Plastic Surgery Thailand

Liposuction Post Op Recovery FAQ

2006-07-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

FAQ: Post-Op Pain and Discomfort

1. How long after liposuction will the soreness or tenderness persist?
During the two days immediately after liposuction, the amount of pain experienced depends on the type of anesthesia used for liposuction. Local anesthesia usually persists for more than 24 hours after surgery. Liposuction under general anesthesia, without using local anesthesia at the same time, is much more painful and typically requires narcotic analgesia.

During the days and weeks following liposuction, the degree of soreness and swelling is a function of the type of aftercare procedures employed. Soreness is usually the most intense 2 to 4 days after liposuction and then decreases steadily. The tenderness and soreness typically is quite bothersome for up to 4 weeks, but gradually subsides over the following next 4 to 8 weeks.

2. What is the quality of the pain after liposuction?
Immediately after tumescent liposuction, the local anesthesia persists for 12 to 24 hours, so that the only discomfort is described as soreness or tenderness. Beginning the day after tumescent liposuction totally by local anesthesia, the quality of pain is similar to that of a sunburn and to muscle soreness that one might experience after having worked-out too vigorously. This type of pain rarely requires any medication other than acetaminophen (Tylenol).

3. What is the intensity of the pain after liposuction?
In the hands of surgeons who are skilled in liposuction totally by local aesthesia, patients usually have less discomfort after surgery than when liposuction is done by general anesthesia.

The intensity of pain immediately after liposuction is quite mild when local anesthesia is used because of the persistence of the local anesthetic effect. After liposuction totally by local anesthesia, patients rarely require any medication other than acetaminophen (Tylenol). When general anesthesia is used without sufficient lidocaine (local anesthetic) in the tumescent solution, the pain is much more intense and often requires the use of narcotic analgesics.

4. Do elastic compression garments reduce post-operative pain?
Elastic compression garments can decrease post-liposuction pain if employed with the open-drainage technique. "Open-drainage" refers to the technique of not closing the tiny liposuction incisions with stitches in order to maximize the drainage of inflammation-causing blood-tinged anesthetic solution. Immediately after surgery, elastic garments encourage maximum amount of drainage of blood tinged anesthetic solution, which in turn reduces pain. After all the drainage has ceased, some patients continue to wear a compression garment in order to restrict the movement or jiggling of the treated areas. This reduces discomfort and gives a feeling of security.

5. What can be done to minimize the soreness and swelling after liposuction?
Much of the swelling and soreness after liposuction is the result of residual blood tinged anesthetic solution that remains trapped under the skin after liposuction. Red blood cells that have leaked out of blood vessels, and fragments of fatty tissue that escape suction and remain under the skin cause inflammation. Inflammation causes swelling and pain. By encouraging the complete drainage of this blood tinged solution one can minimize soreness and swelling after liposuction. Complete drainage is encouraged by leaving the incision sites open (not closed with stitches) and by wearing an elastic compression garment.

6. Will I have to stay in bed during the recovery period?
No. Patients are encouraged to walk and to be active after surgery. Most patients who have had tumescent liposuction totally by local anesthesia can expect to drive a car within 24 to 48 hours, and return to a normal work schedule within 24 to 72 hours. Patients who have had liposuction under general anesthesia tend to need more time off from work and over-all have a longer recovery period.

7. Is tumescent liposuction with local anesthesia less painful than under general anesthesia?
Some patients have first had liposuction using general anesthesia prior, and then had more liposuction using the tumescent technique. The vast majority of patients have said that liposuction by the tumescent technique is a dramatically less painful experience than was liposuction under general anesthesia. Infiltrating the local anesthesia by the tumescent technique is typically associated with minimal discomfort. Once the area has been completely numbed, surgery in the area is essentially painless. In addition, because the local anesthesia persists in the treated area for more than 12 hours, there is no pain immediately after the surgery.

8. Why is tumescent liposuction totally by local anesthesia typically less painful than liposuction under general anesthesia?
Pain associated with liposuction can occur at three different stages: during the infiltration of the tumescent solution, during liposuction, and postoperatively.

If the surgeon or nurse who does the tumescent infiltration has had special training in the techniques, then the patient typically has very little pain during the process of injecting the local anesthetic. The technique for infiltrating the solution of tumescent anesthesia requires special skill and training. Without this special training, surgeons must rely on general anesthesia.

After the tumescent local anesthesia has been thoroughly infiltrated into the fat, the subsequent liposuction should be painless.

The postoperative pain after liposuction is much worse for liposuction under general anesthesia compared to liposuction totally by local anesthesia. After tumescent liposuction, the local anesthesia persists for many hours after surgery and patients need only take Tylenol for discomfort. In contrast, with general anesthesia, patients typically require narcotic analgesics to control post operative pain.

Finally, general anesthesia, and the use of intravenous sedatives and narcotics are associated with high incidence of nausea, vomiting and postoperative chills. Such symptoms are quite unusual with local anesthesia.

Royal River Hotel

2006-07-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on visiting Yanhee Hospital for your surgery, one of the best bets is to visit the Royal River Hotel. They have rooms starting at $26 a night, which includes the breakfast buffet.

Let me tell you, the breakfast buffet is D E L I C I O U S ..yummmm you have a choice of thai, japanese, and american food.

Plus, the Royal River Hotel is only 5 minutes taxi ride away from Yanhee Hospital.

Be sure to book your rooms at least 5 days in advance go to www.asiarooms.com and type in "royal river hotel"

A Vacation Custom Made For you

2006-03-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

Today I'd like to talk about a great opportunity for people to go and get away from the daily hustle and bustle of work and life in the US.

I know that many of you reading this are working 40 hours or more a week. You barely have time for a lunch break and then after work you have to rush and do things for your family.

The word relaxation may be foreign to you.

But imagine yourself on the beach sipping a tasty, thick MaiTai while you are being massaged from head to toe. Imagine just packing your bags and stepping on the airplane, and that all the little details have already been worked out for you so that you can just sit and relax.

Darren Mulqueen of Health Vision Asia can put together a total package for you to make this a reality.

Whether you just want a regular health check up, enjoy the royal spa treatment, or are in need of a little beauty enhancement such as liposuction or weight loss surgery, you can come to Darren and have all the details worked out for you.

You won't have to worry about quality care because Health Vision Asia has high quality control. And the prices are very affordable.

Have a look at http://www.healthvisionasia.com

Till next time

E

What Anesthesia’s Are Used in Dental Surgery?

2006-02-14T06:47:00.000-08:00

What Anesthesia’s Are Used in Dental Surgery?

By: Bart Samuri

When undergoing dental surgery, one is usually placed under anesthesia. Going under such drugs can cause fear in some people, however, they are usually quite safe as long as you let you’re dentist know of any medications or health problems you have. The following are the most common anesthesia that is used for dental surgery in the USA. Nitrous Oxide or N2O, which is more commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a drug that connects to the hemoglobin in the lungs and travels to the brain, causing a disengaged and spaced out sensation.

Common local anesthetics, (drugs that prevent infection and numb the patient) include, Lidocaine, Lidocaine and Marcaine, which are derived from cocaine and striped of the stimulating properties. These may be used together, depending on the person and operation. While usually safe, these can result in toxicity which can include dizziness, confusion, coma, or seizures. In extreme cases, it may result in a cardiovascular system collapse.

Talk to your doctor for more details. Eugenol is made from clove oil and is used by dentists as a topical treatment to perhaps numb the skin for a needle or for minor procedures. For major surgeries, a general anesthetic is often used such as Versed, Ketamine or Fetynyl which cause the patient to become completely unconscious and oblivious to pain. If you are planning on having dental surgery in the near future, and you have any questions about the types of anesthetics are going to be used, please don’t hesitate to confront your doctor or dentist with any concerns you might have.

Article Source: http://101healthonline.com

Bart Samuri writes about oral surgery, dental surgery and dental supplies topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intacked, the bio remains in full and the rel="nofollow" tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you - Please visit Oral Surgery and Supplies

Remove Fat From Body Through Liposuction Medical Procedure

2006-02-14T06:45:00.000-08:00

Remove Fat From Body Through Liposuction Medical Procedure

By:

Liposuction is the medical procedure in which fat is removed from specific, predetermined areas on your body. These areas might include thighs, stomach, knees, upper arms, buttocks, hips, cheeks and neck. It’s a fairly common procedure that many people have had performed with great results.

Though liposuction can help sculpt your body, it’s not a miracle worker. You still need to exercise and eat healthfully if you want to maintain the results the procedure gave you. If you’ve been exercising but just can’t seem to get rid of the fat in one area, perhaps liposuction would work for you.

Having liposuction won’t give you the perfect body you’ve always dreamt about. It will enhance your body, but be realistic about what it’s going to do for you. Think this procedure over carefully before you decide to go under the knife.

The people doctors consider to be great candidates for liposuction are those that have lost large amounts of weight and still have excess fat in areas. You must be healthy to have this procedure and should know what to expect from your results.

At your first consultation, your surgeon will determine whether you’re healthy enough for the procedure and assess where your fat is deposited. Your surgeon will talk to you about what goes on in the procedure, how much fat will be taken out and any health risks to you. This isn’t the time to be shy, speak up and ask anything that is on your mind. This is your body and you deserve to know everything that is going to happen to it.

Make sure to check out your surgeon’s background so you get the peace of mind of knowing he has the required education. Also, get someone to drive you to the center and home after your procedure. There’s much more to learn about liposuction and your surgeon will gladly explain every step of it to you in much greater detail.

Article Source: http://101healthonline.com

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.liposuction-central.info

The Best Candidates For Abdominoplasty

2006-02-14T06:44:00.000-08:00

The Best Candidates For Abdominoplasty

By:

Abdominoplasty is more popularly known as a tummy-tuck. It is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. It is also used to tighten the muscles in the stomach of the abdominal wall. Both men and women to decrease the appearance of a protruding abdomen use this procedure. While this procedure does reduce the size the stomach it does leave a scar on the abdomen. For some people this scar could go from hip to hip, or it may be smaller in others.

The Best Candidates For A Tummy Tuck

The best candidate for abdominoplasty are men and women who are in good shape overall but who are bothered by a large or loose abdomen that they cannot get rid of even through dieting and weight loss. In most cases women opt for this surgery and it is helpful to women who have, as a result of pregnancy, stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.

If you are looking to lose a lot of weight then you should not rush into having the surgery. Also if you plan on having any children in the future then you should postpone having this procedure this is due to the fact that muscles of the stomach will tighten during surgery and can separate during pregnancy.

Risks Of Abdominoplasty

This surgery is not without risks. While there are thousands of surgeries performed each year that is quite successful there are those that do not go as planned?

Post-operation complications can arise. These include such things as infections and blood clots, although these are rare, they can do occur in some cases. In most cases these post-operative complications are treatable with either drainage or antibiotics. To minimize blood clots you should move around as soon after the surgery as possible.

If you smoke then you will advised to stop as smoking could result in complications. This could also delay the healing. You can reduce the chance of complications by following the doctor’s instructions very closely.

Article Source: http://101healthonline.com

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.abdominoplasty-central.info

Take A Vacation from Stress and Return Refreshed, In One Hour

2006-02-14T06:42:00.000-08:00

Take A Vacation from Stress and Return Refreshed, In One Hour

By: Abbas Abedi

Did you know that massage has been used as a therapy to ease human aches and pains and create relaxation for thousands of years. The instinct to rub and stroke muscles that are tense and tired has been refined and studied so that massage therapy performed by a professionally trained practitioner can promote health and well being, relieve stress and help heal injured areas of your body.

WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY GOOD FOR?

Have you thought about seeking massage therapy for healing or relaxation? There are many techniques of massage therapy to choose from. Some therapies, such as those used for athletes, are focused on healing injured tissue by increasing circulation and preventing injury that can be caused by tense muscles.

Other therapies combine massage with soft music, dim lighting and soothing aromatherapy oils to relieve stress and enhance feelings of well being.

Massage therapy can also provide relief from many common ailments from morning sickness to migraines.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY?

Massage helps with the circulation of blood and the release of toxins. Massage increases the circulation of oxygen through the body, helping to heal muscles and reduce tension. The increased circulation can also increase lymphatic drainage helping to rid the body of excess fluids and waste.

The physical manipulation of muscles can break down any scar material, thickening or inflammation of the tissues which can increase mobility and reduce stiffness. The additional mobility and toning can help prevent injury, especially for athletes who use massage therapy as part of their regular training.

Proper techniques of massage therapy can also help relieve constipation and gas and encourage proper digestion.

Relaxation of the physical body can also reduce the effects of stress physiologically. After a session of massage therapy you may feel relaxed, refreshed and feel greater self-esteem.

EASTERN AND WESTERN MASSAGE

The type of therapy you choose will be based on your personal preference or the purpose of the therapy. One of the most common forms of massage is based on Swedish massage which involves the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body with the masseuse's's hands. Swedish massage is often used for general relaxation and increasing mobility of the joints but can also be adapted to target specific problems.

The other common form of massage has Eastern origins. These techniques are performed by putting pressure on specific areas of the body with fingers or other blunt objects (acupressure) or needles (acupuncture). These techniques are used to relieve ailments such as: headaches, nausea, depression, pain, digestive disorders as well as stress and other ailments.

There are many variations on these techniques and what appeals to one person may be very different for someone else. Feeling comfortable with the technique as well as the practitioner is important in experiencing the full benefits of the massage. Whatever method you choose you are wise to take time to find the right person for you; determine if the practitioner is trained, qualified, insured and has recommendations before starting treatment and feel comfortable with the setting you will be receiving your massage in.

Article Source: http://101healthonline.com

Abbas Abedi CHt If you are interested in natural techniques to reduce stress and anxiety in your life today, then sign up for my free eCourse titled, “4 Days to Break Free from a Stressful Lifestyle” at Instant Stress Management

How to get rid of cellulite now!

2006-02-14T06:41:00.000-08:00

How to get rid of cellulite now!

By: The Rich Dude

It has been the bane of every women's existence since the dawn of time - the affliction known as cellulite. We all have it to varying degrees, and it seems to get worse as we get older in many cases. So, should we just resign ourselves to the fact that it is here to stay, or is there a way to fight and get rid of cellulite?

Thankfully, the answer is yes, we can fight cellulite, or at least the appearance of cellulite, through several therapeutic treatments that are available on the market today. It is not, however, a one-time deal. Once you stop the treatments, the cellulite will inevitably return. So, the treatment of cellulite is an ongoing commitment, and it should be incorporated as part of your daily beauty regimen for consistent and lasting reduction in it's appearance.

Some of the over-the-counter cellulite treatments actually do quite a good job of significantly reducing the appearance of cellulite. In order to achieve maximum effectiveness with these products, it is imperative that you massage the affected areas vigorously for a few minutes when applying the treatment. In addition to the smoothing and tightening ingredients in the treatment, the massaging stimulates circulation and helps break the collagen bands that have constricted and resulted in the "puckered" look of the affected areas. The most effective ingredients, and what gives these products their smoothing effects, are caffeine and aminophylline. Many also add seaweed extract as well, but this is not the most effective ingredient in the product.

In addition to the cellulite creams, lotions and gels, there is a procedure called endermology that has many women reporting extraordinary results. It is actually a large mechanical pressure device that uses a technique similar to the process of a rolling pin rolling out dough to make cookies. This action kneads the problem areas with substantial pressure to break down the aforementioned collagen bands, and smooth the sponginess and puckering out for an even and toned appearance. Drawbacks are it is expensive and does require return visits for maintenance, it can be an uncomfortable and even slightly painful process, and it may result in some temporary bruising.

Another option is oral herbal or medicinal remedies for cellulite. Beware though. There have not been significant studies or proof verifying whether these products actually produce results. I cannot recommend investing in or experimenting with these newer products until substantial findings or proof are published regarding their effectiveness.

So, what else causes cellulite? This question is still the subject of scientific debate. We definitely know that it mostly affects women, so there is much speculation that the underlying cause is hormonal in nature. Many other studies suggest it is related to age, diet, genetics, and fitness/level of activity. It has been noted that strength and toning exercises, as well as steady weight maintenance will help with the appearance of cellulite. Frequent weight fluctuation, high fat diets, and even excessive carbonated beverages have been some of the suspected culprits as well.

Whatever the cause, if you want to minimize these unsightly dimples, there are options out there for you that are effective and affordable. New breakthroughs are being made every day in the field of cosmetic enhancement products, so we may soon see another product that blows them all away. It may be tomorrow, for all we know!

Article Source: http://101healthonline.com

Beauty Resources
Article Submission done by: www.therichdude.com
Courtesy of:Affilliate Name

Whats The Real Cause Of Acne?

2006-02-14T06:36:00.000-08:00

Whats The Real Cause Of Acne?
by: Keith Londrie

Most acne medications only mask the symptoms of acne and does nothing to stop the real cause of acne. This is why people buy acne products month after month (year after year). And every time they stop using the product acne would come back again and again.

What you need to do is find out what the real cause of acne is and stop it.

So what's the real cause of acne?

Acne occurs when your body contains more toxics than your kidneys and bowels can remove. (Your kidneys and bowels are the two primary channels of elimination that your body expel toxics and waste products through.)

These toxics can be the accumulation of fat stored chemicals the liver can not wash out or there may be a problem with fat digestion, fat accumulation, food allergy, or even the accumulation of hormones that your body produces.

Once these toxics build up, your kidneys and bowels can get overloaded and clogged up, causing it to not function properly. When that happens some of the load will be dumped onto your liver. One of your liver's main roles is to metabolize pile up fat into usable energy for your body.

This means, your liver will be doing some of your kidney's work. So now, your liver gets overloaded and it too will not work at full capacity.

What happens when your bowels, kidneys, and liver gets overloaded?

When that happen your body will expel toxins through your lungs and skin (your secondary channels of elimination). And this is when acne occurs. This is when your skin starts to breakout.

But whatever the toxic source is that's causing this problem, acne is a sign that your bowels and kidneys are overloaded with toxins, waste products, or hormones.

It is a sign that your liver is growing weaker in its detoxification abilities (and it will continue to grow weaker if you do not do what it takes to get rid of the toxics in your body).

So if you think that acne is your only problem, think again, your liver, kidneys, and bowels are getting weaker every time you breakout.

About The Author

Keith Londrie II is experienced with all kinds of acne. He has put up an informative web site athttp://acneinformation.info/

Please feel free to drop by the web site to learn more about acne, it's cures, etc.

Keith E. Londrie II
klondrie @ yahoo.com
http://acneinformation.info/

Stretch Marks in Pregnancy (Striae Gravidarum)

2006-02-14T06:32:00.000-08:00

Stretch Marks in Pregnancy (Striae Gravidarum)
by: Martha Fitzharris

Striae gravidarum or Stretch marks are purplish red streaky scars, which appear when the skin is overstretched. They appear during pregnancy over the abdomen where the skin is supple, usually in the third trimester or the later months when the skin is highly stretched to accommodate the growing fetus. They may also appear over the breast, more so during the period of breast-feeding when the breasts swell up and increase much in size. Apart from these areas, striae are also seen on the hips, buttock and inner and outer thigh.

About 70-90% of pregnant women develop stretch marks over the abdomen. Up to 90% of women develop stretch marks over some part of their body due to the excess weight gain of pregnancy. Most light skinned women have pinkish colored striae and the dark skinned have striae that are lighter than the surrounding area. Most women start to worry about striae or stretch marks after they have their baby.

A little attention to the rate of weight gain and skin stretch during the pregnancy period can definitely go a long way in reducing them. The more weight gained during pregnancy, the more likely are you to develop them. In some women, changes in weight are drastic and happen very rapidly causing a sudden stretch of the skin and the dermal protein tissues tears. This initially appears pinkish and later fades to a white silvery scar, which remains as a stretch mark. Women who have big babies or women with a twin or multiple pregnancy have more chances of having striae as their skin is stretched more due to the bulk of space needed to accommodate more than one fetus.

The likelihood of having striae increases if you had them during the pubertal period or in a previous pregnancy, if you gain weight more than what is recommended, or if your body is in a general malnourishment status. Women who have a lot of striae should report this to their doctor as they might be prone to having more vaginal lacerations and tears during a normal vaginal delivery. This is due to dermal matrix with a weak protein framework as is suggested by the large number of striae or deeper indented striae on the abdomen.

Skin over the abdomen is supple and has an underneath fat deposition. Sudden loss of weight after the baby is born makes the skin loose and striae appear prominent at that time, which is when most women start worrying about them. Normally after pregnancy, these stretch marks fade away slowly as the body comes back to normalcy and is repairing all the tissues. Usually after12 months post partum these marks do fade away and are much lighter than before.

Steps to take for Prevention

• To avoid stretch marks over the breasts, try wearing a supportive maternity bra specially made to give extra support for the heavier breasts during pregnancy and in the lactation period.

• Topical creams containing retinol or retinoic acid/ Retin-A should be avoided during pregnancy and after pregnancy as their safety during the lactation period is not well studied.

• Eat a good nutritious diet and avoid fattening foods, stretch marks can also result from nutritional deficiency. Eat food rich in proteins, as this would strengthen the protein framework of elastin and collagen in the skin.

Be sure to consume food that promote skin health:

-Zinc-rich foods such as nuts or fish

-Foods high in vitamins A, C, D, such as carrots, citrus fruits and milk.

-Protein-rich foods (such as eggs).

• You can always prevent stretch marks with exercise and water; make sure you are maintaining healthy skin! Mama always told you to drink plenty of water. Maybe she knew this: it helps prevent stretch marks, too! Proper water intake keeps your skin soft and less likely to develop stretch marks. Caffeine can increase your risk of stretch marks. If you're stuck on your caffeinated coffee or tea, make sure you balance the fluids. Drink just as much - or more - water as you drink coffee, tea or soda.

Many women use moisturizers and lotions, during their pregnancy to prevent stretch marks and worry about them constantly. Most creams in the market only provide temporary moisture that lasts for a few hours, and thus not enough to prevent stretch marks.

Search the market for the best topical creams, those containing biological activators of skin renewal, for they also get rid of damaged proteins within your skin and promote the production of glycosaminoglycans, the true moisture holding molecules within your skin.

Glycosaminoglycans play a critical role as shock absorbents, to provide binding, hydrating and swelling pressure to tissues, enabling them to withstand compressional forces and thus prevent tearing and scarring of the deep layers of the skin during pregnancy outgrowth, growth spurts during adolescence, overstretching by body building (in association with steroids) or over stretching by more than average weight gain. They also play a vital role in cell proliferation, migration and adhesion.

Enjoy your pregnancy rather than worrying about it. Instead, concentrate on gaining the recommended amount of weight, between 25 - 34 pounds, in a graded manner. Remember that pregnancy is a wonderful and joyful period in a woman’s life, meant for enjoyment.

Treatment Options for Stretch Marks

There are several treatment options for stretch marks. If you are serious about getting ride of those unwanted stretch marks, it's best to be in the care of a surgeon or dermatologist who can recommend your best options. Some medications can cause stretch marks like hormones and steroids, so it’s always best to be honest with your doctor so he can take a detailed medical history, including the medications you are actually taking so he can provide you the best treatment for these ugly marks.

However, there are two main methods for getting ride of stretch marks; surgical Methods and natural methods which involve lotions and creams.

SurgicalMethods

Dermabrasion or chemical peel can be used to address unwanted stretch marks. Micro-dermabrasion can also help. It is a skin-freshening technique that helps repair skin conditions. The micro-dermabrasion technique abrades the skin with a high-pressure flow of crystals, which stimulates the formation of new collagen and elastin. This causes the attenuated epidermis to heal more effectively, making stretch marks heal and become much less noticeable.

There are new advances in laser surgeries, they are much expensive but also very effective if used during the early stages. Dermatologists use a pulsed dye laser to fade red marks.

The latest laser method used by the specialist can fade away mature light-colored marks. This type of therapy requires multiple treatments. Also, some pain may be involved, although it's minimal. A few patients with darker skin tones have been reported to have some post-procedure pigmentary alteration, which is usually temporary.

The degree of success with any of these treatment will be impacted by your age, your skin tone and even your diet. It's important to note that insurance coverage probably will not cover stretch mark removal because it is a cosmetic procedure (even if the stretch marks are particularly severe).

Lotions and Creams

There are plenty over-the-counter treatments for stretch marks. In early stages, when stretch marks are still pinkish, apply several moisturizing creams and oils to make them less intense while they are maturing. Massage the area daily with body oil. Olive oil is said to be the best. Vaseline also works, any cream rich in vitamin E, different types of butter, cocoa butter, coconut butter and shea butter being the best.

If you are a woman who is pregnant and you are concerned with stretch marks, let your physician know before you want to begin preventative treatment before your stomach starts growing. Often, your physician can recommend creams.

These stretch marks treatments may, or may not be effective, according to your skin’s complexion and the extent of the damage. If you are planning to take drastic measures consult a dermatologist and be informed of the cost, effectiveness of the preferred method and side effects, if any. Some of the products designed to remove stretch marks contain very potent ingredients. These ingredients are not superfluous, but are necessary to cause dramatic results. The only problem with these ingredients is that they can cause negative reactions in some people. If you are sensitive to chemicals, you may want to opt for a natural stretch mark removal product.

Fortunately, there’s a new product that uses only natural ingredients to prevent and restore damaged skin and it can be used like a daily skin regenerating activator. Bio Skin Care is made with a natural substance gathered from a little creature that nature has endowed with the ability to repair his skin quickly when damaged.

Bio Skin Care utilizes biological activators of your own body's skin growth factors to prevent and eliminate stretch marks (stria atrophica, striae distensae). It dissolves damaged collagen skin cells, triggers the renewal of collagen and elastin and the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans from within the deep layers of the skin.

And the best of all is that it doesn’t have side effects, it is safe for children and pregnant women, can be used under the eyes and continued as a daily skin care routine indefinitely. Also yields a soft skin after shaving. Helps to heal razor burns and prevent ingrown hairs.

With the use of BIO SKIN CARE™ Cream damaged cells and toxins are dissolved, hair follicles are cleaned of debris, germs are destroyed, new collagen, elasting and water holding cells are formed. The Final Result: YOUR SKIN CLEAR OF STRETCH MARKS.

About The Author

Martha Fitzharris is a free lance journalist for http://www.naturalbioskincare.com a website offering a new biological natural skin care product that activates skin renewal for Strech marks.

Recovery Mask Is the New Cool Thing In Facial Plastic Surgery

2006-02-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

Recovery Mask is the New 'Cool Thing' in Facial Plastic Surgery

Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document.

Breakthrough in post-operative healing is providing substantial benefits for facial cosmetic surgery patients.

(PRWEB) January 31, 2006 -- A breakthrough in post-operative healing is providing substantial benefits for patients looking for a drug-free and low cost way to shorten their recovery periods after plastic surgery. This safe, natural alternative for alleviating pain and discomfort after cosmetic surgery procedures has now become more affordable and more convenient than ever before.

Distinguished Sacramento plastic surgeon, Dr. David Kaufman is proud to offer the AqueCool™ Therapy System -- a new advance in patient care and healing technology. Dr. Kaufman is one of the few physicians in the country offering this revolutionary facial surgical recovery device and has witnessed firsthand the benefits to his patients.

The AqueCool™ by Aqueduct Medical, Inc. is an ergonomic, custom-formable cool therapy system that provides comfortable, uniform cooling across the complex surfaces of a post-operative patient’s face. The custom-fit, semi-rigid structure of the mask ensures complete coverage on all critical areas and applies gentle, uniform compression on the face, helping to alleviate swelling and potentially reducing bruising and the formation of hematomas.

The AqueCool™ was developed with input from some of the most recognized plastic surgeons in the country, including Dr. Kaufman, and is designed to provide the highest standard of care and recovery for plastic surgery patients.

In essence, the technologically advanced product naturally relieves the pain and discomfort of surgery, reduces swelling and bruising, and shortens long term recovery time by allowing the body to begin healing sooner. The unique therapy is already providing significantly improved recoveries for Dr. Kaufman’s facial cosmetic surgery patients.

“Virtually all cosmetic surgery patients seek optimal results with minimal downtime. I do everything in my power to make the experience as easy as possible, pre-operatively, during surgery, and throughout recovery,” he reports. “The AqueCool™ cooling mask reduces bruising, minimizes swelling, and decreases pain -- all key elements in the recovery process -- and my patients swear by it!”

Dr. David Kaufman is a leader in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery procedures and has enjoyed a distinguished career in both arenas. He attended Harvard Medical School after proudly serving as an officer in the elite Navy SEAL program, which included duty in Operation Desert Storm. Dr. Kaufman completed a combined general and plastic surgery residency at Stanford Medical Center, where he was Chief Resident.

A consummate humanitarian as well as an accomplished surgeon, Dr. Kaufman has participated in over 20 surgical overseas missions that provide plastic and reconstructive surgery to needy children and adults in the developing world. He is proud to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

For more information see http://california.resource4cosmeticsurgery.com/sacramento.html

Conner Erwin
Wise Medical Group
619-955-5416
http://www.resource4cosmeticsurgery.com

Quanta Technologies Introduces Medical Laser Information Portal

2006-02-14T06:28:00.000-08:00

Quanta Technologies Introduces Medical Laser Information Portal

Quanta Technologies introduces QuantaWeb.com, a new content-rich news-oriented website, an information portal for the growing medical laser and aesthetic laser technology community.

(PRWEB) February 1, 2006 -- Quanta Technologies unveiled it's new website today, QuantaWeb.com, a laser technology portal for the aesthetic and medical laser community in the United States. The new website is designed to be a gathering place for medical and aesthetic practitioners, suppliers, manufacturers, technical insiders, educators, and researchers.

"This year, more than a dozen contributors will be writing articles for the site," offered Chris Jones, President of Quanta Technologies LLC based in Tucson Arizona. "Each month, we will be adding new features, allowing our customers and suppliers to actively participate in the growth and design of the portal. This month, we unveiled the site as a news portal, incorporating articles, a technical knowledge base, and RSS feeds into timely informational sites around the world. Next month, we will be adding a discussion forum and a technical product library."

Over the coming months, Quanta will be unveiling new sections of the site, each dedicated to serving one of several diverse medical laser communities. In the first quarter of 2006, the focus will be on the "aesthetic laser" community, which is the fastest growing segment of the medical laser market. The new breed of aesthetic lasers are safer, easier to use, and more patient-friendly than ever before. Lasers introduced in the past year are faster, less painful, and minimize operator error; as a result, they are being found in a wider variety of facilities. General practitioners are offering lasers services formerly found only at state-of-the-art plastic surgeons and dermatologists offices. Private Practice Facilities along with a myriad of Medi-Spas and Clinics throughout the country are offering a multitude of laser procedures including:
- hair reduction
- vascular, pigmented lesion, and tattoo removal
- acne treatments
- non-ablative skin rejuvenation
- ablative skin resurfacing

As with every major movement within the United States, the baby boomers will again reshape a market segment creating opportunity for development. The medical community is not immune to the "boomer" influence and aesthetic laser technology will become a major part of every medical profession focused on growth and patients who want to look their best.

During the coming year, Quanta will be expanding the portal adding new sections for the Surgical, Ophthalmic, and Dental laser communities. Quanta is the largest independent surgical laser technology distributor in the Southwestern US, and is a leading supplier of new and used medical laser equipment, accessories, supplies, and education. Quanta stocks a variety of new lasers for aesthetic, surgical, and ophthalmic applications manufactured by Fotona, Laser Engineering, Convergent, and Laserex but supports and services a larger variety of medical lasers with more than a dozen field service representatives throughout the United States.

"Where are we headed?" posed Chris Jones. "In the age of the internet, everything I shop for, every question I have, I Google for answers. Today, QuantaWeb.com is an educational resource for the vast community of laser practitioners. The knowledge base will continue to grow to better serve the medical community and we will refine our relationship with practitioners to better serve the knowledge-needs of patients. The path we are on is exciting as it offers us the opportunity to better serve our neighbors locally and across the country."

The QuantaWeb.com website employs a new content management technology which offers dynamic information tailored to the specific interests of the user. Most of the content on the site today is freely available to the public, but members of the press can request a user id with high-level access to more technical and product-specific laser content by sending an email to press AT QuantaWeb DOT com.

