Health

When you work as a Medicare agent, you have the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. But it can be tough to know where to start.

If you’re looking to make a career change or find a part-time job, you should consider working as a Medicare agent. The industry shows no signs of slowing down, according to experts.

However, becoming an insurance agent for medicare insurance charleston sc isn’t easy. You’ll have to meet government standards and convince customers to buy insurance.

How can you learn how to start working as a Medicare insurance agent? Keep reading to find out!

1. Requirements for Becoming a Medicare Agent

Working as a Medicare agent means that you are working as a health insurance agent. Medicare is just one specific type of insurance agent.

To work as an insurance agent, you won’t need a college degree. Many successful agents build a thriving career with just a high school diploma. Though it never hurts to have a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field.

2. Steps to take to Become a Medicare Agent

First off, you’ll need to be licensed as a health insurance agent in your state. More often than not, this requires you to take a course, which might be in person or online. The class can require up to 40 hours of direct study.

You can enroll in additional self-study programs to help you solidify your knowledge of the industry. Then you’ll need to take an exam.

Upon passing the exam, you’ll be licensed to sell health insurance in your specific state. Then, you just need to add the Medicare certification.

3. The Process of Becoming a Medicare Agent

Once you have a health insurance license, you’ll need to take the Medicare training offered in your state. This is required annually. You need at least a 90% passing grade.

You’ll need to pay for the exam each year, which is usually less than $200.

You also need to choose an FMO. FMO stands for “field marketing organization.” These organizations distribute the specific health insurance plans to agents (such as yourself) and to specific agencies who will offer additional plans for you to sell.

As a new agent, you’ll want to get appointed by numerous agencies so that you have a wider range of plans and products to sell.

When you work with a high-quality FMO, you’ll have access to additional Medicare supplements. A Medicare supplement plan is an additional plan you can sell to your customers to cover even more of their health care costs.

The good news for you is that customers are actively seeking these out, as they need them. This makes your job easier.

Getting contracted and appointed to sell base Medicare insurance as well as supplement insurance simply requires a questionnaire, copies of your licenses, and a background check.

Building an Insurance Career

The process of becoming a Medicare agent is quite simple, however, it does take a lot of work. For those without a college degree, however, it can be one of the best opportunities to build a healthy career with the opportunity for residual income.

Looking for more business opportunities like this? Visit our blog now to keep reading.

Around one in four American adults suffer from chronic knee pain. From joint stiffness and swelling to instability and weakness, knee pain symptoms make almost all everyday tasks painful and difficult.

But despite how widespread knee pain is, it’s not always easy to find effective treatment recommendations without knowing the cause.

So, what are the leading causes of knee pain? And what can you do about them? Let’s take a look!

1. Knee Injury

Being active is great for your joints and the rest of your body. But bad form, over-reaching, and other exercising errors can often cause knee injuries.

Some of the most common causes of knee pain are ACL tears, tendinitis, sprained ligaments, bursitis, and runner’s knee. Or, if you have an old knee injury that wasn’t treated at the time, it may flare up occasionally or cause consistent pain now.

This is why it’s important to take steps to fix knee pain as soon as it starts. One of the best ways to stop or help knee pain following an injury is to make an appointment with your local chiropractor at BCAchiropractic.com.

2. Mechanical Problems

Various mechanical problems affecting your knees or other parts of your body can also cause knee pain. Some examples include:

• Misaligned bones – If any of the bones from your hips down to your ankles are not in their correct position, this can put excessive pressure on certain spots. This kind of misalignment causes knee pain when the kneecap can’t move smoothly
• Loose body – Following injury or degeneration, a “loose body” (a piece of bone or cartilage) may break off and float in the space between joints. If this loose body interferes with the knee joint, moving it becomes difficult and painful
• Referred pain – Pain in your hip or foot, such as plantar fasciitis, can cause you to change the way you walk. But knee pain can be a side effect of this altered gait because of the stress you’re putting on your knee joint when walking

While you would likely need surgery to remove a loose body, your local chiropractor should be able to help you with bone misalignment and referred knee pain.

