Source: http://adventuredoc.net/2013/03/26/article-featuring-adventure-doc-and-what-we-do/
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Sunday, March 31, 2013
Learn How LASIK Could Make Those Resolutions Easier To Keep
What: Happier New You LASIK event at Eye Consultants of Texas, 2201 Westgate Plaza in Grapevine, conveniently located to Dallas/Fort Worth
When: Tuesday, January 22, 2013, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Cool Part: $300 off any LASIK procedure just for attending
Now that the big ball has fallen and the calendar has started over, it’s time to think about those new year’s resolutions. Or, more importantly, how to stick to them.
If you’ve worn glasses or contacts for most of your life, you might consider adding LASIK to your 2013 list. Not only can LASIK help you see much clearer, but by not having to depend on corrective eyewear, it can make life a lot easier and generally more fun. Plus, it makes exercise and just getting out easier too. LASIK could possibly even save you money over wearing glasses and contacts. So even if you’re just sticking to the basics of wanting to be healthier, spending less money and having more fun, then LASIK might be a good start to keep you on the right track – 2013 and beyond.
Our Happier New You LASIK event could be the perfect opportunity to get the full story on LASIK and what to expect. It’s free and only 60 minutes long. And, if you decide to have your procedure here you get $300 off just for attending. Call us in Grapevine at 877-516-4364 to reserve your space today or to get more information (must be 18 years or older to attend). We look forward to seeing you!
Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/lasik-resolutions/
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Understanding LASIK | Your Top 5 Questions Answered
At first glance, LASIK can seem like a confusing or complicated subject. As a result, many patients don’t explore their LASIK options, for fear of being misinformed or not understanding the procedure completely. Because we want all our patients to find out what laser vision correction can do for them, we thought we would take a moment to “de-mystify” LASIK and answer some of the most common questions we’re hearing. It’s time to set the record straight!
Here is our list of the Top 5 Patient Questions About LASIK:
- What is LASIK in a nutshell? The goal of a LASIK procedure is simple: to improve vision and reduce a patient’s dependence on corrective lenses. The procedure uses special light energy to reshape the cornea, effectively combating the affects of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
- Are all LASIK procedures the same? There are several types of LASIK procedures available today – each with their own unique benefits. Our practice is proud to offer what many are considering the gold standard in modern laser vision correction: iLASIK™. Using 3D eye mapping to create a fully-customized treatment plan, iLASIK is completely bladeless and relies on cutting-edge “cool laser” technology to safely reshape the cornea.
- Is LASIK painful? While tolerance can sometimes vary, LASIK is generally regarded as a “relatively painless” procedure. Very often, the only sensation patients report is a slight pressure. Furthermore, we work to ensure patient comfort by administering numbing eye drops before the procedure.
- Are most patients happy with their results? While each patient is different and can expect unique results, LASIK tends to be a highly successful procedure. In fact, “LASIK vision correction has the highest patient satisfaction rate of any elective surgery,” reports The Eye Surgery Education Council, “95.4%, according to a 10-year survey of scientific studies from around the world.”
- How can I find out if LASIK is right for me? In general, LASIK patients tend to be in good health, free of eye conditions such as cataracts, over the age of 21. But, since there are other factors to consider in determining a good candidate for LASIK, we encourage anyone interested to schedule a consultation and find out what laser vision correction can do for them.
Considering LASIK? Learn More Today
To learn more about Laser Eye Surgery, contact us today. Together, we can find the best treatment options for you. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.
Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/uncategorized/understanding-lasik-your-top-5-questions-answered
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What is Natural Cycle IVF?
Conventional IVF Today’s conventional IVF is ‘stimulated’ – drugs are used to prompt the woman’s ovaries to produce several eggs, rather than just one. The eggs are mixed with her partner’s or a donor’s sperm to become fertilised. Women take a course of ovarian-suppression hormones to shut down their menstrual cycle to control ovulation. Then [...]
Source: http://www.createhealthclinics.org/blog/natural-cycle-ivf/what-is-natural-cycle-ivf/
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Increase in mosquitos carrying dengue fever in Cuba
There has been an increase in the numbers of Aedes aegypti mosquitos in urban areas of Cuba, including Havana.
These insects can carry dengue fever, an unpleasant viral disease, (commonly named breakbone fever due to the severe joint and muscle pain involved). The authorities have established a surveillance system to monitor the situation, but travellers should nevertheless take steps to avoid being bitten by these mosquitos, which are active and biting during daylight hours.
Source: Agence France-Presse
For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Baltimore Laser Eye Surgeon Dr. Grochmal Launches New Website
Dr. Jay C. Grochmal, a laser eye surgeon in Baltimore, is launching an innovative website to enhance his ability to help his vision correction patients. In collaboration with Rosemont Media™, a medical website design firm in San Diego, CA, Dr. Grochmal’s new website is a comprehensive resource of information showcasing the range of procedures he offers, including vision correction procedures such as LASIK, and treatment for eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataract surgery in Baltimore, MD and the Washington, DC area.
