Archive for the 'Wellness, Fitness and Diet' Category

Published by MikeSchlacter on 08 May 2008

Manhattan Offers Tummy Tuck Surgery For Men

It seems that just about anything can be found in the city of Manhattan, New York, and the newest thing seems to be tummy tucks for men. Men a few years ago would never have considered having plastic surgery, but opinions have changed and more and more men are contemplating having this procedure done. Doctors in Manhattan have opened their doors and are beginning to cater to male clientele and now Manhattan male tummy tuck is a growing business.

Most men consider having abdominoplasty done in order to improve the appearance of their abdominal area. The operation will remove any excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and gives the doctor the opportunity to repair and tighten and muscles in the stomach that has been damaged. Male patients have the option of having a mini tummy tuck, which requires a smaller incision and fewer invasions into the body, or they can have a full tummy tuck which requires two larger incisions and is more invasive. Based on a doctor’s full examination of the patient, the doctor will recommend which type of tummy tuck is preferable for the individual patient.

Each procedure is slightly different. The full abdominoplasty surgery requires two incisions, one that is made across the belly from hip to hip and the other made from the navel to the pubic hairline. The incision from hip to hip will also include the repositioning of the belly button because it will shift when the excess fat, tissue, and skin is removed during the tummy tuck procedure. The mini tummy tuck only required one incision which is commonly made along what is known as the bikini line in the lower abdomen. Most often than not the incision will remain small and the doctor will use liposuction to shape and sculpt the abdomen to the patient’s specification.

Men who are eligible to have abdominoplasty will have a body weight that does not fluctuate and be free of systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart, and respiratory disorders. The patient will consult with his doctor about his expectations and what will happen during the surgery and afterwards. Upon the going down of swelling after a few weeks, the patient will be able to see the results of the tummy tuck surgery.

Men will have a wider choice of doctor’s, specialists, and hospitals to choose from for Manhattan male tummy tuck. They are able to take their time and discuss all of their options with doctors, nurses, and other patients who have had the procedure done. They can also find the best doctor in the city based on the reviews and testimonials of patients that can usually be found on the doctor’s website.

When looking for a doctor in Manhattan for a tummy tuck, men should always make sure that they are board certified and specializes in the procedure. Patients should always follow the discharge instructions after the surgery, and make their follow-up visits. If the doctor recommends special clothing or equipment that the patient should wear, there are plenty of medical supply stores in the city to get the items.

For more information on Manhattan male tummy tuck surgery, visit the tummy tuck surgery site.

Published by MikeSchlacter on 08 May 2008

The Mini Tummy Tuck

Anyone who has an issue with the way they look and desire to streamline and sculpt the figure may wish to consider having plastic surgery known as a tummy tuck. There are two types of tummy tucks currently being performed by physicians around the world.

The first, a full tummy tuck, is a very invasive procedure that requires the removal of excess fat and tissue as well as the repair of any damaged abdominal muscles via an incision between the navel and public hairline. A mini tummy tuck, which is less invasive as a full tummy tuck, is the second type of surgery doctors are performing.

A mini tummy tuck is done when the patient does not require extensive plastic surgery to streamline the stomach. This may the option a doctor gives a candidate when all they need is sculpting done to the abdominal area. If upon examination of the patient the doctor does not find any protrusions in the muscle wall of the stomach and simply find sagging do to age or even pregnancy, they will often recommend the mini tummy tuck procedure.

The mini tummy tuck is also known as the scarless tummy tuck due to the size of the incision. It is usually smaller than the one needed for a traditional tummy tuck and the size is determined by the quantity of skin that will be removed. Also, with a mini tummy tuck, the navel usually does not have to be repositioned, something that is very common with a traditional tummy tuck. Occasionally the patient having a mini tummy tuck will also require some mild liposuction. This simply helps the doctor sculpt the abdomen into the shape that was discussed prior to the surgery.

