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    The Convenience of Using a Full Service Vision Center for Your Eyeglasses

    July 1st, 2009

    Sport sunglasses are designed for the person on the go. They are typically more form fitting than most others, and are designed to provide both glare and eye protection during various sporting activities. Whether it be baseball, volleyball, moutain biking or running, these type of glasses provide comfort and utility. The fishing category typically includes polarized lenses that may be specifically constructed for enhancing shadows under glaring water. They are also designed to stay on one’s face when leaning forward to look for that big one. Golfing sunglasses are usually lightweight and can be extremely comfortable. Lenses employed for this type focus on eliminating light from above, thereby increasing visual acuity and distance perspective. The driving category focuses on eliminating as much glare as possible with the objective of decreasing eye fatigue and increasing acuity on those long drives.

    Summertime is the time of year that most people buy the best pair of suneyeglasses that they can afford to protect their eyes from the sun. The sun’s bright rays can not only damage the eyes, but for many people it can blind you when trying to drive or see when you are outside. This can be very dangerous and all of that squinting can lead to Crow’s feet and other wrinkles around the eyes and face. Too much bright sun can give some people headaches as well. To prevent all of these things, many people buy sunglasses.

    You can find many styles such as “half eye” which are glasses that fit really low on your nose so that if you need to look over the top frame for distance, you are able to. There are also monocles that you can use if you have one bad eye that needs to have magnification and folding reading eyewear for an easy way to transport them wherever you go.


    More Cord Blood Options for Seattle Residents

    June 23rd, 2009

    As the popularity of cord blood storage increases, the options of stem cell sources for interested Seattle participants also increase. Seattle residents who wish to protect themselves in future health challenges with the storage of stem cells have the option of placenta cord blood banking. There is a difference with the basic premise behind basic storage of stem cells and placenta cord banking. The primary improvement with the multi-source option is the greater likelihood of success when the use of the cells becomes a reality.

    The name itself indicates the change over basic cord blood banking. Placenta cord banking refers to two origins for the stem cells collected for storage: the placenta and the umbilical cord. What results from the additional stem cell source is simply a greater number of stem cells that are available for use at a later date. Not only can the stem cells be used on the donor but also on a first- or second-degree blood relative, expanding the possibilities for stem cell storage.

    Besides the possible life-saving collection of blood cells from the umbilical cord and placenta for family members, participants in Puget Sound stem cell donation programs are in a position to contribute to the treatment of a variety of life-threatening illnesses such as leukemia, anemia, disorders of the immune system, lymphoma and bone marrow transplants. To alleviate any hesitation or apprehension regarding the donation of the placenta and umbilical stem cells, families should understand some basics of the procedure. There is no pain inflicted upon either the mother or child; nor is there any invasiveness that will interfere in the post-birth recuperation period.

    The professional staff involved in all participating hospitals ensures the safety and comfort of all participants. Through partnerships with other participating hospitals, the placenta cord stem cell storage program expands the reach to those demographic groups often underrepresented in most donor programs.


    Natural Solutions to Better Prostate Function

    May 28th, 2009

    BPH, or benign prostate hyperplasia, is a medical term for a swollen prostate gland. This means that the prostate, a mass which wraps around the urethra and lies under the bladder, grows larger and this can impair and even block urinary flow. As men age, the prostate grows and as a result can create various ailments such as problems with passing water, weak urinary flow, and urinary retention. Too frequent urination disrupting sleep patterns and infections of the urinary tract are additional problems that may arise from prostate engorgement.

    Prostate Enlargement - What Does that Mean? An enlarged prostate gland is considered to be one of the most frequent medical conditions of men in their 60’s. Recommendations are that men in their 50’s undergo an examination by their physicians on an annual basis, irrespective of the occurence of any problems, for the maintenance of prostatic health. Seek medical intervention directly if blood is observed in the urine or you are unable to urinate.

    Surgical procedures and drug therapy are commonplace interventions for benign prostate hyperplasia. Regrettably, erectile troubles or even incontinence may be observed as a result of surgery. High blood pressure treatments or medicines that shrink the enlarged prostate gland may also be given to improve prostatic health, however, medicines often result in unwanted repercussions so what alternatives are indicated?

