The emerging threat of the Asian Avian Flu Virus (AAV H5N1) brings into sharp focus the vulnerability of modern, highly mobile and technological societies to viral or bacterial infectious diseases. The last major Asian flu outbreak, (H2N2 in 1957, which killed 69,800 people in the United States) took five months to reach the United States. With the advent of global jet travel, it is now likely that highly virulent disease strains will be transmitted to population centers around the world in a matter of just a few days.

Here are the key things that you need to do to protect yourself and your family, and to help restore order during a pandemic:

A.) Raise Your Immune Resistance

B.) Be Ready to Fight the Illness

C.) Avoid Exposure.

D.) Stockpile Key Logistics.

E.) Be Prepared to Dispense Charity From a Safe Distance

I will briefly discuss each of these requirements in this article. I have also posted more detailed follow-up articles on each topic in my daily blog (web journal) at SurvivalBlog.com

Raise Your Immune Resistance

There are two philosophies to fighting off influenza viruses. The first and mostly prevalent is to raise the body’s immune response. The other is to maintain normal immune response to prevent a collapse caused by over-response–a so called “cytokene storm”. While opinion is divided on this issue, I tend toward a strong immune response–particularly if combating a highly virulent illness.

To raise your immune resistance to disease it is important that you stop smoking. If you are a smoker you have already realized that you are much more susceptible to respiratory infections. Smokers are at high risk to develop complications. Get plenty of exercise, eat healthy foods, drink only in moderation, get plenty of sleep, and use top quality vitamin supplements (from a company such as eVitamins.) If you are overweight, you need to alter your diet get down to within five pounds of normal body weight. You need to change your diet for two important reasons: First, unhealthy foods weaken your immune system. Cut out refined sugar. Avoid candy, snack foods, soft drinks, and any processed foods with preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or MSG. Avoid store-bought meat, which is often tainted by the hormones and antibiotics used in commercial livestock feeds. Wild game or home-raised livestock is much healthier! Lastly, pray. Why? Anxiety is a form of stress that weakens the immune system, and prayer is a proven way to relieve anxiety and stress. And more importantly, as a Christian I believe that it is crucial to pray for God’s guidance, providence, and protection.

Be Ready to Fight the Illness

There are some symptoms that distinguish between colds and flus: Flus typically cause fever, chills, achy feeling (malaise), headaches, and extreme fatigue. Cold symptoms are usually restricted to the upper respiratory tract while flu symptoms tend to involve the entire body.

Influenzas tend to kill most of their victims in two ways: dehydration and lung congestion. Even the Avian flu, which is respiratory usually starts with stomach flu symptoms. Stomach flus usually induce diarrhea which rapidly dehydrates the victim. To fight this, you need to stock up on both anti-diarrhea medicines (such as Imodium AD–an anti-spasmodic) and electrolyte solutions such as Pedialyte. (The latter is available in bulk though large chain “warehouse” stores.) The various sports type drinks (such as Gatorade) can be used as oral rehydration solutions (ORSs) too. However, I prefer to dilute them about 50% with water, they have a lot of glucose in them which will exacerbate diarrhea symptoms.

If commercial ORSs are not available, I have read that you can make an emergency solution as follows:
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons honey, sugar, or rice powder
• 1/4 teaspoon potassium chloride (table salt substitute)
• 1/2 teaspoon trisodium citrate (can be replaced by baking soda)
• 1 quart of clean water

Imodium is a trade name for Loperamide. It can be purchased generically for relatively little cost, at such places as warehouse stores. The generic (house brands) are just fine. Stock up on Acetominophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin) as well – for treating fevers. These two antipyretics can be taken together or on an alternating 4 hour schedule (take each every 4 hours but split them, for example at 8 AM take acetaminophen, at 10 AM take ibuprofen, etc. This makes it easier to monitor the patient and get them to drink fluids, if they’re up every 2 hours they will have to drink some fluids). Either have a traditional glass thermometer for each person, or a digital thermometer with lots of disposable sleeves. The thermometers are a couple of bucks at most drug stores. The sleeves are a buck or so per hundred. Don’t cross-contaminate your patients.

Note: Ther eis a difference of opinion on in medical circles about suppressing a fever with an Avain influenza. It all depends on the particular strain. Before using aspirin (for adults) or Acetominophen (for children and adults), check the literatire on the current flu strain. If there are widespread reports of “cytokine storm” reactions by patients, then suppressing a fever might be a good thing.

Statistically, the largest group that were killed by the 1918 flu were 16 to 25 years old–those with the strongest immune systems. Those patients often died because their bodies fought the virus too vigorously, in a cytokine storm. Aspirin can help suppress the response that leads to a cytokine over-reaction. Again, there is still considerable debate in medical literature over the issue of fever suppression versus the risk of cytokine over-reaction in treating avian influenzas.

Because influenzas are viral rather than bacterial, most antibiotic drugs (antibacterials) are useless in combating them. If you suspect that you are coming down with influenza get bed rest! Too many people ignore their symptoms because “that project at work just has to get done.” Not only do they risk their own health, but they infect their co-workers! Liquids help ease congestion and loosen phlegm and are of course crucial to rehydration. Just a fever alone can double your body’s dehydration rate.

Respiratory flus such as the Asian Avian Flu kill with congestion. Buy a steam-type vaporizer. Stock up on expectorants containing guaifenesin as the main ingredient.

