Pregnancy is a unique journey that is different for each woman. Most women get excited after they test positive for pregnancy, and one of the items on their to-do list is finding an obstetrician. When you are pregnant, you want to ensure that your health and the baby are top-tier. It is best to work with Dr. Torres OBGYN to ensure the journey is as seamless as possible. Having a specialist to guide you through pregnancy gives you peace of mind since you know you are in safe hands.

What does an OBYGN do?

Your obstetrician oversees your pregnancy throughout its duration by performing antenatal checkups. Women with high-risk pregnancies may need to visit an OBGYN more often than other pregnant women. During your appointments, your specialist evaluates your health and the fetus to develop an appropriate pregnancy care plan for you. Your OBGYN offers prenatal care, which includes various services such as prenatal checkups, ultrasounds, nutrition, lifestyle, and pregnancy education. Usually, your first and second trimester comprises fewer visits, but your appointments may be more in your third trimester.

What happens during prenatal checkups?

The first prenatal checkup is usually the longest since you will discuss with your OBGYN about your personal and family medical history. Expect a complete checkup, which comprises a physical exam and other tests, including urine and blood tests. During the first prenatal checkup, your specialist measures and takes records of your weight, height, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure. They may also perform a pelvic exam, a breast exam, and a pap test. Your OBGYN also tests you for sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV.

Expect some discussions about your diet and lifestyle. Your specialist may also recommend that you take folic acid. Your OBGYN may recommend certain changes to help you have a healthy pregnancy depending on your lifestyle habits. Your doctor may ask about the medications and supplements you might be taking since some medicines are not safe to use during pregnancy. Ensure to inform your doctor before starting any new ones.

In follow-up appointments, your doctor will examine you and the developing fetus to ensure that the pregnancy develops well. Your healthcare provider updates your medical history and may check your urine, weight, and blood pressure. Here is when you get to ask your OBGYN any pregnancy or pregnancy-related questions which you may have.

Why is prenatal care critical?

Prenatal care ensures that you and the baby are healthy, which helps avoid any pregnancy complications. When your OBGYN tests your blood sugar, they may tell if it is at the usual range or higher. If your sugar levels are higher than normal, your specialist can help you manage the glucose levels to promote your and the baby’s well-being.

Prenatal care is also essential to keep track of the baby’s growth. Your doctor will measure your belly from the sternum to the top of your pubic bone to estimate the baby’s development. Prenatal visits also allow you to discuss potential questions and concerns about pregnancy.

If you need to start your prenatal visits, book an appointment with your OBGYN at Suncoast Women’s Care.

Plastic surgery procedures allow you to restore and improve your appearance to your desired goals. The plastic surgery field has grown popular, with millions of people undergoing the procedures. Other than for cosmetic purposes, you can have plastic surgery to reconstruct your body part after an injury or accident. Suppose you are looking to transform your face with plastic surgery, the best Peoria oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Heringer has got you covered. Read more to find out the available plastic surgery procedures he offers.

Dr. Heringer is highly experienced and offers compassionate and exceptional care to restore your appearance and promote self-confidence. He works accurately to ensure your results look as natural as you. Here are some of the treatments you can expect.

Facelift

Did you know you can reduce the aging signs’ appearance with a facelift? Dr. Heringer incorporates your facelift procedure to meet your specific needs and enhance a youthful appearance.

The procedure is ideal for eliminating wrinkles and sagging skin. Your provider makes incisions around your hairline and near the ears to ensure less scarring. He cuts off excess skin and tightens your muscles and tissues to enhance a natural facial contour.

After meeting your desired results, your provider stitches the incisions. For a more excellent look, you may choose to combine a facelift procedure alongside a brow and neck lift.

Ptosis

It is a condition where you have excess skin around your eyelids, causing drooping eyelids. It may occur to one or both of your eyes. Usually, it may appear as a sign of aging or may be present at birth.

Besides affecting your appearance, excessive droopy eyelids may interfere with your vision. Ptosis may also result from cataract surgery, Eee surgery, or eye injuries.

