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Urgent Care Centers The Missing Link Between Your Family Doctor and the ER

Urgent care

The day before I was scheduled to leave for Morocco with the Peace Corps, I got bit by a deer tick. I live on Long Island, which has the highest Lyme’s Disease rates in the world, and so I couldn’t afford to take any chances. I knew I needed to have the tick removed by a professional and take the prophylactic doxycycline, but my family practice doctor was always booked at least a few days in advance, which I didn’t have time for. Also, this wasn’t exactly an emergency, and anyway I didn’t have the time to waste an entire day in the ER waiting room.
Really, I should thank that darned tick, because it led me to frantically Google until I discovered a local urgent care center. Up until that point, I had never heard of an urgent care center, and didn’t realize there was a fast solution in between my regular doctor and a full blown ER visit. Best of all, the urgent care center I found was a walk-in clinic, meaning I didn’t need an appointment. I seriously just drove there, put my name on a list, and was seen within a couple of hours by a licensed physician. They took my insurance too, but even if they hadn’t, I did a quick comparison of out-of-pocket urgent care cost with ER costs and discovered that the urgent care center was $300 cheaper for most things on average. I was able to take care of the tick situation and make my flight the next day no problem.
I have to admit, I had my reservations about going, even considering my urgent situation. After all, I’ve been trained by my culture to believe that bigger is better and more legitimate, and so I’ve always harbored the prejudice that an urgent care unit is less official and provides lower quality care. This is simply not the case. For one thing, they see you faster than an emergency room, with the average urgent care center wait time being less than 20 minutes. This can greatly improve the quality if, like me, time was your biggest concern. Furthermore, 95% of these centers have licensed doctors on their staff. Not residents or students like you might find at a hospital — doctors.
Finally, the more affordable pricing doesn’t hint at bad quality. It’s simply a function of what an urgent care center does. For sure, these are not the places to go if you need open heart surgery or something. But because they only have to treat routine, non-invasive issues, they are able to keep leaner inventory and staff and thus cut operations cost. This savings gets passed on to you as the consumer who doesn’t have a life-threatening medical condition but nonetheless needs to be seen.
I hope I’ve divested you of any reservations or superstitions you might have about urgent care centers, because without one, I would have had a whole host of other logistical problems to deal with that had nothing to do with the tick.

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Age Is One Of the Defining Risk Factors For Breast, Prostate Cancers

Medical oncologists

Gender-prevalent cancers like breast and prostate cancer have one thing in common: age. Of the roughly 220,800 cases of prostate cancer likely to have been diagnosed during 2015, 60% of them would be on patients over the age of 65 and rarely on those below 40; similarly breast cancer is rare before the age of 40. Both cancers have relatively high risk rates, with one in eight women developing breast cancer over their lifetimes and one in seven men have a similar risk of contracting prostate cancer and requiring cancer care.

Both cancers have similar survival rates, 100% or close for detection in early stages. This is where vital cancer care and detection is key. Early breast cancer diagnosis is possible with a mammogram and this is especially useful for women over the age of 50 when risk increases. For men, regular prostate examinations can greatly increase the possibility of detecting the cancer early on.

Familial incidence of either cancer makes it more likely that a person with be diagnosed with that cancer. In men with two or more relatives with a history of prostate cancer, they are four times as likely to be diagnosed with that cancer. For women, the risk of breast cancer doubles if they have a close relative such as a mother who has a history of the cancer.

Despite this, as mentioned, survival rates are high and can be maximized by ensuring regular quality healthcare check-ups at cancer centers. It is comforting to know that almost 50% of cancer survivors are 70 or older, and 64% of all cancer survivors have been cancer-free for five years or more.

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If Your Snoring Can Be Measured on the Richter Scale, You Probably Have Sleep Apnea

Power wheelchair

A persistent feeling of sleepiness during the day could be due to undiagnosed allergies, medication regimens, an uncomfortable bed or pillow, or stress from work. Health experts say, however, that daytime drowsiness coupled with loud snoring at night could be a warning sign of sleep apnea. What differentiates sleep apnea from regular snoring patterns is the fact that, as the throat muscles relax in people with the condition, their breathing patterns are slowed or temporarily interrupted.