3. Arthritis

There are more than 100 types of arthritis. Those most likely to affect the knee include:

• Osteoarthritis – This degenerative or “wear-and-tear” arthritis is the most common type. It occurs when the cartilage in your knee deteriorates over time due to age and use
• Rheumatoid arthritis – This debilitating autoimmune condition can affect almost any joint in your body, including your knees
• Gout – This type of arthritis involves a build-up of uric acid in the joint. Although gout usually occurs in the big toe, it can also affect the knee
• Pseudogout – This occurs when calcium-containing crystals develop in the knee joint

One of the best ways to help knee pain is to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. But, low-impact activities such as swimming are the best option for those of you with any of these forms of arthritis.

Your Guide to the Common Causes of Knee Pain

As this quick guide shows, there are three very different common causes of knee pain.

But, whatever the reason for the pain you’re experiencing, knowing the cause can get you the right treatment and help you on the path to recovery.

Want more interesting insights and helpful advice? Be sure to check out all the latest blog posts for great tips and tricks on everything from real estate to relationships.

Treatment for Ecstasy Abuse

Several rehab institutions across the United States can assist those seeking help for ecstasy addiction. This is how the treatment works:

• Detox – Detox begins the moment a patient enters a recovery facility. The process of detoxing from ecstasy takes three to seven days.
• Residential inpatient treatment — An inpatient rehab program allows patients to recover from drug addiction in a relaxing environment. The patient is counseled and participates in wellness activities, experiential therapy, and group sessions while at this facility.
• Outpatient treatment – This is similar to residential treatment, but the patient lives at home and attends ecstasy addiction treatment at the rehab center during the day. Individual and group counseling are part of outpatient programs.
• Aftercare – Some rehab institutions provide additional support to clients who need it after their treatment is completed. Connections with sober-living facilities and job-placement programs are examples of this.

Signs of Ecstasy Abuse

Ecstasy is used to improve the enjoyment of music and dance in clubs and parties. Ecstasy is intended to produce the following effects:

• Boosted energy – Ecstasy generates energy bursts that can persist for hours. Ecstasy, like cocaine and speed, is popular at parties where people stay up late and dance hard because of the energy benefits.
• Changed sensations – Psychoactive drugs such as ecstasy alter the way people see, hear, feel, and experience their surroundings, causing them to perceive things differently. A party can have a livelier and thrilling atmosphere.
• Empathy – Ecstasy has the ability to make people feel more connected to their environment. Shy people become more outgoing, and allow people get friendlier. People can socialize and score more easily on ecstasy.
• Euphoria – Ecstasy causes people to feel ecstatic. It generates delighted physical sensations in the consumer.Ecstasy is usually used through ingestion. Within 30 to 45 minutes, the effects are noticeable and can last anywhere from three to six hours.

Side Effects of Abusing Ecstasy

Ecstasy has some unpleasant and disorienting side effects, including:

• Teeth grinding – This may be done without the user’s knowledge.
• Sweating
• Fast heart rate – Energy medicines cause the heart to beat more quickly. This can be dangerous, especially if the person consumes a large amount of ecstasy or combines it with other stimulants (speed, cocaine).
• Blurred vision – The user’s vision may be blurred. In a club, this can be creepy, but it can also be dangerous on the way home, especially if the user tries to drive.

Long Term Effects of Abusing Ecstasy

When people overuse ecstasy, the drug can lead to more dangerous outcomes. The following are just a few of the worst side effects:

• Ecstasy can lead to death in the worst-case scenario if the user becomes dehydrated or experiences feverish symptoms while high
• Sleeping problems – Energy drugs like ecstasy make sleeping difficult. Restlessness and sleeplessness may result as a result.
• Memory issues – Drug misuse can wreak havoc on your memory.
• Paranoia – For scared users, energy medications might cause paranoia.

