Advantages and disadvantages of Breast reduction surgery

Breast reduction surgery is commonly chosen by women to enhance their general appearance. However, there are men who suffer from excessive chest size and wish for this type of operations. Some choose to shorten their natural breast while others like to have their implants to be removed so that can have small breast again. It is advisable to examine the advantages and the disadvantages before considering a breast reduction surgery.

One must always feel free to approach a doctor to speak to them whether the surgery is suitable for them. Understand, breast reduction surgery is not a weight loss surgery as some people are confused with these two minds. The breast reduction operation can be carried out in several techniques, depending on how much the person wants to reduce.

Advantages of Breast Reduction

·         The breast reduction surgery includes the process of defining the size and shape of the female breasts surgically, in addition to it; it also helps in lifting them.

·         Breast reduction is a safe process. To avoid any complication after surgery, one must seek help from the doctor who are qualified and skilled to exhibit the surgery safely.

·         Always look for a good doctor than a cheap treatment, instead look after your own safety.

·         Women with large and heavy breasts often complain about discomfort and pain. This surgery can resolve back, neck and shoulder pain.

·         It enables the women to wear desirable clothes. They can now comfortably wear tight fitting clothes.

·         After the breast reduction surgery, you can now feel great with the appropriate size of breasts that matches with your other body features.

·         Feels good and boosts your self-confidence

·         They are now free from the embarrassment that they would face before.

·         Having larger breasts can be difficult, particularly with a petite body. With breast reduction, women can enjoy ideally size and well proportioned breasts.

Disadvantages of Breast Reduction

o   A Breast reduction surgery can cause serious health issues like infection and other painful complications.

o   After the surgery, patients are restricted to do activities like bathing for about 3 weeks. One must also avoid doing intense activities causing impact to the breast. 

o   Breast reduction is not a good option if you a breastfeeding mother. As the nipple gets numb, it becomes difficult for mothers to breastfeed.

o   The surgeries cause scars that continue to be present for a long time in the chest region of the women.

o   Ugly Scars are one of the disadvantages of breast reduction as they remain visible for an extended period of time.

o   Patients may feel pain in the chest region or in the armpits or in the abdomen region based on their incision procedure after the breast reduction surgery.

o   The skin of the nipple will die those results in the removal of it.

Causes and symptoms of gynecomastia or male breasts

What is gynecomastia in males?

Gynecomastia is enlarged breast tissue in men. It is an enlargement the male breast gland because of a hormonal imbalance, but the appearance of enlargement may be described as pseudogynecomastia, a symptom causing an excess of fat which is deposited on the chest. It is a common and a temporary condition in boys going through puberty.

It is caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. It may affect one or both the breast, sometimes unevenly. Going further even older men may develop Gynecomastia as a result of normal changes in hormone levels, through other causes. However, it isn’t a serious problem and may go away on its own, but it can be tough to cope with such conditions in men. Some may experience pain in their breast and may feel embarrassed.

Let’s read on to find out, why do some men develop breasts?

Both male and female, possess both male hormones (androgens) and female hormones (estrogens). During puberty, the level of these hormones may vary and rise at different levels, resulting in a temporary state of hormonal imbalance. Studies say that the prevalence of gynecomastia in normal adolescents is due to the relatively high concentration of estrogen hormone.

In girls, breast growth is caused due to high levels of estrogen. Usually, when going through puberty, the production of androgens is higher in boys, whereas production of estrogen remains low. In some cases, boy produces enough estrogen during puberty that’s developed breast tissues.

What causes gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement?

Gynecomastia is triggered due to decrease in the amount of the testosterone hormone in comparison to estrogen hormone. This decrease can be a condition that blocks the effect of or reduces testosterone hormone or a condition that increases your estrogen level.

It is observed that, more than half of male infants are born with enlarged breasts due to the effects of their mother’s estrogen. Usually the swollen breast tissue goes away after a couple of weeks after birth. Gynecomastia causing hormonal changes during puberty is relatively common. This usually disappears on its own by 6 months or a year. In some cases, gynecomastia is developed during puberty continuing beyond 2 years and is referred to as persistent pubertal gynecomastia.

Commonly known risk factors causing gynecomastia are; Adolescence, Older age, Use of anabolic steroids or androgens to improve athletic performance. Certain health conditions, including liver and kidney disease, thyroid disease, hormonally active tumors, and Klinefelter's syndrome. Gynecomastia may cause a few physical complications, but many a times it causes psychological or emotional problems caused by appearance.

