PAD | Often misdiagnosed, this illness can be mild or deadly
SEPTEMBER IS PAD AWARENESS MONTH Tell the doctor about your symptoms; it could save your leg
Old woman with a dog in autumn park
CHICAGO, Illinois, September, 2017 – As we age, it is common to be concerned about heart disease or high blood pressure. But many people don’t know that those conditions are also related to another common health issue, peripheral artery disease (PAD). Unfortunately, many patients are not diagnosed until it has progressed.
PAD is caused when hardening of the arteries deprives the legs and feet of oxygen-rich blood. This occurs because the arteries become clogged, much like water pipes in an old house that build up with lime. In the body, clogged arteries don’t bring enough oxygen to the toes, feet and legs. (Less commonly, the same thing can happen to arms and hands.)
Older people are more likely to have some level of PAD. Those over 60 have a 5 percent chance; those over 70, 15 percent; and those over 80, 20 percent. Smokers and diabetics are far more likely to have PAD.
If the disease stays mild, it can cause no symptoms at all, or just a little pain in the legs while walking. But if it progresses, it can lead to gangrene, amputation and sometimes even death.
“A lot of time when patients complain of leg pain, it is misdiagnosed as something else, such as back pain,” said vascular surgeon and researcher Dr. Katherine Gallagher of the University of Michigan. “Then they may be referred to other doctors and occasionally have procedures like back surgery that fails to relieve the pain. Only then they are diagnosed with PAD.”
Patients need to know that even if they have PAD, it can be managed conservatively with medications most of the time, she added. “Surgery or endovascular therapy should be reserved for patients who have lifestyle-limiting pain when walking, rest pain and ulcers that don’t heal.”
When someone is diagnosed with or suspected of having PAD, they are typically referred to a vascular surgeon or vascular specialist. Vascular surgeons will often prescribe medications and lifestyle changes for PAD patients. If this fails or if the cases and symptoms are severe, surgery or a minimally invasive procedure may be necessary.
If the patient follows doctor’s orders, he has a 75 percent change that his PAD will not get worse. Exercise, such as walking on a treadmill, has been found to be an effective way to reduce pain, and in fact, supervised exercise has just officially been approved for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.
PAD patients may do better with supervised exercise therapy because left on their own, many don’t follow through with consistent exercise, researchers have found.
Patients frequently want to take a pill to make the disease go away, noted vascular surgeon and researcher Dr. Misty Humphries of the University of California Davis Medical Center.
“They become passive observers of their health,” she said. “While medications are essential, medication alone will never be the answer. Patients need to realize that they can change their lives and be in the driver’s seat of their own health care.”
That means you must:
Tell your primary care doctor if you have fatigue or cramping in the calf, thigh, hip or buttock when walking or at rest.
Tell the doctor if your feet feel numb.
Bring notes to your doctor visit to remind yourself of questions to ask.
Don’t assume the pain is unimportant.
If you don’t tell the doctor, what could happen?
At the least, the pain will continue. Eventually your feet could get sores that don’t heal, or heal very slowly. If the disease progresses, your feet and legs will get so little oxygen that you could develop a severe and painful form of PAD called chronic limb ischemia, which often leads to amputations.
For some patients, open foot sores are painful, but in others, disease has caused their feet to go numb and they may not know they have sores, Dr. Gallagher said.
What can you do to avoid the severe later stages of PAD?
Don’t smoke; if you do smoke, quit. Nicotine inflames the blood vessels and increases the likelihood of PAD. Ask your doctor to help you find assistance with smoking cessation.
See your primary care doctor regularly. Checkups are designed to catch things like PAD.
If you are having pain in your legs, feet or toes, or have sores on your feet that won’t heal, be sure to mention that in your doctor visit.
Be sure to follow doctor’s advice and take prescribed blood pressure and cholesterol medications as directed.
Keep walking. Walking 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week can keep PAD at bay. If your legs hurt just a little, keep walking; if the pain is bad, stop for a few minutes till it goes away, then start walking again. Pushing through mild and moderate pain will increase the distance you can walk without pain over time.
If that’s hard to manage, ask if supervised exercise therapy is covered for you.
The Society for Vascular Surgery® (SVS) is a 5,800-plus member, not-for-profit professional medical society, composed primarily of specialty-trained vascular surgeons, which seeks to advance excellence and innovation in vascular health through education, advocacy, research and public awareness.
Will cosmetic surgery actually help my confidence?
