New Treatment Algorithm Improves Thermage Results

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A new treatment algorithm for the ThermaCool radiofrequency energy device is producing improved cosmetic results with a reduction in pain and adverse events, Michael Kaminer, M.D., said at a symposium on cutaneous laser surgery sponsored by SkinCare Physicians of Chestnut Hill.

"A year ago we were doing most treatments with one single pass over the face and trying to use as high an energy setting on the machine as our patients could tolerate. The concept was, since we're only going to go over the face once, we should give it as much heat as we could. But it hurt the patients a lot, and it wasn't working that well, so out of necessity we had to rethink this strategy."

Dr. Kaminer, a dermatologist with SkinCare Physicians of Chestnut Hill, Mass., said that he and some of his colleagues discovered the value of performing multiple passes with lower fluences when using ThermaCool (Thermage Inc.). He explained that in the past, roughly 70% of patients had marginal and variable results or did not respond to treatment at all, but the numbers have reversed with the new treatment algorithm; 70% now show good results.

"I call it the Thermage treatment triad—which includes controlling the pain, increasing the number of passes, and lowering the setting on the machine," he said.

With adequate pain control, including a topical anesthetic (LMX 5% lidocaine cream), oral lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg about an hour beforehand, and then an injection of meperidine (Demerol) about 15 minutes prior to the procedure, Dr. Kaminer said patients can tolerate multiple passes over the face, at a lower setting.

 

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Safety Glasses - The What, Where Why and When of Eye Protection

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The Importance of Eye and Face Protection
While it's important to protect your eyes from the sun, it is just as important if not more to protect your eyes from hazards on the job. Eye safety is an important topic among construction and manufacturing workers. Anyone engaged in activity involving the use of saws, power tools, sanders or other equipment that may release airborne particles is at risk for eye injury.

Statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Labor suggest thousands of consumers and employees suffer from eye injuries every year, many resulting from work related injuries incurred when workers used inadequate eye or face protection. Such injuries may result in blindness and thousands of dollars in lost production time and medical expenses.

Eye injuries in the workplace typically result in up to 20% of temporary and permanent vision loss among workers. While workplace injuries are common, there are easy to use tools available for preventing eye injury. The most common hazards associated with eye injuries on the job include:

• Airborne particles or bits of metal, glass or wood
• Tools and power equipment that elicit sparks
• Flying objects
• Radiation or UV light
• Chemicals or other corrosive substances that may spray and damage vision

It is just important employees and employers understand the potential benefits wearing adequate eye protection have. Eye protection and safety glasses generally fall under the category of PPE or personal protective equipment, and generally serve to protect workers and consumers from hazards exposed to on the job.

Cost Effective Solutions to Eye Injuries
Fortunately there is a simple and cost effective solution to help minimize the risk you will injure your eyes on the job. Safety goggles and glasses provide ample coverage to help protect your eyes while still enabling you to see what you need to get the job done.

Safety glasses come with an assortment of unique features. Some for example include polycarbonate lenses or frames. Still others are fitted or incorporate a full shield for the face if the user is engaged in particularly hazardous work. Still others enable the user to wear their prescription lenses or incorporate prescription lenses into the safety lenses. These safety frames typically are far more durable than conventional prescription lenses.

 

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Having the ink on your skin disappear

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I am sitting in a reclined chair, yellow-tinted goggles are glued to my face and
elaborate machinery surrounds me. My eyes are squeezed closed, hands are
clenched into fists and a laser is zapping me. It feels like a million red ants are
relentlessly stinging me.

The numbing cream they encouraged me to buy doesn’t seem to be doing its job. I
could only image what it would feel like if I weren’t numb. Thirty seconds feels like
an hour. And all I can think about is that stupid day I anxiously went into that tattoo
parlor, confidently wanting this tattoo.

A minute later, the treatment is done. $99 later and the treatment is
over; at least for the next 6 weeks.

The only reason I keep going back is because that little diamond tattoo I got 3 years
ago is slowly fading. Eight treatments, on average, are what they estimate it would
take to completely remove the tattoo I was once so sure of.

