Friday, May 31, 2013

Assess Your Risk: Should You Be Thinking About Glaucoma?

When it comes to protecting our eye health, we all know the most obvious signs and symptoms to watch out for – blurriness, halos and other changes in vision.  With glaucoma, however, the condition often doesn’t present any symptoms in its early stages.  Often referred to as a “silent thief of sight,” it’s for this reason that patients need to understand potential risk factors for the condition and schedule regular glaucoma screenings.  A common and serious condition, we are challenging our patients to consider one important question:  Should You Be Thinking About Glaucoma?

Here is our list of the Top 5 Risk Factors for Developing Glaucoma:

  1. Age. Age is one of the most common risk factors for developing glaucoma.  In fact, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, “You are six times more likely to get glaucoma if you are over 60 years old.”
  2. Family History. Pointing to a genetic link, those with a family history of glaucoma tend to have a much higher chance for developing the condition.  It’s important for patients to understand their family’s medical history and share it with their healthcare provider.
  3. Certain Medical Conditions. Certain medical conditions have been marked as potential risk factors for glaucoma.  In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, “Several conditions may increase your risk of developing glaucoma, including diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure and hypothyroidism.”
  4. Ethnicity. Some ethnic groups tend to be more vulnerable to developing glaucoma.  Typically, these include African Americans and Hispanic populations.
  5. Taking Certain Medications. Certain medications have been marked as potential contributing factors to glaucoma, particularly steroids.  According to the GRF, “A 1997 study reported in the Journal of American Medical Association demonstrated a 40% increase in the incidence of ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma in adults who require approximately 14 to 35 puffs of steroid inhaler to control asthma.”

Schedule a Glaucoma Screening Today

Whether or not you are in one of these “high risk” categories, understand that glaucoma does not discriminate and everyone is ultimately at risk.  This is why we are encouraging all our patients to contact us today and schedule a glaucoma screening. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, and you can reach us directly at (540) 722-6200.

Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/glaucoma/assess-your-risk-should-you-be-thinking-about-glaucoma

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Adventure Medicine Magazine

Source: http://adventuredoc.net/2012/09/15/adventure-medicine-magazine/

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Interview With Wendy Schauer – Author of The 7 Steps To Amazing Health!

Here is a link to an interview that “foodie”, health advocate, and grass fed beef rancher Lisa Wilcox recently did with author Wendy Schauer.

http://nwlocalgrassfedbeef.com/interview-with-wendy-schauer-author-speaker-chiropractor-kettlebell-trainer/

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II

Source: http://www.abundanthealthcenter.com/blog/interview-with-wendy-schauer-author-of-the-7-steps-to-amazing-health

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HIV Vaccines and the future

Source: http://adventuredoc.net/2012/10/24/hiv-vaccines-and-the-future/

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Thursday, May 30, 2013

The incidence of MCI differs by subtype and is higher in men: The Mayo Clinic Study of Aging

Rosebud O. Roberts, M.B.Ch.B. with the Division of Epidemiology, discusses a study that measured the incidence of MCI and its subtypes using published criteria. Results showed a statistically significant difference between incidence rates among men and women. The study also found that individuals with only a high school education developed either aMCI or naMCI at a higher rate than those with some higher education.

The study was published in the Jan. 25, 2012, issue of Neurology.

ABSTRACT
Objective
Although incidence rates for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have been reported, few studies were specifically designed to measure the incidence of MCI and its subtypes using published criteria. This study estimates the incidence of amnestic MCI (aMCI) and nonamnestic MCI (naMCI) in men and women separately. 

Methods
A population-based prospective cohort of Olmsted County, Minn., residents age 70 to 89 on Oct. 1, 2004, underwent baseline and 15-month interval evaluations that included:

  • The Clinical Dementia Rating scale
  • A neurologic evaluation
  • Neuropsychological testing

A panel of examiners blinded to previous diagnoses reviewed data at each serial evaluation to assess cognitive status according to published criteria. 

Results
Among 1,450 subjects who were cognitively normal at baseline, 296 developed MCI.

The age- and sex-standardized incidence rate of MCI was 63.6 (per 1,000 person-years) overall, and was higher in men (72.4) than women (57.3) and for aMCI (37.7) than naMCI (14.7).