In Australia plastic surgery has become commonplace over the past several years, and people are turning to plastic surgeons more and more often now in the hopes of solving their self-esteem issues. Unfortunately, many people do not consider the mental and emotional toll that making a significant change to their bodies can have.
There are instances when plastic surgery can have a positive impact on your self-image, but it is important to be objective when you are deciding whether or not plastic surgery is right for you. This post will cover some of the positive and negative outcomes for people who have had procedures done to help you decide if cosmetic surgery will boost your confidence.
What the Research Says
Because of cosmetic surgery's booming popularity, psychologists have taken a more serious interest in the mental and emotional well-being of post-operative patients.
The American Psychological Association, or APA, conducted an analysis of 37 studies done on people who have had cosmetic procedures. These studies focused on how patients felt and functioned both before and after their surgery.
The research showed mixed results. Overall, many of the participants had positive outcomes, which means that they felt better about their appearance, had greater confidence in themselves and got an overall boost in their quality of life. In fact, one study showed that cosmetic surgery can potentially reduce the symptoms of depression in some people.
However, there were quite a few people who experienced problems adjusting to their new look, and this led to worsening depression, anxiety and social isolation. Many patients underestimate the difficulty of having to spend a significant amount of time recovering, so be sure that you fully understand how your recovery will progress before committing to a procedure. It is also very helpful to have a strong support system in place to keep your spirits up and help you through any difficulties you may experience.
How to Get the Most From Your Cosmetic Procedure
Luckily, all of this research has exposed a common thread between patients who experience the best outcomes post-surgery.
The key factor in all of this research is expectations. Psychologists have found that those with realistic expectations are the most likely to receive the confidence boost they are looking for and experience few, if any, negative feelings.
The Clinical Psychological Science journal has published research that shows that people who have realistic expectations when going under the knife have higher self-esteem, feel healthier overall and experience less anxiety than people who have never had plastic surgery.
Every cosmetic surgeon will do his or her best to help you achieve your goals, but it is also the surgeon's job to keep you grounded in reality so that you can be as happy with your new self as possible.
You should also carefully and honestly consider your emotional state when you are making the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery. In Australia plastic surgery consultations and "cooling-off" periods are part of the process, which can help you make sure that you are in a healthy place mentally before you make a drastic change to your appearance.
Whether you want a Brazilian butt lift, a lip injection or fat reduction, it is important to think through the reasons why you want these procedures. Any change to your appearance should be done because it is what you want and not because of someone else's opinion of you.
If you don't think you can be objective, it is perfectly normal to discuss these things with someone you trust or even with your cosmetic surgeon during your initial consultation.
Will Cosmetic Surgery Actually Help My Confidence?
This is something that you and your cosmetic surgeon must decide together. Remember that changing your outward appearance is usually not going to solve emotional problems or change how a person feels about you, so you must carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding if changing your appearance is what you want.
If you're hoping that a Brazilian butt lift will help you feel sexier or that getting rid of some stubborn fat will let you fit into the bikini of your dreams, then there is a good chance that those procedures will give you the happiness and confidence boost you are looking for.
Altering your appearance to better fit the mental image you have of yourself can be a rewarding and confidence-boosting experience as long as you are honest with yourself and keep realistic expectations about what a cosmetic procedure can and cannot do for you.
Falling under the category of health education, jobs in the diet and wellness industry are expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate through 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Diet and wellness workers are employed in a broad range of settings, such as hospitals, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, doctors offices, private businesses, and more.
To give job seekers an idea of the types of companies that hire for diet and wellness jobs, FlexJobs has selected a sample of companies hiring right now for these types of positions, and featured currently available job with each company.
Dietician I: Candidate will be responsible for providing nutritional care and support to patients. Other duties include managing, promoting, and educating individuals on nutrition programs and ensuring compliance with government regulations. This is a part-time, flexible schedule job in Yakima, Washington, that requires a bachelor’s degree and Washington State licensure.
Research Associate:A research associate is needed in Indianapolis, Indiana, to provide bio nutrition services, consult with faculty on diet related issues, and facilitate dietary services for human research. Successful candidates will be registered dietitians willing to work a part-time schedule with occasional travel.
Wellness Technician: In this role, successful candidates will provide wellness programs for patients, members, and employees; maintain fitness equipment and departmental supplies; and oversee exercise facilities. A diploma and knowledge of exercise physiology are needed for this occasional job.
