Hip Joint Pain Relief

With regards to relieving hip pain, there are numerous different treatment options. Success varies not just by every person's hip, but additionally by what is causing your hip pain. Care for arthritis pain, for instance, frequently involves a combination of treatments. Be sure to consult your physician to go over the best treatment plan for you. Medicine Many drugs, both prescription and over the counter medicines, are used to treat arthritis and management pain. Common medicines are aspirin free malady relievers, anti inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, illness modifiers, and sleep medicines. It might lessen pain, increase motion, reduce tiredness, and help you feel and look better.

When done correctly, it'll not Wear out joints or increase osteoarthritis. Cold packs/baths help reduce inflammation and swelling, and may be useful for flare ups. Heat assists in calming muscles and increasing circulation. Your hip carries the full load of the weight. Occupational therapists can be introduced to all kinds of valuable devices, like those applied to raise chair or toilet seat height. Shoe inserts called orthotics were created to support, align, and improve the function of the base. Bracing several types of hip braces might enable reduce hip malady and improve stability and flexibility. Avoidance Specific tasks to prevent include: excessive stair climbing, impact loading sports like jogging, down-hill skiing, and high impact exercise, regular activities regarding rapid stop start movement, wriggling, or impact stresses, excessive bending and kneeling, lifting or pushing heavy objects, and sitting on low seats surfaces and chairs. When deterrence is not possible, try switching periods of exercise with periods of rest, thus your joints do not tire from the stress of recurrent tasks.

Physical Medicine

PM&R, also known as physiatry, is a branch of medicine devoted to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of neurologic, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary and other disorders that may produce temporary or permanent impairment and associated functional disability. PM&R provides care for a broad spectrum of disorders including multiple trauma, brain injury, spinal cord disorders and injuries and stroke. PM&R also focuses on restoring function to people with problems ranging from physical mobility limitations to those with complex cognitive impairments. PM&R physicians may have specialty or fellowship training to treat children, as well as adults. Musculoskeletal injuries and severe and persistent pain syndromes, that contains the identification and treatment of sports and work accidents, back and neck pain illnesses and degenerative illnesses like arthritis.

 Electrodiagnostic medicine, that calls for special learning electromyography and nerve conduction studies and it is used for assessing various neurological disorders. Rehabilitation for serious disabilities and functional limitations, including developmental illnesses, multiple injury, spinal cord injuries, traumatic and acquired head injuries, cancer, stroke, amputations, multiple sclerosis along with other neurological disorders. What kind of education is needed becoming a physiatrist? A physiatrist completes 4 years of graduate medical education, an one year intern and a minimum of 3 additional years of postdoctoral residency training. Many physiatrists complete fellowship trained in a particular area of the specialization, like pediatric rehabilitation, geriatrics, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, traumatic head injury, spinal cord injury, sports medicine or pain management.

To become board certified in PM&R, physiatrists take both a written and oral examination administered by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The ABPM&R has agreements with the boards of pediatric rehabilitation, internal medicine and neurology for special training programs leading to certification in those specialties. Physiatrists practice in rehab centers, hospitals and in private offices. Some physiatrists focus their practice on a specialty area like pediatric rehab, geriatrics, sports medicine or brain injury. Physiatrists provide a wide array of treatments, but they don't perform operation except for small wound debridement. They prescribe drugs, prosthetic devices, orthoses and assistive devices.

Family Practice Doctor

Family practice physicians concentrate on meeting the needs of the family. Your family physician is exclusively trained to care for the whole man through her or his life, from birth to senior years. Family doctors usually receive training beyond general practice in the areas of pediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and geriatrics. General practice doctors also see patients of all ages, but don't typically specialize in a certain area. General practice physicians use their abilities and expertise to treat health conditions and determine areas that need extended care from the professional. The general practitioner sees individuals of all ages, and functions as an individual principal care provider and access point to professionals and specialized testing.

The general practice doctor supplies well visits for kids and adults, sick visits for the therapy of severe illnesses, and introductory care for ailments like high blood pressure level and high cholesterol levels. Family practice doctors also see patients of all ages, but since they specialize, patients might receive more of their healthcare in this one location rather than being referred to professionals. Since family practice physicians work with individuals all through their life time, the main focus is on preventive medicine. Family doctors work with families to advertise their complete physical and mental well being.

