What are are the recurring thoughts that are occuring in the space between your ears? Are your thoughts usually ones of doom and gloom? We’ve all heard it said before, “Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life”. What if each day you started off your morning like little Jessica in this video…how different would your day be?
Take the time to start each new day with better thoughts…the changes can be powerful.
LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, has become one of the most popular vision correction surgeries in the world, with thousands of procedures performed every year. The numbers, however, don’t paint the whole picture. A surgery’s true measure of success is how many patients are satisfied with their results! The Eye Surgery Education Council (ESEC), a leading provider of eye surgery information, is reporting on just that.
“LASIK vision correction has the highest patient satisfaction rate of any elective surgery,” explains the ESEC, “95.4%, according to a 10-year survey of scientific studies from around the world.” Clearly, this degree of patient satisfaction speaks volumes. Furthermore, the ESEC reports that “In a recent study, about 97% of LASIK surgery patients said they would recommend it to a friend or relative.” While LASIK is not for everyone and there are risks and benefits to consider, these figures certainly speak for themselves.
LASIK Results
So, what can LASIK do for you? First, let’s take a look at the procedure itself. LASIK eye surgery improves vision safely and precisely by reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. The procedure is tailored to your specific medical needs.
Of course, the goal of every LASIK procedure is 20/20 vision. Looking at one of the most common eye issues, nearsightedness, the ESEC reports that “Studies of mildly or moderately nearsighted patients show that one year after having LASIK surgery: 98% have obtained 20/20 vision.” So, do you think LASIK may be right for you? The only way to find out is to schedule a consultation!
LASIK Consultation
To schedule your LASIK consultation, contact us today. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200. We look forward to working with you.
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”.
Ayalew Tefferi, M.D., with the Department of Hematology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., discusses the results of a study of 1,000 patients who have primary myelofibrosis.
Key findings Researchers found that when patients with myelofibrosis present, their clinical features are not at a steady state and usually progress within the first few months of the diagnosis. It is best to wait a several months before providing a prognostic score.
Many patients with primary myelofibrosis can live a long life (exceeding 15 years) and patients who won’t live that long can be identified.
The most recent version of DIPSS-plus scoring system performed much better than prior versions, helping researchers to determine what proportion of patients with myelofibrosis are suitable for therapies. More than 50 percent of patients require observation alone.
A description of the study is included in the January 2012 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
ABSTRACT Objective To share our decades of experience with primary myelofibrosis and underscore the importance of outcomes research studies in designing clinical trials and interpreting their results.
Patients and methods One thousand consecutive patients with primary myelofibrosis seen at Mayo Clinic between Nov. 4, 1977, and Sept. 1, 2011, were considered.
The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), dynamic IPSS (DIPSS), and DIPSS-plus were applied for risk stratification. Separate analyses were included for patients seen at time of referral (N=1000), at initial diagnosis (N=340), and within or after 1 year of diagnosis (N=660).
Results
To date, 592 deaths and 68 leukemic transformations have been documented. Parameters at initial diagnosis vs time of referral included:
Median age (66 vs 65 years)
Male sex (61% vs 62%)
Red cell transfusion need (24% vs 38%)
Hemoglobin level less than 10 g/dL (38% vs 54%)
Platelet count less than 100 × 109/L (18% vs 26%)
Leukocyte count more than 25 × 109/L (13% vs 16%)
Marked splenomegaly (21% vs 31%)
Constitutional symptoms (29% vs 34%)
Abnormal karyotype (31% vs 41%)
Mutational frequencies were 61% for JAK2V617F, 8% for MPLW515, and 4% for IDH1/2.
DIPSS-plus risk distributions at time of referral were 10% low, 15% intermediate-1, 37% intermediate-2, and 37% high. The corresponding median survivals were 17.5, 7.8, 3.6, and 1.8 years vs 20.0, 14.3, 5.3, and 1.7 years for patients younger than 60 years of age.
Compared with both DIPSS and IPSS, DIPSS-plus showed better discrimination among risk groups. Five-year leukemic transformation rates were 6% and 21% in low- and high-risk patients, respectively.
Conclusion The current document should serve as a valuable resource for patients and physicians and provides context for the design and interpretation of clinical trials.
