Archive for January, 2007
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Give Hope For A Brighter Future
Continuous glucose monitoring is giving hope to thousands of diabetics today. A new experimental gadget is now available that checks a diabetic’s blood sugar and lets them know if it falls to a dangerous low. Researchers have been searching for the gadget for years. Monitoring devices are now coming on the market and by late summer will be available in the United States.
Although the monitors are not as accurate as blood tests but researchers are hoping that within a couple of years it will allow a diabetic to forgo sticking their finger to test for blood glucose levels. If the monitor signals that blood sugar levels are low, it is necessary to take a blood test for confirmation. The monitors are also slow to show rapid changes that occur, especially when you exercise. This monitor is working to make finger lances outdated for all diabetics.
Those who have used the monitors report little discomfort. A patch worn on the abdomen may hurt when it goes on because there is a tiny wire placed under the skin to measure the glucose in cell fluid. Once the patch is on, it is comfortable to wear and sends information to a receiver. The receiver is about the size of a cell phone. A patch can be worn for several days before changing.
Just imagine what this can do for the health of diabetics! The ability to control blood glucose levels gives us the ability to also control the chronic complications that diabetes can cause.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is looking at the reports with interest. They believe that we are the verge of a new era in controlling or erasing diabetes. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation raise funds for research from bake sales, and diabetes marches all across the country. They are looking for funds to continue research on these new monitoring devices by showing how they will affect hospitalization because of kidney disease, heart problems, or other complications. The JDRF believe that car accidents can be reduced because of the accidents that are caused by impaired diabetics.
Researchers are working toward pairing the new monitoring device to insulin pumps. These pumps have been on the market for years and could reduce the time needed for controlling diabetes to a minimum. One such product has already been approved on April 13 and is offered for sale now. The monitoring portion of the device will not be available until later this summer, so it isn’t fully automatic yet, but it is promising news for those who are trying to control Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
This device, which is being made, is in reality an external, artificial pancreas and controls blood sugar levels for days. The diabetic would need to program in meals that are coming up and exercise. Scientists and researchers have been working on developing a glucose-monitoring device since the early 1960’s. They now believe they are close to that goal.
Cosmetic Surgery for Spider Veins
Spider veins are clusters of red, blue or purple veins that surface on the skin. This is from an added pressure on a certain area that causes blood vessels to cluster. Thighs, calves, and ankles usually will have spider veins on them, which most consider unattractive. If you have spider veins and are looking for a way to cover them up, you can use cosmetic surgery to get a better look on your legs.
Spider veins received their name through the patterns that they create on your leg. Most of these blood vessels will be seen as a spider shape. However, some look similar to a group of branches and others that are simply lines that are formed on your legs. Spider veins can appear as early as teenage years, but are more common in women who are older. They are often a result of pregnancy, being overweight, or sitting or standing for long periods.
Spider veins are usually treated with cosmetic surgery with sclerotherapy. This simple cosmetic surgery procedure can be used. An injection of sclerosing solution will be placed into the area with the spider veins. This will cause them to fade or collapse so they are no longer noticeable on your leg or ankle area.
One of the affects to keep in mind with sclerotherapy is that it will not cause the complete disappearance of spider veins. The veins are proven lighter after a treatment; however, it may take a longer period for them to disappear. After sclerotherapy, it is still possible for new veins to appear in the same place and cause the same cosmetic discomfort.
The procedure for sclerotherapy is one of the simpler cosmetic surgery procedures. An injection will be put into your leg for every inch of spider veins that are present. After one injection is made, a cotton ball will be placed over the area as a cushion for the stress that was added from the injection. You may feel a slight pain during or after the procedure and some burning is often felt; however, it will not last.
After two days, you can remove the cotton balls that were placed over the injected areas. You may feel some cramping after the cosmetic surgery procedure, but this is known to improve after one or two days. There will also be bruising and red discoloration on your leg that may last for one to two months. Walking after surgery will help prevent blood clots or problems that are more serious. Your walking schedule should be consistent and regular for up to two months after surgery.
If you have spider veins on your legs, then you can get cosmetic surgery to improve the look. Spider veins, while harmless to functioning, are often a cosmetic nuisance to women who often wear shorts or skirts. Because of this, sclerotherapy can help to improve the look of legs. By reducing the spider veins, you will notice an improved image of smoother and cosmetically satisfying legs.