Addiction treatment clinics provide patients with a safe and supervised environment in which to conquer their addiction. Nurses keep an eye on patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week during detox, and assist them with withdrawal symptoms.

Seek The Best Help for Your Ecstasy Addiction

Depending on your needs, the best strategy to recover from a substance use disorder is different. While outpatient treatment centers may be beneficial for some, others may benefit more from an inpatient treatment facility where they will not have access to the drug during their rehabilitation. That’s why Mallard Lake Detox Center offers a wide range of treatment options tailored to each person’s needs. Contact us today for more information.

Alzheimer’s is taking America by storm. 5.8 million Americans live with the disease, which is roughly 3% of the country. By 2060, that number is expected to skyrocket to 14 million people.

You should expect to have a loved one with Alzheimer’s at some point in your life. You need to prepare for that well in advance so they can get the best treatment options possible.

How is Alzheimer’s treated? What medications and therapies can a person take for it? When should someone move to a senior living facility?

Answer these questions and you can make your loved one’s life comfortable for years. Here is your quick guide.

Prescriptions 

Many cases of Alzheimer’s disease can be treated through prescriptions. Many people take cholinesterase inhibitors, which prevent brain chemicals that help with memory from breaking down.

Aducanumab is a disease-modifying drug. It helps remove plaques in the brain, promoting overall brain function.

Someone with severe Alzheimer’s symptoms can take memantine. It decreases symptoms and allows someone to perform some actions on their own. Many people take it so they can use the bathroom without needing help.

Some people with Alzheimer’s have other diseases that they take medications for. They can continue to take these pills, but they should be aware of the side effects. People with Alzheimer’s should not take sleep aids because they can cause confusion.

Behavioral Management

As Alzheimer’s stages progress, a person’s behavior can change dramatically. They may become aggressive or agitated at small things. They may start to rummage through drawers and wander from the house.

Some people respond well to therapy. They can work with a therapist on channeling their emotions into positive tasks. They can go for walks or exercise in a gym so they are less inclined to wander outside.

Many people with late-stage Alzheimer’s struggle to communicate. You should find ways to help your loved one communicate through drawings and pointing at photographs. When you give instructions, you should use simplistic language and repeat what you say.

Dementia Care

Someone who cannot take care of themselves should go to a treatment center. Any elder center would provide good care, but it’s best to bring your loved one to an Alzheimer’s center. They can receive dementia care for seniors, which would help them with their unique condition.

Dementia specialists can help your loved one perform basic tasks. They can walk with your loved one to the bathroom or help them brush their teeth. They can cook nutritious meals for them and arrange social interactions so their body and mind are healthy.

So How Is Alzheimer’s Treated?

Many people have questions about Alzheimer’s. How is Alzheimer’s treated? That depends on the case.

The majority of people take medications to promote brain function and stave off symptoms. They also need to avoid medications that can fog the brain, such as sedatives.

Psychological and behavioral therapy can prevent irritability and aggressive behavior. If someone needs more intensive help, they can go to a treatment center for support. They can get meals and assistance with tasks like brushing their teeth.

Alzheimer’s will only get trickier with time. Read more guides to Alzheimer’s by following our coverage.

Are you looking to give your body a refreshed look? Are you unhappy with stubborn areas of fat that just won’t go away?

If you’ve considered body sculpting, you aren’t alone. Body sculpting is more popular than ever. In 2021 Americans spent over $8.7 billion on plastic surgery procedures and $3 billion on non-surgical aesthetic procedures.

Body sculpting is a fantastic way to improve your overall health and well-being and boost self-confidence. You have so many options when it comes to body sculpting procedures, so it’s important to know where to begin.

Keep reading to learn all about the different types of body sculpting procedures available and how they can help you.

Non-Surgical Body Sculpting

Many people choose non-surgical body contouring to reduce areas of fat and to shape and contour different areas of the body.

Non-surgical body contouring isn’t a weight loss solution. To benefit from non-surgical body contouring, you need to be close to your ideal weight. Non-surgical body contouring is best for those stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise.

