Plastic surgery today has undergone a wide acceptance by society. Its popularity is most likely due to popular television shows and celebrity surgeries having removed the stigma to the point where it is considered an attainable and reasonable means of improving the appearance for almost anyone.
Additionally, the advancement of plastic technology means that many procedures are now quite common and offer very little risk. There are now limitless possibilities with plastic surgery, whether it is in the face, body or limbs. If your body bags, wrinkles, sags or pouches or if you feel something is too large, too small or even the wrong shape, cosmetic surgery can probably fix it. However it is important to keep in mind that no surgery is risk free and any person seriously contemplating plastic surgery should take the time to ask important questions as a part of their pre-surgery research.
One of the most important questions to ask, is "what are the risks?" And since all surgery carries some inherent risks, this is an aspect of cosmetic surgery that should be considered carefully before making a final decision. Even if your doctor is experienced and the risks are minimal you may still develop complications either during or after your surgery. You should therefore be sure to thoroughly review your health history with your doctor before commencing with any plastic surgery.
A good cosmetic surgeon will take your reasons for surgery into consideration and will be honest about the risks. Are you sure the risks outweigh the potential benefits? What, if any, follow up will be done by the surgeon? Will the doctor make adjustments if needed? How will complications be handled? How much time will you need to recover and what are the expected side effects of surgery?
Another important consideration you should carefully examine is your reason for plastic surgery.
Although the makeovers on television may give the impression that cosmetic surgery can improve the quality of your life it is vitally important that you have a realistic outlook on the impact of surgery.
When discussing cosmetic surgery with a doctor, they should also tell you the options that are available and any alternatives to surgery. You shouldn't be pressured into unnecessary surgery. An informed consent document should be signed prior to surgery.
Fourthly, since not all surgical procedures need to be preformed in a hospital, another critical part of your research should be to thoroughly investigate the accreditation of your surgeon. You should check to make sure that your plastic surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) or a similar a organization in your country.
Ask the surgeon if they have hospital privileges. Having hospital privileges means that a hospital committee has approved the doctor's training and competency to meet their criteria for performing a similar operation in their facilities. Also, even if your surgery is performed in an office, verify that there will be appropriate medical personnel on hand and that the facilities are clean and medical waste is properly disposed of.
You should ask your personal physician for referrals as well. It is important that you find a surgeon that you feel comfortable with. You want to feel free to ask questions and to make certain they understand what you are hoping to achieve - after all, this isn't a hair cut - you want it to be right the first time.
Last, but not least, cost is an important consideration when thinking about plastic surgery. And while this may be the first questions that comes to some people's minds, in reality you should only consider this after determining whether you really need surgery. Costs vary widely and should not be the basis for your decision. The qualifications of the doctor and your comfort with him or her are of far greater significance than the cost since you will undoubtedly pay more if you encounter complications or are unhappy with the results.
Furthermore, depending on the reason for the surgery you may have some of the costs covered by insurance or state run medical programs. However, if cosmetic surgery (also called 'elective') is not seen as a medical and necessity it will not likely be covered by insurance.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Docs Giving Wrong Rx to Kids with Sore Throats?
For years, there has been concern that antibiotics are overprescribed, and with good cause. Despite clear guidelines calling for prior testing, physicians prescribed antibiotics in 53 percent of sore throat cases in children, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and Children's Hospital Boston found in a recent study.
This represents significantly more prescriptions than warranted for actual rates -- 15-36 percent -- of strep throat among kids with sore throat. Furthermore, almost half of those prescriptions were given in the absence of a test. Details of this research appear in the November 9, 2005, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Group A streptococcal pharyngitis, or strep throat, is the most common cause of sore throat for which antibiotics are indicated. However, many leading health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics say that a common "strep" test should be performed prior to prescribing recommended antibiotics.
Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
"This study demonstrates that children with sore throat are frequently given unnecessary antibiotics," says lead author Jeffrey A. Linder, MD, MPH, a BWH internist.
"This overprescribing of antibiotics could be easily remedied by following known guidelines, which include doing a simple, inexpensive strep test," he adds.
"This is critical for not just children but all patients," Dr. Linder notes, "as unnecessary prescription of antibiotics can lead to a variety of issues, including increased costs, the potential development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and adverse drug effects."
Researchers analyzed data from children aged 3 to 17 years from 1995 to 2003 with sore throat who visited office-based physicians, hospital outpatient departments and emergency departments.
Among an estimated 7.3 million visits for sore throat over this time period, physicians prescribed antibiotics in 53 percent of the cases, the researchers found.
Just 15 to 36 percent of children with sore throat actually have the strep throat bacterium, according to estimates. But only 53 percent of those who were given the antibiotics had been tested first.
Testing Is Underused
Over the eight-year time period of the study, physicians prescribed antibiotics less frequently, the researchers found, which suggests an encouraging trend. In 1995, 66 percent of cases were given antibiotics, decreasing to 54 percent of cases in 2003.
Still, there was no decrease in the prescribing of non-recommended antibiotics, which made up 27 percent of antibiotic prescriptions, Dr. Linder points out. Recommended antibiotics for the treatment of strep throat are penicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin and first-generation cephalosporins.
"Strep testing is underused, and physicians should be ordering this important diagnostic test before prescribing antibiotics to kids with sore throat," emphasizes Dr. Linder.
"Instead of writing a prescription, physicians should order a test and make sure they are treating kids' symptoms by offering a pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen," he advises.
