The laser had already existed in theory long before it became a reality in 1960, when the first working laser was tested by researcher Theodore Maiman. As early as 1917, scientists like Albert Einstein were already working out the foundations of laser technology in studies like The Quantum Theory of Radiation. But even in 1960, after the testing of Maiman’s laser, many people were skeptical as to whether light could actually work as a viable, physical medical instrument. It has been nearly five decades since then, and laser technology has advanced exponentially, becoming one of the most essential and versatile tools in the world of surgical procedures.

The most recognizable surgical field in the advancement of which lasers have been crucial is ophthalmology. Eye surgery is almost always associated with laser surgery. It was the laser that first allowed doctors to conduct ultra-precise surgical procedures on their patient’s eyes without the risk of seriously damaging them. The excimer laser, specifically, was important in the advancement of eye surgery. The excimer laser, rather than burn through tissue, simply provided enough energy to dissolve the bonds that hold tissue together, allowing it to evaporate into the air without causing harm to surrounding structures.

But lasers are used in a lot of other kinds of surgical procedures as well. The laser scalpel, for example is used to make all kinds of precise, delicate incisions that would otherwise be extremely dangerous. Carbon dioxide lasers are the most commonly used for laser scalpels. They cut at the same, consistent depth, eliminating the danger of a doctor cutting too deeply with a metal scalpel. Laser scalpels also have the advantage of being able to cauterize open blood vessels even while cutting through tissue, which helps tremendously in avoiding the danger of excessive blood loss.

Laser technology is also helping to make certain risky medical procedures unnecessary. The open-heart surgery required to de-clog a patient’s arteries, for example, is no longer the only option available. Using a miniature laser attached to a thin optical fiber array, doctors can reach the heart’s arteries through the patient’s leg or arm veins. Once at the artery, the laser is fired and the harmful plaque is destroyed.

By: Ryan Frank

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Recently released data about the WHO recommended weight-gain guidelines reflecting on obese women were also collaborated by the advice given by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, using BMI ranges set by these two national medical authorities.

It is said that these fresh guidelines are the first major advisory data specifically designed for over-weight women but they can also be used to chart healthy pregnancy for women hoping to conceive as getting in their ideal BMI range before getting pregnant would mean better health outcomes for both mother and child.

Among the chief points these updated guidelines stressed on were facts regarding ideal weight gain for obese, pregnant women ranging from 11 to 20 pounds being normal. The latter figures are now restricted to normal-weight women while underweight women could possibly pack on 28 to 40 pounds during pregnancy, according to the new adjustments for the 3 basic weight categories.

In fact, Dr. Patrick Catalano, Head of obstetrics and gynecology and professor at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio who was part of the committee that developed these new guidelines asserted that the need for a separate set of weight gain guidelines for obese women was felt due to their growing number.

The study centers on the body mass index ranges. (BMI is a ratio of weight to height and a common formula used to measure obesity by health professionals).

Dr. Catalano further offered practical advice for obese, pregnant women: “focus on what you are eating and concentrate on upping activity and exercise levels.” He feels pregnant women who are overweight should be counseled strongly.

Finally, he strongly negates the age-old approach of ‘eating for two’ and recommends this should be completely knocked out for reducing health risks such as high BP, gestational diabetes and still-birth normally associated with overweight pregnant women.

By: Deepanjolie Figg

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They are interviewed on talk shows like Oprah and Dr. Phil – plastic surgery addicts. People, often women, who think that just one more surgery, just one more fix, will make them perfect. Often, these plastic surgery addicts have a perfect image in mind that they want to attain, whether it be a celebrity that they are trying to emulate, or their ideal picture of what they should look like. What causes someone to be addicted to plastic surgery? Is plastic surgery a bad thing?

First, plastic surgery is not always a bad thing. Like anything in life, the benefits of plastic surgery can be over done. Children, for example, who are born with severe deformities, can benefit from plastic surgery giving them a new lease on a social life. Whether we like it or not, our society is a visually oriented society and those who have severe deformities are often shunned. Whether or not this should be, it is and plastic surgery benefits people in these situations.

But what about normal, even beautiful, looking people who feel the need to have plastic surgery? The fact is that two thirds of the first time plastic surgery patients come back for more surgery. Once they have overcome the fear and trepidation surrounding having the first surgery, many come back for a second round, trying to attain the perfect look.

One of the reasons for this addiction might be the unattainable perfection that is put forth as beauty in today’s media. Today’s society is highly visual and the people who are seen on television and fashion runways are unattainably beautiful. So the average person turns to plastic surgery to try to attain this perfection.

Plastic surgery addiction often stems from a condition called body dysmorphic disorder. This is a disorder that causes a person to consider themselves hideous, not matter how attractive they really are. They feel that if they are not happy, then they must not be beautiful and in order to be happy, they must become beautiful. The problem is that the lack of happiness does not stem from their physical appearance. Once people with this condition turn to plastic surgery, they have to go back for more, because the change in their appearance does not bring the desired effect on their happiness.

If you suspect someone might be addicted to plastic surgery, there are a few things you can look for to determine if the addiction is true. Someone who seeks multiple plastic surgeries, particularly on the same or similar areas of the body, are often addicts. Also, those who have body dysmorphic disorder, which often leads to cosmetic surgery addiction, are often obsessive about checking their appearance. They also might be obsessive about the looks of a favorite celebrity or two. If you notice these signs in someone you love, seek professional counseling, because the problem goes far deeper than the appearance on the outside. Body dysmorphic disorder and plastic surgery addiction are serious and potentially devastating, psychological problems. Take them seriously and get help for the one you care about!

By: Michael Russell

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A day at the salon or spa always sounds good to most people, but the services offered at each one vary. They may range from manicures and massages to skin rejuvenation and laser hair removal. Find out a little about a med spa, and how you can benefit from the services offered at most.

If you are concerned about your skin, you might be thinking about having a refreshing mask put on your face. However, you could probably do this routine at home for much cheaper with similar results. Instead of going the same route as usual, consider what a local med spa can do for you when it comes to offering dramatic change and drastic results. You may opt for photofacials instead of the usual, or microdermabrasion to get rid of old acne scars and fine lines. Ask the location nearest you if they offer these kinds of services.

If you want to look younger than ever, you should check out your local med spa to see what they offer. You can usually get Botox injections in order to eliminate wrinkles and fine lines on your face, and these are usually quite easy and fast to get. You might also consider chemical peels that can get rid of old scars, wrinkles, sun spots, and more. Such treatments might help soothe and smooth out your skin so that you look younger than usual.

If you are tired of shaving or heading to the salon to get waxed, you should check out the possibility of laser hair removal. This treatment can usually get rid of hair for much longer than other methods, and it is typically quite quick and easy. However, not everyone is eligible for it, and you may need multiple sessions to eliminate the hair you need to get rid of. Call your local med spa to find out if this service is offered, and what the requirements are to be eligible for it.

Clearly, this type of treatment center is much more comprehensive than your typical salon. Before you just show up, you should call the one closest to you to find out what they offer, and if there is any way to prepare before your appointment. Some of the procedures are rather simple and might not even require an appointment, while others are more complex and would need a consultation first, so find out before you go.

By: Anna Woodward

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