Monthly Archives: January 2010

Cosmetic Surgery, Healthcare, Healthcare Services, Plastic Surgery, Society

Hair Extensions Have Become Increasingly Popular With Those Wanting To Achieve Instantly Thicker And Longer Locks

Hair extensions have become increasingly popular with those wanting to achieve instantly thicker and longer locks. However, specialists are warning of the hairy effects extensions can have on seemingly magnificent manes.

Extensions are made from either real or artificial hair which are woven into the natural hair and then glued or heat-sealed to stay in place. Whereas they are seen as a way to get long hair instantly or disguise thinning locks and hair loss, extensions often break off because they are too heavy.

Damage to existing hair strands can lead to premature shedding and even leaving temporary, or in rare cases, permanent bald patches.

Celebrities like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera have been spotted with conspicuous bald patches from repeatedly dying and adding extensions to their thinning thatches. The damage caused by hair extensions will, in most cases, correct themselves. However in cases where the damage is so severe it resembles alopecia areata.

Dr Peter Williams from The Hospital Group said: “For both women and men the loss of hair can be a very emotional experience. The Hospital Group can provide an advice service about the best steps forward for people who want to change the way they feel about their hair loss.

“Hair transplants for women are becoming more popular- the techniques have advanced and women are now keen to benefit from the amazing results of hair restoration, which The Hospital Group can offer.”

Providing expert advice and assistance, The Hospital Group carries out more hair transplantations than any other clinic in the UK, recognising that hair restoration is an art just as much as a surgical procedure.

Via EPR Network
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Consultations, Diagnostics, Doctors, Eye Care, Healthcare, Healthcare Services, Medicine, Ophthalmology, Society, Surgeons, Surgery

Team EyeCare 20/20 Members Predicted to Win Multiple Medals in Vancouver

Team LASIK-FOR-THE-GOLD, is a collection of champion Olympic athletes from across the country who have all had LASIK vision correction surgery by Cary M. Silverman, M.D., Medical Director of EyeCare 20/20.

With exactly one month to go to the start of the Winter Olympic Games, American athletes are scattered around the globe, some are desperately looking to secure their spot on the team, others making the final preparations of a never ending quest to deliver their life’s best performance next month in Vancouver, when it matters most. With the clock ticking, the LASIK-For-The-Gold Winter Olympians appear poised to bring home their share of Olympic hardware. Here is an update on each of the world class athletes who are patients of Cary M. Silverman, M.D. and the team of eye care professionals at EyeCare 20/20:

Katherine Reutter (short track speedskating) – Reutter is now a 17-time world cup medalist who is locked-n-loaded for her Olympic debut. She will compete in four different events and is considered to be one of Team USA’s most likely Olympic medalists.

Chad Hedrick (speedskating) – Already a gold, silver and bronze medalist from the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Hedrick has recently returned to his championship form and earned medals in both of his last two world cup events, including a gold medal in Calgary, Canada in December. Hedrick will square off against fellow American Shani Davis in the 1500 meters at this year’s Games in what promises to be one of the must-see showdown events of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Curt Tomasevicz (bobsled) – A pusher behind U.S. driver Steve Holcomb in Team U.S.A.’s number one sled the ‘Night Train’, Tomasevicz and his teammates are on the podium more often than they are off of it. They are considered the team to beat when the Olympic medals are on the line next month.

Eric Pac (bobsled) – Long since considered ‘likely to make the Olympic Team’, Pac has recently shown that simply getting to the Olympics isn’t good enough. A world cup bronze medal in Salt Lake City in November turned heads on the international bobsled circuit and marked Pac as someone to keep an eye on in Vancouver. She currently holds a 5th place ranking in the overall World Cup standings.

Molly Engstrom (hockey) – A bronze medalist at the 2006 Olympics, a World Champion, and a long time member of the U.S. National Team, Engstrom and her teammates are highly likely to do battle with the host Canadian team with gold medals on the line. In this heated international rivalry, silver doesn’t count.