One of the advantages of a mini tummy tuck is that there is a minimal amount of the abdominal wall exposed. The incision area in this procedure is limited to the area below the navel and if the needs to repair any muscles, he or she will do so from this position. From there the skin will be stretched downward. Any excess tissue will be removed and then the skin will be stitched into place. If necessary, the doctor will place a temporary drainage tube in the incision that will be removed at a later time, usually before the patient is discharged from the hospital or at the follow-up visit.

With a mini tummy tuck procedure, patients are not required to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. In most cases that have no complications, patients are released within a few hours of coming out of post operative care. Patients may experience some post operative pain, but it can usually be tamed with extra strength over the counter products such as Tylenol and Advil. Most patients are able to return to normal activities, including work, within a few days of the procedure. They should, however, avoid any strenuous activities for at least three to four weeks.

As with any other surgery, patients should make sure that they follow their physician’s instructions in caring for the incision. They should also make sure they keep their follow-up appointments. And above all else, they should enjoy the new figure they have.

For more information on mini tummy tuck surgery, visit the tummy tuck surgery info site.

Published by MikeSchlacter on 08 May 2008

What Happens During A Tummy Tuck Procedure?

Cosmetic surgery has come a long way from the very first days the procedure was introduced to the public. Today having a tummy tuck is one of the most common procedures done to help both men and women feel better about their appearance. Also known as a an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is the removal of excess fat and skin in the abdomen and restoration of weakened or separated muscles that cause people to have a belly.

Many times the flattening of the stomach takes more than exercise and diet alone. If the extra has been caused by pregnancy, weight fluctuation, prior surgery, aging or heredity factors, the patient may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure. This is not a suitable solution to lose weight or correct stretch marks. Women who are considering having children should wait to have a tummy tuck procedure until after they have their baby due to the fluctuation in weight pregnancy causes.

Because these procedures are based on a person’s perception of themselves, a tummy tuck should be done because the patient wants to look better. They should never have surgery such as this simply because someone else doesn’t like the way their stomach looks. People who are healthy, maintaining a steady weight, do not smoke, and are bothered by their physical appearance are the most likely candidates for tummy tuck surgery.

When patients decide to have this procedure, they will have an initial consultation with their doctor regarding the procedure. The doctor will collect information regarding the patient’s lifestyle, their health, and what they are expecting to get out of the surgery. Patients should be prepared to discuss things such as what medications they are on, if they partake of any substance abuse, allergies, previous surgeries and more. If the doctor approves the patient for tummy tuck surgery, they will discuss with the patient things that will need to be done prior to the surgery, such as lab testing, photographs, and medication adjustment.

All patients should be aware of some of the potential risks and complications that could occur before, during, and after the procedure. The doctor will explain all of these eventualities to the patient and will ask them to sign a medical consent form stating that you understand these risks. Tummy tuck risks include, but are not limited to: scarring; infection; skin loss; blood clots; bleeding; pain; nerve damage; loss skin; fat necrosis; and persistent swelling of the legs.

Patients who elect to have this surgery will be admitted to the hospital and prepped for surgery. This could include having general anesthesia administered before being brought in the operating suite and having any hair that may be on the area being operated on removed. The patient will then be given an anesthesia that will put them in a deep sleep during the surgery.

Once the patient is completely under sedation, the surgeon will make a horizontal incision between the navel and the hairline of the pubic area. The size of the incision will be determined by how much of the tummy needs to be tucked. The surgeon will repair damaged muscles and remove any excess material, such as skin, fat, and other tissues. If the patient has weight issues above the navel, a second incision will be made to remove and repair the body.

Some extra skin will be left and literally tucked under before the surgeon closes the incisions. This helps the incisions heal in a cleaner line and leaves the patient with a firmer abdomen and flatter stomach that is directly proportionate to your actual body type. It will take close to two weeks of healing before the patient is able to stand up straight and admire their new figure.

When patients are released from the hospital, it is advised that they follow all of their doctor’s instructions in order to care for the incisions, reduce and minimize swelling, and support the abdomen while it heals from this invasive surgery. They should make sure that they take the medications their doctor prescribes and any abnormalities in the incision should be reported to the doctor immediately.