About Quanta Technologies
Quanta Technologies LLC was founded in 1994 as a distributor of medical laser technologies, accessories and a provider of laser service. Quickly becoming the largest supplier of lasers to hospitals and surgery centers in the region. The company branched out in the late nineties providing a variety of medical laser equipment throughout the Southwestern US expanding laser service, laser accessory products and non-laser ancillary supplies throughout the United States. Today, Quanta is developing and distributing Private Labeled products such as laser fibers, smoke evacuation systems and accessories, as well as replacement specialty lamps, and medical batteries to hospitals, surgery centers, and physician offices throughout the country. Quanta Technologies is a privately held Arizona corporation headquartered in Tucson. For more information, visit http://www.quantaweb.com.

Sea Coral Used For Plastic Surgery Implants

2006-02-14T06:27:00.000-08:00

Sea Coral Used for Plastic Surgery Implants

Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document.

Surrounding tissue can grow into the scaffolding provided by the coral, making it a living part of the facial skeleton for cosmetic surgery patients.

(PRWEB) February 2, 2006 -- Although medical science has produced a remarkable number of breakthroughs in cosmetic surgery, it has yet to improve on nature’s own design. Renowned Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Harvey M. Rosen, M.D., D.M.D., agrees and has pioneered the use of a naturally occurring material called block hydroxyapatite to enhance a number of cosmetic and reconstructive applications.

This versatile material is derived from coral deposits from exotic locales in the South Pacific, and it is highly valued for being one of the few materials in the world that can attain adequate compressive strength and for its ability to be contoured enough to conform to different shapes and sizes.

Furthermore, it is naturally porous, which means the surrounding tissue can grow into the scaffolding provided by the coral, making it a living part of the facial skeleton. In older implant surgeries using plastic materials there is always a small risk of infection cause by scar tissue deposits around the implant. Because the body embraces the new coral material as part of itself, it virtually eliminates the potential for infection or rejection.

During the simple procedure Dr. Rosen inserts the implants through discrete incisions inside the mouth, which reduces the appearance of visible scars and promotes rapid healing. There may be occasional swelling and tenderness in the implant area, but patients usually return to normal activities within a week.

“This procedure enables the surgeon to change facial shape in any direction. By doing so, one enhances facial balance and proportion,” reports Dr. Rosen. “ For instance, as we age, all of our faces shorten. By adding about 4 – 5 mm to the height of the lower face, a patient can look 10 – 20 years younger.”

Dr. Harvey Rosen has performed over 500 procedures with block hydroxyapatite material, and has appeared on CNN as well as local news throughout the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. A nationally recognized leader in advanced facial plastic surgery, he serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia and Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Rosen is currently a member of several professional organizations including the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the Plastic Surgery Research Foundation. He also is repeatedly cited in the Best Doctors of America, a referral resource for fellow physicians.

For more information see http://pennsylvania.resource4cosmeticsurgery.com/philadelphia.html

Conner Erwin
Wise Medical Group
619-955-5416
http://www.resource4cosmeticsurgery.com/

Unqualified People Performing Plastic Surgery

2006-02-14T06:25:00.000-08:00

Once Again, Increased Concerns About Unqualified People Performing Plastic Surgery

Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document.

Over the last few years, there has been explosive growth in non-surgical cosmetic procedures, often performed in retail or spa-like settings. Unlike physician offices where clinicians oversee the treatment and maintain medical records, spa-type centers may have limited or no full-time medical staff and may lack the experience or training to handle more than routine beauty services.

(PRWEB) February 3, 2006 -- Over the last few years, there has been explosive growth in non-surgical cosmetic procedures, often performed in retail or spa-like settings. Unlike physician offices where clinicians oversee the treatment and maintain medical records, spa-type centers may have limited or no full-time medical staff and may lack the experience or training to handle more than routine beauty services. Patients need assurances that a qualified and trained practitioner will perform their procedure appropriately, under sanitary conditions, and with product where the quality and source is known and FDA approved.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) have joined forces to raise awareness about the dangers of unlicensed personnel performing medical cosmetic procedures in non-clinical settings. Recent cases of patients receiving BOTOX® and tissue fillers at shopping malls, beauty salons or in their homes by individuals without sufficient training or licensure caused concerns among clinical and public health experts. Cosmetic procedures, including tissue filler injections, laser therapies, chemical peels and skin resurfacing, should only be done under the care of properly credentialed and trained medical professionals using only products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“There are some misconceptions among patients about the true nature of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Non-surgical does not mean non-medical,” says Dr. Sam Speron, plastic surgery expert and consumer advocate. “Patients deserve to know who is treating them, what their qualifications are, who the supervising physician is, and where the product is coming from. These are questions all patients should ask. The concern here is that physician supervision in non-surgical cosmetic procedures may be inadequate or non-existent and that the individuals performing the treatments lack adequate training to safely perform the procedures. Our purpose in convening a patient safety group on this issue is to ensure that patients have the information they need to make the right decision. While spas and salons are convenient for cosmetic medical treatments, this should not be at the expense of safety and expertise.”

Dr. Sam Speron is a Chicago Plastic Surgeon and is widely recognized as a leading expert on plastic surgery. Dr. Speron’s educational efforts have received critical acclaim from the media from around the country including radio (“The Paul Harvey show” on WGN radio), local TV (multiple CBS Channel 2 10PM special reports, multiple appearances on “This week with Dr. Breen”), national television (Discovery Health Channel), local radio (“The Joe Gentile Show” on WJJG on AM-1530, KFIZ Milwaukee with Joe Scheibinger), newspapers (Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, Crain’s Chicago Business, Daily Herald), US magazines (People, The Complete Woman, Chicago Magazine, Living Life, Satisfaction, Medical Economics, The Lutheran), international magazines (Company, Europe) and online news (plasticsurgery.com, LocateaDoc.com, HealthNewsDigest.com, cosmeticsurgery.com, ChicagoHealthandFitness.com, ToursandTales.com).

Please visit us at www.prplastic.com, call us at 847.696.9900 for a plastic surgery question or consultation.

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Take Control of Your Health

2006-02-14T06:23:00.000-08:00

Take Control of Your Health
by: Dianne Ronnow

In large part, you’re in control of your health, not your doctor. And taking control of your health doesn’t really depend on whether or not you have medical conditions.

Taking control means developing habits and discipline.

The most important thing you can do is educate yourself. Learn about your health problems and how you can take care of your body. What do the latest studies say? The Internet is an excellent place to research health issues. Sometimes just finding different ways of doing things can help.

Now, take the time to decide what your health goals for the next year will be. Write the goal(s) down. Some examples of goals might be:

- to stop yo-yo dieting and focus on get healthier.

- to start exercising regularly.

- to move toward my perfect weight.

- to find alternative ways to control diabetes.

Then list specific ways you can accomplish these goals. For instance, try a new healthy dinner recipe once a week, go to the gym five days a week, or research nutrition on the Internet 10 minutes a day.

Work on your mind and thought patterns. You have to believe that you can become healthy and reach your ideal weight before you will be able to do so. Learning to accept what you can’t change, but striving to change what you can, is key. A large part of succeeding in health improvement is being comfortable with yourself to begin with.

Find time to do something good to reward yourself for making this commitment to improve your health. Reward yourself each week as you find yourself accomplishing your goals.

If you have another person to work with, you will be more successful in meeting your health goals. This partner should be someone you can trust to share your feelings with.

It helps to have a partner for accountability. We work harder when we know someone is watching us and holding us accountable. A good partner also helps us stay realistic in our goals and challenges us to grow.

Try to find someone who will encourage you in the down times and celebrate your successes with you as you accomplish your goals. And of course you need to be that kind of a partner to your friend in return.

You might consider forming an informal support group with some of your friends or acquaintances. People who belong to a group with mutual interests and a shared purpose accomplish more. A group might get together weekly or monthly and discuss progress or concerns and help encourage each other. Sometimes all a person might need is another opinion or just a little encouragement to help them get past a place where they are having problems. Even if you are doing great, perhaps you could be of help to someone else who is struggling.

Communication is important when putting together a group. Set up a regular time and method to report progress to each other and stick to it. Set realistic benchmarks to monitor your progress. Reward yourselves for your effort. Do something fun as a group once in a while.

There can be great rewards in working with others toward common goals. It makes the journey more enjoyable as well as more productive.

About The Author

Dianne Ronnow’s best selling book, “Coconut Oil Diet Secrets” reveals how thousands of people are losing weight and getting healthier with coconut oil diets. To find out what the secrets of coconut oil dieting are, Check out her site at http://Coconut-Oil-Diet.com and start losing weight today!

mohavepubl@gmail.com

LASIK Surgery - How The Excimer Laser Works

2006-02-14T06:20:00.001-08:00

LASIK Surgery - How The Excimer Laser Works
by: Nicola Kennedy

The Excimer laser is a form of ultraviolet chemical laser, and is the key element that has made laser eye surgery possible. Though Excimer laser was originally used in semiconductor manufacturing in the 1970s, its use in eye surgery is now fairly widespread. While working at the IBM research laboratories in 1982, Dr. Rangaswamy Srinivasin and his research team discovered the potential of the Excimer laser in interacting with biological tissue. An ophthalmologist, Dr. Steven Trokel, explained its connection with the corneal tissue. And this was how LASIK eye surgery came into existence.

There are several types of lasers, but excimer is the preferred choice when it comes to corrective eye surgery. This is due to the fact that excimer is the most technologically advanced laser type. The excimer laser is, literally, a cool laser. That is, it precisely removes the desired part of the corneal tissue, without heating up or damaging the adjacent tissue. Quite amazingly, the excimer laser is so precise that it is capable of removing 0.5% of a human hair’s width at a time. That fact itself is enough for patients to believe that excimer-assisted eye surgery is not a gimmick, but a true technology leveraged procedure.

With the computer technology at its disposal and the precision offered by the laser, LASIK surgery has emerged as the number one choice for patients with refractive error. Since the excimer laser emits cool, minute beams that make precise incisions on the surface of the cornea, a dedicated technician operates the machine while the ophthalmologist performs the surgery.

Your eyes are your window to the world and your sight is the most important of the five senses. Hence, it is all the more imperative that, if need be, you go for an eye surgery that is reliable and has minimal side effects. With the high-precision technology of the excimer laser and the overall reliability of the procedure, LASIK is the most prevalent of corrective eye surgeries.

About The Author

Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, information and views about Lasik Eye Surgery and the background and history of laser eye surgery at Your Lasik Information. http://www.Your-LASIK.info.

How Does LASIK Eye Surgery Work? Keratomileusis - The Carving Of The Cornea

2006-02-14T06:20:00.000-08:00

How Does LASIK Eye Surgery Work? Keratomileusis - The Carving Of The Cornea
by: Nicola Kennedy

At present, LASIK or “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis” is the only commonly performed keratomileusis procedure. Keratomileusis involves an altering of the shape of the corneal tissue with the aid of an excimer laser, which is a powerful ultraviolet laser. This laser eye surgery is performed by ophthalmologists in order to correct different types of vision impairment. LASIK is the preferred treatment for patients with refractive error, since the procedure entails rapid recovery and minimal pain overall.

LASIK surgery leverages technology to its fullest. For instance, a computer system tracks the patient’s eye position 4,000 times per second, while the lasers make the desired incisions. It might sound like a dangerous procedure, but it’s time to debunk this myth. LASIK surgery is a completely safe procedure performed with high precision. That is, the laser carves the corneal tissue in a finely controlled manner. LASIK surgery is not that cumbersome when compared with other types of eye surgery, and has a relatively low frequency of complications.

Though LASIK surgery is performed with the patient awake and functional, the eye surgeon typically administers a mild sedative and anesthetic eye drops. No matter what the type of vision impairment, altering the shape of the cornea is a viable solution. In general, the procedure has very few side effects and offers instant results. However, a few complications may arise depending on the extent of the patient’s refractive error and other irregularities in the corneal tissue.

LASIK eye surgery, with excellent technology at its disposal, is improving at a rapid rate. However, there is no conclusive evidence as to the chances of long-term complications owing to the surgery. Although relatively uncommon, a few complications may arise, namely corneal infection, slipped flap, haziness, halo or glare. An important point to note is that this laser-assisted procedure is irreversible.

LASIK has gained popularity due its efficacy and improved precision. The procedure also boasts of the smallest complication statistics relative to other eye surgeries. With only a 5% complication rate, LASIK sounds like a safe enough procedure to rectify your vision impairment.

About The Author

Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, information and views about laser eye surgery at Your Lasik Information. http://www.Your-LASIK.info.

Clear Natural Vision Is Just One Of The Possible Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery

2006-02-14T06:19:00.000-08:00

Clear Natural Vision Is Just One Of The Possible Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery
by: Nicola Kennedy

There are several LASIK benefits, which can be easily realized by going in for an experienced eye surgeon. It is necessary that you weigh the pros and cons before going in for an eye surgery. And much to your relief, as far as LASIK is concerned, the benefits far outweigh whatever minimal risk is involved. LASIK is by far the most preferred procedure when it comes to eye corrective surgery. LASIK benefits typically include:

- Clear natural vision
- Need for glasses or contact lenses is eliminated
- It simply widens the horizon for recreational opportunities
- Quality of vision is better than that with glasses or contact lenses
- Greater self-confidence
- More career opportunities
- Enhanced natural appearance – in many cases
- No risk of infection or inflammation generally associated with contact lens overuse

The above are only a few major positives that come out of the LASIK procedure. LASIK has superlative scientific technology at its disposal. High-precision lasers, computer-controlled tracking devices, all enable the surgeon to perform the operation with ease and finesse. Furthermore, complication rates of a meager 1% to 5% strengthen the belief that LASIK is a completely safe procedure.

LASIK does not require the removal of the corneal surface tissue, and this substantially reduces the post-operative pain. In general, the visual acuity is restored within a day or two. Other procedures like PRK may require a week or so for sharpness of vision to be restored. LASIK surgery also possesses a greater stability. That is, the corrected vision lasts permanently, provided a complication does not arise during the procedure. Moreover, most patients are able to pass the driver’s license test without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.

If you are in quest for a corrective eye surgery, LASIK is sure to satisfy your needs. All you need to do is look for an eye surgeon who is highly skillful and qualified.

About The Author

Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, information and views about laser eye surgery at Your Lasik Information. http://www.Your-LASIK.info.

FDA Approves Lasik Eye Surgery

2006-02-14T06:17:00.000-08:00

FDA Approves Lasik Eye Surgery
by: Ron King

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new custom lasik procedure in September of 2005. This new procedure can now treat many patients who were previously ineligible for the surgery.

Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness occurs when the eye is too long and light rays focus in front of the retina, instead of focusing on the retina. Some of the symptoms of nearsightedness are blurred distant vision, eyestrain, and squinting, along with having a difficult time seeing at night.

Although nearsightedness can be easily fixed with glasses or contact lenses (when not too severe), many people don't like to hassle with either one. With this new lasik procedure, folks will now be able to have pure vision.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is the effect of the eye being shaped like a football, instead of round like a baseball. This deformity -- where the light rays focus on two points on the retina instead of one -- results in blurred vision, double vision, and shadows on letters when reading. Until recently, this deformity has prevented some people from even getting contact lenses. Breakthroughs in contact lenses have only helped those with slight astigmatism.

However, with this new lasik procedure, patients can now have their eyes repaired to normal, or at least be repaired enough to comfortably wear contact lenses. Either way, their vision is enhanced and many are happy just to get rid of the glasses and finally be able to wear contacts, or possibly nothing at all.

Farsightedness

Farsightedness happens when light rays focus behind the retina instead of on the retina, resulting in blurred near vision. Some patients with severe farsightedness have to step back from what they are reading and others require magnifying glasses to see something that is right in front of them. People with farsightedness can see you 30 feet away, but when you get right up close they can't see you! This can be embarrassing and cause the afflicted person much insecurity along with the feeling that they are going blind.

Farsightedness is easily remedied by wearing glasses to read and see things up close, but it's very inconvenient to constantly be taking your glasses on and off. Not only is it inconvenient, you take the chance of leaving your glasses behind. Some patients keep their glasses on a chain so they won't lose them, but this makes them feel old. Now, lasik surgery is another option for these patients.

New Laser Technology

The FDA recently approved the new Visx STAR Excimer laser system. This fantastic breakthrough in technology allows doctors to do more than they ever could before, giving them the ability to reshape the eye to correct astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. Before this marvelous breakthrough these patients were not good candidates for lasik eye surgery. They now can join the rest of the vision impaired and have the option for lasik.

Recent FDA studies show that over 98% of all patients receiving these new procedures were seeing 20/40 or better 6 months after surgery. Over 84% were seeing much better than 20/20 after 6 months. Now that's reason to celebrate!

New breakthroughs in lasik eye surgery technology are happening all the time. Now people don't have to be inconvenienced by the hassle of glasses or contacts. All they want to do is to be able to get up in the morning and see normally. These breakthroughs in lasik technology are giving them an improved quality of life that once was unattainable.

About The Author

Ron King

Visit http://www.lasik-4u.com to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer with a http://www.ronxking.com .

Understanding Tumescent Liposuction

2006-02-14T06:16:00.000-08:00

Understanding Tumescent Liposuction
by: Tammy Corbett

Tumescent liposuction was developed by dermatologic surgeons in the mid 1980's and has become a more popular method of liposuction. It is considered to be a major advancement that has completely changed surgical fat removal. This has been regarded as the "best" type of liposuction surgery to date.

Tumescent liposuction is done using a local anesthetic. A large volume of saline solution containing the aesthetic and a drug called "Epinephrine" is injected directly into the areas where there are excessive fatty deposits. Epinephrine is important in the surgical process because it shrinks capillaries and minimizes blood loss. Minor sedation may be required for those who feel a little nervous about the surgery; however the patient is usually completely conscious during the surgery.

Benefits of Having Tumescent Liposuction

Fewer skin irregularities
Less bleeding
Reduced bruising
Faster recovery

Procedure

A small incision is made in the skin, allowing the tube connected to a vacuum type machine to suck up the fat. The tumescent method uses smaller cannulae than that of any other type of liposuction which results in less bruising or bleeding. An elastic compression garment is worn to help the skin contract and heal. This helps to sculpt the bulging areas of the skin and help to achieve more attractive contours.

There are risks associated with having any type of surgery. Tumescent liposuction is a very safe procedure with very few side effects. If the following types of side effects occur they are usually easily corrected.

Skin irregularity
Lumpiness
Dimpling
Loose skin
Infections

Tumescent Liposuction Recovery

Recovery time varies dramatically from person to person. Many patients are able to walk out of the office without assistance and get back to a regular routine within a few days.

It takes almost six weeks for any scar to begin to soften and a full year to be complete.

A patient may feel a little numbness in the area that has been treated because the local anaesthesia remains in the tissue for twenty-four hours or more after surgery.

Most patients will usually only experience minor discomfort after the numbness wears off.

Most patients are generally alert and able to function; they do not experience nausea and grogginess associated with general anaesthesia. The sooner a patient can begin to move around, the faster the healing progresses.

Physical exercise is not recommended until at least a week after having the procedure.

About The Author

Tammy Corbett is an abdominoplasty weight loss consultant and author of several articles on the importance of weight loss programs . She is currently writing more articles for her website http://www.abdominoplasty-info.com/. See original article at http://www.abdominoplasty-info.com/tumescent.html.

info@abdominoplasty-info.com

Things you ought to know before liposuction

2006-02-14T06:15:00.000-08:00

Things You Ought To Know First Before Undergoing Liposuction Surgery
by: Charlene J. Nuble

According to the medical dictionary of Medline Plus, liposuction is the removal of excess body fat by suction with specialized surgical equipments, typically performed by a plastic surgeon.

With the removal of excess body fat, the body appearance improves and evens out distorted body parts. Breasts, buttocks, abdomen, and the face area are some of the most popular body parts that undergo liposuction.

Foremost reason why people resort to liposuction is for cosmetic reasons. They want to eradicate "love handles", unsightly fat bulges, an abnormal chin line, etc.

Liposuction also helps improve sexual function by reducing fat deposits on the inner thighs, thus allowing easier access to the vagina.

Another reason for undergoing liposuction is body shaping that cannot be achieved by diet and/or exercise.

A note of caution, liposuction is not a cure for generalized obesity.

Liposuction is not as easy as just going to the doctor and telling him or her, "I want a liposuction right now." People who want to have liposuction must meet certain criteria:

There should be a preliminary consultation. This includes history of the patient, a comprehensive physical examination, and a psychological health examination;
There should be a second consultation to give time for the patient to think over the planned liposuction surgery;
If the patient is married, the spouse's presence may be required during the consultation;
The patient should ask questions about liposuction, express the reasons for the consultation, and must feel satisfied with the answers to their questions;
The patient must fully understand the pre-operative liposuction preparations, the liposuction procedures, and the precise post-operative liposuction care to avoid lethal complications;
The patient must have realistic expectations. Liposuction enhances the body appearance and boost self-confidence but it will never result to a perfect body.

Because liposuction is a medical procedure, there are risks involved. Some of the complications that may happen upon having liposuction are:

Fluid imbalance due to the removal of a lot of liquid during liposuction and/or injection of large amounts of liquid during liposuction which can result to shock, heart problems, or kidney problems.
Infections happen after any surgery and some physicians prescribe an antibiotic to patients having liposuction so it is important to keep the wound clean. Infections may be life threatening such as necrotizing fasciitis (bacteria eating away the tissue) or the toxic shock syndrome caused by bacteria associated with surgery.
Embolism occurs when tiny globules of fat trapped in the blood stream blocks the blood flow to the tissue. This may cause permanent disability. Signs of pulmonary embolism are shortness of breath or difficulty of breathing.
Drug reactions or overdose from lidocaine is fatal. Lidocaine is a drug that numbs the skin and large doses of this is used during liposuction. The effects of lidocaine are lightheadedness, restlessness, drowsiness, slurred speech, muscle twitching, and convulsions. Overdose of this drug may cause the heart to stop which is naturally fatal.
Burns caused by the ultrasound probe during ultrasound assisted liposuction.
Visceral perforations or puncture wounds in the organs may require another surgery and can be fatal. During liposuction, the physician does not see where the probe (canula) is, so it is possible to harm internal organs.
Skin death (skin necrosis) occurs when skin changes color and fall off. This may also cause infection.
Paresthesias is an altered sensation at the site of liposuction. This may be in the form of increased sensitivity in the area or loss of feeling. Some cases of this are permanent.
Swelling
Death

Given that the surgery had no major complications, recovery from liposuction can still be difficult.

The liposuctioned area appears larger than before because of swelling.

Special compression garments must be worn for two to three weeks to reduce swelling, bleeding, and to help contour the new body. The patient starts to feel better after a week or two after liposuction.

Walking is recommended after liposuction to prevent blood clots forming in the legs. Finally, exercise and diet will help keep your new shape.

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

About The Author

© Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about liposuction, please go to: http://liposuction.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/.

How Can You Find Newport Beach Liposuction Center?

2006-02-14T06:14:00.000-08:00

How Can You Find Newport Beach Liposuction Center?
by: Jeff Lakie

Finding the clinic that performs liposuctions in Newport Beach is quite easy. All Newport Beach liposuction clinics have their websites, so it's a good idea to start looking for them on the Net. Then continue the survey by visiting them personally and seeing how the clinics look like. But you must understand a few things before you start searching Newport Beach. Liposuction has its limits and you have to know them before you decide to have it.

What is liposuction?

Technically speaking, it is a process of removing fat from certain parts of your body. Fat is removed by inserting a small tube through tiny incisions close to the area to be suctioned. Incisions are very small, often only a few millimeters long, but it is surely a surgery, not cosmetics. It isn't an alternative to a diet as liposuction is used only as a tool to shape your body, not to make it thinner. Even at the best plastic surgery clinic in Newport Beach, liposuction will not help you in changing your appearance drastically. It can remove a spare tire, but not ten of them.

What can be achieved by liposuction?

When you find an appropriate clinic in Newport Beach for your liposuction, make sure you're realistic in your expectations. If you want to look good, you're fit and healthy, but you just can get rid of the fat that occupies one specific area of your body, the liposuction might be the solution to this problem. It can help you in shaping your body, and in cosmetic changes of your figure. The change is stable, but there is no Newport Beach liposuction center that will insure that the fat will not return if you gain weight again. If you gain more fat, it has to go somewhere - not necessarily to the same area as before, but the fat will show up somewhere anyway.

Is there a Newport Beach liposuction center that is the best?

The answer is simple: no. There are at least dozen professional plastic surgery clinics there and most of them specialize in liposuction, but there is no clear leader there. You have to compare the prices and decide yourself which one is the best.

About The Author

Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.certified-plastic-surgeon.com a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

How To Deal With Liposuction

2006-02-14T06:13:00.000-08:00

How To Deal With Liposuction
by: Diana Valo

It’s not a secret that every single woman (and even man) wants to look nice and attractive. We can’t image our day without make up, fashion clothes, fresh breath, white teeth, unwrinkled face, and even some extra pounds make us so upset! Yes, sometimes each extra kilo may destroy individual’s self- reliance. Women try to reduce extra weight by diet, exercising, starvation or they try effective fat removal method – liposuction.

Liposuction (lipoplasty) is a popular form of cosmetic plastic surgery which can help sculpt the human body by eliminating unwanted fat from certain areas of the body (typically the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks). During liposuction, fat is removed by liquefying it and sucking it out through a hollow needle or vacuum device. Is it everything what you know about lipo surgery? If yes, follow these recommendations and get known how to deal with liposuction!

First, you have to be sure that liposuction is especially for you. The best candidates for lipoplasty are considered to be normal-weight patients with compact, elastic skin who have an accumulation of fat in certain areas that are resistant to exercise and dieting. A minimum age for liposuction is at least 17. Before surgery don’t use any alcohol and medications - they will slow the effect of anesthesia!

You have to know that surgery itself is painless, but a period of recovery may be very painful. It may be necessary to find a caregiver, who will help with such daily cares as walking you to bathroom, cleaning you incisions, making food and etc.

Every surgery includes a number of complications. It may be swelling, bruising and, of course, pain. The surgeon will prescribe medications that will help you to reduce pain and recommend using ice packs on swollen area of body during the first 3 day after surgery. Pain attention on what you eat! Select non-spicy food, fresh juice (vegetable or fruit) and drink at least 7-8 glasses of water.

Soon after the surgery you will see the results that are believed to be permanent and enjoy your new look! It is a good feeling to wear everything you want, be it a short dress or bikini, isn’t it?

About The Author

Diana Valo is the owner of http://www.cosmeticmiracles.com website.

Gastric Bypass Surgery - Requesting Insurance Pre-Approval

2006-02-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

Gastric Bypass Surgery - Requesting Insurance Pre-Approval

Posted: 17-01-2006 | Views: 52

Author: Anil Kumar Pammidimukkala

You have done your research on gastric bypass surgery, and determined whether your insurance carrier will pay for the procedure. You have the CPT/ICD-9 codes memorized, and you’re on a first-name basis with the member services rep at the insurance company. You have prepared the documentation required by your carrier, and the big day is finally here: It’s time to submit all this information with a request for pre-approval of your gastric bypass procedure.

Increase Your Chances of Insurance Success
The checklist below can help you ensure you have obtained everything needed to increase your chances of securing preauthorizing for weight loss surgery from your insurance carrier:

1. A letter of medical necessity from your primary care physician or a medical specialist recommending you for weight loss surgery
2. Doctor’s records of office visits documenting your history of obesity (this should include documentation supporting The National Institute of Health guidelines of severe and morbid obesity)
3. A well-documented list of any serious health issues, such as hypertension or diabetes, considered a direct result of severe or morbid obesity
4. A detailed list of any doctor-prescribed medications for weight loss
5. Supporting documents pertaining to any medically-supervised diet programs
6. Evaluation records and clearance if under the care of a mental health specialist or if taking psychotherapeutic medication, such as anti-depressants
7. Records of any tests requested by your insurance company and their results

Submitting Your Request
After verifying that you have gathered all required documents, the office of your gastric bypass surgeon or your primary care physician will likely assist you in submitting a request for preauthorization. You may also submit the information yourself, but your request will likely be given more weight if coming from a medical practitioner.

Along with your required documents, the letter to your insurance company from your doctor will contain pertinent information to help in the pre-approval process. This correspondence should clearly identify the date, your name, and the reason for the letter (e.g., “request for preauthorization”). Your date of birth, insurance number, and group number should come immediately after this information, after which the body of the letter should follow.
Making Your Case
Within the body of the letter, your doctor should again state your name, along with your age and gender, and the long-term medical problem for which you are requesting coverage of treatment—in this case, severe or morbid obesity.

The body of the letter should also include your weight and height, and note that your body mass index (BMI) is excessive for the criteria of obesity. In addition, your doctor should state clearly that if the weight problem continues, you would suffer from serious health risks, resulting in a shorter life span. The following are other topics that should be addressed in your request for preauthorization:

• The specific period of time you have been in your doctor’s care expressly to manage your obesity.
• Details of your active involvement in recommended diet or medication remedies. Include the amount of weight lost in following these recommendations and show that you have suffered from continued weight gain after trying these programs.
• The current list of medical conditions directly resulting from weight issues, and assurance that these issues would improve greatly upon shedding the excess weight following gastric bypass surgery.
• The procedure expected to take place, the surgeon expect to perform the procedure, the address and telephone number of the surgeon or bariatric treatment center, and the expected length of hospital stay.
• A description of the surgery, including details of the benefits you seek to gain from gastric bypass surgery.

Prior to sending the request, be sure to make copies for yourself and your physician or surgeon, and attach all supporting documentation. You may also want to send your letter via registered or certified mail, so you can mark the date when your request was filed and have proof that it was received

Ulcerative Colitis: Life After Surgery

2006-02-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

Ulcerative Colitis: Life After Surgery

Posted: 01-02-2006 | Views: 12

Author: Steve Joseph

It is an unfortunate reality that many people suffering from ulcerative colitis will require surgery to rectify obstructions in the intestine. This surgery is often unplanned due to the fact that it is usually conducted at short notice and under emergency conditions. There are many horror stories that describe sufferers of ulcerative colitis being rushed to hospital with abdominal pains and waking up after having 18 inches of their intestines removed http://www.diverticulosis1.com . Sadly, medical professionals are yet to find a cure for colitis and therefore surgeons are left to deal with symptoms when they are otherwise impossible to treat. If surgery is unavoidable however, it is possible to reclaim a normal life depending on the extent of the surgery and how much of the intestines were removed.

Surgery to rectify and intestinal obstructions or blockages from sufferers of ulcerative colitis can be divided into two categories, small intestine surgery and large intestine surgery.

After small intestine surgery, the bowel is capable of increasing its absorptive capacity to compensate for the loss of the removed section of the intestine. Therefore, by allowing the intestines to heal properly and adjust to the changes, a person with colitis can return to life as normal. This includes a return to the regular diet that was consumed before surgery was performed. In severe cases where a more significant amount of the intestine is removed, the remaining intestine may be unable to fully compensate for the loss of surface area. The obvious alternative to an underperforming intestine is to increase the caloric value of food that is consumed. For more diet information you can visit http://www.diverticulitis1.com . This should balance the deficit in food absorption and reduce the amount of weight that is lost as a result of the surgery. In cases of severe ulcerative colitis, food supplements may need to be delivered to the stomach via a tube or alternatively, into the blood stream.

Following large intestine surgery, a special diet of high caloric value is rarely needed. This is due to the fact that much of the function of the large intestine is related to water absorption. The initial diet following the operation will most likely be dominated by liquids and slowly transition back to a regular diet. In cases where the whole intestine is removed, an ileostomy will be formed using the surrounding tissue. Due to the function of the colon in absorbing water and salt, both will need to be consumes in higher amounts.

Aesthetic Chin Surgery - Considerations before the Procedure

2006-02-09T08:21:00.000-08:00

Chin implant surgery, or aesthetic chin surgery, is both a cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery meant to provide better balance to the face. It is usually done at the time of nose surgery. Aesthetic chin surgery uses implants of various shapes and sizes made out of solid and/or semi solid materials. It can give dramatic results in overall face enhancement.

The Need for Aesthetic Chin Surgery

Though chin implants do not solve all the chin problems, they can help to reshape a patient's face dramatically. Its role in facial reconstruction cosmetic surgery is vital, though for aesthetic purposes chin implants are mainly performed to create a more symmetrical face or aid in lessening an uncorrected orthodontic under bite.

Chin implants can have wonderful effects on a patient’s self esteem, but will not produce perfect results as each patient is different. Chin implants are most often used to bring a face into balance, so the procedure will not correct the entire face and make a patient perfect, but it will help to even out disproportional features.

