Health
7 things to consider before having a cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery that aims to improve appearance.
This includes liposuction, tummy tuck, facelift, breast augmentation and Brazilian butt lift (BBL). There has been a rise in plastic and cosmetic surgeries across the world as more women are willing to go under the knife just to have the perfect body. However, as with anything surgery, there are some important things and questions you need to consider before you make that move.
- Do your research
Before you rush to book an appointment, have you taken the time to do extensive research on the procedure you want to undergo? It is best to find out as much as possible about the procedure you want. This includes knowing the name of the procedure, what the procedure actually entails if the procedure is going to achieve the result you want and whether it is the correct procedure for the body part for which you are seeking enhancement.
- Check your surgeon’s qualifications and experience
Cosmetic surgery comes with a lot of complications and you need to be sure you are in safe hands. Ensure your plastic surgeon is board certified by the Board of Plastic Surgery. Ask how often your surgeon performs the procedure. This is not a question of specific numbers, it is about experience and expertise. Find out what your surgeon’s relationship is with the procedure you are seeking. If your selected surgeon isn’t board-certified in plastic surgery, or in the procedure you want to have performed, keep searching. Plastic surgeons must complete 50 hours of continuing medical education each year to ensure they’re up to date, take regular performance examinations, as well as record patient outcomes, to maintain their certification. Also, check reviews, and ask around for recommendations.
- Timing is key
You have to be healthy before undergoing cosmetic surgery. Make sure you disclose your entire medical history to your plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon can’t give an accurate assessment if you hide health problems e.g high blood pressure. Also, strive to be as physically fit as possible before surgery. For best results, consider waiting to have surgery after you are done with breastfeeding and you’ve completed your family.
- The cost
It is not news that cosmetic surgery doesn’t come at a cheap price. If cost is a concern, ask about financing options. Whether you are paying cash or you are financing your surgery, you have to really determine if you can afford plastic surgery. Are there other things in your life that will take a big hit if you put money toward plastic surgery? This is especially true if you are financing your surgery. Long after you’ve recovered, are you willing to still be paying off your surgery? You’ll still have to pay, even if the result is not exactly what you wanted or you have a complication.
- Recovery
The amount of time you’ll need to take off work and your activity restrictions will vary depending on your procedure, how long surgery takes if you’ll have a hospital stay, and the type of anaesthesia used. Depending on your procedure, you may need days or even weeks to recover. You will need time off to recover after your procedure. And it isn’t just the initial aches, pains, and bruising, that you will experience, but after those have faded you may still have restrictions ordered by your plastic surgeon. Sometimes achieving your goals may involve more than one procedure to refine the results. Following your post-op instructions to the letter will ensure a smoother recovery and a better result. Ask about your recovery, especially the first 24-48 hours. Ask when you will be able to return to work, when you can return to strenuous activity such as exercise, and how long until you should start to see your final results.
- Know the risks and complications
You need to know the possible complications that come with the particular procedure(s) you are having. There is a risk to any surgical procedure and you should be fully aware of all the risks before choosing to have your procedure. Another risk is that despite perfect technique or what is considered a good result by a plastic surgeon, you may not be happy with the final result.
- Have realistic expectations
Your plastic surgeon can only control what happens inside the operating room. No matter how great a job your plastic surgeon does, it will not guarantee a job promotion, a relationship, or an improved social life or social status. Plastic surgery will not cure depression or eating disorders. Approach your cosmetic surgery with realistic and hopefully attainable expectations. The surgery will not transform your life in a monumental way, but rather improve a body part that bothers you. If you are planning plastic surgery with desires like finding a spouse, saving your marriage, or conquering the world, don’t do it, because it won’t work, and you will be unhappy. If there are doubts about your motives, seek advice from a mental health provider.
Health
Excessive daytime sleepiness may lead to dementia, Study says
A new study has suggested that older adults experiencing daytime sleepiness or a lack of enthusiasm for activities due to sleep issues may be at higher risk of developing motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, a condition that can precede dementia.
The new research, published on Wednesday in the journal Neurology, found that among participants who experienced excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm, 35.5% developed MRC syndrome compared with 6.7% of people without those problems.
MCR is a predementia syndrome characterized by slow gait speed and cognitive complaints among older people who don’t already have dementia or a mobility disability. The risk of developing dementia more than doubles in people with this syndrome.
During the study, researchers examined data on 445 adults who were 76 years old on average and had no history of dementia. Participants took questionnaires for sleep and were asked about memory issues. Their walking speed was tested on a treadmill and then once a year for an average of three years.
The researchers assessed the participants’ sleep quality and quantity using the seven components of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
The index included subjective sleep quality, time it takes to fall asleep, sleep duration, sleep efficiency (ratio of total hours asleep to total hours in bed), sleep disturbances, use of sleep-inducing medication, and daytime dysfunction, such as having trouble staying awake during activities or feeling less enthusiasm to get things done.
The researchers found that 177 participants met the definition of poor sleepers, while 268 were considered good sleepers. 42 people had MCR at the start of the study, and another 36 developed it.
The study found that people with excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm for activities were more than 3 times more likely to develop MCR syndrome than people who didn’t have these sleep-related problems.
However, Tara Spires-Jones, professor of neurodegeneration and director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, said the study has a few “serious” limitations.
“The sleep measurements were self-reported, not measured by a scientist, and these self-reports could be biased by people with memory issues,” Tara said.