You will need to watch carefully for any symptoms of pneumonia develop. These include: difficulty or painful breathing, a grunting sound when breathing (quite distinct from the wheezing of bronchitis or the “barking” of croup), extremely rapid breathing, flaring nostrils with each breath, or coughing up rust-colored phlegm. Pneumonia can be a deadly complication of the flu and is the main cause of flu-related death. It is important to note that pneumonia is typically a co-infection that can be either viral or bacterial. In case of a bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics are crucial for saving lives. If it is viral, there is not much that can be done. While antibiotics can clear infection they cannot remove secretions. The patient must cough them all the way back up the respiratory tract. Do not use cough suppressants–anything with active ingredients like dextromethorphan or diphenhydramine. A “productive” (wet) cough that produces phlegm is a good thing! This is where you may need expectorants. One that works well is Robitussin (the original type of Robitussin without any capital letters after the name). These are also available as generics, and quite cheap, so stock up. You should also read up on postural drainage and percussion techniques for chest secretion clearance–for instances when your patient cannot or will not cough effectively.

Avoid Exposure

Aside from being actually coughed or sneezed upon by an infected person, the most common way to catch the flu is by touching something which has been coughed on or sneezed upon by an infected person. For instance, the person that used the shopping cart before you had the flu. They covered their mouth with their hand when they coughed then used that very hand to push the cart around the store. Now your hands are touching the same place. Without thinking while shopping, you rub your eye or nose and you have introduce the virus to your most vulnerable point of infection. When you are out in public do not touch your eyes or nose. Wash your hands frequently to remove any germs you have picked up. Teach your children this as well.

Even though the chances of a full scale “nation busting” pandemic are small, the possibility definitely exists. The recent public statements by President Bush about considering the use of the military to enforce an Asian Avian flu pandemic quarantine are indicative that government officials are taking the threat seriously. A full scale pandemic that starts taking lives on a grand scale may then reasonably cause you to take some extreme measures to protect the lives of your family members. You can cut your chances of infection by more than half if you prepare to live in isolation (a strict “self quarantine”) for an extended period of time. You need to be prepared to avoid all contact with other people during the worst of the pandemic. The self quarantine period might last as much as three years, as successive waves of influenza sweep through the country. Think this through, folks. What would you need to do to successfully quarantine your family? Grab a clipboard and start making some prioritized lists.

History has shown that infectious diseases do their worst in urbanized regions So if you can afford to, make plans to move to a lightly populated region, soon. Where? Read my blog (SurvivalBlog.com) for some detailed recommendations, but in general, I recommend moving west of the Missouri River (because of the west’s much lighter population density) to a rural, agricultural region. When looking for a retreat locale, look outside of city limits and away from major highways that will serve as “lines of drift” for urban refugees. You are looking for a property that could serve as a self-sufficient farm–something over five acres, and preferably closer to 40 acres. In the event of a “worst case” pandemic situation, there is the possibility that power grid could go down. Even if your farm has well water, you may be out of luck. A home with gravity fed spring water is ideal, but uncommon. So you will either need to be able to pump well water by hand–only practical with shallow wells–or be prepared to treat water that you’ll draw from open sources: rivers, creeks, lakes, or ponds.

Plan to live at your retreat year-round. In the event of a full scale pandemic, the police and military will probably be ordered to enforce draconian quarantines of cities, counties, or perhaps entire states or regions. Having a well-stocked retreat is useless if you can’t get to it. Live there, and become accustomed to getting by self-sufficiently. Plant a big vegetable garden, using non-hybrid seeds. Raise small livestock that can forage on your own pasture. Get your digestive system accustomed to consumption of your bulk storage foods. Home school your kids. Develop a “hunker down” lifestyle with minimal trips to town. Each trip to town will constitute another opportunity for infection.

To make self-quarantine effective, it is essential that you are prepared to live in isolation for many months, and possibly years, to avoid contact and subsequent risk of infection. This can be practical for anyone that is retired or self-employed in an occupation that does not require regular face to face contact with clients or customers. (For example home-based mail order, self-publishing, recruiting, medical/legal transcription, or telecommuting.) But for anyone else it may mean having to quit your job and live off of your savings. So it is essential that you get out of debt and start building your savings, ASAP. If you can possibly change jobs to something that will allow isolation or semi-isolation, do so as soon as possible. For most of us in the middle class, this may mean “doubling up” with another family to share resources.

To protect yourself (at least marginally) from infected spittle, wear wrap-around goggles and buy or fabricate surgical style masks, in quantity. Note that even an N100 gas mask filter will not stop an airborne virus, since the viruses are too small. But at least a cloth mask will give you some protection from virus-laden spittle. Once the pandemic breaks out in your region, you won’t look out of place wearing these, even on a trip to the post office. Stock up on disposable gloves. Note that some individuals are allergic to latex. So do some extended wear tests before you buy gloves in quantity. Wear gloves whenever away from your retreat, and wash your hands frequently, regardless. Keep your hands away from your nose and eyes at all times. Stock up on soap and bottles of disinfecting hand sanitizer.

Stockpile Key Logistics

To make long term self quarantine effective you will need to buy a large quantity of long term storage food from a trustworthy vendor. Storage food is bulky and expensive to ship, so plan to buy locally or rent a truck and travel to a nearby state to pick up your storage food. In the eastern U.S., I recommend Ready Made Resources, of Tennessee. (See: http://www.ReadyMadeResources.com) In the western U.S., I recommend Walton Feed of Idaho. (See: http://www.WaltonFeed.com) It is also important to lay in extra food to dispense in charity–both to your neighbors and to any relatives that might end up on your doorstep at the 11th hour.

Stockpile fuel–firewood, home heating oil, or propane, plus fuel for your backup generator, vehicles and/or tractor. For liquid fuels, buy the largest tanks that you can afford to buy and fill, and that are allowable under your local fire code. If you heat with wood or coal, determine how many cords or pounds of coal you buy each winter and then triple that amount.