In addition they provide instruction for disease prevention and treatment of disorders, and manage chronic medical conditions. General practice doctors concentrate on the treatment of acute illnesses and build relationships with trusted professionals to offer appropriate care for all those with complicated medical conditions. Family doctors are licensed by the American Board of Family Medicine, which requires recertification every six years by evaluation. Family doctors should also complete no less than 150 hours of continuing education every 3 years. General practice doctors are licensed by the American Board of General Practice through 1 of 2 methods.

Mommy Makeover Procedure

These include lose abdomen skin, stretch marks, elevated hip and thigh size, sagging of the chests, weakened abdomen muscles and much more. Even with strict diet and exercise, some moms can't look to restore their body back to the way it had been before maternity. Fortunately for all those mothers who're finished having kids. We instein may do a Mommy Makeover. A Mommy Makeover procedure typically combines breast, hip, and belly processes. You may also blend it with facial rejuvenation processes like neck lift, jowl lift, or removal of bloated eyelids. Each Mommy Makeover process is custom suited to your needs.

Since each Mommy Makeover is personalized to you, there is a change in the actual processes and lengths of every one. In your initial consultation. Weinstein will discuss your procedure, the dangers involved and you may create your anticipations. The outcomes vary on which process were combined in the Mommy Makeover. If you're intrigued in having your pre maternity body back, give us a call now to put up your Mommy Makeover discussion with Dr. Weinstein today. When Lindsey White, of Morristown, N.J., determined to get a breast lift and increase a year after providing her fourth kid, she'd no idea she was starting on stage one of her Mommy makeover.

White is part of an increasing number of women experiencing mother makeovers - many plastic surgery processes that restore, or improve, their post maternity bodies. Weinstein continues to be helping mom restore the bodies for over two decades. A combination procedure of breast augmentation via a belly tuck incision has helped more than 100 of his patients. The risk factors for the combined process in his practice isn't greater then either procedure alone. The dangers are minimal with significantly less than 1% rupture and significantly less than 2 percent capsular contracture of the breast implants. Larry Weinstein a board certified plastic surgeon in Chester NJ performed her breast augmentation throughout the low abdominoplasty panty line. The cosmetic procedure involved liposuction of the flanks with the tumescent liposuction technique not smartlipo.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

There are various available choices involving frozen shoulder treatment, some of that are workable and proven and some where the result is less predictable. The most predictable result is with physiotherapy. When managed by a trained counselor, PT has a pretty high success rate, although success depends on several variants, most of that are restrained by the patient. This holds true even when the sufferer chooses to forego formal treatment and follow a home program. Low Pain Threshold - The shoulder complex is exceptionally innervated, making rehabilitation a less than comfortable choice as treatment. Those people that have a low tolerance for any kind of distress or pain will often fight their plan if answers are not seen instantly.

These people regrettably succumb to Quick fix pain medicine that only hides the pain, or fall prey to Immediate remedy software or products present in publications or on the web. Bilateral Adhesive Capsulitis - Having one stiff and sore arm is restricting enough, but two at the same time often means an inability to maintain a job, drive an auto safely, or inability to care for one's own demands. Physical Therapy may be implemented in case of a coincident condition, but fast results needed in this scenario that might necessitate a surgical process or manipulation under anesthesia. Recovery afterward continues to be painful and will need further PT, but most frequently a sensible amount of function might be reached fast enough to allow the person to return to daily activities.

The most efficient frozen shoulder treatment plans in this case is surgery or manipulation. Cancer In The Immediate Area - a professional doctor advice is required where there's cancer or metastasis in no contraindication upper extremity. Further scattering of the cancer can be triggered during exercise or with a few of the modalities prescribed like ultrasound or functional electrical stimulation. A physician might agree with a course of treatment if she or he feels there's no contraindication, but the best advice is to be careful and follow through with a suitable evaluation. Disc Bulges Or Neurological Impingement - Patients with A brief history of neck problems like a herniated disk or nerve impingement may aggravate their signs when rehabilitating their shoulder. Any situation where there's a brief history o instability in the neck should be monitored carefully to avoid further harm to the backbone and surrounding structures. Stretching an already irritated nerve is very debilitating and will negate further improvement with any plan.