When people with sleep apnea are startled awake in the middle of the night, a pattern which could repeat itself more than 25 times an hour, it is due to their bodies’ temporary inability to draw a complete breath. There are a variety of causes, but in general, one in six Americans has sleep apnea.

Medical equipment does exist to assist heavy snorers who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. CPAP machines and CPAP supplies are often available at a medical supply store or through insurance. Continuous Positive Air Pressure machines generate a steady stream of air that people can breathe at night. A small face mask that covers the mouth is secured by a small strap, and using a CPAP machine can ensure that air flow is continuous throughout the sleeping hours.

Studies show that regular use of medical equipment can be highly effective. Some people with sleep apnea find that while they are waiting for medical supplies to arrive, they can run a fan while they sleep to help with air flow. Doctors often tell patients with the condition to exercise more and to avoid alcoholic beverages. More than 18 million people with sleep apnea are waiting for further research and perhaps, eventually, a surgical cure.

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How Chiropractic Medicine Can Help the Almost 90% of Americans With Back Pain

If you have experienced back pain and leg spasms, you understand the suffering this condition causes. It may result from strenuous activities like excessive exercise, repetitive sports, and poor posture.

Strained or pulled muscles are experienced when you strain tissues or suffer a tendon injury. To find out the best way to treat back muscle strain, you could check with your local clinic or, better yet, book a doctor’s appointment to rule out any other health problems.

Many people tend to disregard the severity of this condition. However, getting a chiropractor appointment and a professional diagnosis based on your unique circumstance is always better. Understanding the root cause is the best way to get rid of chronic pain.

This is because some causes of severe lower back and hip pain stem from hidden health deficiencies. Obesity, hormones, arthritis, and other conditions such as peripheral arterial disease could cause this pain.

Various tests are run to assess chronic back pain differential diagnosis to identify these illnesses early on and administer emergency back pain treatment. Inflammation, infection, joint injuries, pregnancy, and disc disease fall under the differential category.

Back pain is an underestimated illness; lower back pain causes mental and physical health issues that are often over-looked. Close to 90 percent of Americans suffer from some form of back pain. Chiropractic medicine, while often overlooked, is a valuable source of relief for a growing number of Americans — and it is increasingly a top choice for employment.

According to chiropractic websites, chiropractors focus on the neuromusculoskeletal system, using spinal adjustments and manipulations to address problems of the nerves, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. The result is a treatment that can often prevent surgery and provide much-needed relief to patients suffering from an array of injuries and chronic pain illnesses. Only 1.5 percent of those who see a chiropractor first have to have surgery, in comparison to the 42.7 percent of injuries that result in surgery if a surgeon provides the first point of care.

Mid- to lower back pain is the most common ailment of those seeking chiropractic help, afflicting 35%, while neck pain accounts for close to 20% of all chiropractic visits. In addition, chiropractic medicine can provide all-round health benefits as pain relief often results in better overall well-being.

Nearly 45,000 practicing chiropractors operate in the US and the number of chiropractors is expected to grow by up to 15% by 2022, an average growth larger than most occupations. Average annual wages for chiropractors hit $66,160 in May 2012, making it a good choice for those interested in medical-related professions. In order to qualify to be a chiropractor, you must complete three years of undergraduate college, obtain a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, and acquire a state license.

Self-employment is a common approach for chiropractic consultants, with most working in a solo or group practice. New and aspiring chiropractors can benefit from a range of chiropractic training centers as well as online training and development resources available on chiropractic websites. Here chiropractors can find advice on chiropractic practice management, chiropractic marketing ideas and other support training to help grow their businesses.

 

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Custom cosmetic labels Natural skin products Serious skin care

4 Reasons Private Label Skin Care Products are Best

Professional skin care line

Majority of skin care product manufacturers prefer to spend majority of their time and energy on marketing their products. Private label skin care manufacturers use less resources to market their products, and more resources on developing the perfect product for the customer. No matter what the reason is for searching for private label skin care products, customers are usually more satisfied with the products they buy from spas or doctor’s offices, rather than national chains.