The incidence rate of aMCI was higher for men (43.9) than women (33.3), and for subjects with ≤12 years of education (42.6) than higher education (32.5).

The risk of naMCI was also higher for men (20.0) than women (10.9) and for subjects with ≤12 years of education (20.3) than higher education (10.2).

Conclusions
The incidence rates for MCI are substantial. Differences in incidence rates by clinical subtype and by sex suggest that risk factors for MCI should be investigated separately for aMCI and naMCI, and in men and women.

Authors
Rosebud.O. Roberts, M.B.Ch.B., Yonas E. Geda, M.D., David S. Knopman, M.D., Ruth H. Cha, Vernon (Shane).S. Pankratz, Ph.D., Bradley F. Boeve, M.D., Eric G. Tangalos, M.D., Robert J. Ivnik, Ph.D., L.P., Walter A. Rocca, M.D., Ronald C. Petersen, M.D., Ph.D.

 

Source: http://physicianupdate.mayoclinic.org/2012/02/17/the-incidence-of-mci-differs-by-subtype-and-is-higher-in-men-the-mayo-clinic-study-of-aging/

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Interview With Wendy Schauer – Author of The 7 Steps To Amazing Health!

Here is a link to an interview that “foodie”, health advocate, and grass fed beef rancher Lisa Wilcox recently did with author Wendy Schauer.

http://nwlocalgrassfedbeef.com/interview-with-wendy-schauer-author-speaker-chiropractor-kettlebell-trainer/

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II

Source: http://www.abundanthealthcenter.com/blog/interview-with-wendy-schauer-author-of-the-7-steps-to-amazing-health

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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The 7 Steps To Amazing Health

We are excited to announce that Dr. Wendy Schauer, D.C., the author of, “The 7 Steps To Amazing Health” will be a featured guest today for Jim Edwards from 7 Day eBook and I Gotta Tell You.  Jim will be interviewing Wendy on her book and how she came to write it. 

As soon as the interview is available we will be sure to post it here.

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II

 

Source: http://www.abundanthealthcenter.com/blog/the-7-steps-to-amazing-health

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Implantable Contact Lenses Certification

Dr. Grochmal recently attended a conference to expand his services to increase his refractive surgery options for his patients in Baltimore. Implantable contact lenses (ICL’s) are a great alternative for patients who are not qualified for LASIK or are borderline. Often times, the glasses’ prescription is outside the range for safe and effective LASIK; or the cornea is too thin for LASIK. ICL’s will correct for high hyperopia as well as high myopia without altering the cornea’s natural refractive powers. Please contact Grochmal Eye Center to learn more.

Source: http://www.grochmaleye.com/continuing-medical-education-cme/implantable-contact-lenses-certification/

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Learn How LASIK Could Make Those Resolutions Easier To Keep

What: Happier New You LASIK event at Eye Consultants of Texas, 2201 Westgate Plaza in Grapevine, conveniently located to Dallas/Fort Worth
When: Tuesday, January 22, 2013, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Cool Part: $300 off any LASIK procedure just for attending

Now that the big ball has fallen and the calendar has started over, it’s time to think about those new year’s resolutions. Or, more importantly, how to stick to them.

If you’ve worn glasses or contacts for most of your life, you might consider adding LASIK to your 2013 list. Not only can LASIK help you see much clearer, but by not having to depend on corrective eyewear, it can make life a lot easier and generally more fun. Plus, it makes exercise and just getting out easier too. LASIK could possibly even save you money over wearing glasses and contacts. So even if you’re just sticking to the basics of wanting to be healthier, spending less money and having more fun, then LASIK might be a good start to keep you on the right track – 2013 and beyond.

Our Happier New You LASIK event could be the perfect opportunity to get the full story on LASIK and what to expect. It’s free and only 60 minutes long. And, if you decide to have your procedure here you get $300 off just for attending. Call us in Grapevine at 877-516-4364 to reserve your space today or to get more information (must be 18 years or older to attend). We look forward to seeing you!

 

Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/lasik-resolutions/

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Clinical trials aid PSC diagnosis and treatment

Jayant A. Talwalkar, M.D., a hepatologist with the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center in Rochester, Minn., discusses diagnosis, complications, liver transplantation, and Mayo’s role in the development of new diagnostic tests and effective therapies for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

Dr. Talwalkar notes that PSC is the last major liver disease without effective treatment. There is currently no effective medical therapy to halt disease progression and so avoid complications such as liver failure or bile duct cancer for patients with PSC. PCS is considered an autoimmune condition. It develops silently, most often in patients 40-50 years.