Best Treatment For Arthritis

There's no remedy for arthritis as yet, but you'll find various treatments which can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the likelihood of your arthritis becoming worse. Painkillers help with pain and stiffness, but they do not affect the arthritis itself and will not repair the damage to your joint. Painkillers are best used sometimes when you are in pain or when you are likely to be exercising. Paracetamol is generally the best and most well accepted analgesic, but ensure you take the right dose because a lot of people take not enough - attempt 1 g three or four times a day.

Combined analgesic contains paracetamol and another codeine like drug, in order that they may be useful for more severe pain. Since they are stronger than analgesic, they are more prone to cause adverse effects like dizziness and constipation. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, for example, ibuprofen or naproxen, may be advocated if irritation is contributing to the pain and stiffness. You can tell within several days whether they are going to help with your pain. Capsaicin cream is produced from the pepper plant along with is an efficient and well tolerated painkiller. The pain alleviation begins following a day or two and you need to check it out for at least fourteen days before discovering when it is helped.

Stronger painkillers, for example, opioids/anti inflammatory, may be prescribed if you have severe pain and other medications don't work well enough. More powerful analgesic are more inclined to possess adverse effects, particularly nausea, dizziness and confusion, so you will need to see your doctor on a regular basis and report any issues. Some opioids might be given as a plaster patch to wear on the skin, which may give pain alleviation for a number of days. Stronger analgesic are only available on prescription. Since these treatments work in various ways, you may combine them for greater pain alleviation. Steroid injections are occasionally given directly into an especially painful knee joint.

The shots may start working inside a day or so and might improve pain to get several weeks or months. They are mainly used for very painful arthritis, for sudden attacks due to shedding calcium deposits and also to assist you through important events. Arthritis Research UK has awarded a grant to get the PROMOTE trial, a report into whether methotrexate, a drug widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, may be utilized to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Applying heat or cold to your knee may relieve pain and stiffness. Acid hyaluronic injections, that assist to lubricate your knee joint, are occasionally given when steroid injections do not work.

Obstetrician And Gynecologist

An obstetrician, also commonly called an OB/GYN, usually offers a variety of women's health services, such as annual Pap tests. Obstetricians will also be trained to handle complications during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. An obstetrician is a medical professional who focuses on the managing of pregnancy, labour and birth. In addition they receive specialized instruction in the field of the female reproductive system and operative care. Much of their instruction focuses on the detection and managing of obstetric and gynecological issues. The services offered may vary depending on the specialty and advanced training of the OB/GYN. Some doctors choose to exercise only obstetrics, others might choose to practice only gynecology.

Most OB/GYNs choose to practice the specialty and offer a variety of services. Many obstetricians exercise in a personal office, without or with several doctors. They can also exercise in a hospital or clinic setting. Some experienced OB/GYNs maintain teaching positions in university hospitals. Obstetricians must complete the prerequisites determined by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. After completion of residency training, OB/GYNs must pass a test administered by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology to be board certified. Some OB/GYNs may choose to further pursue a sub specialty such as infertility or maternal/fetal medicine. One reason many women choose a midwife for their pregnancy is because they are comfortable with their current OB/GYN. Other women choose to use an OB/GYN because they are experiencing a high pregnancy risk.

Spine Treatment

Arthroscopic vertebral column operation is a laser treatment done for vertebral column illnesses. This operation is minimally invasive along with requires only local anesthesia. The operation procedure includes using lots of fiber optic apparatus to examine the contaminated vertebral column region. The procedure followed is totally outpatient and requires minimal incisions. Arthroscopic vertebral column operation is performed by making a small incision whereby a small tube is inserted to test the damaged parts. Additional tubes are entered throughout the same incision, and the last added pipe has a diameter of 18mm. The operating surgeon moves out all of the other added pipes once the last inserted tube is put into right position.

Slowly enlarging the pipes may make the muscles and skin to expand with reduced injury. The surgery is conducted by the last inserted tube, whereby the surgeon add the fiber optic lasers along with camera to execute the procedure. They're foraminotomy, laminotomy, percutaneous arthroscopic discectomy, along with facet thermal ablation. Foraminotomy is a treatment performed for sciatica, spinal arthritis, bone spurs, foraminal stenosis, pinched nerves, nerve root retention, scar tissue formation, and herniated disks. This procedure is performed to take away the tissue and bone that squeezes the spinal origin. Laminotomy procedure is performed for managing spinal arthritis, bone spurs, pinched nerves, herniated disks, spinal stenosis, scar tissue formation, and ligamantum flavum removal.

