Health and Wellness Issue 47

REVOLUTIONIZING VEIN TREATMENT: A COMPARISON OF MODERN TECHNIQUES AND TRADITIONAL VEIN STRIPPING

By: Dr. Tonie Reincke Reincke Vein Center

The progress of modern vein treatments has marked a substantial leap from traditional vein stripping procedures. Reincke Vein Center is dedicated to employing these cuttingedge vein treatments, delivering exceptional care to their patients. In the past, vein stripping, a surgical procedure, was commonly used for treating vein disease. However, it had several drawbacks and limitations that modern technology has sought to overcome. Here's a comparison between modern vein treatment technology and vein stripping:

Modern vein treatment technologies, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and foam sclerotherapy, are minimally invasive. RFA involves inserting a small catheter through a tiny incision and using heat to seal the affected vein. In the case of foam sclerotherapy, chemicals are injected through a needle to close the diseased vein.

The simplicity and effectiveness of these procedures allow the physician, such as Dr. Reincke who typically spends no more than 15 minutes for each procedure. In contrast, vein stripping is an invasive surgical procedure that requires making several large incisions and physically removing the damaged veins. The out-dated procedure could take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half.

Minimally invasive techniques have shorter recovery times compared to vein stripping. Patients undergoing modern procedures typically experience less pain, minimal scarring, and are able to return to regular activities the day of treatment. Vein stripping, on the other hand, involves a recovery period of 6 weeks and more noticeable scarring due to the evasiveness of the surgery.

to be cost-effective compared to vein stripping. This is due to the procedures being office-based, reduced anesthesia requirements, and faster recovery times.

Modern vein treatments often require only local anesthesia, meaning patients are awake during the procedure and experience minimal discomfort. This also allows physicians to perform these procedures in an office setting. In contrast, vein stripping is hospital based and usually involves general anesthesia, which carries its own set of risks and complications. Some complications include: infection, deep vein thrombosis, and nerve damage. While costs can vary based on location and specific circumstances, minimally invasive procedures tend

In summary, modern vein treatment technology has revolutionized the way vein disease is treated. Minimally invasive procedures have shown comparable or even better success rates in treating vein disease. These treatments largely replaced the traditional vein stripping method due to their numerous benefits, including faster recovery, and lower risk of complications. If you're considering vein treatment, come to Reincke Vein Center and consult directly with Dr. Reincke to determine the best approach based on your specific condition and circumstances. The vein guru, who specializes in Vascular & Interventional Radiology, can be found at 1111 Highway 6, Suite 170 Sugar Land, TX 77478 @ 281-394-4446.

Source: Reincke Vein Center

WHY YOUR SKIN ISN'T GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP

dermatologist. "By using a retinol serum at night, you can enhance the activities that are already naturally occurring. This can help your skin look its best when you wake up in the morning, and with continued use, improve radiance, texture and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."

Here are tips to revamp your nightly skincare routine so you'll get the amazing results you want.

Make sure to thoroughly remove dirt, grime and makeup

By: d-mars.com News Provider

If you're looking to improve your skin's appearance, ask yourself: What are you doing for your skin while you're asleep? Because about one-third of your day is spent sleeping, make the most of that valuable time by taking proactive steps so you can wake up with smoother, firmer, healthier-looking skin every morning.

"When you sleep, skin cell turnover rates increase, and your skin repairs itself from the day's damage. But there's more that you can do to help your skin while you're sleeping," says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, board-certified

Even when you're feeling tired and the hour is late, it's vital to take time to cleanse your face before bedtime, removing all traces of makeup before applying serum and/or moisturizer. Otherwise, dirt, oils and makeup residue will be sitting on your skin all night long. By not removing those impurities, you're preventing your skin cells from being able to completely renew themselves overnight, leaving your skin looking dull and tired the next day.

Use RoC Retinol Correxion® Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules

After cleansing your face, use a retinol product that will refresh your skin overnight. Retinol is known as the

RENOWNED TRICHOLOGIST

gold standard of skincare by many experts due to its benefits that work deep within the skin's surface to reveal renewed, fresher-looking skin. RoC was first to discover a method for stabilizing retinol, combining it with ingredients like vitamin E and oxygen boosters to make it safe and effective for daily use. RoC Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules provide perfectly measured doses of pure RoC retinol in easy-to-use, 100% biodegradable capsules, filled with a lightweight fluid that drenches your skin and dries to a silky finish. Even better, this magic serum in a jar is great for traveling and is TSA approved - just pop in your bag and go! The high concentration of pure RoC retinol is combined with a bio-derived antioxidant to deliver twice the effectiveness of vitamin E to stop environmental aggressors that accelerate signs of aging. Each capsule is designed to rival prescription skincare without the irritation; 100% of testers had 0% irritation. After one night you'll wake up to smoother, revitalized-looking skin. According to a clinical study, 97% had visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles. After four weeks of use, Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules were clinically

DR. LEOLA ANIFOWOSHE SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON ALOPECIA AREATA AWARENESS MONTH

celebrates like Jada Pinket Smith sharing their alopecia journeys, the clinic is stepping up to deliver crucial information about non-surgical solutions for restoring hair.

Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disorder that leads to hair loss, affects millions of people worldwide, with many facing additional health challenges such as Lupus and other autoimmune conditions. Dr. Leola Anifowoshe, a distinguished functional medicine practitioner and experienced Trichologist, is dedicated to empowering individuals with comprehensive, holistic solutions for their hair and scalp health.

September's focus on Alopecia Areata Awareness is a timely reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with autoimmune disorders,

proven to visibly show firmer skinand will continue delivering results over time.

Don't neglect your pillowcases

If you're going to press your face against a pillowcase for 6-8 hours every night, wouldn't it be ideal to make sure yours are really clean? Wash your pillowcases frequently in hot water so you'll be sleeping on a clean surface each night. Consider buying extra pillowcases so you can swap them out almost nightly. Your skin will thank you.

Moisturize your bedroom, not just your face

If you have dry skin or live in an arid climate, it may benefit your skin to use a portable humidifier in your bedroom. Keeping your bedroom's humidity levels between 40-60% will help your skin naturally absorb more hydration overnight, while you're (literally) getting your beauty sleep. Following these steps, you'll soon see the results - a healthier, more youthful complexion that you'll be happy to wake up to every morning.

Source: BrandPoint

Texas Hair Restoration and Wellness Center, founded by Dr. Leola Anifowoshe, is the largest Trichology Center in Texas and is in Houston, Texas. The clinic recognizes the significance of recent media coverage of alopecia journeys, such as that of Jada Pinket Smith. The clinic believes that sharing these stories can inspire and support those who are navigating similar challenges.

By: d-mars.com News Provider

As the nation observes Alopecia Areata Awareness Month in September, Texas Hair Restoration and Wellness Center, under the expert leadership of Chief Trichologist Dr. Leola Anifowoshe, is on a mission to raise awareness and provide hope to individuals battling hair loss due to autoimmune disorders like Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Thyroid, and other autoimmune disorders. Considering recent media coverage surrounding

said Dr. Leola Anifowoshe. "We want to emphasize that hair loss is not the end of the story. At Texas Hair Restoration and Wellness Center, we offer a multitherapeutic approach to address the unique needs of our clients, providing them with non-surgical options for restoring their hair and, ultimately, their confidence."

Dr. Anifowoshe's expertise extends beyond traditional trichology, incorporating functional medicine principles to identify and address the root causes of hair and scalp issues. This approach allows for personalized treatment plans that consider the individual's overall health and well-being.

"We are here to let people know that they are not alone," added Dr. Anifowoshe. "There are effective solutions available, and our goal is to provide individuals with the information and support they need to embark on their own journey toward healthier, fuller hair."

For more information about the Texas Hair Restoration and Wellness Center and its multitherapeutic approach to hair restoration, please visit www.TexasHairLossClinic.com or contact Dr. Leola Anifowoshe at 281-850-4571 or Healthyhairsociety@ gmail.com.

BLACK VETERANS AND INACCESSIBILITY TO MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

By d-mars.com News Provider

Despite taking the same risk of death and costly sacrifice to their mental well-being, Black Veterans continue to suffer as mental health services are statistically less accessible for the demographic than their white counterparts.

Despite taking the same risk of death and costly sacrifice to their mental well-being, Black Veterans continue to suffer as mental health services are statistically less accessible for the demographic than their white counterparts. Institutional racism continues to persist through channels of assistance for Black Veterans as the Department of Veterans Affairs has acknowledged that discrimination has likely played a major role in major discrepancies in assistance.

We recognize that in the past there has been institutional discrimination that may have played a role in the adjudication of benefits,

VA press secretary Terrence Hayes told Axios News last month has taken on an initiative to address disparities.

Documents released through an open records request Project in Baltimore showed proof of racial discrimination disability benefits offered to Veterans. Data retrieved of all Black Veterans who applied for physical or mental the VA, compared to 10.6% of white Veterans. This is Black Veterans seeking disability benefits for PTSD rate of denial for white counterparts.

From 2017 to 2023, white Veterans enjoyed a consistently Despite seeking and applying for services at a higher rate Veterans have received significantly less assistance than whites.

month following an announcement that the department

request filed earlier this year by Black Veterans discrimination in the accessibility of mental health/ retrieved from the fiscal year of 2023 showed that 15.52% mental health benefits were denied assistance by is consistent with reports from 2017, showing that PTSD were denied 57% of the time, compared to a 43%

consistently higher grant rate than Black Veterans every year. rate (43% compared to 31.7% for white Veterans), Black whites.

Even among those receiving services, Black Veterans often have worse outcomes, according to a study featured in Psychiatric Services, Volume 73 in 2022.

