Mediscapes Blog

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a term used for a number of different diseases which cause thinning of the bone. The most common form of osteoporosis is that seen in women after the menopause. It can also be found in Cushings's syndrome, diabetes, thyroid diseases, alcoholism, rheumatoid arthritis and many other disorders.

Symptoms as such, are not easy to describe. The usual 'symptom' is breaking a bone, such as a hip bone in a fall, which is relatively common in elderly postmenopausal women who are not on hormone replacement therapy. Other common sites of fractures are the vertebrae, wrist, humerus and tibia. Symptoms from a collapsed vertebra are back pain, usually sudden and severe, and deformity of the spine. Another 'symptom' is the so-called Dowager's Hump, caused by deformity of the spine due to a collapsed vertebra in the middle part of the back. This is often painless. There may also be loss of height. Generalised pain is not common.

Simple diagnosis is made by X-ray, where the decrease in bone density can be seen. Other more quantitative studies of bone density can actually predict the likelihood of fractures in the future.

Treatment of post menopausal osteoporosis is usually by hormone replacement therapy, which can influence bone mass even after osteoporosis has started. Calcium supplements and vitamin D supplements are being increasingly investigated and new formulations are proving to be of value.

Osteoporosis Symptoms.

Who gets osteoporosis?

People most at risk include:

Caucasian (white) and Asiatic women
Family history of osteoporosis of hip fracture
Women who elected not to, or could not take hormone replacement after the menopause
Early menopause
Smoking, low dietary calcium intake, sedentary lifestyle
Cortisone treatment
Thyroid disease, Rheumatoid arthritis.

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

The density (thickness) of your bones can be accurately measured by means of a simple office scan called a DEXA. This test takes less than 1/2 an hour to perform is very safe, reliable and is not associated with any discomfort to the patient.

Can osteoporosis be treated?

In short - YES!

The aim of treating osteoporosis is to prevent the devastating fractures that may result if appropriate attention is not given to the problem.

The treatment of osteoporosis involves:

Fracture risk assessment

Preventative treatment.

Specific medical treatment

Osteoporosis Risk evaluation Management

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Mediscapes Surgery Abroad...

Live Longer. Drink Red Wine

A molecule found in red wine, grapes and other fruits significantly extends the lives of obese mice and makes them healthier, according to a study by US researchers published on Wednesday.

Made famous by the so-called ‘French paradox’ — the fact that the French, who traditionally drink red wine, suffer fewer cardiovascular illnesses despite their rich diets — the tiny molecule, resveratrol, had already shown the same benefits on worms, fruit flies and yeast.

But the study on mice is the first to show that resveratrol has survival benefits in a mammal, Harvard Medical School said in a statement.

The results of the study led by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the National Institute on Aging were published in the latest edition of the British journal Nature.

"Mice are much closer evolutionarily to humans than any previous model organism treated by this molecule, which offers hope that similar impacts might be seen in humans without negative side-effects," said co-senior investigator David Sinclar, a pathology professor at Harvard Medical School.

"After six months, resveratrol essentially prevented most of the negative effects of the high-calorie diet in mice," said the other co-senior investigator, Rafael de Cabo, of the National Institute on Aging.

The obese mice treated with resveratrol had a median increase of about 15 percent in lifespan, but final numbers would not be available until all the mice in the experiment had died, the researchers said. The particular strain of mice used lives about two and a half years.

Previous research on worms and fruit flies showed resveratrol had increased their lifespans by 30 percent and 60 percent, respectively.

The health benefits observed in this latest study included increased insulin sensitivity, decreased glucose levels and healthier heart and liver tissues, which "may mean we can stave off in humans age-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer," Sinclair said.

"The mice on resveratrol have not been just living longer," he said. "They are also living more active, better lives. Their motor skills actually show improvement as they grow older."

Sinclair is also the co-founder of Sirtris, a pharmaceutical firm that is currently conducting its first clinical trial in humans with diabetes using a formulation of resveratrol.

Harvard University has invested in Sirtris, which is not a publicly traded company.

The first discovery of resveratrol's anti-aging properties, in 2003, was reported by Sinclair and his colleagues in Nature.

Investigators identified resveratrol while looking for compounds that activate Sir2, an enzyme linked to lifespan extension in yeast and other lower organisms.

During the past 70 years, scientists have been able to prolong the lifespan of a variety of species by restricting their normal food consumption by 30 to 40 percent.