This procedure helps in eliminating a laminar section, a plate that covers nerves along with spinal canal on every vertebra. The main objective of this operation can be to create more space around the spinal cord along with also to reduce the pressure created on the nerves. Percutaneous arthroscopic discectomy can be a treatment for herniated disks and spinal bulging. In this procedure, the bulge along with herniated disc can be removed to reduce the retention on the backbone and nerves. The laser utilized in this treatment evaporates the affected part. Facet thermal ablation can be a treatment for degeneration facet, facet joint syndrome, facet arthritis, along with facet hypertrophy. Arthroscopy is an extremely streamlined treatment for spinal disorders.

Therefore, this treatment helps in gentle handling of tissue along with skin near the affected region. The incision made is little, and so it doesn't leave any trace of operation.

Stem Cell Treatment

One thrilling strategy to wound healing, variously explained as Regenerative medicine or Tissue engineering continues to be the utilization of platelet rich plasma either alone or in combination with stem cells. PRP got latest notoriety when it was described that Hines Ward, the Pittsburgh Steeler's superstar wide receiver had obtained this treatment for an accident prior to the Super Bowl. As it happens, PRP continues to be used for a relatively good time now, especially at our middle, to help increase the healing of problems like tendonitis, ligament strains, muscle strains, arthritis, synovitis, and cartilage defects. Platelet rich plasma is used as a matrix graft, frequently referred to as an autologous tissue graft.

This platelet rich plasma matrix is defined as a Tissue graft incorporating autologous growth factors and\/or autologous undifferentiated cells in a cell array where design depends on the receptor website and tissue of regeneration. The reason PRP is so helpful is that platelets, that are a regular blood cell, contain numerous growth factors that stimulate tissue growth. Especially, PRP encourages the growth of collagen that is the primary element of connective tissue like tendons and cartilage. These components contain transforming development factor-, fibroblast development factor, platelet derived development factor, epidermal development factor, connective tissue development factor, and blood vessel endothelial growth factor.

These growth components recruit undifferentiated cells to the website of injury and stimulate their growth. Another component of platelets, stromal cell derived element I alpha causes newly recruited cells to comply with the area. When used with stem cells gathered from the patient bone marrow, PRP Fires off the stem cells to multiply rapidly. To utilize an analogy, PRP- especially when utilized in association with stem cells- sends the process of healing into Warp drive. PRP needs to be ready in a way to ensure a maximum amount of platelets along with a high concentration of development components.

Clearly, the more growth factors that may be delivered to the website of injury, the much more likely tissue healing takes place. This regenerative strategy is diametrically opposed to the traditional approach to healing tissue injuries that has been to make use of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs as well as steroid shots, which, while reducing irritation, also substantially hinder the process of healing. PRP is usually utilized in conjunction with percutaneous tenotomy. That is a procedure where there's purposeful needle discomfort of the affected region utilizing ultrasound assistance after which it PRP is then slowly inserted into the site.

Primary Care

Address the confronts many challenges, but primary among them is coping with ongoing health care concerns. From the decrease in physicians due to Baby Boomers retiring, to changes in health care legislation and health care reforms, members of Generation X must pay particular attention to health care plans as well as the state of the medical industry. As Baby Boomers retire, the number of doctors inside the country is declining. This is partly due to the population typically, there are 77 million Baby Boomers, compared with 46 million Generation X ers, as well as partly due of the fact that numerous Generation X doctors are choosing to specialize rather than working in a general practice.

Consequently, many states face a scarcity of primary care doctors and general practitioners, that causes delays in treatment while new patients wait around for primary care physicians. Due to this challenge to find a primary care doctor, Generation X members need to plan ahead. Generation X and health care challenges require that Gen X members select a primary care physician promptly upon relocating or changing health care plans, or run the possible danger of being with no physician when sickness strikes. Generation X members need to be quite identifying with health care plans, due to rising health care costs and the possible challenge of finding a health care plan to cover specific services.