Build a sturdy gate to your driveway and get in the habit of keeping it closed and locked. It may sound far-fetched, but in the event or a “worst case” you may have to repel looters by force of arms. Buy plenty of ammo, zero your guns, and practice regularly. Hurricane Katrina showed how fragile our society is and how quickly law and order can break down in an emergency. Plan accordingly.

With the consent of your doctor and his prescription, you should stock up at least moderately on antibiotics such as penicillin and Ciprofloxacin (“cipro”) to fight co-infections. But they should only be used if it is abundantly clear that a co-infection has set in. (Again, watch for pneumonia symptoms.)

There are a few drugs that have been clinically proven to be useful in lessening the symptoms of viral influenzas, and shortening the duration of illness. These include Relenza (Zanamivir), Tamiflu (Oseltamivir phosphate), and Sambucol. These drugs are used immediately after the onset of flu symptoms. Of the three, Sambucol–a non-perscription tincture of black elderberry– is probably the best. I predict shortages of these drugs in coming months, so stock up while they are still readily available!

Be Prepared to Dispense Charity From a Safe Distance

I already mentioned that it is important to lay in extra food to dispense in charity. I cannot emphasize this enough. Helping your neighbors is Biblically sound and builds trustworthy friendships that you can count on. To avoid risk of infection, you need to be prepared to dispense charity from a safe distance–without physical contact. Think: planning, teamwork, and ballistic backup. While your family’s food storage can be in bulk containers (typically 5 to 7 gallon food grade plastic pails), your charity storage food should mostly be in smaller containers. Or, at least buy some extra smaller containers that you can fill and distribute to refugees. Also be sure to lay in extra gardening seed to dispense as charity. Non-hybrid (“heirloom”) varieties that breed true are available from several vendors including The Ark Institute. (See: http://www.ArkInstitute.com). By dispensing charity you will be helping to restore order and re-establish key infrastructures. The bottom line is that you’ll be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

In closing, I highly recommend that you read Dr. Grattan Woodson’s monograph “Preparing for the Coming Influenza Pandemic”, available for free download at my blog site. Also see: http://www.fluwikie.com.

Postscript from SurvivalBlog.com Reader and Contributor “Dr. November”:

I’m not a big believer in Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) or the other neuraminidase inhibitors. It’s only demonstrated effect is to make the course of the flu slightly less long (on the order of 1-2 days less), but it has a critical requirement: IT MUST BE TAKEN within the first day or two of feeling ill. Most people (myself included) will just feel a little ‘off’ those first couple of days, or try to work through it. Tamiflu in this situation is pretty useless. Also, if someone is going to use it, they MUST have it on hand before they get sick: Getting the first symptoms, then deciding to call your physician and getting an appointment to get the prescription the week after next isn’t going to help. Finally, it’s pretty expensive (a standard 5 day adult dose is around $100 plus the physicians appointment). It’s also going to be in short supply as people start trying to get it (similar to Cipro following the anthrax attacks and scares). BTW, Mom’s old standby for respiratory infections (chicken soup) is as effective as oseltamivir. I doubt that it would be a good choice for an avian flu pandemic, though.

I was favorably impressed with a study done in Israel about the efficacy of Sambucol. At least, it’s not expensive and won’t hurt anything.
So, what should people do? In addition to the suggestions you’ve offered, I have a few more: If the pandemic strikes, and you can’t avoid going out among people, wear disposable gloves (they don’t have to be surgical or sterile). You don’t know who last touched that … whatever (door knob, elevator button, etc). Carry and use several pair, and learn how to take them off without touching the outsides (ask a medically trained individual to show you).
Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes! If your hands become contaminated, don’t transfer the virus to mucous membranes. Wash your hands often (and also, BEFORE and AFTER using public restrooms, then don’t touch the door knob on the way out – use an extra paper towel). Hand sanitizer gels are OK but plain soap and water is fine too. If nothing else is available, a ‘dry wash’ (vigorously rubbing your hands as though you were soaping them up) is surprisingly effective in removing the outer dead layer of skin cells that harbor virus particles or bacteria. It won’t get rid of every single one (nothing will) but it’s a matter of odds – the fewer, the better.
Teach everyone (especially the dear little germ transport mechanisms we call children) to cough into their elbow or armpit – NOT to cover their face with their hands (and then what?) or use a tissue (and then what?). And to wash their hands afterwards.
I can commend a medical blog that has an excellent article (and link to a free New England Journal of Medicine article) on avian flu: http://medpundit.blogspot.com/2005/10/flu-bug-variations-everyone-seems-to.html and
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/353/13/1363 – Dr. November

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, and I don’t give medical advice. Mention of any medical device, treatment, drug, or food supplement is for educational purposes only. Consult your doctor before undertaking any treatment or the use of any drug, food supplement, or medical device. SurvivalBlog.com is not responsible for the use or misuse of any product mentioned.

Copyright 2006-2009. All Rights Reserved by James Wesley, Rawles – www.SurvivalBlog.com™ Permission to reprint, repost or forward this article in full is granted, but only if it is not edited or excerpted.

About the Author:
James Wesley, Rawles is a former U.S. Army Intelligence officer and a noted author and lecturer on survival and preparedness topics. He is the author of the novel “Patriots: Surviving the Coming Collapse” and is the editor of SurvivalBlog.com–the popular daily web journal for prepared individuals living in uncertain times.

The word laser is an acronym for: light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. It’s a device that creates and amplifies a narrow, intense beam of coherent light: light that is of one frequency. Lasers are commonly used in medical science and more recently in cosmetic procedures like hair removal.

In a laser, the atoms or molecules of a crystal, such as ruby or garnet, are excited in what is called the laser cavity so that more of them are at higher energy levels than are at lower energy levels.

