Myths VS Facts About Hormone Replacement Therapy

Once women reach the menopausal stage, they begin to notice several changes and will start to experience symptoms such as fatigue, hot flashes, and foggy thinking. There are several ways of managing these symptoms – the most common being hormone replacement therapy (HRT). If you are thinking of trying HRT to relieve menopausal symptoms, you should seek professional help from a board-certified doctor. For those living in and around Louisiana, you should book a consultation with Dr. Patricia Nevils, an expert providing hormone replacement therapy in Lafayette.

While it’s true that information is power, there are times when too much information can be considered ‘dangerous.’ This statement is particularly true concerning medical issues. For instance, menopause has always been a subject of hot debates, especially when it comes to deciding the best options for managing symptoms.

If you look up HRT on the internet, you will notice that there’s a lot of contradicting information. That is why I collected data from health experts so you won’t have to worry if your decision to undergo HRT was a mistake. Keep reading to see some of the myths and facts about HRT.

Myth: HRT is only for women

Fact: This is entirely false. While it is true that HRT is mainly associated with women, men can also benefit from it. Once men reach 30, they start to experience hormonal imbalance. The most common issue is a drop in testosterone levels. This imbalance can cause low libido as well as weight gain. HRT can, therefore, help to restore the testosterone and to relieve the symptoms.

Myth: Bioidentical hormones are synthetically made

Fact: Bioidentical hormones are human-made hormones sourced from animals and plants. They are made to match our bodies’ hormones, hence the name “natural.”

Myth: HRT is illegal

Fact: HRT is FDA-approved, meaning it has been tested and regulated. However, you should note that there is a form of HRT known as compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (cBHRT). Although not illegal, cBHRT is untested. Pharmacists combine different constituents, which creates a potential risk of overdose or contamination.

Myth: Synthetic hormones are more effective than traditional HRT

Fact: Synthetic hormones are part of cBHRT, which does not use natural sources, unlike the FDA-approved HRT. Unfortunately, this myth supporting synthetic hormones has spread primarily due to increasing support of cBHRT by celebrities claiming that it’s highly efficient.

Myth: HRT delays andropause and menopause

Fact: HRT only reduces the symptoms of andropause and menopause. If you suddenly stop taking HRT medication, you will experience symptoms mimicking withdrawal. That is why you must seek a doctor’s advice before quitting HRT.

Myth: HRT is only useful for five years

Fact: There’s no set timeline for taking HRT. Only an expert in integrated medicine can provide advice when you should stop using HRT. This myth is perhaps because there’s little research regarding the side effects of HRT.

Also, each HRT method is different, and everyone reacts differently to this treatment; that’s why there is no one-size-fits-all strategy.

Myth: HRT is for severe symptoms

Fact: Most women have made a mistake of waiting until menopausal symptoms become intolerable before seeking help. You should know that starting HRT early actually minimizes the risk of osteoporosis.

Only an expert can give the right advice and treatment option. Also, you shouldn’t wait for your symptoms to get worse for you to see a doctor. Dr. Nevils of Vibrant Women Health Center recommends going for regular wellness exams for early detection and preventing future complications.

Halo Laser: The Solution to Poor Skin Texture

Your skin will be impacted by aging including enlarged pores, sun damage, discoloration, uneven skin tone, and fine lines. Those defects can also ruin your self-confidence. As you age, life will have an impact on your skin. This can include damage from the sun, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, scars, and discoloration. Rock Hill laser hair removal can help you regain your confidence through Hybrid Fractional Laser (HALO) treatment.

Halo laser treatment uses a combination of ablative and non-ablative lasers in the treatment of damaged skin. This procedure is effective, and you will take a short time to recover after treatment.

Reasons to Choose Halo Laser Therapy

If you wish to have a short downtime and extraordinary results after skin treatment, Halo laser therapy is the way to go. The procedure works by heating your skin’s top layer using non-ablative methods. Ablative methods are then used to remove the outer layers of your skin, which stimulates the production of natural collagen during the healing process. The combination of ablative and non-ablative skin removal techniques enables you to experience the benefits of each where it is best suited. Your dermatologist will customize your treatment plan to suit your cosmetic needs including the number of sessions to be undertaken.

 

How Halo Laser Therapy Works

Your dermatologist will run the Halo handpiece on your face in a rolling motion all through the treatment session. You can easily incorporate the therapy in your daily routine since you are allowed to wear cosmetics the next day after treatment. Laser therapy achieves the right depth of the skin with real precision to help remove deep-seated damage.