As increasingly more providers become accessible, health plans decrease to pay for sets from Lasik eye surgery to optional mental wellness services. Due to this difference between providers accessible and providers covered, Generation X members need to shop cautiously for healthcare plans. Challenges faced in Generation X and health include getting a plan that covers the providers that the Generation X member needs, as well as determining when to compromise and once to keep searching for a health plan that covers specific solutions. Health Care reform is just a watchword for every political party in every selection, as well as Gen X members need to be particularly aware of health care reform as it relates to Generation X as well as health concerns. Universal health is just one possibility that Generation X members face, as well as whether that could be an asset or a tragedy depends upon who you ask. Members worried about Generation X and health must write local and state authorities to discuss legislation around improving access, decreasing cost, and increasing the array of healthcare professionals available for services.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pregnancy

Even a healthy pregnancy can be a difficult and confusing time. Your body goes through so many changes, some of which can catch you off guard! Friends and family, thankfully, have lots of advice. However, some questions can be a bit embarrassing and, when you’re at the OBGYN, you may be too overwhelmed to remember every question. Don’t worry! We have answers to your women’s health questions.

How do I tell if I’m pregnant?

Early signs of pregnancy include:

1.       Fatigue

2.       Nausea

3.       Frequent urination

4.       Change in appetite

5.       Morning sickness

6.       Breast swelling

7.       Missed period

How are due dates calculated?

The average pregnancy is 266 days from your last ovulation cycle. That is about 40 weeks. If you aren’t sure about your due date, ask your OBGYN! They will be able to tell you.

Can I have sex while pregnant?

Unless your OBGYN has specifically told you not to have sex during your pregnancy, it is absolutely safe to do so. Your baby is protected by an amniotic sac, uterus, and mucus plug in the cervix.

Do I have to take prenatal vitamins?

Yes! Pregnancy is rough on your body. You will need additional vitamins and minerals to protect your body and support your baby. It’s important that you talk to your OBGYN about what vitamins are best for you. There are many options so take some time to find what’s right for you.

Is this heartburn normal?

The combination of increased progesterone and a growing uterus can cause heartburn. There are some ways to try to prevent this however.

1.       Smaller, frequent meals

2.       Walk after meals

3.       Elevate your head and chest while sleeping

4.       Wear loose clothes

5.       Drink ginger root tea

6.       Take antacids

How do I prevent stretch marks?

Stretch marks are incredibly common in pregnancy. Around 90 percent of pregnant women develop them! If you want to avoid being part of that majority, then make sure to drink lots of water, eat a diet high in skin-supporting vitamins, and massage your stomach daily with a moisturizer.

Can I exercise while pregnant?

Unless your obstetrician specifically tells you not to, you can remain active during your pregnancy. Low impact exercises are fine. This includes things like aqua aerobics, walking, tai chi, and yoga. Exercises that involve jumping and contact sports, however, should be avoided.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a temporary type of diabetes which develops in some pregnant women. It is caused by the placental hormones. In most cases, a pregnant mother’s pancreas produces around three times as much insulin as normal. This is necessary because the pregnancy hormones impact blood sugar levels. If the pancreas can’t keep up, gestational diabetes can develop.

Anyone pregnant can get gestational diabetes. However, there are some risk factors that increase your odds of developing it. These risks include:

1.       Age

·         Over 25 years old

2.       Race

·         African American

·         Native American

·         Hispanic

·         Pacific Islander

3.       Family history

·         Relative with diabetes

4.       Weight

·         Overweight

·         BMI over 30

5.       Past medical history

·         Had gestational diabetes before

·         Had a precious big baby (macrosomia)

·         Has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Why can’t I control my bladder anymore?

Urinary incontinence is very common during pregnancy. Your baby takes up a lot of space in your torso and can put a lot of pressure on your bladder. This pressure can cause an overwhelming urge to go to the bathroom. Additionally, as the muscles around your uterus stretch out, you can lose some control. Weakened pelvic muscles can cause minor leaks for a few months after giving birth as well.

What is the difference between a gynecologist, obstetrician, and an OBGYN?

Gynecologists deal with a wide range of women’s health concerns. These range from pap smears to STD screenings to breast exams. Obstetricians deal specifically with pregnancy. They will care for you from your first prenatal testing to follow-up after delivery care.