Since its inception, laser vision correction has been changing the lives of our patients, enhancing vision and reducing or eliminating our patients’ dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. Now, our practice is proud to offer what many consider to be the most advanced LASIK system available: iLASIK™. Not sure what this cutting-edge procedure is all about?
Here is our list of the Top 5 Patient Benefits of iLASIK:
Fully-customized procedure. iLASIK is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Rather, using cutting-edge 3D eye mapping, iLASIK creates a one-of-a-kind image that is used to guide your LASIK procedure. This unique “roadmap” means a fully-customized procedure in keeping with your unique anatomy and medical needs.
Completely bladeless. Where some LASIK systems rely on metal blades, iLASIK creates a corneal flap using a precise laser. This completely blade-free system is an ideal alternative for those hesitant about “going under the knife.” What’s more, this method often results in better and faster healing following the procedure.
Cool laser technology. A second laser – the one used to make the actual vision correction – can be understood as a “cool laser.” Using pain-free, ultraviolet light, iLASIK works to reshape the cornea and achieve better vision. What’s more, vision correction takes only seconds per eye.
Iris registration. Cutting-edge iris registration technology ensures that iLASIK’s laser remains aligned, even if you move your eye. This offers not only a more precise procedure, but very often a quicker procedure as well.
Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. Of course, the most important benefit of iLASIK is its remarkable results. And, while each patient’s results will vary, most iLASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better following the procedure.
iLASIK in Winchester
To learn more about iLASIK, contact us today and schedule a consultation. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, and you can reach us directly at (540) 722-6200. We look forward to meeting you.
We were recently privileged to have New York Times bestselling author, and former Navy SEAL, Brandon Webb, speak at Eye Consultants of Texas in Grapevine. It was the idea of founder Phillips Kirk Labor, MD, to host this event, primarily for his staff and a group of local law enforcement officers, as well as special guests.
A highly sought-after motivational speaker, Brandon focused his talk on the importance of attention to detail and striving for excellence. His New York Times bestselling book, The Red Circle, shares his personal story of dealing with adversity in a positive and constructive way, and passes on valuable leadership lessons he learned as a Navy SEAL. Everyone in attendance at our practice was incredibly inspired, just like all of Brandon’s audiences in his speaking engagements across the U.S.
In addition to inviting him to speak, Dr. Labor invited Brandon into the operating room to observe actual cataract procedures. Recently, Brandon wrote about his Eye Consultants of Texas visit and experiences in his blog.
Here is an excerpt from Brandon’s blog:
“The last part of September I had a chance to visit with Dr. Kirk Labor and his team at Eye Consultants of Texas. I was invited to sit in on a few Cataract procedures, and actually assisted in a minor way. I’ve been fortunate to tour plenty of U.S. companies when I was an active SEAL and after. Companies like Smith & Wesson, Nixon, ABC news, St. Martin’s Press, L-3, and many others. I can honestly say that Dr. Labor and his staff run an excellent facility and operation compared to these other organizations. They set the bar high, and are far ahead of the competition from my perspective. I’d highly recommend his facility to anyone regardless of your geographic location. For now, my own sniper eyes are good-to-go, if they start having problems I’ll have no problem flying to Texas. Excellence matters and I want only the best working on my eyes.”
In an email to Brandon, thanking him for coming, Dr. Labor said:
“The reports I have from those in attendance have been nothing but positive. I really think it helped my staff to hear about those attributes from someone other than me, and will serve the practice and my patients well going forward. I hope you enjoyed being here as much as we enjoyed having you. I know the girls in the operating room loved having you there (as did the patients; particularly the Vietnam veteran we operated on)!”
During Health IT Week, an event held at the Center for Total Health—sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, the National Quality Forum, and Kaiser Permanente— examined the state of electronic measurement in health care, lessons learned from the Beacon Community Program, and what’s next in meaningful use. While at the event, we were able to speak briefly with a few of the presenters about the topic. This video features interviews with Kevin Larsen, MD, Craig Brammer, and Kerri Petrin, all three of whom are with the ONC.
Claudia*, 35, already had a child after aggressive, conventional IVF, and wanted another. However, because she had blocked tubes, she needed IVF. She was exhausted after her conventional IVF and said “never again”! It had been very aggressive IVF, had cost her nearly £9000 and she had lots of unpleasant side effects. She had never [...]
An outbreak of dengue fever has been reported in central Trinidad and Tobago.