Am I a Good Candidate for Halo Laser Skin Treatment?

You may be wondering about how to tell if Halo therapy is right for you. Go for the procedure if:

  • You wish to enhance the appearance of your face and neck’s skin.
  • You want to rejuvenate your skin after it has suffered damage from the sun (dyschromia) and scarring from acne.
  • You want to have a youthful look by fading away fine lines and wrinkles.
  • You want a treatment method that has a low downtime, yet delivers quick results.
  • Your skin has pigmented lesions.

Benefits of HALO Therapy

  • More comfortable compared to the traditional methods of skin restoration
  • Fast healing process. You can use your make-up within 24 hours after treatment
  • No occlusive post-care
  • You can notice a change in your skin texture within weeks
  • The procedure is easy to perform and has low risks

Get in Touch with Us

Do you wish to restore the radiant skin glow you had when you were young? We believe that age is only a number and it is not too late to look young once again. You can learn more about Halo laser by visiting our clinic for a consultation. Book an appointment today and have one of our skin specialists address your concerns to help you make the right choice towards your aesthetic vision.

Reasons to Undergo Teeth Whitening

Many people have gone through Elgin teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is one of the most common procedures in dentistry.

Everyone’s teeth have natural shade, but it does not hurt to brighten it. However, you should not expect teeth whitening to solve all the problems with your teeth.

Teeth whitening will certainly make your smile brighter but there are plenty of other reasons to undergo teeth whitening including:

Discolored Teeth

Getting your teeth whitened is a perfect solution for discolored teeth. Discolored teeth are not only an aesthetic issue, but they may also be a symptom of a deeper underlying issue.

Stains on our teeth can be caused by the consumption of sugar, coffee, or nicotine. It may also be the fault of hard water in your water supply.

Teeth whitening will remove the stains and brighten your teeth. However, it will not fix the underlying oral health concerns.

Special Occasions

Some people get their teeth whitened for special occasions. In most cases, it is just that the upcoming event is an opportunity to get their teeth whitened.

Occasions that happen rarely such as your wedding, big job interview, or championship race may only come around once in a lifetime so getting your teeth whitened is a great idea.

Fixing your teeth will have a massive impact on others during the occasion. Therefore, it is a great way to make a good first impression.

Smoking

Getting your teeth whitened because of smoking is a double-edged sword. You may get your teeth whitened because you want to stop smoking or because you already have and want to keep it that way.

Smoking is a habit that has devastating effects on our tooth color. If you get your teeth whitened, it may encourage you to stop smoking so that you maintain the state of your teeth.

On the other hand, if you are a previous smoker, your teeth are probably significantly discolored. You may decide to whiten your teeth to rectify that.

Better Oral Hygiene

Just because you get your teeth whitened does not mean they will be bright forever. You need to take good care of your teeth after that so that they remain healthy.

Someone who gets their teeth whitened will probably take better care of their teeth than someone with discolored teeth. They will want the rest of their mouth to match their teeth.

Therefore, teeth whitening is a useful aid for better oral hygiene. The better your oral hygiene, the longer your teeth remain white.

More Confidence and Self Esteem

A person’s smile and the response they get from it is one of the most enduring sources of confidence known to man. The effects of a smile reach a wide range of our life aspects from our relationships to our jobs.

Therefore, to brighten your teeth for a brighter smile is one of the best things you can do for your self-esteem and confidence. Having confidence in your appearance will spread to everything else you do.

On the other hand, discolored teeth cause embarrassment and lowers self-esteem. More confidence is one of the main reasons for teeth whitening.

Risks of Using Dermal Fillers

The number of doing it yourself New York fillers has increased in the past few years. It is one of the most common anti-aging solutions.

A dermal filler is a substance that is injected into your skin and used to restore your skin. They are injected into the substrate level of the skin making it look healthier.

Dermal fillers have been used for a long time with incredible success rates. However, there are still risks associated with using fillers including:

Allergic Reactions

Some people do not react well to dermal filler materials as they have an allergic reaction with their bodies. When this happens, it will work to achieve the opposite outcome of the procedure.

Therefore, when you are at a cosmetologist or plastic surgeon’s office, you should be completely honest when they ask you which drugs you are allergic to. Otherwise, you may never want to look at your face again.