Flu Season Means Urgent Care Season!

Flu season, flu season, flu season! Every year, we are inundated with messages reminding us to be cautious about flu season. It is so easy to get overwhelmed by these messages and start tuning them out. Everyone knows people tend to get sick when the weather gets cold but, in South Texas, we stay happy and warm. That means we don’t have to worry, right?

Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Flu season doesn’t match the temperature so, even though San Antonio might miss out on snow, we Texans are at risk for illness. If you are going to protect yourself and your family, you’ll need to know what you’re dealing with this flu season.

What is flu season?

Flu season is the period of time when large numbers of people come down with the flu. Unlike the traditional seasons, it is unpredictable in length since it is based on viruses, rather than weather. It also varies between countries.

Generally speaking, for the United States, flu season goes from October to May. It tends to be in full swing from December to February.

Who should get a flu shot?

Getting a flu vaccine is strongly recommended by the CDC for everyone 6 months or older. However, there are some “high risk” groups who should absolutely get the flu shot. These individuals are the ones who, if not treated, could become the sickest and potentially die from the flu.

1.       Children ages 6 months to 4 years

2.       Anyone over 50 years old

3.       People who are immunosuppressed

·         Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

·         Immunosuppression caused by medication

4.       People with chronic health problems like:

·         Chronic pulmonary disorders

·         Cardiovascular disorders except hypertension

·         Renal disorders

·         Hepatic disorders

·         Neurologic disorders

·         Hematologic disorders

·         Metabolic disorders

5.       Children age 6 to 18 who are on long-term aspirin therapy

6.       Women who are pregnant

7.       Women who may become pregnant during flu season

8.       Seniors in nursing homes

9.       American Indians & Alaska Natives

10.   Anyone who is morbidly obese

11.   Healthcare personnel

12.   Caregivers for children under 5 years old

13.   Caregivers for seniors over 50 years old

14.   Caregivers of individuals with medical conditions that put them at risk for severe complications from flu exposure

Getting the vaccine is an annual event. Each year, the viruses are slightly different. Just because you got the previous year’s shot doesn’t mean you are protected this year. Preventing yourself from getting sick this flu season means treating this year as its own brand new process.

Please note that it takes two weeks after getting the shot for the treatment to become effective. Should you encounter anyone suffering from the flu during that time or if you already had the virus inside you prior to the shot, then it will not be effective.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

When you aren’t feeling well, it’s unfortunately difficult to tell the difference between a cold and the flu. Here are the major points that you need to keep in mind when assessing your symptoms.

1.       Body aches

·         Cold: Body aches are unusual with a cold, although not impossible.

·         Flu: Almost every case of the flu is accompanied by body aches. These aches can be very severe for some people. This is a good way to identify if what you are experiencing the flu, as opposed to a cold.

2.       Congestion, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing

·         Cold: Almost everyone with a cold ends up with some sort of nasal symptom.

·         Flu: It is not unheard for someone with the flu to have these symptoms. However, it is not a requirement of the flu.

3.       Exhaustion

·         Cold: Someone with a cold may be more tired than usual but it will not be severe.

·         Flu: Someone suffering from the flu will almost always experience extreme exhaustion.

4.       Fever

·         Cold: It is unusual, but not unheard of, for someone with a cold to experience a fever.

·         Flu: The flu almost always causes those infected to suffer a fever.

5.       Headache

·         Cold: Sometimes a cold is accompanied by headache.

·         Flu: Flus are usually accompanied by headaches.

6.       Location of symptoms

·         Cold: If you feel your symptoms above the neck, you likely have a cold.

·         Flu: If you feel your symptoms throughout your entire body, you likely have the flu.

7.       Typical duration

·         Cold: A cold will last about a week.

·         Flu: The flu will last one to three weeks.

Should I visit a doctor?

While you are still healthy and before flu season is in full swing, it is important to make the time for a quick flu shot. It’s easy to let this errand get away from you but, once you are infected with the virus, your options are much more limited. It is easier to prevent the flu from happening than it is to get rid of once it is here.

If you are concerned that you already have the flu, then you need to visit a doctor quickly. There are prescription medications that can decrease the severity of your flu. However, you must begin treatment during the first 48 hours of becoming sick. Waiting longer will mean the medicine has no impact on your symptoms and recovery time, forcing you to simply tough it out through your flu.