Dr. Talwalkar’s team focuses on clinical trials for the development of diagnostic tests and effective drug therapies for PSC, before transplant is needed. Mayo specialists see several hundred patients with PSC each year.

Clinical trials at Mayo Clinic
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)

Research profiles
Jayant A. Talwalkar, M.D.

Source: http://physicianupdate.mayoclinic.org/2012/05/02/clinical-trials-aid-psc-diagnosis-and-treatment/

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Deworming children in endemic zones

Source: http://adventuredoc.net/2012/07/26/deworming-children-in-endemic-zones/

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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Illness following consumption of infected shellfish in the West of Ireland

A dozen people have become ill after gathering and eating shellfish from the shoreline in parts of the west and south-west of Ireland. Illness has been reported in Galway, Mayo and Sligo. It is possible these are linked to marine algal blooms occurring naturally in these areas.

Bivalve shellfish such as mussels, cockles, oysters, scallops and clams should only be purchased from reputable suppliers, (who manage the risks with a national monitoring propramme), not gathered in the wild for home consumption.

Source: ProMed Newsgroup

For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323

Source: http://www.globetravelhealthcentre.com/travel-advice/illness-following-consumption-of-infected-shellfish-in-the-west-of-ireland.html

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A Maverick’s Lonely Path in Cardiology (Essay 28)

Source: http://bernardlown.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/mavericks-lonely-path-in-cardiology/

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Monday, May 27, 2013

Eye Consultants Of Texas Patients Tell It Like It Is

We always ask our Dallas/Fort Worth patients if they would mind completing our Patient Satisfaction Survey. This is totally anonymous so patients will feel comfortable sharing their most candid feedback. Naturally, we pay more attention to any areas where we need to do better. But like any business, we are extremely proud to know when we have excelled. Here are just a few stand out comments from individual surveys as each patient wrote them:

“Without a doubt I will refer all of my friends and family to y’all!! The phone call from the nurse after my surgery that afternoon was great. I almost fell out of my chair at 8:40 PM that night when Dr. Labor’s mobile number came up on my Caller ID! What a wonderful, personal touch. Meant millions!”

“My first procedure went so well that I had no concerns for the second. I was impressed with the care the staff gave all the patients.”

“I have never witnessed any medical facility exert as much effort in caring for its patients. I mean, I have never heard of a surgeon calling a patient at 9:00 in the evening with concerns about their condition. OUTSTANDING!”

“I felt like I was a VIP – I have never been at a doctor’s office (in 60 years) and cared for by so many friendly, CARING, professional staff and nurses! God bless you all and thank you for taking care of cry babies!!!”

“Your operation/services are better than [what] is considered normal in our ‘modern’ world!”

“It was like a dance, every step was in place. Everyone knew what to do and when. Thank you for the care. Great job.”

One patient even compared us to his favorite musician:

“Yanni is one of the world’s best composers and always finds top talent to support his work; and he’s clearly at the top of his game. He reminds me of you and your surgical team. Both of my eyes now have similar, amazing vision and I never experienced any pain, or discomfort of any kind. These surgeries have also been very minor disruptions in my schedule, which surprised me. I only wish I had accomplished it much sooner. Thank you for sharing such great talent.”

Visit our Patient Experiences page to read more in-depth testimonials. You can also view testimonial videos on our LASIK and Premium Smart Lens pages.

Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/patient-testimonials/

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Ebooks, remote medicine and libraries

Source: http://adventuredoc.net/2012/06/06/ebooks-remote-medicine-and-libraries/

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Interview With Law Of Attraction Expert Bob Doyle From Wealth Beyond Reason

Bob Doyle is The Founder & CEO of Boundless Living, Inc. You may know
Bob from his appearances in the popular movie and best-selling book,
“The Secret”. Bob was one of the featured “teachers” in both. Before
“The Secret” was featured on, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, “Larry King
Live, and “Oprah” – Bob had written his own book called, “Wealth Beyond
Reason”
.

Bob Doyle - Author & CEO of Boundless Living, Inc.