Always remember that, temporary breast tissue growth in boys is a common part of puberty that will usually go away on its own. And if you have any concern or any questions about gynecomastia, it is advisable to talk to your doctor.

Causes and Symptoms of Gynecomastia or Male Breasts by Health Care on Scribd

Common Cause of Chronic knee pain

Many people think, knee pain can only appear in elder individuals, but it can affect in people of all ages. Many a times, it can be due to arthritis or an injury, what is important is to know what has caused the chronic knee pain.

Chronic knee pain is a long-term pain, swelling, or sensitivity in one of both the knees. Its cause can be determined by the symptoms your experience. Many conditions can cause or contribute to chronic knee pain, and many treatments exist. Experience with chronic pain will vary from person to person.

What are the different causes of chronic knee pain?

Many people experience temporary knee pain as a consequence of accident or injury. Chronic knee pain is different from temporary knee pain. A chronic knee pain rarely goes away without any treatment, and it isn’t always due to one incident. It often occurs due to a number of causes and conditions.

Here are the physical conditions or diseases that may lead to cause knee pain:

·         Osteoarthritis - Pain, inflammation, and joint destruction caused by degeneration and worsening of the joint

·         Torn ligament: Tear in one of the four knee ligaments in the— the most commonly injured ligament is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

·         Bursitis: It causes inflammation by making repeated use of injured knee

·         Chondromalacia patella: It causes damaged to the under kneecap cartilage

·         Tendinitis: pain in the frontage of the knee that is made worse while taking stairs, climbing, or walking up an incline.

·         Baker’s cyst: Development of synovial fluid (fluid that lubricates the joint) behind the knee joints

·         Bone tumors: Osteosarcoma (2^nd most common bone cancer), it is commonly occured in the knee.

·         Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): It is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that causes painful bump and can ultimately cause joint irregularity and bone erosion

·         Gout: It is arthritis caused due to the development of uric acid

·         Meniscus tear: It is a crack in one or more of the cartilage in the knee

·         Dislocation: Dislocation of the kneecap is often caused due to accidental trauma

Factors that worsens chronic knee pain:

Ø  Injuries to the knee can cause chronic problem over the time if not treated well

Ø  Overuse

Ø  Infection

Ø  Inappropriate or bad posture while carrying any physical activity

Ø  Sprains and strains

Ø  Avoiding warm up or cooling activity before or after workout

Ø  Improperly stretching the muscles

Common Risk factors causing chronic knee pain

o   Age

o   Being overweight or obese is one of the biggest risk factor causing knee problems.

o   Athletic activity or physical exercise

o   Previous injuries or trauma

Common symptoms of chronic knee pain are;

The symptoms of chronic knee pain differ from person to person, and the cause for the knee pain often affects how the pain feels. Some of its common symptoms include;

·         Constant ache

·         Dull burning discomfort

·         Chronic swelling and pain, when touched

·         Sharp, shooting pain when in use

Common Cause of Chronic Knee Pain by Health Care on Scribd

How Urgent Care Clinic can help you and your community?

Urgent care facilities are a growing force in the United States healthcare industry. These Urgent Care clinics are specifically designed to provide urgent care for both life-threatening and non-life-threatening medical conditions. When we wake up in the middle of an intense situation and face uncertainty about where to go, the nearest urgent care clinic is an appropriate solution. 

An urgent care clinic is set up to assist patients with illnesses and injuries that does not appear to be life-threatening, but also can be wait until the next day, or if there is a need for primary care.

At times, the primary care physician is closed, in such situations urgent care centers offer easy access healthcare solutions. When faced with a medical problem that demands immediate care, it is often hard to measure if it is truly an emergency, or if it is an urgent medical issue.
The key advantage for this sort of urgent care clinic is that you are assisted on a walk-in basis. This means there is no appointment required, which is great when you do not plan ahead or if it is a sudden health issue that arises and causes you concern.

Urgent care centers have flexible working hours. They are open days, nights, weekends and most holidays. When you have a busy schedule between juggling work & family, it is convenient to be able to head to the clinic on a lunch hour or after dinnertime.

If it’s the weekend, and your doctor’s office is closed, or if your doctor is fully booked, it’s good to know you do not have to wait a day or two for medical help. When you are at an urgent care clinic, you will notice that typically the wait times and you will have a little more time to spare in the day. However, and urgent care center is not a substitute for emergency care. In general, an emergency condition is one that can permanently damage or endanger the life of an individual.