Suitable Candidates for Chin Implant Surgery

Candidates with good general health and having realistic expectations from the cosmetic surgery are the best ones for chin implant surgery. Before cosmetic chin surgery, the surgeon needs to be informed about the candidate’s medical conditions. Patients who smoke may be advised to quit prior to the chin implants as healing may be delayed due to the smoking habit. If the patient has a history of dental problems, that may also factor into their candidacy for chin implants.

Chin Implant Surgery - Procedure

Chin implant surgery needs similar surgical conditions that are required for cheek implants surgery. The implant can be done in a surgical office, surgical center, or in a hospital, depending on the patient’s case. In some cases, the patient may need to stay overnight at a hospital for observation depending on the outcome of the chin implant procedure. Anesthesia for chin implants also depends on the case. Sometimes a local anesthetic can be given along with sedation—the patient will be awake but relaxed, and will not experience pain. In some cases, the patient and surgeon may opt for general anesthesia. Anesthesia alone can carry its own risks and should be discussed with the surgeon prior to the chin implant surgery.

Most often, an incision is made inside the lower lip, or under the chin. An implant of the desired size and shape is then placed inside the chin. If the incision is inside the mouth, it is closed with sutures (stitches) that later dissolve. If the incision is under the chin, removable sutures are usually used. At the end of the surgery, the chin is often taped to minimize swelling. The procedure typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

Chin Surgery Complications

Like cheek implants, chin implants do carry some potential complications, though rare. So it is better for the patients receiving chin implants to consult with the surgeon thoroughly. Chin implants carry the possibility of the shifting of the implant. If this occurs, a second chin operation may be necessary to adjust the chin implants position. Infection is always a concern with a surgical procedure and may occur with chin implants. Antibiotics can control infection should it happen. Certain chin implants may cause other risks and will need to be discussed with a surgeon. Some of the chin implants are made of silicone, and some patients may have a reaction to it, although there isn’t much scientific evidence that supports this claim.

Brad Jones specializes in aesthetic chin surgery. He leads a forum on cosmetic plastic surgery.

Sun Sea ANd Sand

2006-02-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

For the ultimate beach vacation there is no better location than that of “Jomtien Beach” in Thailand
Which is just a two hours ride in a taxi from Bangkok Airport.
The Jomtien Beach is located about two kilometers from its busy counterpart resort of South Pattaya.
Jomtien beach and the area along its beach road have now become more and more popular for swimming, water sports and activities because it has a long straight coastline and they’re being less boats anchored in its waters. There are very many good quality hotels, bungalows and guesthouses. A wide range of small and large condominiums is also available for short or long term rental and many good restaurants serving a wide variety of fresh seafood with a full range of Thai cuisine and International dishes.
Many tourists come to this area to just enjoy the scenery and the beach. Chairs are available to sit with a table to have food and drink served directly to you as you soak up the sun or simply lay back and listen to the waters lapping on the sand.
Go swimming or enjoy water sports such as wind surfing, ride a water scooter, parasail or take a speed boat ride, even water skiing is possible.
The Jomtien Beach has good quality white sand and a very long coastline to enjoy. The beach is much more peaceful here than its counterpart of Pattaya further up the coast. The beaches are always kept in a pristine condition by the many vendors who are there to look after all your needs.
Along the early part of the straight beach road you will find many souvenir shops, international restaurants, food stalls. But at the far end of the beach road there are very good seafood restaurants and it is where you can find yourself at times the only person soaking up the sun.
You can also swim late into the night along a large part of the beach as the sands are floodlit which makes for a very safe environment to swim after the sun has gone down. May be you only want to simply find a quiet bar for any drink of your choosing. Many are available and the prices have to be seen to be believed.
Jomtien beach simply has it all without having to travel long distances. But if you fancy a more adventurous evening and want to enjoy a full range of nightlife activities Pattaya is just a few minutes down the coast. Transportation around the Pattaya and Jomtien area is simple. The open pick up cars
(Baht buses as they are locally called) are running all the time. Just hail one down and climb aboard.
Jomtien is one place in the world where a good quality beach vacation is simplicity itself.
How do I know these things – I live there.

Breast Augmentation Is Bigger Really Better?

2006-02-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

Breast Augmentation - Is Bigger Really Better?

By: Kelly May

I can very well remember when I went in for my first consultation. I was lucky. I had an excellent plastic surgeon. I knew that, eventually, I was going to have breast augmentation, but I wasn't sure - at that point - if the doctor I was talking to was going to be the plastic surgeon I chose to perform my breast augmentation.

One of the first questions he asked was how I saw myself and my breasts. I told him that I wanted to be a D cup.

He smiled and said, "No."

I'm a petite girl, a fact which he reiterated when he told me he wouldn't give me "monster breasts". D's on my frame would make me look as if I were about to float up into outer space.

Instead, he gave me a C and I can't tell you how glad I am that he was so honest. With a C, I have a natural looking breast and no one ever suspects that I've had breast augmentation.

Most people, when they begin contemplating breast augmentation, believe that they want to go as big as possible, but if you want to achieve a natural look, you need to figure out exactly what cup size you'd like to be.

How to do this? My plastic surgeon took various implants, filled them with air and had me put them in my bra and see how each one looked. You can do this at home by purchasing various gel inserts and testing them out. Wear them outside with your regular outfits and see how you feel. If they feel too big, better to know now than to have to go down a size once you've had your breast augmentation. If they are too small, the same applies.

Big - or huge - is not always the best. Make sure you're comfortable with the size you choose.

Article Source: http://www.articlesubmission.com

Kelly May is the webmaster of BreastAugmentationSource.info and a breast augmentation patient. Visit her site for more articles and information about breast augmentation.

Will I Lose Sensation in my Nipples After Breast Surgery?

2006-02-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

Will I Lose Sensation in my Nipples After Breast Surgery?
by: Karen Beaumont

I don't know a thing about you, but if you are anything like me, if you are either considering having Breast Surgery, or have taken the huge step (Congratulations!) and have your operation booked, one of the biggest fears you may well be having is whether or not you will lose sensation in your breasts or nipples.

This is a big, and extremely natural and reasonable fear. It's one thing to look like a sex bomb with your new breasts (and you will!), but what if they are no longer able to give YOU pleasure sexually (and therefore subsequentially your partner too)?

There's no getting away from it, breasts are a big sexual attraction for most males, and have been since Man has walked the Earth! Therefore, they are also central to how we feel about ourselves as a Woman, both to attract the opposite sex, but also how good we look and feel.

However, there is an awful lot of good news for you, which I can personally verify. Since I had my breast augmentation 4 months ago, I have lost no sensation in either my breasts or nipples, and would even go so far as to say that the sensation has increased - for the better!

Any surgery on the breast can result in the breast and/or nipple being over or under sensitive on one or both sides. This change can vary in degree and may be temporary or permanent.

Thankfully, nipple sensation can take up to one year to return to normal, but it usually does, in most cases. During the healing procress, you may feel numb, or overly sensitive, or both. This usually resolves with time, and is not a problem. It's just more aggravating than anything else.

It is very important to remember that it can take up to 1 year, possibly 2, for full sensation to return after breast augmentation surgery. Most women, however, seem to get most of their feeling back sooner than that.

Personally, I can vouch for it being much sooner, around 2 months before sexual pleasure returned, and at 4 months it has returned more than fully - with a bonus! Not only is sensation more enhanced, but I have always suffered from inverted nipples - not any more!!

However, there is one important consideration before going ahead with breast surgery regarding the location of the incision. There are various incision sites, the breast crease underneath the breast being the most popular. Second in popularity is the periareolar incision (made in the areola). The incision is usually a small semi-circle. The scar is camouflaged by the nipple. However, if there are any imperfections in the scar, it will be highly visible. This type of incision has an increased risk for diminished nipple sensation.

So although loss of sensation is a risk, it is only a very small risk, for which the benefits may well be worth the risk as far as you are concerned.

So now you know this, and your mind is put at ease, what are you waiting for? Enjoy the benefits - you will!!

About The Author

Karen Beaumont tells you the things you need to know before considering Breast Augmentation in her best-selling eBook "Boob Job Secrets". Read the book online from this link: http://www.BoobJobSecrets.com.

Unsure About LASIK? Alternatives to LASIK Surgery

2006-02-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

Unsure About LASIK? Alternatives to LASIK Surgery
by: Nicola Kennedy

It’s true that LASIK is one of the most prevalent types of eye surgery. However, a few people are either not comfortable with, or not suitable for LASIK surgery due to inadequate thickness of the corneal tissue. There are several alternatives to LASIK surgery, each possessing certain characteristics that make it more appropriate in a particular situation. The procedures may be different, but the key intent is to correct the vision. The following are a few of the major alternatives to LASIK surgery.

LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomiluesis) is a recent addition to the refractive surgery catalog. As noted above, the density of the corneal tissue is inadequate in some patients, and hence, LASIK is not a possible option for them. In such a scenario, procedures like LASEK or PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) can be viable alternatives. These procedures produce the same results but require less tissue removal when compared with the LASIK procedure. That is, a thinner flap is cut in the corneal tissue.

Intraocular Lens Implant – In essence, this surgery is the same as cataract extraction with placement of a clear intraocular lens. The natural lens, the one having a refractive error, is extracted and replaced with a clear lens that provides clearer vision. This procedure is especially beneficial if the patient is suffering from hypermetropia (farsightedness) and that too with a high refractive error.

Spectacles or Contact Lenses – Glasses and contact lenses have been a popular choice for many years now. They are an affordable alternative to LASIK surgery. Spectacles or contact lenses are certainly a much safer proposition, since any sort of surgery has a potential for side effects and complications. There can be nothing as simple as wearing spectacles or contact lenses. With an elaborate series of new designs and makes, your spectacles can be strong fashion statement as well.

Don’t hastily jump on a conclusion. It is advised that you carefully examine all the above alternatives prior to going in for a surgery. Do your best to avoid any surgical treatment. If you suffer from a minor refractive error, one that can be easily corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses, there is no point going in for a LASIK surgery.

About The Author

Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, information and views about Lasik eye surgery at Your Lasik Information. http://www.Your-LASIK.info.

What you need to know about – Thailand Travel

2006-01-31T19:47:00.000-08:00

By Mansi Gupta

Thailand is one of those destinations, which is forever teeming with tourists. The country holds an exclusive position in the hearts of all vacationers for the place has much more to offer than anyone can expect. Thailand lies in the South East Asia region and can be taken to be the land of Buddha. Almost all the Buddha devotees desire to visit this country once in their lifetime. This is due to the fact that Thailand has some of the unique and exquisite Buddha temples where perfect tranquility prevails.

A Concise Review of a Seemingly Interminable Place

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is worth visiting spot. This sacred temple has Buddha statue that is 65 centimeter elevated and is entirely made of jasper quartz or jade. While the jade goes back to 15th century, the murals on the walls of the compound can be traced back to 18th century. The visitors can take a look at The Royal Thai Decorations and the Coin Pavilion. All in all the sanctity of the temple speaks through itself and the ambiance is enough to enchant the visitors.

Along with Temple of Emerald Buddha, several other grand Buddha temples can be seen once you move into the city of Bangkok. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand has proved its worth across the globe. This metropolis has everything to offer to its visitors. From wonderful museums to thrilling nightlife, Bangkok has it all. The bustling city owns the largest South East Asian museum called The National Museum. National Museum has a gathering of various things like Thai art from old to contemporary, musical instruments, weapons, woodcarving, ceramics, clothing and sacred Buddha images.

Visitors that come to Bangkok never miss the opportunity to encounter Vinmanmek Teak Mansion that is supposed to be the largest teak building in the world. The Royal Elephant Museum and Dusuit Zoo are perfect places to have some learning with fun.
The Wat Pho temple near the temple of Emerald Buddha in Bangkok is perhaps the oldest and the largest of all Buddha temples there. The Wat Pho temple is known for its 46 meter long statue of reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddhas in the country. A refreshing massage therapy is done at this place that too attracts a lot of people.

Finally when it comes to shopping, Bangkok has it all. There are ample of markets here that will serve you with all the things of your necessity. The Chatuchak Market or The Weekend Market (that is open on Saturdays and sundaes only), the Pak Khlong market and markets in Chinatown and Phahurat district are particularly quite famous.

The Thonburi region resting on the west bank of river Thonburi has always gathered attention due to different reasons. The Taksin Monument that has a statue of Thailand’s eminent king Taksin which is a delight to watch. The Royal Barges Museum that has a fantastic collection of boats, the outstanding one being the king’s personal barge –The Golden Swan is definitely a pull in Thonburi.

Buddhist stupas area centre of attraction at Ayuthaya, a city that lies to the north of Bangkok. The oldest and largest temple here is the Wat Phra Si Sanphet, another famous temple is Wat No Phra Meru that has a green stone Buddha statue inside. The Ayuthaya and the Chantharakasen are the two significant national museums. The Lopburi and the Kanchanaburi town in the Central Thailand region is a host to a lot many tourists every year.

In the Southeastern Thailand region is situated the Ko Chang National Park that is crammed by people due to the various activities like elephant riding, diving, snorkeling etc. and also to enjoy the wildlife in this area. The Rayong Province has a set of exotic beaches along with the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park that has striking limestone mountains, caves, cliffs and waterfalls including impressive wildlife. Pattaya is another eventful beach spot located 150 kilometers away from Bangkok.

The Northern Thailand is bedecked by the Lamphun Province that has numerous historical temples, Doi Khun Tan National Park, the Lampang Province that grounds the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang temple which is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand and there is also the famous Thai Elephant Conservation Center which provides acre for sick elephants, animal shows and tourist exhibits from time to time. The Sukhothai Province is important for its Ramkhamhaeng National Park.

The Isan Region of Northeastern Thailand has the renowned Khao Yai National Park, which is a home for innumerable wild animals and the Phanom Rung Historical Park.

Few places at the Thailand’s Southern Coasts like Phetchaburi city, the Southern Gulf Region (known for marine life and water sports) and the Andaman Coast are everlastingly meant for vacationing in Thailand.

Mansi gupta writes about thailand travel topics.

Asian Girls Dating : Why Travel To Thailand?

2006-01-31T19:43:00.000-08:00

This article by Dao Jones is very interesting and also very true.

Asian Girls Dating: Why Travel To Thailand?

There are many reasons to travel. It can be to relax, have fun, experience, or simply to have a change of pace. Traveling can also be about relationships.

Traveling with a companion/lover is often viewed as the best way to travel as you have dedicated time for one another. But what about those of us who aren't in a relationship?

While traveling alone has its advantages, the truth is that traveling without that special someone often just doesn't cut it. And we know finding that special someone while on vacation generally doesn't happen, so we often end up not traveling at all.Your concerns might also be even larger than not just having a travel companion/lover.

In the selection of one's life-mate department, you say you dropped the ball? And it turned out to be a major disillusionment, as you couldn't just simply turn around and get another relationship?

You went through endless angst replaying the minutiae of what she said and what you said. It was depressing. Also depressing is the realization that getting "good" at relationships is like anything else: it requires practice.

And this kind of practice is often in short supply.There's a solution for the problems of not having a travel companion, not being in a current relationship, and not getting the needed practice at relationships.

It's called Thailand. And thrown in as a bonus, you will also get tales to regale both friends and strangers with. Think of Thailand as an accelerated relationship course.

Within a space of just a few days you can find yourself going from a fast night of sex to having a full time girlfriend.

It's not unusual that over a span of, say, two or three weeks that you connect with a girl like with no other one before; that you may very well be having the most incredible time of your life.

If relationship experiences are what you desire, Thailand is hard to beat. In Thailand you are king. Screw up your relationship? Not great but not a disaster either. You can get solace the next day (actually even sooner than that).

For a modest amount of money you can have a holiday that will be especially memorable, perhaps even life-changing. Not only can you have all the girls you ever dreamed about, you can have a great time.

Be it dancing, drinking, looking at sexy girls, sharing camaraderie, or relaxing at an open-air bar playing pool while having a sweet young thing cooing over you and ministering to your needs by applying cool moist towels to your hot neck and fevered brow.

You will have experiences that you've read about only happening to others in works of fiction. However, the difference this time is that you will be the main character.

For real. And you don't need to be a young stud muffin or have charismatic charm (it certainly doesn't hurt to have these qualities, but it isn't necessary either).

You can simply be you. The only real requirement is for you to want to have a good time. You will be surprised to find just how far a ready smile will take you.Thailand is all about having fun; a place where every night is Saturday night.

You may even discover a new you, that you are really an extrovert at heart; that you can say hello to a perfect stranger and receive a civil reply (this, from other fellow travelers.

As for the Thai girls, they will be far more than merely civil...)What is amazing is the different level of attention you receive over in Thailand. In the West, you may go to a club for the evening.

You'll approach girls or they will approach you, but half of the time you either don't click or you don't find them attractive. If you do find them attractive then you might swap numbers and talk for awhile or, if you're in especially good form that night, you might take them home, have sex, and that's it.

In the bars in Thailand the girls actually want to please, they want to massage you, they want to interact with you and they enjoy doing it.

I know what you're thinking, of course you're going to get attention, these girls are after your money and they'll do whatever it takes to get it whether your 22 or 72.

Be that as it may, it's not that simple.Women's lib hasn't made it over to Thailand. Thai girls aren't loud or brash; they are feminine and attentive. Treat your Thai girl with respect and attention (i.e., just be normal and treat her like a lady) and she will not be able to do enough for you.

She'll put toothpaste on the brush for you and wash your back. In bed she will wrap herself around you. Maybe even more than that. She might not allow you to put food on your plate in a buffet, insisting on doing it for you.

Or she might trim your already-shortened fingernails and clean your ears (you haven't lived until you have truly wax-free ears). She wants you to understand that she appreciates you.

Thai girls take care of their men and it's intoxicating.The sum of what Thailand offers is hard to beat: a rich, complex adventure fueled by randomness. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

One of the nice things about Thailand is that it truly is "Up to you" (you'll hear this phrase a lot). Many men, either by intent or by chance, do end up having relationships to some degree with the women they meet.

It's easy to the point of being natural.So why not combine travel with a relationship? You have everything to gain and only your heart to lose.

If you want to know more about Asian girls click here to read about Asian girls and visit my favourite pages :

Asian-Girls-Dating Homepage,

Asian Adult Dating,

Thai Girls

Best regards

Dao Jones

Dao Jones, the founder of Asian-Girls-Dating.com is connecting Asian girls to western men in a very unique and succesfull way.
Since 2001 she is giving dating and writing tips, as well as lots of information about the special caharcteristics of Asian women.

The Real Reasons You Have Hair Loss

2006-01-31T18:43:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty good article to help you understand why hairloss occurs. There are several excellent hospitals in Bangkok that do a great job on hair transplants, permanent results that look good.

Enigma

The Real Reasons You Have Hair Loss
Author: Rudy Silva
Website: http://www.remedies-for-constipation.com

All men have to face sooner or later and women too, usually later - hair loss. So, why does it occur and what can you do about it. If you look of the structure of your hair, you'll find at the very bottom of the hair shaft, the follicle, a bulb called the papilla.

The papilla is what creates and controls the formation of your hair and is the area that is filled with blood, which brings to the hair the nutrients it needs to grow.

It is through your genetics that hormonal messages are sent to the follicle cells and papilla on what type of hair you will have and when it will fall out.

These hormones are called androgens - testosterone is one of them. When testosterone reaches the papilla, it combines with an enzyme - 5-alpha reductase - which then changes to dihydrotestosterone, DHT.

It is DHT that causes hair loss by restricting the flow of blood into the papilla. Since women have more estrogen then men, they have less hair loss. It turns out that estrogen blocks the effects of DHT. But once women go through menopause, some of them produce less estrogen and they start to experience hair loss.

Despite your genetic tendency towards hair loss at a particular time in your life, it is possible to interrupt this process and reduce the speed at which you loose hair. If you do nothing to stop your hair loss, you will lose plenty, if not all.

Here are some common sense things to do to protect your hair:

When you have stressful times in your life, you can experience rapid hair loss. Knowing this, you can bring the level of stress back to normal and start a program to regain your hair. You're hair is not damaged and follicles are still open and your can recover your hair. If you keep stress levels up and do nothing to nourish your hair, you will lose much of your hair sooner than normal.

Hair will stop growing when you don't have the right nutrients in your blood. When your body is ill, terribly stressed, or nutrients are desperately need somewhere else in the body, the last place these nutrients will go is to your hair papilla. During these times, take a supplement that supplies the hair nutrients that you need.

Always wait for your hair to dry before combing it. At this time your hair is soft and can be easily damaged.

Excessive shampooing, with cheap shampoos, can dry out your hair. You can also damage your hair by vigorous shampooing, poor scalp massage, or rough towel hair drying.

Sunlight and chlorine can weaken your hair, so after swimming quickly wash your hair. In the sun, wear a hat or cap to avoid sun damage. In the shower, put a filter to get rid of the chlorine.

In all of the conditions listed above on how you lose hair, DHT included, or damage your hair, here's what it boils down to:

When you subject you hair to conditions that damage your hair, sebum - oil that lubricates your hair shaft - starts to build up in your follicles. As time passes, your follicles become blocked creating further damage to your hair and reducing your changes of these follicles growing hair.

This is why you have hair loss as you age or even at a young age. What your can do about this is discussed further in other articles or on my website.

Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. Go to his website to learn more about what you need to do to keep your hair healthy and from falling out. http://www.hair-loss-remedies.for--you.info

About the Author:
Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. Go to his website to learn more about what you need to do to keep your hair healthy and from falling out. http://www.hair-loss-remedies.for--you.info

Removing Keloid Scars

2006-01-31T18:34:00.000-08:00

REMOVING KELOID SCARS
Author: Martha Fitzharris
Website: www.naturalbioskincare.com

Keloid is the term used to describe the appearance of an unusual tissue that grows around the injured area of the skin. This happens while the healing process in the skin begins and collagen (cellular structure which accounts to the stretching ability of the skin) fills the damaged part of the skin.

Keloid happens when the tissue filling occurs in an overflowing proportion. In some way, the healing process was completed in an abnormal way. So, you may be very upset about the appearance of this skin problem, nobody wants to have skin blemishes. And they may affect person’s self esteem. Sometimes it could also carry some small problems like itching and some pain.

There’s really no scientific explanation about this type of abnormal healing process of the skin. However, it is noted that this commonly occurs in people of African or Asian origin, thus this leads to the conclusion that keloid scars are genetically acquired.

Types of injuries that would have a tendency on developing keloids include burns, surgery, injections, tatoos and piercing. If you already have a Keloid, you may be prone to developing more. A way to avoid this skin problem is to stay away from deep cut, wounds and operations.

Symptoms of Keloidal developing

- Itching or tenderness.

- Color that goes from very light pink to very dark.

- Firm, raised, hard scars.

But don’t worry about those ugly scars because now there’s a solution for improving keloids and other skin problems! Bio Skin Care Cream brings you the solution for those upsetting blemishes. This cream has ingredients which contains regenerating substances that promotes the natural healing process of the skin and healthy tissue remodeling, without overgrown cells.

Bio Skin Care Cream is made with only natural ingredients collected from the mucin of Chilean land snails (Helix Aspersa). The natural components of this cream gently activate SKIN RENEWAL and signal your neurological system to get rid of damaged skin cells and to replace them with new ones. The whole process is coordinated at the pace needed to restore a healthy and beautiful skin.

Looking for the best solution

Other options for removing keloid scars are corticosteroid injections, laser surgery, cryosurgery, etc. They all are invasive methods for improving skin blemishes. Let’s have a quick review so you can make an informed choice:

- Steroids injections treatment work by intensifying the activity of the collagen enzyme, which is the later responsible of breaking down collagen so that scars would slowly diminish its appearance.

- Silicone gel application is a process whereby a clear sheet of gel is applied to the injured area, wrap in cloth and fastened with bandage for at least twelve hours a day. With constant use, a flatter, much smoother keloid may result in a period of time that goes from two to twelve months. This process is usually repeated every two years.

- Mineral oil gel sheets are alternative to silicone gel application. This oil slowly melts into the skin thus giving the scar protection and moisture. This procedure is not recommended for open wounds.

- Laser methods may improve skin condition, but you have to know that they are very aggressive procedures. It is usually performed in combination of dermbrasion, or surgical excision.

- Dermbrasion is a type of process that includes the removing of the top layer of a scar with a high speed instrument, like a handheld laser or abrading tool. The scar will not completely disappear, but it will be less noticeable. This procedure must be performed by a plastic surgeon or qualify person.

- Z-plasty includes the repositioning of the scar so it lines up to the natural tissue healing of skin. As it is a surgery procedure, the old scar is removed and then incisions are made to create a flap in triangular shape. These flaps are then used to cover the wound in a "Z" pattern. And finally, with really fine stitches, the wound is closed.

Keloid scars can be inconvenient and upsetting, but they really don’t represent a vital risk. So, why go through all the hassles of surgery when you can look for a more natural and effective solution?

If you already have a Keloid you are prone to developing more of them in the future. Surgeries are very expensive and don’t really give you guarantees at all. Bette try with Bio Skin Care Cream, a solution that promotes the natural healing process of our skin, this way you will be able to improve and prevent future Keloids and ugly scars.

About the Author:
Martha Fitzharris is a free lance journalist for http://www.naturalbioskincare.com a website offering a new biological natural skin care product that activates skin renewal for a healthy skin.

The History Of Thai Currency

2006-01-30T23:11:00.000-08:00

The history of Thai currency – from ancient beads to modern

By: Eric Lim

The history of Thailand currency traces the evolution of the
medium of exchange used in Thailand prior to the 1st century.
This dates from the days of barter trade, ancient beads and
money in various shapes and sizes till the currency in modern
times.

Ancient beads, seeds, bracelets and pebbles used as a
medium of exchange in the early days around 200 – 300
BC, have been discovered in Thailand, including old
Roman copper coins dating back to 270 BC!

During the 1st – 7th centuries, metallic coins of the
Funan Kingdom in Indochina made their appearance
in Thailand, followed by Dvaravati coins in the 7th –
11th centuries. This was followed by a period in the history of
Thai currency when money in different shapes and sizes from
various places were in use.

Sandal wood flower coins or Dok Jan coins from the
Sri Vijaya Kingdom in SE Asia were introduced in
trade in the region in the 8th – 13th centuries. Cowrie shells
and baked clay coins were also used from the pre-
Sukhothai era until the reign of King Rama IV,
when they were dropped from circulation.

From the 14th – 19th centuries, coins from the
Lanna Kingdom in the northern Thailand embossed
with various designs were also in circulation. Around the same
period, 15th – 19th centuries, Lanchang, the kingdom in
northeastern Thailand introduced silver and copper
pieces in long and narrow boat shapes.

In the history of Thai currency, the money that was most
enduring was Pot Duang or bullet money. This first
appeared during the Sukhothai era, 13th – 14th
centuries. Pot Duang money were hand-made coins. Metal
strips were bent and folded into spheres very much like a
bullet, thus the name, bullet money.

Bullet money was in circulation for 600 years from the
Sukhothai era to Rattanakosin until its withdrawal from
circulation in 1904 during the reign of King Rama V.

The most profound changes in the history of Thai currency
occurred during the Rattankosin era in the reigns of
King Rama IV and King Rama V. Standardized factory
minted coins and printed bank notes were officially
issued.

During the reign of King Rama IV, when foreign trade and
diplomatic relations expanded, the paper money, in the form of
royal promissory notes, was issued in 1853. These were
followed by bank notes issued by the foreign to facilitate trade
clearance.

In 1857, Queen Victoria of Britain presented Thailand with the
first minting machine and the minting of the first Thai silver
coins commenced. In 1858, a minting machine purchased from
Britain and the Royal Mint was set up in the Grand Palace and
the minting of coins went ahead full steam.

In the reign of King Rama IV, money was denominated in
satang, tho, phi, padueng and baht.

During the reign of King Rama V, or King Chulalongkorn,
coinage was streamlined. The numerous denominations were
reduced to only two, satang and baht, based on the
metric system, which remain till this day. Bank notes issued
were in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 40,80, 100, 400 and 800 baht.

Today, the denominations have been streamlined to 25, 50
satang coins, 1, 5, 10 baht coins and 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 baht
notes.

The history of Thai currency goes back more than 1,000 years,
evolving from ancient beads and bracelets to the modern baht
that's in current use.

The ancient beads, bullet money and old currencies can be
viewed at the http://www.tour-bangkok-legacies.com/bank-of-thailand-museum.html"> Bank of Thailand Museum in Bang Khun Phrom
Palace within the premises of the Central Bank of Thailand.

About the Author

http://www.tour-bangkok-legacies.com/history-of-thai-currency.html"> This article first appeared in http://www.tour-bangkok-legacies.com/"> Tour Bangkok Legacies, a historical travel site on people, places and events that shaped the landscape of Bangkok. The author, Eric Lim, is a free-lance writer who lives in Bangkok Thailand.

Street Food In Thailand..A Smorgasbord For All Senses

2006-01-30T23:09:00.000-08:00

Street Food in Thailand...A Smorgasbord For All The Senses

By: Carolyn Nantais

Like other Southeast Asian countries, food stalls are everywhere in the streets, markets and festivals of Thailand, providing an endless smorgasbord of aromas, color and flavors - food in Thailand is a feast for all of the senses.

Picture a barbecue hotdog stand outside a North American sports stadium. Now, instead of hotdogs and buns sizzling on a grill, the food cart is laden with fresh bananas, which are slathered in batter and deep-fried to golden in a giant wok, then scooped into a paper bag like a super size order of extra thick homecut french fries. That was my first breakfast in Thailand while I watched hundreds of beautifully costumed elephants play soccer and tug-of-war in an annual Elephant Round-up in Surin, in the far northeast of the country!

The next 'hotdog stand' does have a grill, placed over a large bin of charcoal, with flattened chicken quarters sizzling on sticks that you eat like a Popsicle; next door to that is yet another steel cart heaped with fresh, ripe pineapple, mango and papaya, and sporting a huge mortar and pestle for transforming the greener papayas into a crunchy, sweet-sour-spicy salad with morsels of shrimp or squid, chiles, garlic and sugar.

What makes http://www.recipe-for-travel.com/thai-food.html">Thai food so delicious and distinctive among other Southeast Asian food is this unique blending of fresh herbs, spices and other ingredients that combine for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salt and heat that leaves your mouth feeling clean and your tastebuds popping in the afterglow.

Fresh fruit, salads and even soups and noodles are ladled into plastic bags with a skewer, fork, spoon or straw for eating on the go or perched on a folding chair at a nearby metal card table in the market.

Thai buses and trains become moving picnic grounds, with everyone chatting, eating and sharing the fare hawked through the vehicles' windows at roadside stops and terminals: Gai Yang, the flattened barbecue chicken on a stick, skewered meat and fish balls and sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves.

Carnivals and markets feature huge woks at knee-height, bubbling with deep-fried critters of all sorts, many unidentifiable. Are they grasshoppers? crickets? spiders? baby birds? small frogs? -- my mouth and eyes were constantly wide open in wonder and amazement!

I spent an inordinate amount of time in the fresh produce and night food markets -- exuberantly fascinated and often visibly discombobulated, to the great amusement of the vendors and shoppers.

After traversing every aisle of food carts and woks on my mission to find the freshest, most interesting and tasty-looking dishes, I was often met with earnestly shaking heads or "No, you don't want that - that's Thai food!" by English speaking cooks or bystanders when I pointed and gestured and tried to ask for a meal I knew I truly wanted. On my first such adventure, I did not know that the custom was for the cook to show the ladle with the amount of the garlic and chili for you to indicate how much you wanted: thinking she was simply asking if I wanted those Thai ingredients, I nodded vigorously at the heaped display, and in it all went! Yes, it was Thai food, and I enjoyed every sizzling touch to my lips under the watchful, laughing eyes of the vendors and bystanders who had gathered.

I spent as much time learning about, admiring and experiencing the food as I did with major tourist attractions, often spending hours strolling through streets and markets taking in the sights and smells and sounds: quiet clucking rising up from a heap of vibrantly coloured roosters or hens tied together at the feet - a Thai rooster's plumage is extraordinarily beautiful; plastic tubs and buckets just full enough of murky grey water to keep the fish, frogs or turtles alive until a sale was clinched; mounds and mounds of green and red, and purple and orange; the pleasant stench of durian and jackfruit - pleasant because I was just so thrilled and in awe of it all!