    Prostate Gland Enlargment Troubles? Natures’s Way to Better Prostate Fitness: — To help in the reduction of the symptoms caused by prostate enlargement and in addition to promote improved prostatic health, a few herbal remedies will offer relief. African pygeum alleviates swelling, providing a significant reduction of the more disagreeable symptoms. The herb African Pygeum has been regularly used for a number of years by Europeans as a treatment for improved prostate gland health, it is derived from an African evergreen plant. Dietary changes such as a decrease in the consumption of fat may improve symptoms, so will excercising more, the pressure in the prostate can be relieved through ejaculating regularly, it is also advisable to avoid sitting still for a long period of time. Prostate Gland associated problems can sometimes be worsened thru the use of antihistamines or decongestants purchased without prescription, take these with care. Further recommendations include to cut down on any drinking within a couple of hours of retiring for the night in reducing on trips to the bathroom at night, the reduction of alcoholic drinks and coffee intake may also prove useful. Prostate Gland health can additionally be improved with other natural remedies e.g. the herb saw palmetto, Borago officinalis oil capsules, selenium, and lycopene, a molecule obtained from tomatoes. Please discuss your plans with your healthcare professional before beginning any holistic treatment of a swollen prostate.


    Primer to Mesothelioma Cancer

    April 23rd, 2009

    Cancer of the mesothelium is a uncommon cancer of the tissues that line the body’s inside organs. About 2,000 brand new occurrences are recognized every year in the whole United States. From these, aroundthree out of four of occurrences affect the sac around the lungs, referred to as the pleura. Also known as pleural mesothelioma. In around ten to 20 percent of instances, malignant mesothelioma may affect the tissue that envelopes visceral organs, called the peritoneal membrane, resulting in what is then acknowledged as peritoneal mesothelioma.

    Introduction to asbestos is absolutely the main risk factor for this rare aliment. Following asbestos exposure, the delay to development of the mesothelioma disease could be twenty to forty years. As a result of occupation introduction, cancer of the mesothelium is around 3 times more likely in males, than in women. Due to the amount of instances moves upward with age, there are about ten times more instances in the males over age 64 than in the males in their thirties.

    Having Mesothelioma is a severe ailment, that, currently, has a incredibly bad percentage of overall endurance. Nonetheless, if it is pinpointed early, care are then obtainable that will significantly stretch the patient’s life. New therapies continue to be and are being tested through clinical trials.


    Find out about the Weird Condition that Is Male Baldness

    February 9th, 2009

    The most universal sort of male hair loss is a continuous hair thinning state labelled androgenic alopecia more usually acknowledged as male pattern baldness that takes place in adult male human beings and other types of wild life. Benefit from the advice and patented procedures offered by AdvancedHairStudio.com.

    Furthermore, pattern hair loss is also genetic, & the genetic material is transferred to a child from either mum or dad, and not just the mum, as had been previously believed. Pattern hair loss in men is the most renowned sort of hair loss, & frequently involves a receding hairline and baldness on the top of the cranium. The main cause of baldness in males is dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a derivative of the male hormone testosterone. Another effect of baldness in men is hairstyle.

    Hair loss is not simply a human quality. Baldness is a state of play where there is no hair present in the area where it grows, frequently this is on the cranium and crops up in both human beings and wildlife. Hair loss in males is normal because each & bloke carries baldness causing factor in his system.

    Baldness is without doubt a creepy thing to undergo, specially for gentleman, where this is much more exacting. Men who are not happy with their physical condition may opt for prescription medications that are capable of stimulating the regrowth of hair follicles & help to put off more hair loss.

    What brings about male-pattern hair loss is when the hair follicle begins to disappear owing to a buildup of the hormone testosterone & some of the natural substances in your body. What most people seldom comprehend is that the outcome of baldness are connected to numerous things that time and time again have little or nothing to do with hair growth or hair loss. Male hair loss, male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia, is a genetic form which causes male baldness or considerable male hair loss in nearly 66 percent of all gentlemen.


