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In the recent past, technology has come up with state-of-the-art family planning techniques to help you achieve your family goals, financial and personal needs. McAllen gynecology specialists offer numerous family planning techniques to cater to your needs and complement your lifestyle.

What is family planning?

Family planning is a decision that a couple makes regarding the number of children they anticipate having and when they desire to have them. Birth spacing should be a crucial topic between parents as it enables the couple to create a financial plan that adequately accommodates their family’s needs. Birth control methods play a vital role when it comes to family planning. There are numerous birth control options that you can choose from depending on your lifestyle and requirements. In addition to preventing unplanned pregnancy, some hormonal birth control methods may also improve certain gynecologic disorders. Family planning enables you to avoid financial and emotional stress that may occur from unwanted pregnancy.

What are the different options for birth control?

There are two categories of birth control, including hormonal methods and barrier methods. Each approach has its unique advantages and side effects.

•                     Hormonal birth control

Dr. Otero performs a comprehensive exam to determine a suitable hormonal birth control method that works well for your body with negligible side effects. Hormonal birth control prevents pregnancy by disrupting your hormonal balance hence interfering with your ovulation process. This type of birth control is effective in preventing pregnancy, but it does not shield you from sexually transmitted diseases. Some of the common hormonal birth control approaches are:

•                     Implants
•                     Intrauterine device
•                     Birth control pills
•                     Implants
•                     Patches

Some hormonal birth control approaches may also stop or slow your menstruation which may be beneficial for some people. Different people respond to hormonal birth control in different ways, hence it is vital for you to discuss with Dr. Otero the appropriate method for you.

•                     Barrier birth control

This approach prevents pregnancy by initiating a barrier that obstructs sperms from traveling to your uterus and fertilizing your egg. You can choose a suitable birth control method from the following barrier birth control approaches:

•                     Cervical cap
•                     Female condoms
•                     Diaphragm
•                     Male condoms
•                     Birth control sponge

Using spermicide in conjunction with these approaches lowers the risk of having an unwanted pregnancy. In addition to preventing pregnancy, condoms can also protect you from contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

Which types of birth control require minimal planning and fewer scheduled routines?

If you have a busy schedule, you may consider using long-term birth control methods. If you are also not ready to go through the hassle of conforming to a daily dosing routine, you can try out these methods. Some of the long-lasting birth control options include:

•                   Depo-Provera, a birth control injection effective for three months
•                   NuvaRing, a vaginal ring effective for three weeks
•                   Nexpalon implant effective for three years

Family planning helps you to organize and set your family goals while ensuring that you maintain joy and contentment in your family. For more information about family planning, call Dr. Otero or make an online appointment today.

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Hair loss is one of the most devastating things for most individuals. Shedding small amounts of hair once in a while is okay, but significant amounts could cause anxiety. Luckily, technology now enables doctors to determine the specific cause of hair loss and develop the most suitable treatment option. Some reasons can be temporary and short-lived, while others are complex. Book an appointment online today with a Lakewood Ranch support & consultation specialist for treatment. Here are six possible reasons you are experiencing significant hair thinning:

1. Pregnancy

This factor only applies to women. As a female, it is likely that you will experience hair loss immediately after giving birth. Hair thinning during this period is caused by decreasing levels of estrogen in the body. Luckily, the condition is temporary and will resolve independently after some time.

2. Heredity

It is possible to experience thinning of hair if members of your family have the same problem. Usually, this kind of hair loss occurs gradually with age and is more common in males than females. Hair loss will begin by a receding hairline and proceed to bald spots gradually and in a predicted pattern. Your doctor will examine your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

3. Age

It is also possible to experience hair thinning as your age progresses. This type of hair loss is caused by slow hair growth. Alternatively, hair follicles could stop growing at a certain age triggering the scalp to thin. This type of hair loss is also characterized by loss of hair color and receding hairline for both men and women. Luckily, doctors can help you regrow your hair, especially if the condition is caught early.

4. Hormonal changes

There are a variety of reasons that could trigger hormonal changes to cause hair loss. They include thyroid problems, menopause, and childbirth. Hair loss due to hormonal changes could be temporary or permanent. If you experience hair loss, talk to your doctor to determine whether it is hormone-related. They will advise on the best option depending on whether the condition is permanent or temporary.

5. Medical conditions

Medical conditions are one of the most common causes of hair loss. Medical conditions that cause hair thinning include alopecia areata, an immune system disease, scalp infections, and trichotillomania or hair-pulling disorder. Immune system diseases cause hair loss by attacking hair follicles and other healthy body parts. This may also affect eyelashes and eyebrows. The good news is that hair loss due to medical conditions is treatable with medications.