For more information on tummy tuck surgery procedure, visit the tummy tuck surgery proceduretummy tuck surgery tips site.

Published by DarrellMiller on 08 May 2008

Support Proper Joint Function With Shark Cartilage

Sharks do not have skeleton of bone but of cartilage, which is a dense form of connective tissue. Its main components are cells known as chondrocytes that are responsible for producing collagen fibers, an elastic protein called elastin that is responsible for the skin returning to its original shape after being pinched, and ground substance that is rich in proteoglycan, a protein with glycosaminoglycan chains.

Shark cartilage is said to be beneficial in the treatment of many conditions including arthritis, psoriasis (allied to arthritis), rheumatism, eczema, acne, allergies and the most controversial – cancer. It is said to inhibit tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis – the formation of new blood vessels by growing them from old ones. This can lead to metastasis, or the spread of cancer between organs and also feed the cancer cells with blood.

Shark cartilage has been used medicinally for thousands of years, particularly in ancient China where its use is documented, and might also have been in other areas where the consumption of fish was high. However, the production of shark cartilage and its trade is not well documented. The major cartilage consuming countries are Australia, India, Japan and the USA, although it is used or consumed in many other countries, especially Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and, increasingly, Europe.

The best quality of cartilage is from the blue shark due to its higher chondroitin quality. Chemically, chondroitin is an acid mucopolysaccharide, and a very large molecule that is used for a variety of purposes. In arthritis it is difficult to get it to the source of the problem due to its physical size and large doses are used to ensure that at least a proportion passes through the capillaries to the joints.

Arthritis is a particularly prevalent disease and comes in two forms: osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops over a long period of time, and generally the cartilage roughens and becomes thin, while the bone becomes thinner. Extra synovial fluid, that lubricates the joint, can be formed and that causes swelling. The bone tried to repair itself, but degeneration continues and the tendons become affected. Eventually inflammation can occur leading to severe swelling and pain. There are several causes, the most common being injury or repetitive hard use of the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is completely different, and is caused by the immune system rather than wear and tear. The immune system mistakes parts of your joints as being foreign, and attacks the synovial membrane, or lining of the joint. It might also attack the sheath around the tendons. This eventually causes the cartilage to thin and the joints to wear, and the inflammatory response can cause painful inflammations. There is no apparent cause, though heredity, lifestyle and hormones might all be connected.

The effect of shark cartilage on arthritis is well documented, and in one study in the 1970s, only 11% of patients did not respond well to a treatment of cartilage injections. The pain relief the injections provided lasted from six weeks to over a year, though no reason could be provided for the vast difference. However, it did seem to demonstrate that the remedy was more than just a placebo. In another study involving bedridden osteoarthritis patients, eight out of ten could leave their beds after only three weeks of oral cartilage treatment. Shark cartilage appears to be effective when administered both intravenously and orally.

In a later placebo study involving 147 arthritis patients, they were given either shark cartilage or a placebo. Those with the placebo were encouraged to use other treatments when their pain became severe. After five years the placebo group reported a 5% drop in pain scores compared to 85% of the group taking shark cartilage. The joint deterioration in each group was assessed, and was considerably less in the cartilage group, who also lost less time at work through pain.

All of these results indicate that shark cartilage can be used to relieve osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis pain in at least 60% of sufferers. Since rheumatoid arthritis has been linked to psoriasis, this could also explain its effects on psoriasis. What the studies did indicate is that you need not wait five years to find if the treatment is effective or not: if you do not experience positive results within between four and six weeks, then shark cartilage treatment will likely not work for you.

There is no doubt that shark cartilage can provide relief to painful, swollen joints, and this is likely due to the mucopolysaccharides. It can also prevent the undesirable growth of new blood vessels into the cartilage and appears to help to regulate the immune system. These are also two of the reasons why it is believed by some to be an effective treatment for cancer by preventing metastasis.