The only thing I am sure of now is that I no longer want something I once intended
to be permanent.

Tattoo removal is painful, it’s costly and it isn’t something that happens over night.
Tattoos naturally fade over time. Laser treatments work by breaking down the ink
and speeding up the fading process.

Laura Ramon, 23, a senior majoring in International Business, was relieved when
she discovered laser removal, only to later be discouraged, “I did one session and
was very disappointed, it didn’t even fade. I spent a lot of money and I am too angry
to go back for more sessions. I feel like I got ripped off.”

Tattoo removal has a reputation of requiring a lot of treatments before its final
result. According to TattooHealth.org, on average, laser tattoo removal, for the
simplest tattoos, requires 2 to 4 sessions. For more complex tattoos, it usually requires
6 to 10 sessions; split between 4 to 8 week periods.

Cynthia Moore, Certified Laser Specialist at Wellskin Tattoo Removal Clinic, in
Anaheim, explained the reason for varying results, “Five of the main factors that
determine how quickly a tattoo can be removed are: a person’s skin type, both the
color and quantity of the ink, how deeply the ink went into the skin and a person’s
immune system. Each person’s fading process varies. Someone might only require
one treatment, while another person may require fifteen.” Further stating, “It is a
process but with each treatment it gets better.”

 

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Garment Bags vs. Carry on Luggage

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Since some airlines now restrict on-board baggage to one item, there's the important choice between taking a garment bag or a carry-on luggage piece. Both bags have pluses and minuses, depending on use. Notwithstanding the garment bag/carry-on rolling hybrids that exist, it's time to analyze and compare garment holders and carry-on baggage.

What's Best for Clothing Type

Think about the sort of clothing you'll be wearing on your trip. For business travelers, a garment bag is necessary to avoid ruining the fruits of the dry cleaner's labor, while a college student headed out on spring break doesn't have the same concerns. Suits, especially jackets, require the neat, flat form of a garment bag. Save the suitcase for those trips that require folded clothing only.

Trip Longevity

While a garment bag may keep dresses and skirts crisp, it probably won't hold as much clothing as a carry-on bag would. Consider whether two suitcases will carry as much as one garment bag and one suitcase. For longer trips, minimize the high-maintenance, pressed garments for easier-wear fabrics that can be rolled and placed in a carry-on. A carry-on suitcase is simply a better use of space and is easier to tote around.

On-Flight Space (and Strength) Restrictions

As mentioned before, a garment bag can be cumbersome to carry around. Though there are super-compact specialty models on the market like the SkyRoll, most garment bags aren't that small and user-friendly. Keep in mind that many carry-on-eligible garment bags are too short to hold long dresses, skirts and coats. Most carry-on suitcases do fit under seats and in compartment comfortably. However, the bigger the bag, the heavier it is, making the overhead heft particular daunting. A garment bag might be best for those who don't want a potential wrestling match with their bags on the plane.

 

 

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How to Build a Secure Wooden Storage Shed

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Have you finally decided to build a wooden storage shed? While most of us already know that a storage shed is a necessary addition to our property, many of us have dillydallied because of the fear that we may not be able to do it right, plus we don?t really have the extra cash to have someone do it for us. While some do have the skills to create their own shed, many of them have the tendency to forget to ensure that their shed is secure and durable.

Time and again, having a detailed plan has proven that it is the best way to have a problem-free building project. A detailed plan takes out the guess work while you?re doing the project saving you, your money, time and effort. Also, before you even actually start to build your shed you will be able to prepare all the materials you need making it easy for you to just put them all together. Plus you can develop a good timeframe and know exactly what you have to do one after the other.

There are two things that you have to do first, after you have made your plans, before you actually start building your wooden storage shed. First, you have to know where to build your shed. Avoid unlevel land areas and make sure that there are no cables, wires, pipes running beneath it. Second, check with your local planning and zoning commission and show them your building plans. This way, you can be assured that you will have no problems with the authorities later on.

Now lets start building.