Of the 2,870 Veterans treated nationally in VA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs in fiscal year 2017, Black Veterans receiving services from the VA experienced a higher rate of depression symptom recurrence 4 months after discharge compared to white Veterans. While services were proven to improve conditions across demographics, Black Veterans still experienced markedly poorer outcomes. The effects of these institutional failures are apparent and run deep, contributing to the framework of larger social issues with devastating repercussions. According to a study by the National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Black Veterans are substantially prevalent in the homeless population compared to other Veterans, comprising 39% of the total homeless veteran population despite making up only 11% of the total veteran population.

Outcomes in PTSD and depression are typically worse, and likewise, Black Veterans are more likely to fall into alcoholism even with similar levels of consumption to their white counterparts, according to the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Additionally, a study conducted by the nonprofit research group Rand Corp. showed there were 1.76 suicide attempts among Black troops for each by a white service member. As services falter, so does the quality of life for Black Veterans compared to white former service members, resulting in higher documented rates of homelessness, alcohol use disorder, and suicide.

Texas is home to over 1.6 million Veterans, with one-fourth of all Veterans statewide residing in the DFW area. Dallas previously made the news in 2016 when on July 7, Black veteran Micah Xavier Johnson killed five officers and wounded seven others before being slain in a stand-off with police Downtown. Reflecting disillusionment, pain, and a documented resentment of a deeply flawed system exacerbated by increasing violence against Black Americans by law enforcement, the incident illustrated the result of the systemic failures of the Department of Veterans Affairs as much as it did the institutional racism present throughout American life.

As an Army Reserve Afghan War veteran, Johnson showed warning signs of potential violence prior to the calculated attack on white law enforcement. He was previously recommended for mental health counseling by a fellow soldier who accused him of sexual harassment. Stating that they were platonic friends of over four years, she recalled an event when Johnson punched out a car window during an outburst, severing an artery and requiring medical treatment.

Following an inspection, Johnson was deemed a threat to others and disarmed by his commanding officer. After a period of high stress and ostracization, Johnson was mistakenly honorably discharged according to the Army and never was provided counseling. This and other details were released following his death.

Other Veterans, such as Paul, 72, a former Army sergeant living in South Dallas that served in the Vietnam War, have suffered lifelong cases of PTSD while continuing to work and seek out services from the VA.

“I still have nightmares from what we did,” Paul says, explaining that insomnia brought on by PTSD has left him sleepless most nights.

“When I go in to get help, I have to stand in line behind a hundred other people. They expect you to smile and be polite. I fought for this country. I bled for this country,” Paul says. “All of my guys came back. Nobody was dead, nobody with one leg or one arm, everybody came back. And all they did was whatever I told them to.” Suffering night terrors, high anxiety, and depression, Paul recently secured compensation for false denials of repeated disability claims. “I sued their asses and won,” Paul says. “And the money’s great but look at how long it took. Forty years for me to get what I should’ve already got. I’m over 70 years old. They already robbed me.” Almost 80 years after the GI Bill was rendered largely inaccessible for Black Veterans, the group continues to suffer due to institutional patterns of discrimination. As the demographic receives lesser treatment than white former service members, the figurative cracks in our society turn to fissures as they become more firmly integrated within our institutions. Despite the VA’s promise to right institutional wrongs, lasting effects have left the lives of Black Veterans at greater risk of debasement.

Source: PR Newswire

THE PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION CHALLENGES AMERICA TO GET HEALTHY THIS SEPTEMBER

108 Miles in September Run/Walk participants can join a private Facebook group, track their mileage, and cheer one another on virtually as they complete 108 miles in 30 days for the one in eight men that will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes. They can also create personal Facebook fundraisers to raise funds for prostate cancer research while raising awareness about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. More than 1,700 participants have joined the group to date.

By d-mars.com News Provider

PCF celebrates Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with second annual 108 Miles in September Run/Walk Challenge and 30 Foods in 30 Days Challenge

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is challenging all Americans to Get Healthy with PCF by joining two Prostate Cancer Awareness Challenges: 108 Miles in September Run/Walk Challenge and 30 Foods in 30 Days Healthy Eating Challenge.

One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetimes. For Black men, it's one in six. Research shows that 20 percent of cancer is preventable through healthy habits like good nutrition and regular physical activity. Such lifestyle factors play a key role in health risks, health equity, and outcomes. While eating healthy and exercising can't stop you from getting cancer, research shows that it can lower your risk.

30 Foods in 30 Days Healthy Eating Challenge participants receive PCF's Periodic Table of Healthy Foods, information about the complex set of compounds that make up these foods and how they may be related to prostate cancer, and delicious recipes to try for a month of healthful eating.

In addition to the Get Healthy with PCF Challenges, PCF has additional activities planned during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. More information on how to Get Healthy with PCF and join the 108 Miles in September Run/Walk and the 30 Food in 30 Days Healthy Eating Challenge can be found at https://www.pcf.org/pcam2023/.

Source: PR Newswire

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