    A quick solution for an annoying tennisarm is here

    July 9th, 2008

    Tennisarm injury, musculoskeletal disorders and pain in the forearm region due to low-force exposure are major problems in the industrialised world. An ultrasound scanner fitted with a 796 MHz linear matrix transducer was used for the past 7 weeks.

    However, it may be speculated that in addition to changes in 8 days in the tendon also muscular changes may be detectable. The diameter of the contact area was 960 mm and the pressure was applied perpendicularly to the skin at the middle part of ECR and with a speed of 671 kPa/s. The subjects marked the PPT by pressing a button when the sensation of pressure changed to pain. Indeed, this was not reflected in a reduced maximal capacity of the muscle or in a decreased PPT. Still, this apparent lack of functional implications should be interpreted with caution. Therefore, if the contractile tissue is affected it would also be expected to affect the force generating capacity in 5 minutes.

    For 5 months gain settings were standardized and kept constant. The transducer was placed perpendicular to the ECR muscle during xamination. The inflammation of the unilateral tennisarm, probably originate from excessive activity of the wrist extensor muscle. B-mode ultrasonography was performed bilaterally at the middle part and proximal part of the extensor carpi radialis on twelve patients with unilateral painful tennisarm. Moment arm was measured and the wrist extension torque was calculated for 8 years. Results are presented as mean. Further, there were no significant differences after 7 hours.

    Each image consisted of pixels with greyscale values ranging from 207 to 569. Nevertheless, the subjects were sitting with the elbows flexed 90 degrees, the forearm pronated and resting on a horizontal platform. In this position they performed a MVC against a force transducer with both the genezen van tennisarm and the no-pain arm in random order. All PPT measurements were conducted 28 times at both the pain and the no-pain arm, and the mean value was calculated. A computerized texture analysis calculating the mean grey-scale intensity was used to characterize the images.

    Next 4 months, the muscular tenderness, measured as pressure pain threshold was determined with an electronic pressure algometer. Therefore, the pathophysiology is poorly understood for the gone 4 hours.

    However, the finding of a well preserved force capacity in the muscle indicating unaffected contractile tissue was corroborated by the results from the ultrasound grey-scale analysis for 5 minutes.

    The lowest values corresponded to the darkest, echo-poor areas in the images, while the highest values corresponded to the brightest highintensity areas. Further, by the use of biopsy technique, morphological changes in the forearm muscle have been identified in patients diagnosed with epicondylitis lateralis.


    Are You a Suitable Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

    June 3rd, 2008

    Bariatric surgery, derived from the Greek word “baros” meaning weight, is designed to reduce obesity indirectly by restricting the amount of food calories a person can digest. Some bariatric operations (eg. lap band) achieve this by reducing the size of the stomach size. Other operations (eg. roux-en-Y gastric bypass) go one step further. As well as reducing stomach volume, they also reduce the length of the small intestine. This constitutes a more permanent alteration of the digestive tract and makes it more difficult for the patient to cheat.

    How To Qualify For Bariatric Surgery?

    According to the National Institutes of Health Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, you may be a candidate for obesity surgery only if: (1) you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40+ (about 100 pounds overweight), or (2) your BMI is 35+ and you suffer from severe weight-related health problems such as hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease or severe sleep apnea.

    Are You a Suitable Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

    Meeting the above criteria does not guarantee your eligibility for weight loss surgery. Most bariatric clinics operate a screening policy and only approve candidates who are (a) ready to make appropriate long-term behavioral changes; and (b) committed to long-term (even lifelong) medical follow-up. This is because weight loss surgery can only be successful if you are willing to change your existing eating and exercise habits, on a permanent basis.

    What Are The Main Types of Bariatric Operation?

    There are two main types of obesity surgery: gastric banding and gastric bypass. These operations may be performed using traditional “open” surgical techniques, or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques using instruments connected to video monitors, which allow the surgeon to “see inside” the patient without having to make large incisions. Patients who undergo laparascopic surgery suffer fewer perioperative and post-operative health complications, and typically remain in hospital for 2-3 days, compared to 4-5 days for open surgery. They return to work within 2-3 weeks, compared to 4-6 weeks for traditional surgeries.

