February 2022

You have probably heard snoring at one point in time or even snore yourself. Snoring happens when air passes through relaxed throat tissues, causing loud and rapid air vibrations that produce harsh, hissing, throaty noise through the nose or mouth. For many people, this phenomenon can become chronic and prevent them from getting a good night’s sleep. Snoring can also be disruptive to other people that live with you, such as your spouse. To better understand this issue, here is a list of 7 risk factors for snoring and a look at how Dr. Cecil Yeung in Houston can treat your snoring problems.

1. Being Overweight

One of the most common risk factors for snoring – for any medical condition actually – is being overweight. A high BMI puts you at risk for health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Additionally, it can contribute to snoring and poor sleep quality. One reason for this is that your organs are being over-exhausted, and your lungs might be unable to regulate your breathing at night, which can ultimately lead to unproductiveness during the day.

2. Breathing Problems

If you have breathing problems, such as a stuffy nose, during the day, it only makes sense that they will affect your breathing at night too. Conditions often associated with a high risk of snoring include a deviated septum and a narrow airway. You might also have large adenoids or tonsils that make it difficult for you to breathe and, thus, increase your chances of snoring at night.

3. Drinking Alcohol

When you consume a lot of alcohol, your muscles relax, including those in your throat. The result is that your throat is unable to naturally correct obstructions in your airway during your sleep, which can lead to snoring. This effect is more noticeable when you have had more than one drink before bedtime.

4. Smoking

Research reveals a direct correlation between smoking tobacco and snoring. Smoking tends to inflame your throat and airways, which can affect airflow and cause obstructed breathing. This  inflammation is why many smokers tend to cough a lot, produce significant amounts of phlegm, and snore at night. 

5. Your Sex

According to medical research, men and more likely to have snoring problems than women. They are also at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea due to the obstructed breathing accompanying snoring. As such, you should always consult your doctor about your snoring if it affects your sleep.

6. Family History

If one or several of your family members have sleep apnea or snore when they sleep, you are also at risk of developing the problem. While snoring does not always signify sleep apnea, you should see a doctor if your snoring is loud and disrupts your sleep.

7. Sore Throat

People who experience regular sore throats tend to snore more than those who don’t. Also, because snoring can cause sore throats, it is often difficult to determine which one came first.

Talk to an ENT Specialist Today

Snoring is often depicted humorously in the media. But, it can be disruptive to you and your partner, affect your quality of sleep, and leave you feeling groggy throughout the day. Fortunately, Cecil Yeung, MD, of Houston Sinus Surgery, provides first-rate diagnostic tools and treatments for snoring and other problems. Schedule an appointment with her today by using the online scheduler on the official website or calling the Houston office.

Think of a physical exam as a way for your doctor to check in on your body systems and ensure they are functioning properly. Physical exams are both necessary and useful because they give your healthcare provider an accurate assessment of your overall health and allow them to catch any health problems early. If you have not had a physical exam in more than a year or are wondering about the process, here is everything you need to know about getting a physical exam in Bakersfield.

 Why Are Annual Physical Exams Performed?

As mentioned, a physical exam helps your healthcare provider gauge your general health status. It is also an opportunity for you to discuss any health concerns you might have with them, including any symptoms or ongoing pains you might be experiencing. Generally, physical exams are performed at least once a year and are usually used to:

• Identify possible medical concerns
• Test for certain conditions so they can be treated early
• Update your immunizations
• Check your exercise routine and diet

Your doctor will check your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels during your physical exam. Checking your levels is especially important because such issues might not always show any symptoms and early screening allows for proper treatment before the condition becomes severe.

Preparing for a Physical Exam

By preparing adequately for your physical exam, you can ensure that you get the most out of the session and get all your concerns addressed. Always prepare the following when going in for your exam:

• A list of any ongoing pains or symptoms you are experiencing
• A list of all the medications and supplements you are currently taking
• Your surgical and medical history
• Recent tests and their results
• Any questions you would like your doctor to answer
• A copy of the device card for any implanted devices you might have, such as a pacemaker
• The contact details of any physicians you have seen recently

It is also recommended that you dress simply and comfortably and avoid things that could hinder the doctor’s access to your body. This includes heavy clothing, makeup, and jewelry. 

How Are Physical Exams Performed?

Typically, your physical exam will begin with a one-on-one session with your healthcare provider, where they ask you a series of questions about your medical history, medications, underlying health conditions, allergies, and the like. They will also ask you about your lifestyle, diet, exercise routine, and alcohol consumption or smoking habits.