What is considered an Urgent Medical Condition?

Urgent medical conditions are ones that are not considered emergencies, but it still requires urgent care within 24 hrs. Some of the commonly occurred conditions include:
Accidents and falls 

Ø  Sprains and strains

Ø  Moderate back problems

Ø  Breathlessness

Ø  Bleeding/cuts -- minor stitches required

Ø  Minor fractures

Ø  Vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration

Ø  Fever or flu

Ø  Urinary tract infections

Ø  Eye irritation and redness

Ø  Severe sore throat or cough infection

Ø  Skin rashes and infections

Ø  Diagnostic services, including X-rays and laboratory tests

How Urgent Care Clinic Can Help You and Your Community by Health Care on Scribd

Common types of Radiology Scans & Tests

Radiology is represented as the branch of medical science that deals with radiant energy in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This field is further divided into two main areas - diagnostic and interventional Radiology. A physician specializing in Radiology is known as a radiologist.

Radiation is used in nuclear medicine and Radiology. In nuclear medication, radioactive materials known as radioisotopes, or radiopharmaceuticals, are introduced into the body. In Radiology, X-rays enter the body from outside. The rapid development has changed the way the healthcare industry is administered, coupled with the amazing recent progression within imaging, has necessitated a review of the way in which Radiology should be regarded.

There are different types of Radiology services and their application depending upon the cause of illness. Following are the types of Radiology;

Ø  X-Ray or Radiography – X-ray uses a very small dosage of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the body internal structures. Radiography is one of the oldest and extensively used techniques for non-destructive testing. Radiography is often used to help diagnose fractured bones, look for injury or infection and to locate foreign objects in soft tissue.

Ø  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – MRI is a safe and pain-free test that applies a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's organs and structures inside the body. An MRI scan can be used to examine almost any part of the body, including the: brain and spinal cord, bones and joints, breasts, heart and blood vessels, internal organs, such as the liver, womb or prostate gland.

Ø  Computerized Tomography (CT ) – CT is also known as “CAT” scan is a special x-ray equipment to obtain a series of X-ray images taken from different angles and uses computerized processing to create cross-sectional images, or slices, of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body. A Computerized Tomography (CT) scan provides more detailed images and information than a plain X-ray. It is mainly used to quickly examine internal injuries caused due to car accidents or other types of trauma.

Ø  Ultrasound – It is used to produce images of soft tissue structures, such as the kidneys, bladder, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and other organs and parts of the body. Ultrasound can be also used to measure the flow of blood in the arteries in order to detect blockages. Ultrasound testing is highly safe and easy to perform.

Ø  Vascular Studies – it is a test that checks the blood flow in your arteries and veins. These tests are noninvasive as they do not use any needles.  Doppler ultrasound and Color Doppler are are the special types of ultrasound technology.

·               Doppler ultrasound test allows you to see blood flow through arteries and veins. The amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat and how large a vessel opens. A Doppler ultrasound can also find abnormal blood, causing blockages. 

·               Color Doppler is the improved form of Doppler ultrasound, it uses different colors to show the direction of blood flow.

Ø  Echocardiograms – An echocardiogram is a sound wave to produce images of your heart. It allows your doctor to see your heart beating and pumping blood. It is basically used to identify heart disease.

Ø  Bone Densitometry – Bone Densitometry is an X-Ray that quickly measures the bone mineral content and density. It is primarily used to diagnose osteopenia or osteoporosis and to determine fracture risk. The testing procedure measures the bone density of the bones of the spine, lower arm, pelvis, and thigh.

Ø  Mammography – Mammography uses special X-ray images to detect abnormal growths or changes in the breast tissue, which leads to cause breast cancer. It can check for breast cancers, noncancerous or benign tumors, and cysts before they can be felt. Mammograms play an important role in early breast cancer detection and help decrease breast cancer deaths.

Common Types of Radiology Scan and Tests by Health Care on Scribd

What is the need for Bone Density Test?

A bone density test determines if you have osteoporosis - a diseases causing bones to become more fragile and more likely to get fracture or break. Previously, it was difficult to determine such conditions; they could only be discovered after you broke a bone. It is also referred as a bone mass measurement test. 

A bone density test enhances the accuracy of calculating your risk of breaking bones. It requires X-Rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. It estimates the quantity of bone in your hip, spine and sometimes other bones. Your test result will assist your physician make recommendations to help you protect your bones.

