Shea Frami

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a light therapy that uses special equipment to emit non-laser light to treat vascular lesions, unwanted hair, and skin texture. IPL has several settings ranging from painless pulsing light for removing freckles and pigmented lesions to intensely hot pulses for a series of dermatological treatments. There are several types of IPL treatments that you can use for different purposes. These include laser hair removal, tattoo removal, pigmented lesions, and hyperhidrosis. In this article, we look at some of the benefits of IPL and why you should consider visiting a Downtown DC IPL specialist.

Stimulates Collagen Production

In contrast to laser treatments, IPL stimulates collagen production. Your skin will be firmer and tighter after a series of three to four IPL sessions. Collagen is the main structural component of your skin, and it helps to support and maintain the elasticity of your skin. As you age, collagen production declines, leading to sagging skin. IPL treatments stimulate collagen production, which can help reduce signs of aging on the face.

Makes Skin More Vibrant and Radiant

IPL uses a unique light wavelength to help reduce and remove unwanted hair and hyperpigmentation. This treatment is excellent news for people with hyperpigmentation around the mouth or dark spots on their faces. IPL treatments can result in your skin tone becoming more even and vibrant, which will make you look younger! At least eight IPL treatments are required to see the maximum results.

Remove Freckles and Age Spots

IPL is also great for removing freckles and age spots on your face. If you suffer from sun damage, hyperpigmented skin, or dark patches, IPL can help you achieve a radiant complexion free of these unwanted marks. Some people choose to undergo IPL sessions to lighten their skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.

IPL Makes Skin Tone Evener and Brighter

IPL treatments deliver gentle pulses of light which stimulate collagen production. They remove unwanted hair and give your skin an overall more radiant appearance. Treatments can be used to remove freckles, age spots, and sun damage. IPL stimulates new cell growth in the dermis that will tighten and firm your skin resulting in visible anti-aging benefits.

Affordable

IPL is affordable! Depending on the type of IPL treatment you have, the cost can range from $50 to over $1,000. While it is more expensive than laser hair removal, IPL treatments are considerably cheaper than most dermatological procedures.

Painless

IPL treatments are painless! While the sensation may feel slightly uncomfortable, most patients do not experience any severe side effects or discomfort. To reduce your pain, you can have cold air blown over the area being treated, numb the skin, or use a topical numbing cream beforehand to alleviate any significant discomfort.

In summary, IPL is a type of light therapy that uses special equipment to emit non-laser lights to treat vascular lesions, unwanted hair, and skin texture. IPL has several benefits, including stimulating new cell growth and removing freckles, age spots, and sun damage. IPL is affordable compared to most dermatological treatments, and it is painless. Additionally, it can help you achieve a more even skin tone and enhance collagen production.

Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses glucose. Diabetic people have high sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin. It is impossible to avoid this condition, but you can change your lifestyle habits. You can also visit Humble diabetes and obesity specialist to learn more habits.

1. Eat Healthily

It is advisable to eat healthy if you have diabetes because food affects your glucose levels. You should focus on eating enough food for the body and eating enough vegetables. Lean meats and nonfat dairy will also prevent this condition.

It will help to shun high sugar foods and limit your carb intake.

2. Workout

It is advisable to stay active if you want to avoid diabetes. You can start by riding a bike or walking. Make sure you have at least thirty minutes of daily activity that will make you sweat.

You will manage your diabetes by living an active life. This is because exercise lowers your sugar levels. Working out also reduces your chances of getting heart disease. It also keeps you free from stress.

3. Handle Stress

Your blood sugar goes up when you are stressed. It becomes hard to handle diabetes properly whenever you are anxious. Stressed people forget to eat well or exercise, which triggers the condition.

It will help to look for stress-managing ways that will keep you relaxed. An example is yoga or working out.

4. Go for Checkups

It will help to visit a doctor at least twice a year to avoid this condition. Diabetes makes you more prone to heart diseases, so you should know your numbers.

It would help if you went for a complete eye test annually and checked for conditions like cataracts.