But without Sir2, neither calorie restriction nor treatment by resveratrol increased longevity.

The mammalian version of the Sir2 gene is SIRT1, which has a similar activity to the Sir2. The study published Wednesday indicates that resveratrol might also be activating SIRT1 in mice, as well as other known longevity pathways, the researchers said.

Drink Red Wine. Live Longer

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Mediscapes Surgery Abroad...

People Magazine - "Beauty and the Breast": Article publish in People Magazine, March 2006

After losing nearly 80 lbs., mother of two Kristie Allen needed plastic surgery to sculpt her body back into shape. But instead of going to a U.S. doctor, she opted for meditourism, a booming trend in which
travelers combine exotic trips with surgery, typically for less than the cost of the operation alone if done here. (See tally above.) South Africa, with its weak currency and well-regarded doctors, has proved
particularly alluring to travelers like Allen, 30, who in July signed up with the Mediscapes agency and South African doc Don Hudson (they communicated by e-mail). Here's how her scalpel safari turned out.

The Incidental Tourist

During her first few days in Cape Town, where she stays at the Copacabana guest lodge, Allen takes in the view from Table Mountain, shops at a local market and visits a 25,000-acre game reserve, spotting lions, rhinos and giraffes. "This is just awesome," she says. So, too, is being able to eat all the gourmet food served as part of her tour package (such as chicken with mustard sauce and cheese scones). "I'm on the 'eat everything plan,'" she jokes, "because it's all going to be sucked out of
me.'" Allen's relaxed attitude continues during her first meeting with Dr. Hudson, who describes possible post-op complications, including infection and internal bleeding. "I don't think there's a bigger risk of me dying in Africa than in the U.S.," she says. "If it's my time to go, it's my time to go."

Nip, Tuck & Recovery

On day 6, Allen enters University of Cape Town Private Academic Hospital and spends four hours undergoing a tummy tuck and liposuction. The surgery leaves her with a new body--and in a whole lot of pain. "I feel like someone shot me," she moans after waking up. Five days later, Allen is well enough to do some more shopping, but after an airline strike is called, she suddenly decides to fly home a day early--which doesn't leave her time to return to the hospital to have her stitches removed. When Mediscapes learns of her decision, it sends a nurse to take out Allen's stitches in an airport bathroom, thereby eliminating the possibility that the sutures will come undone on the plane. Leaning against a baby changing table, Allen lifts up her shirt and admires her considerably flatter tummy. "I'm just thrilled to death," she says.

Home Sweet Home

With written instructions on aftercare from Dr. Hudson (among other things, he tells her to wear Lycra pants under her clothes for six weeks to "help compress the skin"), Allen arrives home on July 27. Six months later she reports that she hasn't suffered any ill effects from her overseas operation. (Mediscapes says that in four years of doing business, it has yet to see any patients who suffer complications that need following up.) "My skin healed really well," says Allen, who recently sported a bikini during a family vacation in the Bahamas with husband Andy, 36, a carpet cleaner; son Michael, 12; and daughter Breanna, 8. "If you look at my pictures from that trip, I'm smiling in all of them." So does Allen have any regrets? Only one. "I should have done my butt," she says.

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Mediscapes Surgery Abroad...
www.mediscapes.com - www.surgeryabroad.com

Surgery Tours - South Africa

taken from a local article ublished on Jan 11 2006

First-World medical services at Third-World prices - the cosmetic and medical "tours" foreigners take to South Africa are growing annually at a phenomenal rate.

Cape Town - First-World medical services at Third-World prices - how could foreigners resist such an offer to improve their appearance or have a baby?

The cosmetic and medical ''tours'' foreigners take to South Africa are growing annually at a phenomenal rate.

The country in general and Cape Town in particular are widely advertised on the internet as the cosmetic and medical capital of the world, where foreigners who can pay for it, can undergo nearly every procedure under the sun. In addition, accommodation, air tickets, consultations with doctors, even a car and driver are arranged for the patients, and a tour after the procedure.

Fertility treatment at a bargain price

Not only are the cosmetic procedures sought after, but fertility treatment here is also considerably cheaper than in Britain, America and in the rest of Africa.

Cape Doctor Health and Tours owner Ruby Khan said fertility treatment had the highest popularity among medical tourists. People paid between R16 000 and R22 000 for treatment and this did not include the other expenses. She said the procedure was far more expensive overseas.