Health and Wellness Consultant: Helping members achieve health and wellness goals are the primary duties of this consulting job in Hawaii. This is a part-time position that requires a high school diploma or equivalent, sales or retail experience, computer skills, and scheduling flexibility.
Writer, Health and Fitness: A writer in Nashville, Tennessee, with thorough knowledge of the local fitness scene is needed to generate new topics, craft headlines, and write, edit, and proofread articles. This is a freelance and remote position.
Profile Coach: A profile coach is needed in Evansville, Indiana, to coach individuals participating in a weight management program. This part-time job requires a bachelor’s degree. Ideal candidates will have at least six months’ relevant experience.
Bilingual Wellness Expert: A bilingual registered dietician is needed for a part-time, virtual position in Chicago, Illinois. In this role, successful candidates with work with assigned clients to help them achieve weight loss and wellness goals. A master’s degree is required for this part-time, remote job.
Intervention Assistant: An intervention assistant is needed for a part-time, Baltimore-based position. In this role, you would be helping support young people with emotional disturbances and their families. This job involves working with an interventionist on various tasks and promoting healthy weight and wellness.
Specialist and Wellness Center Coordinator: Working under a manager’s supervision, the specialist and wellness center coordinator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Specialist and Wellness Center. In this role, successful candidates will help improve the health and well-being of the community. A high school diploma and at least two years’ relevant experience is needed for this part-time job in New Braunfels, Texas.
Nutrition Educator: A nutrition educator is needed for a healthy living program in New York City. This is a part-time job that involves teaching cooking and nutrition classes, documenting activities, attending training, and helping with various projects. A bachelor’s degree in nutrition and experience is needed for this position.
As we head into the cooler months the weather change impacts our skin. We may notice changes to texture, tone, perhaps some breakouts and over all ruddiness and damage from being outside enjoying the summer. Here are some of the most common post summer skin issues I see in my practice along with some solutions for them.
Sunspots and wrinkles.
Days at the beach or pool can lead to sunspots even if you apply sunscreen. We cannot reach every spot and sometimes we forget to reapply after swimming. Also, even when wearing polarized sunglasses, we may put them on our heads; temporarily squinting leading to crow’s feet.
If you’re noticing some new spots, freckles and wrinkles reach for a retinoid. Your dermatologist can offer prescription strength creams. Deeper wrinkles like the ones between the eyes usually require something like Botox but, you can minimize the appearance with creams that feature glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. These are wonder vitamins for the skin stimulate skin shedding and cellular turn over. A serum used at night will help; but be patient and use it regularly to see a gradual change. Chemical peels and intense light treatments (IPL) can handle any discoloration.
2. Clogged pores and dullness.
During the summertime, we perspire plus we are exposed to daily pollution in the air. When you combine these factors plus daily use of make-up, pores get clogged. Beneath the skin are our sebaceous glands which secrete an oil called sebum. Sebum sticks to dead skin cells like glue and funnels these dead skin cells through the pores. This is a process that is supposed to help you maintain healthy skin. The problem is when the weather and elements speed up the process pores become clogged. The dead skin cells get trapped along with bacteria and this leads to dull, ruddy skin with breakouts. An exfoliating face wash with glycolic acid or salicylic acid helps tremendously. Your dermatologist can create a skin care regimen based on your specific skin type and issues so you don’t deregulate pH levels in the skin which will only make things worse leading to…
Acne flare ups.
Consistent heat and humidity combined with cell phone use and touching our faces after touching dirty surfaces, leads to a post-summer breakout. These breakouts can be cystic which means bigger, deeper, more painful pimples. It also can lead to a cycle of breakouts that include, treat, pick, peel, scar, and heal only to see another pimple and another. Over the counter acne treatments such as face washes with sulfur, black charcoal masks and soaps, spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide can certainly help. However, when the breakouts are consistent a dermatologist can assess your skin and present solutions that may even involve nutritional changes, vitamins and light therapy for mild or moderate acne.
Dry lips.
We all know about winter time lip chapping. In the summer lips can get incredibly dry. Using a lip balm with SPF is very helpful but unless we are applying it regularly while at the beach, pool, or working out outdoors, one swipe under lip gloss isn’t enough. Drinking water, and keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum helps keep us hydrated. When we are dehydrated, we see it on our lips. Pay close attention to any freckles or discoloration to the lips after prolonged sun exposure. If you see any odd changes, see your dermatologist.