Dr. Grochmal’s website features detailed descriptions of both corrective and cosmetic procedures such as eyelid surgery in Baltimore, as well as a doctor biography, patient testimonials, and financing options. In addition to the in-depth breakdown of the procedures and treatments Dr. Grochmal provides, his website also includes direct links to his social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter to foster the growth of an online community centering around his practice and his patients’ experiences. Please welcome to the web, www.grochmaleye.com!
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Simplifying LASIK Basics – Part 2: What’s Involved
Welcome to the second in our Simplifying LASIK Basics series. In this edition, we’ll highlight what the procedure’s like and types of LASIK in a way that should keep it simple. Hopefully it can help you determine what types of questions to ask your doctor as part of your decision to have LASIK performed.
What’s The Procedure Like? Although there’s more to it than this, here are the basics. Big Picture: Laser technology reshapes your cornea so things look sharper and clearer. Who It’s For: Mainly for anyone who is nearsighted, farsighted or has astigmatism. What Happens: A “flap” is created in the cornea, then the flap is gently lifted and folded back, and the cornea is reshaped using laser pulses to correct focusing problems in the eye. On average, it takes approximately 5 minutes, and may take slightly longer if your vision problems are more severe.
Types Of LASIK. Essentially, there are three basic types of LASIK, each designed to do what LASIK is supposed to do – help you see better, possibly better than you ever have with less dependency on glasses or contact lenses. You may have seen types of LASIK referred to this way: Conventional LASIK, Wavefront-Optimized LASIK, and Wavefront-Guided LASIK (also called Custom LASIK).
Which Type Of LASIK Is Best? Different doctors may use different types for different reasons. At Eye Consultants of Texas, we use a system based on Custom LASIK. It brings together two highly advanced technologies for a procedure branded “iLASIK.” Dr. Labor selected this after careful evaluation, mainly because it has proven to be more efficient and successful than other LASIK technologies he has used. But also, because of what it was designed to do – give the surgeon more control in customizing the procedure to each patient’s eye to get the best results. While the technology itself is extremely important, it’s even more important that your doctor has the skill and expertise to use it! Having been the first in the U.S., Texas, or locally to perform new procedures, Dr. Labor does his homework, and trains extensively on new technologies and advancements before ever putting them to use.
Until our next Simplifying LASIK Basics blog, if you’d like to know more about LASIK at Eye Consultants of Texas, please call our office in Grapevine at 877-516-4364. We’re conveniently located to Dallas/Fort Worth.
This blog is a broad overview of LASIK surgery for general informational purposes only. In no way is it intended as actual medical advice. Always seek a medical or eye care professional for advisement based on your individual health and specific eye care needs.
Federal Government Questions Legality Of Certain ASC-Service Provider Arrangements
Recently, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an advisory opinion regarding two types of Proposed Arrangements between an anesthesia provider (AP) and physician-owned ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). This came as a result of a request for an opinion from an AP who, because of competitive market pressures, was considering one of two new business relationship models. Under the AP’s current professional arrangement, the ap offers exclusive anesthesia services to ASCs, employs personnel to meet the anesthesia needs of the ASCs, and independently bills patients and third party payors, including Medicare, for professional fees. The ASCs bill the same parties for professional services plus a facility fee for materials and ancillary staff.
- Under Proposed Arrangement A, the AP would continue to provide exclusive anesthesia services to the ASC and to bill independently. Additionally, the AP would pay a market value “management services” fee to the ASC for each non-Federally funded patient. The ASC would both collect this fee and continue to charge a facility fee to Federal and third party payors.
- Under Proposed Arrangement B, the ASC physician-owners would set up a separate subsidiary to exclusively provide anesthesia services to their patients. The subsidiary then would hire the AP as the exclusive independent anesthesia services contractor, handle all billing with the assistance of the AP and its staff, pay the AP out of fees collected, and retain any profits.
In analyzing the legality of the two arrangements, the OIG considered two questions: 1. Does either arrangement violate the Federal anti-kickback statute, and, 2. Would any safe harbor protection apply?
Under the anti-kickback statute, it is a criminal offense to offer, pay, solicit, or receive any remuneration for referrals reimbursable by a Federal health care program. This statute seeks to ensure that referrals are based on sound medical judgment and not financial or other incentives. Regarding Proposed Arrangement A, although the AP would pay a management services fee only for non-Federal health care program patients, this does not reduce the risk that the fee might be paid by the AP to induce referrals from the ASC of all types of patients. Additionally, the arrangement allows the ASC to be paid twice for the same services, and this could unduly influence the ASC to select the AP as the exclusive provider. The OIG concluded that Proposed Arrangement A could violate the anti-kickback statute. No safe harbor protections apply.