Ptosis surgery involves your provider making an incision on your upper eyelid ridge or under your lower eyelid to remove the excess muscle. Your provider tightens the muscles to enhance your improved appearance and boost your vision.

The procedure occurs under anesthesia hence ensuring comfort. You may have blurred vision after the procedure, which should go away within a few days.

Fat grafting

Usually, as you age, you may lose fat in different body areas, making you appear older. Fat grafting allows fat transfer from the unwanted part to where you need it most through injection. It adds the lost volume to your skin, restoring a youthful appearance.

Your provider may remove excess fat from the abdomen or thighs and inject it into the space in your face. Usually, they take out the fat using liposuction, purify it through centrifugation, and then inject it into the targeted body areas.

Laser resurfacing

It is a non-surgical procedure to improve your appearance by eliminating signs of aging, including lines and wrinkles. Your provider uses laser energy to remove your top skin layer and activate the formation of new healthy skin. Laser resurfacing also triggers collagen production that enhances more rejuvenated skin.

There is a lot you can achieve with plastic surgery procedures. Do not shy away from giving them a try; most plastic surgery techniques are safe with guaranteed excellent results. Dr. Heringer is an expert in oculofacial plastic surgery and only gives the best care possible. Contact Arizona Ocular Facial & Plastic Surgery today to book your consultation.

Many people struggle with hair loss, either due to aging or medical conditions. A hair transplant is a surgical method that moves hair from one part of the body for replanting in a bald or thinning area. Other hair loss treatments may not give long-lasting results, so people have turned to hair transplants to provide a permanent effect. However, the challenge comes when choosing the best hair transplant specialist in Lakewood Ranch to access and determine the method that fits you. Here are the tips that will guide you to get a reliable surgeon for a hair transplant.

Certification of the surgeon

Apart from education qualifications, your surgeon should have a license. Medical boards license to ensure specialists maintain and improve medical practices’ standards. You can request your surgeon to provide support or check on the website. The certification proves your surgeon has the required skills to carry out a hair transplant. It is also proof that the surgeon has not been involved in any malpractice.

Consultation appointment

A consultation appointment is crucial because you meet and interact with your surgeon. The surgeon will get to expound on all procedures you will go through. The specialist will also access your hair to evaluate the problem and determine the appropriate treatment. Take that opportunity to explain any medical condition you have, diet, and lifestyle habits. Giving details about yourself helps the surgeon determine the hair transplant that fits you best.

Experience

Always check for a surgeon with more experience with successful operations. Experience helps the specialist gain familiarity with handling patients with different disorders. You will gain confidence that the surgeon will handle your case effectively. It is essential to check surgeons’ experience over the past years and keep up with the advancing hair restoration procedure.

Referrals

You gain trust in a surgeon if you get testimonials from a friend, relative, or colleague. You can get a recommendation from someone you know who has gone through successful hair restoration by a reliable specialist. With different opinions, you can select the most recommended specialist that fits your needs. Make sure you check other qualifications to add to that.

Cost of services

Competition has become a critical factor in almost every field. You will probably choose the best quality service for any health issue. Do not go for poor services to save on money, compromising your health welfare. Get a surgeon with quality services at a reasonable cost. Compare the prices of different surgeons before making a final decision. Again, ensure the specialist is convenient to avoid too many transport costs.

Checking reviews

Most surgeons will have social media platforms where they interact with their patients. Patients who have had hair transplants will always give their feedback. Although negative comments can be present, you can opt for the surgeon if positive reviews outweigh the negative ones. It is essential to be sure the social platform you are relying on is the real one used by your specific specialist, as cases of fake accounts have become so common.

You can now choose a surgeon to access your hair and determine the best hair transplant that best fits you. Contact Dr. Maag and his Honest Hair Restoration team to schedule your appointment for a hair restoration transplant.

Sepsis is a severe illness that results when the body overwhelmingly responds to a  bacterial infection. Substances released by the blood to fight infection lead to widespread inflammation, leading to blood clots and blood vessels leaking. 

All of this results in a reduction in blood flow, depriving the organs of nutrition and oxygen. In the most severe cases, while in the worst-case scenario, blood pressure drops, and the heart weakens, resulting in septic shock.