Reflective surfaces at both ends of the cavity permit energy to reflect back and forth, building up the power in each passage.

With laser hair removal the laser penetrates the top layer of dermis with a specific wavelength of light (as opposed to multiple wavelengths used in Intense Pulse Light treatments), targeting melanin in the hair follicle.

A hair follicle is a sac from which a hair grows and into which the sebaceous (oil) glands open. The follicle is lined by cells derived from the epidermal (outside) layer of the skin.

Each air follicle normally goes through a five-year cycle of growth and rest, with about 90 percent of the follicles growing hair at any one time, averaging about 15 cm of growth per year.

Also called pigment, melanin is a substance that gives the skin and hair its natural color. It also gives color to the iris of the eye, feathers, and scales.

In humans, those with darker skin have higher amounts of melanin. By contrast, those with less pigment have lighter or more

Melanin provides many benefits to human beings. One of the most recognised benefits involves ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Melanin provides a natural protection against the harmful effects of these rays. However, it does not provide complete protection from the sun, and individuals with darker skin tones are still at risk from the sun’s damaging rays.

When the laser hits the melanin it damages and destroys the regrowth potential of the hair follicle. The specific wave length of light (755nm) enhances the accuracy of the treatment and gives far superior results. At 755 nanometres the laser can achieve the best penetration into the hair follicle. For people with dark hair and light skin, this is the ultimate in hair reduction.

The new 755 nanometre hair removal laser uses a special cooling system that lowers the temperature of the skin during, and after, laser exposure.

This is why the treatment is regarded as a lot less painful than other treatments. Some patients have compared the treatment to the sensation of the snap of a rubber band.

For your safety, the ownership and operation of lasers in most Australian States is highly regulated. Clinics need to have an owner’s license, clinic license, safety officers, licensed operators and licensed equipment, which is why very few clinics are fully licensed.

Author Resource:-> For laser hair removal Brisbane , permanent hair removal Brisbane and hair removal sunshine coast , contact Image by Laser today for a free assessment and more information.

Article From submittedarticle.com

People undergoing cosmetic surgery increased by leaps and bounds in recent years very often encouraged by very extensive medical breakthroughs and less expensive surgical procedures.

Cosmetic surgery is one of the most progressive in the fields of medical research. This is partly due to the widespread acceptance among women and increasingly also men who want to look better than what they are at whatever age they are in. To go under a cosmetic surgeon’s knife is no longer a taboo like it used to be in the past.

Today’s modern society’s pressures to look young, slim and healthy are driving more and more people to opt for cosmetic surgeries to achieve their aesthetic looks. br />

Although pictures can help when you are discussing your goals and expectations with your cosmetic surgeon, you should be realistic about it. The beautiful models whose faces and bodies you see in magazines and advertisements were usually born with what you see. They were already good looking in the first place and their faces are usually made to look even better with cosmetic touch ups. Their body shapes are naturally acquired because good genes, proper diet and regular exercise. Most of them have never undergone any cosmetic surgeries with only some exceptions. Therefore, you cannot reasonably expect to look very alike the supermodel or the movie star that you fancy.

However, using a picture of your favorite model as a starting point can give your surgeon some idea of the look of which you would like to own. Only after examining you can your cosmetic surgeon determine whether your aspirations are reasonably achievable.

A very important question you should ask yourself when you are thinking of undergoing a cosmetic surgery is, “Am I considering cosmetic surgery for myself or to please someone else?” It is critically important for a potential plastic surgery patient to understand that the decision to opt for the surgery should not be done just to please someone else. Yes, not even to please your husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend or anyone else, but the decision is made for yourself.

It is certainly erroneous to believe that the world will change after the surgery. What if you do not get that date that you were hoping for? Will your self confidence crash? There are some research findings that indicate many cosmetic surgery patients suffer emotional scars and some are even prone to being suicidal, but that is for another article.

Then again, the personal changes made to your face and body after the surgery can certainly boost your self confidence and self esteem. For example, someone who has completed a successful breast enlargement surgery very often find herself standing up straighter and walking with more confidence in her gait.

Do go for a detailed consultation with your cosmetic surgeon to find out what you must know the surgery you are hoping to do or even consult a psychiatrist if you think that the reason that you want to try cosmetic plastic surgery is because of low self esteem. About the Author:Chris Chew is a researcher. More articles at his blogs Types of cosmetic surgeries and Surgeons and surgeriesArticle Source: Populate.NET Article Directory

What is Cosmetic Surgery Financing?

Cosmetic surgery financing is something that will come in incredibly handy, especially to those people who have a lot of cosmetic surgery procedures done. Basically cosmetic surgery financing involves any type of financing that you receive that is meant to help you make the payment on the procedure itself.

Basically, financing cosmetic surgery is able to offer loans for all cosmetic surgeries, and this includes everything from plastic, dental, and laser, to gastric bypass and infertility surgery, for instance. As well, you may use any doctor of your choice, and also you are under no obligation nor do you incur any cost when you apply for this sort of financing.

Because most cosmetic surgery procedures are not covered by health insurance, plastic surgery financing is often the only means by which patients can afford the more expensive procedures.

Even if you have saved up for the procedure, obtaining financial aid for cosmetic surgery may still be a good idea, but you want to remember to take the proper time and consideration in regards to this matter, so that you can find the best deal possible, and so that you do not get ripped off because you went to a scam artist, for instance.

Take time to check and make sure that the business you are choosing for this financing is legit, and also make sure that all of the staff members working there are qualified and experienced, as you will not want to deal with novices in a matter such as this.

The cost of cosmetic procedures can vary, but typically involves a rather large amount of money, and so you want to make sure that you take all of the proper steps in regards to keeping yourself safe.

