but not always with associated therapy. What therapy there is, is often limited, a person after medical alcohol drug abuse treatment will often find himself out there on his own.

Sometimes government funded alcohol drug abuse treatment will involve attendance at funded self-help groups. Many complain after years, that although their condition is stabilized, they don’t feel they have really moved on. There is no alcohol drug abuse treatment that professes to have found a cure. The medical profession claims the reasons to be genetic and say that they are still looking for the genes, or that causes are unknown and are happy to leave it there. It is against the law for any non-medical health practitioner to claim to have found a cure for any type of health problem or addiction.

Alcohol drug abuse treatment has been around for years, the best for alcohol is the 12 step plan, teaching abstinence and methods to cope with the continued craving. Drug abuse is treated mainly with long term, less damaging chemical alternatives, in all cases people are called recovering or in recovery – never in medical terms do you hear of anyone who has recovered from the “disease” of addiction as they call it.

There are many who consider that alcohol drug abuse treatment should be directed towards people’s emotional side, and that possible cures, and healing can occur with holistic methods. Many agree that such alcohol drug abuse treatment should be somehow “dynamic”, re-creating and creating positive change. Not many have more than a theory as to how this can be achieved.

The idea that merely talking about your feelings, to someone who understands what you are talking about, and who can provide guidance, support and interpretation as a means of alcohol drug abuse treatment is too simple it seems to deserve any funding and lacks a clear evidence base. Millions of dollars is poured into the medical system, the evidence being overwhelming that their alcohol drug abuse treatment at best supports the afflicted, it’s nowhere near to a cure. Alcohol drug abuse still continues to rise.

What is clearly needed is a level playing field, with all types of alternative practices funded, on a trial basis, giving them a chance to prove their worth. Surely the current failure of standard alcohol drug abuse treatment to fully alleviate suffering should encourage a search for new and better methods, if only on humanitarian grounds. Currently medicine is very much re-inventing the wheel as it investigates, as possible cures, plants and herbal medicine, the holistic methods of old. It may well be found at the end of the day, that it is not new methodology we seek for alcohol drug abuse treatment but a return to community and personal relationship that we seem to have lost along the way.

Diabetes has become a prevalent disease in our society today. According to the American Diabetes Association, 8.3% of the population has been diagnosed with this disease. Diabetes does not limit itself to race, class or gender; affecting celebrities like Halle Berry, Bret Michaels, Nick Jonas, Paula Deen, Salma Hayek and Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler.

As podiatrists we see the impact that diabetes can have on a person’s mobility. Many serious foot complications and other medical complications can be reduced or eliminated with control of blood glucose (sugar) levels. This control of blood glucose is not easy to accomplish as evidenced by the explosion of numbers of people with type 2 diabetes in this country and in the world. Type 2 Diabetes has become a major public health concern in the United States, as 26 million people in this country alone have type 2 diabetes. A large number of these cases are caused by or worsened by obesity.

Weight loss has been shown in research studies to reduce blood sugar levels and reduce need for medication and insulin for control. Weight loss is usually difficult to attain, especially for those significantly overweight, who have difficulty exercising. Two recent studies have garnered new hope for those with diabetes caused by obesity. These studies examined the surgical treatment of obesity and it’s relationship to diabetes. The studies followed patients who underwent gastric bypass weight loss surgery. This type of surgery reduces the size of the stomach and redirects some of the intestine to cause weight loss. These studies showed that, not only did patients lose weight and keep it off, but their diabetes significantly improved! These studies showed over 80% of patients no longer need to take medication to control their diabetes.

Weight loss surgery has been shown to significantly improve other obesity related health problems as well, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and sleep apnea to name a few. Current NIH standards still only recommend weight loss surgery for those significantly overweight that have failed other approaches at weight loss. Recent advances in surgical techniques have made the procedure safer, with complication rates lower than other common abdominal surgery, such as gall bladder removal. Hopefully, the increased safety and the demonstrated effectiveness in managing disease will widen the NIH recommendations to give people better access to this life saving treatment.

Should you or a loved one need a recommendation for a weight loss surgeon, we can help you! Through our affiliation with Gramercy Surgery Center, we can refer you to some of the best Bariatric surgeons in New York. Give the office a call or mention it on your next visit to Midtown Podiatry , with locations in Midtown, Gramercy Park, Union Square, Wall Street or Glen Cove .

A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that half of all physicians exhibit at least 1 sign of burnout. Measures of burnout include high levels of emotional exhaustion, high levels of depersonalization and low sense of personal accomplishment. Physicians also have higher levels of burnout than other American workers according to the study. Physicians on the front lines of medicine, such as family medicine, emergency medicine and general internal medicine seem to be especially prone to burnout. Specialists seem to have less symptoms of burn out. What is driving this trend?

The authors of this study think that loss of autonym and loss of meaning in what physicians do are major factors. These factors and others are influenced largely by the current healthcare environment and all the tasks that a physician must perform throughout the day. It all affects the doctor-patient relationship. Patients notice this as well, with many expressing dissatisfaction with their doctor visits. Perhaps it is all the other tasks physicians have to perform before, during and after a patient visit that are affecting this. Charting the visit, following up test results, contacting other providers, calling insurance companies are just some of the tasks a physician must do related to a visit.

The face to face time with the doctor and patient is what suffers. This face to face time helping people is what drew most of us to medicine in the first place. The direction that medicine is heading is sure to increase this non-patient work that needs to be done. All physicians should make a concerted effort to improve the face to face time we have with patients, for theirs and our sakes. Also, keeping a healthy work-life balance is essential to decreasing burnout symptoms. A healthy body, mind and spirit are all fortifications against burnout. We as physicians are privileged to be able to look after the needs of our patients. Patients should as well be thankful there are physicians to take care of them. So, next time you are in to see your doctor, remember that he has a lot to do outside of your visit to give you the best care possible. Thank him or her for being there for you. Help them keep their purpose alive, so we can keep the best and brightest in medicine.

Make an appointment today to see the doctors of Midtown Podiatry, who strive daily to increase relationships with all of our patients.