Prognosis of the disease

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition when the body responds to an infection but damages its tissues and organs. The prognosis depends on the time it takes to start the appropriate treatment. 

As long as the disease is diagnosed in its early phase, it will be possible to treat it with antibiotics. Although if the diagnosis is not correct and no type of treatment is carried out, it can be fatal because it can quickly grow into severe sepsis or septic shock.

Sepsis symptoms

The symptoms of sepsis are fever, increased heart rate and breathing rate, chills, rash, confusion, and feeling disoriented. Most of these symptoms are present in other diseases, so sepsis becomes a complex disease to diagnose, especially at the beginning of the disease.

​Medical tests for sepsis.

Sometimes the diagnosis of sepsis is complicated because its symptoms can be confused with another type of disorder. For example, doctors can rely on different tests and medical examinations to make the correct diagnosis.

• Blood tests – The goal is to draw a blood sample to look for signs of an infection.
  • Coagulation problems.
  • Abnormal functioning of the liver or kidneys.
  • Less availability of oxygen.
  • Electrolyte imbalances.
• Other laboratory tests: depending on each patient’s symptoms, the specialist may order the following tests to analyze the body’s fluids.
  • Urine.
  • Wound secretions.
  • respiratory secretions. 
• Diagnostics from an image: If the specialist cannot identify the site of the infection, the specialist may perform one of the following imaging-based tests.
  • Radiography.
  • Computed tomography.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Magnetic resonance.

What are the causes of sepsis?

Any type of infection, bacterial, viral, or fungal, can lead to sepsis, the most likely are:

• Pneumonia.
• abdominal infection
• kidney infection
• Bloodstream infection (bacteremia)

Geographically, the United States is increasing sepsis outbreaks, and this may be due to:

• Population aging.
• Drug-resistant bacteria.
• Weakened immune system.

Can it be prevented?

A specialist can make the main recommendations to keep the immune system healthy and treat infections in time if the immune system is weakened or has a disease caused by various pathogens or severe pathogens. 

If sepsis affects the abdominal cavity, lungs, or brain, it can affect other organs.

Sepsis Treatments

Early and aggressive treatment against infection increases the chances of surviving sepsis. People suffering from this disease need to receive personalized monitoring and therapy in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). If the patient suffers from severe sepsis or septic shock, it is necessary to save a life to stabilize breathing and heart function. The following treatments can be used.

• Medicines
  • antibiotics
  • Vasopressors.
• Supportive medical care.
• Surgery.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, but it also happens to be one of the most delicate parts. As such, you need to make sure that you take good care of your skin to maintain good health. However, not everyone knows how to do so. There are a lot of different articles and information out there on how to care for your skin, but not all might be useful or even correct. The only effective way to protect your skin is by working closely with a dermatologist. As indicated by Dr. Connie Wang, an experienced dermatologist based in Texas, many people do not know that they need to see a dermatologist until it is too late. Here are some signs that you need to visit a dermatologist.

• A Constant Itch

Irritated skin is one of the most common signs that your skin requires medical attention. An itch is your body’s way of telling you that there is something wrong with it and that you probably need to visit a dermatologist to get things checked out. For instance, if you have been scratching at your arm for several months, you should see a dermatologist because it could be the start of something serious. However, this may not just be limited to the skin. If you have been feeling an itch in your head for a few months, some dandruff or other scalp conditions may likely be behind it.

• Painful Sunburns

Sunburns are another sign that you need to see a dermatologist. Sunburns are something that everyone deals with, but you should not be experiencing them too often. If your skin feels irritated after exposure to the sun, it could mean that some severe conditions are developing underneath. A visit to the dermatologist can help you get to the root of the problem before things take a turn for the worse.

• Unexplained Redness

Some people may experience redness on their skin for a variety of reasons. However, you should never ignore the possibility that it could be something serious. Most cases of redness are nothing to worry about, but if it does not seem to go away after several months or so, you should visit a dermatologist. While it is natural to get redness on the skin after being exposed to the sun, this should go away in a few hours. If it does not, you may have an underlying condition that needs to be treated.