This unpleasant viral illness is spread by infected mosquitos that bite during daylight hours, and there is no vaccine available at present.
Travellers are reminded to take all precautions necessary to avoid being bitten by insects, such as using mosquito nets, covering up and using efficient insect repellents.
Source: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian Online
Note: There are also outbreaks of dengue fever in El Salvador, Guatemala, Paraguay & Mexico. In Cambodia, the season is prolonged.
For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323
Spine-health.com is proud to announce that it was recently ranked one of the top 50 most visited health websites, according to ComScore, a global leader in measuring the digital world.
Spine-health.com joins the large general health websites that make up the bulk of the top 50, and was one of the few “vertical” websites – sites that focus in on a particular aspect of health. Spine-health.com focuses exclusively on the spine, and covers conditions that cause back and neck pain.
As we’ve mentioned here before, LASIK has become a household word to anyone relying on glasses or contact lenses for everyday things. There’s no shortage of info out there, and much of it can be confusing, or written like an owner’s manual. At Eye Consultants of Texas, we cover the bases in educating our Dallas/Fort Worth LASIK patients, and try to do this as simply as possible. With that in mind, this is the first in a series of blogs we’ll be posting to highlight the basics of LASIK, in hopes of putting LASIK medical-speak more into simple-speak.
First Things First. LASIK is a simple, painless procedure that can be performed quicker and safer than ever before, mostly thanks to technological advancements. LASIK is also surgery on your eyes, so you owe it to yourself to understand the benefits, risks, and everything else about it. And to choose a skilled doctor who’s on your side.
How Long Has LASIK Been Around? A question to this that often follows is, “how many LASIK procedures have been performed?” To answer this objectively, we’ll go to a reputable source. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), LASIK was first FDA-approved in 1998. Since then, the AAO estimates that nearly 10 million procedures have been performed in the U.S. (an average of 700,000 each year). Worldwide, this number is double by some estimates you might find.
Why Would Someone Get LASIK? People who have LASIK performed are usually those that have to rely on glasses or contact lenses for everyday activities. Sometimes they opt for LASIK so they can see better and look better, or simply because they’re tired of having to wear glasses all the time. Sometimes LASIK may be the best solution if corrective eyewear is no longer doing the trick. Whatever the reason, it’s important that your vision health and overall health checks out, that you’re fully informed, and that you’re over 18 years of age. In other words, you have to be a candidate for LASIK to have it done. If for any reason you’re not, there are other options your doctor can tell you about.
Look for more in our next Simplifying LASIK Basics blog coming soon. Meanwhile, if you’d like to know more about LASIK at Eye Consultants of Texas, please call our office in Grapevine at 877-516-4364, conveniently located to Dallas/Fort Worth.
This blog is a general overview of LASIK surgery for general informational purposes only, and in no way intended as actual medical advice. Always seek a medical or eye care professional for advisement based on your individual health and eye care needs.
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.
Shingles vaccine now available for people aged 50 years and over. Between a quarter & a third of adults will develop shingles at some point in their lives. There is now a vaccine against shingles available in the UK, although at present it is only available privately.
At best, shingles results in a painful and unsightly rash with a few days of feeling unwell. At worse, the shingles can be followed by eye complications, including loss of sight, and ‘post-herpetic neuralgia’, a debilitating complication that can result in many months of unremitting pain and suffering.
The vaccine not only reduces the possibility of developing shingles, but in those who do develop it, the likelihood of severe complications is very much reduced.
At present the supply is not sufficient for the NHS to offer the vaccine, although it may do from late next year. However, the vaccine will then only be offered to those people aged between 70 and 80 years old.
The vaccine against shingles is available from the Globe Travel Health Centre. For further advice, contact us on 01603 667323.
The first outbreak of cholera in over a century has been reported by the Cuban Ministry of Public Health. The risk to travellers is low, but they should be aware that Cholera can be spread via food being prepared by a person who is ill with the disease.
Travellers are advised to take care with food and water, and to ensure they eat seafood such as crabs and crayfish only when it has been cooked through and is thoroughly hot.
Source: ProMed Newsgroup Aug 2012
For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323
We are very excited about our 2011 success rates and here are the reasons why. Most people use success rate statistics when making a decision about which IVF clinic to use, but these figures should not be taken in isolation. You should always talk to the clinic about your individual likelihood of success in relation [...]