This represents significantly more prescriptions than warranted for actual rates -- 15-36 percent -- of strep throat among kids with sore throat. Furthermore, almost half of those prescriptions were given in the absence of a test. Details of this research appear in the November 9, 2005, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Group A streptococcal pharyngitis, or strep throat, is the most common cause of sore throat for which antibiotics are indicated. However, many leading health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics say that a common "strep" test should be performed prior to prescribing recommended antibiotics.
Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
"This study demonstrates that children with sore throat are frequently given unnecessary antibiotics," says lead author Jeffrey A. Linder, MD, MPH, a BWH internist.
"This overprescribing of antibiotics could be easily remedied by following known guidelines, which include doing a simple, inexpensive strep test," he adds.
"This is critical for not just children but all patients," Dr. Linder notes, "as unnecessary prescription of antibiotics can lead to a variety of issues, including increased costs, the potential development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and adverse drug effects."
Researchers analyzed data from children aged 3 to 17 years from 1995 to 2003 with sore throat who visited office-based physicians, hospital outpatient departments and emergency departments.
Among an estimated 7.3 million visits for sore throat over this time period, physicians prescribed antibiotics in 53 percent of the cases, the researchers found.
Just 15 to 36 percent of children with sore throat actually have the strep throat bacterium, according to estimates. But only 53 percent of those who were given the antibiotics had been tested first.
Testing Is Underused
Over the eight-year time period of the study, physicians prescribed antibiotics less frequently, the researchers found, which suggests an encouraging trend. In 1995, 66 percent of cases were given antibiotics, decreasing to 54 percent of cases in 2003.
Still, there was no decrease in the prescribing of non-recommended antibiotics, which made up 27 percent of antibiotic prescriptions, Dr. Linder points out. Recommended antibiotics for the treatment of strep throat are penicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin and first-generation cephalosporins.
"Strep testing is underused, and physicians should be ordering this important diagnostic test before prescribing antibiotics to kids with sore throat," emphasizes Dr. Linder.
"Instead of writing a prescription, physicians should order a test and make sure they are treating kids' symptoms by offering a pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen," he advises.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Sleeping Pill Facts
Have you ever thought about taking a sleeping pill to get you that good night’s rest that you have been searching for? Many people suffer from insomnia to some degree or another or just have an occasional hard time sleeping due to tension, pain, depression, or one of many other causes. It can be a tempting option to think that just by popping a pill you can settle down for a restful night. You can find a wide variety of sleeping pill products over the counter at your local drug store, grocery store, or even a discount store. But, is this the best way for you to get to sleep? The answer is—maybe, maybe not.
How Does This Type Of Drug Work?
There are actually a couple of different ways that a sleep aid can work. Some are anti-histamines that simply make you drowsy. Other types of sleeping pill options are sedatives or hypnotics that relax your muscles or act as an anti-anxiety agent. If you have been struggling with sleep issues for a while, it may not hurt to give one of these products a try but it should not be done on a long term basis.
Dangers
The dangers of using these medications are numerous. They can become extremely addictive because you need them to get to sleep and the longer you take a sleeping pill the more that you will need to take to get to sleep. You may also still be sleepy after it is time for you to be awake and drowsiness while driving or performing some tasks can be very dangerous. It also may be masking a more serious problem.
If you are taking a sleeping pill because you have chronic pain, it would be a better idea to visit your doctor to find out what the cause of your pain is than to continue taking the sleep aid. The same can be true for many other chronic sleep problems. If they last longer than a few days, you should definitely consult a medical professional before you over-medicate yourself.
Taking a sleeping pill can also aggravate conditions such as glaucoma, hyperthyroidism and sleep apnea. If you take an anti-histamine based sleep-aid it can actually cause you to become more excitable and unable to sleep.
Simple Aternatives
There are many alternatives to taking a sleeping pill. Some natural ways that will help you to sleep better include: drinking a warm glass of milk (no, it is not just an “old wives tale,) limiting caffeine and other drinks after dinner, exercising (especially if it is done earlier in the day,) and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, may all work as well as taking a sleeping pill.
How Does This Type Of Drug Work?
There are actually a couple of different ways that a sleep aid can work. Some are anti-histamines that simply make you drowsy. Other types of sleeping pill options are sedatives or hypnotics that relax your muscles or act as an anti-anxiety agent. If you have been struggling with sleep issues for a while, it may not hurt to give one of these products a try but it should not be done on a long term basis.
Dangers
The dangers of using these medications are numerous. They can become extremely addictive because you need them to get to sleep and the longer you take a sleeping pill the more that you will need to take to get to sleep. You may also still be sleepy after it is time for you to be awake and drowsiness while driving or performing some tasks can be very dangerous. It also may be masking a more serious problem.
If you are taking a sleeping pill because you have chronic pain, it would be a better idea to visit your doctor to find out what the cause of your pain is than to continue taking the sleep aid. The same can be true for many other chronic sleep problems. If they last longer than a few days, you should definitely consult a medical professional before you over-medicate yourself.
Taking a sleeping pill can also aggravate conditions such as glaucoma, hyperthyroidism and sleep apnea. If you take an anti-histamine based sleep-aid it can actually cause you to become more excitable and unable to sleep.
Simple Aternatives
There are many alternatives to taking a sleeping pill. Some natural ways that will help you to sleep better include: drinking a warm glass of milk (no, it is not just an “old wives tale,) limiting caffeine and other drinks after dinner, exercising (especially if it is done earlier in the day,) and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, may all work as well as taking a sleeping pill.
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