Why choose private label products

Private label products are specially designed to help with specific problems. National brands focus on marketing a variety of conditions to entice consumers to buy, but private labels focus on treating specific conditions. Private labels are extremely popular for conditions such as acne. Acne is one of the most common disorders of the skin in the United States. As many as 50 million Americans suffer from acne with majority of them experiencing the problem within their teen years. Approximately 40% of teenagers deal with some sort of acne or scarring caused by acne. Approximately 85% of people experience some form of acne in their lifetime. These cases usually affect people’s faces, backs or chests. Acne along with other problems can benefit from private label products.

Are private label skin care manufacturers as good as national brands

Many private label skin care manufacturers are involved with the most top notch research and development teams. Their technology rivals the larger name brand products seen all the time. This provides private label skin care brands better access to the most cutting-edge technology available. Their focus is centered on product development, which comes from research. Private label skin products focus on more than just finished goods provided to the consumer.

Is the product unique and different from other private labels?

Private label products are not only unique, but are also tailored to your unique skin care needs in most cases. These products are typically tailored to your specific needs. These products are custom made and take all types of skin into consideration. Specially formulated formulas can be made to appeal to those with sensitive skin or allergic reactions.

Do private label skin care manufacturers offer natural and organic products?

A professional skin care line typically offers users products that appeal to the consumer. They specialize in customers being different and use these differences to appeal to all customers. Natural and organic products are popular products; therefore, there are a number of formulations you can purchase which are all natural and organic. Since private label skin care products are specifically made, you can rest assured that the labels refer to the product, and are not simply added due to regulations. Organic products are certified and natural products are free from majority of chemicals.

When looking for skin care products, don’t overlook private labels simply because they are not nationally recognized. Many times your doctor’s office or spa carry the best products on the market. Take the time to check these products out and compare them to your specific needs. Products by private label skin care manufacturers just might surprise you.

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Does low testosterone affect focus Does low testosterone affect my sex life Lack of energy st. louis

The One Big Threat to Men’s Health and Why It Should Be Taken Seriously

Does the shot hurt

It?s no secret that testosterone is an important part of healthy function for the male body. Very often however, men underestimate just how vital it is and how many of their biological processes rely on a healthy amount of testosterone. For this reason, many men in the U.S. that suffer from low testosterone don?t realize the problem and will go without help. There isn?t a lot in the way of education about testosterone deficiency and this begs questions like, ?does low testosterone affect focus??, ?does low t affect my strength?? and so on. The following outlines some important facts about low testosterone levels and how it can negatively impact a man?s life:

1. It is a common problem.


Low testosterone levels have been occurring ever frequently in America. It is estimated that over 13 million men in total suffer from low t, but symptoms are rarely acknowledged for what they are (often blamed on the natural process of aging). Researchers are already predicting that by 2025 there could be as many as 6.5 million men between 30 and 79 with testosterone deficiency, an increase of 38% since 2000.

2. Decreases with age.


While it doesn?t have to be an unavoidable aspect of aging, testosterone does decrease as a man gets older. Researchers have found 20% more instances of low testosterone in men over 60, 30% more in men over 70, to as high as 50% in men over 80 years of age.

3. Symptoms are noticeable, but often go without treatment.


If you?re asking yourself, ?does low testosterone affect focus??, the answer would be yes, but such a thing can so easily be blamed on getting older and other outside factors. In addition to lack of focus, low testosterone can cause increased body fat, decreased energy and fatigue, reduced muscle mass and depression. Even with all these negative chances, as many as 90% of men with low testosterone will go without treatment.

4. May Shorten Life


Recent studies have shown a link between low testosterone and shorter lives, meaning there could be a correlation between the two. In fact, men with low t have a 33% greater death risk over the next 18 years of life compared to men with normal testosterone levels. This would make a question like, ?does low testosterone affect focus?? the least of a sufferer?s concerns.