5. Stop Smoking

Diabetes is associated with heart diseases, stroke, and others. Active smokers are more likely to get these conditions. Smokers hardly exercise, and this is a leading trigger of the diseases.

Kindly visit a doctor to get insights on how to quit smoking.

6. Moderate Your Alcohol Intake

You can easily control your blood sugar levels if you do not drink a lot of beer. There is no harm in taking alcohol, but you should have a limit. The recommended limit for women is one drink and two for men per day.

Alcohol can either raise or lower your blood sugar. This means you should check the levels before you start drinking.

7. Replace Refined Grains with Whole Grains

Whole grains are those that retain their nutrients after processing. Foods prepared using whole grains are fine, but those from intact whole grains are better.

You can also replace grains with vegetables for better results.

8. Take More Fiber

Examples of foods rich in fiber are fruits and vegetables. Legumes are also rich in this component. People who eat high-fiber foods take fewer calories and have moderate weight.

Diabetes is a prevalent condition, especially with the old. It is hard to avoid it, but you can change your lifestyle habits to achieve this.

If you are in Toronto Smiles on Queen can help you understand more about how dental care can improve your life.

Most of us will encounter tooth decay at some point in our life, to a smaller or larger extent. If you have dental discomfort, it might be a sign of a cavity, and you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Tooth decay happens when food particles and bacteria in the mouth combine to form plaque, which adheres to the enamel of the teeth. Plaque breaks down into acid over time, corroding the tooth. Tooth decay can occur in persons who are genetically prone to it, or it can occur as a result of poor oral hygiene.

What Are the Most Serious Health Consequences of Tooth Decay?
Dental decay and cavities may appear to be small concerns with little urgency, but if ignored for too long, they can have serious consequences for your health. The following are some of the most devastating consequences of untreated tooth decay:

When decay persists beyond the gum line or in deep cavities in your molars, bone loss can occur. When combined with the normal bone loss that happens with age, this might be an issue if you ever need implants or other orthodontic treatment. Gum recession can be hastened by untreated dental decay. This might raise your chances of developing significant periodontal disease.

Tooth decay has been related to an increased risk of heart disease, according to Harvard Medical School research. Tooth decay pain can affect your quality of life, and if it’s severe, it can make you miserable and lead to poor nutrition and sleeplessness. Complications from tooth decay, such as acute infection that enters the bloodstream or septic shock, can result in death in rare and extreme situations.

Good oral hygiene can help prevent dental decay, but even flossing and brushing on a regular basis isn’t always enough to prevent cavities. The comprehensive inspection that occurs in conjunction with bi-annual cleaning and scaling, as well as x-rays to identify concealed deterioration, is critical to your overall health. Cavities can then be treated, or the tooth can be removed if the decay is severe.Dental decay does not have to be a severe health issue if caught early and treated.

Tattoo removal is on the rise. It’s almost like tattooing was a fad that has come and gone. But tattoos are not always something people regret. Many people do want them removed for various reasons, such as changing careers or just wanting to wear certain clothes without having tattoos on show. So how does it work? An anesthetics center in Brooklyn Heights will offer you the proper guidance on the tattoo removal procedure. Before choosing a specialist in tattoo removal in Brooklyn Heights, here are some fascinating facts to understand.

• It’s a Safe Procedure

The first thing to note is that tattoo removal is a safe procedure. It is performed with lasers, and the laser beam passes through the skin to the tattoo ink. The laser breaks up the ink into small pieces, absorbed by the body and eliminated through its natural cleansing processes. 

The procedure is painless, and there are no side effects, although the skin may be red immediately following treatment. This can last a few hours or a day while new skin cells regenerate beneath the surface of your skin, replacing old ink with fresh cells.

• Laser Doesn’t Extract Ink From the Skin

Some people think that the laser beam extracts ink from the skin, but this is not the case. The laser beam breaks up the ink into small pieces, eliminating the body’s natural cleansing processes.

• It Works on All Colors of Ink

The laser can remove all ink colors, although it may take a few treatments to remove the tattoo altogether. In some cases, a touch-up may be required after the initial treatment.