Dan Joye (luge) – Joye, who is part of the doubles luge team of Niccum & Joye, will enter the Games, his second Olympics, as part of the number one ranked U.S. sled. A recent world cup fourth place finish marked the team’s best ever placing – one step up in Vancouver will put Joye on the podium. For more information about any of the Team EyeCare 20/20 athletes, visit: www.LASIKForTheGold.com

About Cary M. Silverman, M.D. and EyeCare 20/20: Located in EastHanover, NJ, EyeCare 20/20 provides ophthalmic care for the entire family whether it’s routine vision correction or surgical intervention. Under the direction of Cary Silverman, M.D., Medical Director, they serve patients from surrounding communities as well as those from other states nationwide. Their beautifully decorated, modern facility gives patients a comfortable, yet most efficient environment in which to receive treatment. Dr. Silverman specializes in innovative LASIK vision correction, state-of-the-art refractive cataract surgery, as well as an array of other refractive surgery options for patients who are not candidates for LASIK. For more information, visit: www.eyecare2020.com.

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Cosmetic Surgery, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Liposuction, Plastic Surgery, Society, Surgery

A Perfect Pout Peels Back the Years

From studying the faces of over 250 women, including sets of twins, analysts’s found that even if a woman’s skin gains wrinkles, eye bags and sagging jowels, having a fuller set of lips can take years off of your face.

Seductive lips are one of the strongest signals of a woman’s sexual and youthful allure, with Angelina Jolie’s enviable pout voted as the most desirable in the world.

Sadly, scientists have discovered that there is little women can do naturally to keep the youthful appearance of their lips. Thanks mainly to genetics pouts start getting thinner between the age of 30 and 40.

The Hospital Group, the UK’s leading cosmetic surgery provider, performs many age-defying treatments at its clinics including non surgical dermal fillers which can create a subtle, more youthful pout.

As well as non-surgical procedures, The Hospital Group performs other anti-ageing surgical treatments such as face and brow lifts. Other plastic surgery procedures offered include eyebag removal, eye-lid surgery, rhinoplasty, otoplasty and breast uplifts.

Since The Hospital Group was established in 1992, it has risen to become the UK’s biggest weight loss surgery provider, performing more gastric procedures last year than the NHS. The Hospital Group is committed to providing the very highest standards and all procedures are performed by an expert medical team in state-of-the-art facilities that are second to none.

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Cosmetic Surgery, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Liposuction, Plastic Surgery, Society, Surgery

Men Turning to Liposuction to Stay in Shape

It has been reported that liposuction is becoming increasingly popular amongst males, with The Hospital Group recording an 82% increase in the procedure over the past 5 years.

Liposuction has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years and is often now referred to as liposculpture. Liposculpture creates the same result as the more commonly used term, liposuction or Lipo. Very similarly to liposuction excess fat cells are removed, from almost any part of the body.

However, in contrast to liposuction, the procedure of liposculpture is a more time consuming operation with a greater amount of personal skill required by the plastic surgeon, and creates a smoother end result, changing the contours of your body or face. This cosmetic surgery procedure is suitable for both men and women. A spokesperson for The Hospital Group, said: “Men are becoming increasingly worried about their weight and, similarly to women, have fatty areas on their body which refuse to shift with diet and exercise alone, so therefore liposuction is a viable solution.” The procedure involves insertion of a Cannula (small tube-like syringe) through a small incision in the skin. The fat is then drawn through the tube leaving a much smoother surface. The procedure is carried out under General Anaesthetic.

For those looking to undergo the procedure: the best candidates for liposculpture are those with stubborn areas of fat which are resistant to diet or exercise. This could include the tummy, buttocks, chin, arms, knees etc. A consultation with a Surgeon will help you identify what sort of outcome you could expect and if it is the right procedure for you. For example, liposuction can remove excess fat around the abdomen, but not excess skin. In this case a tummy tuck might be recommended in order to achieve the desired result.

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Eye Care, Health Products, Healthcare, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Surgery

Optical Express Launches Ambassador Referral Programme

Optical Express launches new Ambassador Referral Programme. Open to both laser eye surgery and intraocular lens treatment patients, the flexible programme enables the referrer to choose how the reward – valued at hundreds of pounds per referral – is distributed.

Optical Express Launches Ambassador Referral Programme

David Carson, the head of the programme, spoke with enthusiasm about the new Ambassador Referral initiative.

“The programme is a huge departure from any scheme we’ve done before, with larger rewards and more flexibility,” he said. “We really believe that our patients are our best ambassadors, and we designed this so that we can provide them with a reward that is really substantial, and that can really make a difference in their lives. The amount that they can earn is endless.”

With the new programme, the person referring is given three options – they can receive the full reward, their friend or relative can receive the full amount off the cost of laser eye treatment or intraocular lens implant treatment, or the reward can be split evenly between the patient and referrer.