Whether you are still healthy or already feeling bad, an urgent care clinic can be your best friend. It’s unlikely that your primary care physician can get you in quickly enough to provide the medication you need when suffering from the flu. Most people with the flu, thankfully, don’t get sick enough to need to visit the emergency room.

Urgent care clinics fill the space between these two options. You can get in quickly for a shot or medication. There are also no shortage of urgent care clinics in San Antonio! Gonzaba Urgent Care, for instance, has three locations across the city.

Menopause: What To Expect When You Stop Expecting

What is menopause?

More than likely, you’ve already heard of menopause, especially if you are female. Menopause is the 12-month period after the end of your final menstrual period. It is the end of the menstrual cycle. After menopause, a woman can no longer get pregnant.

The process of menopause is completely natural. While no longer fertile, women are still healthy post-menopause. Aging changes everyone’s bodies. Women simply have certain health issues specific to them.

What is perimenopause?

Menopause does not happen all at once, except in cases of hysterectomies. Perimenopause is the period of time winding down the menstrual cycle. This period of time can vary wildly between individuals. In some cases, it may begin 8 to 10 years prior to menopause! In other cases, however, women go through perimenopause in a few months.

The best way to gauge what is normal for you is to talk to your family members. Everyone is an individual but the older women in your family will have a unique insight into what you can expect. Genetics make a difference! Your friends may have helpful tips and tricks but relatives know what experiences your genes may predispose you to experiencing.

During perimenopause, your ovaries will produce less and less estrogen until they finally stop releasing eggs. That is when perimenopause changes into menopause.

What is postmenopause?

After a woman has not experienced her period for a year, she is considered postmenopausal. There are positives and negatives to being postmenopausal. The symptoms suffered during menopause will lessen and a woman can no longer get pregnant, which some consider a relief. However, the lower levels of estrogen can result in some health issues for women. Osteoporosis and heart disease are both more likely for woman who have completed menopause.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

For most women, the major symptoms of menopause are well-known. They include, but are not limited to:

1. ·         Irregular periods
2. ·         Night sweats
3. ·         Hot flashes
4. ·         Mood change
5. ·         Weight gain
6. ·         Slowed metabolism
7. ·         Thinning hair
8. ·         Dry skin
9. ·         Vaginal dryness

Not everyone will experience every symptom. It is similar to menstruation in that, depending on your body, the instance and severity of each symptom will vary. Some women will menstruate every month until perimenopause completes; however, this is rare. It’s far more common for periods to occur sporadically throughout perimenopause. Because of this, it is still possible to get pregnant during perimenopause.

Who experiences menopause?

Everyone who menstruates will eventually go through menopause. While genetics play a large role in determining what is “natural” for your body, the average age for experiencing menopause is 51. If you are under the age of 40 and start going through menopause, this is referred to as premature menopause.

Premature menopause may occur for a number of reasons. The most obvious of which is if a woman has her ovaries removed in a bilateral oophorectomy. The sudden removal of ovaries will result in the immediate loss of the hormones they were producing. Due to the sudden nature of this hormonal change, the symptoms can be severe. It is especially important to keep a doctor up to date on your symptoms if you go through surgical menopause, as opposed to natural menopause.

Premature menopause may also be caused by chromosome defects, autoimmune diseases, and chemotherapy. Women who are receiving radiation treatment for ovarian cancer may stop their periods and experience fertility issues. The damaged caused to the ovaries by chemotherapy or radiation shouldn’t be underestimated so, prior to beginning those treatments, make sure to speak to your oncologist about your women’s health concerns.

Is hormone replacement therapy unhealthy?

Once, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was standard. However, that is no longer the case. Many women have heard that hormone replacement therapy is dangerous for their health. Unfortunately, there is not a simple yes-or-no answer. Every body is different. Not every woman needs hormone replacement therapy. Some research suggests that, if taken early in postmenopause, estrogen can decrease the risk of heart disease.

There are some risks, of course. Estrogen, when not balanced with progesterone or progestrin can cause growth in the lining of the uterus, increasing a woman’s risk of uterine cancer. Other risks include heart disease, stroke, blood clot and breast cancer.

