Almost every addicted individual believes at the outset stopping using drugs without help is easy and most people try to quit without seeking treatment. Although some people are successful, many attempts result in failure to achieve permanent abstinence. Research suggests that long term drug abuse results in changes in the brain that last long after a person stops using drugs. These changes in brain function from drugs can have many behavioral consequences, including an inability to exert control over the impulse to use drugs, despite adverse consequences the defining characteristic of addiction. Understanding that addiction has a fundamental biological component may help explain the difficulty of achieving and maintaining abstinence without treatment. Psychological stress from work, family problems, psychiatric illness, pain associated with medical problems, social cues or environmental cues like encountering streets, objects or even smells associated with drug abuse, can trigger intense cravings without the individual being consciously aware of the triggering event. Any one of these factors can hinder attainment of sustained abstinence and make relapse more likely. Nevertheless, research indicates that active participation in treatment is an essential component for good outcomes and can benefit even the most severely addicted individuals.

Executive Health

Executive Health Practitioner Associations are coming together to customize health programs for groups of executives and independent businesses with an objective of reducing the lost productivity time. At the core of many Executive Healthcare packages is an Executive Physical. In many instances, the doctor will travel to company facilities in order to perform a basic physical for all executive members. In others, as in the case of Elite IPA (Independent Practitioner Association), the office visit is an option, but executives are given the benefit of in-depth diagnostic treatment, which allows for an even more in-depth analysis of their health than what is typical. This level of the physical exam, given at a time that is convenient for the executive, is to have a positive impact on the bottom line. The average wait to see a physician is 68 minutes. There is no wait with the IPA Health associates for executives. IPA works around the schedule. Nor does IPA rush the visit. The visit is complete only when all of the concerns and questions answered. For those who prefer to communicate in writing, IPA is only an e-mail away. IPA physicians travel with hand-held e-mail devices for quick responses. Furthermore, IPA does not rush the visit. The visit is complete only when all of the concerns and questions are answered. Of course, there are times when one just wants to speak directly with the doctor on the telephone. One of the first things given to a new IPA patient is the doctor’s personal cell phone number. Wherever business or pleasure takes you, IPA is just a phone call away. Turn to IPA’s Executive Health for a complete executive physical that looks at health from all angles. True health and wellness is only achieved when there is a good understanding of the family history and personal medical history. IPA offers the latest in both non-invasive and blood-based cardiovascular screening testing. For early cancer detection, there may be reason to consider modern scanning approaches, including the PET technology. The integration of state-of-the-art cancer detection approach is a major feature of the program, as is ready access to leading specialists for preventive consultations.

Laser Acne Treatment

Laser surgery has been in use for some time and reduces the scars left behind by acne, but doctors have done little research on lasers treatments for the prevention of acne. Doctors use the laser to address the following: to burn away the follicle sac from which hair grows; to burn away the sebaceous gland that produces oil; to induce oxygen in the bacteria, thereby killing them. Since lasers and intense pulsed light sources cause thermal damage to the skin, there are concerns that laser or intense pulsed light treatments for acne will induce hyperpigmented macules (spots) or cause long-term dryness of the skin. In the United States, the FDA has approved several companies, such as Candela Corp., to use a cosmetic lasers for the treatment of acne. However, efficacy studies have used very small sample sizes (fewer than 100 subjects) for periods of six months or less, and have shown contradictory results. Because laser treatment are relatively new, protocols remain subject to experimentation and revision, and treatment can be quite expensive. In addition, the company that produces some Smoothbeam laser devices recalled their products due to coolant failure, which had resulted in painful burn injuries to patients.

Body Proportion Surgeon

The body proportion surgeon improves the shape and tone of the body. Men and women try very hard to have the perfect body. The body proportion measurements for women start with the height. The surgeon measures the figure of a woman by her bust, waist and hips in inches or centimeters. The calculation of the weight and height of a patient determines the body mass index. Liposculpture is the most refined form of liposuction. While liposuction removes fat to improve body contour, liposculpture sculpts an already great body shape. Liposculpture accentuates curves, highlights muscles and even moves fat around to augment portions of the body. Using smaller cannulas, the procedure exacts more precise results than in liposuction. Liposculpture thereby sculpts a detailed six-pack, creates back dimples at the sacral area and even creates toned athletic thighs. Body contouring improves the shape and tone of underlying tissue, which supports fat and skin, and removes excess sagging fat and skin. Body contouring procedures remove excess skin. With the aging process, metabolism changes dramatically. Liposuction removes deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body including the face, neck, arms, back, abdominal wall and thighs through small incisions. Liposuction procedures can remove a double chin, slim the tummy, hips and thighs, as well as shape the arms, calves and ankles. Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction and power-assisted liposuction are modern techniques. New liposuction instruments make the surgical removal of fat much more efficient. With great attention to detail and new techniques, achieving a beautiful body through liposculpture is an attainable goal.