• Some Tattoos are Easier to Remove Than Others

The tattoos that are easiest to remove are those that have been applied in recent years using modern techniques and equipment. These tattoos usually contain smaller amounts of ink and are not as deeply embedded in the skin as tattoos applied using traditional methods. Older tattoos are more difficult to remove and may require more treatments.

• The Cost of the Procedure Vary

Removing tattoos from the lower back, thighs, arms, and shoulders is much cheaper than removing them from places like the face or neck. Laser tattoo removal can cost thousands of dollars. It may be more affordable for you to cover up your old tattoo with a new one.

• You May Need a Touch-Up

In some cases, a touch-up may be required after the initial treatment. This is because some ink may remain the first treatment, and additional treatments will be necessary to remove the tattoo altogether.

• You May Need to Wait a Few Months Between Treatments

The time between laser treatments will vary depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo and the number of treatments required to eradicate it. In general, you will need to wait at least a few months between treatments.

• There is No Recovery Time

There is no recovery time between laser treatments, and you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately. Your skin may be red immediately following treatment, but this should fade within a few hours or a day.

When it comes to removing tattoos, not all are created equal. Some of them may require more treatments than others, and the time between treatments will vary depending on the complexity or size of your tattoo. In general, you will need to wait at least a few months between treatments. However, some tattoos are removable in less than a month or only a single treatment. Seeing a specialist is essential.

Botox is a botulinum toxin made up of proteins capable of paralyzing the muscles. The toxin has been used to prevent wrinkles and facial lines by blocking nerve impulses at the brain level, thus preventing muscle contractions that contribute to fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is administered through injections, and the results typically last for about three to four months. Although it is not permanent, Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical procedures globally. It is also one of the most expensive, and you need to make sure it is done by a specialist in Botox in Chalmette. Despite the high price tag, Botox remains one of the most beneficial cosmetic treatments, and we look at some of the benefits it has to offer in this article.

• Eliminate Wrinkles

Botox is one of the most popular ways to reduce wrinkles and facial lines. The toxin works by preventing the muscles from contracting and this, in turn, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines. Botox is a temporary solution, but it can make a big difference in the appearance of your skin.

• Reduce Migraines

Botox is also effective in reducing the number of migraines a person experiences. In some cases, Botox can even eliminate migraines. Botox works by blocking the nerve impulses that cause pain, and it has been proven to be an effective treatment for migraine headaches.

• Treat Excessive Sweating

Botox can also be used to treat excessive sweating. It works by paralyzing the sweat glands, which means that they cannot produce sweat until Botox wears off. As with most treatments for cosmetic purposes, this one is temporary and lasts only as long as you continue to receive injections.

• Improves Collagen Production

Botox is also very effective in improving collagen production. Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin strong and tight, and Botox helps boost collagen production by preventing the muscles from contracting. This allows your skin to remain smooth and firm, and it contains other signs of aging, like wrinkles.

• Improve Self Confidence

Botox can also help to improve your self-confidence. It is a very effective way to reduce wrinkles and facial lines, making you look younger and more attractive. When you feel good about how you look, it shows in your attitude, which can positively impact all areas of your life.

• Creates a More Youthful Appearance

Botox injections work by preventing the muscles from contracting and this, in turn, helps keep your skin smooth and firm. This prevents other signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines. Since Botox is a temporary solution, it can make a big difference in the appearance of your skin. The toxin also improves collagen production by blocking nerve impulses that cause muscles to tighten. This prevents the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, thus creating a more youthful appearance.

To summarize, Botox is a botulinum toxin made up of proteins capable of paralyzing the muscles. Botox can effectively eliminate wrinkles and fine lines to create a more youthful look. As a result, it can improve your self-confidence. Botox also reduces pain caused by migraines and enhances collagen production.

An ear infection is a common illness that affects a large number of people. Despite it being difficult to treat ear infections at home, it can be possible to reduce the infection’s duration and make symptoms more bearable. The majority of ear infections do not recover on their own. If you have a fever, significant pain, or symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, you should consider visiting your White Plains, NY family medicine practitioner.