If the referrer has opted to receive all or part of the reward, they are issued a cheque within 14 days of their friend or relative undergoing surgery. Thus, the referrer has the potential to not only earn an unlimited amount of money, but also to receive their rewards almost immediately.

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Clinics, Consultations, Disorders, Healthcare, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Rehab, Society, Therapies

End The Suffering From An Eating Disorder

Sunset Malibu, an elite treatment center on the California coast, has long been a transformational force in the field of rehabilitation and recovery. Now, Sunset is announcing its redoubled efforts in helping clients regain their dignity on the road to wellness.

An eating disorder is a psychologically crippling disease. By the same token, eating disorder treatment must promote psychological renewal. The most effective eating disorder treatment centers are invariably those which help clients learn to feel good about themselves again. In the end, there’s no other way to ensure the long-term success of the healing process.

Those considerations, in turn, comprise the core of Sunset Malibu’s treatment philosophy.

With its world-class caregivers and elegant accommodations, Sunset Malibu is an unparalleled recovery destination. The center has always catered to upscale clients from every corner of the globe. Now Sunset is renewing its commitment to its core values, with the goal of delivering life-changing care to individuals who seek it. At Sunset Malibu, the client always comes first.

“An eating disorder strips its victims of their self-esteem, and their sense of self-control,” said Sunset Malibu’s Program Director. “It’s our role as a eating disorder treatment center to help them recover what’s been lost, with everything from professional depression treatment to intensive life-skills training. We believe that our long record of success testifies to the soundness of our strategies.”

Sunset Malibu is a luxury treatment center for eating disorders located in Malibu, California. For further details about Sunset’s treatment strategies, accommodations, or other general facts regarding eating disorder treatment, please call 1-800-332-9202 or visit our Web site at http://www.drugrehabsunsetmalibu.com/.

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Clinics, Consultations, Drugs, Healthcare, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Rehab, Society, Therapies

Cocaine Addiction Provides Glimpse Into Human Genetic Code

A recent study published in the Journal Science by Mount Sinai School of Medicine shows that chronic cocaine addiction can lead to a repression of a specific gene within the brain. The gene, 9A, is responsible for producing an enzyme that plays a crucial part in switching our genes off and on. Studies show that decreased enzyme production in those who are addicted to cocaine, actually leads to further craving of cocaine, creating the seemingly endless cycle of addiction.

Professionals at Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center in Connecticut and New York find this study quite promising in the battle against addiction. “If the functioning mechanism of this particular cycle can be broken and this particular gene’s activity stimulated, it could certainly go a long way in helping a person overcome an addiction to cocaine as well as other drugs.”

Mountainside further states, “the problem is that once an addiction takes hold, it’s no longer solely organic in nature. A person must overcome social and situational addictions as well, which is no easy task. While we remain hopeful for a future scientific breakthrough targeting physical dependence, we understand that this is just one piece of the puzzle. That is why it is so important for an addicted individual to be involved in a multi-disciplinary drug addiction treatment program, where other aspects of the addiction, like emotional, psychological and social triggers are addressed and treated.”

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Cosmetic Surgery, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Obesity, Plastic Surgery, Society, Surgery

Obesity is the Greatest Threat to Long Life

As we leave the noughties behind and embrace our ‘tweens, researchers are warning that the rise of obesity has become the number one risk to shortening life expectancy in the new decade.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers from Columbia University have calculated that the number of years lost due to obesity is now equal to, if not greater than, those lost due to smoking.

With at least a quarter of the UK population classified as clinically obese it is feared that the number will grow dramatically with as many as 60 per cent of men, 50 percent of women and 25 per cent of children predicted to be obese by 2050 if the problem goes unchecked.

For those seeking to reduce their weight and take on a healthier lifestyle, The Hospital Group offers long-lasting, effective weight loss solutions.

The Hospital Group is the UK’s biggest provider of weight loss surgery, including gastric band surgery, gastric bypasses and gastric balloons which can give you a healthier lifestyle.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group said: “A gastric procedure can be the crucial first step in gaining a healthier lifestyle, enabling people to get out and exercise”.

“At The Hospital Group, people can be assured of a dedicated, professional service, with astounding success rates and a limited waiting time. This latest news is just another reason to seek an effective weight loss solution with The Hospital Group.” Since The Hospital Group was established in 1992, it has risen to become the UK’s biggest weight loss surgery providers, performing more gastric procedures last year than the NHS. The Hospital Group is committed to providing the very highest standards and all procedures are performed by an expert medical team in state-of-the-art facilities that are second to none.