People are not allergic to all filler materials. They may be allergic to one chemical but be congruent with another. The doctor should test this before the procedure.

Asymmetry

Another chance you take when you use dermal fillers is that your face may end up being asymmetrical. It is very difficult to work injecting dermal fillers, so mistakes are bound to occur from time to time.

It has been scientifically confirmed that people with more symmetrical faces are considered to be more attractive. That means that the more asymmetrical your face, the more unattractive you appear.

Most of us have varying levels of asymmetry in our faces. Therefore, before injecting fillers into your skin, you should think long and hard.

Infection

Anytime you make even the smallest of incisions on the skin, you increase the chance of infection. The infection of the filler injection site is a real possibility.

Multiple injections will be made when injecting dermal fillers into your skin. You need to accurately follow instructions to avoid the infection of the injection sites.

Infection is usually caused by bacteria affecting the area due to improper care. Sometimes, it can be caused by an adverse reaction to the filler at the injection point.

Skin Damage

When the reaction to the filler is extremely adverse, it may result in wounding and possible scarring of the skin. Damaging your skin when trying to restore it is ironic but it is a risk you may have to take.

The scars you get from an adverse reaction with a filler is very difficult to eradicate. The wounds are also very painful and may take a long time to heal.

Whenever you see a wound developing after receiving a filler, you should immediately visit your doctor.

Skin Necrosis

Skin necrosis refers to the ulceration or loss of skin due to the disruption of blood flow. It is one of the more serious side effects of using dermal fillers.

The chemicals contained in a filler may serve the purpose of damaging blood vessels in the skin. When that happens, your skin does not receive enough blood which contains all the nutrients the skin needs.

When your skin does not receive the nutrients it needs, it slowly begins to die and will begin to fall off. The result does not look good.

Treatment Options for Heart Care

You will have over 2.5 billion heartbeats in your lifetime. This is why Prime Heart and Vascular believe that you deserve to have your heart taken care of by experienced professionals without fail to lead a healthy life. Whether you have experienced a cardiac emergency, have been diagnosed with a cardiovascular problem, or are in the journey to recovery after treatment, our team of professionals led by DR. Rishin Shah provides comprehensive care tailored to suit your patient-care needs.

Our experience has taught us that there will always be a difference between two people’s conditions, no matter how much they look similar. Our treatment plans are personalized to meet your unique situation and requirements. We provide our patients with the most advanced care based on cutting-edge technology and our combined experience.

Our Services and Procedures Offered

  • Cardiac testing
  • Angioplasty
  • Adult congenital heart disease
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Cardiothoracic surgery
  • Cardiac imaging
  • Electrophysiology
  • Cardio-oncology
  • Heart failure
  • Pulmonary vascular disease
  • Heart attack care
  • Vascular disease
  • Structural heart and valve disease
  • Wellness and protection

Benefits of Interventional Cardiology

Intervention cardiology has high success rates and provides patients with the following benefits:

 Less pain and scarring: In interventional cardiology, a catheter is inserted in the heart through a small incision, which has less pain and scarring than open-heart surgery. The procedure can last for 30 minutes.

Reduced risk of a heart attack: If you suffer from chest pains and shortness of breath, interventional cardiology can help relieve such symptoms. Besides, the procedure can be used to restore the flow of blood and open arteries, thus reducing your chances of suffering from a heart attack.

Ideal for young heart patients: Valvuloplasty is an interventional cardiology procedure that is highly effective for treating infants and children who have heart problems.

Less expensive: Interventional cardiology costs less compared to other heart surgery procedures.

Difference Between Interventional Cardiology and Vascular Surgery

It is vital to know what distinguishes cardiac catheterization from vascular surgery since this can help you to know about the merits and risks associated with each of these procedures. Intervention cardiology can treat several heart diseases while UPMC vascular surgery helps correct defects that affect the veins, arteries, and aorta. Let us now look at the distinct differences between the two procedures:

Nature and scope: In interventional cardiology, heart procedures are conducted using real-time imaging. The method has fewer demands and helps provide immediate action that is required when responding to life-threatening emergencies.

Pain barrier: There is less pain and invasion when using interventional cardiology compared to when vascular surgery procedure is used.

Hospital stays: You do not need to be sedated during heart treatment using intervention cardiology. You do not need to spend time in the hospital after treatment using intervention cardiology.