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the CDC, 210,203 women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,589 women died from the disease, in 2008 (the latest year for which statistics are available). With the exception of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
Breast cancer screening can often lead to earlier detection and treatment of the disease. Most health insurance companies pay for the cost of breast screening tests. For those people worried about the cost, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) offers free or low-cost mammograms and education about breast cancer. You can find out if you qualify here.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing a story of a breast cancer survivor. Kathleen Tebb, a 39-year-old mother of two children, was diagnosed and had a mastectomy followed by aggressive treatment, including radiation. With the help of physical therapy, Kathleen was eventually able to resume one of her passions—rock climbing. Read more about Kathleen’s story here, and check out an interview with her below.
For more stories from breast cancer survivors, check out the latest posts on Kaiser Permanente’s Care Stories Blog.
An outbreak of dengue fever has been reported in central Trinidad and Tobago.
This unpleasant viral illness is spread by infected mosquitos that bite during daylight hours, and there is no vaccine available at present.
Travellers are reminded to take all precautions necessary to avoid being bitten by insects, such as using mosquito nets, covering up and using efficient insect repellents.
Source: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian Online
Note: There are also outbreaks of dengue fever in El Salvador, Guatemala, Paraguay & Mexico. In Cambodia, the season is prolonged.
For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323
On a Walk with a Doc with the Center for Total Health’s own Ted Eytan, Pierre Vigilance, MD, MPH, Visiting Professor for Practice at George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, and Tyler Norris, MDiv, Vice President of Total Health Partnerships for Kaiser Permanente, explore Washington, D.C.’s H Street NE corridor and admire the brand new H Street NE Heritage Trail.
A Supreme Court ruling in June 2011 ended state-law claims against generic drug manufacturers (link to previous article) because the drug manufacturers are obligated by federal law to provide drug labeling that is identical to the drug’s brand-name counterpart. However, there seems to be a way around this ruling, which is being used by some plaintiffs who have been harmed by taking generic brand drugs.
In a recent federal court case, Cooper v. Wyeth, plaintiffs claimed that the manufacturers of the generic drug, metoclopramide (an acid reflux medication), failed to update the warning label, in a timely manner, to match its brand-name drug, Reglan. As such, the claims against the manufacturer were recognized as valid arguments in federal court. This “failure-to-update” claim has been used in other federal court cases (Fisher v. Pelstring and Couick v. Wyeth) with positive results for plaintiffs.
It is federal law that generic drug labels match their brand-name equivalent. Failure to update the labels timely, and in accordance with the FDA-approved changes for the branded label, would give some legal recourse to consumers who may have had an adverse reaction to a generic-brand drug.
Whether the courts will continue to recognize “failure-to-update” claims remains to be seen, but for now, there seems to be a legal avenue for damages for those who have been harmed by taking a generic drug.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA), an advocacy group for diabetes research and awareness, is a leading resource when it comes to diabetes information. In a recent article, the ADA outlined some important eye care tips for those suffering from this far-too-common condition. While some of these tips will be obvious to any diabetes patient—keep blood sugar levels in check, manage high blood pressure, etc.—one tip stood out as particularly important to me. “See your eye care professional at least once a year for a dilated eye exam,” the ADA article suggests. “Having your regular doctor look at your eyes is not enough.”
So, why are eye exams so important for those living with diabetes? The answer is simple. Those with the condition are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness. These conditions include cataracts and glaucoma. Read on to learn a bit more about these serious eye conditions and how they’re treated today.
Common Eye Conditions Among Diabetes Patients
Diabetes patients are at higher risk for a host of different ailments, and eye conditions are no exception. Here are two common and treatable eye conditions that are particularly common among those living with diabetes.
Those with diabetes are at higher risk for:
Cataracts: A cataract is characterized by a clouding of the eye’s lens. Ultimately, this affects one’s ability to see clearly. While cataracts are typically associated with aging, those with diabetes are particularly at risk. For those who develop this condition, Cataract Surgery is often the best option. During the procedure, your eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, known as an Intraocular Lens (IOL).
Glaucoma: Essentially, glaucoma is a disease where the optic nerve becomes damaged, typically as a result of increased pressure in the eye. Ultimately, this causes vision loss or even blindness. Glaucoma Treatment is often achieved through the use of eye drops and medications. In some cases, we treat the condition with lasers or surgery. It’s important to remember that when it comes to glaucoma, early detection is key. This is why those with diabetes need to be even more vigilant. Make an appointment today.