“The participants in the study were also largely white, and the group was much smaller than similar single-timepoint studies, so the results will be stronger if confirmed in future studies.”
Victoire Leroy, the study author, said “more research needs to be done to look at the relationship between sleep issues and cognitive decline and the role played by motoric cognitive risk syndrome”.
“We also need studies to explain the mechanisms that link these sleep disturbances to motoric cognitive risk syndrome and cognitive decline,” Leroy, who has an MD, and PhD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, added.
Food
Eight foods to avoid on an empty stomach
What you eat first thing in the morning sets the tone for your day. After a night of fasting, your body is ready for the right kind of fuel to boost your energy and get your metabolism going.
However, some foods can cause discomfort, bloating, or irritation when eaten on an empty stomach—especially acidic ones that can be tough on your stomach lining.
On the flip side, starting your day with a balanced breakfast that includes protein, healthy fats, and fibre can keep your blood sugar steady, sharpen your focus, and give you energy that lasts.
Here are eight foods you should skip on an empty stomach:
1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them great for your health. But when eaten on an empty stomach, their high acidity can irritate your stomach lining. This can lead to acid reflux, bloating, or even heartburn. Plus, their tangy flavour can trigger your stomach to produce too much gastric acid, which may cause discomfort.
2. Coffee
For many, coffee is a morning ritual. However, drinking it on an empty stomach can be harsh on your digestive system. The caffeine in coffee can ramp up stomach acid production, which may cause acid reflux, heartburn, or even gastritis if there’s nothing in your stomach to balance it out. On top of that, coffee can dehydrate you, especially if it’s the first thing you drink in the morning.
3. Spicy foods
Spicy foods like chilli or hot sauce might be delicious, but they aren’t the best idea on an empty stomach. These fiery options can increase gastric acid production, which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Spices can also irritate the stomach lining, leaving it more susceptible to inflammation and discomfort.
4. Sugary foods
Sugary treats like pastries, sugary cereals, or sweetened drinks might seem like a quick way to start your day, but they can backfire. Eating them on an empty stomach causes your blood sugar to spike rapidly, giving you a short-lived energy boost followed by a crash. This crash can leave you feeling tired and cranky. Sugary foods can also disrupt digestion, causing bloating and discomfort.
5. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is generally considered a healthy snack, but it’s not ideal for an empty stomach. The natural acidity in yoghurt can irritate sensitive stomachs and may reduce the effectiveness of the probiotics it contains. These beneficial bacteria can struggle to survive in the highly acidic environment of an empty stomach.
6. Fried foods
Fried foods like doughnuts, French fries, or fried chicken are heavy and take longer to digest. Eating them on an empty stomach can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to bloating, indigestion, or even nausea. Their high fat content also slows down digestion, making you feel sluggish and uncomfortable.
7. Raw vegetables
Raw vegetables are undeniably healthy, but eating them on an empty stomach can be rough on your digestive system. Their high fibre content and certain enzymes can lead to gas and bloating. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are particularly challenging because they are harder to digest when your stomach is empty.
8. Carbonated drinks
Starting your day with soda or sparkling water isn’t the best idea. The carbon dioxide in these drinks can create gas in your stomach, leaving you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. They can also irritate your stomach lining and disrupt digestion.
Conclusion
Choosing the right foods for an empty stomach is key to starting your day on the right note. Avoiding these eight foods can help you feel more comfortable and energized. Instead, reach for options that are easy on your stomach, like oatmeal, bananas, or whole-grain toast with eggs. These choices will give you a healthy and balanced start to your day.
Health
WHO approves Japanese mpox vaccine for emergency use
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has granted emergency use listing (EUL) for the LC16m8 mpox vaccine.
This would be the second mpox vaccine to be supported by WHO following the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024.
The LC16m8 is a vaccine developed and manufactured by KM Biologics in Japan.
The technical advisory group (TAG) for EUL of vaccines convened to discuss the outcome of the LC16m8 vaccine review, including the product and programmatic suitability assessments.
Cases have been reported across 80 countries, including 19 countries in Africa, as of October 31, 2024.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, the hardest-hit country, recorded a majority of suspected cases — over 39,000 — as well as more than 1,000 deaths.
In a statement on Tuesday, the WHO said the move is particularly relevant as the Japanese government has announced that it will donate 3.05 million doses of the LC16m8 vaccine, alongside specialised inoculation needles, to the DRC.
“This is the largest donation package announced to date in response to the current mpox emergency,” the statement reads.
“The TAG recommended the vaccine for use in individuals over one year of age as a single dose vaccine, via a multiple puncture technique using a bifurcated needle.
“WHO’s assessment for EUL is based on information submitted by the manufacturer and review by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), the Japanese regulatory agency of record for this vaccine.
“The LC16m8 vaccine has been used in Japan during previous mpox outbreaks and was shown to be safe and effective, including in people with well-controlled HIV.
“The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization reviewed available evidence and recommended the use of LC16m8 vaccine in outbreak settings in children and others with a documented high-risk of exposure to mpox.
“However, minimally replicating vaccines, such as LC16m8, should not be used during pregnancy and in people who are immunocompromised.
“Immunocompromised persons include those with active cancer, transplant recipients, immunodeficiency, and active treatment with immunosuppressive agents.
“They also include people living with HIV with a current CD4 cell count of <200 cells µl.”
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