It is imperative that you have all your materials prepared before the actual building process. The wood of course is your most single important material. You also need tools like hammer, saw, nails, hinges, roof tacks and shingles. Based on your plans, measure your wood and cut them to size. If you?re using a concrete foundation, prepare your cement. With any structure, you always build starting from the bottom. Start with your floor deck moving on into your walls, windows, doors then your roof. Make sure that your framing is secure and a solid stake is driven securely to the ground so that you have a sturdy post to attach your frame to.

Don?t skimp on the nails, make sure that they securely fasten and attach all parts of your wooden storage shed. Try to wiggle or shake your walls to see if they are secure and that they are no gaps. Any weak points should be strengthened. Your roof should only be built after ensuring that the framing is strong. Choose a roofing material that will be able to cope up with a type of weather in your area.

If necessary try to use as many wooden pillars as you would need to ensure that your wooden storage set is secure and durable. Remember, the bigger your shed is, the more pillars it would need.

 

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Consider Ceramic Kitchen Sinks Over More Expensive Ones

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When deciding to remodel your kitchen, one of the things you may want to consider is a new sink. There are various materials available for kitchen sinks. These include ceramic, stainless, porcelain, granite, copper and vintage.

Of these choices, ceramic is very much a favorite. One reason it’s so widely chosen is because it’s less expensive compared to the other ones and has unique features.

Contemporary themes are most popular with many homeowners these days. This is one of the reasons that ceramic kitchen sinks are highly recommended. Available in many different colors, shapes and sizes, they can fit any decorating theme. The most often selected color is white for these sinks. People feel that this color highlights the cleanliness of the kitchen.

There are advantages and disadvantages to choosing ceramic kitchen sinks, but the good points far outweigh the bad ones. For one thing, they’re quite easy to clean. They’re also heat resistant. Ceramic kitchen sinks aren’t damaged easily with hot pans or other cooking items. On top of those things, they’re stylish. Available in so many colors gives you the chance to match your kitchen décor. The top selling point just may be how affordable they are.

The disadvantage to ceramic kitchen sinks is that they do tend to scratch or chip. Once they are scratched, there’s nothing that can be done to fix them. If they’re badly chipped or scratched, you’ll probably have to just replace them totally. If you have to do this too many times, it may end up costing you more in the long run than if you had just bought a more expensive sink to begin with.

 

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Tips for decorating a property to rent

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TRIED AND TESTED DECORATING TIPS

Decorating a potential rental property need not be difficult or expensive if a clear plan of action is thought through beforehand.

A fresh coat of interior paint works wonders but don't go to the trouble of working out a complicated colour scheme for each single room. This may be advisable for a vacation rental home perhaps but not for a run-of-the mill rental property.

It may sound boring, but armed with a few super-sized tubs of cheap ‘Magnolia’ silk; the prospective landlord can transform the walls of a whole house in no time at all. Ceilings always look better in white and can give the illusion of space in a smaller room. There’s no need to invest in specialist paints for kitchen and bathroom areas as you can easily buy a mould inhibitor that you stir into ordinary paint. 

Don’t bother with wallpaper if the walls are in reasonable condition – bare plaster can just be painted over with inexpensive emulsion. If existing wallpaper is still in good condition but is in a dreadfully dated pattern and colour, this can also be painted.

Dark and dated wooden panelling need not be ripped out – it can either be painted over in neutral cupboard paint a few shades darker than the walls or it can be sanded down and re-varnished to give a new lease of life with a reputable product like Sadolin.  Wood varnish such as this can be another useful product to use on a regular basis in rental properties and can also be used to enhance virtually any wooden surfaces including furniture. It can also be used as exterior product on wooden doors and window frames and will provide a long lasting protective coating from the elements. Available in a selection of wood enhancing colours from pale pine to dark oak, a coat of Sadolin can work miracles.

Tired and rusting wrought iron gates and railings can be restored to their former glory with a coat of Hammerite. Black always looks smart and why not purchase a tin of gold Hammerite to pick out the tips of the spikes to add a touch of class? A small tin of this product will go a surprisingly long way.

 

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