6. Medications and supplements

You could also experience hair loss because of using specific medications and supplements. Examples of these medications include blood thinners, antidepressants, and cholesterol-lowering drugs. The doctor will recommend alternative medications to stop hair thinning or reduce the dosage.

Experts at Honest Hair Restoration are dedicated to helping patients undergoing hair loss due to reasons discussed, including others. The doctors consider your lifestyle, genetics, health history, and preferred outcome to determine and treat the cause of your hair loss. They will also work with you all through until you have fully recovered. Book an online appointment today for customized treatment.

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Turmeric is a versatile Indian spice. The color of saffron, with tinge of gold, this spice forms not just an integral part of the South Asian cuisine, but also carries medicinal properties that have made it a staple in the ancient Indian medicine.

Alongside other uses of turmeric, including promoting health, vitality and aiding in pain relief, a common use is in the DIY skin care routines.

Many people, especially the locals, swear by the magic turmeric does on the skin. It is often used in facials for big events like weddings. However, many a times, such herbal remedies are more placebo based rather than science backed.

Whereas it is always best to take your skin grievances to your dermatologist in Lahore, but it is also important to establish if turmeric for skin a myth, or does it actually work.

Benefits of Turmeric

Has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties

Turmeric performs a vital task of curbing inflammation in the skin. Many disorders stem from inflammation, including eczema and acne. It also has anti-microbial and antioxidant effects as well. All these properties compound to also aid in wound healing as well.

Moreover, turmeric also helps with facial psoriasis, which is an inflammatory condition that causes dry, thick and perpetual patches in the face.

Topical turmeric is known to be more beneficial than oral, however, you can use whichever is more convenient for you.

Helps skin to glow

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in turmeric come together to counter dull skin. Due to the impact on environment damage, free radicals in the body, and pollutants, skin suffers a lot. Turmeric remedies this damage and brings out the natural glow in the skin.

Moreover, turmeric also has purifying properties. It then helps skin get rid of the agents that make it dull. It also helps in improving the circulation to the skin, which nourishes the skin cells. It then becomes radiant and bright.

Helps with dark circles

Most of us are haunted by dark circles and puffy eyes that we futilely try to hide with concealers. Eye creams are very expensive, and the change might take more time than your patience allows.

Turmeric presents with an easy solution for remedying dark circles. It improves circulation, has anti-inflammatory effect, and also has skin lightening properties. These all make a potent combination that help treat dark circles.

Reduces acne scarring

Not only does turmeric help treat acne, but it also facilitates lightening of acne scars.

This is done mainly due to anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric, which helps calm the skin and the pores.

Protects against the environmental damage

Our skin is exposed to many pollutants in the daily rut of the life. It may not be immediately visible, but environmental damage to the skin continuously piles up, leading to dull and lifeless skin. Some people might also have skin problems as a result as well.

Turmeric helps get rid of this burden to the skin, due to the richness of antioxidants in it.

Good for treating hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is the presence of dark spots on the skin. Consequently, skin becomes uneven. Even though it has no implications for the health of the skin, it still does not look aesthetically appealing.

Turmeric, on the other hand, inhibits the production of melanin that causes hyperpigmentation. It thus helps in evening out complexion.

Prevents premature aging

Collagen is a protein that holds the skin taut and together. Due to aging and sun damage, collagen gets depleted due to which skin starts sagging. Turmeric boosts collagen production in the body and therefore, turmeric prevents premature aging.

 It also inhibits the production of an enzyme elastase, which impacts the production of elastin.

Elastin is a skin protein that promotes tautness of the skin, and also makes it dewy. It also prevents skin from being dry and textured.

So, turmeric’s impact for preventing premature aging is two-pronged.

Risks of turmeric

Turmeric can cause slight staining of the skin. One also has to be watchful of the amount and dosage of turmeric. It may interfere with certain medications as well.

There is a risk of contact dermatitis with the use of turmeric, which although is not very common. The symptoms of contact dermatitis include burning, soreness, itching, inflammation, and scaly skin.

However, this can be avoided by patch testing. Before slathering the turmeric paste on the face, just apply a tiny amount on a patch of your skin, and in case of any reaction, remove it immediately. Moreover, if you are allergic to turmeric spice in your food, there is no need to risk applying it to your face, as a reaction on the skin will undoubtedly ensue.