Causes of an ear infection

Ear infections are most frequent if a person has had another sickness such as the common cold or influenza. A viral or bacterial infection causes these illnesses. As your body battles the illness, it may make its way into your middle ear, causing an ear infection. Infectious adenoids can also cause ear infections. Your adenoids are immune-boosting glands located on the roof of the mouth, behind your nose. Infections can transmit from these glands to the Eustachian tube openings nearby.

Ways to treat an ear infection

While most minor ear infections go away on their own, the following treatments may be beneficial:

1. Home treatment.

The most significant ways to promote healing at home are drinking plenty of water, resting, and managing your discomfort. These techniques will assist you in overcoming the symptoms of a minor ear infection:

• Some parents may apply a warm cloth to the ear bothering the child.
• Take a pain reliever like Ibuprofen (OTC).
• Use over-the-counter or prescription ear drops to ease the pain.
• Consume a decongestant like Pseudoephedrine (Over-the-counter).
• Avoid sleeping on the infected ear.  

2. Surgery

Surgery may be an alternative if your ear infection does not respond to standard medical care or if you have had several ear infections in a short amount of time. Ear tubes are commonly used to allow fluid to drain from your ears. Your eardrums are surgically inserted with these tubes. They fall out eventually, and the holes close up. Hence, surgical closure of these pores is sometimes required.

3. Children’s medical treatment

When treating ear infections in children, doctors frequently use a wait-and-see approach to avoid over-prescribing medicines, leading to antibiotic resistance. Unless your pain is severe or does not subside in 2-3 days, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Alternatively, they may issue you a prescription but advise you to wait 2-3 days to see whether your child’s symptoms improve. You must finish your prescription. It is recommended not to offer aspirin to children unless their doctor has prescribed it. Aspirin is an avoidable risk factor for Reyes’ syndrome, a rare illness that damages the brain and liver.

Can ear infections affect your health in general?

Prolonged ear infections can seriously harm the middle and inner ear. A variety of factors causes an ear infection, including fluid building up in your middle ear when one of your Eustachian tubes becomes inflamed or clogged, causing an ear infection. A Eustachian tube is a small tube that joins the back of the throat to each ear.

There is no excuse to delay getting your ear infection treated any longer! Make an appointment at Formé Medical Center and Urgent Care by contacting the office or booking online today.

Allergies are one of the most common medical conditions in the United States. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. Most allergies come about due to specific substances that the human body perceives as dangerous. These substances are called allergens and can include pollen, plants, insect stings, animal dander, molds, food items, synthetic materials, or dust. The symptoms of allergies range from mild to severe but generally begin with hives on the skin. If you think you have an allergy, you should visit Dr. Hiral Thakrar in Gilbert for treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. Below are some more signs of allergies.

• Runny, Stuffy Nose

One of the most common symptoms experienced by individuals suffering from allergies is a runny or stuffy nose. This symptom occurs when the body tries to expel allergens entering through the nose, eyes, mouth, or ears. Sneezing tends to be another common symptom in these cases, especially if an individual has hay fever.

• Rashes, Itchy Skin

A rash or itchy skin occurs when the body tries to expel allergens touching the skin. These rashes or itching tend to be extremely itchy, affecting large parts of the skin. Animal dander and pollen will usually cause itching or rashes in individuals who are allergic to these substances. Other symptoms include red or dry skin.

• Difficulty Breathing

Allergens such as dust and pollen can trigger the body to fight harder for breath, which results in difficulty breathing. Individuals suffering from allergies will usually find it extremely hard to breathe if they are allergic to these substances. Individuals who have allergic asthma experience difficulty breathing in addition to wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.

• Tingling in The Mouth or Throat

If an individual is allergic to a food item, they may experience tingling in their mouth or throat. This tingling occurs when the body tries to expel the allergens. The symptoms usually go away once the person vomits or removes the food from their system. It is primarily a symptom of food allergies.