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Cosmetic Surgery, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Plastic Surgery, Society, Surgery

2010 Sees a Rise in Plastic Surgery Enquiries

Last decade saw the continuous rise in the number of people having cosmetic surgery; from cosmetic dentistry and breast augmentation to gastric bands, increasing numbers of men and women are turning to cosmetic procedures to improve their looks.

According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) the numbers of people choosing to have surgery over the last five years has rocketed by 320 percent and the new decade is not expecting the trend to slow.

Experts have predicted that the recovering economy will likely see an increase in people opting for minimally invasive non surgical solutions and later saving up for procedures such as face lifts, as patients are better able to finance their surgery. Also, the increase in obesity means a rise in weight loss surgery for 2010, with more obese people opting to go under the knife.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group, comments: “We have seen nearly a 40 percent rise in post-Christmas cosmetic surgery enquires going into 2010 from the previous year. Moving into the new decade people want to look as good as they feel, and are willing to invest in improving their quality of life.”

The Hospital Group, one of the UK’s foremost cosmetic surgery providers and the biggest provider of gastric surgery, perform a wide range of both surgical and non surgical treatments which can help to make men and women to look younger.

For quick results, they offer anti wrinkle treatments, BOTOX®, facial fillers, chemical peels and teeth whitening and more in 19 clinics across the UK and Ireland.

For longer term results involving surgery, face lifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction and an extensive range of breast surgery procedures are just some of the treatments on offer at the exclusive Bromsgrove clinic.

Since The Hospital Group was established in 1992, it has grown from a small pharmaceutical company to one of the UK’s foremost plastic surgery providers. The Group is committed to providing the very highest standards and all procedures are performed by an expert medical team in state-of-the-art facilities that are second to none

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Cosmetic Surgery, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Plastic Surgery, Society, Surgery

What is our Ideal Body Shape?

It is well documented that over the decades our ideal body shape and size has changed from the voluptuous screen goddesses such as Marilyn Monroe and Bridget Bardot to the size Zero celebrities of today.

The average ideal dress size back in the 1940s and 50s was a 12-14, while last decade the ideal shapes of our screen icons changed significantly towards the increasingly svelte sizes of Victoria Beckham and Madonna. However, a poll out at the end of last year revealed that fuller, curvy figures rule as Kate Winslet and Kelly Brook top the survey for the most desirable celebrity bodies.

Whilst we can’t all be the spitting image of our favourite Hollywood stars, the good news is that such life changing surgery is not exclusive to celebrities. Those of us who are unhappy with their size and shape can take action and boost their confidence.

The Hospital Group, one of the UK’s leading cosmetic surgery clinic, offers a wide range of both surgical and non-surgical treatments from BOTOX® and facial peels to breast enlargement and weight loss surgery.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group said: “At The Hospital Group, people can be assured of a dedicated, professional service, with astounding success rates and a limited waiting time. Our surgeons have years of experience, and can advise you honestly on how The Hospital Group can adapt your body – and ultimately change your life.”

The Hospital Group is committed to providing the very highest standards and all procedures are performed by an expert medical team in state-of-the-art facilities that are second to none.

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Clinics, Cosmetic Surgery, Fitness, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Liposuction, Plastic Surgery, Society, Surgery

The Harley Medical Group Announce Their Top Of The Ops 2009

Figures released by The Harley Medical Group, the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, reveals the non-surgical cosmetic surgery market has seen continued growth in 2009, with dermal fillers and chemical peels driving the increase by 26% and 306% respectively.

The Harley Medical Group Announce Their Top Of The Ops 2009

2009 also saw a continued rise in the number of male patients (up 5%), who now account for 18% of all patients seen, with ‘Boytox’ (male Botox) and ‘Sweatox’ (anti-sweat Botox), both driving the growth. The latter part of the year saw the City clinic bounce back when banker bonuses returned to the agenda, with a 24% month on month sales increase in September alone.

Breast augmentations, which remain top of the ops at The Harley Medical Group, are the third most common type of post-natal procedure with mums making up 60% of patients. Post-baby surgery now accounts for 90% of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) operations. The second most popular procedure with mothers is the mastopexy or Breast Uplift, with post-baby surgery accounting for an estimated 75% of all Breast Uplifts.