I tried deep-fried grasshoppers at a carnival in Kanchanaburi during a sound and light show of "The Bridge On The River Kwai" that ended with a fabulous fireworks display recreating the Allied bombing campaign that destroyed the bridges of the Death Railway in 1945. I tried a few tiny roasted wood worms offered by a very thin host in a northern hill-tribe village near the Myanmar border, and feared that I was eating his family out of house and home. I discovered countless traditional dishes I had never tasted and savoured authentic versions of some I had had in Toronto's newly arrived Thai restaurants. As often as I could, I watched their creation so that I could try to replicate them when I got home and got a kitchen again.

Many people are alarmed at how daring I was with my stomach. In six months of traveling through Southeast Asia, I only had one tiny bout of queasiness over a couple of days on Sumatra in Indonesia. I must have found the perfect balance of common sense and adventure, or, some might argue, I was just lucky.

I don't recommend trying everything, and I do recommend a few common sense tips for sampling the full range of the food on offer throughout your travels:
* at street and market stalls, do watch the cooking for awhile to ensure that the ingredients are fresh and the food is being cooked thoroughly; if you have any doubts, move on to the next vendor
* choose vendors that have a good steady flow of customers - not only is the food probably very good, but the turnover means fresher food
* ask your guesthouse host and any other residents you meet for their favourite places to eat, and for recommendations on dishes to order
* follow the other safe eating tips you find in travel guides, like recommendations about water, ice cubes, and peeling fruit and vegetables

Of course, you will find an endless selection of sit-down restaurants where you can savour some of the more familiar Thai dishes now found in restaurants around the world: green curry with chicken, red curry with beef, pad Thai and other noodle dishes, and wonderfully aromatic sweet basil dishes.

Whether you plan to sample the fabulous foods from the street vendors and markets or stick to what you know, learn a few tips on deciphering a menu or asking for a type of dish with a few http://www.recipe-for-travel.com/thai-food-terms.html">Thai Food Terms.

Many supermarkets are now carrying a range of prepared sauces, curries and other Asian products, but if you enjoy adventure and creativity in your own kitchen, many Thai recipes are fairly easy to create once you've mastered a few essentials. Gai Yang, after all, is really just barbequed chicken with a Thai twist! A good food reference guide or cookbook with a glossary of Asian ingredients will help you gain that perfect balance of sour, sweet, salt and heat that is unique to Thai cuisine.

© 2005 recipe-for-travel.com

About the Author

Carolyn Nantais is a freelance writer, website copywriter, world traveler and culinary xenophile who indulges in temporary retirement from time to time to travel and eat around the world. Her new website, http://www.recipe-for-travel.com">The Recipe for Travel, has stories, recipes and practical information gathered through adventures in round-the-world travel and food.

Professional Tips Against Jet Lag

2006-01-30T23:08:00.000-08:00

Professional tips against jet lag

By: Marcus Hochstadt

First of all please notice that some explanations in my article are from a “viewpoint” of European Times. You’ll know what I mean when you read my article.

AND I am German and have some misspelled words, grammar and phrases. I’m still developing my skills, but just don’t look at this, look at the content itself, and you’ll be happy. ;-)

So go ahead now, I just want you to recognize it. ;-)

The biological clock of the body needs a while after a journey into another time belt, in order to adjust itself to the new rhythm. Physical and mental symptoms can occur here such as headache, listlessness or nausea, but none jet lag must be helplessly delivered.

Daylight helps itself the cells, automatically to program on "Day". When you fly in direction to the east, for example to Thailand, it might be harder for you - you lose several hours. In order to prepare some days in advance for the new sleep rhythm, you should spend some time in the daylight in the early evening. During the flight it is advisable to sleep in advance. Then the adjustment goes faster.

When you travel toward the west, approximately to the USA, you’ll have it easier. Nevertheless you should try to plan its arrival around noon time to get the brightest light of the day. Important appointments or activities at the arrival place you should plan at the time of day, at which you are most awake: After a flight in direction to the east in the evening, after a flight in direction to the west in the morning.

Sleep on board

Many humans have problems to fall asleep on the tiny seat in the airplane. Therefore in such a way some seizes to sleep pills or tranquilizers. This unnatural interference into the bio rhythm of the body affects negatively to your adjustment at recent time conditions.

It is healthier to create yourself in the airplane as good sleep conditions as possible: Take yourself an inflatable neck cushion and an eye mask in the airplane. Some airlines distribute themselves these implements on board, but you shouldn’t rely on it however.

Since feet often swell on a flight, it is advisable to take your shoes off and to carry yourself on a warm cosy pair of socks. Even if you feel yourself it’s not cold, you should cover yourselves before falling asleep with a light cover (you’ll get one by all long distance flights), so that you do not wake up freezing and protect yourself from a cold!
I for myself know what I’m talking about. I have seen many people who underestimated this point and had a cold at their additional days after their flight.

Never drink alcohol as your “falling-asleep-assistance”

Tiny alcohol bottles on board often used as a falling asleep assistance during the flight. In the airplane these affect however - exactly the same as tranquilizers - three times as strongly as down on the earth! If you are suffering from fear of flight you should avoid alcohol here, since psychological symptoms can occur such as aggression or depression (however, this is an extensive subject. I will post an article about this in the future. For now I focus on “jet lag”).

In addition alcohol supports the drainage of the body, which particularly begins fast on long distance flights. As consequence headache and listlessness appear. The air within an airplane is often drier than in the desert! While the air humidity of the Sahara amounts to about 20 per cent, it occurs at long distance flights that it falls below the ten-per cent border. Therefore you should drink much water during, before and after the flight.

Professionals take beverages themselves

In many cases the water on board isn’t particularly good-tasting and is served in containers by the size of an egg cup. You won’t to constantly trouble a flight attendant with your desires. Therefore take yourself also a large bottle of your preferential mineral water on board.

Last but not least: my most important advice

To the complete habituation time of your body the following rule of thumb applies:
One day per hour time lag. With a difference of six hours that would be six days, until the biological clock of the body ticks in conformity with the time belt. When you then precautionary go to bed one our earlier/later per day, your body get used to the new daytime.

Enjoy your trip to Germany!

Much admiration

Marcus

http://www.smart-travel-germany.com>www.smart-travel-germany.com

P.S. I'm hot to get to know your written travel experiences! Send them to me and, maybe, I'll post them on my website!

About the Author

Marcus Hochstadt travels extensively to countries, continents and Germany itself as a sales manager and entrepreneur since more than 14 years. He knows in almost each German city the points of REAL interest. Watch out for his free monthly special report with more valuable insider tips at http://www.smart-travel-germany.com/smart-travelogy-germ.html>www.smart-travel-germany.com/smart-travelogy-germ.html.

Hanging Around In Thailand

2006-01-30T23:07:00.000-08:00

Hanging around in Thailand

By: Gary Mortimer

Our trip to Thailand had been long awaited, originally planned for the winter of 94/95. My wife Karin had bought the maps and books and even packed; we were off. The balloon was ready at Thunder and Colt with a heavy duty basket tailor made for hard use overseas. And then they went bust. The delay meant that we missed the relatively short window available for flying in Thailand. So it was rainy old England for most of the winter and a rethink of the plan for us. I had been asked to go out there by Jon Nunns having previously worked for him in South Africa flying passenger ride balloons.

Jon's interest in Thailand comes from several commercial tours he's probably had the most experience of flying in Thailand. Sky balloons agent in Thailand managed to sell one of the first balloons to roll off the production line to a pair of business men who wanted to learn to fly and fly advertising banners in I come again, this time to train and point them the right way.

So after a fantastic summer passenger flying in England, it was off on a Quantas Jumbo from a snowy December Heathrow. We caught a connecting flight from Bangkok to Chaing Mai, a city in the North which was hosting the South East Asia Games, ( SEA games ) our first port of call. Jon, returning from SAGA, was there for three days to ease us into things.

Our hosts had managed to find sponsor's a cell phone company and we had a busy schedule ahead. The city was humming with activity related to the games and it was great fun to be there. We generally flew across the city in the mornings and over the main stadium in the evenings.

The stadium itself was about 10km from the centre of the city and lay under an east facing slope which of course moved into shade in the evening allowing us to fly over the stadium and away into open countryside, the mornings had the ability to take us up the slope and away to the west which was not a good idea as there was about 50km of forest and national park before the next road.

It was always fairly calm and finding places to land was not a problem. We were not alone in the air a Carlsburg balloon had been shipped in from Europe and a Cameron Gas airship from America. Strangely neither thought to visit or call the international airport 8km south of the stadium. This caused some amount of trouble as Thai's love complicated permissions to fly and neither had any. As we did have permission we were contactable and received some amount of flack from their CAA. We smoothed the path quite well for them, prison was mentioned on more than one occasion!

The airship did a fantastic job seemingly never out of the air and carrying a TV camera beaming live pictures from the stadium. During the evening we tethered next to the stadium and the airship still plodded around dropping leaflets.

Thai's are football fanatics and the Asian cup was also held during the games in the evening. Our tethers coincided with all the home team games. As Thailand progressed through the ranks tickets sold out and it started to get ugly at the gates. For the semi final the fans burnt down the ticket tents in protest and several thousand extra tried to get in causing an outbreak of police brutality.

We tethered high allowing us to see the matches and carried PR people, they tended to want to stay up a while as we had the best view in the house!

On the first and last day of the games we flew into the stadium itself, the first flight by Jon, with me on board and the last by myself. What a fantastic feeling when you drop over the edge of the stadium roof and come to a dead stop amid all that noise and then pile out again, really good fun, it comes highly recommended!

The flights over the city were also commendable. The airport required us to stay below 1000' and if we required to fly higher then we had to call them on VHF. It worked well and of course flying across temples at low level was fascinating. Chaing Mai old city lies within a square canel and contains some 300 temples in total. It was here that we aimed to overfly every day. The River Ping winds it's way to the east of the old city and was very handy for big direction changes. As a rule most wind directions could be found and staying over the city centre for an hour or so and then climbing and departing was fairly easy.

I have to say that Northern Thai's seemed more fun loving than their Southern countrymen. To this end they enjoy letting off fireworks and tissue balloons carrying balls of burning rag to keep them aloft. Not uncommon to see 10 or so cross the night sky glowing red when drinking a beer. They climb quite high as well I flew with some at 3000'. On a couple of occasions, on landing villagers let off tissue balloons in our honour. They also flew bigger ones with strings of fireworks blasting away underneath. All good stuff for balloonists to watch. The last night of the games saw the launch of in excess of 1000 of these balloons in about 10 minutes from all around the stadium, and as it was a calm night it was the prettiest balloon thing I've ever seen.

So once that was all over it was off to Bangkok eight hours South by road. Unbeknown to myself we had come to the notice of the Prime Ministers office and were sought out for a job!

The deputy Prime Minister, Thakasin Shinawat, had said on coming into office early in 1995, that by the middle of January 1996 (or 2539 as it is over there) he would sort out Bangkoks traffic problems. He has been pouring millions of Baht of his own money into what is basically an impossible task. He has also been doing all sorts of stunts to show the people that he is trying to remedy the situation.

We were asked to fly him over Bangkok to observe the traffic from the air, this being in their words, a low cost solution. Permissions obviously had to be sought. We were summoned for our first meeting with the CAA on Christmas Day, at 10 O'clock, everybody apparently finding it amusing that I was missing my Christmas day. On arriving it transpired that they didn't really want us to fly as it is a military state and they didn't want me to see anything I shouldn't. The Kings Palace is a no no to fly over as you should never have your head higher than his! However the civilian run Prime ministers office had put big pressure on and they felt they had to relent and by the way, what could we tell them about the other balloon and airship in Chaing Mai ( are you getting the picture that this is a warning). It transpired that we held the winning hand but they really had to tell us they did not like it first. There one and only request was that I didn't fly higher than 500'. Now what! a pleasure. Royal helicopters fly at 800' so that was that. I walked away on Christmas days with a piece of paper that ordered me to fly not above 500 AGL wherever I liked! A trip then to the tower at Bangkok International to let them know what was happening and pick up an air chart. They already knew all about us and wouldn't give me an air chart: military secrets and all that. If I'd known I could have brought them in England before we left!

Thus it came to pass that I was doing balloon traffic reports over the city of Bangkok with the deputy Prime Minister on board and a film crew and five TV crews following through the traffic. We flew two days doing four flights. The flights themselves were pretty exciting to the point that I wouldn't rush to do them again. The tallest building is getting on for 1000' and we flew right between a bunch of them of course stopping all the traffic as we went. For those that know we launched from just above Siam Square and flew across generally towards the Queen Siriket Convention centre and then over the river. The 500' level became a real pain in the afternoons as the OAT was some 37C and thermals were popping off all over the place I may or may not actually flown quite a bit higher at the beginning of these flights and came down when it cooled down, but perhaps I'd set the altimeter incorrectly!

So after all the fun and games it was off to train three people in total: our agent and the two business men. To start with we went off to Rayong a Province to the SE of Bangkok renowned for it's beach resort Pattaya. The guys for some reason where keen to train there. Unfortunately it proved too coastal and the sea breeze knocked out the evening flights and the land breeze in the mornings. Our permission was only for a 25 km square so we couldn't go any further inland.

Not a problem as one of the guys had relatives with a farm near Kanchanaburi, home of the bridge over the river Kwai in the west of the country. It was here that most of the training was done. It was an ideal area for ballooning, being generally flat with occasional 5-600 foot hills popping up like islands. The fields are mainly of Sugar Cane roughly three quarters and the rest are rice paddies. Everything went fine and after three return trips to Bangkok on business the guys where ready. They will be travelling to England to take their PPL's shortly.

One more surprise lay in store. Seeing as the flying into the stadium in Chaing Mai had gone so well I was asked to fly into another with a football to start The Thai football league. Not such a big deal but the stadium as 500 metres from the sea with houses all the way to it. Luck was on our side once more and after two days of strong monsoon winds on the day in question it was calm. We inflated behind a five story building which was right next to the stadium and bang on for the wind direction. The signal for us to launch was a series of fireworks the ninth being our go. At the practices which we couldn't fly into because of the wind we made sure that the marching bands had left and we had a clear stage. You know whats coming next.1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Go, we rose from behind the building to see that everybody was still stood there,down between them all I came our official hopped out with the football and handed it to the President of Yamaha and we quickly deflated the balloon,! no way was I going to fly out of that one!

So thats briefly it, I haven't touched on the really infuriating stuff, the stuff thats supposed to add character afterwards. I'll let you find out all those bits for yourselves.

If you are interested in going out there then the man to contact In fact the head man of the brand new Balloon Club Of Thailand is:-

YUTAKIT WANICHANOND

125/135 CHANGWATANA ROAD

PAKRET

NONTABURI

11120

THAILAND

FAX 584 0042

To update the story in June 04, the deputy Prime Minister became the Prime Minister and is poised to buy a share of Liverpool Football club in the UK. I have since flown in Australia, Kenya and am now back in South Africa with my own ride business. http://www.airborneadventuresafrica.com" target=new>http://www.airborneadventuresafrica.com

Gary Mortimer

A commercial hot air balloon pilot that has flown throughout the world.

Currently living and working in South Africa.

balloonsafaris@hotmail.com">balloonsafaris@hotmail.com

Asia Cruises: A Journey In The Exotic World

2006-01-30T22:58:00.000-08:00

Asia Cruises: A Journey in the Exotic World

By: Colin Hartness

An Asia cruise is a voyage of discovery, an experience of cultural extravaganza of Asian civilizations. Asia is biggest continent with the lengthiest coastline and the highest mountains of the world, the Himalayas. To explore the true majesty of its magnificent past, to experience the magnanimity of its religion and its people, embark on an Asia cruise. You will never ever forget the experience.

The Asia cruise takes you to the opulence of Singapore & Hong Kong, definitely worth a look. The jungle temple in Thailand, the Konark temple of India, or the peaceful eyes of Buddha in Vietnam, redefine faith and religion of the believers and non-believers alike. The graceful dance forms of India, the Japanese tea ceremony or the Chinese theatre, all have enormous cultural significance that are part and parcel of the region’s tradition. You become a mute spectator of such enormous cultural and traditional fervor entwined in every walk of life, so similar to each other yet very distinct in its own right.

The Asia cruise cruises along the Malaysian, Vietnamese and the Thai seas. Splurge yourselves with pretty gifts from the fabulous shopping arcades of Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong. Be a part of a unique shopping experience with unbelievable discounts and promotional offers. Come to the Indian Hollywood, Bollywood, know what wholesome entertain can be by watching a Hindi film.

Let your Asia cruise be a medium to explore the enchanting cultures and original landscapes with their own unique fervor and flavor. You can go on a Far East & south pacific cruise, a South East Asia cruise or an Asia & Middle East cruise. Every cruise has its own tale to tell its own mystery to unfold.

After you have chosen the Asia cruise, you can expect quiet elegance and no over the top gimmicks. You can do your own thing at you own pace as if you are on a private villa. If you like to mind your own business you can jog a while, swim a leisurely lap or read a nice novel. You can take part in some activity join exercise classes get a soothing massage or enjoy a sauna. Some cruises even offer helicopter sightseeing, whitewater rafting, and nature walks etc. You can find spas, health clubs and even wedding chapels at your cruise ship. Special children play areas or centers are found with lots of games and entertainment. The cruise people often invite guest speaker to share their anecdotes mostly about the region you are sailing giving you interesting insights. Most of the cruises provide excellent service, every guest gets personalized attention. The dedicated and observant staff looks after you well. You can find any information you require from the staff like where to find souvenirs, where to shop of local handicrafts or where to find nice restaurants.

The Asia cruises have special entertainment areas that offer real entertainment from special theme events, hilarious comedies, and melodious musicals to exquisite dance performances that leave you spell bound.

And spellbound and mesmerized you will be when your Asia cruise journey ends. Surely and truly, you will be a transformed person if you take all the experiences to your heart.

About the Author

Looking for information about cruises?
Go to: http://www.whatcruises.com
'What Cruises' is published by Colin Hartness -
An excellent resource for Cruises!
Check out more cruise articles at: http://www.whatcruises.com/archive

History Of Thai Food

2006-01-30T22:56:00.000-08:00

The History of Thai Food

By: Andrew Hall

Thai food is famous all over the world. Whether chilli-hot or comparatively bland, harmony and contrast are the guiding principles behind each dish. Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. Characteristics of Thai food depend on who cooks it, for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where it is cooked. Dishes can be refined and adjusted to suit all tastes.

The 'Tai' people migrated from valley settlements in the mountainous region of Southwest China (now Yunnan province) between the sixth and thirteenth centuries, into what is now known as Thailand, Laos, the Shan States of upper Burma, and northwest Vietnam. Influenced by Chinese cooking techniques, Thai cuisine flourished with the rich biodiversity of the Thai peninsula. As a result, Thai dishes today have some similarities to Szechwan Chinese dishes.

Originally, Thai cooking reflected the characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plant and herbs were major ingredients. Subsequent influences introduced the use of sizeable chunks to Thai cooking. With their Buddhist background, Thais shunned the use of large animals in big chunks. Big cuts of meat were shredded and blended with herbs and spices. Traditional Thai cooking methods were stewing and baking, or grilling. Chinese influences saw the introduction of frying, stir-frying and deep-frying. Culinary influences from the 17th century onwards included Portuguese, Dutch, French and Japanese techniques. Chillies were introduced to Thai cooking during the late 1600s by Portuguese missionaries who had acquired a taste for them while serving in South America. Thais were very adapt at adapting foreign cooking methods, and substituting ingredients. The ghee used in Indian cooking was replaced by coconut oil, and coconut milk substituted for other dairy products.

Overpowering pure spices were toned down and enhanced by fresh herbs such as lemon grass and galanga. Eventually, fewer and less spices were used in Thai curries, while the use of fresh herbs increased. It is generally acknowledged that Thai curries burn intensely, but briefly, whereas other curries, with strong spices, burn for longer periods. Instead of serving dishes in courses, a Thai meal is served all at once, permitting diners to enjoy complementory combinations of different tastes.

A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. A spiced salad may replace the curry dish. The soup can also be spicy, but the curry should be replaced by a non-spiced item. There must be harmony of tastes and textures within individual dishes and the entire meal.

Andrew Hall

http://www.all-free-recipes.com" target=new>http://www.all-free-recipes.com

Cheap Travel Secrets

2006-01-30T22:55:00.000-08:00

Cheap International Travel Secrets

By: Steve Gillman

What is the real secret to cheap international travel? It is the same as the secret to doing anything for less. Learn to be an opportunist. Opportunistic travelers get to travel more, see more and do more. Of course, you can ignore this advice if you have unlimited funds.

I went to Ecuador because it was cheap. Honestly, aren't there many interesting places in this world? Why not choose one you can travel to inexpensively? The other places will be there in the future, and you may have an opportunity to go to those places cheaply at some point.

Cheap Countries

Ecuador is my favorite international destination. You can still get a decent meal for two dollars. U.S. dollars, by the way, since that's conveniently the official currency of Ecuador now. From the beautiful snow-capped Andes mountains, to the Galapagos Islands, you'll never run out of places to explore in Ecuador. Travel there is safe and inexpensive.

South America in general is inexpensive, and the most affordable countries are, in my opinion, the most beautiful. These are the countries along the Andes mountains; Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Argentina, thanks to it's recent economic troubles, is once again a cheap place for travelers as well.

In Central America, it costs very little to travel and vacation in both Nicaragua and Guatemala. Nicaragua, in particular, has become more stable and safe for travelers in recent years. Costa Rica is a wonderful too, and though it is one of more expensive counties of Central America, that probably still leaves it cheaper than Europe.

In Asia, India is still low-cost, especially if you stay in the numerous hostels and boarding houses. Thailand and Indonesia are also very cheap. With all international destinations, the plane tickets will be your single biggest travel expense. This is especially true with the asian countries. Being there is cheap, but getting there may not be.

Cheap International Travel Tips

Wherever you go, there are things you can do to keep it cheap. Eat where locals eat, for example, instead of at the tourist restaurants. To keep it really cheap, eat fruit from street markets (wash it well) and packaged snacks from grocery stores.

Visit the free and cheap attractions first. It's possible you'll have so much fun that you'll never get around to doing the expensive things. A higher price means better quality with travel bags, but not with travel experiences.

Busses are cheaper than taxis in any country, but be careful of crowded city busses, where pickpockets hang out. Walking is even cheaper, and it's a great way to learn about a city. Just ask the locals where the dangerous parts are before you wander too far.

For cheap accommodations find out where local visitors from within the country stay. Negotiating room charges is common in some areas. In Banos, Ecuador, we negotiated our room rate down from $12 to $6 per night, by paying for several nights in advance. Consider hostels, if you don't mind sharing a room. They're much more common overseas.

Cheap international travel is often only as cheap as your plane tickets. Use the techniques outlined on our site to save big on tickets, or search the fares to several interesting countries. If one is $500 less than the others, consider going there. $500 can buy a few extra days, or an extra mini-vacation some other time.
About the Author

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.everythingabouttravel.com">http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com">http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Pattaya Thailand Travel Information Tips

2006-01-30T22:52:00.000-08:00

Thailand

By: Bruno Vincent

Pattaya Thailand travel information and tips.

Accommodations:

Pattaya has many types of accommodations available at many different prices. Hotels, condos, guest houses and rental homes are available by the day, the week, the month or the year.

Hotels / Guest Houses:

The best way to find clean cheap hotels in Pattaya is to stay of the beaten path. Anything on Beach road will be both expensive and dirty, the same goes for 2nd road. Amazingly enough, in Pattaya, a more expensive hotel doesn't necessarily guarantee you a higher quality room. The right hotels have nice rooms for the same price. You can expect to pay about 500 baht per night for a nice room. Hot water, daily change of sheets, safe, and 24 hours security are included. The deposit is usually about 1000 baht. Cheaper rooms can be had for 250 baht with no air conditioning, I would not recommend these hotels unless you are a budget traveler, they are usually decrepit with no windows.

If money isn't a big issue you can also stay in posh western hotels They will cost you over 1000 baht per night but will be of world class standard.

Condos:

Condos are basically studio apartments. They are furnished and cost on average about 12 000-16 000 baht per month. Electricity and water are not included but you can expect to pay an extra 1000 - 2000 baht per month extra. Condos are fully furnished and include cable TV.

Cell phones:

If you plan to stay here for more than 2 weeks, getting a cell phone is recommended (unless you are traveling with your family), you will meet many new friends in Pattaya and cell phones can help you get in touch with them. A used cell phone will cost you about 1000 baht, a good one as high as 15 000 baht. In Thailand electronics carry the same price tag as in the West since the products are imported from Japan.

Motorcycle rentals:

Pattaya has numerous motorcycle rental outfits. You can rent anything from a 125 cc moped to a 1300 cc sport bike. The cost is 150 baht per day for the 125 and 500-1000 baht per day for the big sport bikes. Insurance is sometimes included but not always...you have to ask individual shops about it. You don't need an international driver's license although it is recommended.

Food:

Thai food is very cheap but also very spicy although not all of it. Price varies from 10 - 50 baht with an average of 20 baht a meal. The best way to order is to go to a restaurant that has pictures on the menu. Western fair meals will run you about 150 baht on average, there are plenty of them in Pattaya. Tap water is unsafe to drink but bottled water can be bought at only 5 baht a bottle.

Health:

No vaccination is required but Hepatitis A shots are recommended since the sanitation in small establishments isn't always the best. You should purchase some extra insurance just in case something happens, although a hospital visit is only 30 baht for Thai people, it could be very expensive for foreigners.

Weather:

Perfect, perfect and perfect. Pretty much always sunny, when it does rain it's only for about an hour or so. You won't need to bring your umbrella! The temperature varies from about 25-25 degrees on average. You never get cold in Pattaya.

Things to do:

High speed go Karts 500 baht / 10 minutes

Jet skiing 600 baht / 30 minutes

Tiger Zoo 400 baht

Chinese museum 70 baht

Pattaya Park waterslides 100 baht

Movies 100 baht

Bruno Vincent

info@novatranz.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com">www.isnare.com

Travel Safety In Mexico

2006-01-30T22:50:00.000-08:00

Travel Safety In Mexico

On my first visit to Mexico I expected to see Pancho Villa complete with sombrero, bullets crossing his chest and guns at the ready. Imagine my surprise to find a Mexico that is just as modern as places in the USA.

As modern as some areas are, there are dangers to the unwary traveller. Start with crossing the border. If flying you will be given paperwork to fill out on the plane giving you a 30 day travel visa. As you go through immigration this will be checked, along with your passport. Make sure your passport is up to date and that your picture looks like you. Due to terrorist threats immigration now takes a much more pro-active approach. Once through immigration you will be sent to an area that will give you a green light or a red light. Green you go right through, red your bags get searched. If you are carrying prescriptions, make sure you have a copy of your prescription form from the pharmacy. Narcotics are tightly controlled in Mexico and they could be confiscated. I suggest separating your medication. Carry some in your luggage and some on your person. It is unlikely that both would be checked and confiscated. Once pass this checkpoint you are on your way.

If you are taking a taxi from the airport to where you are staying be aware that some taxi drivers drive like they are competing in the Indy 500. Learn some Spanish so that you can tell your driver, do not drive fast. "no maneje r pidamente" If you can't pronounce it, write it on paper and give it to the driver. If possible ask your hotel to send a driver for you. You will then know it is a driver you can trust.

If you are driving into Mexico, you will need your insurance papers, car ownership, with no liens against it, drivers license, passport and a credit card. You will also need 3 copies of all paperwork. Have them beforehand in case there is no photocopier at immigration. Your credit card will be charged a fee to register it as a visitor vehicle in Mexico and you will receive a sticker in return. Affix this to your car window. You will need to turn it in when you go back so do not lose it. You will also need it on your windshield at all times while driving in Mexico. This means you brought your car in legally. As you pass through immigration "Checkpoint Charlie" you will go through the red light, green light scenario as described above. Once through you are on your way.

Driving in Mexico is just like anywhere else except that signs will be in Spanish and speeds are posted in KM. Defensive driving is a must in Mexico as many Mexicans are speed demons and quite reckless. 66% of Mexicans do not carry car insurance and often flee the scene of an accident. Your car insurance for travel in Mexico should be full coverage and include a lawyer, emergency numbers, and a bond in case of an accident. If you have an accident in Mexico and there are any injuries, no matter how slight, you will be arrested. This is why you need access to a lawyer, bond and an adjuster immediately. They will bail you out. Mexican law is Napolonic and you are guilty until proven innocent. While driving in Mexico it is best to stay on the toll roads. First, they are in excellent condition and secondly there is always help available from the "Green Angles" should you experience problems. They patrol the roads and you should see them every hour or two.

Other things to watch out for are people passing on hills and around curves. It is quite common so be aware of what you might face going over a hill or around a curve. As you drive along and see crosses on the side of the road, these are where accidents have happened and families have marked the spot where their loved ones spirit departed. Cattle, horses, donkeys and goats are also familiar scenes on the road. I do not recommended driving at night as animals often sleep on the roads to seeks heat from the pavement. Night driving can be a harrowing experience.

Gas stations are few and far between. When you see one, get gas. At gas stations, a favorite trick is to not roll back the pesos to $0 and the attendant might try to charge you more than you actually received. The way around this is to always ask for 200 pesos. "doscientos pesos por favor". All stations are government owned and the attendant always pumps your gas and may clean your windows, check tire pressure and oil. If an attendant does these things for you, a common tip is 5-10 pesos. These men make meager wages and appreciate the tips. Next is bathrooms. Most gas station bathrooms in Mexico are not very clean, to put it mildly. Before you cross the border buy some Huggies Baby Wipes. You will need them. As I travelled in Mexico I realized the great outdoors was far cleaner than most bathrooms. Don't be surprised at a rest stops to have to pay for toilet paper. It's a common practice.

The next road tip is police. They target tourists and try to charge them for infractions they did not commit. Don't argue with them. They can cause you more grief than you want. Try to negotiate their "help" in resolving the issue. Start at 50 pesos and bargain from there. It's expected.

There have been rumors of foreign vehicles being seized. The only authority allowed to do this is Aduana (Customs), and Administracion Local de Auditoria Fiscal Federal. No other authority can do this. Traffic Police, City Police, the Federal police, or the Military have no right to seize your car. The only way they can do anything with foreign plated vehicles is with permission from Aduana or Administracion Local de Auditoria Fiscal Federal.

With this said, know your rights. These other authorities cannot even ask for importation papers as it is not within their responsibility. If you are threatened by these other authorities about the status of your vehicle, or even your migratory status, record as much information about this authority as possible. Name, badge number, date, officer's vehicle type, officer's vehicle license and unit number, etc. The Aduana is very clear on this and wants everyone possible to report such issues to the proper authorities. Most of these authorities will back off once they know they you know your rights and start recording this information about them.

Another major concern is what papers are necessary to carry in the vehicle. The Aduana advises to carry only copies of all pertinent papers concerning your migratory status and the vehicle. For example, have a copy of your passport, your migratory status with the current renewal date, the car importation permit, your title, registration, and insurance papers. Never leave originals in the car in case the car is stolen. You will need those originals.

Should you find yourself lost in a city or town it is common practice to hail a cab, tell him where you want to go and then follow him. For a small fee he will take you and save you a lot of time and headaches trying to find your way.

One last tip for the road. If you need overnight accommodation you should know that motels are normally used by the "hour", and hotels are for overnight guests.

If you are a tourist who has flown in and have now left the airport and arrived at your destination it's time to be aware of other safety issues.

Don't Drink Water. No matter where you go or how safe it looks, do not drink the water. And it's not just the water you need to be concerned about, but the glass and how it was washed. Make sure it is dry and as often as possible drink using a straw, also known as "uno popote". Do not drink coke from cans or bottles. You don't know what kind of water they have been chilled in. Normally ice cubes that have a hole in them are safe but even then I might opt to have no ice. Do not eat salads. You don't know what kind of water they have been washed in. Do not eat fresh fruit. Even a banana can have salmonella on the outside where you place your fingers to peel and then use the same fingers to eat it. All fruit and vegetables must have been cleaned in water treated with special chemicals to destroy bacteria. Eggs are the next big worry. I would not order eggs unless scrambled or boiled or looking extremely well cooked. Do not eat from roadside stands. The chance for ecoli, salmonella or typhoid is just too great. Eat in places that look clean, safe and where other gringos are eating. Take plastic cutlery with you or make very sure your cutlery is very clean. While in Mexico go to a pharmacy and get parasite medication and when you return home take it. It is very easy to pick up parasites in Mexico and this is a common and easy way to stay safe once you are home. Consult your doctor if you are not comfortable with over the counter medication.