Don’t Hesitate. Schedule Your Eye Exam Today
Diabetic Eye Care is a must. We encourage you to contact us today and schedule an Eye Exam. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Book your appointment at (540) 722-6200.
Are you turned on?…electrically speaking, that is…and I’m not refering to Timothy Leary’s, “Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out.”
The other day we talked about how we are electrical beings and that from time to time we need to “ground” ourselves and release some of the static electricity that is built up in our bodies. I had a couple of people tell me that this is done all the time throughout most of Europe. I also had a few people who wanted to see learn more about how our bodies operate on an electrical current.
If you’re one of our readers who would like a visual of the body producing electricity in action then this video is for you.
What you are viewing is a group of four people holding hands and two of the people are holding “hands” with a Ring Around The Rosie Doll. On each of the dolls hands is a small metal button. When both of these buttons are touched with bare skin the doll begins to sing. You will notice in the video that there are a couple of times that the participants let go of the hand of one of their partners…once they do this the doll stops singing. Once they hold hands again the doll starts to sing. The doll sings because of the electricity being produced by each participant.
Remember, you are an electrical being…do something good for yourself to recharge your batteries…a nice walk around the block in the evening air is always a simple (and free) thing that you can do to bring in more good energy and release the bad.
The total number of cases of rubella reported in Japan in the month of July alone was equal to the total number of cases in 2011. Cases have occurred in Tokyo, Osaka, Kanagawa and Kyoto.
Travellers are advised to consider having MMR vaccine if they have not had the disease or been immunised against it. Two doses of the vaccine give good protection.
Source: www.japan.people.com
For further advice, contact the Globe Travel Health Centre on 01603 667323
In honor of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we thought we’d offer a few helpful resources for engaging children and young people in healthy eating and active living.
Healthy Eating
Michelle Obama and the Let’s Move! campaign recently teamed up with Epicurious, the award-winning food website, to challenge kids across the country to submit their original recipes for nutritious and delicious lunches. The top 54 winning submissions were featured in The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge Cookbook and invited to the White House for a luncheon celebration with Mrs. Obama herself. The menu included some of the winning recipes, including kale chips and a quinoa, corn, and black bean salad.
Consider sharing these resources with the young people in your life….all of us need to engage in activities that foster healthy living.
Looking for more inspiration to get your family cooking healthy and delicious meals together? Check out Chop Chop, a quarterly food magazine and website for kids aged 5-12 and their families. ChopChop’s mission is to educate kids to cook and be nutritionally literate, empower them to actively participate as health partners with their families, and help establish and support better eating habits for a lifetime of good nutrition. The magazine and website are packed with great recipes, fun facts about food and food nutrition, basics on how to use kitchen utensils, and even some tips on how to grow your own vegetables at home.
We all need to work together for better health. Consider sharing these resources with the young people in your life, and help build awareness about how all of us need to engage in activities that foster healthy living.
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.
World Osteoporosis Day kicks off October 20, 2012 with a new annual theme “STOP AT ONE”-promoting strategies for people who have already had a fracture to avoid having another one.
This year’s theme is aimed at promoting education to prevent osteoporosis patients from having a recurring fracture.
LASIK Surgeon in Baltimore Announces BOTOX Cosmetic Special Offer for Valentine's Day
Dr. Jay C. Grochmal, a LASIK surgeon in Baltimore, has announced his practice will be hosting a special offer on BOTOX ® Cosmetic to provide patients with a rejuvenated appearance and improved self-confidence at a discounted rate. The offer will run until Valentine’s Day and will give patients the chance to take advantage of reduced pricing on BOTOX in Baltimore in preparation for celebrating the iconic holiday with their loved ones.
At his Baltimore cataract and LASIK surgery practice in Baltimore, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal has announced the beginning of a special offer on BOTOX ® Cosmetic for patients looking to boost their appearance before Valentine’s Day. From now until the upcoming holiday on February 14, the Grochmal Eye Center will be offering BOTOX ® Cosmetic at $9.75 per unit. Dr. Grochmal and his practice provide laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK in Maryland, as well as cosmetic enhancements including BOTOX ® injections, Juvederm®, and eyelid surgery.