5. Most insurance companies will cover treatment.


The biggest tragedy of all of this is that many insurances are prepared to cover treatment. Lots of clinics that specialize in treatment will accept most insurance plans, as well as offer flexible payment options.

Getting oneself tested and, if need be, treated for low testosterone can go a long way to changing a life for the better.

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3 Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery Answered

Gastric sleeve florida

Bariatric surgery, which is sometimes called weight loss surgery, is truly life-changing. Not only can it help patients slim down to a healthy, attractive weight, it can potentially save their lives. Naturally, anyone who’s considering bariatric surgery probably has a few questions.

Here are just a few of the answers patients commonly seek.

Is it right for me? – Bariatric surgery isn’t right for everyone, unfortunately. It’s a very serious procedure that requires people to change the way they live. Bariatric surgery should only be considered as an option if a patient has a body mass index higher than 40 or a BMI higher than 35, but also has serious obesity-related health problems, has tried other options and failed, and fully understands the risks associated with weight loss surgery.

How much weight will I lose? – After bariatric surgery, you’re going to lose a lot of weight. The amount, though, depends on what type of procedure you undergo. If you get gastric bypass surgery, you’ll lose upwards of 60% of your excess weight. After a gastric lap band procedure, you’ll lose about 47% of your excess weight.

What risks are associated with weight loss surgery? – Some of the risks associated with bariatric surgery include vomitting from eating too much too quickly, constipation, nutritional deficiencies (such as osteoporosis or anemia), and infections in the surgical wounds. Some of the complications that may develop after the surgery include hernias, excess skin, dehydration, hair loss, kidney stones, hypoglycemia, gallstones, ulcerations, and gastric prolapse.

Weight loss surgery is life-changing
. It can help you reach the weight you need to be and avoid the dangerous, possibly fatal diseases associated with obesity. That being said, it’s not for everyone and it’s not without risks. It’s a medical option that requires a patient to be absolutely certain before operation.

If you have any other questions about bariatric surgery, feel free to share in the comments.

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4 Things Urgent Care Centers Everywhere Want You to Know

Emergency room care

Urgent care is a great alternative to the hospital or your primary physician in the case of certain illnesses and injuries. 85% of facilities are open 7 days a week and provide later availability than most doctors’ offices. With 3 million patients visiting a local walk-in clinic each week according to the Urgent Care Association of America, here are 4 things every clinic would like patients to know:

Urgent care is not a replacement for your primary physician. While urgent care facilities are prepared to treat a wide array of ailments and injuries, they are not a replacement for your doctor. Following up regularly with your doctor is the best way to round out your health care regime. Primary physicians are aware of your prolonged medical history and may know things about your past that an urgent care doctor may not be aware of.

Try to go mid-day, if possible. There is often a large influx of patients in the morning and evening, in correlation with the beginning and end of the school/work day. Many facilities will also see an increase in patients later in the evening, after most doctor’s offices are closed. Your best chance of being seen immediately is going in the middle of the day, if you can.

They can’t handle everything, but you might be surprised by what they CAN do. Facilities aren’t outfitted with specialists or expensive hospital equipment, so there is a limit to what they can treat. If a patient is experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, severe bleeding or head trauma, poisoning or suspected overdose, seizure or loss of consciousness, sudden loss of vision or blurred vision, sudden weakness or tingling, severe headache or confusion, the hospital will be better able to take care of them.

However, 4 out of 5 centers are able to handle fractures and sprains. They are also capable of providing IV fluids for dehydration. Facilities are also able to give quick physicals that you may need for work or a sports team.

DO NOT go to urgent care if you think you may be having a heart attack. A heart attack is one of the few ailments that these centers aren’t prepared to treat. If patients come in with chest pains that are suspected to be a heart attack, they will be sent to the emergency room. Please don’t waste precious time by going to a walk-in clinic with chest pains. The faster you’re able to get to a hospital in the case of a potential heart attack, the better off you and your heart will be.

Have you used an urgent care facility before? What were your experiences like? Sound off in the comments below!