Next, they will examine your eyes, ears, throat, and nose using a bright light, followed by an assessment of your skin for any growths or moles. Later, you will be asked to lie down on a table as your doctor checks the location and size of your organs. They might order an MRI or X-ray if anything is amiss.

Your doctor will then listen to your respiratory rate, conduct a prostate or breast exam (depending on gender), and test your reflexes. They might also update your shots and order some tests. 

Conclusion

Physical exams are an integral part of preventative care because they help your doctor catch all possible problems early and keep you healthy. If you are ready for your physical exam, contact StatMD to schedule an appointment with Ravinderjit Singh, MD, a family medicine and urgent care specialist. Use the online scheduler or call the Bakersfield, California office today.

Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins that appear in the legs, although they can affect all superficial veins. They are usually caused by pressure buildup in the body and commonly affect the legs because of the pressure exerted on your lower body when you stand or walk. Varicose veins do not cause any discomfort and are only a cosmetic issue for many people. For others, however, this condition can lead to pain, discomfort, and other serious conditions. Read on to learn more about varicose veins and the available Tomball varicose veins treatments.

 Symptoms of Varicose Veins

As mentioned, varicose veins do not always result in pain or discomfort. You can usually identify them through their appearance as bulging and twisted, blue or purple veins – somewhat like cords running through your legs. In the event your varicose veins are accompanied by pain, you might experience:

• Itching sensation around one or several veins
• Muscle cramping, throbbing, swelling, or burning sensations in your lower legs
• Aches in your legs
• A heavy feeling in the legs
• Pain that worsens when you stand or sit for an extended period
• Discoloration around the veins

Spider veins share similarities with varicose veins but are smaller and often resemble a spider’s web. They also tend to be blue or red and appear on the face or legs.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins can be attributed to damages or weak valves in the blood vessels. Veins are responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood from your tissues to the heart for oxygenation and recirculation. For this to happen, the veins in your legs must pump blood upwards against gravity. If these valves are damaged, the blood will flow towards gravity and pool in your veins, leading to varicose veins.

Preventing Varicose Veins

Generally, you cannot prevent varicose veins if the problem stems from weak vein valves. However, you can reduce your risk of developing them by improving your blood circulation. You can do this by taking the following measures:

• Exercising regularly
• Eating a low-salt, high-fiber diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Wearing loose, comfortable clothes and avoiding tight pants or stockings and high heels
• Elevating your legs in the evening
• Shifting your standing or sitting position regularly

Varicose Veins Treatment Options

The team at Northwest Houston Heart Center provides diagnosis and treatment services for vein diseases like varicose veins. When you visit the center, your doctor will perform an ultrasound to assess your varicose veins and devise a treatment regimen according to your symptoms and the size of the veins. Common treatment options include:

• Compression socks
• Sclerotherapy
• Endovenous ablation

Conclusion

Varicose veins are not just unattractive – sometimes, they can affect your quality of life, leave you in pain, and result in more serious complications. Roy Norman, DO, and A. Adnan Aslam, MD, FACC, FSCAI, are experienced cardiologists that offer several treatments to treat and eliminate varicose veins. If you have developed this problem, schedule a consultation online or call one of their Tomball, Texas offices.

Do not be ashamed if you have vaginal problems, including incontinence, itching, burning, or vaginal dryness. These symptoms are pretty prevalent in women and are very easy to treat. Utilizing the MonaLisa Touch® procedure, Dr. Inga Zilberstein, MD, PLLC, can effectively manage your symptoms and provide lasting relief from your issues. At Manhattan’s Upper East Side office in New York City, patients can consult Dr. Zilberstein about the procedure and how it could benefit them. To learn more about MonaLisa Touch® in New York, schedule a consultation through mobile or book online.

What Exactly Is Monalisa Touch?

MonaLisa Touch is a procedure that uses fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser energy to administer treatment to soft tissues, like the vaginal tissue. This mild laser treatment may effectively and safely rebuild your vaginal tissue. It offers medication and a hormone-free answer to various pelvic health issues.

What Issues Can MonaLisa Touch Fix?

As you age and your estrogen levels drop following menopause, your vaginal tissue may atrophy. That implies your vaginal tissue will become thinner and drier than before. It can also become swollen, resulting in irritation, burning, discomfort, and possibly bleeding.