Doctors use bone density testing to:

·         Identify reductions in bone density before you break a bone

·         Verify your risk of broken bones (fractures)

·         Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis

·         Look for osteoporosis treatment

Despite of your sex or age, your health care physician may advise a bone density test if you've:

Ø  Lost height – Individuals who have lost at least 1.6 inches (4 cms) in height may have compression fractures in their spines, osteoporosis is the main cause of such conditions.
Fractured a bone – Fragility fractures appears when a bone becomes so fragile that it breaks easily than predicted. A Fragility fractures can sometimes even be caused due to a strong cough or sneeze.

Ø  Medication - Long-term consumption of steroid medications, namely, prednisone, interferes with the bone-rebuilding process — may lead to osteoporosis.

Ø  Received a transplant – Individuals who have received an organ or bone marrow transplant are at higher risk of osteoporosis, mainly due to the anti-rejection drugs interfere with the bone-rebuilding process.

Ø  Low hormone levels - The natural drop in hormones that appears after menopause, women's estrogen may also drop during certain cancer treatments. Some treatments for prostate cancer decrease testosterone levels in men. Low sex hormone levels weaken bone and lead to cause bone density.

What is the normal bone density?

o   Test Score      What your test score means

o   -1 and above   -    Your bone density is considered normal.

o   Between -1 and -2.5   -   Low Bone Density  (Osteopenia)

o   -2.5 and below     -     You have osteoporosis.

Bone density tests are easy, speedy and painless. Nearly no preparation is required. A bone density tests can be done at your local diagnostic center.

How often you must get a bone density test?

People taking an osteoporosis medicine should repeat their bone density test by one – two years. After starting a new osteoporosis medication, many healthcare providers will advise a bone density test every year.

What is the Need for Bone Density Test by Health Care on Scribd

PRN JOBS – Career Benefits & drawbacks

What is a PRN Job?

PRN nurses are licensed and qualified professionals who have chosen to work in a hospital’s pool of on-call staff or for an agency that offers temporary medical staffing solutions. They consent to work for a number of hours a month and may work nearly full-time if they are employed by an agency.

To being, let us first understand what PRN stands for, it is a Latin phrase “pro re nata” which means “as the situation demands.” Therefore, if your job is PRN, it means you only work when there is a need, or when they need you. Working as a PRN, it is difficult to plan your life or your expenses, unless you’re the one who decides when and how often to work, but there are also some added benefits to work as a PRN.

How does it works

In the hospital, working pool or per diem is similar to working PRN. As the hospital can not be closed when people call in sick, most hospitals have back up of nurses, technicians and other ancillary personnel, who can be asked to join when their regular staff gets sick or goes on a vacation.
A PRN job typically demands a commitment for a certain number of hours per months, usually you won’t have a problem getting the hours you need, but you’ll have to be available with a specific number of weekend or holiday hours.

As a PRN nurse you can get the opportunity to deal with a variety of patients and in a variety of areas, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages involved:

Advantages of PRN Jobs

·         As far as the benefits linked with paid time off or sick time, you probably can't expect either of them when you are working as a PRN.

·         Another benefit of working as a PRN is that you do not have to beg or plead for a day-off.

·         PRN nurses simply do not accept work when they don’t want to

·         You can manage your work-life balance as per your convenience.

·         You can take complete flexibility of working hours and availability.

·         As a PRN you usually earn more than you would make working in a full-time position.

·         You can explore different opportunities, work more than one hospital.

·         Less Pressure involved

·         Having fewer work hours implies that you can focus on other important areas of your life.

Disadvantages of PRN Jobs disadvantage

Although there are very few disadvantages of taking up a PRN Job, they are; 

·         Lack of a consistent salary

·         You may have to work nights, holidays or weekends

·         No job security. No benefits like paid time off days, insurance and retirement.

Here 3 tips that can help you restore your energy and excitement to continue working as a PRN

for an extended period of time in your career. They are,

1.      Be organized

2.      Set boundaries

3.      Choose shifts that are right for you

PRN JOBS – Career Benefits & Drawbacks by Health Care on Scribd

What is The Role of Primary Care Physician?

