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When to Change TED Hose

TED hose, also known as anti-embolism stockings, are recommended by health care providers for individuals who are prone to poor leg circulation, deep vein thrombosis, extended periods in bed, etc. TED hose are worn to help reduce swelling and increase circulation in the legs. They are available in both thigh and knee high lengths in a variety of sizes. TED hose should be worn as recommended by a health care provider. The stockings must be taken care of properly to maximize their effect. Knowing when to change and replace them helps to insure they are being used properly. TED hose are worn for specific periods each day. A health care provider will determine the amount of time per day an individual wears TED hose. After each recommended amount of time wearing the hose is reached, the hose should be removed and properly cleaned. Changing TED hose after each use can help lengthen the amount of time each pair will last before needing replaced. This also allows the TED hose to be washed a...

Cell Phone Use and Cancer

Several medical studies have shown possible links between cell phone use and health problems, including cancer. Although there are no definitive links, a number of medical professionals are now calling for people, especially children, to limit their use of these devices. Warning Sent to Staff to Limit Cell Phone Use In July 2008, Dr. Ronald Herberman, Center for Environmental Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center, warned 3,000 staff and faculty about cell phone use. Dr. Herberman’s memo included a recommendation that children should use cell phones only in emergencies and adults should use the speakerphone feature or wireless headsets. There is not enough information available on the effect of electromagnetic radiation on developing brains to determine if there is a cause for concern; however, Dr. Herberman believes that there is no reason to wait for science to provide an answer. Instead, limiting use is a more proactive approach. Possible Link Between Cell...

A Night at the Sleep Center

Diagnosing sleep apnea starts with an appointment with your family doctor. A history of possible sleep apnea symptoms is recorded. As sleep apnea symptoms are often seen alongside depression, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), asthma, obesity, and impotence, the doctor may ask questions that, on the surface, seem to have little to do with sleeping habits. During the appointment the doctor also performs a physical exam, looking for evidence of physical sleep apnea causes. He or she will check the mouth, nose, and throat for possible obstructions. As bed partners often that notice sleep apnea symptoms first, their input and observations can be very helpful when diagnosing sleep apnea. If bed partners can attend the doctor's appointment they can provide valuable information that aids in making a diagnosis. Sleep Apnea Clinics If the doctor suspects sleep apnea, the patient is usually referred to a sleep apnea clinic or sleep center for further tests. There the patient will ...

What is Involved in Rhinoplasty

Noses present with all kinds of bumps and humps that can cause emotional distress and anxiety. Rhinoplasty is the name given to the procedure to remodel a nose. How is Rhinoplasty Performed A closed rhinoplasty is done through incisions inside the nose. This method is suitable for adjusting or reducing the nose’s size and shape. In an open rhinoplasty, an incision is made across the strip of skin between the nostrils. This allows easier access for more extensive work. Who will Benefit from Rhinoplasty Rhinoplasty is suitable for adults whose noses are fully grown and developed. It may also be performed on children who have sustained damage through an accident or who were born with a nasal defect. What can Rhinoplasty Achieve A successful rhinoplasty can change a person’s appearance, profile and mindset. Even a minor physical adjustment can have a major psychological effect. What Rhinoplasty Cannot Do Plastic surgeons have to work with the original nose and there are limits to ...

What is Frostbite?

Most people living in northern climates have heard about frostbite. Exposing the skin and underlying tissues, especially of the extremities including the hands and feet, to extremely cold temperatures can lead to the development of frostbite. If cold exposure is severe enough, tissues can actually die. Ice Formation Inside Tissues The body works hard to maintain the temperature of all of its tissues, both at the core of the body and at the periphery. Peripheral tissues such as the fingers, the toes, the ears, the nose and the lips are, however, at highest risk for damage as a result of exposures to extremely cold temperatures. When conditions are most dangerous, this extreme exposure can lead to the actual formation of ice crystals inside the tissues, first occurring near to the surface tissues just below the external skin, and then progressing to deeper tissue structures. When this happens, frostbite develops. How Ice Damages Tissues When ice crystals start to form in tissues, th...

Vitamin D Essential to Good Health

The results of the first Canadian study of the effects of vitamin D deficiency have been released by Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, and they look worrying. Northern Latitudes Lack Vitamin D Health Canada says that “Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.” That, of course, comes from the sun, so Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin.” However, Canada being a northern country means that the sun’s UVB is weaker than in tropical regions. The result, according to Health Canada is that “Vitamin D synthesis in the skin is absent during the winter months (October to March), and for an even greater part of the year in far northern latitudes. This means that for a significant portion of the year, Canadians must rely on dietary intake of vitamin D to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D in the body.” Sources of dietary vitamin D include milk, fatty fish, and egg yolks. Also, inexpensive supplements in pill form are available at...

Using Generic Drugs

Generic drugs can save you money because they cost less than brand-name prescriptions. Unlike other types of generic products such as cereal or soup where the brand is often better, generic medications are just as pure, effective and high quality as their brand counterparts. Generic drugs, by law, must have the same active ingredients than the brand names, and they are plentiful – generic options are available for about half of all prescription drugs currently on the market, a recent Consumer Reports report stated. According to the Consumer Reports article, “Shopper’s Guide to Prescription Drugs” from 2006, generics are simply copies of the medications that have expired patents. It can take any where from 10 to 14 years for a patent to expire, at which point the brand-name manufacturer loses the right to be the only seller of the drug. What’s Causing All the Confusion? The confusion between choosing a generic or name brand often is because the name brand stays on the market wh...

How to Recognize and Prevent Burnout

What is it? Burnout occurs when a person feels overwhelmed by work and/or social circumstances and is unable to cope due to high levels of stress and emotional and physical exhaustion. Experiencing burnout can cause a person to feel unmotivated and extremely unhappy. High stress levels in all areas of life can reduce productivity and interrupt normal work, family and social relationships. It may also have an adverse affect on one’s health. It may be caused by lack of control, job boredom or monotony, extreme pressure to meet constant and excessive demands and lack of recognition. Who is at Risk? People who are dealing with a stressful environment on a daily basis, who must fulfill certain objectives and are under pressure due to time, financial or employer constraints. These people could be executive high flyers or even carers for the disabled. Any job or environment that can become monotonous and make a person feel like their achievements go unrecognized has the potential to incre...