Meditation is a proven method of relieving stress. Starting and ending your day with this practice can improve your life overall. Before jumping into meditation some practitioners believe you need to realign your chakra’s to remove any negative energy effecting your body. I have attached a link to a youtube video that helps you reset your charka’s in 7 minutes. Even if you think this is silly or doesn’t work it’s 7 minutes you’ll spend doing nothing but focusing on relaxing. That alone will improve your overall health. Think of this as a start meditation video. Click here to watch!
What’s new in Medicine
In this section I will change the links to include articles that I find interesting regarding developments in Medicine and research.
My first link is about the new discovery of how gingivitis was found to be the cause of Alzheimer’s disease and how a vaccine is being made to prevent it. Click here!
Before & Afters
What is a PA?
PAs are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. PAs practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving healthcare access and quality.
PAs are educated at the master’s degree level. There are more than 250 PA programs in the country and admission is highly competitive, requiring a bachelor’s degree and completion of courses in basic and behavioral sciences as prerequisites. Incoming PA students bring with them an average of more than 3,000 hours of direct patient contact experience, having worked as paramedics, athletic trainers, or medical assistants, for example. PA programs are approximately 27 months (three academic years), and include classroom instruction and more than 2,000 hours of clinical rotations.
PAs’ specific duties depend on the setting in which they work, their level of experience, their specialty, and state laws.
Generally, PAs can:
• Take medical histories
• Conduct physical exams
• Diagnose and treat illness
• Order and interpret tests
• Develop treatment plans
• Prescribe medication
• Counsel on preventive care
• Perform procedures
• Assist in surgery
• Make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes
• Do clinical research
At the practice level, there are likely more similarities than differences between PAs and NPs. However, there are two key differences:
• PAs are educated in general medicine, which offers a comprehensive view of all aspects of medicine. NPs must choose a “population focus,” e.g., pediatric nurse practitioner or women’s health nurse practitioner.
• PAs are trained to practice medicine using a curriculum modeled on medical school education. NPs are trained in the advanced practice of nursing.
**This adorable shirt is from Medthusiast.
Credit:AAPA
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The 10 most common causes of hair loss and the Best Treatments
- Pregnancy:Post pregnancy hair loss is very common. There is a temporary thinning and sometimes breakage of hair due to the drastic changes in hormones. The body will resolves this issue itself within about three months after the signs appear.
- Genetics: When thinning hair occurs at a young age, you can blame your parents! This is often the hardest form of hair loss to treat and should be addressed early on
- Damaged Stem Cells in the hair follicles: This most commonly appears as patches of thinning hair or bald spots. Repeated trauma to the scalp or scarring is the main cause.
- Lack of Protein: When protein is limited or there’s a sudden change in protein intake one might experience hair thinning or loss. I mostly encounter this issue with clients who recently changed from an animal protein diet to being a vegetarian.
- Excessive amount of Vitamin A: Ingesting too much Vitamin A can alter the hair growth cycle. Once you stop overusing this supplement the hair growth should return to normal
- Nutrient and Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of B vitamins can cause thin hair, while lack of iron can cause slow hair growth. Crash dieting also has an effect on the ability of hair to grow due to the fluctuations in nutrient intake.
- Stress: When your body is stressed an uneven number of hairs enter into a resting phase. These hairs will also fall out at the same time appearing as large amounts of hair loss
- Menopause: Estrogen is the hormone responsible for protecting hair. Once estrogen decreases the hair thinning begins. This can also be noted in clients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and other hormone disorders.
- Medical & Autoimmune Conditions: When your body is constantly fighting a disease the nutrients and growth hormones go to the vital organs, leaving very little for hair, nails and skin. Hair thinning and loss can also be seen in thyroid disease.
- Sudden weight loss: Losing 25lbs or more in one month can cause hear to weaken and break due to loss of healthy fats.
How do we combat hair thinning and hair loss at my practice?
After evaluating the client for theabove list of causes we are able to create a custom treatment plan. Somepatients require a combination of supplements and PRP treatments, while othersneed treatment for underlying medical conditions.
I like PRP (platelet rich plasma)therapy because of the statistically significant outcome. Clients can seethicker hair and a decrease in hair loss in the first 3 months and new hairgrowth in 6-8 months. On occasion I have seen new hair growth even earlier!Hair thickness increases by 60-80%. PRP can even restore the hairs originalcolor. I also recommend PRP as a preventative measure to preserve the integrityof the hair in those clients that are just beginning to notice a change. Theearlier you start tthe longer the longevity of the hair.
Coconut water: Is it all hype?
Forcenturies, people in tropical climates have been using coconut water for itsamazing health benefits.
Now that coconut water has become readily available and word of its nutrition capabilities has spread, it’s become a trend. After doing my research I hope this trend is here to stay!
Loaded with antioxidants, aminoacids, enzymes, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium,magnesium, manganese and zinc, coconut water can help improve your overallhealth in several ways. This superfood is most well-known for itsrehydration properties. Not only does coconut water surpass water andsports drinks at replacing electrolytes, but, it’s low in calories, low in fatand contains less sugar than sports drinks. It can help relieve hangovers andrehydrate those recovering from gastroenteritis. It’s well tolerated by thegastrointestinal tract and most suitable when you’re unable to tolerate food.
The most relatable property ofcoconut water is its anti-aging effect. This tropical treat containscytokines that promote cell growth and activation, a crucial role in replacingdead skin cells. It also keeps the skin hydrated reducing the appearance ofwrinkles and soft tissue deflation. Coconut water can also be applied directlyto the skin to reduce acne and inflammation. The anti-microbial capabilitymakes it an excellent organic alternative for pregnant women and thoseinterested in holistic “medications.”