Safe harbor protections for ASCs, employment, and personal services and management contracts were determined to not apply to Proposed Arrangement B. The Subsidiary does not qualify as a Medicare-certified ASC because it would not provide surgical services, only anesthesia services. As such, its income and the profits distributed to the ASC physician-owners would not be protected by any safe harbor provisions. Additionally, the OIG is concerned about exclusive arrangements between those who refer business (the ASC physician-owners), and those who furnish goods or services reimbursed by a Federal health care program (the AP). The AP and the ASC physician-owners both would benefit financially in Proposed Arrangement B, with the AP receiving its negotiated rate and the physician-owners receiving residual profits from the subsidiary after expenses and payment to the AP. The OIG concluded that Proposed Arrangement B would permit the physician-owners to receive compensation in the form of profits from the subsidiary from referring patients to the AP; this payment would be for services that they themselves could not provide. The more than minimal risk of fraud and abuse and the prohibited remuneration both would be in violation of the Federal anti-kickback statute.
Physicians should be aware of this development, as it may affect current and future professional relationships. A health care attorney can offer assistance in interpreting the potential impact of the OIG decision and evaluating the need to restructure business arrangements.
New York State Governor Investigates Out-Of-Network Costs
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced the continuation of an investigation into out-of-network medical costs. In 2011, the state received more than 2,000 complaints from consumers who unexpectedly received bills from out-of-network specialists and providers after taking measures to choose in-network providers and receive prior insurer approval. Consumers often are not told in advance which specialists are out-of-network, how much they charge, and how much of their fee will be covered by health insurance. The resulting bills contribute to financial strain on consumers, many of whom are unable to pay the amount charged and some of whom are forced into bankruptcy.
To aid consumers in obtaining information on out-of-network care, costs, and coverage, the New York State Department of Financial Services is calling for more transparency, better consumer protection, and system-wide reform. This follows efforts by the Obama administration to require health insurers to provide such easy-to-understand information to consumers. If you are concerned about the potential impact of reforms and new rules, please feel free to contact us to discuss your options and assist you in making decisions regarding your practice.
Source: http://www.pagingdrblog.com/2012/03/15/new-york-state-governor-investigates-out-of-network-costs/
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Reducing our Environmental Impact to Create Healthy Communities
Note: Today we have a guest blog post from Bernard Tyson, president and chief operating officer of Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Inc., and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan. He recently wrote about Kaiser Permanente’s work to reduce its environmental footprint – not just as an business imperative, but as a core strategy for improving the health of its members and the communities it serves. Read more about Bernard Tyson through his bio in the Kaiser Permanente News Center.
There is little disagreement that greenhouse gas emissions, which are known contributors to climate change, have led to a rise in pollution and adverse health impacts. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that urban air pollution causes about 1.2 million deaths per year and exacerbates cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, particularly in sensitive populations like the elderly and young and in minority communities that are disproportionately impacted by urban and industrial activities.
Ironically, the health care industry – responsible for preventing and treating these types of illnesses – also contributes to the problem. According to a study by the University of Chicago, 8 percent of the total carbon emissions in the United States are attributable to health care activities. Not surprisingly, hospitals are by far the largest carbon emitters due in large part to strict requirements for temperature control, ventilation and lighting, and, of course, 24/7 operations.
Compounding the problem is the fact that many hospitals and health care facilities were built decades ago and have not been remodeled to use energy more efficiently. This is a similar situation to many government-owned buildings across the country. Late last year President Obama announced a multi-billion dollar government and private sector commitment to finance building renovations to make government-owned properties more energy efficient, and to create jobs in the process. The energy performance contracts proposed by the federal government, with improvements paid for by energy savings, are similar to those being used by schools, colleges and municipalities.
Given that the health care industry in America has nearly 600,000 facilities – and many of their workforces are equal in size to large government agencies (Kaiser Permanente’s workforce, for example, is of similar size as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security), health care organizations have a real opportunity to adopt sustainable business practices that reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency and the use of clean energy. This in turn will better protect public health and create jobs, achieving results that are in line with our focus on wellness and prevention, and helping grow the economy.
In January, Kaiser Permanente set an aggressive business strategy of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020, as compared to 2008 levels. To achieve this goal, we are adopting sustainable energy measures, both related to the construction of new facilities and the upgrading of existing facilities, such as installing new lights and window-film installations. These measures will not only reduce the impact of our operations on the environment, but are expected to save roughly $1 million per year in energy costs as well, which is good news for our members.
We are also investing in clean energy sources, such as deploying solar energy and fuel cell generation capacity at facilities throughout California. In Maryland and the District of Columbia, we are purchasing renewable energy credits to offset 100 percent of our carbon intensive activities in those markets.
And Kaiser Permanente is not alone. Last year for Earth Day, Digital Health committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, and increasing sourcing of power to green energy. The University of California at San Francisco has also established a robust sustainability strategy to reduce carbon emissions with an ultimate goal of becoming climate neutral.
I hope these climate change commitments are just the beginning for our industry. Together, we have an opportunity – and a responsibility – to help prevent climate related illnesses and improve the health of our communities.