Dr. Grochmal says cosmetic procedures such as the non-invasive BOTOX ® Cosmetic and surgical procedures like eyelid surgery can offer patients an aesthetic addition to their LASIK or laser vision correction surgery in order to provide a more comprehensive and noticeable enhancement to their new, clearer vision. Dermal injections like Juvederm® and BOTOX ® Cosmetic are designed to tighten loose skin and treat wrinkles and facial lines. He says with reduced pricing on BOTOX ® Cosmetic and his variety of aesthetic procedures, patients now have the opportunity to improve self confidence and tighten the skin under their eyes for a completely refreshed outlook on life.
For patients interested in taking advantage of the Grochmal Eye Center’s BOTOX ® Cosmetic special for Valentine’s Day, Dr. Grochmal says to contact his practice for more information. He also adds that consulting with an experienced and qualified practice is essential for achieving safe and effective treatment.
About Jay C. Grochmal, MD
Dr. Jay Grochmal received his medical degree from the University of Maryland, after which he completed a rotating internship at the U.S. Public Health Hospital in Baltimore. During his residency, he achieved the rank of Chief Resident at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Grochmal is on staff with the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and St. Agnes Hospital. He has participated in several medical mission trips to third world countries to provide his expertise in eye care, including Pakistan, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. Dr. Grochmal is also a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Located at 405 Frederick Road, Suite 102 in Baltimore, MD, the Grochmal Eye Center can be reached at (410) 697-4090. It can also be contacted online via the website grochmaleye.com or facebook.com/grochmaleye.
Ayalew Tefferi, M.D., with the Department of Hematology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., discusses the results of a study of 1,000 patients who have primary myelofibrosis.
Key findings Researchers found that when patients with myelofibrosis present, their clinical features are not at a steady state and usually progress within the first few months of the diagnosis. It is best to wait a several months before providing a prognostic score.
Many patients with primary myelofibrosis can live a long life (exceeding 15 years) and patients who won’t live that long can be identified.
The most recent version of DIPSS-plus scoring system performed much better than prior versions, helping researchers to determine what proportion of patients with myelofibrosis are suitable for therapies. More than 50 percent of patients require observation alone.
A description of the study is included in the January 2012 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
ABSTRACT Objective To share our decades of experience with primary myelofibrosis and underscore the importance of outcomes research studies in designing clinical trials and interpreting their results.
Patients and methods One thousand consecutive patients with primary myelofibrosis seen at Mayo Clinic between Nov. 4, 1977, and Sept. 1, 2011, were considered.
The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), dynamic IPSS (DIPSS), and DIPSS-plus were applied for risk stratification. Separate analyses were included for patients seen at time of referral (N=1000), at initial diagnosis (N=340), and within or after 1 year of diagnosis (N=660).
Results
To date, 592 deaths and 68 leukemic transformations have been documented. Parameters at initial diagnosis vs time of referral included:
Median age (66 vs 65 years)
Male sex (61% vs 62%)
Red cell transfusion need (24% vs 38%)
Hemoglobin level less than 10 g/dL (38% vs 54%)
Platelet count less than 100 × 109/L (18% vs 26%)
Leukocyte count more than 25 × 109/L (13% vs 16%)
Marked splenomegaly (21% vs 31%)
Constitutional symptoms (29% vs 34%)
Abnormal karyotype (31% vs 41%)
Mutational frequencies were 61% for JAK2V617F, 8% for MPLW515, and 4% for IDH1/2.
DIPSS-plus risk distributions at time of referral were 10% low, 15% intermediate-1, 37% intermediate-2, and 37% high. The corresponding median survivals were 17.5, 7.8, 3.6, and 1.8 years vs 20.0, 14.3, 5.3, and 1.7 years for patients younger than 60 years of age.
Compared with both DIPSS and IPSS, DIPSS-plus showed better discrimination among risk groups. Five-year leukemic transformation rates were 6% and 21% in low- and high-risk patients, respectively.
Conclusion The current document should serve as a valuable resource for patients and physicians and provides context for the design and interpretation of clinical trials.
LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, has become one of the most popular vision correction surgeries in the world, with thousands of procedures performed every year. The numbers, however, don’t paint the whole picture. A surgery’s true measure of success is how many patients are satisfied with their results! The Eye Surgery Education Council (ESEC), a leading provider of eye surgery information, is reporting on just that.
Since its inception, 
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.