Rich in Vitamin K, coconut water promoteshealthy hair growth and prevents hair loss. In addition, it’s packedwith Lauric acid, which helps improve hair strength. It only takes a cup a dayto reap these benefits!
In a study by the Journal ofMedicinal Food it was found that coconut water had a beneficial effect on lipidmetabolism to counteract total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol) andtriglycerides. It can also help lower blood pressure and balance out sodium toreduce water retention.
Don’tyou want to just bathe in it?!
I highly recommend incorporatingyoung green coconut water into your diet for your skin and overall health.Luckily we’re in South Florida where it’s easily accessible. You can even findit while frolicking on the beach!
Micro-needling with PRP(platelet rich plasma)
What is Micro-needling?
Micro-needling is a cosmetic medical procedure by which an electric skin needling device is used to create tiny channels in the skins surface layer to induce production of collagen and elastin. The device is pen-shaped, studded with 12 very fine needles. This medical device breaks down scar tissue, stimulates cell proliferation and improves the blood supply to the skin. The result is plumper, thick skin which reduces the appearance of scars, fine lines and wrinkles.
Description of the Procedure:
The skin is cleaned and numbing cream is applied to reduce discomfort. The needling device which has a sterile disposable tip with 12 micro-needles is used penetrate the skin. The device is adjustable and allows the provider to change the speed and depth of the needles and increases the absorption of products. For the best results, Hyaluronic acid or PRP (platelet rich plasma) are used during the procedure and rubbed into the skin channels.
The micro-needling procedure itself takes 15-20 minutes. The numbing cream applied before the procedure must sit for about an hour to be effective.
What should I expect after the procedure?
Most people will experience redness
and mild swelling similar to very mild sunburn for 24-48 hours. There may be
pin-point bleeding. Within a week or two you will notice that you skin is
smoother and more radiant looking but the full effects won’t be seen until a
few months later.
We recommend applying hyaluronic acid at home after the procedure. Preferably
no makeup applied for 24 hours. We also recommend wearing sunblock for one week
following the procedure.
How many treatments do I need?
For best results we recommend treatments be spaced 4-6 weeks apart. The number of treatments required to reach the desirable outcome depends on the skin condition. For example, fine lines and wrinkles typically improve after 3 treatments where acne scars can sometimes take up to 6 treatments.
What it’s used for:
- Reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, fine lines and wrinkles
- Pore size reduction
- Improves skin texture
- Stimulates tissue regeneration
Am I a candidate for Micro-needling? Micro-needling can be safely performed on all skin types and skin colors
However it is not suitable for patients who:
- Have used Accutane (isotretinoin) within the last six months
- Have open wounds, cuts or abrasions on the skin
- Have had radiation treatment to the skin within the last year
- Have any kind of current skin infection, condition, herpes simplex in the area to be treated
- Are pregnant or breast feeding
- Have a history of Skin cancer on area to be treated
- Have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scars or poor wound healing
- Have been diagnosed with Scleroderma, Collagen Vascular Disease, Rosacea, blooding clotting disorders, platelet abnormalities, anticoagulation therapy (i.e. Warfarin), dermatological diseases affecting the face (i.e. Porphyria),
- Scars less than 6 months old and Botox/facial fillers in the past 2-4 weeks.
- Precaution must be taken in patients with a history of eczema, psoriasis and actinic keratosis
PRP treatments for Osteoarthritis of the Knees
PRP or platelet rich plasma injections for knee arthritis can alleviate the pain of arthritis, improve your quality of life and slow the progression of your arthritis. The research surrounding PRP is significant.
What is PRP and how does it work
After 24 weeks, nearly 84 percent of patients who received PRP injections reported a 25 percent or greater reduction in pain
In order for body to repair an injury or in the case of osteoarthritis, the loss of cartilage, is to recruit platelets to the area. As we age or due to severity of injury the body may create an insufficient amount of effort to repair. Often the pain caused by osteoarthritis is the result of something called an osteochondral lesion. These are small ‘potholes’ of missing cartilage in the knee joint. When you walk and exercise you put immense pressure on these areas, about 3x your weight. Since the bone in these areas is not covered by cartilage it begins to swell and breakdown. This bone swelling also known as reactive bone edema is one of the most common causes of knee pain.
The platelets in PRP are packed with growth and healing factors, platelets initiate repair and attract the critical assistance of stem cells. PRP therapy’s natural healing process intensifies the body’s efforts by delivering a higher concentration of platelets.
The goal of PRP therapy is to initiate a reaction in the knee that stimulates the body to heal the area. You will not regrow the cartilage you had as a teenager but you can reduce the reactive bone edema and swelling that is causing pain.
How do we create PRP?
To create PRP therapy, a small sample of your blood is drawn (similar to a lab test sample) and placed in a centrifuge that spins the blood at high speeds, separating the platelets from the other components. The concentrated platelet rich plasma (PRP) is then injected into and around the point of injury, jump-starting and significantly strengthening the body’s natural healing signal. Because your own blood is used, there is no risk of a transmissible infection and a very low risk of allergic reaction.
No hospital stay is required. The procedure is performed safely in a medical office and takes approximately 30 minutes, including preparation and recovery time. In fact, most people return to their jobs or usual activities right after the procedure.
Microdermabrasion & how it can help YOUR skin
Microdermabrasion is the most natural way to evenly and safely exfoliate the skin without chemical or laser. It’s one of the most requested non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Fine crystals gently resurface superficial layers of the skin. A series of treatments are required to provide the best results.
Microdermabrasion is used to treat acne, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and brighten a dull complexion.
We recommend a bolus of two treatments per month initially. The maintenance schedule will be determined by your provider depending on your condition.