Source: http://centerfortotalhealth.org/2012/tyson-healthy-communities/
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Laugh More
I remember reading some years ago that children laugh somewhere around 300 – 400 times a day. In the same article it said that adults laugh as little as 15 times a day. Wow, that is a huge difference. To me it is sad statement that as we grow older we “lose” (or maybe we stifle) our ability to laugh. Me, I love to laugh. I don’t think that I am quite up to 300 laughs a day…but I get in about 100 a day. I believe that laughter is beneficial and extremely healing. I believe that it can be very therapeutic…not only for yourself, but those around you.
Dr. Richard Schulze said in an interview once that he encouraged his patients to learn 1,000 jokes as part of their healing process. While you might think this to be a tedious and unneccesary task to learn so many jokes, why not instead think of the laughter his patients got from taking on the assignment. While learning 1,000 jokes do you think their minds were focused on their illness or on laughter? I’m guessing that they were focused on laughing.
In his groundbreaking book, “Anatomy Of An Illness”, Norman Cousins describes how he started watching “The 3 Stooges” on a daily basis to “activate” his sense of humor and “regain” his laugh.
Yours In Health!
G.E. Moon II
Friday, March 29, 2013
Dengue fever spreads to Europe
Health surveillance departments in Portugal have expressed concern about the appearance of dengue fever in Madeira in 2012, as there is a possibility of this spreading to mainland Europe.
There were over 2000 cases in Madeira in 2012, but no fatalities.
Dengue fever is generally spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, but can also be spread by the Aedes albopictus mosquito, common in mainland Europe. It is an unpleasant disease characterised by fever, rash and severe joint pains, and is commonly known as ‘breakbone fever’.
Travellers to Madeira, particularly in the warmer months, should take precautions against becoming bitten by mosquitos, including during the daytime.
Source: ProMed Newsgroup
For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323
3 Eye Conditions You Need to Be Thinking About
As we age, it’s not uncommon to face all different types of health concerns and challenges. And, when it comes to your eye health, there’s no exception.
Did you know that eye disorders are much more common among those of a certain age? We’re not just talking about needing a stronger eyeglass prescription, but rather diseases that can completely reduce your ability to see if left untreated. Want to know what to watch out for?
Here is our list of the Top 3 Age-Related Eye Conditions You Need to Be Thinking About:
- Macular Degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can present itself in different ways – from a blurry area of vision to a dark blind spot. The condition occurs when arteries that nourish the retina harden. Now deprived of vital nutrients, these retinal tissues begin to weaken, which ultimately causes vision loss. As the number-one cause of vision loss in the US, any AMD symptoms need to be addressed as soon as possible. The best way is to schedule a Macular Degeneration Evaluation.
- Cataracts: Cataracts are one of the most common eye concerns for those over the age of 65. The condition, which affects millions of people each year, causes a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Often, the only good cataract treatment is surgery. During a typical Cataract Surgery, the eye is numbed and a small ultrasonic probe is inserted. This probe breaks up and removes the affected cloudy lens. A clear new artificial lens called an IOL is then implanted into the eye.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a common eye condition, commonly associated with an increased pressure in the eye. This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve and ultimately cause a gradual but serious loss of vision. Untreated, the disease often results in complete blindness. While not curable, modern medicine offers several advanced Glaucoma Treatments. These include medications, eye drops and sometimes, surgery.
Get Checked! Schedule an Appointment Today
To learn more about these or any of the age-related conditions you should be watching out for, contact us today and schedule an appointment. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Call us directly at (540) 722-6200. We look forward to meeting you.
Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/eye-heath/3-eye-conditions-you-need-to-be-thinking-about
Baltimore Eye Surgeon Now Performing Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
Baltimore, MD – According to the Administration on Aging (AOA), persons 65 and older represented nearly 13% of the U.S. population in 2009, and are expected to represent 19% by 2030. The Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that the number of older Americans in the workforce is growing as well. As the population and workforce ages, Baltimore eye surgeon Jay C. Grochmal, MD says his patients that are late stage baby-boomers are under extreme pressure to maintain a high level of performance in the workplace, and portraying a vivacious and youthful appearance is essential to continued success.
While helping patients improve their vision with procedures such as LASIK and cataract surgery is important to success in the workplace, Dr. Grochmal says the desire to help his patients enhance their aesthetic appearance has become an important part of his practice as well. He says this growing demand for increased confidence and a natural-looking enhancement is what led him to the decision to add cosmetic eyelid surgery to his list of procedures: “Our society places such a high value on appearance and equates a youthful look with the likelihood of business and social success. Baby boomers are still very active and productive and a refreshed look can eliminate unwarranted bias in career choices.”
As the number of cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. continues to increase, Dr. Grochmal says the desire to look younger longer is obvious, adding that a tough economy and high unemployment rate further contribute to the stress his older patients must endure. Because he constantly strives to improve patient care while providing the latest and safest procedures, Dr. Grochmal says providing cosmetic treatments for his patients is a result of his original commitment to provide the most effective treatments available to meet any and all needs of his patients: “As the cliche goes now, 50 is the new 40 and 60 is the new 50, and so on. My patients want to look as young as they feel and be able to see well too. Ultimately, we believe providing cosmetic eyelid surgery will improve their chances of success in the workplace.”