Ashy, flaky, itchy, skin.
If you are often in chlorine or salt water you’ll find your skin to feel rough and dry almost as if it is shedding. Also, going from extreme heat to cool air conditioning leads to skin going from perspiration to goosebumps. This rapid drop in temperature affects skin. Taking luke-warm showers and using a gentle exfoliating skin wash followed by a hydrating moisturizer keeps skin supple. Add a few drops of vitamin E to your lotion for added nourishment.
When it comes to the face, peeling foreheads and noses points to sun damage. Oftentimes people wait until something is visible to them or when an is followed by a dry patch. Dermatologists can look at things with a more discerning eye plus magnifiers that enable them to flag something that could escalate into something more. If everyone put October on their calendars as the month to see a dermatologist for a skin check we would see many skin conditions be solved quicker. This includes melanomas.
About the expert:
Dr. Margarita Lolis, M.D. is a board-certified cosmetic, medical dermatologist and a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with over 20 years of experience. In her practice, she addresses common skin concerns such as acne prevention and treatment in both teens and adults, sun-damage, skin discoloration, wrinkles, changes to skin texture and loss of volume. On the medical side, she is a trusted expert in melanoma and over-all skin health. Dr. Lolis prides herself in honoring facial symmetry to deliver a natural look to her clients. She always recommends a healthy skin care regimen plus lifestyle habits that are aligned with her holistic approach to beauty.
As an anti-aging, functional medicine physician, Dr. Lolis masterfully addresses age management, starting with internal issues, such as hormone and gut health, nutrition, and detoxification leading to a vibrant appearance from the inside out.
A graduate of Yale University and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Dr. Lolis has authored numerous book chapters and medical articles in leading dermatology journals, and completed a melanoma research fellowship prior to residency.
Dr. Lolis is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, and the American Society of Anti-aging. Her practice, Skin, Laser, and Surgery Specialists is in New York City and Bergen Country, New Jersey.
Revolutionary New Breast Imaging Technology Comes to Canada
St. Joseph’s Health Care London is the first medical centre in Canada to install the new Senographe Pristina from GE Healthcare, which allows women to control their own comfort level during a mammogram.
London, ON - On Tuesday August 15, St. Joseph's Health Care London will unveil the first Canadian installation of the Senographe Pristina, a groundbreaking new breast imaging platform from GE Healthcare, designed by women for women.
“The new Pristina mammography unit offers a totally different mammography experience for women. It’s a complete departure from the mammogram exam as we know it,” said Dr. Anat Kornecki, Medical Director, Breast Imaging, at the Breast Care Program located at St. Joseph’s Hospital, part of St. Joseph’s Health Care London. “I believe the innovative design of the Pristina will be more inviting for women and help us improve the screening rates so vital to cancer prevention.”
Women can take breast health into their own hands with the Pristina’s first in-industry patient-assisted compression tool,a remote that allows patients to personally control and adjust the rate of compression during the exam. Designed with a woman’s comfort in mind, all parts in contact with the patient's breasts have gentle, rounded corners designed to help reduce discomfort and anxiety. With more comfortable patients, technologists can focus on precise positioning, making the exam more accurate and efficient.
The Pristina also allows patients to enjoy a soothing ambiance with various scenes and music available.
Media are invited view the Senographe Pristina, talk with the first Canadian patients to use the unit, and interview St. Joseph’s and GE Healthcare leaders.
What: The first Canadian installation of revolutionary breast cancer technology, the Senographe Pristina.
Where: St. Joseph's Hospital | 268 Grosvenor St | London, ON | Diagnostic Imaging Centre, Zone C, Level 0, Room C0-200 (closest entrance is Cheapside Entrance 4)
When: Tuesday, August 15 | Interviews start at 3:30 PM | Tour of machine at 4:30 PM
Who: Interviews are available with:
Dr. Anat Kornecki, Medical Director - Breast Imaging, St. Joseph’s Breast Care Program, and Regional Breast Imaging Lead, South West Regional Cancer Program
Heather Chalmers, General Manager, GE Healthcare Canada
First Canadian patients to use Pristina
Digital Health Market Update: Entering a Next-Generation of Digital Transformation in Healthcare
Frost & Sullivan hosts a complimentary briefing discussing innovations in the digitization of healthcare
SANTA CLARA, Calif. August 8, 2017
WHEN:
Tuesday, 29th August 2017 at 1:00 pm EDT
LOCATION:
On-line, with Complimentary Registration
SPEAKER:
Daniel Ruppar, Global Program Director, Digital Health, Frost & Sullivan
Digital health brings a diverse range of growth opportunities for vendors across the value chain. As the space evolves we have experienced a multitude of stepwise successes and stellar failures, yet funding continues to flood the sector. Major moves continue to come into the industry from the broader vendor environment, underlining the importance of health in everyone’s lives and progressively in strategic interests of the C-Suite across the ecosystem, from provider to payer to vendor organizations.