Walking the streets. As in all cities, the street can be a dangerous place. Even in small towns in Mexico one should always be just as vigilant as you would be at home. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security because you are in a charming small town. Women should not carry a purse. Carry only necessities in your pockets or in a waist pouch. Do not keep all your money in one spot in case you are robbed. The "mustard" or "ketchup" bandits exist in Mexico just as they do in cities north of the border. Be aware of anyone trying to help you clean something off. It may be innocent, but be aware it may not. The same holds true for car problems. The most common trick is to puncture a tire and then follow you and offer assistance. While offering assistance someone else could be robbing your items in the car.

When in stores, try to use cash as much as possible. A lot of places do not take credit cards and if they do, be prepared to provide passports, drivers license and your visa documents. Don't be surprised if your bank refuses the charges. Unless you have told them to expect charges from Mexico they are likely to put a hold on your credit card.

Bank machines are another area for caution. It is common for machines to eat your card. Try to have a second card with you if possible or use a machine where you swipe your card and not have it actually go into the machine. Be aware of those around you as you withdraw cash. It is not uncommon for someone to be watching the machines in a tourist area. Don't be surprised to also see armed guards carrying rifles standing around the machines. It too is common practice.

Always keep copies of all cards in your wallet and all documentation that allowed you into the country. With copies you will find it much easier to get them replaced if you have copies. Know exactly where the consulate for your country is and their phone number. They can be very helpful in an emergency.

If you get sick while in Mexico, make sure your hotel gets you a translator so you can converse with the doctor or hospital should it become necessary. Know too that most hospitals will request cash or a credit card before they treat you. Look into insurance that will fly you out of the country to your home town should it become necessary.

I really recommend finding a tour guide while you are in Mexico. They don't cost much and can be enormous help to you no matter what situation you are in, not to mention they know the best places to visit and eat.

Due to economic crisis Mexico is riddled with crime. Travel agents will not tell you this so being prepared is half the battle. Last year ABC news reported that local news cameras watched armed bandits work in the open, using their guns to stop cars so they could rob the passengers. On another street, a team of muggers operated with apparent impunity, leaving a man unconscious in broad daylight. Just 15 minutes later, the same group attacks another victim, and during it all, a police officer stands just a few yards away. In fact, widespread police corruption is a big part of the problem. Mexico is actively working on this problem but it can and does happen. This is another reason to have a guide while in country. They know what is going on and can steer you in the right direction. The US State Department considers the situation in Mexico City so serious it has issued a critical public announcement warning travelers never to hail taxies on the streets of Mexico City. At all times in Mexico, be it the interior or the coastal vacation spots, never travel alone.

For the most part Mexico is a wonderful, inexpensive travel destination. Being aware of the dangers ahead of time will help to ensure a safe and fun vacation.

Article Source: http://www.content-edge.com

Jean Sutherland is a travel expert and lived in Mexico for three years. She also runs the popular Spas Of The World website at: www.spasoftheworld.com

Bringing It Home: Going Through Customs Made Easy

2006-01-30T22:48:00.000-08:00

With so many great souvenirs found throughout the islands, it's no wonder Caribbean travelers are often curious about passing through customs. The question many travelers ask is how to bring these purchased items back into their home country. With a little knowledge, and the right paperwork, passing through customs can be easier than you think.

Each Caribbean island is different, so you'll find plenty of variations in the laws you'll find throughout the region. Each island will also have its own popular native goods as well. Knowing which items are permitted to be brought out of the country and which are not will protect you from additional fees or lost goods.

Leaving Town

When leaving home to enter the Caribbean, some travelers document their prior possessions, registering them with a Certificate of Registration or similar form available through your home customs office. Make a note of serial numbers and other permanent markings on such forms to keep customs agents from being concerned about your personal items.

If you are in need of prescription medication, bring your doctor's prescription with you while you travel. This will help ensure an easy, no-questions-asked trip through customs and can also help if you accidentally lose your medication during your trip. However, remember that the many so-called "recreational" drugs are usually illegal throughout the Caribbean as well, and traveling with them is not permitted.

Return Trip

Going through customs on the way home can be equally taxing, so you may want to remember to bring important items, such as receipts. Whenever you receive receipts for souvenir purchases, keep them. They can be especially helpful when passing through customs.

Native goods may include perishables, such as cigars, liquor, and coffee. Hot sauces are also popular on some islands, and the quantity of these goods you may bring home is usually limited by your home country. However, goods are mostly limited by a monetary amount, after which point they may be taxed. So if you're looking to pick up duty-free goods, be especially careful of the upper limits allowed back into the country.

When returning home, U.S. citizens should plan to bring along no more than $800(USD) in merchandise from most Caribbean countries. American vacationers returning to the mainland from the U.S. Virgin Islands may bring in twice the amount of goods. Remember, you can often mail souvenirs and other items home, or you may even mail your own personal items that you won't need immediately when you return, which can help you save space for packing.

So if you're looking for sure-fire ways to pass easily through customs, know the rules before you go. Don't forget to bring and keep any paperwork that will account for your belongings during your journey. With these rules in mind, passing through customs from the Caribbean should be a breeze.

Article Source: http://www.content-edge.com

Jennifer Smith writes for Belize-Guide.info, Anguilla-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites.

© 2005, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc.
Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live.

Why Is Hoodia Such A Sought After Weight Loss Product

2006-01-30T22:42:00.000-08:00

Hoodia Gordonii is an unambitious little South African desert cactus type plant that has a big future ahead of it. A gift from the native San people who live in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa, this tiny plant the natives' call "Xhoba" has already began impacting the world of weight loss with its extraordinary hunger stopping traits. What the Aboriginal San Bushmen have known for a long time and the rest of us are merely beginning to realize is that Hoodia has appetite suppressant qualities distinguished by plant scientists and named P57. This P57 active element has been examined, tested and identified to have the power to reduce calorie intake by up to 1,000 calories a day.

So will any South African cactus do when it comes to helping you to stay away from snacks? Indeed not, don't go to the local florist and buy yourself a desert cactus to eat. Of the succulent and asclepiad genus there are 2,000 species of ascleoiadaceae, divided into 300 genera, half from the succulent category. Hoodia Pseudolithos and Trichocaulon are members of the Trichocaulon sub-section from the Kalahari Desert region of S. Africa that touches Angola, Botswana and Namibia. Hoodia Gordonii is the name of the cactus you will want to get but don't plan on taking a outing to the South Africa and getting some Hoodia cacti for yourself; the Hoodia desert cactus are under strict control by the S. African government. It is considered an endangered plant and only Hoodia cactus farmers with certification may produce and sell the Hoodia.

Can Hoodia affect the world's obesity problem and help the planet be a slimmer place? Business organizations including, Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Phytopharm, Pfizer and most recently Slim Fast all believe so. All of these companies have banked on Hoodia's success and together have invested millions of dollars, wanting to corner the marketplace on weight loss. Looking at Hoodia's journey from Xhoba, plant of The San Bushmen to being today's miracle plant for weight loss we need to first look at where Hoodia's been over the past thirty plus years. The greatest amount of time, CSIR analyzed Hoodia to isolate the molecule p57, once they eventually obtained it; they then sold the rights of p57 to Phytopharm. In 1998 The Phytopharm Company leased marketing rights to Pfizer, who invested thirty-two million only to subsequently drop out of the scene because p57 was too expensive to synthesize as a pill. Pfizer's situation has now been taken over by The Unilever Corporation, the parent company of Slim Fast. Slim Fast at present plans on delivering a Hoodia weight loss supplement to nutritional stores in a couple years.

Almost a year ago, on November of 2004, the Hoodia plant contracted big media coverage when CBS's Sixty Minutes did a show on Hoodia's appetite suppressant qualities. With the 60 minute TV exposure, Hoodia was now wanted plant by dieters all-round the globe. People having a hard time staying on their diets desired Hoodia now, not in a couple of years, the secret was out and Hoodia was becoming an indispensable plant. I'm sure after that 60 minutes program was aired, numbers of dieters looked into moving to the Kalahari Desert and making themselves a tiny Hoodia garden of their very own. Luckily, as it is today there isn't a reason to go to that extent, where there is a consumer need; there are many businesses happy to fill that request. There were a few businesses that were informed of Hoodia before the news coverage broke and were in the right place at the right time. It didn't take long though for numerous other organizations to create associations with South African Hoodia Gordonii growers and get Hoodia supplements into stores.
Nowadays there are numerous brands marketing both Hoodia powder form and extracts; how long will the Hoodia plant supply last is the question on dieter's minds right now. The Hoodia Gordonii succulent is a very hard plant to grow; the plants need very much care and management with irrigating, temperature and sunshine. Where it stands today there are only a couple of Hoodia harvesting centers in the South Africa and the Hoodia plant takes two to three years before it's ready to be exported. Taking this into account, the multi-million dollar question is, for how many months can the Hoodia succulent plant export continue? Because of this situation buyers should be aware if the Hoodia they are getting has been independently tested and certified to be pure Hoodia Gordonii from South Africa. There are companies out there taking advantage of the great demand and interest in Hoodia and supplying a low quality product.

Article Source: http://www.content-edge.com

Andrew Aitaken is a contributing writer for the Totalink Directory. More information about the purity of hoodia, weight loss effectiveness of hoodia, side effects of hoodia and Please Rate this Article

5 Easy Ways To Pamper Yourself

2006-01-30T22:40:00.000-08:00

Life is so busy and as mothers we spend so much time tending to the needs of others and pampering others that we sometimes neglect to pamper ourselves.

Here are 5 easy and fun ways to pamper yourself and nurture your mind, body and spirit:

1 - Wake up before the others in the house do and flip through a magazine or simply sip on a hot cup of coffee or tea and enjoy a few uninterrupted moments before the day fully begins.

2 - Weather permitting, take a nice walk and just enjoy your surroundings. Take note of all the beauty that is surrounding you.

3 - Take short breaks during your day whether you are a stay at home mom, work at home mom or work outside of the home, try doing something for yourself periodically throughout the day. You can close your eyes and daydream, browse through the paper or simply have a short friendly chat with a friend.

4 - Treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure or even a new hairstyle. We often are so used to treating others that we forget to treat ourselves and forget to let others pamper us.

5 - Take a nice long warm bubble bath. Fill your mind and senses with a nice fragrance and just soak for as long as you can.

It is truly amazing at how pampering yourself will rejuvenate you!

Take Care,
Aurelia

Article Source: http://www.content-edge.com

Aurelia Williams is the mom of four busy children, a Personal Life Coach and the owner of Real Life Solutions, which is an informational site that also offers products, articles and a great newsletter. You can also hear Aurelia daily on the WAHM Talk Radio show, she is the Resident Life Coach.

Hurricane Season Travel Isnt What You Think

2006-01-30T22:38:00.000-08:00

The tropics have drawn worldwide attention due to the recent surge of damaging hurricanes. However, hurricane season is still a popular time for many travelers looking to visit the Caribbean and surrounding areas. While some may wonder why people would knowingly put themselves in the path of such danger, the benefits of traveling during this season can often outweigh the risks.

Know the Facts

The months of June through November make up what is considered to be Hurricane Season in the Atlantic. During this season tropical storms can change into fast-moving storm systems that can severely damage property if they reach land.

Remember, however, that that not every storm makes landfall and not every strong storm turns into a hurricane. Tropical storms and even tropical depressions can make landfall and cause tornadoes and flooding problems, but are far less severe than those caused by hurricanes.

Keep a watch on the later months of hurricane season, which typically bring the strongest storms. September and October, for example, see the number and intensity of such storms peak, while strong or damaging strikes are rare in the early months of the season.

Why Travel Off-Season?

While many travelers take their chances in the tropics during hurricane season, some may be deterred. Most vacationers are rewarded for their gamble with the relaxation of a Caribbean vacation, without worry at all.

The most highly recognized benefit to off-season travel is cost. While travel during hurricane season may be risky, extremely low-cost vacationing is also possible. Hotels cut rates, sometimes even in half, and tour operators, airlines, and rental companies usually follow suit.

With children on break from school in the summer months, June, July, and August, the beginning of hurricane season is widely regarded as the perfect time for a family vacation. And, of course, travel in the early portion of the hurricane season reduces the chances of being affected by storms.

Travelers looking for a little space on their Caribbean travels will find off-season vacationing a breath of fresh air. While there may be reduced hours at some island attractions, travelers who prefer a little more space on the beach may not mind a few abbreviated hours.

Place Particulars

Even if travel during the Hurricane Season doesn't worry you, there are a few ways to help eliminate some of the risk. Choice of destination is an important step many overlook. The southern Caribbean usually avoids the brunt of hurricane season. In fact, there is a “hurricane zone” through which most of these storms pass. Islands outside this zone are hit far less often.

The best-known of these hurricane-deterring islands are the “ABC” Islands. These Dutch territories - Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao - are located just north of the coast of Venezuela, and each offer Caribbean flair without the threat of tropical danger.

Another way to prepare for island travel is to check out the hurricane policy of the hotel you choose to book. Many hotels, especially those in the middle of the hurricane zone, have hurricane policies offering complimentary stays for the same number of nights the following year, or other, similar plans to help ease the sting of a disrupted vacation.

Vacationers come back every year, despite hurricanes' Caribbean troublemaking. With so many benefits, why not?

Article Source: http://www.content-edge.com

Jennifer Smith writes for Anguilla-Guide.info, Saba-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites.

© 2005, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc.
Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live.

Natural Health Remedy

2006-01-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

By: Alden Smith

Being ill and feeling run down all the time is not the best way to enhance your productivity at work and your energy at home. The reality of this situation is that many people suffer from fatigue and don't know that there is a simple remedy for it. When your body does not receive the correct amounts of the proper nutrients, it cannot carry out its everyday functions properly. This is often caused by a lack of vital nutrients in the body.

In the meantime, you are expecting all kinds of things from your body. You might want it to deliver, but your inputs are just not creating the right outputs. Feeling lethargic, with a lack of energy and stamina is a sure sign of loss of natural nutrients in the body.

Many natural health remedies will help you fight all these issues with which your body is faced. A natural health regimen will incorporate the right eating habits, which means your body will get the right food to help you keep fatigue and lethargy at bay.

Natural health remedies come in many forms; these can be natural health products for internal and external use, natural health medicine or natural health tonics. As a consumer, you have a number of options. You should start with one product, build a regimen, and then move on to the next.

A natural health remedy can also involve using natural health products to help you keep your body as healthy as you possibly can. Natural health remedies will help you maintain wellness, not simply treat the symptoms, as is the case in most of modern American medicine.

Your body is like a car. It needs the right fuel, in the proper amounts, so that it can keep running at maximum performance. Natural health remedies will give you a helping and natural advantage in all the little everyday ailments that you are faced with. As a consumer, you have a number of options. You should start with one product, build a regimen and view the results, and then move on to the next.

In addition to using natural health remedies, you should also learn what to eat and in what proportions, so you can prevent stress and fatigue. Changing your diet will have benefits that last beyond the day or the week; changing your diet will have a lifelong impact on your energy level and productivity.

Many of the natural health remedies are praised for their fast and effective means of dealing with many of today's ailments. Their long history is something that cannot be denied. Chinese herbal medicine has been around for centuries, and in the Western world, folk medicine is being proven by modern science to be based in fact. No longer is folk medicine viewed as an archaic tradition from the hill country of the Southern states. It is joining the mainstream of modern America because people are sick and tired of not only the cost of pharmaceuticals, but because many feel that doctors are simply "throwing" medicine at a problem instead of finding a cure.

My own experience is an example of this. After knee surgery 3 years ago, I developed serious allergies that caused me to break out in hives on a daily basis. Nothing a prominent allergist or my family doctor has done can find the reason for these daily attacks, yet they "keep me going" by prescribing huge doses of Allegra and Tagamet. Out of pocket expenses for these medications, if I did not have co-pay, would be outrageous.

This experience has caused me to become interested in natural herbal remedies and all things related to natural medicine. My quest for a cure has begun with research. I have developed a website, http://www.naturesherbalremediesonline.com , to address the issues facing people today who are seeking answers.

The website is designed to be interactive, with a form on the home page designed for the reader to ask for more information and to give suggestions for topics. I urge everyone interested in natural herbal remedies to visit today, and leave your feedback.

Article Source: http://www.communicationmasteryarticles.com

Alden Smith is a published and award winning author who's website www.naturesherbalremediesonline.com informs and educates the person wanting to learn more about natural remedies. A martial artist, he focuses now on healing & natural cures.

Do You Know what the Lasik Risks Are?

2006-01-30T22:27:00.000-08:00

It is important for patients to be aware of important LASIK eye surgery information, such as the complications and benefits associated with the procedure. Your sight could depend on it.

As with any surgery, there are risks when undergoing LASIK eye surgery. There is a possibility that you could be under-treated or over-treated, requiring additional treatment or the need for glasses or contacts after surgery. In addition, side effects of LASIK can include dry eye, glare, or halos with night vision, and in rare cases, permanent vision loss.

However, in the majority of cases, LASIK eye surgery produces excellent results in patients. Many individuals who undergo the LASIK procedure experience 20/20 vision or better and eliminate their need for contact lenses or glasses. This freedom allows patients to swim, play sports, enjoy a day at the beach, and participate in a range of other activities, with no restrictions. The procedure is considered both safe and effective, with more than a million people undergoing LASIK eye surgery each year. Get more information about the risks and benefits of LASIK.

Find a LASIK surgeon for more information
This LASIK information is intended to provide a brief overview of the procedure. Contact a qualified ophthalmologist for more LASIK eye surgery information specific to your case, or to learn about other laser vision correction treatments that may be right for you. Since LASIK is surgery, it is important that you choose your LASIK surgeon with care. Extensive research and visits to several LASIK surgeons are recommended.

Article Source: http://www.communicationmasteryarticles.com

Larry Westfall is the owner of www.EZ-Articles.Com
Article Submission done by: www.articles-submit.com
Courtesy of:Penny Stocks 101

Holiday In Thailand

2006-01-30T21:39:00.000-08:00

By: Joe Goertz

Thailand means “the land of the free” lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world and one can only experience the exotic beauty of the place when you get there. The fresh air kissing your face when you walk on the beach, the mouth watering dishes and the rush and madness in the market is something you will perhaps not get to see anywhere else.

Thailand’s geographical region is divided into four parts:

The mountains and forests are in the north. You can find fascinating handicrafts and multicolored orchids.

The central part where you will find paddy field, farms and all kinds of fruits.
The northeast plateau is famous for its rich archaeological and anthropological heritage.
You will find tropical islands in the southern peninsula. The people on this place are involved in fishing, rubber cultivation and tin mining.

The people of Thailand are very friendly and hospitable. This place is rich in monumental heritage and famous for its beaches. Thailand is an ideal holiday destination for all, from those who are looking for a romantic holiday, to shoppers to the food lovers as you get to taste varieties of sea food, down in the street to the most expensive restaurants. It offers something to every traveler.

Many travelers also come here for adventurous holiday. As this place offer all kinds of sport for all ages like scuba diving, snorkeling, wind-surfing and water-skiing .After all these activities you can simply relax by lounging on the beautiful beach sipping your favorite drink with a good company.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand.Bankok means “city of angels”, it is a small Thailand in itself. It is the centre of commercial, industrial and cultural activities. If you are looking for peace and simplicity you can visit the Buddhist temples and the amazing part is it stands by side by side with nightclubs and cafés. You can see monks walking in their red robes all over the place and one can only wonder how they can attain such peacefulness in this rush and hectic world.

Another main attraction in Thailand is Phuket known for its exotic island. The nightlife there is lively with its multicuisine restaurants and bars always filled with tourists. But of course if are looking for a quite meal you can do that by going to the right place.

Chiang Mai is another place which is a combination of modern city life and the old village charm. There are elaborate temples and cultural relics some of which are very old close to 700 years. On the top of the mountain is Doi Suthep monastery which overlooks the fertile valley embracing Chiang Mai.The local night bazaar is the favorite shopping place for tourists where you can get hand made local stuff, tribal wears and also latest modern junks for a good bargain.

You will have no problem communicating as most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist places speak English and other European languages. There are various modes of transportation. You can either hire a taxi to go around the city, or take the city bus .There is also something called Tuk-Tuk, a three wheeler. You would definitely enjoy the open air ride on this three wheeler and for longer destinations there are trains always running to all the places.

Thailand is blessed with three seasons-summers from February to May, Rainy season from June to October with plenty of sunshine and the cold season from November to January. A lot of people go for holidays in Thailand during December and January as it is the perfect season to relax and party. Thailand becomes a mini world as people from all over the world come here for holidays during this season.

Surely now you know what your next holiday destination is -God’s very own creation Thailand!!!

Article Source: http://www.cajun101.com

Travel Insurance

2006-01-30T13:12:00.000-08:00

While traveling this year I was flying with US Airways. They lost my luggage for a couple of days, and when they delivered my luggage it looked like it had went through World War III.

I had items missing from the inside although I had a lock on the luggage, and shampoo bottles burst and bled all over my clothes.

When trying to get help at the lost baggage counter at the airport I was treated as if I was bothering the representative and he just printed a slip and told me to call the 800 number. No matter what I wanted to say, he referred me to the 800 number.

So that number must be the place to call to get answers right? HAH!

I called the number and got someone who did not have proper mastery of the english language. No matter what I asked , she had a script she read and it went something like" we're unable to locate your luggage sir, if you do not receive your luggage within four days please return to the lost luggage counter at the airport to access more information"

I asked what was I supposed to do in the meantime, and that I needed to get reimbursed for the cost of having to buy clothes and personal items. The answer was
" we're unable to locate your luggage sir, if you do not receive your luggage within four days please return to the lost luggage counter at the airport to access more information"

I asked what day it was and the answer was " we're unable to locate your luggage sir, if you do not receive your luggage within four days please return to the lost luggage counter at the airport to access more information"

I hung up and called again and this time a man answered with the same script. I was told that I was calling a call center in south america.

To make a short story short, I lost out by using US Airways. If I had thought to get travel insurance I would have been able to avoid this whole mess and had an easy time of my trip.

So moral of the story is; When you travel, get travel insurance. It doesn't have to cost an arm or leg. You can get good coverage from $15 to $60 depending on what you want insured.

Budget Insurance Enhance Travel Insurance Proposition
by: Emma Fountain

The partnership has recently launched and will see the Group offering a wider selection of travel Insurance products with increased flexibility and competitive prices. As a result of the new venture Budget expects to see a considerable increase in volumes for travel insurance, particularly from their customers who already hold car and home insurance policies.

The new travel insurance product will be available via a number of channels. A significant proportion of new policies are expected to be sold on-line and the product has been given increased visibility on the website, http://www.budgetinsurance.com.

The new products will also allow Budget to offer an exciting range of added extras, for example – up to three under 18s are included free per insured adult, winter sports are included as standard in all annual policies and a range of hazardous sports are covered automatically in all policies.

Will Price, Head of Product Development for the Budget Group of Companies said: “Travel insurance is an extremely competitive and growing market. InsureandGo are both specialist and innovative and can help us deliver a range of comprehensive products to meet our customer needs, at a competitive price.”

Perry Wilson, director of InsureandGo, said: “We are really delighted to be working with Budget as an affinity partner. We are positive that with our low cost, high value cover now in place, Budget will quickly see rapid growth in this area of their business.”

About The Author

Emma Fountain, Senior PR Executive of www.budgetinsurance.com for information, news and quotes for car insurance in the UK.

BUDGETpressoffice@BUDGETinsurance.com

10 Steps To A Satisfying Medical Appointment

2006-01-28T09:07:00.000-08:00

I want to post the following article because I think it is something that can help you when going to the doctor.

At one point all of us will have to visit a doctor. Why not make sure that you are getting the best results?

The Top 10 Steps to a Satisfying Medical Appointment
Kathleen Richardson

1. Decide how you want to be doctored.

Before you see a doctor for the first time, it might be helpful to think about how you want to be doctored. Are you looking for someone who will keep things short and to the point, getting you quickly through this appointment? Are you looking for a doctor who will take extra time to chat? Someone willing to patiently respond to your list of questions? Some of this will depend on whether the doctor is in private practice and sets his own schedule; or, is he part of a larger group and expected to see so many patients per hour or day.

2. Find out your doctor�s perspective.

Are you put off by your doctor�s continual harping about getting flu shots (It�s the worst flu season ever!, he dourly pronounces) and/or mammogram and/or a colon cancer test, etc. First, ask the doctor�s permission to discuss a subject that is very important to you. Asking permission is the polite thing to do (set an example for him!). Explain quietly what it is that he says that bothers you and how it makes you feel. Offer him the same opportunity to explain why it is so important to him to hand out these warnings. It may be that he does it because it really is important to him that he find any problems before they become too serious. He may feel terrible when a patient develops a problem that could have been found early and more easily taken care of. Although you may still decide to not have a particular test, you�ll now have a different perspective of why he says what he says.

3. Take along a list of all your medications.

Every time! Every doctor! Keep them all informed. Every doctor in your life, whether or not he/she prescribes meds for you, needs to be aware of what others have prescribed. Medicines might be causing one of your symptoms. Some medicines should not be taken at the same time as others. Doctors cannot give you the best care if they don�t have all relevant information.

4. What shall I wear?

First, think about what this doctor visit entails. Will the dermatologist be examining your entire body? Or will your family physician be checking for an earache? Will it be necessary for you to take off your shoes only, a few articles of clothing, or strip off everything? What can you wear so that you can quickly and easily remove the necessary clothing?

Additionally, if this is a new doctor and you�ll be required to remove most of your clothing, feel free to take along your own robe. The ones provided by the nurse are typically skimpy and may leave you feeling exposed and cold! If you have not yet met this new doctor and the nurse asks you to take off your clothes, you might want to consider stating your need to first meet and talk with the doctor while wearing your own clothes and sitting in a chair. This is your right.

5. Relax.

Use that waiting time in the examining room to lean back and close your eyes. I like to turn off all but one light. If there is a window, turn them all off; maybe you�ll even want to close the blinds. Do some deep breathing. If moving around relaxes you, stand and do some stretching exercises. Visualize how you would like the visit to go: positively, of course.

6. Ask someone to accompany you.

You have the right to take someone with you into the doctor�s office and into the examination room. It�s always a good idea to check on a new doctor�s policy regarding this. If the doctor is not receptive to the idea, you might want to find another doctor.

Why have someone with you? Do you tend to get very nervous on these visits? Having a relative or friend can be calming. This extra someone can remind you to ask the questions you want to ask, and they might suggest a new question based on what they hear. This same friend or relative can role-play with you before the appointment and then, after you leave the doctor�s office, help you talk about what happened.

7. You�re paying for a service.

The doctor is the expert on medicine and disease. You are the expert on your body. It doesn�t matter if you pay with insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or cash, you have hired the doctor and he works for you. You have the right to expect courtesy and an excellent quality of service. Any complaints, try discussing them with the doctor in a calm, factual manner. If you are unable to get satisfaction, move up the chain of command. If the need arises, every state has some type of medical regulatory agency.

8. Now you�re finally talking with the doctor.

Remember to take an occasional deep breath. Pause before you answer his or her questions. Be prepared with your written list of questions. Even if it�s just one question, write it down so you don�t forget. If you don�t understand the response, ask the doctor to re-word it. Write down the answers. Read back what you have written, or paraphrase it and ask if you got it right. Doctor�s time is limited; lots of other patients are waiting, so start asking your questions early on rather than waiting until he stands up to leave the room.

9. Stick to the subject at hand and be concise.

You came to see the doctor about heartburn? Before you dive in with other ailments, ask the doctor if there is time for questions on another problem or should you make another appointment. The doctor has a limited amount of time to spend with each patient. Remember how it feels to sit in the waiting room past your appointed time.

10. Pay up and schedule.

The appointment is over. Congratulations, it was a great visit and you might even be looking forward to the next appointment. If the doctor asked that you come back at a certain time, ask if you can schedule it now or do you need to wait until it�s closer to the date. This is the time, too, to ask if you will need paperwork for blood tests or other exams.

The doctor has to make a living, too. Although your mind is now on your great health or a recently diagnosed illness, the bills still have to be paid. Your choices: provide your health insurance information, pay cash, or make arrangements for scheduled payments.

About the Author
Kathleen Richardson is a graduate of the Coachville Graduate School of Coaching. She established Life Coaching On Your Way To The Top in 2001 and in 2005 she branched out as a Volunteer Management Coach where she uses 20 years of experience to help non-profits attract volunteers. Her monthly column, It�s Your Life, is featured in the Elmira NY Star-Gazette�s Health & Fitness magazine. Kathleen Richardson may be contacted at http://www.onyourwaytothetop.com. Click here to view more articles by Kathleen Richardson.

Who Am I?

2006-01-28T08:27:00.000-08:00

Since coming back from Thailand I have been actively distributing information on getting your plastic and cosmetic surgery done in Thailand.

I have been accused of being biased and representing doctors. The truth is that I started doing this BEFORE ever going to Thailand. I had almost 4 years of research behind me before ever stepping on that airplane.

Was I scared? I sure was, but I knew that so many others had went there for their vacations and gotten things done, and they were fine. Not only that they were happy!

So I took the risk, and I said a little prayer. I vowed that if I came back in one piece and satisfied that I would do all I could to distribute my knowledge and experience all over the globe.

Do I get paid?

I was offered a proposal to get a percentage of the revenue that I created for certain hospitals in Thailand after I had my surgeries.

But I have since left that endeavor alone. I simply did not have any way of measuring who went where and had what done. I had no control of keeping up with the comission.

And it was not about making money off someone's surgery. That is not my objective.

My main goal is to offer tools to make things easier for the next person. That's all.

Enough said.

But If you want to buy me a beer or lunch we can talk. Email me enigma007@charter.net LOL

Facelifts in Canada

2006-01-28T07:16:00.000-08:00

I found that quite a few people are traveling not only to Thailand but also to Canada for their Facelifts. The following is a link to a reputable place that you can check out if you're interested in other places besides Thailand.

Institute of Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Tarshis is a world renowned cosmetic surgeon specializing in facial area surgeries. The Institute is located in Toronto Canada.

You Have A Mind Of Y our Own

2006-01-28T05:16:00.000-08:00

.....and so does your body. Doctors don't know everything, but all too often I see people trusting doctors a litte too much.

They expect miracles and then blame the doctors when things turn out to be less than what they imagined. That's not fair to you or the doctor.

So here are a few simple things to keep in mind when you are dealing with medical issues.

1. Listen to your body. It's always sending you signals. Are you listening?

2. Get a third and fourth opinion on major a major diagnosis. (For example the doctor tells you that you have cancer)

3. Research your medical situation. The Internet is SLAM Packed with Information. Go to discussion groups about your medical issue. Go to websites. Print out journals. Dig Deep. Why be in the dark about what's happening with your body?? This is your LIFE we're talking about here!

4. Ask your doctor questions. If he or she is worth anything, he or she will be happy to answer your questions and give you ways to find out more information.

If your doc gets offended or displays a negative reaction towards you - RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!! Find another doctor!

5. I've got to say this is again - LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! If it doesn't "feel right" then it's time you re-evaluate your options. Plain & Simple.

Till next time

Mr. Enigma

Censorship on other Blogs

2006-01-26T19:00:00.000-08:00

I had posted on a Dr. John Saia's blog. He's a plastic surgeon in California. I had posted similiar information that I posted here and he deleted my postings.

Evidently the blog is created for his own ego and not to actually help inform others.

I'll copy and paste the comments with HIS opinion included. I don't censor, even if I don't agree, I still include it in my blog.

I won't lie, I do have an ego, but I am always working on putting it in check. This is not about "winning" some interet blog fight. This is about dispersing information that other people can use.

Anyway here is the copy of the postings:

"enigma, i am a patient of the doctor and YOU sir, are an asshole.

i have more to say, but you know, like the good doctor, i tend to just get to the point.

i suspect your research would be biased to the point that you would be LOOKING for issues and problems even if they don't exist.

Further, i highly doubt that you or anyone you know would put YOUR potential patients through the interogations loosely presented as 'consultations' that dr. d puts his patients through.

you would not have the guts.
Anon | 01.26.06 - 9:50 am | #

The former comments by Enigma who reported that he was a physician and had had surgery in Bangkok were deleted. Mess with me on my blog and you go bye bye.

I am simply reporting the news from other sites (in this case national news). I myself have seen a fair number of hacks from Mexico offering cheap surgery and providing infections and mayhem. I am not alone in seeing this. I have also not ever said you cannot get good surgery outside of the US. You just take more risk. I review cases of malpractice in the US for the California Medical Board and a few attorneys. Our medical problems in this country pale in comparison to that which I have seen elsewhere.