About Jay C. Grochmal, MD
After earning his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal completed his residency while achieving the rank of Chief Resident at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology. In addition to being on staff at some of the leading hospitals in the Baltimore area, Dr. Grochmal has traveled on a number of missions dedicated to improving eye care around the world.
Grochmal Eye Center is located in the Catonsville Professional Center at 405 Frederick Rd., Ste. 102, Baltimore, MD 21228, and can be reached at (410) 697-4090. Dr. Grochmal and his team can also be reached at grochmaleye.com or their Baltimore Eye Care Facebook page.
Causes of Foot Drop Video
Foot drop can be caused by stroke, tumor, or Parkinson's disease, but it can also develop from an issue in the spine. There are many conditions which can affect the peroneal nerve that controls the foot's ability to flex properly.
Video presented by Grant Cooper, MD
[TOC]Video Transcript
Foot drop is the inability to dorsiflex the foot - so, to pull the foot up. Foot drop often presents as people saying that they are tripping over themselves. Essentially, it is hard to clear the foot, so people after they go for a long walk might find that they start to trip over themselves. As the foot drop gets worse, then that can become more pronounced and more profound and often people will develop a steppage gait - which is basically you have to heighten the leg up in order to clear the foot as you're walking.
Now, foot drop itself is not a disease, it's a sign of an underlying pathologic process. There are two general categories that we think of for foot drop. The first is people are plantarflex, so the calf is in spasm or it is spastic and it is not letting the dorsiflexors to overpower it, so the dorsiflexor muscles can't bring the foot up. The other reason is a lack of communication between the nerve and the muscles that are supposed to be bringing the foot up. Now, this lack of communication is what we're going to focus on at the moment and that lack of communication can happen anywhere along the path from the brain down into the foot. So, people could have central problems such as a stroke or a tumor or Parkinson's in the brain, then as the impulse comes down the spinal cord you can have spinal cord lesions. As the nerve exits the spine people can have what is called a "radiculopathy," or more colloquially a pinched nerve in the back that can certainly cause foot drop. Then as those nerves come out of the spine - the ones that go into the dorsiflexors - they branch out, they come together to form the sciatic nerve and people can have irritation to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve then goes down the leg and branches again to the peroneal nerve, which the peroneal nerve can also have a lesion in it that could be causing a foot drop. And then you could have a problem at the neuromuscular junction as well and in the muscle itself. All of those things can lead to a foot drop.
When the problem is coming from the spine, typically will be an L5 radiculopathy - an irritation around the L5 nerve. And that irritation comes, in general, from the same kinds of things that can also cause pain going into the leg, which are things like herniated discs, like spondylolisthesis, facet joint arthropathy, spinal stenosis - essentially narrowing of the space where the nerves exit the spine, which can then put pressure or irritation around that nerve and then leads to the lack of communication between that nerve and the muscles that are supposed to do the job of lifting up the foot.
Often, but not always, there will be an accompaniment of pain, of numbness, tingling, but sometimes it can just present as foot drop in the absence of other symptoms.
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Source: http://www.spine-health.com/video/causes-foot-drop-video
Thursday, March 28, 2013
American Diabetes Month® | The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams
November marks the start of the American Diabetes Month®, an event sponsored by the American Diabetes Foundation®. A leading cause of blindness among adults, ExamHealth reports on something that every diabetes patient should be thinking about this time of year: a comprehensive eye exam.
“The American Optometric Association (AOA) is reminding Americans with diabetes about the importance of scheduling annual, dilated comprehensive eye exams to help detect and even prevent eye and vision disorders that could lead to blindness,” explains ExamHealth. “Each year, 12,000 to 24,000 individuals lose their sight because of diabetes.” An all-too-common condition in the US, the American Diabetes Foundation reports that nearly 26 million Americans are living with the condition.
What’s more, “The AOA notes that the results from its 2012 American Eye-Q® consumer survey revealed that only 44% of Americans are aware that diabetic eye disease often has no visual signs or symptoms,” reports ExamHealth. “Additionally, 43% of Americans are unaware that a person with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam once a year.”
Not sure what you should be looking out for? Read on!
Diabetes and Your Eye Health
So, why are comprehensive eye exams so important for those living with diabetes? The answer is simple – those with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk for developing several of today’s most serious eye conditions. Here’s a brief introduction:
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye disorder characterized by an increased pressure in the eye. A leading cause of blindness in the US, glaucoma is a progressive condition that causes a gradual loss of vision. And, while there is no cure, glaucoma can often be treated with eye drops and certain other medications. In some cases, we treat the condition with lasers or surgery. A condition where early detection is everything, diabetes sufferers need to be even more vigilant when it comes to regular glaucoma screenings.