• Acne

Acne is a widespread problem in the US and other developed countries. However, some people experience severe acne problems even when they know how to care for their skin. If your skin breaks out without doing anything different or starts appearing more frequently than usual, you should visit a dermatologist. Sometimes, even the most experienced dermatologists might not help, but some underlying conditions can cause serious problems.

In summary, there are a lot of different signs that can indicate that you need to see a dermatologist. Some of the most common ones include constant itch, sunburns without any known reason, unexplained redness, and an acne problem that does not go away even when you properly take care of your skin. When treated properly, you can resolve all of these conditions.

It is normal to experience stiffness in your neck, especially on a busy day. But living with the pain can be a burden you should not bear. West Orange neck pain specialists recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible to evaluate the cause of your condition. You can experience neck pain for apparent reasons, while sometimes it could be caused by underlying severe health complications. We must look at some causes of neck pain to enlighten you when trying to understand your situation.

Natural Wear and Tear

As you age, the vertebrae and discs in your neck gradually wear down. You might experience chronic, persistent neck pain with the degeneration. Therefore, age is a significant factor in determining the possible reasons for your neck pain. Other health complications associated with aging like cervical disc degeneration, cervical fractures, and pinched nerves can also contribute to neck pain by causing the neck vertebrae and discs.

Poor Sleeping Posture

If you slept well but woke up feeling pain or stiffness in your neck, shoulders, or back, it could be that you slept in the wrong position. The number of pillows you use, the position you adopt, or the firmness of your mattress can all contribute to your stiffness. Also, sleeping without head support can cause pain in your neck. Therefore, ensure you consult your doctor on the suitable sleeping position you should adopt and the best type of mattress and pillows you should use.

Minor Sprains and Tear

Sometimes, you might not be sure of the cause of your neck pain, especially when a minor sprain or tear has played a part. In most cases, it could be due to a poor posture that you did not realize, or you held your neck out of alignment for a while. This will strain your neck muscles and result in stiffness or pain. Such pain is the most common, and you can experience it at any time of the day. It is most common when you bend forward for several hours over your work.

Whiplash

If you experience a sudden jolt to your neck, you will probably experience neck pain. When your head quickly jolts forward and back to position, the movement is like a crack of a whip. Although such movements are popular with car accidents, they can also occur due to other factors like sporting activities or sudden movements. Recall if you had any such movement to understand if your pain may have resulted from a whiplash.

Rare Causes of Neck Pain

Some severe health complications can cause neck pain but not often. But it is crucial to seek an expert diagnosis for neck pain in advance to ensure such issues are ruled out. This includes infections, bone disorders, damage to the vertebrae, nerves, spinal cord, serious injury, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. Such are less common but can be life-threatening when they are behind your neck pain.

There are numerous possible causes of neck pain since your neck is one of the essential organs in your body and is susceptible to injuries. You can only be sure why your neck is stiff by seeking a professional diagnosis. Get in touch with the neck pain specialists at Pain Center NJ for assistance. You can call us or book your online appointment.

Skin fillers are the new and improved way of getting that youthful and healthy glow back in Downtown DC. Studies show that our skin becomes thinner and less elastic when we age, which means it will sag more quickly with time. This is due to a decrease in fat deposits under the skin and increased collagen breakdown over time. Skin fillers can help fight these two processes by injecting hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite into the skin to add volume and firmness where needed. Book an appointment with Downtown DC fillers for assistance. Here are x reasons why fillers are crucial skincare solutions.

Smooth Out Lines and Wrinkles

As we age, fine lines and wrinkles form due to a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin. It can be preventable using hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm Voluma or Restylane Silk made from ground jellyfish parts. These natural ingredients are then processed into a smooth gel injected into problem areas to fill out lines and wrinkles.

Erase Outdated Acne Scars

The body sees a cut or wound and rushes to close it. In the process, collagen is produced in excess, which leads to raised scars on the skin. Injecting fillers like Juvederm Voluma or Restylane Silk into these scars would flatten them out by adding volume back to the skin while smoothing away uneven texture.