    Gastric banding is sometimes referred to as “restrictive surgery”. This is because it works by restricting calorie intake only. During a gastric banding operation, the surgeon shrinks the stomach from melon to egg size using special staples, or a silicone band. These procedures are more easily reversible as they do not fundamentally alter the anatomy of the digestive system. The drawback is, patients find it easier to “cheat”. Thus stomach banding is not as effective for weight reduction as stomach bypass. Examples of gastric banding procedures include: adjustable gastric banding such as lap band, and vertical banded gastroplasty.

    Gastric bypass, sometimes called “malabsorptive” surgery since it restricts the absorption of calories and nutrition, is a two stage process. First, the surgeon reduces the size of the stomach. Second, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum and jejunum) is bypassed. This causes food to pass much more rapidly through the digestive tract and significantly reduces the amount of nutrients and calories that can be absorbed. So even if patients overeat, they will absorb less. As a result, weight loss after gastric bypass is typically greater than after gastric banding. Examples of stomach bypass procedures include: roux-en-Y, biliopancreatic diversion, and duodenal switch.

    What Can You Eat After Bariatric Surgery?

    As a bariatric patient, you must expect a drastic change of eating habits following your operation. In general, due to the small size of your new stomach pouch, you will feel full after only a very small amount of food. Over-eating or eating too fast can cause extremely unpleasant nausea, referred to as “dumping syndrome”. The typical post-operative diet regimen comprises four stages. Immediately after surgery, you may ingest clear liquids only. After 2-3 days this broadens to include any liquids. After about 2 weeks semi-solids may be consumed, leading to a low-fat solid diet after 5-6 weeks. Progress depends upon the individual circumstances of each patient.

    What About The Problem of Loose Skin?

    During the 12-24 months following a successful bariatric bypass or banding operation, you may lose as much as 50-80 percent of your pre-operative excess weight. As a result, you may develop a significant amount of loose skin. In addition, as your weight loss may not occur evenly throughout your body, you may suffer from unsightly pockets of excess fat. Generally speaking the only solution for these problems is plastic surgery. Common procedures include: tummy tuck, thigh-lift, panniculectomy, breast-lift, male breast reduction, arm-lift and neck lift. Liposuction is not generally considered to be a weight-related procedure as it only removes fat. It does not excise loose skin or tighten loose muscles. One point to note, is that, unlike bariatric surgery, this type of plastic surgery is not covered by medical insurance as it is deemed to be a “cosmetic” procedure.

    What is The Cost of Bariatric Surgery?

    The costs of bariatric surgeries vary according to the surgeon, the type of procedure performed, and the range of support services offered. Basic prices range from $25,000 to $35,000.

    Is Bariatric Surgery Covered By Insurance?

    Medical insurance coverage varies by state and insurance provider. Several states have passed legislation requiring insurers to offer weight loss surgery for patients, providing it meets health criteria laid down by the National Institutes of Health. However, getting insurance approval by yourself can be a time-consuming process. Ideally, work with your surgeon/doctor and get him/her to explain to your health insurance provider that the proposed surgery is not a cosmetic procedure but an operation which will help you minimize major health problems later in life. Once your insurance company understands that the surgical operation is a money-saving procedure, they often agree to provide cover. Some bariatric clinics claim an 80 percent success-rate for obtaining insurer-approval in this way.

    David Johnson, LLb., is the senior researcher at http://www.bariatric-surgery.info which offers a range of information about gastric banding, stomach bypass and other weight-related surgeries to more than 2 million unique visitors per year.

    Bariatric Surgery
    Gastric Weight Loss Surgey


    Fat Burning Pills - Do They Really Work?

    June 3rd, 2008

    Women and men have longed to be slim, since time immemorial. Fat burning pill that works is much sought after, throughout the world. Though, most people camouflage their hankering for cutting off flab as an yearning for a ’safe’ life; fat is definitely a health hazard. However, the way men and women throw caution to the wind, while trying out any fat burning pill, indicates otherwise. Many a fat burning diet pill have hit the jackpot, while, encashing on this almost primeval, human urge to be lean.