- Cataracts: You can think of a cataract as a clouding of the eye’s lens. A progressive condition, cataracts can ultimately affect one’s ability to see clearly. Most common among older patients, those with diabetes are also at an elevated risk for developing the condition. When it comes to treatment, patients will often benefit from Cataract Surgery. During the procedure, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens also known as an Intraocular Lens (IOL).
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that weakens the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina. This is the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused. As these vessels leak, swell or develop thin branches, vision loss can ultimately occur. Our practice offers comprehensive Diabetic Eye Care including routine eye exams.
Schedule Your Eye Exam Today
Make sure you schedule your comprehensive eye exam this November! Our offices are located in in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, and you can reach us directly at (540) 722-6200. Contact us today.
Private Practice Or Hospital Employment?
According to data released by Medscape Medical News, physician employment by hospitals has increased since 2000. This increase is partly due to the protection that working for a large entity affords a physician. Many physicians feel that they can truly focus upon their specialized field by working in a hospital environment, as opposed to opening a private practice.
Working for a hospital relieves the physician of trying to keep up with complex private health care insurance and government regulations, investing in medical equipment and technology, marketing and HR issues. While owning a private practice gives a physician more independence and the physician is not constrained by the hospital’s policies or procedures, the private-practice physician must be concerned with all the business issues, which could be undertaken by a hospital employer.
It seems the current trend is leaning toward more physicians choosing to work for a hospital, with the private-practice physician becoming rare. But, as Uwe Reinhardt, Ph.D., a healthcare economist at Princeton University, told Medscape, “Don’t forget, there are cycles. Some years from now, there will be a whole new trend. Physicians working in hospitals will see what is profitable and what is not, and will jump out and establish practices in the profitable things.”
Meiselman, Denlea, Packman, Carton & Eberz P.C. offers legal advice to physicians on medical issues. If you need legal assistance or guidance on a matter regarding your practice, please call our office.
Source: http://www.pagingdrblog.com/2012/04/12/private-practice-or-hospital-employment/
Reasons To Love LASIK February Event
Everyone knows that February 14 is a special day for your heart. We’re making February 19 a special day for your eyes, when we host our Reasons To Love LASIKevent in the comfort of our state-of-the-art offices in Grapevine. If you’ve ever considered LASIK, we’ll give you the straight story in a way you might find refreshing; perhaps pick up something you didn’t realize, even if you’ve been doing your homework.
When: Tuesday, February 19, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Where: Eye Consultants of Texas, 2201 Westgate Plaza, Grapevine, TX 76051
Cost: Free
Led by one of our expert doctors, you’ll learn all about what LASIK is like – including costs, the procedure and generally what to expect. By the way, if we perform LASIK on anyone who attends (after a thorough evaluation), we’re offering $300 off their LASIK procedure.*
So please join us for this informative, FREE event. Reasons To Love LASIK only lasts 60 minutes and might be just the information you’re looking for. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to ask questions. To reserve your space, call our Grapevine office at 877-516-4364. We’re conveniently located to Dallas and Fort Worth.
*For attendees scheduling an evaluation who are determined to be a LASIK candidate. Must be 18 years or older to attend. Must be present to receive LASIK offer.Source: http://www.eyectexas.com/blog/reasons-to-love-lasik-february-event/
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Books Feed Your Head
It’s true, books really do, “Feed Your Head”. In 1991 there was an award winning MTV campaign that promoted reading. It was a revolutionary, ground breaking, and cutting edge style of mixing literature with a short film. This was when MTV still contained the word “music” in the logo, Tom Freston was the President and CEO of the network, the influence of Bob Pittman was still around, and it offered up value and creativity to viewers. Unfortunately it seems those days have passed.
Because of this campaign to promote reading I was introduced to the works of Franz Kafka and more importantly the works of Donald Barthelme. To me, Donald Barthelme is the master of the short story. I read almost every single day. I will admit that there are days when I am on vacation that I might miss the opportunity to read in exchange for the opportunity to explore a new city.
Many years ago, Jim Rohn (author and personal development trainer) said, “If you read one book every month about your industry, in 10 years you’ll have read 120 books. That will put you in the top one percent of your field.” Mr. Rohn was 100% correct and he was just talking about the lazy way to do it. I once heard someone say, “Skip a meal, but never skip the opportunity to read.” If you just invest 20 – 30 minutes a day in yourself, to read, there isn’t any reason that can’t read at least one book a week. If you were to read one book a week that would mean at the end of year you would have read 52 books. At this rate you would be in the top one percent in two years instead of 10.
For myself, I find that reading in a 80/20 ratio works best for me. Eighty percent of the books that I read are for knowledge and learning. Twenty percent of the books that I read are for humor, pleasure, and escapism. I would personally get bored if all I did was read for learning. I also need to be entertained when I read.
Please don’t tell me you don’t have enough time to read. If you really don’t think that you have the time to read…then I suggest that you at least make the time to read, “The 168 Hour Week” by, Dr. Kevin Hogan.
You can find the time to read. You just have to do it. I truly believe that reading is a great exercise that you can and should do for your brain everyday to keep it healthy and active. Think of your brain as muscle…exercise it and make it grow. The dividends that it will pay you can be huge.