Just as you take care of your personal belonging such as cars, electronics, etc. you also need someone to take preventive care of your health. Just because, you do not feel the need for routine checkup, it does not mean everything's going fine with your body. Your primary care physician will recommend you some blood test and health screening to ensure best indicators of your overall health. A Primary Care Provider (PCP) is your point person for a health tune-up.

general health physicians or nurse practitioners help us take care of the basic health, centering our wellness and prevention when required. They are our primary healthcare partner in case of any emergency. They focus on our overall health, ensuring necessary screenings and risk assessments and also helps find the way you through medical specialists.

Types of primary care physician

There are different types of general practitioner that will be described as a primary care physician - typically Family Practice, Internal Medicine or General Practice. There are also doctors who focus on children, called Pediatricians, who will serve as the primary care physician for your child.

 Family Practice – These doctors are able to treat patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.  They are generalists who have completed a family practice residency and are board-certified and eligible to practice. They treat a wide variety of conditions, and often treat ailments you’d usually see a specialist for, such as sports injuries or some women’s health requirements.
 Internists - They provide care for adults of all ages and for a number of different problems.
Pediatricians - Their specialty includes the care includes care of newborns, infants, children, and adolescents.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) - Nurse practitioners or physician assistants (PAs) go through a different training and certification process than doctors. They may be your key contact in some practices as consult with physicians.
Geriatricians –They often provide care for older adults with complex health condition related to aging. They are well-informed in family medicine or internal medication.
Obstetricians / Gynecologists – They serve as primary care providers for women, particularly those of childbearing age.

What does a primary care physician do?

A primary care physician provides a wide range of care. He/she would try developing healthy personal relationship with the patients and their family, facilitating their health and wellness.
It is advisable to visit a primary care physician for regular checkup and preventive screenings and tests that can help the onset of chronic diseases.

Your primary care physician will:

·         Ensure you get suggested medical screenings and health risk tests

·         Offer preventive care and teach healthy lifestyle choices

·         Estimates the urgency of your health problems and directs you to the best place for care.

·         Help you get referrals to medical specialists when necessary

What is the Role of Primary Care Physician by Health Care on Scribd

Things you should know before visiting your OBGYN?

Let us first understand, what is OBGYN?

An OBGYN or obstetrician-gynecologist is a physician who provides expert medical and surgical care to women and has particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system. The female body experiences several biological changes, including, menstruation, childbirth and menopause.

What is obstetrics?

Obstetrics or obstetrician is the branch of health science related to medical and surgical care before, during, and after a woman gives birth. Obstetrics focuses on caring and maintaining a woman’s overall health during maternity. This includes: pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

What is gynecology?

Gynecology or gynecologist is the branch of health science that focuses on women’s body and their reproductive organ. It includes the diagnosing, treatment, and care of women’s genital system. This includes the: vagina, uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes

An OBGYNs will provide care for all of this and more. Since an OBGYN deals with such personal and sensitive health issues, the thought of seeing one, especially for the first time may sound troublesome for some women. One may get uneasy or embarrassed at having a doctor seeing the most private parts of your body, or discuss about the most intimate issues.
Some OB-GYNs offer an extensive range of general health services similar to your general physician. While some focus on the medical care of the female reproductive system.

Read on to find out what you need to know before seeing an OBGYN.

·         Make sure you are comfortable and openly discuss the topic with your doctor.
Being nervous is normal, but ensure that you are comfortable with your doctor while asking or discussing anything.

·         You can ask about anything, sex, periods or whatever you want to know about your reproductive health.

·         Before you go for your first visit to the gynecologist, you should know as much as you can about the medical history of other females in your family.

·         You don’t need to wax or shave before your appointment, simply be clean using vaginal hygiene.

·         Be prepared for all the answer all the question rightly and truthfully, without any discomfort

·         Its ok, to reschedule your appointment if you have your periods.

·         Try avoiding sex within 24 hours of your appointment. Sexual activity could irritate the tissue of the vagina and affect your Pap test results.

·         After listening you, your OBGYN will probably ask you some general questions about your personal and family health history

·         The appointment will usually start with a general health checkup. The nurse will weight you and take your blood pressure.

·         By the end of the session, if you have any doubts ask.

Why is it important to visit your OBGYN regularly?

Regular OBGYN visits serve three main purposes:

Information - You can get exact information and confidential replies to any queries you may have concerning sex, sexuality, your changing body, and menstruation.

Prevention - You can learn effective ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and tips to lead healthy lifestyles.

Treatment - For irregular or missed periods, pain, or other reproductive problems, after examination your doctor will offer you with appropriate treatment.

Things You Should Know Before Visiting Your OBGYN by Health Care on Scribd