The verdict

Natural ingredients are met with skepticism but some, whereas others swear by it. There is sufficient evidence to you that turmeric’s powers are not all mythical. If you are confused about use of turmeric, you can confer with your Skin specialist in Karachi. Otherwise, free feel to slather some on to give your skin some glow!

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Wounds that heal over a long period of time may be a distraction to your everyday practices. Besides a lot of pain, chronic wounds are unsightly and may produce a bad smell. However, you can find a solution at Calvary Urgent Care, where skilled and well-trained medical specialists use treatment methods like pressure off-loading to treat acute wounds. Your nurse practitioner in Humble, TX, will examine your wound and recommend a treatment method that is best suited to your unique needs.

What is a chronic wound?

Chronic wounds are wounds that do not heal following the standard set of stages. There are different examples of chronic wounds that include:

•         Venous ulcers
•         Diabetic foot ulcers
•         Infectious wounds
•         Pressure ulcers
•         Surgical wounds
•         Arterial ulcers

Health conditions that cause chronic wounds

Although anyone can develop a chronic wound, several factors make you more susceptible, including:

•         High level of cholesterol in your body
•         Cardiovascular diseases
•         Skin cancer
•         Hypertension
•         Thrombosis
•         Varicose veins
•         Diabetes
•         Serious burns
•         Many surgical procedures to the same location

If you have a wound that is taking longer than usual to heal, you may develop an infection. When your wound gets an infection, you will notice signs and symptoms such as:

•         Pus draining from the wound
•         Read streaks originating from your wound
•         Pimples forming on the wound
•         Increased pain
•         Fever
•         Foul smell coming from the wound

Treatment methods for a chronic wound

Your doctor at Calvary Urgent Care may use different therapies to treat your chronic wound. For example:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This treatment works by increasing the oxygen levels in your blood. Your doctor will place you in a highly concentrated room with oxygen that allows you to take in more oxygen than in a typical environment.

Negative pressure therapy. Your doctor will cover your wound using an airtight dressing that connects to a pressure pump. The pump sucks away any fluid coming out of the wound and increases the amount of blood flowing to the wound, which causes your wound to heal.

There are different types of dressings that your doctor may also use on your wound. They include:

Hydrocolloid dressings. Your doctor will use this impermeable dressing to cover pressure ulcers, necrotic wounds, and venous ulcers. This dressing helps keep the wound moist, clean, and protects from infections which facilitate the healing process.

Alginate dressings. This type of dressing can absorb a lot of fluid. Your doctor will use this to cover burns and packing wounds. You will be required to change the dressing after every two days to avoid developing an infection.

Hydrogel. Your doctor will use this dressing on wounds that are very painful and contain no fluid. Hydrogel contains a cooling gel that alleviates pain from the wound, facilitating the recovery process.

Foams. This dressing is used on wounds that produce a foul smell. Foams allow air to enter the wound, which helps to keep the wound moist and promote healing.

Managing a chronic wound by yourself can be painful and stressful. Your doctor at Calvary Urgent Care will help you in finding a specific treatment that works for you. Arrange for a visit with your health specialist and begin your journey to healing.

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When we eat food, a lot happens when it enters our stomach until it is excreted. The liver, pancreas, stomach, and esophagus play an essential role in digestion, but sometimes digestion may experience changes due to a minor response to a new food, medicine, or anxiety. This may lead to gastrointestinal problems such as stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, and bloody stool. These can cause you discomfort and disrupt your normal functioning. Worry no more since the best GI doctors at GastroDoxs PLLC can offer a wide range of services to cure gastrointestinal issues.

What causes gastrointestinal issues?

Several bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause gastrointestinal infections. When you are infected, you may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, blood, or mucus in stool. You may be keen on eating clean food and ensuring that you keep healthy, but sometimes you may experience discomfort in your stomach and wonder what might have caused it. It is crucial to visit your doctor to inquire about what might be causing digestive problems. The following are some of the other causes of gastrointestinal conditions:

Low fiber food

Fiber plays a vital role in digestion. It assists in the digestion of particular food and helps you feel full. Fiber combines with essential bacteria in our large intestines, which in turn gives us many health benefits. Food low in fiber causes digestive problems such as constipation and abdominal cramps.

Age

We all cannot avoid aging, and sadly, age predisposes us to several gastrointestinal diseases. As we grow older, digestive glands reduce inactivity, thus making you susceptible to certain digestive issues. The risk of developing digestive cancer also increases with age.