Examples of non-surgical body contouring procedures include:

Cryolipolysis

A fantastic body rejuvenation treatment you can try is CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive cooling technique that reduces fat in targeted areas of your body. CoolScuplting is based on cryolipolysis which is a method of using cold temperatures to freeze and eliminate fat cells.

With cryoliplysis, the surrounding issues are not harmed and the fat cells flush out of your body via your lymphatic system. Once these fat cells are gone, they won’t reappear again.

Areas of your body CoolSculpting can help include:

• Arms
• Abdomen
• Back
• Chin
• Buttocks
• Thighs

Treatments take around 30 to 60 minutes and you can resume your daily activities immediately after the procedure. You’ll typically need multiple treatments to get the results you’re looking for.

Laser Lipolysis

SculpSure is a popular laser lipolysis treatment that uses heat to destroy your fat cells. Laser lipolysis treatments use applicators that wrap around your body and give off heat that penetrates your skin.

This heat damages your fat cell membranes which cause them to die off. Your body will then reabsorb the fat cells and your tissues are not damaged during the process. Laser lipolysis also doesn’t affect your skin elasticity, so you won’t have to worry about loose skin after the procedure.

SculpSure treatments take about 25 minutes to complete and you won’t need any recovery time. Laser lipolysis treatments like SculpSure typically target your abdomen and lower back area. Since it takes time for your body to absorb the eliminated fat cells, it will take about six weeks to see the final results.

Radiofrequency Lipolysis

UltraShape or Vanquish are common radiofrequency lipolysis treatments that people opt for today. Radiofrequency lipolysis treatments use a radio frequency to heat fat without any instruments making physical contact with you.

An applicator is used at a one-centimeter distance from your skin which heats fat cells and destroys the cell barrier. Radiofrequency lipolysis is gentle to your skin but is still able to eliminate areas of fat safely.

This treatment is usually used for the abdomen and lower back. Each treatment takes about an hour to complete and you’ll need multiple treatments to get the results you want to achieve.

Injection Lipolysis

Kybella is an injection lipolysis treatment that you’ll find offered in most medical spas. Injection lipolysis is a procedure that chemically eliminates fat cells that are around the injection site.

Injection lipolysis treatments like Kybella use deoxycholic acid which causes fat cells to change and eventually die off. It typically takes your body a few weeks to absorb these dead cells after treatment.

Injection lipolysis is one of the best body sculpting treatments for the chin area. Treatments usually take about 30 minutes to an hour. You might notice some slight swelling and bruising around the treatment area, but otherwise, there is no recovery time needed.

Ultrasonic Lipolysis

Ultrasound lipolysis also called ultrasonic cavitation is a body contouring treatment that removes fat deposits from under your skin. Ultrasonic lipolysis uses ultrasound technology to break apart fat cells.

A Body Sculpting Machine sends ultrasound waves into the deepest layers of your skin which causes a vibration that disrupts your fat cells. The fat cells then break apart from each other and dislodge from the skin layers. These fat cells get absorbed by your body and treated as waste.

Ultrasound lipolysis usually targets certain areas of your body like:

• Stomach and lower abdomen
• Hips
• Neck
• Face
• Upper arms
• Thighs

This type of treatment is low risk and side effects usually include some mild bruising and redness around the targeted areas. Treatments usually take from 45 minutes to 1 hour and you won’t need any recovery time.

Most people need from 1 to 3 treatments to get visible results and you’ll have to wait up to 12 weeks for the final result.

Results are permanent as long as you continue to watch your diet and maintain a healthy exercise regime. If you don’t exercise regularly, the fat deposits can return and you’ll need further treatments.

Surgical Body Sculpting

Sometimes non-surgical body sculpting procedures just won’t work for you. If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight and have loose skin or have a lot of weight you can’t lose on your own, you may need to look at surgical body sculpting options.

Body contouring surgeries involve excess skin removal as well as fat removal in certain areas of your body like your abdomen or breasts.