• Wheezing

Individuals who are allergic to animal dander, mold spores, and pollen often exhibit wheezing when they breathe in. Chest tightness and coughing may also occur in these cases. Sometimes individuals will experience difficulty breathing, which is the body’s reaction to not having enough air due to constricted passages. Hives can also occur with wheezing, as well as itchy skin.

• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction an individual can experience. When the body tries to expel allergens but cannot, it becomes anaphylaxis. The throat, tongue, and eyelids may swell up, causing difficulty breathing or swallowing. An individual suffering from anaphylaxis will also have hives on their skin, plus dizziness or fainting. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can result in death. If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately go to the emergency room.

In summary, allergies are a common condition affecting millions of Americans. Some of the most common symptoms include a runny, stuffy nose, wheezing, tingling in the mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, and rashes or itchy skin. In severe cases, you may experience anaphylaxis which can cause the throat, tongue, and eyelids may swell up, causing difficulty breathing or swallowing. Make sure you seek emergency treatment if you have anaphylaxis.

Screening for colon cancer can be a tall order, with your doctor requiring you to start preparing for the procedure 14 days prior. However, the process can be less demanding if you get the best GI doctors to guide you through. For instance, your gastroenterologist might give you instructions to follow on bowel preparation to help clean your colon, making it easy for him to detect tiny or hidden polyps.  

Why would your doctor recommend a colonoscopy?

Your healthcare provider may request a colonoscopy when he wants to:

• Screen your colon for cancerous cells. An examination is a screening option, especially when your doctor wants to rule out the possibility of colon cancer. Your healthcare provider may advise you to go for the exam after ten years or less to screen for abnormalities if you are 50 years and above and are at average risk of having the condition.
• Evaluate intestinal symptoms. While some pelvic floor signs might be harmless, some instances might prompt your doctor to perform a colonoscopy to investigate possible causes of intestinal problems like chronic constipation, rectal bleeding, and chronic diarrhea.
• Look for polyps. Your GI physician may suggest a follow-up colonoscopy to look for additional polyps, especially if you had the growths before, to minimize your risk of colon cancer.

What happens during the process?

Before a colonoscopy, your healthcare provider will administer venous medications to help you relax. The medical professional will ask you to lie (on your left side) on the examination table before inserting a colonoscope through the rectum into your colon. The colonoscope is a long, tubular device your gastroenterologist uses to have a clear image of your colon’s lining to check for abnormalities. Thanks to the instrument’s flexibility, your doctor can shove it to the extreme ends of your large intestine. Once the device is inside your colon, the medical professional blows air into your intestine’s curves to expand them so that he can check out for abnormal growths.

If your gastroenterologist notices anything unusual during the treatment, he may take tissue samples for further analysis. The medical professional may also identify and remove polyps without a major operation. However, you might need another colonoscopy sooner when your healthcare provider notices:

• An extensive polyp, usually more than a centimeter
• Cancerous polyps
• Polyps indicating a high cancer risk
• More than two abnormal growths

What should you know before a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an intense procedure. Therefore, there are a few things you should know before the treatment. For instance, inform the medical expert of the medications you might be taking, including prescription drugs or over-the-counter alternatives like supplements. Your doctor will advise you on the pills to use and those to avoid, plus the possible changes you might need to make. You may also need to reschedule medications, especially if you have underlying conditions like diabetes or need to take blood thinners. Other medical concerns you may inform your doctor about include:

• Heart conditions
• Lung conditions
• Pregnancy
• Medication allergies

Your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure if he identifies an abnormal tissue he cannot remove during the process. Inform your GI physician for a colonoscopy to investigate possible gastrointestinal symptoms like changes in your bowel habits. 

Leon Valley is a beautiful city in Texas with a sub-tropical climate. One of the main difficulties homeowners face in Leon Valley is pest infestation. Due to the subtropical climate, one can see all sorts of pests in and around the city. There are many professionals offering pest control in Leon Valley, TX. If you are struggling with pest attacks at home, book an appointment today!

Why are pests a cause of concern?