Too much dairy food

Dairy food such as milk and cheese contains fats and proteins that are hard to digest and may lead to inflammation. This explains why consuming too many dairy products leads to abdominal cramps, gas, and constipation.

Inactivity

Exercise also plays a vital role in digestion. Exercise increases blood flow to the muscles in the digestive system, causing them to work more effectively. Lack of physical activity negatively impacts our digestion and general health as it can worsen constipation, heartburn, and reflux.

Not drinking enough water.

Water plays a vital role in digestion. It aids in digestion by mixing with food to make digestion easy; this results in soft stool, preventing constipation. Water also cleans the digestive tract. Lack of enough water in your digestive system contributes to gastrointestinal problems.

How will the doctor diagnose my condition?

When you have a gastrointestinal issue, your doctor will have to perform an accurate diagnosis to establish the right treatment. Your doctor may start with a lab test to check for any abnormalities in your stool. The lab test may also involve breath tests to check digestive disorders that bacteria might cause. The specialist may recommend further tests such as Computed Tomography CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and X-ray scans. The specialist may also conduct endoscopic tests to check for abnormalities in the intestines and the digestive glands.

Various conditions cause gastrointestinal disorders, and usually, the infection will heal in a few days. If the condition persists, book an appointment with a specialist at GastroDoxs PLLC to start leading a life devoid of stomach pain.

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A root canal is a dental treatment that aims to correct decay in the tooth’s root and pulp. Your tooth structure consists of enamel, dentin, and a delicate core extending to the roots. The core has the pulp, which is the main housing for blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. The infection can extend to the pulp, and a root canal is necessary to clear the infection. If you need a root canal, your Boca Raton, FL dentist can help examine your teeth and recommend the right treatment option.

When to see a doctor

A root canal cleans the decay and preserves your tooth. During the procedure, the doctor removes the bacteria from the nerve, pulp, and root. After that, the area is treated with medication such as antibiotics, and a filling is done. Then the doctor seals the opening to avert further decay. Your tooth remains, but the decay is removed. The doctor may recommend other treatment options, such as a crown.

Symptoms that you require a root canal

A root canal is a treatment recommended by your dentist or endodontic. However, there are some red flags that you need a root canal. Whenever you experience these signs and symptoms, it is essential to contact your doctor immediately.

If the pain in your tooth is persistent even after taking painkillers, the doctor may recommend a root canal. Sometimes the pain penetrates to the jaw and the face. Your doctor will conduct an examination for other conditions such as gum disease, fracture, cavity, and sinuses. Early treatment relieves pain and enables you to live comfortably.

Sensitivity is yet another symptom to watch out for. It can happen when you consume hot or cold food. Quite often, it may feel like a sensation or sharp pain, and this signals nerve damage.  

If your tooth is discolored, your doctor may recommend a root canal. A pulp infection causes discoloration, and your tooth could have a low supply of blood. Swollen gums can cause pain, and the doctor may suggest a root canal after an examination.

If you feel pain when you touch the tooth, it could be a sign of nerve damage or decay. If the sensitivity does not go away, the doctor may recommend a root canal. Sometimes the ligament becomes sensitive due to an infection in the pulp.

A cracked tooth is another reason that may necessitate a root canal. If the tooth is cracked, bacteria may access the pulp and result in an infection.

Lastly, if your tooth is loose, it is a sign that there is an infection of the nerves, and a root canal is necessary at this point.

What to expect

Before a root canal procedure, the doctor first prescribes some antibiotics for several days to clear the infection and minimize the treatment. During the treatment, the tooth is numbed using a local anesthetic, and the doctor disinfects the tooth. Then, the decay is cleared, and a filling is done. It is a walk-in procedure and lasts between 1-2 hours. Afterward, you may feel pain, but you can take ibuprofen or Tylenol for relief.

Decay in the tooth can make you uncomfortable due to pain. If your teeth are aching, contact your dentist or the experts at SEDA Dental for treatment.  

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Generally, moles are harmless growths that can appear anywhere on your skin. Unless the appearance of a mole bothers you, there’s nothing to worry about. However, you can seek treatment if you feel that it is lowering your esteem or it irritates when it rubs on the skin. If you have a mole in New York, a team of specialists at Manhattan Dermatology can help eliminate your problem. Below are popular DIY methods to remove moles and the risks that may arise when you do not get professional help.

Home DIY tips to skin mole removal

Some people may consider home-based solutions to mole removal either to save on consultation cost or for convenience. However, before you cut off the mole or use an over-the-counter cream, it is vital to understand the risks. Talk to your specialist before you try the home-based solutions to mole removal.