Whether you suffer from varicose veins, deep thrombosis, or require treatment for serious heart disease, you can count on Prime Heart and Vascular to provide you with high-quality care. Our cardiologists will be with you at every moment from diagnosis, treatment, to recovery.

Herniated Disc: What Are the Symptoms and Causes?

All bones forming the spine are held together by discs. The discs are like small pillows, round with tough outer layers surrounding the nucleus. Herniated disc in Houston clarifies that the discs are located in the spinal column of each vertebra and act as a shock absorber for your spinal bones.

A herniated disc is that disc fragment pushed into the spinal canal through a rupture or tear in the annulus. Discs that get herniated are those in their early stages of degeneration.

The spinal canal has a small space that is inadequate for displaced, herniated disc fragments, and spinal nerves. The displacement makes the discs press against spinal nerves, causing you pain which can be severe in most cases.

Herniated discs can happen in any part of your spine, but it’s more common in the lower back or the lumbar spine area. It also occurs in the cervical spine (neck). You experience pain depending on the affected part of your spine.

What Are the Causes of Herniated Discs?

Usually, if you suffer an injury or excessive strain on your spinal region. Disc materials can also degenerate naturally as you get older, weakening the ligaments holding the discs in place. With the progression of the degeneration, even a minor twist or spraining movement can make the disc rupture.

Certain people are more vulnerable to herniated disc problems and can suffer this condition in several places along their spine. Research shows that predisposition for this condition exists in families where there are previously affected members.

What Are the Symptoms of Herniated Discs?

Symptoms usually vary depending on the part of your spine that is affected and the size of that herniation.

  • If the disc is pressed on your spinal nerves, then you may be having a low backache or even experience no pain at all. There can also be pain, weakness, or numbness in the area of the body where the nerves travel. In most cases, herniated discs come with low back pain.
  • You can experience low back pain on the left or right side of the affected area. The pain is like a sharp electric shock and is severe when sitting, walking, or standing. The pain worsens when you straighten your leg.
  • You can experience cervical (neck) pain because of nerve compression. This includes a sharp pain in your neck or between your shoulder blades. The pain radiates down your arm going to your hand or your fingers. You can also experience tingling or numbness in your arm or shoulder. This pain increases when you make certain neck movements or positions.

When to Seek Treatment

The majority of herniated disc issues don’t need surgery. With time, these symptoms improve for 9/10 people. However, it can take a few days or weeks to see that improvement.

Consult your doctor for testing and proper diagnosis. This ensures that you get the right treatment in time. Book an appointment with a spine specialist like a neurosurgeon if your symptoms persist for more than four weeks.

Conclusion

When you notice these symptoms, seek urgent evaluation and radiographic imaging to determine the nature of your herniated disc problems. This ensures you get the proper treatment and medication. Book an appointment for an exam with a spine specialist.

Top 5 Weight Control Strategies You Can Apply

The rate of weight loss depends on your body’s metabolism and other factors such as physical activities and body composition, which are all unique to everyone. Based on the concept of ‘calories in, calories out,’ you should consume less than you burn. This technique is a pillar step towards losing weight.

Ashburn weight-loss counseling won’t recommend losing water weight on low-carb diets. In most cases, you regain your weight immediately after you are back to the regular carb diets. This eating habit is incredibly dispiriting if you are looking forward to long-lasting results.

Many people get challenged while losing their weight and give up because they lack a strategy on how to cut off their extra weight. The following are five strategies you can employ on a journey to control your weight.

1.     Tracking Your Diet and Exercise

If you want to lose weight, you should pay attention to every beverage or meal you take. You can achieve these by logging everything you consume either in a journal or online food tracker. Research has proved that there is a correlation between weight loss and consistent monitoring of food intake and exercise.

2.     Eating Mindfully

A good number of people take their meals on the run. Due to this, they are barely aware of the meal they are taking. The mindfully eating technique includes being aware of how and where you eat your food. This practice will not only enable you to enjoy the meal but also maintain a healthy weight.

While taking your meal, ensure you are sitting, preferably at a table. To avoid distractions, keep away from phones, laptops, and television. While choosing food, go for one with plenty of nutrients that will satisfy you for hours.

3.     Balancing Gut Bacteria

Human beings have a vast number and variety of microorganisms in their gut. Some of the organism increases the rate of energy harvesting from food, leading to increased fat deposits and weight gain.

