Category Archives: Healthcare Professionals

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Harley Medical Group Reports Rise In Neck Lift Procedures

The Harley Medical Group, the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, has reported a 17% rise in neck lift procedures in 2009 when compared to the same period in 2008.

Wobbly or excess skin on the neck, dubbed the ‘turkey neck’ is a give-away sign of ageing. The skin on the neck is particularly thin making it less elastic, less supple and more fragile as the ageing process causes a decrease in collagen in the skin, meaning it is more susceptible to sagging and wrinkles.

Liz Dale, Director of the Harley Medical Group, said: “Demand for neck lift procedures were static over the summer months. Now its winter people are more inclined to take time off work for surgery and stay at home to recuperate. In these two weeks over Christmas women are literally killing the turkey neck, recovering and then re-appearing rejuvenated and fresh faced, ready to see in the New Year.”

Celebrities rumoured to have given the turkey neck the chop include Sharon Osborne and Hilary Clinton.

63 year-old Brenda Scott, a face and neck lift patient at The Harley Medical Group, said: “The loose flapping skin on my neck and under my chin bothered me for years so I would cover it by wearing scarves and high-neck jumpers. I always felt young for my age but where I could help disguise the lines on my face with good make-up, my neck was more exposed.”

Lisa Littlehales, Regional Clinic Manger at The Harley Medical Group, also commented: “A neck lift procedure will give a long-lasting firm, and youthful looking appearance - liposuction is also often used in the same procedure to eliminate the fat pocket under the chin. The procedure does require an overnight stay in hospital and will require up to two weeks recovery time. Our patients are advised to keep the incision out of direct sun light and wear sun block until colour and bruising has completely faded – so if you’re going to have this type of surgery winter is the perfect time of year to do it.”

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Platinum Service for A-listers

Leading cosmetic surgery providers The Hospital Group have launched a bespoke tailor-made service for A-list clients.

The new service, The Platinum Choice launched this month and offers an individual experience with some of the world’s best specialist cosmetic surgeons.

Having recently branched out into Europe and the United States of America, The Platinum Choice is the latest expansion to the organisation.

As pioneers in the field of cosmetic surgery, The Hospital Group is the only major company to offer such a facility. From facial transformations, to complete body makeovers- The Platinum Choice offers a unique service where a cosmetic surgeon is chosen based on a patient’s individual requirements. The Platinum Choice also offer a number of centres of excellence, worldwide where their procedure is then performed.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group said: “We treat every client who approaches us for surgery individually.

“The cosmetic surgeons we employ are developing new techniques and are always striving to achieve excellence in their field.

“We understand that some patients have particularly demanding schedules and so this
is why we have launched this tailor made service.

“We will create a completely bespoke package based on a patient’s needs. They can decide on the part of face or body they would like to change and we can then recommend the best surgeon for the procedure and customize the surgery to meet needs and exceed expectations.“For that reason, there is no fixed “price list” as every individual has different requirements.”

If the exclusive nature of The Platinum Choice is not what you are looking for, then the main website thehospitalgroup.org provides information on standard plastic surgery services.

The Hospital Group is a UK leader in weight loss surgery and hair transplantation, they offer a wide range of treatments from gastric banding, bypasses and breast augmentation, as well as cosmetic dentistry, non-surgical treatments and laser treatments.

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Party Season Drives Foot Filler Enquiries

The Harley Medical Group reveals that whilst Botox remains the most popular pre-Christmas treatment, accounting for 73% of non surgical injectable treatments carried out during November, with dermal fillers – particularly for the lips and brow areas are also up 22% year on year. More unusual filler requests received this year are for ‘foot fillers’, with patients keen to use fillers to plump up the ball of the foot in the sole of the feet to provide some “party padding” to ease the pain of high heels during the party season.