There are many resources that are available out there to help you in this regards, and so you should be sure to take as full advantage of all of these as you can.

Fast and easy credit approval, fixed and competitive interest rates, no down payment or collateral, flexible repayment terms, assured confidentiality, and open loans that can be paid out anytime are among the characteristics you should take into account when looking for plastic surgery financing. About the Author: josero For more information please visit cosmetic surgery financing resources.Article Source: Populate.NET Article Directory

by baslcjsm

Michael Jackson. When you speak his name, you have an instant image of him. What happened? How could anyone get a nose like that? Just how did he let it go this far, you think. So, he really looks terrible, but you probably still feel sorry for him on some deeper level. I mean, he has to live with that the rest of his life right? It just proves that cosmetic surgery is not something to be taken lightly. You need to seriously plan out what you would like and research all the methods of cosmetic surgery that can be used to attain the things you would like.
First, you need to fully understand that cosmetic surgery is not just an instant fix. Just because you have instant coffee does not mean you have instant surgery. You will have recovery time, healing, and everything that goes along with any surgery. You will also have to do your homework and research everything that you can about the cosmetic surgery that you are considering. You can either research on the internet about the procedure or find a doctor to talk to about it. But, you need to learn as much as you can about the risks and perks of cosmetic surgery before going under the knife. Any doctor worth is salt will explain to you the risks and benefits of any proposed surgery, as well as the alternatives.
Next, you need to find the right doctor. Checking with the Ethical Cosmetic Surgery Association is a good place to start. They can point you in the right direction for a qualified surgeon in your area. This group raises the bar for cosmetic surgery and even allows lay people to join.

The terms plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are often used interchangeably. But in reality there is a difference between the two procedures. Cosmetic surgery is usually elective, a choice. People choose cosmetic surgery to fix a part of their body that they are not happy with. Plastic surgery, on the other hand, can also be called reconstructive surgery. Plastic surgery is used to correct birth defects and in the case of accident victims plastic surgery is used to rebuild. Sometimes plastic surgery is medically necessary. However, both plastic surgery procedures and cosmetic surgery procedures change the way a person looks and should only be performed by doctors that are Board certified.

While the outcomes of plastic and cosmetic surgery are quite desirable it is a long road to get there. By definition cosmetic surgery itself is a medical procedure. Like any other surgery the procedure can be painful, often requiring stitches to close up incisions. Like a magician, the cosmetic surgeon will strategically place these cuts in parts of the face or body that are not immediately apparent to other people. This way any scarring as a result of the surgery will remain hidden. Pain medications and local and/or general anesthesia will be administered as needed.

Many people instinctively know what I have just told you – but what is often overlooked is the recovery period after the operation is complete. Once again a cosmetic surgery is just that – surgery. That means that the patient will need time to heal and get better. After the surgery, if anesthesia was administered, time will be needed in the hospital or doctor’s office for the anesthesia to wear off. The affected area will be wrapped in gauze and there may be some bruising as well as some swollen areas. The site of the surgery will need to be treated tenderly so the stitches are not compromised and the incisions do not tear. Not only will the patient need to relax for a period of days but it may be necessary to have someone, like a close family member, around to assist and care for the patient.

The time needed for healing will vary by procedure. But having a good rapport with the cosmetic surgeon and having a strong personal network available will go a long way towards improving the patient’s morale and the overall cosmetic surgery experience.

About the Author: neenmachine

Read more of Logan’s informative articles about plastic surgery procedures at Pennsylvania Plastic Surgery. Article Source: Populate.NET Article Directory

by foreignhaus

“Board Certified” simply means a physician has been given a Board Certification by an organization called a “Board”. This includes formally recognized entities such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery but may include unrecognized or other entities calling themselves “Boards”. This can create significant confusion with the terms especially with the current events on television in the relm of realty TV.

“Board Certified in Plastic Surgery” means that a surgeon has been awarded Board Certification by the ABPS.

Board Certification is awarded only after finishing a formal residency in Plastic Surgery and also passing a rigorous written examination (usually taken 6 or 18 months after completion of all training) and a difficult oral examination which includes cases from a surgeon’s own practice (usually taken at least 18 months following completion of all training).

To be allowed to sit for these exams for the Board of Plastic Surgery, a surgeon must have completed:

1. College (usually 4 years)
2. Medical School (usually 4 years)
3. Internship in General Surgery (1 year)
4. Residency in either General Surgery, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Urology or Neurosurgery (usually 4 to 7 more years)*
5. Additional residency in Plastic Surgery (2 to 3 more years)*
6. Additional fellowships (specializations) may be performed in addition to the above training

*a combined residency of 3 or more years of general surgery plus 3 years of plastic surgery now is also accepted

Board Certification can not be awarded by any other organization, including the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (approved training in plastic surgery in the area of the head and neck only, formal training encouraged but not required), the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (not a recognized Board by the ABMS, no formal plastic surgery fellowship required), or the State Medical Board (grants medical licenses, not board certifications). These organizations do not require formal residency training in plastic surgery.

Taking the time to locate a qualified and competent surgeon can help to ensure that your surgery experience is the best it can be. These surgeons are ready to listen to your needs and help you reach your goals. They hope to sit down with you and work with you to make a plan. Services are offered to both men and women. These specialists can help turn your dreams into a reality. About the Author: Dave Stringham is the President of LookingYourBest.com an online resource for plastic surgery in Los Angeles. Learn more about breast augmentation and cosmetic surgery procedures.
Article Source: Populate.NET Article Directory

Plastic Surgery Tummy Tuck: Are You Ready to Take That Leap?

by pedersenm

This is not the type of procedure you get because you are sick of doing sit-ups; it is the type of procedure that you get because diets and exercises are just not doing the trick for you. For many people with a flabby midsection a proper diet and abdominal exercise routine can help to take care of that problem within several weeks.