I suspect that you are a affiliated with a doctor outside of the US and are playing the propaganda game. Do it somewhere else.

-The management-
John Di Saia MD | Homepage | 01.26.06 - 1:59 pm | #

ohhh mannn...you aint stalking the halls with guns over there, are you?
Anon | 01.26.06 - 4:58 pm | #

"The former comments by Enigma who reported that he was a physician and had had surgery in Bangkok were deleted. Mess with me on my blog and you go bye bye."

Did you even read the postings I posted? I NEVER said I was a physician. LOL

Now you're supposed to be a doctor but you cannot read & comprehend simple postings. That makes me question your competence.

"Mess with me me on my blog...."
LOL you're a fruitcase. Yes go ahead and delete me. Hit that delete button HARD.

But it won't change the truth.

I think this blog is for yourself and serves no particular constructive purpose.

Buh-bye now Johnny
Enigma | Homepage | 01.26.06 - 7:01 pm | # "

Bias In The Western Medical Profession Pt. II

2006-01-26T08:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a story from Mayo Clinic Horror stories.
http://www.mayoinfo.com/horror/social_service.htm I have copied it here for you to read.

Mayo Clinic is thought to be one of the best places to get medical are in the USA. There are other big famous hospitals all over the world who have these kinds of horror stories, but for some reason the western doctors are never talking about those. And furthermore, they are not even talking about their own botcheries.

The Mayo Clinic had always loomed larger than life in my growing up years in Rochester. Vague memories of when my twin brother and I got into too much aspirin as a child and of "going through the clinic" as a 4th grader over worries about academics, melds with stark memories of my wife's treatment for brain cancer and her physician's offer of a home visit the night she died. More recently I remember an acute appendicitis and the excellent surgeon who saved my life and made it possible for me to graduate in time to replace the oncology social worker at Mayo in 1989.

Throughout, I have had the deepest respect for the integrity and competence of this Clinic, these marvelous people, who had twice saved my life, and made it possible for my wife to enjoy her last days with her young family, pain free. Changing careers from industrial technology and teaching to practical nursing and homemaking for my family, and later to medical social work made it possible for me to give back some of what I had learned, as a result of these life affirming events.

It is time for me to try to find some way to respond again after the life changing events that Social Service supervisors started and Mayo administrators have (apparently) finished, after my termination for whistle-blowing in 1991. It has taken me five years to come to this point of understanding. I share my story with you, both to assist me in coming to terms with it, and to attempt, one more time, to influence the systems and attitudes that allowed this situation to progress unchecked for over 10 years.

Starting work in oncology at Methodist Hospital a month before I graduated, I was eager to start off on the right foot and live up to the standard that "the needs of the patient come first". So, despite the lack of an orientation period or mentoring from oncology social workers, I sought out knowledge and wisdom from the oncology team of physicians, nurses, chaplains, aides and therapists who welcomed me and taught me what I needed to know. The work was quickly satisfying and rewarding and I would be in that position today, had I received any effective support from my Social Service supervisor Martha Holtan.

Despite obvious success in integrating into the oncology team, where I spent over 95% of my time, I could do nothing right in the eyes of my supervisor, even though she never actually observed my work with patients or even visited my work area at Methodist! One to four hours of supervision a month at the Clinic, quickly became a 'therapy' session in which my supervisor 'diagnosed' my shortcomings and demanded that I come up to her personal (but elusive) standards, "or else". Social Service colleagues tried to help me understand her methods but were relieved that they were "off the hook", for they too had been her "project" at one time or another. I responded by trying harder and acting on her "suggestions" only to be faulted again and again in a continuing treadmill of unattainable expectations. When I was threatened with termination the first time, joint sessions with the Section Head Vickie Moore, seemed to make matters worse and I looked forward to the day when my supervisor would begin to focus her hazing methods on a new supervisee.

I received the required social work license from the State of Minnesota in the fall of 1989, and asked my section head for the required mentorship and clinical supervision from a master's level social worker. This requirement was much like that of any other professional residency or apprenticeship program. My direct supervisor Martha Holtan didn't have a master's degree and couldn't provide the required clinical supervision or mentoring. The Section Head Mike O’Brien's continual offers to circumvent the requirement by "signing off" on forms brought more tension to the supervisory relationship. I didn't find out until after I was fired in 1991, that my requests for required clinical supervision, brought unwanted attention to the fact that my direct supervisor, Martha Holtan was practicing social work at the Clinic without the license required by law. My supervisor was later cited by the State Board of Social Work. Both Section Heads and Paula Horner, another supervisor, were also cited for violation of the licensing laws in their failure to report her unlicensed practice. Every other social worker at Mayo received the required clinical supervision which I was repeatedly denied.

In the Spring of 1990, My supervisor Martha Holtan, breached patient confidentiality by requiring me to provide her with complete, detailed, personal information about one of my patients and his family, during supervision. I found out much later that this patient was a personal friend and a St. Mary's colleague of my supervisor, when she stated her intent to become actively involved with his terminal care at home. My written report to the Section Head Vicki Moore, was rejected out of hand, and my supervisor never spoke another civil word to me again. The verbal and non-verbal harassment continued until I was fired. This, despite two formal complaints, and corroborating evidence of harassment and abuse from other workers including two eye-witnesses.

My insistence on a change of supervisors, after a denigrating performance evaluation, brought more scrutiny and pressure to conform to inflated documentation standards and a continuing treadmill of unobtainable goals from my new supervisor. The pressure to resign or be terminated was unrelenting. Only the satisfaction of my work with patients, the supportive relationships of my colleagues on the oncology service, and my belief that more effort and information about my actual work with dying patients would turn the situation around, motivated me to continue. I was wrong.

My termination was planned in December of 1990 during an investigation of my complaint about my supervisor's harassment of me. Personnel intervened to delay my termination until the "proper" documentation was in place. My new supervisor Paula Horner routinely started each supervisory session with: “I have a concern”. When she could find nothing but criticism for my work, I told her that I believed I was being set-up for termination. Her silence and ruby red face told me the truth. I was suddenly terminated November 15, 1991, despite an improved performance evaluation and my direct supervisor's hesitancy to support termination.

With no notice and the directive to "leave your cases on your desk and leave the building," I notified the oncology service the next morning (a Friday) of my departure and met with my replacements to consult on current patients who needed immediate discharge planning. This led to an angry call from my Section Head Mike O’Brien objecting to my presence in the hospital. Apparently the ethical requirement for case consultation and timely transfer to a new social worker had eluded him completely.

The following Monday I received a call from Douglas Parks from Personnel informing me that I was no longer welcome on Mayo property. I told him that I would be on Station 54 at Methodist hospital all day with my father who was recuperating from prostate cancer surgery. Doug Parks replied:

"Mike O'Brien has told me that he has notified security that you were not to be on Mayo property. Security is prepared to physically remove you if you show up anywhere on Mayo property including the hospital."

To avoid causing any disturbance that would impact my father's recovery I decided to avoid Methodist Hospital entirely that day even though the rest of our family was at work or unable to be there for him.

Dad died suddenly that evening, alone, and I never got to see him alive again.

The impact of these events on my personal life and my family has been severe. The stress of the conflict at work was a significant factor in the breakup of our marriage and supportive relationships in the neighborhood. My father's death came a month after my uncle's death, two weeks before my aunt's death and in the middle of my divorce proceedings and custody study.

My efforts to obtain work were frustrated by negative phone calls by social service colleagues to prospective employers, which had the effect of casting me as a trouble maker. Several successful interviews resulted in no offer and no explanation after a final interview was suddenly canceled. It appears that I have been effectively blacklisted. The financial drain of 3 & 1/2 years of unemployment has left me bankrupt and with out a home after depleting everything I had saved for my family. After a series of temporary short term jobs, I remain out of work and dependent on my family. I never thought that anything or any one could persuade me to leave my home town and my family. It looks as if I was wrong.

The personal cost to me while severe, come at a greater cost to the Mayo tradition of honesty, trustworthiness, and strict attention to the highest standard of professional conduct. These Mayo traditions have been severely compromised by Social Service leaders who had personal career concerns (promotion, retirement, or retention) which prevented them from addressing their obligations to patient care and ethical practice.

I have tried to address these issues in the belief that the truth would certainly be heard by someone. Two internal complaint committees had to deal with obvious lies by social work supervisors. (For instance, one would think that it would be easy, even for a committee, to determine definitively, the effective date of a state licensing law). Even when the lies were defined and documented, the committees failed to respond. The head of Personnel at the time Tony Enquist, threatened "serious consequences" if I continued to pursue the matter which he described as "sensitive" to the chief administrative officer John Herrell.

Jill Beed in the legal department made several half hearted attempts to buy silence with money after I sued, but would not address the issues of harassment, reprisals, breech of patient confidentiality, and cover-up.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) decided over a 5 year period, that it was I who "probably" was at fault, despite the State of Minnesota's statements to four supervisors that they had violated licensing laws. NASW made their own complaint to the State Board about my involvement in the complaint process, violating their own rules! This resulted in a State Board hearing and a five minute deliberation, finding no problems with my practice, but not before a two year investigation by the Attorney General's office had taken its toll. My former section head Mike O'Brien, even went so far as to file a state board complaint falsely accusing me of denigrating my supervisor's reputation when I reported her illegal unlicensed practice!

My lawsuit against the Clinic was doomed from the beginning by Mayo's high priced outside counsel Dorsey and Whitney of Minneapolis, where Walter Mondale is a partner. Interestingly enough, Tom Tinkem couldn't keep a straight face when I mentioned the lack of notes and documentation from Doug Parks about my father's death. This makes me wonder what damaging documents have been withheld or destroyed to ensure the lawsuit would be dismissed for "lack of evidence". The various courts involved, including the Minnesota Supreme Court, could not agree on the reason for dismissal but they all agreed that this case should not be heard in open court with witnesses and facts present.

It was the State of Minnesota Board of Social Work who found that my supervisor Martha Holtan, was in violation of licensing laws by practicing without the required license. The Board also found that Vickie Moore, Mike O'Brien, and Paula Horner had violated their duty to report her unlicensed practice. Apparently professional ethics and licensing laws are of no concern to Mayo, as those issues have been covered up and have not been addressed at Mayo to this day. The social workers involved are either enjoying a Mayo paid retirement or have retained their supervisory and administrative positions of influence over subordinates serving patients.

The other issue that has not been addressed is the cover-up. Certainly, if the needs of the patient come first, as the public statement of professional responsibility suggest, it would be necessary to address the issues of patient confidentiality, of harassment and reprisal, violations of State licensing laws and professional ethics and the cover-up of responsibility for these "mistakes". Just the fact that this process resulted in 7 & 1/2 years of legal work involving untold numbers of people and non-productive hours, tells me that something is desperately wrong with internal oversight. The amount of money spent on outside lawyers in this case, tells me there was significant responsibility avoided by Mayo.

It continues to amaze me how, otherwise intelligent people, can avoid sitting down with all the relevant facts on the table to discuss their mistakes and problems and how to avoid them in the future. In 11 years we have yet to do just that.

Well, that's my story, my understanding to date. I've finished with every process that I can think of. I wanted to clear up any partial information or misunderstandings that the adversarial and largely non-productive legal process has engendered over the years. I remain committed to working with the dying and bereaved, where truth telling and integrity seem to be effective for all concerned. Maybe you will have an opportunity to influence the attitudes and systems at Mayo one day. I hope that reprisals are a thing of the past, when you do.

Bias In The Western Medical Profession

2006-01-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

This morning I did a search on plastic surgery blogs and came across a doctor who was also blogging. He had a series of posts where he talked about the botch jobs in other countries, particularly bangkok Thailand.

His blog states that there you will get the truth about plastic surgery.

Now I won't tell you that there are no botch jobs done in Thailand, or any other country for that matter. The doctors are still human beings, and even the best doctor can have a bad day or bad surgery.

But why is it that westerners are so quick to run to find news on botch jobs of other countries but NEVER post any botch jobs of hospitals in their country???

The argument is always that if something goes wrong you have no legal recourse in another country.

On paper that sounds good but, what if something goes wrong in the USA ?

Look at this news release about one of the THE BEST places to get medical care in the USA - The Mayo Clinic
http://www.oppenheimlaw.com/meningitis-malpractice-suit-mayo-clinic-florida.html

Just because you CAN sue does not mean that a mistake in your medical care WILL BE FIXED or RIGHTED.

You will most likely need TONS of money, time and energy to get into a legal battle with a doctor or hospital.

Court cases can take years or even decades.

Ultimately its wise to weigh all options carefully and to know more than just superficial cliches that so many people, even doctors themselves say.

Remember doctors don't know everything, they are only humans. Find out as much as you can for yourself and don't ever rely on anyone else to feed you information.

Below is a copy of an article I found at http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/mistakes/common.htm

It will help you get a more balanced view of your medical system in your country as compared to Thailand or other countries.

How Common Are Medical Mistakes?

They are too common. Although exact estimates are difficult to find, it is not surprising that an industry as stretched, complex, and burdened as the medical industry is fraught with errors. Many errors go unreported and tracking their exact prevalence is difficult. Nevertheless, bearing in mind that about 2.5 million deaths occur annually in the USA, here are some of the statistics and death rate estimates from various reports:

42% of people believed they had personally experienced a medical mistake (NPSF survey)
44,000 to 98,000 deaths annually from medical errors (Institute of Medicine)
225,000 deaths annually from medical errors including 106,000 deaths due to "nonerror adverse events of medications" (Starfield)
180,000 deaths annually from medication errors and adverse reactions (Holland)
20,000 annually to 88,000 deaths annually from nosocomial infections
2.9 to 3.7 percent of hospitalizations leading to adverse medication reactions
7,391 deaths resulted from medication errors (Institute of Medicine)
2.4 to 3.6 percent of hospital admissions were due to (prescription) medication events (Australian study)

Various studies have been performed about medical errors. A phone survey by the National Patient Safety Foundation found that 42% of people believed they had experienced a medical error personally or to a relative or friend. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) reports on two studies estimating the hospital deaths due to medical errors at 44,000 to 98,000 annually, which would place medical errors in the top ten causes of death in the USA. Barbara Starfield's article in JAMA places the estimates even higher, citing a total of 225,000 deaths due to iatrogenic causes, which would place health-caused deaths as the 3rd leading cause of death in the USA. Holland et al (1997) estimates as many as 1 million patients are injured while in the hospital and approximately 180,000 die as a result, with the majority due to medication adverse reactions.

Nosocomial infections caught during a hospital stay are also common, although these are not necessarily due to an identifiable error by medical personnel. On the other hand, many nosocomial infections would be prevented if hospital staff placed greater emphasis on preventive measures such as hand washing and sterilization. Estimates of nosocomial infections are as high as 2 million case annually or about 10% of hospital patients in the USA. Death rate estimates range from 20,000 annually to 88,000 deaths annually. The cost burden may be as high as $4.5 billion annually.

IOM study: deaths from medical errors: An Institute of Medicine (IOM) study in 1999 cited two different studies placing the number of deaths due to medical error in hospitals at 44,000 and 98,000 annually in the USA. For comparison, the CDC reports that in 1999 there were roughly 2.4 million US deaths, which would mean the above estimates represent approximately 1.8% and 4.0% of deaths respectively. The CDC lists the following top ten causes of death in USA for 1999 (see deaths overview for more details):

725,192 from heart disease,
549,838 from cancer,
167,366 from stroke or other cerebrovascular disease,
124,181 from chronic lower respiratory disease,
97,860 from accidents,
68,399 from diabetes,
63,730 from influenza and pneumonia,
44,536 from Alzheimer's disease,
35,525 from certain types of kidney disease,
30,680 from septicemia, and
484,092 from other causes.

By either estimate, the results would place deaths from medical errors clearly into the top ten causes of death at either position 5 or position 9. Furthermore, since these reports were based only on hospital admissions, the real number of deaths from medical errors in a doctor's office, such as misdiagnosis or delayed treatment, may be much higher.

The above reports were based on estimates of the rates of hospital admission that results in death from adverse events. The reports found rates of adverse events at 2.9 and 3.7 percent of hospitalizations respectively, and these were extrapolated to the annual rate of hospitalizations in the USA of 33.6 million admissions in the USA 1997. About half of these adverse events were due to errors: 58% and 53% respectively.

How common are medication errors? The IOM report gives much detailed information about deaths and adverse events due to errors in medication. The report estimates that 7,391 deaths resulted from medication errors in 1993. The IOM report cites one study finding that about 2% of hospital admissions experienced a preventable adverse drug event, although the majority were not fatal. Medication error was cited as the cause of death for 1 in 131 outpatient deaths and 1 in 854 inpatient deaths. Errors in prescription and dispensing are known but difficult to quantify. For example, the IOM report cites an Australian study for 1988-1996 finding that 2.4 to 3.6 percent of hospital admissions were due to medication events, of which 32 to 69% were preventable. For more details, see medication errors.

Surgical errors: Death rates from anesthesia in surgery have declines massively to about 1 per 200,000-300,000 cases compared to 2 per 10,000 in the early 1980s.

Starfield JAMA article: Barbara Starfield's JAMA article (Volume 284, No. 4, 2000), gives very large estimates of death due to medical treatment. A total of 225,000 deaths are attributed to various iatrogenic causes. This figure puts them at the 3rd highest cause of death, only after heart disease and cancer. With roughly 2.4 million US deaths in 1999, these estimates would put iatrogenic causes at approximately 9.3% of deaths.

However, not all of these deaths are necessarily from "mistakes" with 106,000 deaths due to "nonerror adverse events of medications". In other words, people had adverse reactions to a medication but it was not an error because they had no previous indication of a risk factor. Another 80,000 deaths are attributed to nosocomial infections, which are also not necessarily due to a particular "error" since there is always a risk of infection in hospitals. Her report also cites 12,000 deaths from unnecessary surgery, 7,000 deaths from medication errors in hospitals, and 20,000 deaths in hospitals from causes other than medication errors.

National Patient Safety Foundation Survey: The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) commissioned a phone survey in 1997 to review patient opinions about medical mistakes. The findings showed that 42% of people believed they had personally experienced a medical mistake. In these cases, the error affected them personally (33%), a relative (48%), or a friend (19%).

References

National Patient Safety Foundation at the AMA: Public Opinion of Patient Safety Issues, Louis Harris & Associates, September 1997.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (National Center for Health Statistics), Deaths: Final Data for 1997. National Vital Statistics Reports: Deaths: Leading Causes for 1999. Volume 49, Number 11, October 12, 2001
Institute of Medicine (IOM), "To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System", 2000, online.
Barbara Starfield, MD, MPH, Is US Health Really the Best in the World?, JAMA, Volume 284, No. 4, July 26, 2000, html, PDF
Lazarou J, Pomeranz BH, Corey PN. Incidence of adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. JAMA 1998 Apr 15;279(15):1200-5, html, PDF
JAMA / volume:279 (page: 1216) Drugs and Adverse Drug Reactions: How Worried Should We Be? David W. Bates, MD, MSc April 15, 1998 html, PDF
EILEEN G. HOLLAND, PHARM.D., and FRANK V. DEGRUY, M.D. Drug-Induced Disorders, Volume 15, No. 7, November 1, 1997, html
Phillips DP, Christenfeld N, Glynn LM. Lancet 1998 Feb 28;351(9103):643-4 Increase in US medication-error deaths between 1983 and 1993. medline
National Academies, "Preventing Death and Injury From Medical Errors Requires Dramatic, System-Wide Changes" November 29, 1999, (press release)
Richard J. Bonnie, Carolyn E. Fulco, Catharyn T. Liverman, Editors; Committee on Injury Prevention and Control, Institute of Medicine, Reducing the Burden of Injury: Advancing Prevention and Treatment, online
Schuster M, McGlynn E, Brook R. How good is the quality of health care in the United States? Milbank Q. 1998;76:517-563. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?db=m&form=6&Dopt=r&uid=9879302

Things You Ought To Know First Before Undergoing Liposuction Surgery

2006-01-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

Things You Ought To Know First Before Undergoing Liposuction Surgery
by: Charlene J. Nuble

According to the medical dictionary of Medline Plus, liposuction is the removal of excess body fat by suction with specialized surgical equipments, typically performed by a plastic surgeon.

With the removal of excess body fat, the body appearance improves and evens out distorted body parts. Breasts, buttocks, abdomen, and the face area are some of the most popular body parts that undergo liposuction.

Foremost reason why people resort to liposuction is for cosmetic reasons. They want to eradicate "love handles", unsightly fat bulges, an abnormal chin line, etc.

Liposuction also helps improve sexual function by reducing fat deposits on the inner thighs, thus allowing easier access to the vagina.

Another reason for undergoing liposuction is body shaping that cannot be achieved by diet and/or exercise.

A note of caution, liposuction is not a cure for generalized obesity.

Liposuction is not as easy as just going to the doctor and telling him or her, "I want a liposuction right now." People who want to have liposuction must meet certain criteria:

1. There should be a preliminary consultation. This includes history of the patient, a comprehensive physical examination, and a psychological health examination;

2. There should be a second consultation to give time for the patient to think over the planned liposuction surgery;

3. If the patient is married, the spouse's presence may be required during the consultation;

4. The patient should ask questions about liposuction, express the reasons for the consultation, and must feel satisfied with the answers to their questions;

5. The patient must fully understand the pre-operative liposuction preparations, the liposuction procedures, and the precise post-operative liposuction care to avoid lethal complications;

6. The patient must have realistic expectations. Liposuction enhances the body appearance and boost self-confidence but it will never result to a perfect body.

Because liposuction is a medical procedure, there are risks involved. Some of the complications that may happen upon having liposuction are:

* Fluid imbalance due to the removal of a lot of liquid during liposuction and/or injection of large amounts of liquid during liposuction which can result to shock, heart problems, or kidney problems.

* Infections happen after any surgery and some physicians prescribe an antibiotic to patients having liposuction so it is important to keep the wound clean. Infections may be life threatening such as necrotizing fasciitis (bacteria eating away the tissue) or the toxic shock syndrome caused by bacteria associated with surgery.

* Embolism occurs when tiny globules of fat trapped in the blood stream blocks the blood flow to the tissue. This may cause permanent disability. Signs of pulmonary embolism are shortness of breath or difficulty of breathing.

* Drug reactions or overdose from lidocaine is fatal. Lidocaine is a drug that numbs the skin and large doses of this is used during liposuction. The effects of lidocaine are lightheadedness, restlessness, drowsiness, slurred speech, muscle twitching, and convulsions. Overdose of this drug may cause the heart to stop which is naturally fatal.

* Burns caused by the ultrasound probe during ultrasound assisted liposuction.

* Visceral perforations or puncture wounds in the organs may require another surgery and can be fatal. During liposuction, the physician does not see where the probe (canula) is, so it is possible to harm internal organs.

* Skin death (skin necrosis) occurs when skin changes color and fall off. This may also cause infection.

* Paresthesias is an altered sensation at the site of liposuction. This may be in the form of increased sensitivity in the area or loss of feeling. Some cases of this are permanent.

* Swelling

* Death

Given that the surgery had no major complications, recovery from liposuction can still be difficult.

The liposuctioned area appears larger than before because of swelling.

Special compression garments must be worn for two to three weeks to reduce swelling, bleeding, and to help contour the new body. The patient starts to feel better after a week or two after liposuction.

Walking is recommended after liposuction to prevent blood clots forming in the legs. Finally, exercise and diet will help keep your new shape.

What is Reconstructive Surgery?

2006-01-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

We bring back, refashion and restore to wholeness the features that nature gave but chance destroyed, not that they may be an advantage to the living soul, not as a mean artifice but as an alleviation of illness, not as becomes charlatans but as becomes good physicians and followers of the great Hippocrates. For though the original beauty is indeed restored . . . the end for which the physician is working is that the features should fulfill their offices according to nature's decree.

Gaspare Tagliacozzi, 1597

What is reconstructive surgery?

It's estimated that more that one million reconstructive procedures are performed by plastic surgeons every year. Reconstructive surgery helps patients of all ages and types - whether it's a child with a birth defect, a young adult injured in an accident, or an older adult with a problem caused by aging.

The goals of reconstructive surgery differ from those of cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma or injury, infection, tumors, or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.

Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem.

Although no amount of surgery can achieve "perfection," modern treatment options allow plastic surgeons to achieve improvements in form and function thought to be impossible 10 years ago.

This will give you a basic understanding of some commonly-used techniques in reconstructive surgery. It won't answer all of your questions, since each problem is unique and a great deal depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your doctor to explain anything you don't understand. Also, ask for information that specifically details the procedure you are considering for yourself or your child.

WHO HAS RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY?

There are two basic categories of patients: those who have congenital deformities, otherwise known as birth defects, and those with developmental deformities, acquired as a result of accident, infection, disease, or in some cases, aging.

Some common examples of congenital abnormalities are birthmarks; cleft-lip and palate deformities; hand deformities such as syndactyly (webbed fingers), or extra or absent fingers; and abnormal breast development.

Burn wounds, lacerations, growths, and aging problems are considered acquired deformities. In some cases, patients may find that a procedure commonly thought to be aesthetic in nature may be performed to achieve a reconstructive goal. For example, some older adults with redundant or drooping eyelid skin blocking their field of vision might have eyelid surgery. Or an adult whose face has an asymmetrical look because of paralysis might have a balancing facelift. Although appearance is enhanced, the main goal of the surgery is to restore function.

Large, sagging breasts are one example of a deformity that develops as a result of genetics, hormonal changes, or disease. Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is the reconstructive procedure designed to give a woman smaller, more comfortable breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.

In another case, a young child might have reconstructive otoplasty (outer-ear surgery) to correct overly-large or deformed ears. Usually, health insurance policies will consider the cost of reconstructive surgery a covered expense. Check with your carrier to make sure you're covered and to see if there are any limitations on the type of surgery you're planning. Work with your doctor to get pre-authorization from the insurer for the procedure.

ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK

When reconstructive surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy and healing ability and the outcome is never completely predictable.

As with any surgery, complications can occur. These may include infection; excessive bleeding, such as hematomas (pooling of blood beneath the skin); significant bruising and wound-healing difficulties; and problems related to anesthesia and surgery.

There are a number of factors that may increase the risk of complications in healing. In general, a patient is considered to be a higher risk if he or she is a smoker; has a connective-tissue disease; has areas of damaged skin from radiation therapy; has decreased circulation to the surgical area; has HIV or an impaired immune system; or has poor nutrition. If you regularly take aspirin or some other medication that affects blood clotting, it's likely that you'll be asked to stop a week or two before surgery.

PLANNING YOUR SURGERY

In evaluating your condition, a plastic surgeon will be guided by a se t of rules known as the reconstructive ladder. The least-complex types of treatments-such as simple wound closure-are at the lower part of the ladder. Any highly complex procedure-like micro-surgery to reattach severed limbs-would occupy one of the ladder's highest rungs. A plastic surgeon will almost always begin at the bottom of the reconstructive ladder in deciding how to approach a patient's treatment, favoring the most direct, least-complex way of achieving the desired result.

The size, nature and extent of the injury or deformity will determine what treatment option is chosen and how quickly the surgery will be performed. Reconstructive surgery frequently demands complex planning and may require a number of procedures done in stages.

Because it's not always possible to predict how growth will affect outcome, a growing child may have to plan for regular follow-up visits on a long-term basis to allow additional surgery as the child matures.

Everyone heals at a different rate-and plastic surgeons cannot pinpoint an exact "back-to-normal" date following surgery. They can, however, give you a general idea of when you can expect to notice improvement.

OPTIONS IN WOUND TREATMENT

In deciding how to treat a wound, a plastic surgeon must carefully assess its size, severity, and features: Is skin missing? Have nerves or muscles been damaged? Has skeletal support been affected?

As you and your plastic surgeon form your surgical plan, it's important to have a clear understanding of what will happen during the procedure. Asking questions is key to making an informed decision.

Direct closure is usually performed on skin-surface wounds that have straight edges, such as a simple cut. Maximum attention is given to the aesthetic result, taking extra care to minimize noticeable stitch marks.

SKIN GRAFTS

A wound that is wide and difficult or impossible to close directly may be treated with a skin graft. A skin graft is basically a patch of healthy skin that is taken from one area of the body, called the "donor site," and used to cover another area where skin is missing or damaged. There are three basic types of skin grafts.

A split-thickness skin graft, commonly used to treat burn wounds, uses only the layers of skin closest to the surface. When possible, your plastic surgeon will choose a less conspicuous donor site. Location will be determined in part by the size and color of the skin patch needed. The skin will grow back at the donor site, however, it may be a bit lighter in color.

A full-thickness skin graft might be used to treat a burn wound that is deep and large, or to cover jointed areas where maximum skin elasticity and movement are needed. As its name implies, the surgeon lifts a full-thickness (all layers) section of skin from the donor site. A thin line scar usually results from a direct wound closure at the donor site.

A composite graft is used when the wound to be covered needs more underlying support, as with skin cancer on the nose. A composite graft requires lifting all the layers of skin, fat, and sometimes the underlying cartilage from the donor site. A straight-line scar will remain at the site where the graft was taken. It will fade with time.

TISSUE EXPANSION

Tissue expansion is a procedure that enables the body to "grow" extra skin by stretching adjacent tissue. A balloon-like device called an expander is inserted under the skin near the area to be repaired and then gradually filled with salt water over time, causing the skin to stretch and grow. The time involved in tissue expansion depends on the individual case and the size of the area to be repaired.

The advantages of tissue expansion are many-it offers a near-perfect match of skin color, sensation, and texture; the risk of tissue loss is decreased because the skin remains connected to its original blood and nerve supply; and scars are less apparent than those in flaps or grafts. The expander temporarily creates what can be an unsightly bulge, making this option undesirable for some patients.

ADVANCED WOUND CARE: FLAP SURGERY/MICROSURGERY

Though success will largely depend on the extent of a patient's injury, flap surgery and microsurgery have vastly improved a plastic surgeon's ability to help a severely injured or disfigured patient. Using advanced techniques that often take many hours and may require the use of an operating microscope, plastic surgeons can now replant amputated fingers or transplant large sections of tissue, muscle or bone from one area of the body to another with the original blood supply in tact.

A flap is a section of living tissue that carries its own blood supply and is moved from one area of the body to another. Flap surgery can restore form and function to areas of the body that have lost skin, fat, muscle movement, and/or skeletal support.

A local flap uses a piece of skin and underlying tissue that lie adjacent to the wound. The flap remains attached at one end so that it continues to be nourished by its original blood supply, and is repositioned over the wounded area.

A regional flap uses a section of tissue that is attached by a specific blood vessel. When the flap is lifted, it needs only a very narrow attachment to the original site to receive its nourishing blood supply from the tethered artery and vein.

A musculocutaneous flap, also called a muscle and skin flap, is used when the area to be covered needs more bulk and a more robust blood supply. Musculocutaneous flaps are often used in breast reconstruction to rebuild a breast after mastectomy. This type of flap remains "tethered" to its original blood supply.

In a bone/soft tissue flap, bone, along with the overlying skin, is transferred to the wounded area, carrying its own blood supply.

A microvascular free flap is a section of tissue and skin that is completely detached from its original site and reattached to its new site by hooking up all the tiny blood vessels.

OTHER RECONSTRUCTIVE PROCEDURES

In addition to correcting cuts and other surface wounds, plastic surgeons also regularly treat both cancerous and non-cancerous growths and problems with the supporting structures beneath the skin.

Tumors, both cancerous and benign, vary widely in type, severity and recurrence. The removal method chosen will depend largely on the type of growth, what stage it's in, and its location on the body.

Skin cancers and growths are usually removed by excision and closure, in which the growth is simply removed completely with a scalpel, leaving a small thin scar. If the cancer is large or spreading, major surgery may be necessary, using flaps to reconstruct the affected area.

HAND SURGERY

Whether the defect is congenital or acquired, plastic surgeons can usually restore comfort, mobility, and normal appearance to patients with hand problems. Acquired defects include carpal tunnel and other painful conditions caused by pressure on the nerves (usually at the wrist or elbow); trigger fingers, a condition caused by swelling of a flexor tendon in the hand; ganglion cysts, a benign cystic growth and scar contracture which occurs when a wound or burn on the hand heals poorly and forms scar tissue that curls the fingers or restricts mobility. Dupuytren's disease causes a similar problem of hand contracture.