For years Bob had jumped around from career to career, trying
desperately to find something that provided a solid income for him and
his family, but also tapped into his sense of passion and creativity.
After 4 years at his last corporate job, he literally felt like he was
dying and made the decision to quit his job, give up his salary and
benefits, and create a business of his own.

This proved to be quite a challenging endeavor. Bob was $70,000 in debt
and had started to receive phone calls from creditors. Further, his
various attempts at creating a business that was both fun and profitable
were simply not working. Ironically, the businesses he was trying to
create were focused on helping people to live their lives by design, and
although he could “teach” these concepts, there was clearly simply a
component he was missing, as his own life clearly showed.

It was at this point, he set a new intention for himself. Instead of
putting his attention on “solving his money problems”, he instead
focused on what he truly wanted his life to look like. He created a new
inspiring vision for himself and let go of trying to “figure everything
out”, and instead decided to follow his intution into inspired action.

The dramatic change of approach eventually led him down a path to the
answers he was seeking. As a result of what he learned, he was able to
finally create a business that he loved, and was very lucrative.

Soon, he wrote his first book, “Wealth Beyond Reason“, based on his
Internet program of the same name and built up his Internet presence of
www.BoundLessLiving.com to a 6 figure, and eventually a 7-figure income
and now he is helping others live the life of their dreams and own their
own terms, utilizing the same principles that facilitated the change in
his own life.

Here is our interview with Bob Doyle.

Abundant Health Center: Bob, hello. Thank you for taking your time to
speak with us today. A lot of people (I think) get confused by the
title of your book, and of course now it is an entire course, “Wealth
Beyond Reason” – but it’s really more than “material” or “physical”
wealth isn’t it? Would you mind explaining what it means to you and how
you came up with the idea to write this wonderful book?

Bob Doyle: Well, the book of course was based on our Internet curriculum
in the Law of Attraction, also called Wealth Beyond Reason. And
honestly, I wrote the book based on the material in the program because
I needed something physical to give to people at an upcoming speaking
event! I never really ever planned to write the book. It just showed up
as an inspired action to take, and I’ve definitely learned to follow
through when I get a “nudge” to do something like this.

One of the first things we do in the program and the book is help people
to define what “wealth” really means to them. Obviously, our natural
inclination is to associate wealth with the amount of money that we have
- but for the purposes of the work we do, we distill a different
definition of wealth which is, in essence, the ability to do what we
truly want to do, whenever we want to do it.

That may mean you have a lot of money and that financial abundance
facilitates your ability to live the life you want. But many people have
passions or callings that bring them great happiness and fulfillment,
but don’t necessarily require huge bank accounts.

In any case, it’s important for people to get clear on what they truly
do want – what really inspires them in a powerful way – so that they can
understand what “wealth” really means to them.

A.H.C: Was it during the time of writing the book that you started the
Bill Phillips “Body For Life Challenge”?

B.D.: Actually, the Body For Life Challenge came 2 years BEFORE I was
doing any of this work, but it was an key part of my journey, because it
was during this time that I learned a tremendous amount about what drove
people to successful results in ANY area of their lives.

A.H.C.: Isn’t this when you really started helping people achieve their
goals? Because at this time you created a website / forum for people to
come to and participate in their own “body revolution” at
www.BodyChangers.com correct?

B.D.: Bodychangers was the result of following my newly discovered
passion for fitness – and moreover, what were the keys to success in
taking on a physique transformation. After all many more people TRY to
change their bodies dramatically than actually succeed. Bodychangers was
a study in what the successful people did. After a while I began to see
patterns among the most successful that transcended simply the diet and
exercise program they chose.

The most successful and inspiring stories on the Bodychangers web site
came from people who had an extremely powerful “WHY” with regards to
their reasons for taking on the transformation. I saw that when people
got clear that being more physically fit was going to to help them live
the lives they truly wanted – to allow them to truly be the best and
most powerful version of themselves possible – their results far
outweighed those who took on an exercise program to simply have their
jeans fit better or something similar.

A.H.C.: So, not only were you working on your body with the Bill
Phillips Challenge, but you were also learning more about personal
development in general. How did your work with BodyChangers eventually
evolve into the work you do now with Boundless Living?

B.D.: After about 2 years of interviewing around 150 people about their
physique transformation stories, I was starting to feel myself burn out
a little. I was feeling that there were common themes among the
interviews and that even if I never did another interview, the site
would still be able to help people the way I intended it to.