Dr Nick Milojevic said, “It is common for patients to manage their schedules of non surgical treatments in order to have some pre Christmas fillers and non surgical treatments in the run up to Christmas, to get them camera-ready for the festive season. This year, however, we have received increased enquiries for foot fillers, a technique of using fillers to pad out the ball of the foot to reduce the pain cause by more vertiginous heels. We do say to patients that the results are not long lasting because of the high impact on this area of the body so that they should think twice before spending the money.”

Liz Dale, Director, The Harley Medical Group, said, “We’re still talking tiny numbers of foot fillers in the grand scale of things. Partox - Botox for the party season is still the no.1 injectable this season.”

Other treatments seeing seasonal increases include dermal fillers which work to plump out the skin giving fuller, smoother cheeks and a Christmas picture pout. Chemical peels, which work to remove the top surface of dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother and firmer, has also seen an increase of over 300% following the recent wintery weather and introduction of new effective peels including the popular Obagi Blue Peel.

Liz Dale cautioned, “Before booking in an appointment for any kind of injectable procedure patients should always check with their practitioner that they are a registered healthcare professional.”

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Optical Express Launches Online Eye Expert

Optical Express has launched a new ‘Eye Expert’ section on its website. A collection of articles addressing a range of topics related to eyes, to provide a resource that is both informative and interesting.

With the addition of the Eye Expert section, Optical Express is positioning itself as more than just a provider of frames, lenses, and laser eye surgery – Optical Express is also a valuable source of information. The new articles cover a wide variety of topics dealing with eye anatomy and health, through to eye care, and addressing such questions as ‘Are carrots really good for your eyes?’ From the technical and the practical, to the entertaining, the content is designed to appeal to a wide array of readers.

“We’re the only provider of the complete eye care solution – from laser eye surgery to glasses, to contact lenses, to intraocular lens treatment,” Joanna Patterson, marketing assistant for Optical Express, said. “By offering an informative resource, we’re really trying to go above and beyond our current offerings and provide even more for our customers and patients. The Eye Expert section addresses a current lack of comprehensive resources of this kind related to eyes.”

There are resources dedicated to eye diseases, and others that are more beauty-oriented, but no one has really looked at tackling eyes in a broad way like Optical Express has.

Patterson added, “We are really excited about launching this part of our website, and hope that people embrace it. We’ve put a lot of time into compiling all of this information.”

New articles will be added frequently, as well as responses to questions and queries posed by readers.

“We’ve launched the site with information that we think will prove useful, but we’re hoping that comments and responses will really dictate the direction that we move with this,” Patterson said. “The Eye Expert section should ideally be a reflection of the information that our patients and customers are seeking. We are looking forward to getting feedback.”

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Turning to Tummy Tuck Procedures to Achieve Desired Look

The Hospital Group has reported that Male tummy tucks are becoming increasingly popular in the last 5 years with the cosmetic surgery providers recording a 60% increase in the procedure.

People seek an abdominoplasty, or otherwise known as a tummy tuck for various reasons. Some want to look as young and attractive as they feel, other people wish to correct a perceived imperfection. Whatever the reason, in the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon, most of these imperfections could be improved.

During this procedure, incisions are made which are positioned to allow the removal of surplus skin and fat deposits to achieve a tigher, flatter stomach area.

A spokesperson for The Hospital Group, said: “Men often opt to have a tummy tuck if they have had substantial weight-loss and are left with sagging skin around the abdomen. We have seen an increase in men having obesity surgery which could have had a knock-on effect.”

The Hospital Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of cosmetic surgery, number one in obesity surgery and liposuction 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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Men and their Nose Jobs

The Hospital Group has reported that the most common cosmetic procedure performed on men is a rhinoplasty. More nose jobs were performed on male clients during 2009 than any other procedure.

The fact is everyone can be self-conscious about a particular aspect of their appearance and many people are unhappy with the shape of their nose. It may have a hump, be too long or wide and in addition, there are sometimes problems that contribute to breathing difficulties. A procedure called a Rhinoplasty could help and it is a very popular choice for those that want to improve their most prominent facial feature.

A spokesperson for The Hospital Group, said: “Rhinoplasty has always been the most popular male procedure and we can see this to continue to be the case over the years to come. It is a part of their body which they simply cannot hide.”

