| by James Scelfo, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. Personalized Primary Care 407-566-2454 www.personalizedprimarycare.com |
Sunscreens protect the skin from ultraviolet rays. UV rays are categorized as UVA, which cause long-term damage and premature aging, and UVB, which cause short-term damage and sunburns. Skin cancer is closely linked to UV exposure, from both the sun and tanning beds. Products are recommended to have a skin protective factor, or SPF, of at least 15 for year-round protection. The SPF indicates a product’s ability to block UVB rays only, so products with UVA and UVB coverage, such as products containing avobenzone, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, should be selected. Tan accelerators and self-tanning products do not provide any UV protection. Generally, sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating excessively. Additional tips include applying a full ounce of sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside; applying to the ears, neck, face, lips and feet; and replacing sunscreens yearly or sooner if there is any color or consistency changes. People should avoid intense sunlight between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunscreen should be worn at all times. Wearing dark, tightly woven clothing, a hat with at least a four-inch brim, and sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection is recommended. Freckles, moles and sunspots should be monitored, and all changes in their appearance should be reported to a doctor. Sunscreens should not be used to prolong the time spent in the sun. |
| by James A. Matas, M.D. Advanced Centre for Plastic Surgery and Medical Day Spa 407-345-8145 www.yournewlook.com |
Breast rehabilitative surgery is the process of restoring a woman’s breasts to a more youthful, attractive appearance. There are many factors that affect the breasts’ appearance, including previous surgery, pregnancies, aging and weight loss/gain. The human breast is composed of the skin envelope, fat and actual breast tissue. There are many combinations of these elements that result in an unattractive breast appearance. A careful evaluation by a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine what can be done to bring about improvement. Childbearing and breast-feeding can result in breast tissue atrophy, as well as a stretched-out skin envelope. Depending on the breasts’ appearance and the desired change, recommendations are made regarding breast implant placement with possible skin envelope tightening, referred to as a “breast lift.” Different shapes, such as round or teardrop, and types, such as silicone or saline, of breast implants are available. Overly enlarged breasts with sag and possibly with neck/shoulder pain can be treated with a breast reduction procedure. Following this procedure, patients can participate in physical activities that were not possible before the surgery. A board-certified plastic surgeon performing the surgery at an accredited surgical facility, hospital or ambulatory surgical center gives a patient the best chances of a safe, successful outcome. |
| by Thomas D. Harris, M.D. Harris Internal Medicine 407-351-9696 www.harrisinternalmedicine.com |
Patients often come in to see an internist after searching for their symptoms on the Internet. Frequently, they are either terrified unnecessarily or falsely reassured. After studying medicine for 30 years, an internist can give some insight into researching medical literature. Internists still favor the hard copies of The New England Journal of Medicine, The Journal of the American Medical Association, Annals of Internal Medicine, and The American Journal of Medicine to supply unbiased, peer-reviewed, evidence based medicine. Prescribers Letter, AudioDigest and The Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program give useful medicine information, but all these sources are too much for the average person with a real life. Here are some ways to find quick medical information that is useful for everyday life: For quick medical news and information, visit www.medscape.com/internalmedicine on the Web. Inexpensive generics can be found at sites.target.com/site/en/health/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-040590 and www.publix.com/freeantibiotics. Useful information about food and drugs in the U.S. is available at www.fda.gov/default.htm. Useful information about travel to other countries can be found at wwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx. For information about joining a clinical trial, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov on the Web. Vaccination schedules are available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/acip-list.htm. Other medical resources include www.nlm.nih.gov and www.webmd.com on the Web. |
| by Kirti Kalidas, M.D., N.D. The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine 407-355-9246 www.drkalidas.com |
Those who are feeling moody, hot, aged, depressed, irritable or as if they have brain fog, as well as those who are losing hair or libido, find it difficult to lose weight, and have acne, may have a hormone imbalance. Production of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, dehydroepiandrosterone, melatonin, human growth hormone and other hormones tapers off after patients reach their 20s and 30s. This drop-off contributes to the signs and symptoms of aging. Often, women beginning perimenopause want to stimulate their hormone production naturally in order to diminish hot flashes, as well as other undesirable symptoms. However, they may not know which hormone they need. Hormone regulation should be approached with great trepidation and an abundance of medial know-how. The process is extremely delicate, and choosing the wrong hormone in the wrong dosage can have detrimental side effects. Today, bioidentical hormones, which are like those made in the body and not those made in a lab, can be prescribed and individualized depending on specific needs. Optimizing with bioidentical hormones and going beyond just “normal” will dramatically augment feelings of wellbeing and vitality. Working with a physician trained in this field is the only way to approach hormone replacement safely and effectively. The treatment can help patients look and feel younger, more vibrant and more energetic. |
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