The cosmetic surgery industry as a whole has seen growth in 2009 and Mel Braham, Chairman at The Harley Medical Group stated he expects the Group’s cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatment market to grow up to a further 20% in 2010 and committed to continuing the groups ambitious expansion plans with new 8 new clinics to open their doors shortly.

Jeremy Baker, Consumer Analyst at ESCP Europe business school, said, “I would predict continued market growth in the cosmetic surgery industry for at least the next five years. There’s a huge emphasis on grooming in popular culture and the job market is tough – people need to be younger, fitter, and better and this is reflected in the maintenance of personal appearance. Men have now caught up with the times and don’t want to be left behind so I’m sure we’ll see big increases in this sector in particular.”

Liz Dale, Director at The Harley Medical Group, commented, “Non-surgical procedures, which saw big growth last year, have continued to be a strong area for us and now account for 32% of all our business, with product sales up 26%. The increase has been galvanised by the launch of the Obagi Blue chemical peel and of our online shop, which we’ll be extending in 2010 to include own range products to respond to consumer demand for inexpensive, effective beauty solutions.

Liz Dale continued: “The surgical side of the business is also continuing to grow. While breast augmentations remain the most popular surgical procedure, rhinoplasties are closing the gap in second. Face and neck lifts, which had been static for much of 2009, were up 17% in November.”

Regional trends show that non surgical has driven growth in the London area with peels growing 395% year-on-year at the Harley Street clinic and 609% in the City Clinic – these clinics along with the other London clinics have seen a non surgical boom with Botox and fillers also extremely popular treatments.

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Alternative medicine, Business of Medicine, Health Products, Healthcare, Healthcare Products

Making Every Chair Compatible With You – Back Rest Pillows

Each of us may have a favorite chair to sit on. More often, we think that a certain chair is more “compatible” with us especially when it makes us feel more relaxed and comfortable. However, the problem is, not all the chairs that we are comfortable in is ours. The thing we are left with is to find other alternatives on how to make our own seats comfortable and relaxing.

One great way of transforming your chair into a precious “throne” is by using one of those back rest pillows.

Back Rest Pillows

You see, the spine has altered curves which are best supported by special arrangements (say, a pillow) with a certain support at each single point. This way, the lower portion of the back is relieved from carrying too heavy a load. When this is done, the spine gets rest and the its overall health improves. The support received by the spine also gives fast relief to lower back pain.

Using back rest pillows is arguably the best technique to support the spine. These pillows are very flexible and easily mold into the shape of your spine’s curvature. It bridges the gap between your chair and your back which in turn provides you with a whole new restful sitting experience.

Aside from having a restful sitting experience, below are two of the advantages of back rest pillows:

• Flexibility– They are flexible. When you place them between your back and the chair’s backrest, they would fill up any empty space between the two. As a result each point of your spine receives support from the pillow.

• Mobility – These pillows for the back are relatively light. Not like ergonomic chairs, you can carry these pillows around your office, carry in your car, the airplane and other travel destinations. They are not only handy, they are also classy especially those made of Sunbrella outdoor fabric. They are definitely a must-buy if you want to get the most of your money’s worth. With them, you can now make every chair compatible with you!

Lumbar Pillows make a great practical gift for any occasion and for any age group.

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Clinics, Consultations, Dentistry, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services

A New Smile A New You For 2010

During 2008 and the last year the teeth whitening industry has continued to grow in the wake of the worst financial and economic downturn for many years and this is likely to be due to the fact that people are spending more money on personal grooming, botox, gym memberships and cosmetic surgery to make them look and feel better through these troubled times.

It is difficult to read any magazines or view TV makeover shows without teeth whitening being mentioned or featured and this is likely to continue as we enter 2010 as the range of teeth whitening products and services seem to give consumers the choice to suit their budgets and personal requirements.

One company who has continued to grow is White Teeth Company – (http//:www.whiteteethcompany.co.uk) who have grown their range of clinics across the south of England. Marketing Manager Jason Scott comments that the growth is due to customer demand and many of our clients are referred from previous customers.

Teeth whitening products can range from a few pounds for home whitening kits purchased in supermarkets or online to more professional services like laser teeth whitening. Technology have helped develop the industry allowing the treatment to only take just over one hour and can be undertaken in one visit.