Some DIY tips can work in some instances where the mole is harmless. Burning the mole with cider vinegar, garlic, and iodine is effective in killing the cells. Also, you can cut it off with a razor blade or scissors. Other methods include using banana peels, tea tree oil, aloe vera, flaxseed, and more.

In addition, you can buy an over-the-counter cream from the pharmacy and run on the affected area. Another option is to conceal the skin mole with make-up.

The risk of home-based skin mole removal

Although home-based solutions are cheap, there are some inherent risks that you need to be aware of. First of all, over-the-counter creams can burn your skin and cause scars. Besides, cutting the moles is risky, especially if the tool is not properly sterilized. It can cause an infection and lead to a scar on the area where the mole was.  

A major risk is when the skin mole has cancerous cells and, when cut, it can spread to other areas of the body and is life-threatening.

When to see a doctor

Whether you are considering a home-based solution to mole removal, it’s vital to see a specialist when you notice any changes in your mole. For example, if the mole changes in shape, color, or size, it can be a sign of skin cancer, and more tests are needed to make a conclusive diagnosis.

The doctor starts by removing a tiny piece of the mole and carries out a biopsy. This test is essential in determining whether the mole is cancerous. If the test turns out positive, the doctor refers you to an oncologist for cancer treatment.  

However, if it’s negative, your specialist may apply one of two techniques to eliminate the mole.

Surgical excision involves numbing the treatment area and cutting off the mole. After that, the dermatologist stitches the area to close the wound.

A surgical shave involves numbing the area and shaving the site with a blade. There’s no need to stitch the area.

Both treatments are walk-in procedures with no need for a hospital stay. There are no side effects and mole removal does not affect your daily activities.

If you are concerned about a mole on the skin, you can see a specialist for safe removal. Contact the experts at Manhattan Dermatology for review and treatment.

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According to recent statistics, autism spectrum disorder affects up to 2% of all 8-year-old kids. The expert medical team at MindSet in San Diego, CA, is the leader in the innovative treatment alternative for individuals who have autism- personalized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (PrTMS). As PrTMS reinstates disrupted brainwaves to a balanced state, the nerve activity is normalized, and the autism symptoms might as well improve. To learn more about the effectiveness of PrTMS in treating autism, consult with a San Diego autism specialist by calling the MindSet office or book an appointment online.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by various symptoms that appear in early childhood and continue throughout adulthood. ASD includes an extensive range of abilities, but the most common include restrictive activities and interests, repetitive patterns of behavior, and difficulty socializing and communicating.

The nature and severity of the associated autism challenges vary from one person to another. For instance, some children might fail to speak, whereas others continuously talk about a single subject, but all in all, the main concerns are huge enough to affect their performance at school, home, and the community.

What is TMS and How May it Help with Autism?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved treatment procedure that utilizes magnetic impulses to trigger brain-nerve activity. The providers can use it to treat mental health concerns such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Once TMS is continuously applied to the brain, it can result in lasting brainwave activity adjustments.

Studies reveal that persons with autism have varying brainwave patterns compared to those diagnosed with autism. These variations are so recognizable that the brainwave patterns might represent a distinct biomarker, which may one day be used in autism diagnosis.

Because TMS restores nerve activity and brainwaves to normal levels, it might enhance many of the challenges and symptoms associated with autism. While TMS for autism is viewed as experimental, studies show that TMS enhances information processing, repetitive behaviors, and attention.

What is the Variation Between TMS and PrTMS?

PrTMS utilizes the same device as TMS that dissipates magnetic pulses to re-balance brain arrhythmias. But PrTMS enhances the standard TMS by customizing every patient’s treatment. The PrTMS procedure comprises brainwave analysis, patient questionnaire, data evaluation, and continuous brainwave evaluation.

What to Expect with PrTMS Treatment?

During PrTMS treatments, patients only require to stay calm in the chair for 30 minutes. The TMS device is positioned near the head and then activated to dissipate magnetic waves into the targeted brain area safely.

The TMS devices tend to click as they operate, so the specialists at MindSet work hand-in-hand with children and their families, ensuring they are prepared for the sensations and sounds they might feel and hear. Patients also require to be ready to schedule five sessions every week for six up to eight weeks. This early exposure is vital for producing lasting results.

To sum up, patients can rely on receiving holistic care at MindSet. To find out more about the effectiveness of PrTMS in treating autism, call the MindSet office or use the online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.

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