A Rhinoplasty could provide significant enhancement to the appearance of the nose for both men and women. It can alter the balance and proportions of the whole face, giving a dramatic improvement to how you look and feel.

The Hospital Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of Cosmetic Surgery, number one in Obesity Surgery and Gastric Band experts. So whatever your requirements, you’re in safe hands!

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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Lloydspharmacy Wishes Customers A Flu-Less Christmas

Lloydspharmacy has announced that it has cut the price of its winter flu vaccinations by more than half price to encourage more people to protect themselves against the virus.

Recent research carried out by Lloydspharmacy found that take up for the vaccine has fallen this year. This could be due to a misguided belief that the swine flu jab will protect against winter flu**. However, price may also be a factor as people cut back during the recession. At £5, the Lloydspharmacy winter flu vaccine is now the cheapest on the high street compared to Asda and Tesco which are both priced at £8.00.

Chris Frost, pharmacist and director at Lloydspharmacy, said: “Winter flu can be debilitating and in some cases lead to very serious health issues. By making the vaccines available in our pharmacies across the country we’ve already improved access. Now they’re even more affordable we hope to have removed another barrier to people protecting themselves. The last thing anyone wants is to have flu over Christmas.”

Seasonal flu is responsible for the deaths of about 8,000 people in the UK a year and tends to affect the more vulnerable or elderly people. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control forecast that the swine flu and seasonal flu strains could each claim 40,000 lives across Europe this winter.

People over the age of 65 qualify for a free NHS seasonal flu vaccination as do people with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Others are able to get themselves protected on the high street. Lloydspharmacy offers a seasonal flu vaccination service in 260 of its pharmacies.

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Demand for Arm Lift Surgery

The Hospital Group has reported that over the past 2 years, The Hospital Group has seen a 38% increase in the number of women choosing to have arm lift surgery.

The appearance of saggy upper arms can be a consequence of rapid weight loss and can become more apparent with age as the excess skin can start to hang unattractively.

This condition is commonly referred to as “bingo wings” and they are often quite difficult to change with exercise alone. With short-sleeved tops, this condition can cause embarrassment.

Regarding an increase in the procedure, a spokesperson for The Hospital Group said: “Arm lifts are often performed on patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight…often they have had weight-loss surgery, such as the gastric band procedure. Demand in weight-loss surgery has increased so this could account for the increase in this procedure.”

The Hospital Group can help you achieve slim, toned arms with specialist arm lift surgery to remove the excess skin and tissue and reveal a much sleeker, younger shape.

The Hospital Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of Plastic Surgery, number one in Obesity Surgery and Breast Enlargement experts. So whatever your requirements, you’re in safe hands!

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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The Real Reason we Pile on the Pounds

A new poll has revealed that one of the reasons men and women gain weight is because of being stressed out.

It has been proven that stressful episodes cause your body to go into survival mode, so your metabolism slows down, more calories are stored and cortisol and leptin- the stress hormones- are dumped in the abdominal region, adding to weight gain.

The waist expanding effect of stress was recently confirmed by a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. The researchers also found that women’s waistlines were affected by more types of stress than men’s; as well as money and job problems, women’s weight was shown to be inflamed by relationship difficulties and feeling trapped in their lives.

For many stressed out Brits, it can be a vicious circle of feeling frazzled, and so consequently eating the wrong things to feel better, which only ends up accentuating the issue.

Those longing to shed excess stones without the headache should think about having a consultation with The Hospital Group. As the UK’s leading weight loss surgery provider, The Hospital Group can offer a gastric band, gastric bypass or gastric balloon to those having trouble shifting stubborn excess weight.

Such is the interest in The Hospital Group’s weight loss procedures, bookings have increased to levels above that of the NHS. While the NHS reported that it had performed 2,724 weight-loss operations in 2008, The Hospital Group performed a total of 3,015 gastric procedures in the same period.