At the same time, I felt called to expand what I was teaching outside of
simply the fitness area – because what I learned from all those
interviews was the importance of getting clear on what inspires you -
what you’re passionate about – and who you truly want to be. It was
during that time that the name “Boundless Living” popped into my mind,
and I knew then that I wanted to start making a difference for their
lives as a whole.

When I finally had the “ah-ha” moments in my own life as to why things
weren’t working, and as a result created the Wealth Beyond Reason
program, I knew it was time to bring my work with BodyChangers to a
close and focus my attention on my work with the Law of Attraction and
following ones passion.

A.H.C.: What are some of the books that were the biggest influencers on
you?

B.D.: The book that turned it all around for me was David Cameron
Gikandi’s “A Happy Pocketful of Money“. It’s an amazing study of how our
lives in this Universe work, and discusses the principle of “wealth
consciousness” (something I was definitely struggling with prior to
reading the book.)

I was able to gain an understanding of the power of our thoughts and
beliefs on a quantum level and that made all the difference for me.

Another book which I read YEARS prior that opened my mind to all kinds
of possibilities was Richard Bach’s “Illusions“.  In my mind that’s
must-reading for every human.

A.H.C.: Bob, you work with people from all types of different
socioeconomic backgrounds, in fact, you work with clients from different
parts of the world…what are some of the common denominators that you
find are holding people back from what they want to have (and what they
can have) in life?

B.D.: For the most part, it all boils down to the limiting beliefs we
have. These beliefs come from all sources: parents, friends, society,
television…the list goes on and on. Different cultures have their own
sets of beliefs of course, but wherever there is a belief in limitation
that is passed down to us, it creates something called “resistance” in
us as humans. This resistance is real energy that has an impact on what
we can experience in our lives. The scientific aspect of this
conversation gets a little deep, but suffice it to say that if we want
to attract anything in our lives – be it money, a healthy body, or a
great relationship – our belief system has to be in alignment with
having that or we will always run into problems realizing our goals in
these areas. This is actually what most of my work is about.

A.H.C.: What are three key things that people should know if they want
to transition out of the daily grind of a corporate job and start a
business of their own?

B.D.: First, they have to get super clear on what they want to do and
WHY they want to do it…and that reason should go beyond just “making
money.” They need to identify how, through this business, they are going
to creatively express themselves and their passions…as this is the
best way to assure they bring their most powerful and focused energy
into their work.

Secondly, they need to start recognizing what limiting beliefs they
might have lurking under the surface as it pertains to success in
whatever business they take on. Some of these beliefs may be very
obvious such as “I don’t know anything about running a business”, but
other beliefs run a lot deeper and may take a different kind of “work”
to deal with. Again, that’s what I help people do every day. It’s
absolutely essential.

Finally, they’ve got to be committed to taking constant inspired action.
This doesn’t necessarily mean they have to “work hard” (though it may
look from the outside that they ARE working hard.) It means that they
learn to follow their own intuitive nudges in terms of what action to
take when. If you’ve never done this before, it can take some practice,
but learning to trust and follow your intuition is what makes any
endeavor fun and seemingly effortless.

A.H.C.: Where can our readers find out more about you, the work that
you do, and the coaching that you offer?

B.D.:  Virtually everything I know I put into the Wealth Beyond Reason
program, which can be found at http://www.WealthBeyondReason.com, but we
also have smaller programs that address certain aspects of “living your
life by design” that can be found at http://www.BoundLessLiving.com – I
also post regular updates on Twitter, FaceBook, and YouTube.
 

A.H.C.: Is there anything else that you would like to add?

B.D.: Human beings have enormous creative potential. However, we’ve
learned far more limitation that possibility. However the limitation
we’ve learned to a great degree is an illusion that seems real because
of the impact those limiting beliefs on our ability to “attract” the
experiences in our lives that would make us feel more powerful. You can
do yourself no greater service that to take the time to decide what you
truly want your life to be, learn a bit about the energetic nature of
the Universe and your role in it, and commit to taking consistent
inspired action in the direction of your most inspired dreams.

A.H.C.: Bob, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.

B.D.: Totally my pleasure.