To counteract the fat deposits, you will need to consume food rich in a wide variety of plants. Increasing fiber intake in the body will help diverse the set of gut bacteria. You should ensure your meal contains 75% of vegetables and other fiber-based food. Prebiotic and fermented food also stimulates the growth and activities of good bacteria that aids weight loss.

4.     Getting Inadequate Sleep

Research suggests that having less than 5-6 hours of sleep per night increases your chances of being obese. Insufficient sleep will slow down the metabolic rate. When the rate at which your body converts calories to energy is less effective, your body stores the unused energy as fat.

Inadequate sleep leads to stimulation of the production of cortisol and insulin, which the body stores as fat under the skin. The amount of sleep you attain affects the regulation of the hormones leptin and ghrelin. Signal transmission from the stomach to the brain involves the hormone leptin.

5.     Managing Stress Levels

Stress triggers the production of the hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which are part of the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. With constant pressure, cortisol can remain in your bloodstream which increases your appetite. Cortisol will replenish your body’s nutrient storage with carbohydrates. Insulin will transport sugar from the blood to muscles, or stored as fat if not utilized. You can try stress management methods such as yoga, breathing and relaxation, and spending time outdoors.

Final Thoughts

The rate at which one loses weight varies from one individual to another. Although weight loss is a challenging procedure for many, there are strategies to give hope as well. On your weight loss journey, ensure you keep track of your diet and exercise routine. Always be mindful of any drink of meal you consume. Ensuring you get adequate sleep and having a stress management mechanism plays a significant role in weight control.

Why You Need to Try Online Video Therapy

Are time and booking concerns keeping you from addressing your mental and emotional needs? You ought not to worry anymore. Thriving Mind Psychology understands your busy schedule and other worries and is leading in providing the best online video therapy in New York. Thriving Mind Psychology is staffed with competent psychologists. The team prides in providing unparalleled treatment at the comfort of your home or office using internet-based video conferencing software.

What is Online Video Therapy?

You don’t have to pay a visit. The expert team in Thriving Mind Psychology can offer you high-quality treatment at the convenience of your house, office, or any location of your choosing. If you subscribe to this service, your therapist may provide you similar therapies to the ones available in-clinic.

Benefits of Online Video Therapy

With online video therapy, you get access to many benefits. Some patients choose online video therapy since they find it easier to open up about their feelings. This feature also lets you enjoy other benefits such as eliminating travel time, parking problems, and other issues associated with in-office appointments.

Is Online Video Therapy as Effective as In-person Therapy?

Studies reveal that online therapy, just as in-person therapy, is equally useful for specific treatments, for instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy. Also, according to research, a wide range of mental health conditions can be successfully treated with online video therapy.

Conditions Addressed with Online Video Therapy

The competent therapists at Thriving Mind Psychology are experienced in using online video therapy to address a variety of mental issues such as:

  • Trauma
  • Stress issues
  • Matters of depression
  • Anxiety problems
  • Relationship problems
  • Eating disorders.
  • Life coaching sessions

Requirements for an Online Video Therapy Appointment

To commence online therapy sessions, you will need a computer that has a high-speed internet connection, a microphone, and a camera. You will also require a quiet private room during the appointment. Before your first session, you might be required to download special video conferencing software. Your medic will give you the information you need to get started after your first consultation.

Should I Visit the Office or Can All My Therapy Happen Online?

The qualified practitioners at Thriving Mind Psychology recommend a face to face meeting with your therapist for the initial consultation. They might then recommend in-person appointments, depending on your needs. However, in-clinic sessions may not be applicable due to distance or other individual factors.

Services Offered

At Thriving Mind Psychology, you get access to a variety of services including:

  • Anger Management Specialist-this treatment assists you in identifying stressors in your life and provides recommendations on how to avoid them.
  • Couples Therapy Specialist-the psychologists provide compassionate couples therapy sessions to help bring your relationship back in form.
  • Fear of Flying Specialist-the specialists offer evidence-based treatment for flying phobia. This treatment lets you travel by air with ease.
  • Life Coach Specialist-if you are uncertain about your next course of action in life, the medics provide life coaching services to help you see things more clearly. Other services include ADHD specialists, group therapy, panic disorders, and many more.

Booking a therapy session should not stress you any longer. Thriving Mind Psychology is leading in exemplary service. Call their offices today to find out if online video therapy is ideal for you.