“What is exciting about digital health is the continued progression of investment, innovation, the change in conversation, and the understanding of old and new stakeholders’ needs. The road for digital transformation in healthcare will be a long one, yet it is one where all kinds of great companies, innovators, payers, providers, and consumers want to be a part of, which shows the promise of this market,” explained Daniel Ruppar, Digital Health Global Program Director, at Frost & Sullivan.
Healthcare delivery is evolving throughout the continuum of care, creating both new drivers and challenges. Stakeholders must overcome the data and information hurdles leveraging progressive improvements in health IT to form the backbone of collaborative and unified patient care, across all environments and points of experience in the patient journey. New models, digital tools, data driven treatment decisions, and learnings from global markets all present opportunities to solve challenges currently faced in healthcare. The progression of topics like artificial intelligence (AI) in areas from hard analytics usage to consumer platforms, or extensive market discussions about the telehealth value in mental health, demonstrate that this transformation is in progress.
Join Frost & Sullivan in this webinar update showcasing a variety of different facets of the market and continue to learn why there’s something for everyone in digital health!
Attend this webinar to discover the latest trends on:
• Highlights in new findings on diverse digital health sectors, such as data analytics, patient engagement, hospital health IT including workforce management software, and sleep tech.
• Leading investment telehealth areas identified in Frost & Sullivan research in 2017, and the further value of telebehavioral health.
• Consumer digital health platform progressions and integration of artificial intelligence.
• Will Apple’s Activity and Watch changes truly make a difference?
• Future impact components, including the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) and blockchain.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community.
Protein – Brownies? That Are Delicious!
Guest Post: Sloane Davis
My approach to weight loss is based upon flexible dieting. My clients are given macros, which are proteins, fats and carbs, which comprises total calories. They then eat within the budget that is prescribed for their specific body. What makes this plan so effective is that there are no foods that one has to eat and no foods that are off limits. This makes for very sustainable, long term, successful weight loss.
While I can have a brownie, ice cream or cookies, I have learned that those types of calorie dense foods add up very fast. And because I like to eat in volume, I have created many healthy, low calories, low fat versions of these desserts so that I can have the entire tray if I’d like for less calories rather than just one.
One of my favorite recipes is my Protein Brownie. You can add a peanut butter swirl to it, a cream cheese filling, chocolate chips or simply plain as is. Not only do they hit the spot and cure my cravings for sweets, but keep my waistline in check too.
Here is the recipe that has never been shared before, as it’s a new edition to my recipe ebook due out in a few weeks
These are a total crowd pleaser to bring to your next barbecue. Also, try these out on children a great way to serve a snack with a healthy punch!
Sloane Davis is a Certified Nutritionist and Personal Trainer who has helped thousands of people, both men and women, around the world get in to top shape both mentally and physically. Sloane has her undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University and became accredited through ISSA with her degree in Sports Nutrition and Personal Training. She works personally and online with thousands of clients around the US and globally.
She has been featured in People, Fitness Magazine, New Beauty Magazine, Apple News, The Daily Mail, Yahoo News, FOX Good Day New York, FOX Good Day DC, NY1, Bay Area Focus, Women’s Fitness, Womanista, Livestrong, Mind Body Green and Westchester Magazine
Although chryotherapy has gotten more and more popular thanks to celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Jennifer Anniston, Mandy Moore and even master motivator Tony Robbins; there are many out there still unaware of what it is, how it works and its benefits. Dr. Lenoard Hochstein, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owner of Hochstein Med Spa in Miami who offers the treatment to models, athletes and high powered entrepreneurs offers some facts to help you determine if cryotherapy is for you.
What is Cryotherapy?
Whole Body Cryotherapy is the exposure of the entire body to extreme cold lowering the client's skin surface temperature to approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit in 30 seconds. This remains nearly constant throughout the entire session which at Hochstein MedSpa, is 90 seconds. Skin receptors sense the cold and send signals to the brain to promote regulatory functions.