However, women who experience early menopause and do not take hormone replacement therapy are at risk for anxiety, depression, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, parkinsonism, and decreased lifespan.

You should consider hormone replacement therapy if you are healthy and experience moderate to severe menopause symptom or have experienced bone loss.

Do I need a doctor?

While menopause is a natural process, that doesn’t mean it should go unmonitored. As your body changes, you need to make adjustments for your new hormonal reality. Additionally, your healthcare provider can help ease your symptoms to help menopause hit you a little less hard. For some women, menopause isn’t a big deal but, for others, it can be rough. Do not hesitate to ask for help! Places like the Institute for Women’s Health in San Antonio, Texas can help.

Tummy Tuck

Are sit-ups not giving you the flat stomach you want? If you've got too much excess skin in your abdomen that is not responding to diet or exercise, you may need to start considering  a tummy tuck, or what doctors call abdominoplasty.

A Tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that helps flatten and shape the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin and then tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure it's not the same as liposuction (the cosmetic surgery that is used to remove fat deposits). A tummy tuck is very useful for women who have stretched abdominal skin and muscles as a result of pregnancy. It is also a great option for men and women who were once obese and lost a lot of weight. As a result, they may have excess fat deposits or loose skin around the belly. To be a candidate for the tummy tuck procedure, you should be in good physical condition, following a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.

If you're a somebody who plans to get pregnant, the best thing to do is postpone the tummy tuck until you're done having children. During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened, and future pregnancies can separate those muscles. If you are planning on losing a lot of weight, a tummy tuck is also not a great solution for you. This procedure should be a last resort after you've tried everything else. It should not be used as an alternative to weight loss.

The recommendation is that you wait until after any planned pregnancies and have reached your goal weight before undergoing tummy tuck surgery. This is because further pregnancies or weight loss can undo the results of your tummy tuck by stretching the skin. Another recommendation is that your BMI (Body Mass Index) should be less than 30 to decrease your risk of complications.

During your initial consultation, you should will your cosmetic goals in detail, so the surgeon can tailor your tummy tuck operation accordingly.

Prior to the surgery if you smoke, you will have to stop for a certain period as determined by your doctor. It is not enough just to cut down on smoking; you must stop completely for at least two weeks before the surgery and for two weeks after the procedure. Smoking can increase the risk of complications and delay healing.

The surgery takes approximately 2 to 3 hours under general anesthesia which will put you to sleep during the whole procedure. It is important to have someone who can drive you home once the operation is over and at least during the first night you will need somebody to stay with you. The surgeon will make an incision from hip to hip, and then cut out all the skin between your belly button and pubis. During your tummy tuck, there will be a separation of the skin from the rectus muscles, and then the surgeon will pull and stitch the muscle together, for a firmer abdomen and a narrower waist. After that the surgeon will stretch the skin flap down and over the newly tightened muscles, cut out the extra skin, and reconnect the belly button. There will usually be a couple drains in place to drain any extra fluid once the procedure is done.

Full recovery from a tummy tuck operation usually takes a period of four to six weeks, although you may be able to return to your daily activities in as little as two weeks.  After the procedure is useful if the patients walk for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 hours after the procedure.

Life after the surgery should be really good. With a good diet and being active by regularly exercising, results from your tummy tuck should be long-lasting. While the full tummy tuck will naturally leave a hip-to-hip scar across the lower abdomen, you can always talk about scar placement and length with the doctor before the surgery.

Post-operative complications from any surgery are possible. This may include infection, blood clots, and poor healing which may require further surgery. You can minimize these risks by choosing an experienced surgeon such as Dr. Koneru in San Antonio, who can handle any complications and will give you the attention you need.

If you have had previous abdominal surgery, your old scars could be moved, stretched, or generally more noticeable after the procedure. However, if your scar is below the belly button, it will probably be removed during the tummy tuck operation.

If what you are looking for is just the removal of skin excess and fat, a mini tummy tuck is a good choice for patients. The mini tummy tuck is similar to the full surgical procedure, except that it uses a shorter incision, usually only about 15 cm in length (which is similar to a C-section scar). With this short scar, much less skin can be removed, and the skin is only lifted to the belly button. The mini tummy tuck usually doesn’t remove many stretch marks and can’t correct muscles that have become separated above the belly button.