Some of the symptoms you may experience due to vaginal atrophy include:

• Painful intercourse
• Chronic/constant urinary system infections
• Vaginal bleeding or discomfort
• Leaking whenever you laugh, cough, or sneeze

Therapy with MonaLisa Touch could aid in the reversal of vaginal atrophy caused by menopause. It could also assist in tightening up slack vaginal tissue (also known as vaginal laxity) that might occur following childbirth in younger women.

What Occurs During A Monalisa Touch Procedure?

Dr. Zilberstein offers MonaLisa Touch therapy at the clinic in NYC. The procedure is painless; thus, no anesthesia is required. During the procedure, he drives a tiny probe inside your vagina. This probe provides mild laser radiation to your vaginal tissues.

Your MonaLisa Touch® procedure will only take around five minutes. The laser energy generated encourages the formation of new blood vessels in your vagina. Besides, it enhances the development of elastin and collagen, two proteins that give your vaginal tissues suppleness and strength.

Most ladies may resume their normal routine immediately after treatment. Nevertheless, Dr. Zilberstein might suggest that you avoid sexual intercourse for 2-3 days.

Why Select MonaLisa Touch® Over Other Procedures?

If you are suffering from vaginal atrophy, lubricants, moisturizers, or oral or vaginal estrogen might help. However, vaginal products make a mess, and most women choose not to have or use estrogen.

MonaLisa Touch therapy is a safe and effective alternative to estrogen and lubricants. Its low-level laser radiation promotes the formation of healthy tissue.

How Many Sessions Will You Require?

The majority of women undergo three treatments spread six weeks apart. Once every year, you might need treatment touch-ups.

Are you wondering if MonaLisa Touch® therapy is appropriate for you or have any concerns about the procedure? Call the New York City office or use the online scheduling tool today to arrange an appointment with skilled Inga MonaLisa Touch® treatment expert Inga Zilberstein, MD.

Dental implants have a wide range of advantages. A dental implant is just a substitute tooth that mimics your native tooth’s appearance, feel, and function. A solitary tooth, several teeth, or a whole set of dentures could all be replaced with dental implants because of their adaptability. The process for placing dental implants may differ based on the number of missing teeth and the appropriate amount of implants. The price of dental implant therapy is influenced by the dentist’s level of education and experience, as well as their geographic region.

The cost and outcome of the treatment will depend on the dental surgeon you select, who should provide a diverse range of services in the community. When properly maintained, it functions much like a natural tooth and may last a lifetime. The advantages of dental implant restoration in Columbia are mentioned below: 

• A lifetime is possible with dental implants

Natural tooth replacement options include dental implants. Doctors provide patients with the chance to sample a range of foods and let them eat and drink what they want. Without the concern of passing out, you may relish your meal. In contrast to dentures, they let an individual regain full chewing ability and allow for regular eating.

• Similar to a natural tooth, dental implants

Your smile and looks will both improve thanks to dental implants. You won’t need to be concerned about tooth loss in the future because they are durable and permanent. Your confidence would increase as a result of dental implants, which will also boost your grin.

• Stable teeth are maintained with dental implants

Dentures can be held firmly in place with the aid of implants, which will provide them with a sturdy platform. If you maintain good oral care, a dental implant can last the rest of your life in your mouth since it is made to look like the root structure of real teeth. Because they give the tongue a place to rest, implants enable people to talk properly and enjoy their favorite meals.

Conclusion

Functional and identical to your original teeth in look, your replacement teeth would be functional. The optimum course of therapy will be suggested by a competent dentist after assessing your dental health. An oral surgeon will ensure that you are aware of all the benefits and drawbacks of the procedure. If you take good care of the implants, they should last you a lifetime. 

Arthritis is a condition that affects people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in those over age 65. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tears on the joints. Arthritis causes many symptoms including pain, inflammation, and stiffness. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are many ways to manage the pain. These symptoms can substantially impact your quality of life, which is why many people work with East Village arthritis specialists to find relief from the pain. This article looks at some of the options you can take advantage of to relieve pain resulting from arthritis.

• Master Self-Management Skills

Arthritis is a chronic disorder and requires ongoing care. It started with Dr. James Cyriax, who developed self-management skills for arthritis pain. These self-help techniques focus on relieving the effects of both acute and chronic conditions that cause discomfort in your muscles or joints. When you develop these skills, you can manage your arthritis pain more effectively, and learn how to live a healthier life.