If you’re looking for a new author to read or you want to start reading a new genere of books, then I suggest you take a look at the works of Thorne Smith. You can find out more about Thorne Smith at the blog and and website created by, Michael Walker at http://www.thornesmithblog.com/
Grab a book and start reading today. Remember, “Books Feed Your Head”.
Yours In Health!
G.E. Moon II
Source: http://www.abundanthealthcenter.com/blog/booksfeedyourhead
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New York State Governor Investigates Out-Of-Network Costs
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced the continuation of an investigation into out-of-network medical costs. In 2011, the state received more than 2,000 complaints from consumers who unexpectedly received bills from out-of-network specialists and providers after taking measures to choose in-network providers and receive prior insurer approval. Consumers often are not told in advance which specialists are out-of-network, how much they charge, and how much of their fee will be covered by health insurance. The resulting bills contribute to financial strain on consumers, many of whom are unable to pay the amount charged and some of whom are forced into bankruptcy.
To aid consumers in obtaining information on out-of-network care, costs, and coverage, the New York State Department of Financial Services is calling for more transparency, better consumer protection, and system-wide reform. This follows efforts by the Obama administration to require health insurers to provide such easy-to-understand information to consumers. If you are concerned about the potential impact of reforms and new rules, please feel free to contact us to discuss your options and assist you in making decisions regarding your practice.
Source: http://www.pagingdrblog.com/2012/03/15/new-york-state-governor-investigates-out-of-network-costs/
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Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Dry Eyes in the Winter Months
The cold dry air that is common in the winter months can have adverse effects on the moisture in your eyes. But what many people may not realize is that your eyes can become just as dry while trying to keep warm inside. The heat produced in our homes is a very common cause of not only dry skin, but dry eyes as well. By taking a few simple precautions — both inside and outside — you can ensure that dry and itchy eyes are avoided. In most cases, dry eyes are caused by the quick evaporation of moisture from our tear ducts. In dry weather, hot or cold, this can occur quickly and cause itching and dryness that is very uncomfortable.
Take Steps to Keep your Eyes Moist
• Artificial Tears – Using artificial tears as directed can help keep your eyes moist when your tear ducts may not be able to keep up with the dryness of the air.
• Sunglasses – Wearing sunglasses when out in the cold weather can shield them from direct contact with the cold dry air particularly when it is windy.
• Humidifiers – When indoors, use a humidifier to make the environment less dry. Indoor heat can dry the air, making your natural moisture dry up faster than usual.
• Cut down on coffee – Qe already drink more warm liquids during the winter months in order to warm up, but coffee is a mild diuretic that can cause dryness in your eyes and skin. Monitoring your coffee consumption may aid in keeping your eyes more moist.
By making sure that your eyes are moist at all times, you can experience less discomfort while both inside and outside during the winter.
Do you have more questions?
If you feel you’re experiencing Chronic Dry Eye, and would like more information on treatment, we encourage you to contact us today. Dry eye is a common condition especially in the colder seasons, and we can work together to find the best treatment options for you. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. We can be reached at (540) 722-6200. Call today to make an appointment.
Source: http://www.seeclear.com/blog/dry-eye-carerestasis/dry-eyes-in-the-winter-months
Safety Of Medical Implants Questionable
Millions of Americans receive medical implants yearly and those who do presume that the implants are safe and will alleviate, or at least help to ease, their specific medical problem. However, according to a May 2012 article in Consumer Reports, “Dangerous Devices”, most implants (artificial joints, defibrillators, surgical mesh) have not been tested for safety and effectiveness. The “testing” is done on the patient who has the medical device implanted. In other words, patients are living with implants that often times give them more pain and suffering than not having had the implant at all. According to the article, the FDA is not testing medical devices and most times all that is needed for the device to be placed on the market is for the manufacturers to “. . . file some paperwork and pay the Food and Drug Administration a user fee of roughly $4,000 to start selling a product that can rack up millions of dollars in revenue. . . .” Frequently, it takes years before the FDA even tests a product or reclassifies it to a high-risk category.
It is crucial for doctors, as well as their patients, to research a medical implant thoroughly before implantation, as the consequences can be debilitating. An orthopedic surgeon, for example, who had an all-metal hip replacement (the same type of device he implanted in his patients) experienced medical issues of increased chromium and cobalt levels in blood, sleep disturbance, constant pain, mood swings and anxiety, hearing loss, tinnitus, and visual problems.
Meiselman, Denlea, Packman, Carton & Eberz P.C. offers legal advice to physicians on medical issues. If you need legal assistance or guidance on a matter regarding your practice, please call our office.