Some acne scars are more difficult to treat than others, such as ice-pick scars, which transect the skin. These are treatable with a combination of fractional laser treatments and calcium hydroxylapatite injections. It’s the ideal treatment for acne scars because calcium hydroxylapatite will fill out depressed scar tissue and stimulate collagen growth to help improve the overall texture of the skin.

Enhance Cheeks

We all know that after age 30, we lose volume in our cheeks, leading to a tired, sad appearance. The best way to enhance your cheekbones is by using hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, which are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the human body. When this chemical is injected into the cheeks, it adds volume from underneath the skin for an instant lift and stimulates collagen production.

Plump Up Thin Lips

Lips lose volume as we age, which is why fillers such as Juvederm Volbella XC are an effective solution to plump up thin or crepey lips. This filler is made of hyaluronic acid, just like the ones mentioned above, but this one is specifically designed for lip enhancement. The fine needles used in lip injections also reduce the pain and discomfort involved.

Improve Facial Symmetry

Asymmetrical features are present in individuals who have damaged their faces from accidents and in people born with facial defects. For this reason, lip enhancement is the best way to improve facial symmetry. Restylane Lyft, made of hyaluronic acid, will restore volume to your lips without changing their shape or pigmentation. This filler can also apply to the lips for a more youthful and symmetrical appearance.

Filler treatments are quick and easy to perform and provide long-term benefits without permanent changes to your anatomy. All you need is to make an appointment with a trusted aesthetic doctor or dermatologist who will help you choose which skin.

Hernias are very common in Astoria, New York, but they can be hard to talk about. It conjures up images of surgery, pain, and discomfort. And it’s not just the sufferers who experience these things – friends and family members do too. Thankfully there are ways you can avoid getting a hernia in the first place or at least minimize your risk of developing one later on down the line. However, seek guidance from a hernia surgeon in Astoria, NY.

Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity

Hernias are most common amongst manual laborers and obese people, but anyone can get one. So if you’re not leading a particularly active lifestyle, there’s no guarantee that you’ll escape hernia-free. 

However, if you find yourself on the more passive side of life (even during periods when you used to exercise regularly), it’s essential to monitor how your body reacts. If you feel any discomfort, stop what you’re doing right away.

Exercise Proper Technique

Maintaining proper technique is one of the most effective ways to avoid getting injured while performing strenuous activities. So no matter what type of workout regimen you choose (or if you change things up frequently), make sure you’re in control of your body. Instead of allowing momentum to take over during movements, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Kick the Bad Habits

Smoking is a significant risk factor for hernias (and other types of serious illnesses). Nicotine and other chemicals found in cigarettes can weaken tissue and cause tears. In addition, the habit itself encourages unnatural bodily movements that can lead to injuries. So switch over to vaping or quit altogether. You’ll feel better for it in more ways than one!

Control Your Waistline

Many men suffer from hernias after gaining weight around their midsection. Meanwhile, women are most likely to develop them during or after pregnancy (when they retain extra fluids). Regardless of the reason, adding inches around your waistline increases your risk of these health issues. So if you’ve noticed a slight bulge in recent weeks, make sure you look after yourself by working out, watching what you eat (avoid sugar!), and drinking plenty of water.

Avoid Straining 

Whether you’re trying to lift a heavy box or move your couch, you must use the proper technique. Otherwise, you might end up bending and twisting in ways that make it easier for your tissue to tear and hernia to form (especially if there happens to be pressure on your abdomen). So always make sure you’re “pre-loading” (lifting with your legs and hips rather than lower back and thighs), and avoid the temptation to strain.

Adopt Good Movement Habits

We might not realize it, but our bodies go through many daily movements. From bending down to pick something up off the floor to typing on a computer or reaching for an object above us, countless activities can result in hernias. Thankfully developing good movement habits (such as keeping your back straight and doing one thing at a time) can help minimize the likelihood that you’ll sustain an injury.

Lifestyle changes can help prevent hernia formation. If you’re worried about developing one, it’s essential to be mindful of the activities that may cause injury or strain your abdominal area. It’s also wise to adopt good movement habits and monitor how your body responds after performing strenuous physical tasks. And don’t forget to reach out to a hernia specialist.