“Cryotherapy is a great treatment because it stimulates the body's natural response to decrease inflammation, pain, spasms and promote healing. Endorphins are released into the bloodstream, which relax the body allowing toxins will be flushed out. It’s fast and effective,” explains Dr. Hochstein.
Chryotherapy’s Beauty and Weight Loss Benefits
The immediate release of endorphins can help with insomnia which means better beauty sleep. The accelerated production of collagen improves skin elasticity and texture, reversing skin aging and the appearance of cellulite. “Anyone wanting to maintain a toned body will appreciate that studies have shown a 500-800 calorie after burn associated with the body’s process to warm itself up. Whole Body Chryotherapy boosts the body’s metabolic rate, accelerating weight loss. Pro athletes rely on chryotherapy as a powerful treatment to decrease recovery time and increase athletic performance,” explains Dr. Hochstein who is a fan of the treatment and has done it himself.
Other benefits include…
* Alleviation of headaches/migraines and physical/mental stress
* Improvement of skin complexion and certain skin disorders
* Improved rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
* Can help reduce itching and inflammation in serious skin conditions (psoriasis/eczema)
* Enhances sports performance and increases muscular resistance to fatigue
* Increases libido/sexual stamina
* Stronger hair and nails
* Helps to provide relief from nerve pain
* Stronger, fuller hair
* Psychological competitive edge
Safety…
It’s very important you have the procedure done with a professional staff able to oversee the treatment plus adequately screen the client. The best candidate for cryotherapy is a healthy person, and that health history will be carefully reviewed prior to treatments.
Most people are surprised to feel how tolerable a cryotherapy session is given such extreme temperatures. The cryosauna requires a standing positon where then nitrogen creates a “dry” cold, which is much more comfortable than an ice bath. A trained technician should be on hand to talk you through it and make the three-minutes pass quickly and easily,” says Dr. Hochstein.
How often should I do cryotherapy?
“We recommend that our patients do 8-10 sessions within the first 2 weeks and then ideally move to 3 times per week depending on what you’re looking to treat. The evaluation process will help determine how many treatments would be optimal for you,” explains Dr. Hochstein. Many benefits such as a rush of endorphins and better sleep can be experienced as early as the first session, however maximum results are obtained with repeated treatments.
Who is a good candidate for cryotherapy?
People from a wide range of lifestyles and ages are a good candidate for this treatment. While it is certainly helpful to athletes and those with chronic pain, it is also highly recommended for individuals who simply want to improve their overall health and appearance. “The results as a treatment for cellulite is quite good and many people with pain find that they come for the beauty benefits and have their aches and pains treated too,” adds Dr. Hochstein.
Dr. Lenny Hochstein is a board certified plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida. World renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, symmetry and overall excellence, including published scientific papers, awards, early entry directly into medical school where he graduated valedictorian; Dr. Hochstein has two decades of experience, over 20,000 surgeries with breast augmentation as his main specialty. His dual accreditation of American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Society of Plastic Surgeons speaks to his high standards and reputation of providing exceptional care to all his patients. In 2017, Dr. Lenny Hochstein added Hochstein MedSpa to his Miami practice to offer lesser invasive treatments and anti-aging solutions adhering to the same values of high standards and quality. Anyone selected to be on his team must be exceptional, credentialed and committed to offering excellent care.
Encouraging you every step of the way: Health coaches help Canadians manage chronic disease
MARKHAM, ON, June 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Saint Elizabeth is pleased to announce a new partnership with insurance carrier Medavie Blue Cross, designed to improve the health of Canadians.
Medavie Blue Cross is now offering Saint Elizabeth's national virtual health coaching service as part of its Managing Chronic Disease extended health benefit program, delivered through a nation-wide network of providers. The partnership will allow specially-qualified clinicians to help plan members and their families take action and stay on track with better chronic disease management and healthy lifestyle choices.
"The high rate of chronic disease in Canada is a serious challenge," notes Shirlee Sharkey, CEO of Saint Elizabeth. "Engaging patients in their own health and wellbeing will benefit families, employers and society, while reducing the burden on our health care system. We are excited to be working with Medavie Blue Cross and leveraging our shared not-for-profit values to bring about positive change."