Source: http://www.abundanthealthcenter.com/blog/interviewwithlawofattractionexpertbobdoylefromwealthbeyondreason

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Understanding LASIK | Your Top 5 Questions Answered

At first glance, LASIK can seem like a confusing or complicated subject.  As a result, many patients don’t explore their LASIK options, for fear of being misinformed or not understanding the procedure completely.  Because we want all our patients to find out what laser vision correction can do for them, we thought we would take a moment to “de-mystify” LASIK and answer some of the most common questions we’re hearing.  It’s time to set the record straight!

Here is our list of the Top 5 Patient Questions About LASIK:

  1. What is LASIK in a nutshell? The goal of a LASIK procedure is simple: to improve vision and reduce a patient’s dependence on corrective lenses.  The procedure uses special light energy to reshape the cornea, effectively combating the affects of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
  2. Are all LASIK procedures the same? There are several types of LASIK procedures available today – each with their own unique benefits.  Our practice is proud to offer what many are considering the gold standard in modern laser vision correction:  iLASIK™.  Using 3D eye mapping to create a fully-customized treatment plan, iLASIK is completely bladeless and relies on cutting-edge “cool laser” technology to safely reshape the cornea.
  3. Is LASIK painful? While tolerance can sometimes vary, LASIK is generally regarded as a “relatively painless” procedure.  Very often, the only sensation patients report is a slight pressure.  Furthermore, we work to ensure patient comfort by administering numbing eye drops before the procedure.
  4. Are most patients happy with their results? While each patient is different and can expect unique results, LASIK tends to be a highly successful procedure.  In fact, “LASIK vision correction has the highest patient satisfaction rate of any elective surgery,” reports The Eye Surgery Education Council, “95.4%, according to a 10-year survey of scientific studies from around the world.”
  5. How can I find out if LASIK is right for me? In general, LASIK patients tend to be in good health, free of eye conditions such as cataracts, over the age of 21.  But, since there are other factors to consider in determining a good candidate for LASIK, we encourage anyone interested to schedule a consultation and find out what laser vision correction can do for them.

Considering LASIK?  Learn More Today

To learn more about Laser Eye Surgery, contact us today. Together, we can find the best treatment options for you. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.

Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/uncategorized/understanding-lasik-your-top-5-questions-answered

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Sunday, May 26, 2013

Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions about Macular Degeneration

It seems inevitable that as we get older, our vision won’t be as sharp as it used to be. What if this is vision loss is more severe, however? It may be age-related macular degeneration, a breakdown of the eye’s macula that affects about 1 in every 2,000 people in the United States. So what exactly does this condition entail?

Macular degeneration occurs when the macula, the small, sensitive, central area of the retina responsible for detailed vision, breaks down. This causes a loss in vision, which, depending on the type, can be gradual or sudden. Despite the growing prevalence of macular degeneration, many patients still aren’t sure what this condition is all about. Read on to find out the answers to some commonly-asked questions!

Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions about Macular Degeneration

  1. What are the symptoms? If you’re suffering from macular degeneration, you may experience straight lines appearing wavy, fuzzy or blurred vision, and certain areas of shadowy vision. If any of these symptoms appear, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist, as early detection is the key to preventing further vision loss.
  2. Is it preventable? There is currently no way to completely prevent macular degeneration, but there are steps you can take that can potentially reduce your risk. Some researchers believe antioxidants can help, as well as exercise and avoiding smoking, as both can affect your macula.
  3. Are there different types? There are two types of macular degeneration, wet and dry. The most common type seen is the dry form, affecting about 90% of all people with this condition. Dry macular degeneration involves the buildup of yellowish deposits beneath the retina, while the wet form involves the growth of blood cells beneath the retina. These blood cells leak, causing cells in the retina to die and leading to blind spots in our central vision.
  4. Am I at risk? The main cause of macular degeneration is natural deterioration due to aging, mostly affecting those over the age of 65. It can also be genetic, and people who are obese, smokers, have high blood pressure, and have prolonged exposure to the sun are at a higher risk.
  5. What are my treatment options? While there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, there are a number of different treatment options designed to stop or slow down the process. Eye injections like Avastin and Lucentis can aid in stopping wet degeneration, and some believe in the efficacy of vitamin and mineral supplements. It’s important to consult with your doctor, as they will be able to discuss and choose the treatment options that are best for you.