In January 2007, the total weight loss was a massive 300 stone, and nine months later 99% of patients recorded a significant – and safe – weight loss.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group said: “People try out the latest diet or try exercise, but sometimes it just doesn’t work alone. “Lots of people feel like there is nowhere to go after they have been on diets and this can lead to people feeling more stressed out, which only makes the situation worse. “It’s reassuring to see that The Hospital Group is continuing to help so many people lose weight.”

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Women Still Outnumber Men When it comes to Surgery

The Hospital Group has reported that more than 3 times as many women have received a lower eyelid lift than men during 2009.

Eyelift surgery is a common and simple 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: “We operate on far more women than we do men. The number of men opting for cosmetic surgery has definitely increased but the vast majority of our patients are female.”

This common Plastic surgery to correct bags under the eyes is technically called lower blepharoplasty. The procedure removes excess skin and fat in the area beneath the eyes, to provide tauter skin.

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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Lloydspharmacy Warns Not To Rely On Swine Flu Jab To Protect Against Winter Flu

Lloydspharmacy has warned that the number of people protecting themselves against seasonal flu has fallen this year, possibly the result of a misguided belief that the swine flu jab will protect against winter flu.

As of 6th November there had only been a 54% uptake in people aged 65 and over, and only 27% uptake by people aged 55 – 65 to date, of the seasonal flu vaccine. Opinium Research conducted for Lloydspharmacy among 2007 UK adults 4 – 6th November 2009. This is a big reduction compared with the 73.5% uptake in 2008 by over the 65s and 73.9% in 2007 (The Fifty-sixth World Health Assembly).

According to research conducted by Lloydspharmacy almost 40% of people wrongly believe that the swine flu vaccine will also protect them against seasonal flu. Even more worryingly, more than half (52%) of the over 65s – one of the groups most vulnerable to winter flu – thought they would be protected against both strains if they had had the swine flu vaccination.

People over the age of 65 qualify for a free NHS seasonal flu vaccination as do people with conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, chronic liver disease, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment) or removal of the spleen, or if they are a resident of a nursing or residential home. Anyone who is the main carer for an elderly or disabled person and whose wellbeing may be put at risk if the carer falls ill, is also eligible for a free vaccination from their GP.

Others who are not eligible for free NHS treatment can still have an online consultation with a doctor and be vaccinated at high street pharmacies for a fee of£5, with Lloydspharmacy offering a seasonal flu vaccination service in 260 of its pharmacies.

Seasonal flu is responsible for the deaths of about 8,000 people in the UK a year and tends to affect the more vulnerable or elderly people. Last week the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control forecast that the swine flu and seasonal flu strains could claim 40,000 lives each across Europe this winter.

The World Health Organisation has urged national governments to put in place plans to vaccinate at least 75 per cent of people most at risk of seasonal flu by 2010.

“Whilst there is still time for vulnerable people to get themselves protected before late November (when the Winter flu season reaches its peak) we would certainly expect to see a higher uptake by this time of year,” said Clare Kerr, head of clinical services at Lloydspharmacy.

Via EPR Network
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Nose Jobs Gaining Popularity with Men in the UK

The Hospital Group has reported that 58% more men have chosen to undergo a nose job this year than in 2005.

The fact is everyone can be self-conscious about a particular aspect of their appearance and many people are unhappy with the shape of their nose. It may have a hump, be too long or wide and in addition, there are sometimes problems that contribute to breathing difficulties. A procedure called a Rhinoplasty could help and it is a very popular choice for those that want to improve their most prominent facial feature.

A spokesperson for The Hospital Group, said: Rhinoplasty has become an extremely popular cosmetic procedure for men. As women have grown more image conscious over the last few years, so have men.”

A Rhinoplasty could provide significant enhancement to the appearance of the nose for both men and women. It can alter the balance and proportions of the whole face, giving a dramatic improvement to how you look and feel.

The Hospital Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of Plastic Surgery, number one in Obesity Surgery and Gastric Band experts. So whatever your requirements, you’re in safe hands!

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.

Via EPR Network
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