Effective immediately, plan members of Medavie Blue Cross and their families can access comprehensive coaching and customized health care services to assist with:
Better Heart Health
Diabetes Care
Quit Smoking
Better Lung health
"Medavie Blue Cross is committed to work with strong partners to provide easier access to quality care and improve patient health outcomes," says Anne Nicoll, Vice-President, Business Development at Medavie Blue Cross. "The deep clinical roots and expertise of Saint Elizabeth allow us to help members across Canada take charge of their health, developing action plans and goal setting."
Together, Saint Elizabeth and Medavie Blue Cross have almost 200 years of combined history in providing health services and solutions to meet the needs of Canadians.
In 2015, Medavie Blue Cross became the first benefit provider in Canada to offer chronic disease management as an extended health care benefit in group and individual plans, with a focus on removing potential barriers to self-care.
FAST FACTS:
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide (World Health Organization)
Almost 60% of employees are living with a chronic disease, contributing to lost productivity, higher drug spends and more disability claims (Sanofi Canada)
Since 2015, Saint Elizabeth has provided more than 3,000 virtual coaching sessions with high satisfaction rates – 90% of clients would recommend the service
About Saint Elizabeth Saint Elizabeth is a national social enterprise providing home care, health solutions and education to people where they are and when they need it. With Canadian roots and more than 100 years of expertise, the not-for-profit charitable organization is accelerating health care innovation to support healthy lives globally. Through its team of 9,000 health leaders, Saint Elizabeth delivers 20,000 care exchanges daily, totalling 50 million in the last decade alone. Learn more at saintelizabeth.com or find us on social media.
About Medavie Blue Cross Medavie Blue Cross is a premier all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits to plan members nation-wide. The organization also administers government-sponsored health programs across Canada. Medavie Blue Cross and Medavie Health Services, the largest private provider of Emergency Medical Services in Canada, are subsidiaries of Medavie. As a not-for-profit organization, Medavie Blue Cross is proud to commit an annual social dividend to the Medavie Health Foundation to promote healthier communities.
SOURCE Saint Elizabeth Health Care
Kurt Kazanowski MS, RN, CHE, author of A Son’s Journey: Taking Care of Mom and Dad, who is a senior care, homecare and hospice expert, offers these tips:
Stay hydrated
Dehydration is one of the main causes of most health problems, not just heat related. To keep everything running efficiently in the body, and keep it cool, water is a must. Encourage them to continually drink water throughout the day even if they aren’t thirsty. Your body needs water way before it tells you through the sensation of thirst. Keep an eye on the consumption of caffeine and alcohol as their intake dries out the body.
Notice the time of day
If you have an activity planned, especially one with heavy sun exposure, schedule it accordingly. The hottest times of the summer day are between 12pm and 4pm. Aim for morning or evening when thinking about having a family outing in the summer. Most importantly keep the time limited. There is only so long people of any age can benefit from being in direct sunlight.
Dress appropriately and seek shade
Older individual’s skin is particularly sensitive. Encourage them to use sunscreen and bug sprays when necessary. Utilize shade during your summer fun when possible. They can also wear light breathable layers and sun hats to avoid sun exposure if shade is not an option.
Watch the index
High heat coupled with high humidity impairs the bodies sweat glands. Therefore, it can’t cool itself properly. The heat index takes the moisture and heat measurements into account. It then reports the temperature ‘it feels like’ outside with multiple variables in mind. There are apps and various websites where you can check the heat index easily.
Take it easy
Plan your activities with all family members and their needs in mind. Strenuous activities outdoors are overwhelming to many in the summer. Sometimes turning your activity plans into two-parts is the most successful. If you are inviting your older family members, consider their limitations. Maybe have one part of the family do the hike and meet your parents for lunch after with everyone. That way it is still a social activity but without the stress for them.
Utilize AC
Air conditioning is a wonderful asset for people of every age, especially those in hot climates. If seniors do not have AC in their homes, they can take advantage of public places. Libraries, movie theatres, coffee shops and shopping centers all have AC. Taking a cool bath or shower is a good option as well. Other easy options involve cool cloths and ice packs. Make sure these are handy at their home for a quick grab when needed.
Know the signs of heat illnesses
Keep an eye out for any signs that seem off or out of the ordinary. Sudden redness in the face, dizziness or nausea are red flags. Sit them down in a cool place with a glass of ice water and take a breath. Any chest pain, erratic breathing, rapid heartbeat or sudden headaches should all be taken seriously. Seek medical attention if it gets worse.
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