Breast Reconstruction After Surgery
Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer do have choices after a recommendation is made to remove a breast. She may elect to leave the chest area as it is after surgery, choose a prosthesis (artificial breast), or choose to have breast reconstruction surgery. Because many women have feelings of self-worth tied to their physical appearance, they may choose to have breast reconstruction surgery. For many women their emotional health is put in danger when facing the loss of a breast.
This surgical procedure will restore the shape and form to your body after surgery for breast cancer. Surgical reconstruction may involve expanders, implants, and using tissue from your body. Sometimes a combination of implants and tissue expansion may be successful.
If you choose to have breast reconstruction after surgery, you will need to consult a plastic surgeon. Two or more surgeons often work together to perform the necessary procedure either during your first cancer surgery or later. Reconstruction includes reshaping the breast area and includes reconstruction of the nipple. Tattooing gives the nipple area the look and color of your original nipple. Surgery on your other breast may be needed, even if the other breast does not have cancer cells. Reconstruction surgery may be used on the healthy breast to give it the same texture and shape as the breast that is being rebuilt.
You will want to meet with your plastic surgeon before surgery. They will work with your primary surgeon to coordinate operating room procedures. The plastic surgeon will walk you through the procedure and will have photos available of women who have had breast reconstruction surgery. You will talk about your treatment choices after surgery, whether you will have reconstruction performed at the same time of the primary surgery, or wait to have reconstruction performed later.
The plastic surgeon will provide information about where the surgery will be performed and what anesthesia will be used, and what you can expect after surgery. You will also need to check your medical insurance policy to see what reconstruction surgery is covered by insurance.
It is important to be comfortable with the surgeon who is doing your breast reconstruction. Look for a surgeon who has experience in breast reconstruction and who others have recommended. If personal recommendations are unavailable, be sure to ask for photos of women they have operated on. Ask any the questions you can think of. It is your body, and you have the right to know what to expect from your surgery. If you don’t feel comfortable with one surgeon, you may want to make an appointment with another one. It is important you have confidence in your medical team.
Your plastic surgeon will discuss the different methods used in breast reconstruction and help you decide which one is best for you. Breast reconstruction is usually done in more than one surgery. Your surgeon can tell you how many surgeries you will need and help you decide if breast reconstruction is the answer for you.
Cellulite Reversible The Real Story on Getting Rid of it
Cellulite has been a difficult problem for women for years. Every person has cellulite in varying degrees and in most cases; it seems to get worse as we age. However, we don’t just have to deal with cellulite. There are possibilities for fighting cellulite or at the very least the appearance of it. This is with several therapeutic treatments that are available today. However, treatment isn’t a one-time deal. If you stop your cellulite treatments, it will eventually return. That means that while cellulite can be treated it is an ongoing treatment that has to be incorporated as a part of your daily beauty regimen if you want a constant and lasting reversal of cellulite.
Some treatments for cellulite can be found over the counter and do an adequate job of reducing the appearance of cellulite. To get the most out of these products you should vigorously massage the area for a few minutes before applying the treatment. The massaging will help stimulate circulation in the affected areas while the treatment will help smooth and tighten the skin. The best ingredients to look for include caffeine and aminophylline. A lot of over the counter products have seaweed but this isn’t as effective as other ingredients.
In addition to topical treatments there is a procedure known as endermology, which has been known to produce results. Endermology is a large mechanical pressure device that has a process similar to a rolling pin flattening dough for cookies. The device kneads the problem areas with substantial pressure to break down the collagen bands and smooth the skin to give the area an even and toned appearance. The drawbacks to this treatment are that it is expensive and will require return visits if you want to maintain your appearance. In addition, the treatment can be slightly uncomfortable and a little painful with some temporary bruising.
Oral herbal and medicinal remedies are another option for those trying to remedy cellulite. However, there has been not significant proof from studies that these products will actually give you results. Therefore, it is a personal decision if you want to invest your money in these products on the chance you may see results. If you cellulite is hormonal in nature these treatments may work. However if it is related to age, diet, genetics and exercise then these treatments won’t do much good. In addition, it has been speculated that if your weight fluctuates frequently, if you eat a high fat diets, or if you drink an excess of carbonated beverages then this can cause cellulite as well.
Not matter what the cause of your cellulite it, if you want to minimize the appearance then you have many options out there for you. You can choose between the methods based on what’s effective for you and what you can afford. Cosmetic enhancement products are seeing new advancements every day so if nothing works yet or is to expensive then a new method will soon come along that will work for you.