Teeth whitening is perfect for anyone who have stained teeth caused by lifestyle staining including smoking, red wine, coffee, tea, cola, curries etc etc. Most staining on the teeth will build up over a matter of time as the enamel absorbs the colorants in our daily diets and changes the colour of our teeth.

Like any service customers are looking for the combination of competitive prices, maximum convenience and obviously the best results possible and this is going to be the challenge for the fledgling industry during 2010.

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Cosmetic Surgery, Healthcare, Healthcare Information, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Plastic Surgery, Society, Surgery

Lower Eye Surgery Gains Popularity with Women

The Hospital Group has reported that lower eye surgery is becoming increasingly popular amongst women. More lower eye surgery procedures were performed than upper eyelid lifts in 2009, as well as there being a larger percentage increase in the procedure over the past 5 years.

The appearance of loose droopy skin under the eyes can be very ageing and give a“sad” look to your face. Sun and smoking can accelerate the signs of ageing, while others are more prone to inherit the condition. This condition can easily be remedied with a simple eyelift procedure.

Eye bag removal is a common and simple plastic surgery procedure which can deliver dramatic results, making the eye area look more youthful, attractive and alive. The procedure is becoming increasingly popular in men as well as women. The Hospital Group can help you achieve a more bright-eyed, wide awake look.

A spokesperson for The Hospital Group, said: “THG Comment: – “We see more patients in need of eye bag removal than eye lift surgery and this procedure is a lot more popular. Eye bags can also be caused through stress, smoking and genetic factors.”

The Hospital Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of cosmetic surgery, number one in obesity surgery and tummy tuck experts. So whatever your requirements, you can rest assured in the safe hands of the professionalism and experience that THG has to offer.

Since The Hospital Group was established in 1992, it has risen to become the UK’s biggest weight loss surgery providers, performing more gastric band procedures last year than the NHS. The Hospital Group is committed to providing the very highest standards and all procedures are performed by an expert medical team in state-of-the-art facilities that are second to none.

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Addictions, Clinics, Consultations, Drugs, Healthcare, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Rehab, Society, Therapies

Public Health Alert: Cocaine Laced With Levamisole

Alcohol and other drug programs across California should be on the look out for a dangerous substance-levamisole-that is showing up with increasing frequency in illicit cocaine powder and crack cocaine, most recently in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Levamisole-a veterinary anti-parasitic drug-severely reduces the number of white blood cells in humans leading to an acute condition called agranulocytosis that should be treated at a hospital. Ingesting cocaine mixed with levamisole suppresses immune function and the body’s ability to fight off even minor infections. People who snort, smoke, or inject crack or powder cocaine contaminated by levamisole can experience overwhelming, rapidly-developing, life threatening infections. Agranulocytosis manifests the following symptoms:

– high fever, chills, or weakness
– swollen glands
– painful sores (mouth and anal)
– infections that won’t go away or get worse very fast, including sore throat or mouth sores; skin infections; abscesses; thrush (white coating of the mouth, tongue or throat); pneumonia (fever, cough, shortness of breath)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) began alerting medical professionals, substance abuse treatment centers, and other public health authorities in September about the risks.

Used in veterinary medicine, levamisole is currently approved for use in cattle, sheep and swine as an anti-parasitic agent. Formerly used in human medicine for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer, it is no longer approved for human use.

SAMHSA is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Food and Drug Administration, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and other federal and international organizations, as well as state agencies to monitor the levamisole issue. CDC will publish a case report analysis in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and will work with state health departments to systematically collect information on cocaine-associated agranulocytosis cases. Information from this effort will be used to guide treatment and prevention initiatives to address the public health concern.

According to the DEA and state testing laboratories, the percentage of cocaine specimens containing levamisole has increased steadily since 2002, with levamisole now found in more than 70 percent of the illicit cocaine analyzed last July. In addition, a recent analysis in Seattle, Washington, found that almost 80 percent of individuals who test positive for cocaine also test positive for levamisole.

ADP is asking all providers to report suspected and confirmed cases of agranulocytosis associated with cocaine abuse to their local health departments. Cases can also be reported to local Poison Control Centers (1-800-222-1222), which may assist in clinical management and additional reporting. For further medical/technical information, contact Nicholas Reuter, SAMHSA Nicholas.reuter@samhsa.hhs.gov.

**We at Cliffside Malibu, a drug rehab facility in Malibu, California, just received this notice from the ADP director and we felt that it posed such an extraordinary risk that we wanted to disseminate it immediately to the general public. We have published this notice in its entirety.

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