For the rest of the world, plastic surgery tummy tuck procedures are an option but one that should only be gone into wisely after other options have failed and you have done all your research.

Who Should Get Stomach Surgery?

If you are looking into plastic surgery, such procedures are not for everyone and it is extremely important for you to keep that in mind. Just because you want this procedure done does not mean that you should get one.

A stomach reduction surgery is a good option for those out there who have tried other things and those other things do just not seem to work. There are plenty of diets out there that work well for people who have midsection issues, but then there are those people that diets just do not work for.

As far as surgery goes, procedures are perfect for women who have had children and want to flatten out their stomachs and tighten up the excess skin from those pregnancies. Also, people who have gone through drastic weight losses due to diet success or even gastric bypass surgery may want to consider such a procedure as well.

If you question whether or not your health is appropriate for plastic surgery, tummy tuck procedures are out of the question. Be truthful with your surgeon about the quality of your health and see if there is anything that can be done to have the procedure done safely.

People with organ function problems or women who want to get pregnant again should not get this procedure done.

Whether or not you are the right candidate for plastic surgery tummy tuck procedures is completely up to you and your surgeon. If you are ready to take that leap and you know that you are in good enough health and can afford it then it is a good thing to consider. Otherwise, you might want to consider some of the other options out there. About the Author: pedersenm For more information on a plastic surgery tummy tuck, visit the tummy tuck surgery site.
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Preparing For Plastic Surgery

by granola

Many people seem to think that just having plastic surgery done will change everything. However, it is important to note that proper preparation is vital to a successful experience. This is important not only for people who have plastic surgery done for reconstructive purposes, but also for people who are having it done for cosmetic reasons. Plastic surgery changes things about you, and some people need emotional, as well as physical, help adjusting to those changes. This is especially vital for plastic surgery patients who need to have the surgery as part of a recovery from a severe accident or illness.

For emergency surgery, or for reconstructive surgery, there is very little physical preparation that can take place. The person undergoing the surgery may not even be aware of it. This is why it is important for someone close to the patient to prepare for when the person is confronted by the new reality he or she is living in. A psychologist or counselor can help with this process. Additionally, it would not hurt for a close friend or relative to consult on what he or she can do to help the patient. A good support system needs to be prepared in such cases.

But a good support system is necessary in any case of plastic surgery, even the cosmetic surgery cases. Someone may not fully realize the emotional impact a new look can have on her or him until the surgery is complete. Many ethical and conscientious plastic surgeons make sure that the prospective patient has a psychiatric evaluation before performing the surgery, and some require a couple of counseling sessions prior performing the surgery. This is especially true in cases of plastic surgery that involve gender changes. Proper preparation before such a plastic surgery procedure is extremely necessary. Even though someone might feel as though he or she is finally getting the body that always belonged to him or her, the immensity of the change can still come as a shock.

Finally, many plastic surgeons offer advice and a checklist of things to do in order to get ready for the surgery. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully, so that you have the best possible outcome from your surgery. The directions given by a plastic surgeon are for your own good, and they will help you have a better recovery, both physically and emotionally. About the Author: granola Find out more about plastic surgery, and find plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Resource
Article Source: Populate.NET Article Directory

by leedobbins

However before any operation takes place the surgeon will talk to you and discuss with you the most appropriate type of surgery for your particular case of breast cancer.

It should also be remembered that no surgery will take place prior to you consenting to it.

Where breast surgery is concerned the type of surgery that will be performed depends on the size of the cancer in your breast, whether it has spread to any other parts of your body and also personal preference.

However, if your cancer has already been diagnosed then your surgeon will talk to you about the type of surgery that you will need. Although there may be times when the surgeon can not make a decision on what type of surgery he carries out as they do not have a definite diagnosis on the type of cancer that you have. Therefore they may need to carry out a small operation to remove some of the lump in order to examine under a microscope before taking the rest out.

The types of breast surgery that you may have are as follows:

1. Mastectomy – Removal of the whole breast.
2. Lumpectomy or Wide Local Excision – Where only the lump is removed from the breast.*
3. Segmentectomy – This where just part of the breast is removed.*

*These second two options are also known as conservative surgery.

In some cases a patient who has had breast surgery for cancer may need to under go radiotherapy afterwards and this is particular true for those who have either a lumpectomy or Segmentectomy surgery. This lowers the risk of that patient having their cancer returning as it will hopefully kill off the rest of cancer cells if any left after the surgery has taken place. Whilst in other cases patients who have had a mastectomy may find that they are having radiotherapy to the lymph nodes above the collar bone to make sure that all cancerous cells have been removed. Normally the surgeon will discuss what kind of treatment you will have with the radiotherapist once the results from the surgery are back. Unfortunately not radiotherapy treatment can be planned until after the operation has been carried out.

There are many reasons as to why a surgeon will recommend a particular kind of breast surgery, but they will try their utmost to follow a patient’s wishes. In some cases some women would like to keep their breast at all costs, whilst others may prefer to have a mastectomy (because they feel that once the breast is gone the cancer will be gone also) or it is because the do not wish to have radiotherapy. In fact a great deal of research has been carried out and has proved that there is no difference in the outcome whether a patient has a mastectomy or conservative surgery with radiotherapy instead. In fact it has been found that both forms of treatment work equally well in treating breast cancer.