Popular body contouring surgeries include:

Liposuction

Liposuction is a common surgical procedure that uses suction to remove fat from certain areas of the body. Liposuction reduces the amount number of fat cells you have and permanently changes the contour of your body as long as your weight stays stable.

Liposuction is usually used in certain areas of the body such as:

• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Hips and thighs
• Upper arms
• Neck

You’ll likely experience some pain, swelling, and bruising right after the procedure. You should expect to need to take a few days off work and wait for at least two weeks before exercising.

Breast Lift

A breast lift or mastopexy is a body sculpting procedure done by a plastic surgeon that changes the shape of your breasts. When you have a breast lift, the excess skin is removed and your breasts are lifted up and reshaped.

Breast lifts don’t change the size of your breast, but they can be done in combination with breast augmentation. It’s also best to be at a healthy weight and make diet and exercise changes prior to having this procedure done.

You’ll experience breast swelling and bruising for about two weeks after the procedure. You will notice the appearance of your breasts changes immediately after surgery. The results of a breast lift are permanent, but if you gain a lot of excess weight you may experience sagging.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a body sculpting procedure that’s done to improve the appearance and contour of your abdomen.

Many people choose to have a tummy tuck when they have excess skin around their navel which can’t be fixed with diet, exercise, or non-surgical procedures.

During a tummy tuck procedure, excess fat and skin are removed from the abdomen and the muscles and tissue are tightened with sutures. The skin that is remaining is also shaped and repositioned to achieve a toned look.

After the procedure, you’ll experience some pain and swelling, and you’ll need to wear an abdominal binder for up to six weeks. You’ll also need to avoid exercise and be careful with bending at the waist for the first month after your tummy tuck.

Tummy tuck results are permanent and they give your abdomen a toned and more shapely appearance. For the best results, you’ll need to maintain a stable weight long-term.

Buttock Lift

A buttock lift is a procedure that changes the appearance of your buttocks. A buttock lift doesn’t add volume to your buttocks, but it does alter its shape. As a result, some people combine a buttock lift with a buttock augmentation to get more volume.

During a buttock lift, excess fat and skin are removed from your buttocks and the remaining skin is contoured for a more even and toned look.

You’ll need to increase your activity slowly after you get a buttock lift for the first few months while you’re healing. Once you’re healed though you’ll have a more contoured and toned buttock as a permanent result.

Body Sculpting for You

When you’re looking to reach your optimal health, why not try a body sculpting procedure?

Body sculpting not only removes unhealthy excess fat, but you’re much more likely to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine to maintain your results as long as possible.

If you’re ready to learn more then check out our blog to read about health, fitness, and travel tips that will inspire your mind!

If you don’t take care of your teeth, you’ll be one of the more than three million people who get a cavity each year.

Plaque and tartar are the reason for mouth issues like gingivitis and cavities. While most people use these terms interchangeably, they aren’t the same thing.

Knowing how to distinguish tartar vs. plaque is crucial for the health of your teeth. When you understand these tooth problems, you’ll see why going to the dentist is so important.

Our guide goes over the differences between plaque and tartar and how a dentist can help keep them at bay.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is the sticky layer that builds up on your teeth and gums throughout the day. This substance houses bacteria that lives in your mouth.

When you eat carbohydrates or sugar, you’re not the only one who gets a meal. The bacteria on your teeth do as well. The food and drinks you ingest feed this bacteria, which make acids that break your enamel down.

Symptoms of Plaque 

You’ll know if you aren’t getting rid of plaque if you see any of the following symptoms:

• Your teeth will feel fuzzy.
• Chronic smelly or bad breath
• Swollen or sore gums
• Bleeding gums

Managing Plaque 

Keeping up on your daily oral hygiene is key to stopping tooth decay and keeping plaque away.

Brushing at least two times a day and flossing once will do the trick to keep plaque from building up. After meals and snacks, drinking lots of water and chewing on sugar-free gum can keep plaque away too.