Macular Degeneration Treatment in Winchester

To learn more about macular degeneration or how to manage it, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, and you can reach us directly at (540) 722-6200.  We look forward to meeting you.

Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/macular-degeneration/top-5-frequently-asked-questions-about-macular-degeneration

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What is Natural Cycle IVF?

Conventional IVF Today’s conventional IVF is ‘stimulated’ – drugs are used to prompt the woman’s ovaries to produce several eggs, rather than just one. The eggs are mixed with her partner’s or a donor’s sperm to become fertilised. Women take a course of ovarian-suppression hormones to shut down their menstrual cycle to control ovulation. Then [...]

Source: http://www.createhealthclinics.org/blog/natural-cycle-ivf/what-is-natural-cycle-ivf/

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Unusual Office Chair Solutions

Sitting too much is a health epidemic in the United States, and it can contribute to spine pain. Trying some of these unconventional solutions such as a stand-up desk, recliner, balance ball, or treadmill desk can go a long way toward improving your overall health.

Source: http://www.spine-health.com/blog/unusual-office-chair-solutions

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Cyber Hugs: How Online Support Groups Help with Chronic Pain

Online Chronic Pain Help When you are dealing with chronic pain, you can feel isolated because your family and friends do not understand what it’s like to be in constant pain. Online forums can be extremely important to help you find the understanding, help, and support you need.

Source: http://www.spine-health.com/blog/cyber-hugs-how-online-support-groups-help-chronic-pain

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Cyber Hugs: How Online Support Groups Help with Chronic Pain

Online Chronic Pain Help When you are dealing with chronic pain, you can feel isolated because your family and friends do not understand what it’s like to be in constant pain. Online forums can be extremely important to help you find the understanding, help, and support you need.

Source: http://www.spine-health.com/blog/cyber-hugs-how-online-support-groups-help-chronic-pain

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Bullying: A Physician’s Perspective

The incidence and severity of bullying have received much media attention of late. Some argue that both may be a function of a changing media landscape. What are the health risks associated with bullying? What is the role of the health professional when it comes to bullying? And what can communities do to prevent bullying or minimize its effects? Chuck Wibbelsman, MD, chief of adolescent medicine for Kaiser Permanente San Francisco and president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, addresses these and other questions with the Center for Total Health blog.

CTH Blog:

Bullying has been getting a lot more attention in the media, and it appears to be taken a lot more seriously now than in the past. As the chief of adolescent medicine for Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco, have you seen any increase in your practice in the number of adolescents coming in with concerns related to bullying?

Charles Wibbelsman:

In my own practice, I’ve seen an increase in bullying, anecdotally speaking, and that increase is reflected nationally as well. I was reading in The Journal of the American Medical Association, that 20 to 30 percent of students are involved in bullying – either as perpetrators or as victims.

We’ve had a teen clinic since 1955. When Solomon Cohen set up this clinic for adolescents ages 11 to 19, we were the only teen clinic in 1955, and we were one of the first teen clinics in the United States.

Bullying has changed over the last 20 years. It used to be that bullying would occur in the schools—students making fun of or physically assaulting other students, guys beating each other up, but now you have cyber bulling – social media, texting, Twitter, Facebook, and on-line videos. And, with cyber bullying, it’s mostly girls. Cyber bullying is twice as common among girls than boys.

CTH Blog:

Do you think bullying is becoming more common, or are people less tolerant of it now?

CW:

Bullying is more common because the factors involved in bullying are not just physical or verbal in a school setting. Again, now we have the bullying online as well. People are talking about it now. We’re seeing it in every type of media. People are more aware of it. It used to happen in the schools, and often teachers and parents weren’t aware of it. Now, people don’t look the other way. They are taking some responsibility.

CTH Blog:

The ramifications of bullying are serious. In addition to physical harm (from others or self), what are some of the health risks associated with bullying—the psychological and emotional health concerns that people may experience in response to bullying, such as anxiety, depression, headaches, or nausea?

CW:

There are serious health risks. Low self-esteem, depression, substance abuse, and suicide attempts. There are more than 250,000 attempted suicides, and 5,000 completed suicides among teens each year. The case of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi, whose roommate filmed him being intimate with another man in a dorm room and uploaded the video, is an example of what can happen with bullying. Tyler committed suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge.

CTH Blog:

When you hear of tragedies such as what took place with Tyler Clementi, what is your reaction? There have been a growing number of adolescent and teen suicides that have been linked to bullying.