Source: http://www.pagingdrblog.com/2012/05/08/safety-of-medical-implants-questionable/
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New York State Governor Investigates Out-Of-Network Costs
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced the continuation of an investigation into out-of-network medical costs. In 2011, the state received more than 2,000 complaints from consumers who unexpectedly received bills from out-of-network specialists and providers after taking measures to choose in-network providers and receive prior insurer approval. Consumers often are not told in advance which specialists are out-of-network, how much they charge, and how much of their fee will be covered by health insurance. The resulting bills contribute to financial strain on consumers, many of whom are unable to pay the amount charged and some of whom are forced into bankruptcy.
To aid consumers in obtaining information on out-of-network care, costs, and coverage, the New York State Department of Financial Services is calling for more transparency, better consumer protection, and system-wide reform. This follows efforts by the Obama administration to require health insurers to provide such easy-to-understand information to consumers. If you are concerned about the potential impact of reforms and new rules, please feel free to contact us to discuss your options and assist you in making decisions regarding your practice.
Source: http://www.pagingdrblog.com/2012/03/15/new-york-state-governor-investigates-out-of-network-costs/
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West Nile Virus infection in many states of USA
The majority of states in the USA have reported cases of West Nile Fever (WNF) this year.
In those people who were severely infected, about half went on to develop meningitis or encephalitis. Most cases however, are mild and without symptoms.
This disease was first detected in the States in 1999, and this year’s numbers are the highest so far.
The greatest numbers of cases have occurred in six states (Texas, Mississippi, Luoisiana, Oklahoma, South Dakota and California), with Texas having almost half of those cases.
WNV virus is spread by Culex mosquitos, which bite mainly from dusk to dawn. Travellers should take measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as covering up after dusk and using effective repellents.
Source: ProMED-Mail
For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323
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Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Illness following consumption of infected shellfish in the West of Ireland
A dozen people have become ill after gathering and eating shellfish from the shoreline in parts of the west and south-west of Ireland. Illness has been reported in Galway, Mayo and Sligo. It is possible these are linked to marine algal blooms occurring naturally in these areas.
Bivalve shellfish such as mussels, cockles, oysters, scallops and clams should only be purchased from reputable suppliers, (who manage the risks with a national monitoring propramme), not gathered in the wild for home consumption.
Source: ProMed Newsgroup
For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323
Measles in Pakistan
There has been an upsurge in cases of measles in Pakistan, particularly Karachi and Rawalpindi.
Travellers going to Pakistan should make sure they are immune to measles, either through natural immunity or vaccination.
It is now recommended that two doses of the MMR vaccine are given to ensure a high level of immunity.
Source: ProMed Newsgroup
For advice about dengue fever and other travel related illnesses and travel vaccinations, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre in Norwich on 01603 667323
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Causes of Foot Drop Video
Foot drop can be caused by stroke, tumor, or Parkinson's disease, but it can also develop from an issue in the spine. There are many conditions which can affect the peroneal nerve that controls the foot's ability to flex properly.
Video presented by Grant Cooper, MD
[TOC]Video Transcript
Foot drop is the inability to dorsiflex the foot - so, to pull the foot up. Foot drop often presents as people saying that they are tripping over themselves. Essentially, it is hard to clear the foot, so people after they go for a long walk might find that they start to trip over themselves. As the foot drop gets worse, then that can become more pronounced and more profound and often people will develop a steppage gait - which is basically you have to heighten the leg up in order to clear the foot as you're walking.
Now, foot drop itself is not a disease, it's a sign of an underlying pathologic process. There are two general categories that we think of for foot drop. The first is people are plantarflex, so the calf is in spasm or it is spastic and it is not letting the dorsiflexors to overpower it, so the dorsiflexor muscles can't bring the foot up. The other reason is a lack of communication between the nerve and the muscles that are supposed to be bringing the foot up. Now, this lack of communication is what we're going to focus on at the moment and that lack of communication can happen anywhere along the path from the brain down into the foot. So, people could have central problems such as a stroke or a tumor or Parkinson's in the brain, then as the impulse comes down the spinal cord you can have spinal cord lesions. As the nerve exits the spine people can have what is called a "radiculopathy," or more colloquially a pinched nerve in the back that can certainly cause foot drop. Then as those nerves come out of the spine - the ones that go into the dorsiflexors - they branch out, they come together to form the sciatic nerve and people can have irritation to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve then goes down the leg and branches again to the peroneal nerve, which the peroneal nerve can also have a lesion in it that could be causing a foot drop. And then you could have a problem at the neuromuscular junction as well and in the muscle itself. All of those things can lead to a foot drop.
When the problem is coming from the spine, typically will be an L5 radiculopathy - an irritation around the L5 nerve. And that irritation comes, in general, from the same kinds of things that can also cause pain going into the leg, which are things like herniated discs, like spondylolisthesis, facet joint arthropathy, spinal stenosis - essentially narrowing of the space where the nerves exit the spine, which can then put pressure or irritation around that nerve and then leads to the lack of communication between that nerve and the muscles that are supposed to do the job of lifting up the foot.
Often, but not always, there will be an accompaniment of pain, of numbness, tingling, but sometimes it can just present as foot drop in the absence of other symptoms.
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Source: http://www.spine-health.com/video/causes-foot-drop-video
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