Professionals, like those at https://thedentalteam.ca/vaughan/maplewoods-dental/, can help. They will thoroughly clean your teeth and find plaque you may have missed.

What Is Tartar?

Plaque that isn’t removed from your teeth promptly will harden and turn into tartar. The plaque does this by trapping the minerals found in saliva, which calcifies on the teeth.

This dental problem is much more complex to get rid of than plaque. Tartar can trap more plaque on your teeth which causes even more tartar to form. This can turn into a vicious cycle on the health of your teeth.

Symptoms of Tartar 

If you are dealing with tartar, your symptoms will look different from plaque. You may see the following signs:

• Rough surface or a tooth
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums when you brush

Managing Tartar 

The best line of defense at preventing tartar is to visit your dentist and keep up with your oral hygiene. If you do have tartar, you’ll need the expertise of a dentist to get rid of it, as regular brushing and flossing won’t cut it.

Knowing the Difference Between Tartar vs. Plaque Will Keep Your Mouth Healthy

If you neglect your teeth, the risks of tartar and plaque can become painful and costly. When you know the qualities of tartar vs. plaque, you’ll be able to spot their build-up so you can take care of them.

Are you looking to understand more about other the health of other parts of your body? If so, check out our other health blogs today!

A majority of Americans (79%) say they feel dissatisfied with how their body looks from time to time. Looking in the mirror, wearing a bathing suit at the beach, and shopping for clothes are the times when dissatisfaction is most prevalent. Women (84%) are more likely to be dissatisfied with how their bodies look than men (74%).

If you are dissatisfied with your physical appearance, the good news is that there are effective treatment options available. In this blog post, we will highlight how to lose belly fat with 3 proven belly fat removal surgery treatments. These are tummy tuck, liposuction, and Renuvion. Let’s get started.

1. Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to change the appearance of the midsection. The desired goal is to make the stomach tighter, flatter, and smaller. It works by removing both excess fat and skin.

The results of a tummy tuck are considered permanent and the abdomen will be stronger and more stable. Unless fluctuation in weight or a pregnancy stretches out the area again, the excess skin will not return. Following a tummy tuck, it is recommended that you do not perform any strenuous activity for at least six weeks.

Approximately 130,000 tummy tuck procedures take place every year in the United States, making it the 5th most popular cosmetic surgical procedure.

2. Liposuction

Ahead of tummy tuck on the list of most popular cosmetic surgical procedures is liposuction (in 2nd place with 245,000 procedures). It is similar in its aims to a tummy tuck, though there are differences in the actual procedure and the recovery time.

A liposuction is a good option for people looking to remove small fat deposits, including on the stomach area. The result of liposuction is a flatter and more proportioned midsection.

While the results are stated as being permanent, there are studies that disagree with this.

3. Renuvion

Another option with it comes to belly fat is Renuvion, a non-surgical procedure for skin tightening. It is a minimally-invasive technology that is FDA-approved and less invasive than other treatment options.

It works by delivering radiofrequency heat and helium plasma cooling that tightens loose skin. No skin excision is required and the results are long-lasting (up to 2.5 years). For people who have loose belly skin and minimal excess fat, this treatment option is a good alternative to a tummy tuck.

How to Lose Belly Fat: The Bottom Line

Belly fat can be difficult to get rid of, so these 3 treatment options are all highly recommended. The benefit of the above belly fat treatments is the immediate results. If you are unsure which option is most suitable for you, we recommend that you speak to your doctor and get their advice.

Like this blog post on how to lose belly fat fast? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.

Meth can either be snorted, smoked or injected. If you inject or smoke it, it will enter the brain quickly, resulting in a “rush” or “flash” of euphoria. You will experience a stronger high, but the effects will wear off more quickly. When swallowed or snorted, the high lasts for almost 12 hours.

Meth’s Half Life

Meth has a half-life of around 10 hours. This means that after 10 hours, half of the eaten quantity has been digested and removed from the bloodstream.