    The best way to enjoy a trim and lean life is obviously the obvious: a nutritious diet, accompanied by physical exercise and adequate rest. Nevertheless, a short cut is always tempting than the actual way and it is absolutely normal to think of ‘miracle pills’ that are fat burning, or, at least fantasize about them. However, in order to avoid being duped or worse, still, use something that is unsafe, it is better to have an idea of how a fat burning pill works.

    A fat burning pill may work in three ways assisting the human body to break down body fat, internally. This involves releasing it from fat cells, where it enters the bloodstream as free fatty acids that are then transported to muscle cells where they may be burned. The second way is to suppress appetite-a complicated process that includes the participation of hormones and neurotransmitters. The third option is also known as fat blockers. A fat bocker pill restricts the body from absorbing fat during digestion. The negative side effects are stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and inability to absorb many important fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients. In addition, they may interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications, especially birth control pills and estrogen.

    Carnitine, present naturally in the body is known for its fat burning role. Unfortunately, taking it as a supplement pill has not proved to be extra beneficial. Burning fat, through medication, however is not totally impossible. However, you should not expect to turn into a new leaf, overnight, adipose wise. In addition, you must be aware of what your physical condition would permit.

    David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com


    Dancing the Weight Away

    May 20th, 2008

    Many years ago, (about twenty, I suppose) I recall watching a television show on PBS that focused on the health and agility of male ballet dancers. I have to be honest, I’m not a big fan of ballet and I know very little about it, but I do recall one aspect of the program that made a big impression.

    The producer of the show took a few of these men to a local gymnasium and had them play basketball. It was incredible to watch these men — who were less than six feet tall — gracefully floating through the air, slam-dunking the ball into the hoop without the appearance of effort.

    It’s ironic that the average Neanderthal would view these experts of their craft as weak — even frail — when the exact opposite is so clearly true. The study of ballet (and practice of it, too, of course) helps a person to maximize their strength and flexibility. So much so that these athletes gain abilities that rival professional athletes in distinctly different arenas.

    That may not sound so incredible, but think about the flip-side… Imagine your proto-typical power forward from basketball, linebacker from American football, or soccer goalie donning a pair of tights and attempting to emulate a ballet dancer. Quite an image, huh?

    Now I’m not suggesting that each one of us fighting the Battle of the Bulge should take up ballet, I’m certainly not going to do so, myself, however, dance — as an exercise — has hit the press of late, and in a big way.

    Foxnews.com recently reported a story (from Associated Press) that not only suggests that people consider dance as an alternative to “traditional excercise”, but they also have interviewed several people who have benefited in a big way.

    According to exercise physiologist Cedric Bryant, dance as a form of exercise is a trend that has gained a great deal of momentum. Mr. Bryant, also a vice president with the American Council on Exercise, explains that people are looking for a “more engaging alternative to the traditional workout.”

    Bryant points out that dancing provides a workout for the whole body, is low impact and easy on the joints. Add to that the music of your choice and your favorite partner, and you’re really starting to move. Jerry Nash, age 46, was carrying 260 pounds on his 6′ 1″ frame.

    The stress of the weight precluded jogging, because of his knees. So Mr. Nash signed up for a conditioning and stretching class at “Dance 101″ in Atlanta, Georgia. He moved on to several different styles of dance classes and one year later has lost an incredible 55 pounds. As an added benefit, a recent check of his blood pressure came in at a healthy 110 over 60.

    Dance is a great weapon to keep in your arsenal as you wage war on unwanted fat. You can dance in the privacy of your own home at any time, day or night. The ability to be flexible with scheduling is very important as we try to establish a new habit.

    Another benefit is that you can partner up with someone whose company you enjoy. Exercising with someone adds a degree of accountability that helps any regimen to be a success.

    New York dance therapist Jane Wilson Cathcart, LMSW, ADTR, CMA, has some suggestions that can make dance more comfortable for a beginner:

    Look for a good teacher who emphasizes what you can do, not your limits.

    Don’t be a perfectionist about it.

    Don’t worry about your size. Dance is for everyone.

