Sunday, July 19, 2009

I Hate My Ears!

It is true the appearance of someone’s reflection can cause troubled feelings even to the point of considering surgery. Young children often feel these emotions early in life from teasing. The decision to undergo changes with the help of a surgeon is a personal one. Many talk of changing their nose but just as many are concerned about their ears. Otoplasty is a surgery to change the appearance of ones ears, by either pinning them back, bringing them closer to the head, or reducing the size, to reshaping the bends in the cartilage to change the look. Otoplasty does not affect one’s ability to hear in any way.

What one should expect before the surgery:
Preparation is very important in many things in life and especially when considering surgery. The first step is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. Visit with them and make sure they understand fully what you are wanting. Do not settle because of price but rather who will do the job you are wanting. It is important to know that most insurance does not cover Otoplasty as if is a cosmetic choice and not medically needed.

After selecting a surgeon, the next step is a consultation. This is time when you will discuss exactly what you are wanting and even why. The surgeon on this visit will examine the ears and discuss different ways to correct or change the ears. Its also determined if Otoplasty is the right choice for you.

If it is found to be the correct steps for you to take, you will then discuss the actual ear procedure. It will include decisions about anesthesia, medical history, cost and recuperative time involved. This is also a good time to think of the pros and cons of having the surgery. It has been found that this particular surgery is easier preformed on children whose cartilage is softer and easier molded to a new form. Adults tend to have a firmer and less molding cartilage.

During the time, awaiting the procedure many physicians will ask that you discontinue the use of aspirin. Aspirin is a known blood thinner and could cause some problems. The night before the procedure, you will be instructed to not eat or drink after midnight. The patient should wear light, comfortable clothing for the day of the actual procedure. Clothing should be chosen to be that which would not need to be pulled on or off the head or touching the ears.

Typically, general anesthesia is used for children undergoing Otoplasty, while anesthetic or a mild sedative is used for adults. Usually the procedure takes one to two hours to perform. Usually an overnight stay is not necessary but can be required. If sent home, someone should be able to stay with the patient at least for the first night.

The actual incisions are usually on the back surface of the ear. That is the natural fold where the ear joins the head. If necessary to make an incision on the front, it is within the folds of the ear so it can be hidden. Internal no removable sutures are used to create and hold the newly shaped cartilage in place. External stitches are used to close the incisions. Ear surgery shows immediate results even with the dressings.

After surgery, some discomfort can be expected and is controlled with pain medications. You may also experience some itching under the soft bandages, it is important to refrain from rubbing the areas. The bandages will be left in place for a few days for full healing. Sleeping may be a bit difficult if you are use to sleeping on your sides. One needs to refrain from putting pressure on the ears for a week or so. Some physicians will suggest using headbands during sleeping to hold the ears in place.

A new improved reflection brings about a self-confidence many strive for. How you feel about yourself is very important and sometimes a change in your facial appearance helps you match the inside to the outside. Deciding to have any, kind of surgery should be thought about carefully for there are risks with any kind of procedure.

Sunshine, Vitamin D and Psoriasis

One way to have and keep a healthy body is sunshine, fresh air, plenty of water and a balanced diet. When we ignore these rules, our bodies suffer. We, who are parents, have told our children on many occasions to go outside, get some sunshine, get a breath of fresh air; get off the couch! If you’re not a parent, I’m sure you have heard it said to you.

Sunshine is actually vitamin D. This means it is formed naturally by means of exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Numerous cells in our bodies use vitamin D to create an indicating molecule, which allows the cells to converse with each other. It helps cells to distinguish what kind of cell they should become or to stop replicating cells. As in Psoriasis; a condition where skin cells reproduce at a much faster rate. The skin normally reproduces in 21-28 days. People affected with psoriasis does this in 2-6 days, causing a build up of skin cells on the surface of the skin. The flaky, crusty red patches with silver scales cause extreme itching and pain. Vitamin D can be a miracle for many affected with this condition.

Recently vitamin D has been given to people affected with Psoriasis and improvement has been noticed. One of the forms used is in vitamin D analogues, which is vitamin D in a cream form, which restrains the result on your immune system, decelerating the production of skin cells. Calcipotriol is one of the most common used. You can also buy over the counter vitamins in the D form; however before trying anything new, consult your health care provider for proper instructions. One may also bask in the sun in moderation.

Minerals and vitamins play a part in good health by managing metabolism and aiding the body to release energy from the food you consume. In Psoriasis vitamins D, A and B help a great deal along with fish oil (reduces inflammation of cells), Zinc (helps the body to heal) and (is a crucial nutrient for the immune system) added with plenty of water and a healthy diet, along with your physician’s advisement improvement will be seen.

In recent studies, the cause of Psoriasis has made some interesting finds. One is the shortage of vitamin D. In addition, the finding of a zinc deficiency in a person certainly contributes to the immune system unable to repair or stop the effects of the condition. Psoriasis can be mild, moderate and or severe. It can also be very embarrassing for those affected with it.








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I'm Sooooooo Tired!

Our grandparents, especially Granma might have been right about the Vitamins. Is your world starting to become a world of fatigue, easily frazzled and dark circles forming under your eyes?
Quick Quiz
If you experience two or more of the following, you could have a B12 deficiency. You also need to confer with your doctor on this matter; and he can run a B12 serum test along with a urinary methylmalonic acid test.

1) Feeling easily drained.
2) Memory lapses or having trouble multitasking.
3) Irritability and or apprehension.
4) Two or more colds or flu episodes in a year's time.
5) Dark circles under your eyes or paleness.
6) Joint pain or difficulty.
7) Unable to sleep or stay asleep.
8) Balance problems.
9) Numbness and or tingling in the extremities.
I started feeling really tired and yet I slept very restless and woke up just as tired. My days became something I dreaded, becoming a chore I could not pass on to someone else. I no longer enjoyed going to work, and counted the hours until I could take lunch, and go home. My personality changed to someone very short in temper and easily upset. My children walked on eggshells to stay away from my wrath. My love for cooking faded away and my cookbooks lay untouched: as I began serving one-pot casserole type meals. Even my usual routine for dressing nice, matching my jewelry to my mood or bag changed. I felt more comfortable in sweats and sloppy T-shirts.
My husband began to think something was wrong because of how I acted and my constant need to sleep. He thought that perhaps I was depressed or unhappy with him. He urged me to go see my doctor, and I am so glad I did. My doctor ran some tests and I was told, I had B12 deficiency. I also learned that 39% of women are lacking B12. Women over 40 years of age experience this more often and about 84% of them need B12. Our bodies process B12 from foods very slowly and at times do not absorb it well. Some doctors believe the liver can store B12 in the body for years; but the body has to be able to absorb it first. I learned over time, especially in women, the stomach produces less hydrochloric acid, which is needed for the body to absorb the B12. The results from the serum test confirmed this was my problem.
I was given a shot and within a week could tell the difference. My mind cleared; I was able to sleep again and rise with a smile. I look forward to my days and the energy I have once again. Now I take a B-complex supplement containing 500 mcg of B12. It is easily found over the counter, at most pharmacies. I also receive a shot twice a year and tested once a year. It is very important that you speak with a doctor before deciding what measures to take.