It was the publication of the book “Sharks Don’t get Cancer” that started the rush for shark cartilage as a a treatment for cancer, but the problem is that sharks do get cancer – they even get cancer of the cartilage! However, that does not mean that the scientific reasons for the inhibition of metastsis are invalid. They are valid, and it is metastsis rather than the original cancer that ferquently leads to death. Metastsis is the spread of the disease round the body by the bloodstream, and shark cartilage appears to be able to help to prevent that. It also prevents the growth of blood cells into cancerous areas to feed the cancers with oxygen and other nutrients.

Although there are few reported side effects of shark cartilage, in the interest of safety it is advised that children and pregnant women should avoid it. The same is true of people recovering from recent surgery since it could slow healing due to its effect on repairing blood vessels. If you have a low white blood cell count, do not have a shark cartilage enema since it can cause a potentially fatal infection.

Otherwise it should be safe to take, and is available in many forms including creams, capsules, powders and injections. The recommended dosage is 1 gram dried shark cartilage for each 7 Kg (15 lb) body weight. Once you begin to see an effect on the pain of your arthritis, one can then try to reduce the dose to 1 gram for each 18 Kg (40 lb) body weight.

More information on shark cartilage is available at VitaNet ?, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

Published by ChungLeong on 08 May 2008

3 Surefire Ways Fast Abs

There is nothing more desirable than getting a nice set of abs. Having a flat stomach often sets one a part from the normal and gets lots of attention. The problem is that not many people know how to get a flat abs. It is not really rocket science but you need to know a few rules to adhere before even talking about losing weight.

What you are about read here are three surefire ways help you lose that gut and make you look really good! Ok, without waiting any further, let’s get into tips number one.

Do The Cardio

Yes, you read that clearly. In order for you to really burn that stubborn body fat, you need to get that cardio in. There is no way around it. You have probably heard it over and over again on the internet, from health magazines and also perhaps from your trainer. But whether you like it or not, doing your time on the treadmill does the job. Doing cardio can really help you burn body fat in a very short amount of time.

How Many Times a Week?

I know you wish I would say once a week but dream on! In order to get results, you need to do your cardio three times a week. But if you want fabulous results, you need to do your cardio for five times a week.

How Long Per Cardio Session?

I have seen a lot of people just do twenty minutes on the treadmill and they thought that they have done enough for the week. To really get the results that you want, you need to spend at least thirty to forty five minutes on the cardio machine of your choice. I know it sounds a long time but, if you want results, you got to do it.

The second tip for getting a flat stomach quickly is to do high intensity interval training or also known as HIIT. This sort of training is rather the opposite of the conventional way of dong cardio. Instead of doing continuous running, HIIT requires you to sprint for one minute and walk for another minute. When I say sprint, I mean really sprint. You must be totally drained out by the end of the working minute.

Even though the calorie stated on the machine is lesser than it would if you run slower for forty five minutes, the after burn the HIIT creates has tremendous calorie burning capabilities.

Never Skip The Weight Training! Here Is Why!

I sometimes hear a lot of people saying that they want to lose weight so they would just do cardio and not include weight training. They are dead wrong! Weight training is one of the only way to increase muscle in the body and also a fabulous way to speed up metabolism. Every pound of muscle you put on, you burn an additional 50 calories! Isn’t that great? This is because muscles are living tissues and it needs calories to sustain.

How Many Times of Pumping Iron?

In order to get some results, go for twice a week of weight training. If you have the luxury of time, do three weight training sessions a week.

Pack On Muscle On The Legs

This is the third tip. Packing on solid high quality muscle on the legs can really help burn body fat. The legs can carry lots of muscle due to its size compared to the others. Besides that, if you have stronger legs, you can do more cardio at a higher intensity which translate to more calorie burn!

Getting that dream body requires extra work. If it is easy, everybody on the street would have a lean sexy figure. Stick to your workout program and never give up!

Leong is a very experienced American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer. He has written countless articles on weight loss, exercise, diet and fitness that have helped many achieve their fitness goals. For limited time only, you can download his unique info packed Fat Loss E-Mag value at $90 for FREE!

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