One way to ease discomfort is to use heat or cold packs on the area that hurts. It reduces inflammation and swelling. You can also do some gentle stretching exercises and yoga poses to help increase your range of motion.

• Rest Your Muscles

One of the best ways to manage arthritis pain is to take a break from using your muscles. This means avoiding any strenuous activities that could put a strain on your joints. You should pace yourself and rest your body when it needs it most, which can be difficult if you are active all day long. When you try to push yourself too hard, you can increase the pain and inflammation.

If you are forced to take a break from your usual routine, make sure to find activities that will keep you active. It can be anything from swimming to walking around the block. You want to make sure you are still moving your body even though you cannot do your usual exercises.

• Stay Active

When dealing with arthritis pain, it is essential to stay active. This does not mean you have to push yourself to the limit or do anything that will cause you more pain. Instead, find activities that you enjoy and can do without stress on your joints.

Some good examples include swimming, biking, water aerobics, and walking. These activities will not strain your muscles or joints, and you can still get plenty of exercise while managing your arthritis symptoms.

• Protect Your Joints

Your joints are exceptionally delicate, and taking the proper steps is crucial to protecting them. This will be different for everyone, but some general tips include using an appropriate furniture cushion while sitting, carefully cleaning your hands before and after manual labor, and wearing comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement.

In summary, arthritis is one of the leading causes of pain. You may need to see a specialist to help manage the pain, but you can relieve it at home by mastering self-management skills and resting your muscles. Staying active and protecting your joints also helps relieve arthritis pain.

Hormone replacement treats many problems associated with the endocrine system. It was initially designed to replace any hormones that were not naturally made by the body, but doctors have realized more benefits than just hormone replacement. Hormones are chemicals that help carry signals throughout the body to signal different organs and tissues to function correctly.

Hormone replacement is used in men and women to help them feel good and reduce the effects of aging or other medical problems. There are two main types: bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and non-bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (NHRT). Bio-identical hormones are made to match the hormones naturally produced by the body, while non-bio-identical hormones are not. Kalpana Desai MD, an HRT specialist, can help you identify the proper treatment for your needs. In this article, we look at some of the benefits of HRT.

• Can Fight Early Menopause in Women

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is the medical term for early menopause, and it affects about 1 in 100 women. It can result in a range of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and infertility. Hormone replacement therapy is effective in treating POF, and in some cases, women were able to get pregnant after starting treatment.

• Hormone Replacement Can Improve Bone Health

As women approach menopause, they may find that their bones become weaker and more brittle. It is due to the ovaries’ rapid decrease of estrogen production, which harms bone metabolism. Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progesterone can increase the levels of these hormones, which increases bone mineral density, and improves bone strength as a result.

• Hormones Can Also Improve Sexual Health in Women

In addition to treating POF, treatment with hormone replacement can also improve sexual health for women. Estrogen is vital for maintaining the health of the vaginal tissues and lubrication. It also helps keep the uterus lining thick, which is necessary for a healthy pregnancy.

• It Can Help Improve Self-Confidence

Hormone replacement therapy treats side effects of aging in men, such as low energy levels, poor libido, and erectile dysfunction. These are all things that can harm the overall self-esteem of an individual. When men start to feel better about themselves, it can help to improve their interactions with other people and even improve their outlook.

• Boosts Immunity

Hormone replacement therapy increases women’s immune system’s overall function. It can improve the production of specific cells that help fight off infections while efficiently distributing them throughout the body.

• It Improves Quality of Life

Hormone replacement therapy improves the quality of life for both men and women. It can help reduce the number of symptoms they experience, making them feel better overall. When people feel good, they tend to have a more positive outlook on life and are less likely to suffer from depression or anxiety.

In summary, hormone replacement therapy has become popular due to its many benefits. They include better immunity and improved quality of life. It also improves self-confidence and sexual energy. In women who have reached menopause, hormone replacement therapy can help manage the signs of menopause and improve bone health.

In the world of beauty and skincare, chemical peels are a common sight. You can achieve skin rejuvenation with chemical peels. A peel is a procedure that removes the outermost layer of skin, which may help minimize the appearance of indications of aging, sun exposure, and post-acne scarring. At the same time, a brighter, softer layer of skin is exposed under the dead surface. The strength of chemical peels might vary. You may have adverse effects that you have not encountered before. You must understand how to care for your skin after seeking chemical peels in Brighton so that you do not experience any side effects and get the best possible results.