Children born with syndactyly (webbed fingers) can benefit from finger separation, where a zig-zag-type incision separates the fingers and rearranges the tissue between them, preventing growth deformities. If a child had polydactyly (extra fingers), correction is often more than simply removing the extra digits. The surgeon may also need to balance the tendons of the hand and stabilize the remaining finger joints so that the hand functions as normally as possible. Plastic surgeons also reconstruct missing digits, including the thumb, which supplies half of the hand's function.

IF YOU'RE CONSIDERING LASER SURGERY...

In the past decade, laser technology has revolutionized many areas of plastic surgery. The laser's allure comes from its ability to "blast" away or diminish imperfections or growths with a minimum of bleeding, bruising, and scarring.

Currently, there are many types of lasers available, with many more under development. Therefore, it's important to understand that not all lasers are alike.

If you're planning to have laser surgery, it's best to find a doctor who is well experienced with, and has access to, a variety of lasers.

The yellow pulsed-dye laser uses a type of dye as its active medium. It has a pulsing beam that is heavily absorbed by hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color. This laser is often used for performing surgery on children who have pinkish birthmarks called port-wine stains. The laser destroys the abnormal blood vessels, lightening the birthmark to the point of being barely noticeable. Scarring, which was a problem with earlier laser models, is minimal with the yellow pulsed-dye laser.

The "pigment-blasting" laser family-the Q-switch ruby, the Q-switch YAG, and the alexandrite is a new group of lasers effective in eliminating the black and blue pigments of tattoos, pigmented lesions and the brown patches and spots that often occur with aging. Though the removal of decorative tattoos is considered a cosmetic procedure, the removal of "traumatic tattoos" is a reconstructive process. Traumatic tattoos occur when material particles are forced under the skin through an accident-as in an explosion or a collision.

The carbon dioxide laser, sometimes called the "workhorse" of lasers, is an invisible light absorbed by water, the primary component of human skin. When the beam is focused, it can cut tissue and seal blood vessels simultaneously. When defocused, it vaporizes. These characteristics make it the treatment of choice for removing warts and many types of skin growths.

The YAG laser has been shown to be effective in the surgery of various types of hemangiomas, which are skin growths with heavy concentrations of blood vessels. It delivers highly-focused energy and-unlike other lasers-its tip can be placed directly on the skin, mimicking a scalpel.

The argon laser is similar to the yellow pulsed-dye laser. The argon laser emits a blue-green light that is absorbed heavily by the color red. It is particularly effective in treating abnormalities that have a proliferation of blood vessels, such as blood blisters, "spider" blood vessels on the face, "strawberry" birthmarks, hemangiomas, and bulky vascular tumors.

The copper vapor laser is a newer type of laser that emits a yellowish light. Its uses include treating brown or red pigmented areas.

The number of laser treatments you'll need depends largely upon the size and severity of the defect. A child with a large birthmark may need six to ten laser treatments to achieve satisfactory results. Only one treatment may be needed to remove some small spider veins on the face.

Lasers have a number of valuable uses, but a laser should not be viewed as a "magic wand" that improves the results of any type of surgery. For traditional kinds of surgery and most plastic surgery, the scalpel is still the proven instrument of choice.

Looking Better After Plastic Surgery

2006-01-22T19:34:00.000-08:00

Looking better after plastic surgery

Most people are eager to return to work and social activities after plastic surgery. How quickly you do so depends on two factors: how you feel and how you look. Your surgeon will let you know when it's physically safe to resume your normal activities. But only you can decide how comfortable you feel with the way you look.

Almost everyone has some temporary cosmetic side effects from plastic surgery, such as swelling, bruising, or visible incision marks. It may be days, weeks, or even months before these signs disappear and you can fully appreciate the results of your surgery. But there's no need to sit at home and wait. There are a variety of makeup products and techniques that can be used by men, women, and teens to camouflage the temporary side effects of surgery and help you face the world with confidence and ease.

Here we will introduce you to the kinds of products available and show you how to use them to your best advantage. It may take some practice. But the skills you learn now will serve you well right after surgery and in the long term, helping you to enhance the permanent effects of your cosmetic surgery.

WHEN TO START

It's best to ask you surgeon's advice before you start using camouflage cosmetics. Most people can begin applying makeup to cover bruising or disguise swelling as early as a day or two after surgery. If you want to hide incision lines, you'll need to wait until the stitches have been removed and the incision is completely closed.

After nose surgery, you can normally use makeup as soon as the cast is removed. With a chemical peel or dermabrasion, if a crust has formed you'll need to wait until it's completely gone.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

You may use special camouflage products recommended by your plastic surgeon, commercial camouflage products available in many large department stores, or even a standard makeup that you already use.

The important thing is to look for products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance free. If you're happy with the products you currently use, you can continue using them after surgery--but buy fresh ones with new applicators so they'll be as clean as possible.

There are three basic approaches to camouflage cosmetics: concealing--hiding incision lines and bruises; color correcting--neutralizing color in reddened or yellowish skin; and contouring--disguising swelling and creating the illusion of highlights and shadows.

CONCEALING

Concealers are thicker and more opaque than regular foundation makeup. They can cover healed incision lines as well as scars or bruises on your face or body.

Choose a concealer that's opaque and waterproof, but creamy enough that it doesn't pull on your skin when you apply it. If you can find a concealer that closely matches your skin tone, you may not have to use a foundation on top of it.

It's not a good idea to use concealer on the thin, delicate skin around your eyes, since concealer is thick and will collect in the creases. Instead, try using a normal fluid foundation, color corrector, or eye makeup alone.

COLOR CORRECTING

Color correctors are used to disguise the yellowish shade of a bruise or the overall redness that follows chemical peel and dermabrasion. They come in tints: lavender corrector neutralizes yellow tones, while green corrector removes red.

Less opaque than concealers, color correctors have the same consistency and sheerness as foundation. They're generally used under your foundation.

CONTOURING

Contouring can be applied anywhere on the face, but it's most often used to disguise the swelling that accompanies nose surgery and facial implants. Contouring creates dimension using light and shadow: lighter areas appear to come forward, while darker areas recede.

You'll need two separate products for contouring: a highlighter, which is about two shades lighter than your normal foundation; and a contour shadow, about two shades darker than your foundation. (You probably won't find products labeled highlighter and contour shadow. Just look for the appropriate shades of foundation makeup or pressed power.)

Blending is the key to successful contouring: you want to create the illusion of angles without seeing stripes of makeup. The techniques of contouring are subtle and take some practice. Once you're adept, however, you can use contouring to create "higher" cheekbones, narrow your nose, or minimize a swollen chin.

REMOVING CAMOUFLAGE COSMETICS

Camouflage cosmetics tend to be thicker and more adherent than everyday makeup, so it's important to remove them every night. First, use a cleansing cream that removes all of your makeup. Then use a gentle, alcohol-free toner applied with a cotton ball to remove any cleanser residue. Follow this with a moisturizer formulated for your skin type: oily, dry, or combination.

Getting The Breasts You Want

2006-01-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

800cc Breast Augmentation Translating the Jargon and Getting the Breasts You Want
by: Jeff Lakie

Many women say that they would like bigger breasts without really considering precisely what 'bigger' means to them. Even the ones who know exactly the look they aspire to - and have seen it modelled perfectly on their favorite celebrity - think in the terms that have been familiar to women since they bought their first training bra: cup size. But when it comes down to the nitty gritty of breast augmentation, surgeons generally use different terminology, and while the words '800cc breast augmentation' means something very specific to a plastic surgeon, the women that the things are going into are thinking, 'What on earth?'

Many women, when contemplating breast surgery, have a particular vision of what they would like to look like post operation, but achieving the desired look is not always straightforward. While women will think in terms of cup size, the implants that a surgeon will use to augment your breasts do not operate according to this kind of measurement. Implants are filled with liquid, usually saline or silicone gel, and so they are measured accordingly. It is estimated that each cup size you would like to increase is worth approximately 236cc, but unfortunately, this is not the exact science we might imagine it to be.

An 800cc breast augmentation, for example, will not result in the same look when implanted in different women. While an implant of that size will unquestionably result in a breast of significant size, there are many other factors that will contribute to the overall look of the augmentation. Apart from the different types of implant that are available, including shapes that can be round or teardrop shape, much of the final look will depend on the woman herself, and her original shape. For this reason, it is important to choose a breast implant based on cc measurements alone - the same implant can look vastly different when inserted into different women, depending on many factors including the patient's weight, the amount of original breast tissue present, and the shape of the patient's chest cavity. This is why it is immensely important to take seriously the opinion of your surgeon. He or she is a medical professional who, through experience, will be best qualified to indicate the implant most likely to achieve the look you want.

If you have a precise image of how you would like your breasts to look post surgery, it is best to provide your surgeon with visual aids, as words can create vastly different images for different people. Before your surgery, collect photos of breasts that look the way you would like to appear, so that your doctor can translate this into the material, shape and ccs that give you the breasts you've always wanted.

Thailand Diving Tour

2006-01-22T19:27:00.001-08:00

Thailand Diving Tour
by: Tara Alton

Are you ready to take the plunge? Receive your professional PADI dive certificate while staying at one of the most beautiful and unspoiled stretches of whitesand beach in all of southern Thailand. We are offering a package on the dates of June 10 through 20, 2005 that will include:

* 2 nights in Bangkok at a cozy, centrally located guesthouse with pickup from airport if desired
* 5 nights at beachside resort including meals, accommodation, 4 day dive course certificate, and transport to and from with guide.
* Visit to elephant sanctuary within a national park
* 1 night in Hua Hin
* 2 additional nights in Bangkok

Our stay in the south cannot be rivaled in terms of comfort, quality and beauty. We will have the white sands and crystal blue waters virtually to ourselves. When not diving, options abound such as enjoying a relaxing Thai massage, swimming laps in the Olympic sized pool, playing beach volleyball, going on a firefly or squid boat tour in the evening or simply enjoying a good book under the palms. First rate accommodations include air conditioning, hot water and cable TV in every room.

For nature lovers, the grounds at the resort host the most exotic and beautiful flora in Thailand. In addition, fruits and vegetables are grown organically and eggs are raised naturally to supply the restaurant. The resort also utilizes a water reclamation system to irrigate the grounds, makes compost using kitchen scraps to fertilize the garden and uses energy efficient air conditioning in its newer rooms. In the ‘Play + Learn’ garden (Plearn) you can learn about the sustainable agriculture practiced here.

Our trip will also include a stop at an elephant sanctuary in a National Park. This is a rare opportunity to get off the beaten track and observe elephants, an esteemed national symbol, in their natural habitats. With a one night stop in Hua Hin, known for outstanding food and shopping, our package includes it all. While in Bangkok, your guide will navigate you through the sights, sounds and smells of this great city. Temples, restaurants, shopping and more!! We’ll show you the way.

This paradise has so much to offer, we invite you to come with us!

Itinerary

June 10

* Available pickup from airport and drop off at Bangkok guesthouse.

June 11

* Breakfast included today. Bangkok tour day, visit temples via river boat, China town and other highlights of the city.

June 12

* Breakfast included. Travel day; down to resort.

June 13-16

* PADI dive course at resort. Meals and accommodation included.

June 17

* Stay in Hua Hin tonight via elephant sanctuary visit.

June 18

* Travel day; back to Bangkok

June 19

* Bangkok day; What would you like to do? Museums, shopping, nightlife…we’ll get you there! Breakfast included today.

June 20

* Trip commences, breakfast included. Optional airport drop off if desired

Email us at :customerservice@eastmeetswestshopping.com for more information.

About The Author

"Your guide, Tara Alton has lived in Thailand and travelled extensively throughout the country. She has a strong knowledge of Thai culture, customs and society. In the city and country, she will provide highlights and 'must sees' for every type of traveller as well as the istorical, social and environmental background of the areas in which we are travelling. Tara has travelled to Thailand throughout her life and upon completing college, spent a year there teaching and volunteering for a Thai environmental organization. Tara will not only guide you on this tour, but will serve to make your journey as comfortable and enjoyable as you wish. Our goal is to provide you with a helpful companion and a knowledgeable resource in one. As a half Thai, native of California, she is well equipped to help bridge the cultural gap between foreign visitors and Thais and make this an informative, enlightening and enjoyable trip for all."

customerservice@eastmeetswestshopping.com

Thailand's Vegetarian Festival

2006-01-22T19:27:00.000-08:00

Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival
by: John Turner

First time visitors arriving in Thailand at the start of any October might be puzzled by the myriad of eye-catching bright yellow pennants displayed by street vendors or nowadays even strung out in front of restaurants. What it simply means is that the annual Vegetarian Festival is upon us once again.

This unique Thai festival had its origins on the southern island of Phuket some 180 years ago and has gradually spread to virtually all parts of the kingdom. Rather surprisingly, it is actually of Chinese origin and not really Thai at all. It began among the Chinese immigrants who had flocked to Phuket in the early 19th Century to work in the tin mines that once provided the island’s economy. According to local historians, about the year 1825, a mysterious epidemic struck the Chinese miners and their leaders met to discover the cause. They noted that the traditional Chinese rituals were being neglected, and the mining community was accordingly ordered to undergo a period of fasting as a penance. After nine days, the disease vanished as mystifyingly as it had arrived.

Now no one likes going hungry for days on end, so the village elders decided on a compromise. They vowed that each year on that anniversary the Chinese on the island would practice a period of cleansing by adopting a vegetarian diet. Offerings to the Chinese divinities would naturally be made and a strict code of conduct would be followed, which included sexual abstinence and foregoing the consumption of alcohol. As the years went by, something bizarre also took place. Individuals spontaneously began to be “possessed by spirits” during the festival and would take to impaling themselves with sharp object or slashing themselves with razor sharp knives. Yet once the spirit had left them, there would be no visible wounds or even the slightest scars. This Hindu like self-mutilation naturally drew Thai tourists to the island, and these Thais carried the idea of a vegetarian festival back to their home provinces.

Nowadays, the Vegetarian Festival is observed in virtually every fair sized city in Thailand. The yellow pennants one sees bear a Chinese character in red, with the Thai word “jeh” next to it. Both mean vegetarian. Any vendor displaying these flags will be selling flesh free food and the restaurants will have adapted their usual recipes to meatless cooking.

In Bangkok, the Vegetarian Festival is best seen in Yaowarat – the city’s picturesque Chinatown. It begins there on the first day of the 9th month of the Chinese lunar calendar with ceremonies similar to those on Phuket. Even before that, Chinatown residents will have started stocking up on vegetarian meat substitutes – usually high protein soy bean products, and it has been estimated that meat sales drop by as much as 70 percent during the ten days of the festival.

But the festival is not merely limited to Chinatown or the Chinese-Thais. Many ethnic Thais and even foreign expats welcome the change to a vegetarian diet, and perhaps one restaurant in five will switch over. In fact, vegetarian tourists have been known to plan their visits to the kingdom to coincide with this period.

The dishes offered during the Vegetarian Festival are nothing short of delightful. All of the Thai favourites are available, but with a slightly different twist. Instead of tom yam gung (spicy shrimp soup), there will be tom yam jeh (spicy vegetable soup). Gaeng matsaman, a delicious southern Thai curry made with chicken, potatoes, onions and peanuts, instead will have the chicken replaced by tofu. Gaeng kiao wan, a mild green curry usually made with chicken or fish, will now be made with soy protein. Mushrooms of all types will be used in abundance, and the big yellow Japanese soba noodles are used to produce a version of kweitiou pat Thai (noodles fried Thai style) that is well worth waiting for.

In fact, Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival is probably one of the best times to visit the country, even though it does fall within the rainy season. After all, you can always carry an umbrella. And the choices of food offered at this time of year rival the best of any cuisine that Asia has to offer.

So next time you come to Thailand, look for those yellow pennants. If it is not that time of year, just tell your waiter you want to try the aharn jeh, the dishes on the vegetarian menu. Most restaurants will have one. It makes a pleasant break from the usual meat heavy diet that is so common in the west.

Aharn jeh aroy mahk! Thai vegetarian food is delicious. Try it and see if you don’t agree. You should also visit us on http://www.foodinthai.com where you will be introduced to the origins and types of Thai food, Thai cooking, courses and the various Cooking Schools in Thailand. We hope you will stay with us and enjoy learning more about it.

About The Author

John Turner lives in Bangkok and recently started work on http://www.foodinthai.com which is a journal where he hopes to capture some of the rare and very special moments he has experienced during the time he has spent in the Kingdom of Thailand

Basics Of Breast Augmentation

2006-01-22T19:26:00.000-08:00

Basics Of Breast Augmentation
by: Stephen Kreutzer

Breast augmentation is one of the most sought after plastic surgery procedures. Women of all ages, sizes and walks of life get breast augmentation. For some women the choice is a matter of looking better, for others it may be a way to aid recovery after breast cancer. Whatever the reason it is still surgery. Surgery should always be taken seriously and before undergoing this surgical procedure a women should know as much as they can about it.

Breast augmentation is surgery to enhance or change the size or shape of the breast. Women seeking this procedure are cautioned to understand that it will not solve problems they may be having in their life. Unrealistic expectations regarding breast augmentation can lead a woman to regretting her decision. What breast augmentation can do is help the way you see and feel about yourself.

There was once a lot of media attention directed towards breast implants. Silicone implants were found to be susceptible to leakage which could cause health problems. Today the only approved implants are saline implants. Saline is a natural product already found in the body and leakage, if any, is not threatening. Other concerns, however, are still present with saline as with silicone.

There are always risk with surgery. General risks can range from infection to anesthesia problems. Complications that are specific to breast augmentation include, loss of sensation, problems being able to breastfeed in the future, and hardening of the implant. The most common complications are breast pain and numbness. The most serious complication that can occur are toxic shock syndrome, implants breaking the skin and skin dying.

The long term look at breast augmentation shows that many patients will have a need for at least one additional surgery within 10 years. There have not been studies to indicate how long an implant will last, but it is proven that they can break.

Breast augmentation is an expensive procedure. Most insurance companies do not cover this surgery. It is very important to understand why you want the surgery, what results can be achieved and what long term effects can occur. Reversing the surgery means extra pain and money.

Thailand Rock Climbing

2006-01-22T19:25:00.000-08:00

Thailand Rock Climbing
by: Rick Chapo

Mention Thailand and images of beaches, elephants and Bangkok come to mind. Less known is the fact Thailand rock climbing is some of the best in the world.

Thailand Rock Climbing

Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is bordered by Cambodia, Burma and Laos in the north and Malaysia in the south. The shape of the country is somewhat similar to Italy, and you’ll find similar differences between northern and southern Thailand that you do in Italy. For rock climbing enthusiasts, the south of Thailand is where the action is.

The rock formations in Thailand are almost universally limestone. The level of climbing can be as simple as bouldering or as challenging as tackling over vertical cliffs. This makes Thailand a popular rock climbing destination since it has a little something for everyone.

Krabi

Located on the southern section of the “tail” of Thailand, Krabi has a wide variety of rock climbing challenges. Most of the climbs in this area are of the pre-bolted sport route variety. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of climbs with difficulty levels from beginner to multi-pitch knuckle crushers.

The beauty of climbing in Krabi is…well, the beauty. While you might have visions of jungles and mosquitoes when thinking of Thailand, Krabi is an area of a different sort. Most of the climbs have been set up on cliff faces on the beach. Being natural capitalists, the Thai’s have built hotels, bars and so on at these locations. As a result, you can literally climb a multi-pitch route for five hours, cool off with a swim and then have a beer. If there is such a thing as a rock climbing heaven, many feel Krabi is it.

Before you cash in your savings, keep in mind that Thailand is a seasonal vacation spot. If you go during the wet season, there is a good chance you’ll just end up sitting around drinking beer. While that isn’t too bad, you’ll go crazy looking at the climbs that are so close, but oh so far away.

Generally, you want to head to Thailand from late November through maybe April. The summer months tend to be both incredibly hot and wet. Make sure you pull up forecasts for the area before booking a trip.

Flying to Thailand is inexpensive, but flights are incredibly long with stopovers. Still, it is all worth it once you experience Thailand rock climbing.

The Top 10 Breast Augmentation Problems, And How YOU Can Avoid Them!

2006-01-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

The Top 10 Breast Augmentation Problems, and How YOU Can Avoid Them!
by: Karen Beaumont

1. Your reason for wanting Breast Surgery is the right one.

The only person you must be having your Breast Augmentation operation is for YOU, and nobody else. It must not be for your boyfriend, husband or because of peer pressure. It is not anyone else who must live with the end results - it is YOU!

2. You have spent time choosing the Plastic Surgeon that understands YOUR needs.

Do not choose the first surgeon you see (unless they have come highly personally recommended and you hit it off straight away). Research and meet more than one, even if there is a small consultation fee involved - better to spend a small amount up front than spend more money resolving any problems!

Make sure they listen to everything you are saying, and are sympathetic to your needs and answer all your questions to your satisfaction. If you feel a good rapport with the surgeon, this is a good indication that they are in touch with you.

Get to know what to look for, what credentials your surgeon has and verify them.

3. Your chosen surgeon has outlined what they will do in the case of problems.

Your chosen surgeon may well be able to perform your surgery to your satisfaction, but what will they do if you do encounter unforeseen problems? Problems can happen, although rarely, so know that they are available on constant emergency call-out, and get a feeling for how they care about you post-operatively. The last thing you want is a “here today, gone tomorrow” type of surgeon.

4. You know what size implants are right for you.

The general requirement is to “go bigger”, but how big is bigger? There are several ways you can check just what final size will suit you:

a. The rice test

Fill plastic bags with dry rice, place the filled bags into the desired bra size, then try on your clothes. Walk around and generally get a feel for how it looks and feels for you. Try adding more or less rice until you are totally happy. You will need to weigh the rice, and convert this into CC or ML to get a direct representation of how it relates to implants.

b. The water test

Similar to the rice test, but place (warm!) water into plastic bags and perform the same tests. It is easier than the rice test as once you are happy with the size, the amount of water can be poured into a measuring container, and the CC or ML amount relates directly to the method of measuring implants.

c. Implant sizers

Your surgeon will have implant sizers in various sizes for you to try and get a feel for what you will look like. This is not as ideal as the rice or water tests, as unless you can take them home, you cannot try on a different selection of clothing and take your time to get used to the “new you”.

5. You fully understand the type of implants that are right for you.

a. Saline or silicone
b. Textured or smooth
c. Round or shaped

What you need is to do your homework, talk to your surgeon, and decide on what is right for you to meet your own personal needs.

Understand the implant manufacturers guarantee for their product.

6. You know what type of implant placement you need.

There are really 2 type of things to consider here:

a. Under the pectoral muscle or over it.
b. High or low profile

Again, do your homework by researching the Internet which is full of this type of information, and discuss with your surgeon, as each person has different needs. Be aware of the advantages and risks involved in your choice.

7. You know what type of incision that will be used.

There are 4 main choices:

a. Underneath the breast in the breast crease.
b. An incision in the nipple.
c. An incision in the armpit.
d. An incision in the navel.

Each has its advantages and risks, plus each surgeon has their own experience and choices. Understand what will be best for you, and balance this with the risks and your surgeon's experience with each type of incision.

8. You understand the risks, and are comfortable with them.

All surgery involves risks, which there is no getting away from. These risks are minimal, but still exist. Understand the risks by researching them and talking to your surgeon. Give your surgeon all the information you possibly can about your own medical history, and that of your immediate family.

You must be happy that the risks are so small that you are prepared to accept them, and that if anything does happen, your surgeon is fully equipped to deal with them.

9. Your partner understands what is involved.

Although your Breast Augmentation is being done for reasons that satisfy your own personal needs, if you have a partner, then he will be involved in helping you through your recovery. Let him know what is involved, and what he can and cannot do, and the timeframes involved, i.e. resuming sex, how much and how hard any touch you will be able to bear and for how long, the fact that you will need to wear a support bra day and night for 6 weeks, etc.

The last thing you want is a freaked-out partner when you are feeling less than your normal self. Six weeks can be a long wait, which may not be the case for you, but they must understand the full implications.

10. You know what will be required for your recovery post-operatively.

If you want to recover from your operation in as relaxed and comfortable way as possible, then BE PREPARED! This means both mentally, and practically.

Ensure you have a good support team around you to help with any children, household chores, transport, work, etc.

Make sure where you will be recovering for the first few days will be equipped with everything you will need, not excluding any pain medication you may need (which should be recommended and/or provided by your surgeon, but check).

Prepare yourself by having at least 2 good support bras in your new size, along with lose fitting clothing, preferably that does up at the front and does not require any arm lifting to put on/take off (any stretching will be out for at least a few days).

About The Author

Karen Beaumont is the author of the best-selling book "Boob Job Secrets". Download the first 2 chapters for free, from this link: http://www.BoobJobSecrets.com

Cosmetic Surgery - Vanity Or Healthy Choice

2006-01-22T19:21:00.001-08:00

Cosmetic Surgery – Vanity or Healthy Choice?
by: Rex Ryan

Cosmetic and plastic surgery has long been associated with vanity, but mounting evidence suggests that in many cases cosmetic surgery can offer substantial health benefits. Nose jobs can offer real health benefits in addition to improving the symmetry of the face. Face lifts have been shown to increase life expectancy. And eyelid surgery can create significant vision benefits for some people. All of these examples show the lines between aesthetics and real health benefits can blur when examining plastic surgery procedures.

Rhinoplasty, or nose jobs have health benefits beyond the aesthetic appeals of the procedure. In many cases, rhinoplasty can substantially improve breathing difficulties. In cases where people have broken their nose, the cartilage can become constricted, creating breathing problems. Rhinoplasty can alleviate this, along with snoring problems associated with constricted nasal passages. Many people who have persistent sinus problems have remedied the issue with rhinoplasty.

Face lifts have long been considered a purely cosmetic procedure for people to fight the effects of aging. However, evidence shows that face lifts actually can have health benefits. A study performed at the Mayo clinic reviewed data from 250 women who had undergone face lifts in the ‘70s. The data showed that on average, women who received face lifts outlived their counterparts in the general population by 10 years. The self esteem factors attributed to looking and feeling younger as a result of the face lift are cited as possible reasons why these patients lived longer.

Eyelid surgery known as blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove fat--usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. While the procedure does have cosmetic benefits, it can also provide real health benefits to those who have vision problems caused by excess skin around the eyelids.

Gastric Bypass surgery, while not often considered “cosmetic surgery” can be viewed as a surgery to improve appearances. Like liposuction, it reduces an individual’s weight through surgical means. However, the health benefits of losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight are well documented and accepted. Losing weight is a perfect example of how health benefits and aesthetic benefits can both result from the same surgical procedures.

Most who have significant dental problems will view fixing those problems as a mandatory concern. Braces were once considered strange, but now are commonplace. People who lose teeth in accidents don’t think twice about the vanity associated with replacing those teeth. Indeed, they argue that replacing broken or lost teeth is necessary for healthy eating function, as well as restoring appearance. Improving speech through dentistry has been long accepted for its benefits, and without the taboos associated with many cosmetic surgery procedures.

Cosmetic surgery is not just for vain people who want to improve their aesthetic appeal. In many cases, the real benefits of cosmetic surgery make the aesthetic improvements just an added bonus when compared to the health benefits the procedures can provide. As cosmetic surgery becomes more common, the lines between purely cosmetic and self esteem benefits and real measurable health benefits will increasingly blur. As the health benefits of cosmetic surgery become more apparent and documented, the acceptance of the procedures by the public at large will continue to climb.

Cosmetic Chin Surgery - The Final Facial Touch

2006-01-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

Cosmetic Chin Surgery - The Final Facial Touch
by: Jeff Lakie

When either cosmetic or plastic surgery are mentioned to us, our thoughts run immediately to breast implants or liposuction, but there are many other procedures available that although they might not receive the same attention of their more obvious counterparts can have a huge impact upon both the appearance and the self confidence of a patient. One of these unsung heroes is cosmetic chin surgery, which can exert a profound effect that belies the ease with which it can be performed.

Cosmetic chin surgery is a relatively simple procedure that is usually performed in about an hour or so. Scarring is minimal, and though the patient might be limited to a liquid diet for the two or three days following surgery, recovery time is typically fast, and patients are back to their usual routines within a couple of days. Side effects, including the risk of infection or numbness in the area, are rare, making the benefits of cosmetic chin surgery far outweigh the risks.

And the benefits are striking. Those of us with ample chins have probably never noticed how they suitably frame our facial features, creating a sense of balance in our face. A smaller or receding chin can set this balance awry, placing a disproportionate emphasis on other features, such as the nose, particularly if this is already large - in fact, chin and nose surgeries are commonly performed in a complimentary fashion, in order to balance the patient's features, and release their true beauty.

Cosmetic chin surgery involves the simple insertion of an implant through an incision made either underneath the chin or in the mouth. The implant will be custom designed for each patient, insuring that the client achieves precisely the look that they and their surgeon have agreed will be most flattering to their features. The surgery can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic, and is usually done on an out patient basis - meaning that before the day is out, you will be at home again, waiting until your bandaging can be removed so that you can see the new you, in all your glory.

Cosmetic Surgery: Do You Really Want One?

2006-01-22T19:20:00.000-08:00

Cosmetic Surgery: Do You Really Want One?
by: Peter Lenkefi

Advertisements of cosmetic surgery have been seen in newspapers, featured on television programs, displayed on the faces of celebrities.

Cosmetic surgery offers to improve many areas of the body. But as with any surgery, cosmetic procedures involve certain risks and limitations.

To increase the likelihood of a satisfying outcome, first examine your reasons for wanting cosmetic surgery.

Then educate yourself about what you can realistically expect, the benefits and risks involved and how to find a qualified surgeon. Understand these issues to make the best decision for you.

Why consider cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic surgery aims to change your appearance by altering parts of your body that function normally but make you unhappy. This differs from reconstructive surgery, which doctors use to restore the appearance and function of body parts affected by congenial defects.

If you're dissatisfied with your appearance, you may be interested in cosmetic surgery. Despite possible risks, and though each person's experience is unique, some research suggests that both may be likely following a cosmetic procedure.

Those who seek out cosmetic surgery generally have a positive self-image, despite also being unusually focused on one or more aspects of their appearance. In fact, some may even feel better about their overall appearance.

Postoperative surveys find that those satisfied with the results perceive benefits including:

Greater self-confidence

Improved social lives, sex lives and interpersonal relationships

Increased enjoyment of leisure activities

Is cosmetic surgery for you?

Cosmetic surgery outcomes are most likely to be successful if you're in good overall health. It's also best if you:

Have realistic expectations. Anticipate improvement, not perfection. If you expect cosmetic surgery to turn you into a movie star, you're bound to be disappointed.

The spectacular results you see in the rich and famous can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Also don't count on surgery to save a rocky relationship, gain a promotion or make you the life of the party.

Chin Surgery - Cosmetic Surgery Information

2006-01-22T19:19:00.000-08:00

Chin Surgery – Cosmetic Surgery Information
by: T.Going

Chin Surgery – Cosmetic Surgery Information

The chin is one of the most noticed features of an individual’s face because other elements of the face such as the nose, and jaw are lined up with it. Chin surgery (or mentoplasty) procedures are designed to sculpt your chin into a more desired and attractive looking form.

The best candidates for mentoplasty are those who are in good physical and mental health, who have not been diagnosed with any diseases including bone disorders. Patients should not have an unrealistic expectation when going in for chin surgery. The procedure can make the chin more or less prominent, depending on the needs and overall look of the patient’s facial appearance.

Mentoplasty changes the chin’s shape by moving some of the bone forward, adding implants or in some cases, completely removing the bone altogether. Each procedure has different details and is dependent on what the patient’s needs are. A chin with a bone moved forward can help give the chin a stronger appearance. This is the same with adding an implant. The implants usually take around an hour and a half, but will ultimately have dramatic effects on one’s overall look. Removing part of the chin bone reduces a jutting jaw and can give a patient a more welcoming look. It is best to explain to your doctor what your needs are so an appropriate plan of action can be taken.

Recovering from the surgery is a simple process. The area around the chin will be sore and tender for a few days, and will probably turn black and blue. An important part of the healing process is to maintain proper dental hygiene, especially if an incision was made through the mouth to reduce scarring. After a few days, the support tape and bandages will be removed.

About The Author

T.Going

To learn more about chin surgery and other cosmetic surgery procedures by Dr. Sidney Eisenbaum please visit http://www.resource4cosmeticsurgery.com. This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.