About the Author

Lee Dobbins writes for http://surgery.health-g8way.com where you can find out more basic information on different types of surgery including other types of breast surgery
Article Source: Populate.NET Article Directory

While all of the benefits of consuming fish oil are encouraging, the benefits it can have on the heart are most astounding. Not only can it help to prevent acquired ailments, like clogged arteries, but fish oil also protects patients with congenital disorders as well. Studies have shown that patients with structural disorders in the heart who took fish oil were less likely to develop irregular heartbeats. When you add into consideration that fish oil also reduces the risk of blood clotting and lowers blood pressure, it really proves to be a total defender of the heart.

While the idea of saving your heart by eating delicious, fresh fish a few times a week may sound great to you, not everyone enjoys eating it: or can afford it, for that matter. Thankfully, fish oil can be absorbed in the bloodstream through capsules and other supplements which are approved by the American Heart Association. Taking omega 3 rich fish oil through supplements allows for precise measurements and dosages. In addition, taking the supplements is much easier and cost effective than preparing a gourmet fish dinner every couple of days. You can add the supplements into your morning routine and not miss a beat.

Since the benefits of incorporating omega 3 fatty acids into a healthy diet have only been recently studied, you may be skeptical about making fish oil a part of your routine. However, since first being outlined on a large scale in 1996 by the American Heart Association, the benefits of fish oil have been the subject of thousands of studies all over the world. More recent studies have even begun to link the presence of omega 3 fatty acids to constructive behavioral traits. Whether it will be treating an experienced heart or helping a new one grow, make fish oil start working miracles for you today.

Thomas Budd has a special interest in fish oil, as he takes the supplement everyday. He believes in practicing good nutrition through natural, scientifically proven methods in order to promote overall health. For more information on fish oil, please visit http://www.Fishoil-pro.com

by apple33p

Getting the best laser hair removal is like visiting to the best location in the US, as it is considered to be the Mecca for such treatments. One good place is Beverly Hills, where you can find the best specialists, and there are many businesses established here that deal with laser hair removal. That means increased competition, with only the best surviving. You will thus get the best laser hair removal services, and the chances of getting treated by an untutored doctor are minimal.

How To Find The Best Specialists?

The best laser hair removal specialists will provide you with dedicated service to improving your appearance using the latest as well as state-of-the-art surgical as well as non-surgical treatments. Good specialists will also have a pharmacy as well as outpatient laboratory that will provide you with everything you need for your laser hair removal needs, and more.

Check out clinic that uses Diode laser that helps in targeting the hair follicles specifically and does so without there being any pigment changes that are normally caused when the Alexandrite laser is used, especially on dark skins.

That is not all, since there is also given by this laser hair removal a complementary skin analysis that is made possible by the center’s own computerized skin scanner system that will provide to you a completely customized laser hair removal treatment. In addition, you will also find that the atmosphere of a good specialist is very soothing, and you will surely appreciate the dedication of the professional standard aesthetic treatment provided to all of its patients.

If you fancy a cool and calming hair removal treatment, you can go for those prestigious spas that perform laser hair removal. Some of these spa centers utilize the Cutera CoolGlide laser and is said to be the best hair removal system and equipment offer in the market today. It works virtually on all skin types including tanned skins and proven to be effective.

About the Author

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit hair removal methods to learn more about Beverly Hills laser hair removal and Los Angeles laser hair removal.Article Source: Populate.NET Article Directory

Learning about the process of hair removal, specifically laser hair removal is one that you will have to complete, if you find that you have unsightly or terrible amounts of hair that is growing in areas where you just don’t want it to be growing. Laser hair removal is easy, fast and one that will put a stop to that hair growth that you just don’t want to put up with any longer. Laser hair removal doesn’t hurt and it will put a stop to that growing hair you don’t want.

What you might not know about laser hair removal is that, most patients are going to experience a stop in hair growth. Most are going to notice a lesser amount of hair growth, but with continued treatment and continued laser hair removal, the hair growth will be stopped. The procedure is one that can be done in the doctor’s office, in a setting that is safe, sterile and by a licensed practitioner without problems or side effects. Laser hair removal does not hurt and can be done over a course of a few weeks for those who are tight on time all the time.

You can have this treatment done on your back, legs, on the buttocks, or even on your feet. If you have hair growing in areas where you just don’t want it to grow, you should consider finding a laser hair removal doctor and start planning your treatment right now. Those who have the lightest skin, with the darkest hair are tired of shaving all over their body, and laser hair removal is going to put an end to these problems. Those people with the lightest skin are going to see the fastest results as less and less hair growth will occur with each treatment of the laser hair removal process.

Not all of the hair is going to stop growing with the first treatment of laser hair removal. It is often found that at least three treatments; sometimes even more are needed in large areas, where the hair reduction and the laser hair treatment is used. Some hair will continue to grow, but with additional treatments, the thinning out of the hair growth will lessen and become less noticeable.

Hair that is not colored, that is not black or dark brown, does not seem to have the same results. Those with gray hair, red hair, or hair that is very light blonde in color doesn’t seem to have the same hair reduction, the same results as those who have darker colored hair do. The lighter hair does not respond to the laser hair treatment in the same manners.

About the Author

Copyright 2006 – Ivar Rudi. Ivar suggests you find great market for less by shopping online today. For more information and resources about this subject check out: http://www.laser-hair-removal-guide.org/ Article Source: Populate.NET Article Directory

by asupport

Laser hair removal is the act of using laser technology to destroy hair growth at the follicle. Along with the increase in the cosmetic procedure industries, such as plastic surgery, laser hair removal has become increasingly popular. The reason why people would choose to get laser hair removal done is because it claims, by destroying hair follicles at the root, regrowth will be slowed or actually stop completely where the procedure is done.