Natural peeling is the best method

Hands-off maintenance is the first guideline of post-chemical peel care. After that, your skin will be pretty sensitive. Even weak chemicals and acids may cause redness and irritation on the skin, so it is fair to assume that this will happen. Touching your skin when it is peeling and flaking might lead to the following:

• Infections: The cutaneous layer that the skin forms to keep out germs and viruses is a critical part of your immune system’s function. After a chemical peel, for instance, your skin’s protective barrier may be compromised, making it more susceptible to infections and other disorders.
• Breakouts: Your pores are completely open after facials or a peel. As soon as you contact your face, any bacteria on your hands might enter your body and create breakouts. Your hands’ natural oils may clog your pores and trap blemish-causing germs, even if you wash your hands often during the day.
• An increase in irritation: As it is, your skin is likely to be red and inflamed. The angrier it becomes, the more you scratch, itch, or pick at it. Before your skin properly recovers, it requires time to settle down.

After all, the fundamental objective of a peel solution is to let the dead and damaged skin cells come off naturally.

Use SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays

Let us go right to the point: avoid the sun whenever possible, and use plenty of sunscreens. After a peel, your skin is especially vulnerable since it is been stripped of its protective layers. And the fresh skin that is exposed after a peel is susceptible to the sun’s harsh rays. As a result, it is more important than ever to take good care of it. When you cannot avoid the sun’s harmful rays, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Moderate hydration is vital

You may notice your skin become tight, dry, and itchy as the chemicals begin to do their job. As a result, it is easy to overdo it, but you must not. Remember that a chemical peel is all about getting rid of dead and damaged skin cells. A chemical peel is only as good as the time it takes to take effect. Instead of over-hydrating, you should keep moisturizing as usual.

It is crucial to note that everyone’s skin responds differently to skincare treatment. Taking care of your skin after a chemical peel can help improve the texture of your skin and lessen the appearance of dark spots, lines, and wrinkles.

When the veins in your legs enlarge due to pooling or accumulation of blood in them, you are said to have varicose veins. It is a vascular problem that occurs when the valves become weak, allowing the backflow of blood. The veins often appear as blue or dark purple on your skin’s surface, and most people seek treatment for cosmetic concerns. However, varicose veins can be a source of discomfort to others, especially if they come with other symptoms such as muscle aches, swelling, and pain after extended sitting periods. Fortunately, your Hudson, FL cardiologist can help improve the symptoms with different treatment methods, including sclerotherapy.

Causes of varicose veins

To understand the causes of varicose veins, you first need to understand how the arteries and veins work in your body. Apart from the pulmonary artery, all the other arteries transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the other body parts, while the veins carry deoxygenated blood from the rest of the body parts to the heart. The veins in your legs work against gravity to transport blood to the heart, which is also the longest distance. Veins have valves to protect blood from having a backward flow. If the valves weaken or get damaged, they allow blood to accumulate in the vein causing it to enlarge and twist.

What are the risk factors for varicose veins?

• Family history. A predisposition of varicose veins in your family makes you more susceptible to this problem.
• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is an increase in blood volume to support the fetus’s growth. While this is important, it may cause undesirable side effects, including superficial veins. The hormones produced during this time can also prompt the development of varicose veins.
• Obesity. If you weigh more than you should, the body exerts too much pressure on the veins in your legs, which can result in valve damage.
• Occupation. People with desk jobs or who spend many hours standing are at risk of varicose veins. Sedentary positions interfere with blood flow from the veins to your heart.
• Age. As you grow older, the veins in your valve become prone to wear and tear, making them weak, allowing some blood to accumulate in the veins.
• Sex. Varicose veins are prevalent in women than men due to the hormones the body produces during pregnancy, menopause, and before periods. Hormonal contraceptives such as pills are linked with varicose veins.

How can I prevent varicose veins?

Although you cannot completely prevent yourself from varicose veins, there are several measures you can take to reduce the risk and manage the symptoms of existing varicose veins. They include:

• Exercise more often to strengthen your leg muscles since they facilitate the transportation of blood.
• Shed extra pounds if overweight to reduce symptoms such as muscle cramps and swelling. Watching your diet and exercising can help your weight loss journey.
• Avoid tight clothes that press on the veins in your legs, worsening the existing problem.
• Take a break between long sitting or standing hours and walk around to promote blood circulation.

If you have further questions about varicose veins or need treatment, visit your doctor today at Advanced Hearts & Vascular Associates.