Testing for Presence of Methamphetamine in The Body

Meth can be detected in all hair and fluid samples. Urine tests, on the other hand, are the most prevalent and cost-effective method for identifying methamphetamine.

How Many Days Does Meth Last in Your Urine?

Your urine will be contaminated with meth within an hour after consuming it. One to three days after the last use of meth, a urine test can reveal the presence of meth; for very heavy users, seven to 10 days.

How Many Days Does Meth Last in Your Blood?

It takes an average of 48 hours for meth to leave your body. A blood test among chronic meth users can detect presence of meth in the blood after 4 days.

How Many Days Does Meth Last in Your Saliva?

The drug remains in your saliva for up to four days since the last dose. An oral fluid sample can be collected from your mouth using a cotton swab during a saliva test.

How Many Days Does Meth Last in Your Hair?

Meth takes seven to ten days for it to reach your hair follicles and stay there for up to 90 days. Hair follicle test is often more expensive than other kinds of tests. Additionally, their findings are more debatable as contamination from the surroundings could result in false positives.

What Is the Duration of Meth’s Presence in Your System?

The length of time meth stays in your bloodstream is determined by the amount of meth consumed, the frequency with which it was consumed, and how your body metabolizes methamphetamine. In urine, meth can last 1-10 days, in blood, meth can last 1-3 days, and in saliva, meth can last 1-4 days, and in hair, meth can last up to 90 days.

Effects of Methamphetamine

Dopamine, which is involved in motivation, movement, and rewarding behaviors, is released by methamphetamine in the brain. The central nervous system is stimulated by the drug.Meth effects are often felt 3 to 5 minutes after snorting it or 15 to 30 minutes after oral intake.

Meth’s effects usually occur in three stages:

1. The Thrill

Dopamine rushes your brain, causing an initial “rush.” It usually lasts 30 minutes. This is the most engrossing section of the adventure.

2. The Extreme

For the next four to sixteen hours, the user will be inebriated. Quick speech, enhanced awareness, compulsive behavior, and rapid thought patterns will be experienced.

3. Crash

The user may begin to “tweak” as the methamphetamine wears off. They may begin to itch, become paranoid, and suffer from insomnia. Withdrawal symptoms are beginning to appear.

Seek The Best Meth Addiction Treatment

If you’re afraid about failing a drug test, it’s a sign that your substance usage is out of hand. Help is available if you or someone you love is struggling with meth. Our team of professionals at Taylor Recovery Center provides a variety of treatment options to meet your specific needs. Please contact us to learn more about the treatment options are available to you.

Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (MPV) dilates a stenotic valve using a balloon catheter.

Mitral stenosis (MS) is a condition whose incidence is still high in developing countries where rheumatic fever is prominent. 

Untreated, it is a disease that is progressive causes limiting symptoms (dyspnea, fatigue) and severe complications (systemic embolism, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, pulmonary embolism).

The development of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PBMV) by Inoue in 1984 and Lock in 1985 has opened new horizons in treating this pathology.

Selection of patients for VMP

The echocardiogram is the actual test to carry out the indication, not only because it provides us with information on the severity of the MS but also provides us with information on the morphology and valvular and subvalvular involvement, degree of calcification, presence of mitral insufficiency, lesions associated valves, degree of pulmonary hypertension and presence of thrombus in LA.

Indications

In the indication of PMV, specific evaluations must be taken into account: 

1) functional grade, 2) hemodynamic evaluation (transmitral gradient and mitral area), and 3) echocardiographic evaluation to determine the degree of MS (mild if ≥1.5 cm2; moderate 1.0-1.5 cm2; severe <1.0 cm2), presence and degree of mitral regurgitation (MR), and mitral anatomy. 

There are two classifications to assess the anatomy: the French classification (flexible, rigid, and/or fibrocalcific) and the Wilkins Score, which gives values ​​from 1 to 4 for flexibility, thickening, calcification, and subvalvular involvement, with a total score of 4 to 4. 16. 