When getting laser hair removal you must think about many different ups and downs of going with this particular procedure. With laser hair removal, although it may be convenient, it can be permanent, so if you feel that you may at some point want to grow hair again, and you’ve gone through laser hair removal procedures, it might be an impossibility to regain the ability to grow hair. This can also be an up to getting laser hair removal. If you have a problem with excessive hair growth in places where hair growth is not desired, you can go through the procedure and see some positive results in the hair growth slowing down, or even stopping completely.

Laser hair removal procedures unfortunately are not a one time deal. Many times you must return and go through many sessions of the laser hair removal. This can be costly as well as painful at times. Using hot lasers to remove the hair from your body can cause burning and scaring which also may be irreversible. If you are interested in getting laser hair removal you should check the credentials of the person who is performing the procedure. Your best bet for finding someone who can offer you the best level of service because of their experience and knowledge in the procedure is a Dermatologist.

If you have excessive hair growth and you have tried other forms of treatment such as depilatory creams and standard shaving, then you may want to consider laser hair removal as an option to rid your life of that pesky hair. To find a laser hair removal provider in your area, you can search in the yellow pages under hair removal, or, the better bet would be to get a referral to a laser hair removal center through a medically trained, licensed dermatologist. Make sure before settling on laser hair removal that you weigh all of your options out and choose the one that will be most cost efficient, long lasting, and worth your time and money. Remember, if the job gets botched sometimes the scarring that happens can be forever. Are you willing to risk that? With everything there is a risk, just make sure you weigh your options before settling on laser hair removal.

About the Author

Sandra Stammberger is the editor of Study Guide Plus. A multi lingual online directory focusing on beauty, vacation, and entertainment. Article Source: Populate.NETArticle Directory

“I don’t like the way my surgery came out,”

“The doctor stitched me up too tightly,”

“I was in the hospital too long,”

“My wound got infected,”

“I wanted to be a B cup, but now I’m a C cup,”

“My breasts are still uneven,”

“My scars are prominent, and I can’t wear a bikini,”

“The doctor didn’t center my nipple when he did my breast surgery.”

The real question that a New York medical malpractice lawyer needs to evaluate is whether these problems stem from improper medical care. In elective plastic surgery cases many women do not realize that just because they did not get an optimal or ideal result does not necessarily mean that there was malpractice.

Another important issue is that there is something called ‘medical judgment’ when doing elective plastic surgery. One doctor may use one type of suture material, and another doctor may use a different material. As long as each method is medically acceptable, the fact that one chose to use a certain type of suture material over another is a judgment call, and that choice is generally not considered malpractice.

Let’s look at wound infections. Wound infections can unfortunately happen even in the best of care, and the fact that a woman develops a post-operative wound infection, again, does not instantly mean there was wrongdoing.

Most patients who have breast reduction or augmentation surgery want to improve their looks. They believe plastic surgery is the way to accomplish this. The reality is that no plastic surgeon will ever guarantee a result. “I’ve done thousands of breast surgeries…don’t worry about a thing,” the famous Park Avenue plastic surgeon said to a patient during her consultation. What he didn’t tell her was that there are risks to every surgical procedure. Had she known about those risks, she never would have had the surgery.

There are many women who have revision surgery to minimize their scars. Others have their implants replaced for different sizes. The tummy tuck that was sutured too tightly may need to be surgically opened and loosened. Those patients who have revisions are sometimes given ‘freebies’ by the surgeon. In other words, he (or she) will not charge for a repeat or corrective surgery. I receive some calls from women who are furious that they need revision surgery and their surgeon still wants to charge them $10,000, $15,000 or even $20,000 cash. (Remember, insurance doesn’t usually pay for elective plastic surgery.)

I am often asked to look at the horrible result a plastic surgeon caused. Some photos show terrible looking scars. The nipple may be off-center. The scarring may be keloid and raised. It may be a fresh scar and not have had time to heal yet.

Here’s why a plastic surgery victim calls a lawyer’s office to ask if they have a valid medical malpractice case:

They see themselves as disfigured following a costly and time-consuming surgical procedure. They went into this expecting to be made more beautiful than they were. When they come out worse than they expected they get upset. When the patient confronts her fears and concerns with the doctor, the doctors’ response will usually determine whether I get called. Typically, these women are at first ashamed that a respected doctor could give them such a terrible result. The feelings of shame turn to anger after talking to friends and family about her predicament. The inability to wear sexy revealing clothes certainly creates frustration. A caring physician may appear cold-hearted when he (or she) fails to take the patient’s concerns seriously. Here’s the kicker that always generates a call to the lawyer’s office…

The doctor refuses to do a revision surgery unless the patient pays full price, in cash, before the surgery.

In order to properly evaluate a potential case I need to obtain and review all of your medical records. I need to have an expert plastic surgeon review and comment on your treatment. Only if my expert confirms that (1) there were departures from good care that (2) caused you injury and (3) that the injury is significant and permanent, are we permitted to go forward and prosecute a case on your behalf.

Gerry Oginski is an experienced medical malpractice and personal injury trial attorney practicing law in Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, New York, Staten Island, Nassau & Suffolk. He has tirelessly represented injured victims in all types of medical malpractice and injury cases for over 19 years. As a solo practitioner he is able to devote 100% of his time to each individual client. A client is never a file number in his office.

Take a look at Gerry’s website http://www.oginski-law.com and read his free special reports on malpractice and accident law. Read actual testimony of real doctors in medical malpractice cases. Learn answers to your legal questions. We have over 200 FAQs to the most interesting legal questions. Read about his success stories. Read the latest injury and malpractice news. I guarantee there’s something for you. See Gerry’s website at http://www.oginski-law.com . Call him at 516-487-8207.

Also, go over to http://medicalmalpracticetutorial.blogspot.com for Gerry’s free instructional videos on malpractice & accident law. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerry_Oginski