Second in popularity were a variety of cosmetic treatments. Her business had increased by 12,5% in the past year. ''The most important aspect is the anonymity we offer,'' Khan said.

Ingrid Lomas also said the anonymity was important. ''People come to South Africa, undergo a procedure, have a holiday and return home looking ten years younger.''

Her clinic had between 17 and 20 foreigners a month last year, compared with about 10 a month in 2004. She ascribes this success to the good exchange rate, doctors and the climate.

She mentioned that famous foreigners and locals had come to Surgical Attractions, but she would not give their names.

Dramatic growth in industry

Mediscapes marketing manager in Cape Town Deanne Ordway said in 2004 they had about seven overseas clients a month and last year there was an average of between 10 and 15. In December there were 25.

''The industry is not seasonal either; people continually visit us. It has grown dramatically,'' she said.

She added that the procedures they offered which where not only cosmetic but also medical, were as much as 70% cheaper than abroad.

Those concerned believe the patients get good service and value for money, hence the growth in the industry.

Dr Marius van der Merwe of Rejuvenate Aesthetic Clinic in Cape Town said their procedures were non-surgical. Many people visited top hotels and spas and in this way heard about the procedures they offered. Between 20% and 30% of his clients were foreigners.

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Mediscapes Surgery Abroad...
www.mediscapes.com - www.surgeryabroad.com

Cosmetic Surgery - All I need to Know

Some important information on Cosmetic Surgery you should know!
Mediscapes Surgery Abroad!