Pests are a total nuisance causing all sorts of troubles for humans. Common pests seen in the house include ants, spiders, termites, ticks, etc. These pests may not seem like a huge problem at first, but many potential dangers result from their infestation. 

1. Health: It is the biggest concern when dealing with pests. So many pests like rodents are reservoirs of deadly viruses that can spread infectious diseases in humans. 
2. Property damage: Termites and bed bugs can eat away wood and other surfaces in your home. These tiny pests are very hard to get rid of as well. 
3. Stings and bites: Some pests like spiders are poisonous, and you may end up in an ED after a small spider bite. 

Why take help from pest control services?

Elimination of pests is almost impossible when you try to do it yourself. You might find so many do-it-yourself articles online, which will offer tips to get rid of the pests fast. But, if you have tried them, you might know by now that it is not as easy as it seems. Besides, you may not get rid of them completely, and some of them will lurk around the corners of your home. 

Pest control companies have experts who will use professional products to eliminate pests at your home. Some of these products are not available to the public. Similarly, there will be more than one type of pest infesting your house. The pest control experts will be better prepared to deal with the menace causing trouble at your home. 

Professional pest control agents also have the know-how to use the products correctly. Also, you can use the time you would spend over pest control to do some other productive work!

Final takeaway

We can all agree that pests are unwelcome guests causing untold miseries. If you have trouble with pests at home, you do not have to deal with them alone. All you have to do is find an expert offering pest control services. 

Acid reflux affects about 20 million people in the United States. San Antonio, TX, is among the states with many acid reflux treatment cases. The condition usually emerges from a malfunctioning valve at the top of the stomach. The acid makes its way back up to the esophagus, leading to pain and discomfort. Book an appointment with the finest center for acid reflux in San Antonio. Acid reflux is often treatable, with the more severe cases requiring surgery to repair the sphincters. However, myths and misconceptions come in seeking the proper treatment. Let’s debunk some of them.

Acid Reflux is Heart Related

Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, but it’s not what you think. The stigma exists because when the esophagus becomes irritated, it causes burning in the chest area, which can feel like heart attacks. 

It has become so common to link acid reflux with heart-related problems, that many people go undiagnosed for years before they learn other factors are involved. You don’t have to suffer any longer, and neither do your loved ones.

Acid Reflux is a Milk Problem

There aren’t a lot of dairy products in my diet, and I’m not lactose intolerant, but whenever I have too much cow’s milk or cheese, my acid reflux flares up badly. Since it’s been so bad lately, I’ve been thinking about going dairy-free to keep my symptoms under control.

Soda is Good for Acid Reflux

It’s not true that soda and other sugary drinks can help with acid reflux. They’re bad for the problem because the sugar only fuels the fire. The carbonation also makes it worse by causing bloating and giving you gas. Carbonated beverages are best avoided if you have heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Acid Reflux Kills Bad Breath

Heartburn can cause bad breath because of the acid it leaves in your mouth. This often leads people to believe that acid reflux is the enemy when really, it’s just a symptom. While you’re looking for ways to treat or cure bad breath caused by heartburn, do some research about what’s causing your heartburn. If you keep getting flare ups after eating certain foods, leave them out of your diet and find alternatives.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Always Leads to Cancer

It’s a scary diagnosis when you get told that you have GERD, and everyone starts warning you about how it could lead to cancer. The thing is, everyone tends to forget that the disease only presents a risk if left untreated and unmanaged. That’s why it’s so important to learn about what causes acid reflux and how you can treat it before you ignore the symptoms even more than you already do.

Acid Reflux Doesn’t Cause Weight Gain

Heartburn can cause bloating because of gas accumulating in your stomach, causing swelling and discomfort. Since people tend to avoid eating or drinking anything when they experience heartburn, they also don’t take in enough nutrients, which leaves them feeling tired and weak. If heartburn keeps you from eating correctly, you might start to see a change in your weight.

Acid reflux is a common occurrence, but it comes with many myths and misconceptions. The biggest myth about acid reflux is that it’s heart-related. Heartburn can be treatable, and the more severe cases may require surgery to repair sphincters. Seek guidance from an acid reflux specialist.