    Get into the music, as well as the movement.

    Remember, the basic key to losing weight or losing fat is that you simply need to burn more calories that you consume. This is a fantastic way to fuse the music that you love with the exercise that you need. Dust off those old Bee Gee’s albums and give a new meaning to “Stayin’ Alive”!

    References: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,160965,00.html, http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,182919,00.html

    Michael Callen is the author of the Weekly Weightloss Tips Newsletter (http://www.weeklyweightlosstips.com) and the Chief Technology Officer for WellnessPartners.com (http://www.WellnessPartners.com), an online retailer of dozens of health and wellness products such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), r+ alpha lipoic acid (R+ ALA), and green tea extract.


    Weight Loss with Chinese Herbs

    May 18th, 2008

    Chinese herbs can be used to influence the body’s metabolism in different ways. Most people who need to lose weight would like to have their metabolism run more efficiently. There are a number of herbs that can help people in their quest for a healthier, more efficient metabolism in order to ensure that any efforts to lose weight are blessed with success. There are three types of herbs that can assist people trying to lose weight. The first type of herb is the type that “transforms phlegm” in Chinese medicine terminology. These herbs can help the body to process fats more efficiently and prevent the accumulation of unhealthy fats and fluids in the body. Some herbs in this class that may assist weight loss include citrus aurantium, immature citrus peel, and magnolia bark. Glechoma and hawthorn berry can also help by “transforming phlegm”.

    Citrus Aurantium contains synephrine, which has been shown to have fat-burning properties in research done at McGill University in Montreal. It improves the thermogenesis of brown fatty tissue in the body, which is generally the fat that is the most difficult to burn off. Citrus Aurantium does not have any negative impact on the nervous system like ephedra does. Speaking of ephedra, I do not recommend its use for dieting. Chinese medicine has traditionally used it for severe and acute conditions, such as asthma attacks. It is not intended to be used as a dieting tool or to get a high. These uses can leave a person ultimately more fatigued and adrenal-depleted in the end. Citrus Aurantium is an infinitely safer option for those interested in weight loss.

    Other herbs that can help boost metabolic function are herbs that increase the qi and yang energy of the body. This class of herbs includes ginseng, astragalus, and atractylodes. Other herbs in this category include ginger, cinnamon, epimedium and eucommia bark. These herbs can also give a person an energy boost. This can encourage the person to remain consistent with his or her exercise routine. These herbs also encourage healthy digestion and generally make a person’s metabolism run faster and more efficiently. This group of herbs can be particularly helpful for those people whose weight tends to accumulate around the abdomen.

    Detoxifying, bitter herbs are another class of herbs that can assist with weight loss. These herbs tend to reduce inflammatory, acidic conditions in the body that often trigger the cravings people have for inordinate quantities of unhealthy food. These herbs are particularly useful in people who tend to have voracious appetites for spicy, oily, and sweet foods. They also may have a tendency towards acne or oily skin, and a slightly reddish, or ruddy complexion. These herbs include Chinese rhubarb, coptis, and scute.

    Other herbs can be used to control and balance out the emotional conditions that trigger overeating. People who find themselves eating out of stress, sadness, depression, anxiety, or PMS can find that these herbs balance out their emotional life and reduce their cravings for food. These herbs include magnolia bark, bupleurum root, mint, zizyphus and biota seeds, and longan fruit.

    Other supplements that can assist in a healthy weight loss program are kelp, apple cider vinegar, vitamin B6, and flaxseed oil. Drinking green tea regularly can also be quite helpful.

    It is important to remember that all of these supplements are beneficial for promoting weight loss because they promote a healthy metabolism, a healthy energy level, a healthy digestion, and a healthy mental attitude, but that dietary and lifestyle changes are crucial in order to see the results that you want. Nevertheless, Chinese Medicine can be a great ally in the quest to shed pounds more efficiently.

    Dr. Farah Khan, DOM is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine practicing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She offers information and products related to different health conditions at her web site at http://www.yinessence.com/home.htm, including FormuSlim and Citrus Aurantium for weight loss. She can be reached at farah@yinessence.com.