Breast Reduction - Cosmetic Surgery

2006-01-22T19:18:00.000-08:00

Breast Reduction – Cosmetic Surgery
by: T.Going

Breast Reduction – Cosmetic Surgery

Breast reduction procedures are becoming more and more popular these days. This surgery is known as mammaplasties.

Large breasts can cause various medical problems due to the excessive weight on the chest in addition to skeletal deformities and sometimes breathing problems. Disproportionately large breasts can also lead to extreme self-consciousness.

Breast reduction is designed for women with these problems. The procedure removes particular amounts of fat, glandular tissues and skin from each side of the breasts. This allows the breast to become smaller, lighter and more firm. The surgery also can reduce the size of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple).

The goal of the breast reduction surgery is to give the woman smaller, firmer and better shaped breasts that will be more in proportion to her body.

Recovering from a breast reduction procedure is very similar to other breast surgery recoveries. After the surgery has been completed, you wil be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra. A small tube may also be attached in each breast to drain excessive blood and fluids.

Although this procedure is safe and has very few complications, you may feel some pain for the first couple of days, especially when you are moving around. General discomfort may last a week or longer, but your doctor will give you medication to ease the pain.

Most women can return to work and social events after around two weeks, granted they are avoiding strenuous activity.

About The Author

T.Going

To learn more about breast reduction surgery and Dr. William Adams, please visit http://texas.resource4cosmeticsurgery.com. This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.

Cosmetic Surgery Procedure - Buttock Lift

2006-01-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

Cosmetic Surgery Procedures - Buttock Lift
by: T.Going

Buttock Lift – Plastic Surgery

Every patient has their own individual needs for plastic surgery. Reshaping the buttock to the region of one’s body can be performed by a procedure called the buttock lift. Depending on the patient, sometimes liposuction and implants are also used to compliment the procedure and produce a more desirable shape.

Patients who have a large amount of loose skin on their buttock region are perfect candidates for a buttock lift. The operation will remove the extra skin and lift the buttock which results in an optimal position with tighter skin and a better texture. Although incisions are made during the procedure scars can be placed so that they are hidden beneath a swimsuit.

Occasionally buttock lifts are performed on patients who have also undergone tummy tuck or liposuction procedures. This procedure helps remove excess fat from the body but will sometimes leave behind loose skin that has lost its elasticity. On the other hand, some patients desire a fuller buttock shape which requires the use of implants. These implants are made of a material that can’t rupture, deflate or spill. This procedure is referred to as buttock augmentation.

Buttock lifts have gained popularity in the United States as of late. There has been a 152% increase in these procedures between 2002 and 2004. In 2004 there were approximately 4000 buttock lift procedures performed.

About The Author

T.Going

To learn more about Buttock Lifts and other cosmetic surgery procedures please visit http://www.resource4cosmeticsurgery.com. This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyper links.

Brow Lift - Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

2006-01-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

Brow Lift - Cosmetic Surgery Procedure
by: T.Going

Brow Lift – Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

Throughout life, natural signs of aging occur on all of our bodies. The forehead broadcasts a telltale sign of aging more so than any other place on our body. Fortunately a forehead lift is one of the easiest and among the most common procedures to fight the visible signs of aging. During the aging process the muscles and skin on the forehead begin to lose a great deal of elasticity and eventually causes drooping. This will give the appearance of fatigue, frustration and sometimes anger.

Smoothing out the lines and lifting the sagging skin will give the forehead a younger and more refreshing look. Generally most people choose to have a brow lift performed between the ages of 40 – 60, but because it’s such a quick and simple procedure, anyone can use it to enhance their appearance.

Today, brow lifts are generally performed using one or two techniques. The first technique is more traditional as it requires a lengthy incision along the hairline, starting at the beginning of one ear, and ending at the other. The hair on both sides of the incision line is tied back, and the forehead skin is separated from the tissue below. The skin is then stretched across the forehead and reattached within the hairline by tight stitches and sutures. Most surgeons then cover the area with surgical gauze and bandages, but some choose not to.

A less invasive procedure used to perform a brow lift is called an endoscopic brow lift. Instead of using one long incision, the doctor makes around three half inch cuts into the top of the scalp where a pencil thin scope is then inserted. The scope is connected to a camera which allows the doctor to view beneath the skin without having to cut it open.

While the camera is placed into one incision a surgical tool is used inside another. The forehead skin is lifted while the underlying tissues are smoothed out or removed entirely. The smaller incisions are then washed away and stitched. Depending on the doctor, sometimes they are covered with gauze or antiseptics.

Tummy Tuck -Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

2006-01-22T19:15:00.001-08:00

Tummy Tuck – Cosmetic Surgery Procedure
by: T.Going

A tummy tuck cosmetic surgery procedure will take about two to five hours, depending on the nature of the job. If you are only receiving a partial abdominoplasty it will probably only take between one to two hours.

The surgical procedure starts with a long incision across the hipbone directly above the pubic area. Another cut is then made to remove the belly button from the original tissue in order to place it back after the surgery is complete.

The next step is to separate the skin from the lower torso area of the pubic area to the ribcage, revealing the muscles underneath. The exposed muscles are then stitched together which forces them to conform to their new position. This will create a more toned and defined waistline. The skin is then pulled down to the area of the initial incision, sown together and any excess skin is surgically removed. A new cut is then made for the navel and gauze bandages and a temporary tube to drain away excess fluid.

The first couple days after an abdominoplasty are the most painful because this is the time when there is the most soreness and swelling. It is very important not to disturb the stitches and sutures during this time. After about five to seven days the doctor will remove the stitches and the patient will need to wear a specially designed support garment to ensure proper healing.

Returning to normal life after this surgery takes a bit more time. A great deal of the recovery has to do with your physical condition and the amount of physical activity performed after the surgery. Some patients can return to work as little as two weeks after the procedure, but others take longer to heal. After around nine months the scarring should subside, giving you the freedom to show off your new stomach.

Upper Arm Lift Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

2006-01-22T19:15:00.000-08:00

Upper Arm Lift – Cosmetic Surgery Procedure
by: T.Going

As the human body ages our skin becomes looser and less elastic, causing it to droop and sag. One of the most common places this effect of aging is seen is the upper arm. A growing number of men and women are having a procedure called brachioplasty performed to reverse this. Brachioplasty tightens and reforms the muscles of the upper arm into a more attractive shape.

This procedure starts with a small incision within the inside of the arm. The incision starts at the elbow and travels up to the armpit. The surgeon can then remove any excess skin. After the skin has been separated from the underlying tissue, the muscle is reshaped and reformed to better retain its shape. If needed, the doctor may choose to perform liposuction. The result will be a firmer and more attractively sculpted arm.

Depending on the procedure the recovery time from this operation can be somewhat of an extended process. If both arms are operated on, then the patient must have assistance during the first few days after the surgery. Both arms must be immobilized to ensure proper healing. The patient will also be required to wear an elastic support garment to compress and reinforce the new shape of the arm. This garment can generally be removed after about two weeks, but the area around the arm will still be bruised and swollen. This however, is completely normal. After about another week, the remaining staples and sutures will be removed. The final swelling should be completely gone after about two months.

The Hottest Cosmetic Surgery Trends Today

2006-01-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

The Hottest Cosmetic Surgery Trends Today
by: Dakota Caudilla

Today, cosmetic surgery is an extremely common procedure carried out on both the young and the old. Most cosmetic surgery patients want to look good, nip and tuck a little bit here and there in an effort to hide evidence of the aging process. Statistics show that most cosmetic surgery patients are women, but there seems to be an influx of men who are unafraid of going under the knife in order to look good. Hence, cosmetic surgery is now common in both women and men. And in this modern era, cosmetic surgery patients want to get optimal results from cosmetic surgery without having to fork out the insane amount that cosmetic surgery used to cost some decades back. Therefore, more and more ways continue to be developed to satisfy the needs of consumers.

Once upon a time, facelifts and liposuction were the only options open to cosmetic surgery patients. Other untested and unproven cosmetic surgery methods were called ‘high-risk’ or ‘alternative’ cosmetic surgery methods. When the cosmetic surgery procedure comes with a term like ‘high-risk’, consumers tend to be more hesitant.

While previous methods of cosmetic surgery aims to CHANGE the way a person looks, modern cosmetic surgery methods aim to help the patient look better, healthier, younger without having too much of their facial features or body parts altered. Indeed, patients show that they want the cosmetic surgery to be done as quickly as possible, as noninvasive as possible and require as short a recovery time as possible.

Instead of pulling, nicking and tucking skin away, the latest that the cosmetic surgery world has to offer is the noninvasive form of cosmetic surgery; the facial fillers. Instead of pulling skin tighter in an effort to reduce wrinkles, the facial filler cosmetic surgery method is a form of hyaluronic acid injected to fill out parts of the face to reduce signs of aging. Facial fillers also help erase unsightly acne scares, chicken pox scars or simply provide the face with more meat. It has been shown that this type of non-invasive cosmetic surgery lasts longer than collagen itself. And furthermore, undergoing this cosmetic surgery procedure, there is no risk of developing an allergic reaction associated with other types of facial fillers available in the market today!

Botox is also an extremely popular cosmetic surgery method. Botox helps relax the miscles, fades wrinkles slowly and fill in deep laugh and frown lines. Botox is also a non-invasive method that helps etch away the signs of aging slowly and inexpensively.

Cosmetic Surgery - A Personal Decision

2006-01-22T19:13:00.001-08:00

Cosmetic Surgery - A Personal Decision
by: Sandra Boyes

With the proliferation of TV shows and dramas about cosmetic surgery, you could be forgiven for thinking that getting a procedure done was no more difficult than going to the dentist.

And what is more, that all cosmetic surgeons were handsome and rich and cared for their patients.

Cosmetic surgery is no different than any other profession, there are good surgeons, who keep up to date with medical trends, who invest thousands every year honing their skills and knowledge and who deeply care for both their profession and their patients.

Then there are those surgeons who see cosmetic surgery as just another way to earn money, they may attend a course or two and maybe a convention once a year, purely for networking purposes. They see the patient as just another dollar earned. These doctors would be unprofessional no matter what specialty they chose.

The difficulty lies in how do we know which is which? When we are sat in the reception or the doctors office, diplomas on display and palms in the corner, how do we know?

Well, there are a couple of things that you can do and ask,that, speaking from experience, allows you to sort out the wheat from the chaff.

1.How do the reception staff treat you? Are they welcoming or aloof?

2.Is the work area organised? A professional practice will look professional.

3.Are the staff aware of your particular needs? Are they empathetic or 'cold'

On to your interview

1.Is the consultant open and willing to discuss his education and experience? Don't just trust the diplomas on the walls. What associations do they belong to?, get their addresses and phone numbers, talk to them and find out what membership entails.

2.Do not be intimidated. Remember, it is your body you are talking about. You have every right to ask any question you think is neccessary to enable you to make a decision to proceed or not.

3.Is the consultant happy to refer you to other previous patients? If they claim 'confidentiality', explain that you will be discussing personal issues, not professional and that they are running a 'business' and should be more than happy to provide references.

4.Does the consultant behave in a professional and confident manner? Beware of statements such as 'It looks like it should be easy enough' or 'This is very simple to do'. Surgery is always rife with danger, no matter how 'small' the operation. A professional knows this and never takes any procedure for granted.

5.Does he conduct a thorough check on your health and medical history and explain why.

6.Does he explain what post surgery will entail? How you will feel, how you will look, whether there will be pain, how long it may take to fully recover and what other follow-up will be needed, if any.

All these things go towards giving you an overall impression of whether this is the right surgeon for you.

The decision to go ahead or not is yours, should you feel pressured, even slightly, unless it is a health risk to you, move on to the next candidate.

Also, remember to trust your intuition. It is a powerful ally and will not let you down. You will know when you have made the right decision, your body and your mind will tell you.

The Basics Of Cosmetic Surgery

2006-01-22T19:13:00.000-08:00

The Basics Of Cosmetic Surgery
by: Sintilia Miecevole

It is not uncommon for a person to have something they would like to change about their body. Some people have abnormally large noses. Some women would like to see their bust size larger or reduced. Many people would like to decrease the fatty deposits in their tummies, hips and thighs! This is where cosmetic surgery can come in. When you have cosmetic surgery done, you are having a healthy, normal part of your body reshaped and changed for aesthetic reasons. These parts of the body don’t have to be changed. Cosmetic surgery should not be confused with reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is used strictly to enhance and improve the appearance of a given part of the body.

There have been many medical advances in cosmetic surgery over the last several years. Most cosmetic procedures can now be done as outpatient surgery. This can mean very little discomfort and very little time off from your busy life for recovery.

However, just as with any surgery, cosmetic surgery does have its risks. There are no guarantees with these types of procedures. The medical advances in cosmetic surgery have lessened the risk to those having a procedure done, but choosing to have this done to you should not be entered into lightly. Look for the smallest, most risk-free procedure you can get that will give you the greatest satisfaction and results.

It has been noted by many cosmetic surgeons that their patients do find themselves with more self-esteem after procedures have been done. When a person sees faults on their bodies, it can cause low self-esteem and even depression. The person who takes control and undergoes cosmetic surgery may see themselves in a new light, having fixed the fault they have seen on their bodies all those years. This can lead to higher self-esteem, confidence and satisfaction.

Although there are many types of cosmetic surgery, there are several specific procedures which seem to be the most commonly done. These five procedures are:

· nose reshaping (or a nose job)
· liposuction
· eyelid surgery
· breast enlargement
· facelift

One worry of those planning on having cosmetic surgery done is “Will it look natural?” If done correctly, cosmetic surgery should not be perceptible to others! Although those closest to you will probably see a change, those that have never seen you before should not be able to detect you ever had a procedure done. Cosmetic surgery should blend with your natural look and been consistent with your unique characteristics.

Tummy Tuck Cosmetic Surgery

2006-01-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

Tummy Tuck Cosmetic Surgery
by: T.Going

Abdominoplasty is also known as a ‘tummy tuck’ procedure that is used to reshape and firm the abdomen. This procedure involves removing excess fat and skin from the center of the lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscles of the abdomen wall. Generally this procedure is performed on women and people who have abdominal fat deposits that won’t respond to diet and exercise.

A complete abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure is performed by creating a small incision from one hip to the next (just above the pubic area). After this, another cut is made to free the surrounding skin away from the navel. The skin is detached from the abdomen wall which will reveal the muscles. The skin is then reattached and a new hole for the navel is created and stitched into place.

When preparing for your surgery it is best to listen to all of the instructions your surgeon gives you. This will most likely include guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking and what medications to take. Overexposure to the sun before surgery can slow down the time it takes to heal. Smoking is also not recommended for at least a week before your surgery.

After the surgery has been completed your abdomen will probably feel swollen and you will most likely undergo some pain and discomfort. Your doctor will provide you with medication to help you out during this time. Some people are able to return to work within two weeks of the procedure, while others take 3-4 weeks. Minor exercise will help you heal better, and it is recommended to start an exercise program to reduce swelling. Expect your scars to last for around 9-12 months after the procedure. While these scars will never disappear completely, most will not show under clothing and even bathing suits.

Bariatric Surgery: Cosmeic Or Necessary?

2006-01-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

Bariatric Surgery: Cosmetic or Necessary?
by: AllMed Healthcare Management

During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. Thirty states have obesity rates of more than 20 percent. Currently, more than 44 million Americans are considered obese, the result of our fast-food life style and lack of exercise.

As a result, more obese Americans are turning to bariatric surgery. In 1995, just 20,000 weight-loss operations were performed in the United States. Last year, physicians performed 103,000 bariatric surgeries, an increase of more than 500 percent. The projection for 2005 rises to 144,000.

These surgeries are in the range of $30,000 each and if complications arise, even more. Even though some health insurance groups do not include this surgery in their plan language, requests for independent medical reviews regarding bariatric surgery have surged over the past year.

Most of these reviews hinge on what's considered medically necessary or optional when it comes to bariatric surgery. As a claims manager, there are several issues to consider when making a decision about a patient's claim for bariatric surgery:

Is the person suffering from morbid obesity? (The term morbid obesity refers to patients who are 50-100% or 100 pounds above their ideal body weight.)

Has the patient failed one or more non-surgical multi-component weight loss programs? (Was this an evidence-based, integrated weight loss program — such as the one offered by the Ornish Program — that has sustainable, reproducible results?)

Does the patient have a medical illness related to obesity and is he/she willing to participate in a pre-surgery weight loss effort to improve the success of surgery? (Even a somewhat slimmer patient has reduced cardiac risk.)

Can the patient make the lifestyle adjustment necessary to sustain weight loss? (Many of the dietary limitations are more severe than those needed to lose weight in the first place.)

Only by answering these questions, or using the expertise of your IRO, can you make an informed decision as to whether the claim is medically necessary or considered a cosmetic procedure.

Laser Eye Surgery – Will Insurance Pay? Determining the Medical Necessity of “Cosmetic” Treatments

2006-01-22T19:10:00.000-08:00

Laser Eye Surgery – Will Insurance Pay? Determining the Medical Necessity of “Cosmetic” Treatments
by: AllMed Healthcare Management

Eye wear may be a fashion accessory, but when you depend on it for seeing the world, it’s a lot more. Today, many people are turning to refractive laser eye surgery, such as Lasik surgery, to improve their vision. However, this high-cost surgery is normally not paid for by insurance because it fails to meet the conservative therapy test and is classified as cosmetic. This trend is shifting.

We are seeing an increasing number of circumstances where refractive eye surgery is determined to be medically necessary and, therefore, payable by the insurance provider. For example, if conservative therapy treatments fail or if a patient is intolerant of contact lenses and cannot wear glasses because they might pose a risk in their job (e.g. police or firefighters), refractive eye surgery may be the most medically viable treatment option.

Conservative Therapy Options:

Examples of conservative therapy treatments include the following:

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) – a refractive laser surgical procedure that is often done (and covered) for a patient that suffers from recurrent corneal erosion (e.g. diabetics). With PRK, a laser is used to remove corneal tissue to correct vision problems.

Patching, epithelial debridement (mechanical removal of faulty tissue), and bandaged contact lens placement – treatments that often don’t work.

Stromal puncturing – a procedure involving the physician puncturing the anterior corneal stroma – can also be used but can fail or result in permanent vision loss. In such cases, PRK is the best alternative for removing the damaged cells (or membranes) and possibly correcting the vision problems.

Physicians can help patients who are in medical need of laser eye surgery make a stronger case by initiating the following:

Document a full medical history of the patient’s eye complaints

Show proof that the patient has not responded to conservative treatments and that the purpose of the surgery is for medical reasons other than simply improved eyesight

Still, even when the physician does this, each decision is taken on a case-by-case basis and is subject to the extenuating circumstances clearly noted in the patient’s medical record.

Where's The "Plastic" In Plastic Surgery?

2006-01-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

Where's The "Plastic" In Plastic Surgery?
by: Mike Jones

Don't be looking for the Dupont Company sales rep the next time you visit a Plastic Surgeon's office because, despite popular belief, there's no "Plastic" in Plastic Surgery. The name is taken from the Greek word "plastikos" which means to "mold or shape."

Initially plastic surgery procedures were limited to facial and body reconstruction caused by accidents, trauma, illness or birth defects. As people began to see the purely cosmetic possibilities, many surgeons expanded their services to include facelifts, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), breast augmentation and liposuction.

It's important to know the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery, especially if you're planning on having your insurance company foot the bill for your procedure.

Cosmetic surgery is performed solely to improve a person's outward physical appearance and self-esteem by correcting naturally occuring conditions that the patient is unhappy with. Cosmetic surgery may be performed by either a Plastic Surgeon or a Cosmetic Surgeon. Cosmetic surgery is generally not covered by health insurance.

Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to correct or reduce the effects of congenital defects, accidental trauma injury, infections, tumors, and other health-related conditions. It's primary purpose is rarely to simply improve appearance except for extreme cases involving major facial or bodily damage resulting from automobile accidents, etc. Plastic Surgery may only be performed by a Plastic Surgeon.

In most cases insurance does pay for plastic surgery although there are some cases where your claim may be reduced or denied completely. That's why it is always important to coordinate the planned procedure with your health insurance provider BEFORE you get the procedure.

Often times the difference between whether or not your insurance company will cover the bill is the REASON for the procedure. If, for example, you are having your nose reshaped because you're unhappy with your profile -- no deal. You're on your own. However, get that same nose job because your doctor has diagnosed a chronic breathing problem that results in the potentially dangerous condition known as "Sleep Apnea" and you could end up with a new nose courtesy of your health insurance provider!

If you are planning to visit a Plastic Surgeon, keep the following items in mind:

Your plastic surgeon should be "Board Certified" by the American Board of Plastic Surgery;

If your doctor will be using anesthesia then make sure that only a licensed Anesthesiologist administers the medicine and make sure that the facility where the procedure is being performed is accredited by at least one of the following organizations:

American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities(AAAASF)

Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

Although making sure that all of these certifications are present is no guarantee of a trouble-free experience, NOT having these certifications means that both the doctor performing plastic surgery, as well as the people who run the facility, have a serious lack of regard for your health and well being! You should NEVER use an uncertified plastic surgeon or facility. The risk is simply not worth it.

What Do Plastic Surgery Pictures Look Like?

2006-01-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

What Do Plastic Surgery Pictures Look Like?
by: Jeff Lakie

The plastic surgery pictures usually come in pairs. One shot is taken before the operation, the other - after it. You can see them almost at every plastic surgery website and finding them is not a problem. Trouble begins when you want to use them to make up your mind about the results of the plastic surgery you want to have.

Which plastic surgery pictures are the good ones?

It is very easy to retouch these pictures. And I'm not talking only about using Adobe Photoshop - such plain dishonesty won't work in the long run. But plastic surgery pictures can be taken in such way that they will hide more than they will show. Look only for the pictures that have the qualities described below:

(1) There should be several plastic surgery pictures of one patient. They should be taken from different angles to give you better view of what actually has changed.

(2) The patient should not wear any makeup. It is quite common to take “before” shots when patients don't wear any makeup and “after” shots - when they wear it. Such plastic surgery pictures are almost useless.

(3) The lighting should be similar in both “before” and “after” pictures. Playing with lighting can change things in the plastic surgery pictures just as good as the Acrobat Photoshop.

How can we actually use them?

The first usage is quite obvious: we use plastic surgery pictures to see what we can expect from, for example, breast augmentation. But there is also one more way we can use them. You simply HAVE TO see the plastic surgery pictures of you prospect doctor's patients. Almost all patients in plastic surgery clinics are photographed, so all the photos should be available at the clinic. If they refuse to show them or if they don't match the “good plastic surgery pictures” description (see above), you'd better reconsider your decision. Even if they aren't the effects of doctor's dishonesty, they tell about sloppiness of the clinic's work. If they can't take the proper pictures, how can they perform the serious and delicate surgery?

Should You Get Plastic Surgery?

2006-01-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

Should You Get Plastic Surgery?
by: Jeff Lakie

These days, plastic surgery is often much maligned, and while the apparent levity with which it is sometimes undertaken and its almost epidemic-type spread can seem rather worrying, the benefits of plastic surgery can easily be overlooked. While there is an overwhelming array of various plastic surgery horror stories reported in the press, the quiet stories of success often remain untold. For the right candidate, plastic surgery can truly be a life-enhancing procedure.

It would be wonderful to live in a world where everyone is truly accepted, regardless of their physical appearance, and while this type of world might one day evolve, these days, being different is undeniably difficult. For those people who suffer under the weight of a single feature that seems to swallow the rest of them whole, plastic surgery is simply the door to a new life. One of the first things that many patients notice after surgery is how the correction of this feature can bring a sense of balance to their whole appearance. For the woman with big breasts or the man with prominent ears, the hated feature can dominate their self perception, and its alteration to a state that blends in more easily with those of others, truly allows the rest of their self, both physically and spiritually, to blossom.

The most important element of the plastic surgery picture is the surgeon who will perform the procedure. A good plastic surgeon will first evaluate the patient's suitability for treatment, both physically and emotionally, and will help them to approach the surgery with realistic expectations. A good surgeon will adapt the problem feature to match not only the patient's physical appearance, but their personality also, allowing the person who has been hiding behind the perceived imperfection to really shine. Because this is what plastic surgery does, at its best - it does not have the power to change the way a person feels about themselves, but in changing something that has been oppressive to the patient, it allows them to find their confidence again.

World-Class PLastic Surgery

2006-01-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Currently I'm working on providing a system or database for people to get their information on plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery.

It's not just about nose jobs, face lifts or liposuction. It's also about general surgeries that you can't get covered from your insurance plans.

Let's face it, unless you have a zillion dollars, you'll want to know what other options there are for getting the right kind of medical care.

Here in the United States we are paying outrageous fees in medical care.

Here's what I pulled up from The Congressional Budget Office (Cbo.gov)

"In recent years, the number of uninsured people in the United States has been pegged at approximately 40 million, or about 16 percent of the nonelderly population."

That's a lot of freakin people NOT including the elderly!!

I don't know about you, but if I live long enough to become an elderly person I'd definitely not want to have to worry about being able to AFFORD my health.

I mean come on this is ridiculous.

But for now that's modus operandi in the USA. So what can you do about it?

Well for those who are not getting all of their procedures covered there's still hope. There has been a growing tend over the years of people going to other countries for their medical care.

Back in the "old school" days, it was mostly celebrities or the rich who went on "vacation" and came back with a nose job or 20 lbs thinner. They went to places like Africa, India, Costa Rica, Mexico, Brazil, and Thailand.

Ever heard of a medical vacation? Sounds crazy but hundreds of thousands of people are taking them every year.

One such place is Yanhee Hospital in Bangkok Thailand.

Yanhee is Asia's Biggest International General Hospital. That means it does it all, everything from Pediatrics to Tatoo removal.

Breast Augmentation
Breast Reduction
Rhinoplasty (nose job)
Liposuction
Hair transplant
Tummy Tuck
Facelift
Dermabrasion
Botox
Chemical Peel
Detox (Colonic)
Urology
Gynecology
General Physicians
Dental Cosmetic Treatment

And more. I have personally been treated there and can tell you from first hand experience it is one of the BEST places to get treatment.

If you're interested in knowing more you can email me at enigma007@charter.net Subject line "Thailand".

Thai History

2006-01-22T08:02:00.000-08:00

I'll be visiting Thailand again in a few short months and realized that I did not know much about the history behind my experience. So this morning I decided to do a little digging into the history of Thailand.

Many people are getting plastic cosmetic surgery in Thailand and are not even aware of the rich culture they are immersed in. Other people are getting plastic surgery and find that there is a whole other world of exciting and amazing things waiting for them.

For example, not many know that the King of Thailand was actually born in California. And we all know the Governor of California was born in Austria.

How's that for irony! hahaha

Here's a quote I got from http://sunsite.au.ac.th/thailand/thai_his/origin.html

"Thailand (previously known as Siam) has been populated ever since the dawn of civilization in Asia. There are conflicting opinions of the origins of the Thais. It presumed that about 4,500 years. the Thais originated in northwestern Szechuan in China and later migrated down to Thailand along the southern part of China. They split into two main groups. One settled down in the North and became the kingdom of "Lan Na" and the other one is in further south, which afterward was defeated by the Khmers and became the kingdom of "Sukhothai".

However, the Thai history has been changed by the archaeological excavations in the village of Ban Chiang in the Nong Han District of Udon Thani province in the Northeast. From the evidence of bronze metallurgy, it now appears that the Thais might have originated here in Thailand and later scattered to various parts of Asia, including China.

The controversy over the origin of the Thais shows no sign of definite conclusion as many more theories have been put forward and some even go further to say that Thais were originally of Austronesian rather than Mongoloid. What the outcomes of the dispute may be, by the 13th century the Thais had already settled down within the southeast Asia."

Having been to Thailand myself I have seen the rich mixtures there. Infact I was able to blend in better there than I was able to in some parts of the USA.

Domains Yahoo

2006-01-19T19:09:00.000-08:00

I've been looking at some other domains yahoo has some really great rates for web domains. The only problem is that I don't know what domain name yahoo has available. Of course the website will be about plastic surgery and will provide valuable information.

Reading through medical journals

2006-01-19T19:01:00.000-08:00

Today I was reading some things on medical diseases and came across mesothelioma. I have seen the advertisements on TV for attorneys wanting people to call them about mesothelioma, but I never knew what they were about. So here's some information for you incase you have no idea. Very interesting, although it is sad that so many people are dying of mesothelioma.

Overview: Malignant Mesothelioma
What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (mez-o-thee-lee-O-muh) begins in the tissue that lines different organs and spaces inside the body. This tissue, called mesothelium, protects organs by making a special fluid that allows the organs to move. For example, this fluid makes it easier for the lungs to move during breathing.

Mesothelium surrounds the lungs, the stomach, the heart, and other organs. Tumors can start in any of these places. These tumors can be benign or they can be cancerous. The information that follows covers only those that are cancerous.

There are 3 main types of mesotheliomas. The most common (50%-70%) is the epithelioid type. This type has the best outlook. The other 2 types are less common. The treatment choices for all 3 are the same.

About 3 out of 4 mesotheliomas start in the chest cavity. These are called pleural mesotheliomas. Another 10%-20% begin in the abdomen (peritoneal mesotheliomas). Those starting around the heart are very rare. This cancer can also start in the tissue around the testicles, but this is also very rare.

Fat Myths Dispelled

2006-01-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

A large percentage of plastic surgery is tummy tucks, stomach stapling, and liposuction, as well as excess skin removal from drastic weight loss. There seems to be a lot of garbage thrown around about the human body and obesity.

The following information should be of value to those who want to let go of the common myths.

The following are quotes taken out of the articles in the links provided. Have a look for yourself about them.

If there's one thing worse than the awesome American obesity epidemic, it's saying that nothing can be done about it.

Sadly, this has become a cottage industry in our country.

Why are individuals getting fatter?

Every one of the multitude of studies in which people's caloric intake and output are measured, as opposed to the studies that simply ask subjects what they eat and how much exercise they get, verifies just what mama told you. Eat too much, don't get enough exercise, and you balloon.

This is bad news if you're looking to scapegoat your metabolism, but good news if you like the idea of controlling your weight fate.

More good news is that another obesity myth is that our bodies, like ratchet-wrenches, readily put pack on the pounds but thereafter refuse jealously to let go of them. In reality, what goes up can come down.

"Everybody's basal metabolism slows down with age. In general, the resting metabolic rate of men sags 2 to 3 percent per decade, beginning around age 35, says Prof. Eric Poehlman, a metabolism expert at the University of Vermont. Women have a somewhat lower metabolic rate to begin with, he adds, but it doesn't drop much until menopause, when the loss of estrogen somehow results in an accelerated decline.

The basal metabolic rate of an average 60-year-old is about 200 calories a day lower than a typical 30-year-old's. " (Not taking into account that with exercise metabolism can be increased)

" It is true that in our society our metabolism slows down as we age, but it does not have to be that way. A slow metabolism is the result of being unhealthier, heavier and not exercising, not the other way around.

People tend to exercise less when they age for a variety of reasons. However, even those people who can not use their entire bodies for a complete exercise regime can find ways in order to move and keep fit. "

See the Links below

http://www.fumento.com/julyfat.html

http://www.intelihealth.com/pcn/general/00244196.htm

http://www.sageera.com/index.php/articles/comments/what_can_i_do_about_my_metabolism_slowing_down_especially_as_i_age

Living healthy

2006-01-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

Today I had a conversation with a friend. It was truly an eye opener for both of us. We were discussing the benefits of living healthy.

Of course everyone knows about low fat, low salt diets, drinking a lot of water..bla bla bla, but we got into a conversation about what it means to be living healthy mentally.

You know I think most people get so wrapped up in losing weight, eating healthy foods, working full time jobs, raising families, etc - that they forget the most important thing ...which is the mental health.

I'm not saying get on an airplane to Thailand and go have cosmetic surgery in Thailand to replace the fact that you have to eat healthy.

I don't condone plastic surgery as a replacement for living healthy , but I think in combination with a healthy lifestyle which includes a positive attitude, a lot of people can benefit.

There is a book Called Psycho-Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. He was a plastic surgeon and he wrote a book about the fact that many of his patients had immediate self confidence and ego boosts after their corrections.

But there were a few who despite good physical results did not like themselves any better. He breaks it down into how humans think and how we can use certain mental exercises to increase our confidence and self-esteem.

If you're interested check out www.amazon.com. It's about $10 to $15. It Or if you like you can email me and I can send you a FREE copy of it. It has benefited me greatly - and maybe you will benefit too.
Till next time...