A score <8 and a flexible valve are the most favorable; score 9-10 and fibrous valves are less fortunate, and score ≥11 and fibrocalcific valves are the least indicated for PMV.

It would be indicated in:

• Patients with moderate or severe MS have symptoms that do not improve with medical treatment.
• In asymptomatic patients in situations such as MS and severe pulmonary hypertension; women with severe or moderate-severe MS who wish to become pregnant; significant left atrial enlargement leading to loss of sinus rhythm; Severe MS in patients who are going to undergo substantial surgery that a situation of pulmonary edema could complicate.
• In patients with mild MS but with disabling symptoms that do not subside with medical treatment1.

Wilkins Score

Evaluates the extent of the valvular and subvalvular compromise, determining the probability of a successful result of PBMV, assigns a value from 0 to 4 to each of the following four elements:

• Degree of motility of the mitral valves
• The severity of valve thickening
• The seriousness of leaflet calcification
• Thickening and calcification of the subvalvular apparatus

VMP technique

Initially, the transseptal puncture is performed to reach the left atrium (see video 1) from the right atrium. Next, a long guide (wire) is advanced that is located in the left atrium (see video 2), and that will help us advance the Inoue balloon (valvuloplasty balloon). 

The Inoue balloon in the left atrium is advanced to the left ventricle through the mitral valve. Once the Inoue balloon is located in the left ventricle, progressive inflation is performed so that the most distal balloon is inflated first, which will serve to anchor the balloon in the valve when it is removed. 

Once the first balloon is anchored to the valve, we complete the balloon inflation in an hourglass shape (see video 3) with the mitral valve in the center of the balloon (notch).

Did you know roughly fifteen million root canals are performed each year? If the nerve of a tooth is damaged by bacteria, a root canal is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of the body.

Sadly, the root canal procedure is not without its risks. That’s why specialists may recommend some root canal alternatives before proceeding. But what are your other options?

In this article, we’ll briefly go over three of them. That way you can discuss the alternatives to a root canal with your doctor.

1. Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are only an option for people with cavities that aren’t caused by irreversible pulpitis. Irreversible pulpitis is when the pulp of the tooth is so inflamed that it will never recover.

If the pulpitis is reversible, there are some reasons why you might want a dental filling. If you retain the living tooth, it’s more resistant to cavities. That being said, large fillings require a lot of technique.

And your provider might not feel comfortable performing the procedure. Ultimately, it’s up to them whether or not they can perform it.

2. Extraction With Dental Restoration

Once you have irreversible pulpitis your only other alternative to a root canal is tooth extraction. While a root canal attempts to keep the living tooth, an extraction removes it completely.

Once the tooth is removed you have three options for restoration: a dental implant, a dental bridge, and dentures. Dental implants are by far the most popular option since it leads to less bone loss and gum problems than dentures.

That being said, if you’re missing multiple teeth, dentures will be a much more affordable option. Dental bridges are reserves for cases where two teeth are extracted right next to one another.

3. Regenerative Endodontics

The last option is the newest. Instead of removing the infected pulpitis, regenerative endodontics attempts to treat it. The practice does this by irrigating the disinfecting the root canals found inside the tooth.

After the irrigation the tooth is agitated. This causes bleeding at the apex of the roots. This is important because the blood provides the inflamed area with mesenchymal stem cells.

These stem cells, and other ones that can be injected, have the potential to heal the root of the tooth. Altogether, this is a more holistic alternative to a root canal.

That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that this method is still fairly untested. On top of that, it also requires extensive training to learn the technique.

So, depending on where you live it will likely be hard to find a provider that can offer it.

Appreciate Learning About Root Canal Alternatives? Keep Reading

We hope this article helped you learn more about root canal alternatives. Ultimately, the right option for you will depend on your specific circumstances.

So, discuss the issue with specialists and see what they recommend for your situation. Hopefully, you found this guide informative. Keep exploring to learn more about subjects like this on our website.