Cosmetic Surgery in South Africa

You've seen it advertised in newspapers, featured on television programs, displayed on the faces of celebrities — cosmetic surgery. It's guaranteed to shave decades off your appearance, right? In some cases, maybe. Cosmetic surgery offers the potential to improve many areas of the body. But as with any surgery, cosmetic procedures involve certain risks and limitations.
To increase the likelihood of a satisfying outcome, first examine your reasons for wanting cosmetic surgery. Then educate yourself about what you can realistically expect, the benefits and risks involved and how to find a qualified surgeon. Understand these issues to make the best decision for you.
Why consider cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery aims to change your appearance by altering parts of your body that function normally but make you unhappy. This differs from reconstructive surgery, which doctors use to restore the appearance and function of body parts affected by congenital defects, injuries and diseases such as cancer.
If you're dissatisfied with your appearance, you may be interested in cosmetic surgery not only to look better, but also to feel better. Despite possible risks, and though each person's experience is unique, some research suggests that both may be likely following a cosmetic procedure.
Those who seek out cosmetic surgery generally have a positive self-image, despite also being unusually focused on one or more aspects of their appearance. In fact, some may even feel better about their overall appearance than those who are uninterested in cosmetic surgery at all.
Postoperative surveys find that those satisfied with the results perceive benefits including:
• Greater self-confidence
• Improved social lives, sex lives and interpersonal relationships
• Increased enjoyment of leisure activities
No studies have conclusively proved that most people can expect to enjoy dramatic improvements in their psychological well-being, however. If you're struggling with depression, for example, cosmetic surgery is unlikely to relieve it.
Is cosmetic surgery for you?
Cosmetic surgery outcomes are most likely to be successful if you're in good overall health. It's also best if you:
• Have realistic expectations. Anticipate improvement, not perfection. If you expect cosmetic surgery to turn you into a movie star, you're bound to be disappointed. The spectacular results you see in the rich and famous can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Also don't count on surgery to save a rocky relationship, gain a promotion or make you the life of the party. If you're in the middle of a very stressful life circumstance such as a divorce, job loss, death of a loved one or an uncontrolled mental illness, you may want to postpone pursuing cosmetic surgery. All of these situations may increase the possibility that you won't be satisfied with the final results.
• Can afford the time and expense. Cosmetic surgery isn't covered by health insurance. The costs vary depending on the procedure performed and may range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The procedures and your recovery also take time. This varies depending on the procedure. Returning to work may take from one day to more than a month.
• Understand the risks. You must be comfortable with the fact that cosmetic surgery, like any surgery, can be a risk to your health and that the results may not be what you anticipate.
What are the possible risks?
The closer you work with your surgeon to establish specific, measurable and achievable goals before surgery, the more likely you are to be happy with the results. Still, dissatisfaction with results is a possible risk. How satisfied you are depends on a number of factors. These include your expectations, the extent and type of surgery, how skilled your surgeon is and your own body's ability to heal. Ask your surgeon how likely a happy outcome is with the procedure you're considering.
Beyond the risk of dissatisfaction, all the usual surgical risks apply. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, lung disease or obesity, you have a higher risk of developing such complications as pneumonia, stroke, heart attack, and blood clots in the legs or lungs.
Other possible surgical complications include:
• Nausea, dizziness and excessive pain, which may require admission to a hospital if following an office-based procedure
• Numbness and tingling, which sometimes may be permanent
• An accumulation of clear fluid beneath the wound (seroma), which may need to be drained with a needle
• A collection of blood beneath the closed incision (hematoma), which may have to be surgically removed
• Skin breakdown — a separation from healthy skin, which needs to be surgically removed — caused by poor blood circulation, particularly if you smoke
• Significant bleeding requiring a transfusion
• Infection at the site of the incision, which may require additional surgery and leave bigger scars
• Uneven or lumpy appearance (asymmetry), which may be permanent and require additional surgery to correct
• A drop in body temperature (hypothermia) that can result during long operative procedures
You're more likely to have a smooth recovery if you're in good overall health, you see a qualified surgeon, and you practice proper self-care after surgery by carefully following your doctor's instructions.
How to find a qualified cosmetic surgeon
Finding a good cosmetic surgeon isn't as easy as finding a good plumber. To accomplish this challenging task:
• Look for the gold standard in certifications. You're more likely to have a satisfactory outcome if your surgeon is experienced in the procedure and certified in their specialty by an appropriate board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Examples of specialties include Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology and Dermatology. Each specialist has his or her strengths and weaknesses. Just because that person may have excellent results with liposuction doesn't mean his or her face-lift results are similar or that he or she is even qualified to do a face-lift, depending on specialty and training. For more involved procedures such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), you also may want to consider a surgeon who has hospital privileges to perform that procedure. For procedures requiring full anesthesia, be sure that the operating facility has been accredited by a national- or state-recognized accrediting agency such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, is certified to participate in the Medicare program under Title XVIII or is licensed by the state in which the facility is located.
• Beware of misleading certifications. Just because a doctor is "board-certified" doesn't mean he or she has had training in cosmetic surgery. The certification could come from an unrecognized, self-designated board that requires little more than an application fee.
• Know that not all referrals are equal. If you call a hospital to ask for a recommendation, you might be referred to the next cosmetic surgeon on the receptionist's revolving list. He or she may not be best qualified to operate on you. Instead seek recommendations from people you trust, such as your family doctor or a friend who has had a successful procedure.
What to expect during an initial consultation
The initial consultation is an opportunity for you and the surgeon to establish rapport. You discuss your desires and expectations, and your doctor evaluates the part of your body you want treated and takes a brief medical history.
You also discuss any medical conditions that could affect the outcome of the procedure — such as diabetes or blood-clotting problems — and name the medications you take. Certain medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin) and aspirin, or dietary supplements, such as Vitamin E and St. John's Wort, can increase your risk of bleeding during surgery. You may need to stop taking these before the procedure. And if you smoke, since nicotine restricts blood flow and hinders healing, your doctor may suggest you stop using all nicotine-containing products including gums and patches at least two weeks before surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, ask the following questions:
• Are there other treatments that might work just as well or better for me?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure? Why or why not?
• How many times have you performed similar procedures, and what were the results?
• Can the desired effect be accomplished in one procedure, or will multiple procedures be necessary?
• What are the pros and cons for each?
• What type of anesthetic will be used and how will it affect me?
• Will I be hospitalized and, if so, for how long?
• What results can I expect?
• What are the possible complications?
• How will you monitor my progress after surgery? What follow-up care will you provide?
• What percentage of people require touch-up surgery, and who is responsible for that cost?
The choice is yours
Even if you have done your homework and found a surgeon you like — at a price you can afford — make sure you feel absolutely comfortable with and committed to your choices. That is why we invite you to check out www.mediscapes.com, if you have any enquiries at all or just want a quote contact us. In the end, it's your decision and yours alone.
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To publish any Medical - Health and plastic surgery related article please forward it to me

Mediscapes Surgery Abroad...
www.mediscapes.com - www.surgeryabroad.com