CW:

One of the saddest parts of my work was two years ago. A 14-year-old boy hung himself. He was one of my patients. His girlfriend broke up with him. He was popular, had lots of friends, good grades, played sports… It was horrible. It shows you how sensitive, vulnerable one is at that age. You don’t have the life experiences to deal with it.

I did a panel in San Francisco at the American Academy of Pediatrics, and there were LGBT youth talking about their own experiences being the victims of bullying. They were in their late teens, and all of them said that their worst experiences with bullying were in middle school. They all said, ‘I survived middle school.’ That’s the time when your body is changing, not everybody looks the same, there are school pressures – it’s prime time for bullying. There is decreased self-esteem. Bullying is at its height. Many young adults and adolescents don’t have the defense mechanisms to handle a lot of this.

CTH Blog:

Many kids who experience bullying suffer in silence, fearing retribution if they speak up. What are some of the warning signs adults should look for in kids?

CW:

Sometimes it’s unprotected sexual activity. I see isolation. I see cutting. When I see kids as patients, I ask, is this kid at risk for hurting himself? When I talk to adolescents about sexual orientation, maybe they’re gay or lesbian and haven’t come out yet. They’re very isolated. These are prime victims for bullying.

When we look at an adolescent, or when I’m examining a patient, I’m looking at self-esteem. How do they feel about themselves – their body? How do they relate to their body? If they have low self-esteem, it could be about low socio-economics, body weight, or sexual orientation. So, again, they may be at risk for depression, substance abuse, or suicide attempts.

We really need to talk with young adolescents in middle school, in junior high.  Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Program is designed to do just that. They put on a theater performance called Nightmare on Puberty Street that addresses, in an entertaining way, the issues and difficult topics middle school students face. It looks at things like peer pressure, self-esteem, and bullying. I’m really proud of this program.

CTH Blog:

As a physician, you may be one of the few people an adolescent can talk to. You may be in a position to establish trust and an open line of communication in ways that others may not. What is the role of the health professional when it comes to bullying? Is the topic of bullying a regular part of the doctor-patient dialogue or should it be?

CW:

As a pediatrician, my responsibility as a doctor is to ask during routine checkups, how are you doing in school? I need to find out if he or she doesn’t have any friends, or if their grades are failing. Or, if one of my patients says, for example, ‘I want to change schools,’ that is a big red flag. As a physician, I often have access to information that adolescents don’t tell other people – things about substance abuse, depression, for example. I also partner with other physicians in mental health. At Kaiser Permanente it’s seamless. We’re all under one roof.

The bible of adolescent care is H-E-A-D-S – Home, Education, Activity, Drugs, and Sex. When I see a patient, at some point, I ask the parents to step out. We discuss a whole host of concerns. Home: I ask who do you live with? Do you live with both parents? I also ask about guns. Is there a gun in their life? Because maybe grandpa has a gun in the house, and a teen may have access to a gun. Activity: Are you involved in sports? What do you do in your free time? How much TV do you watch? I ask do you smoke? Sex: I ask them about what’s going on in their life. Are you having sex? Do you want to have sex, or are you being pressured? Because there are all kinds of layers.  There could be issues concerning domestic violence. I start with the easier questions first, asking them what they like to do, and so forth.  It’s about building trust and rapport.

CTH Blog:

In your practice, you emphasize the importance of communication with parents as well.  Do you ask the parents some of these same questions?

CW:

Yes. We have a questionnaire for parents and adolescents. We ask some of the same questions and general questions as well. For example, does your child drink sodas? Is there a gun in the house? Are you concerned about any behaviors in your child? Is your child sad? Do they watch TV? What kind of things does your child like to eat?

CTH Blog:

What can communities and schools do differently to prevent bullying or minimize its effects?

CW:

Schools need to prepare teachers to be educated about bullying and intervene. Schools, principals, and students need to be aware about what’s going on with students. They need to step up to the plate, not just school’s over and everybody goes home. We need to involve the parents as well. Kids are not going to tell their parents some things.

No matter what our role in life, parent or health care provider, we need to be aware so that we can help a child or an adolescent. We have to ask the questions to be able to help.

 

Source: http://centerfortotalhealth.org/2012/bullying-a-physicians-perspective/

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