Depression Treatment and Changing your Diet, Results could beat using drugs.
I had stated in a previous article how Yoga could work as a natural depression treatment based on my own experiences. To add to that information-being a very important limb of Yoga into itself- what you eat also has an effect on your mental health. Consequently, if youre interested in a drug-free treatment of depression, without the side-effects common to most depression medications, a crucial step will be to make some dietetic changes amongst other factors.
However, what should be the main priority, to avoid adding insult to injury when using depression medications, will ironically be avoiding their use considering the many side effects common to these anti-depression drugs. Effective as they may be for a while, its been noted that these substances have several side effects which may include nausea, fatigue, insomnia and some sexual dysfunctions. In some cases on mental side effects, mania has even been reported; so needless to say, a drug free depression treatment might be your best AND safest bet for your health.
Now, when in depression, most of us have the tendency to binge in an effort to mask our feelings or deaden the pain, some of us go as far as soliciting the use of alcohol, drugs or even sex for depression help. Yes, they may give some relief for a while, but when these mere distractions wear off, the symptoms of depression always do come back, and with a vengeance.
This considered, it will be safe to say the first step of a dietetic factor in regards to depression treatment could be refraining from food, at least for a while friends, really.
An observance of nature will show us that when animals are frightened or angered, they refrain from eating until after the passage of considerable time. It is true that under stressful circumstances many civilized people refrain from eating and find in truth that they lack the desire for food, but it is also too often that most will eat large meals under these circumstances, which will be mostly disease forming foods to start with, that as a consequence, complicates or altogether halts an already retarded ongoing digestion. This endless cycle leads to even more toxins and poisons in an already encumbered body.
So what are you saying Foras (thats my name by the way), I should fast or something? Well, if you can, that will be excellent. At least till your emotional balance returns, which will be the end result as the body is not taxed with the duties of digestion, assimilation and re-building. Your mind clears and all moroseness disappears and consequently, we tend to find the answers to the problems warranting a treatment for depression in the first place.
Now for many, I agree it might be asking for too much to fast during a stressful time based on old habits, but as an alternative, it will be advisable to steer clear of harmful mucus forming foods and partake of body healing ones: Fruits and Vegetables. A restricted diet of one kind of fruit can be considered a camouflaged fasts but you have to be knowledgeable of its season, how it was grown (organically or conventional) and even when to eat as body cleansing and building do occur at specific times of the day.
Now, not to get of the subject of depression treatment, these steps, be they a fast or a healthier diet, will ensure that the body is cleaner and well we all should know by now that a cleaner body equates to a cleaner mind. In fact Yoga sages (this obviously showing my vote of Yoga for anti-depression) suggest that certain foods, which they coin as rajasic (stimulating foods including Spices, alcohol, and animal products) foods have a negative stimulating effect on the nervous and endocrine systems, the two main ones that are related to mental health and consequently depression.
Based on their impeccable analysis of the human body, it may be safe to say these old Yoga Sages are completely right in suggesting we as humans-or at least those of us seeking the use of Yoga for depression treatment-should abstain from these foods for optimal success.
Is it a co-incidence that these same foods are the ones that have been shown to wreak havoc on our physical health? I think not folks.
This considered, instead of introducing chemical substances into your body in a quest for seeking depression treatment, from the facts above, it will be wise to first make a dietetic change, which again may include a short fast, at least to clear our minds first to tackle our problems, then eat the proper foods for nourishment and of course partake in some physical exercise (my choice being some Yoga) to obtain the inevitable feel-good results.
Depression is something we all may go through at some point, but thankfully relief and a successful treatment of it is not out of reach and this without harmful side-effects.
So empower yourself to a successful depression treatment targeting its root cause with drug-free methods of healing. On the subject of diet and depression treatment, I choose to remind you of this quote: Let your foods be your medicine and your medicine your foods (By Hippocrates the Father or Medicine)
May happiness be yours.
Opening web-pages of online drugstore, the buyer sees only what should stimulate its decision on purchase of necessary medicines: information about company, detailed information about goods, possibility to find out about drug usage. But still buyers have many questions how internet drugstores function.
An internet drugstore is a business unit, therefore its owners dont have the right to save on absence of warehouses and trading places. Owners of online drugstores also pay taxes, and their activity is regulated by the general legislation in corresponding sphere. That is why the storage of medicaments selling through internet drugstores, ideally correspond to all requirements.
There is an opinion, that internet drugstores can sell fake medical products: not only inefficient, but harmful for an organism. But dont forget that medical products of online drugstores also pass quality assurance constantly. Fake medicaments – the main business of illegal online shops which are being traced and liquidated within several days.
Internet drugstores work with the same wholesale suppliers of medicines, as well as usual drugstores; this situation provides identical quality of medicines.
It is important to know, that internet drugstore is not a way for getting forbidden drugs without individual prescription. Again it is because of strict legislation regulating pharmacy activity.
Very often a buyer for developing a confidential relation to a drugstore needs to see qualified experts, and also proper certificates. Certified employees also work in internet drugstores, they help to choose the right medicine individually. However, dont forget, while choosing the medicine as a treatment for serious diseases, to contact your doctor.
Many buyers are interested to know about confidentiality of purchases in online drugstores. In this case there is no reason to worry because transferring of buyers information is ciphered and has no further ways of distribution. Delivery is made by the courier who will transfer the order directly in buyers hands.
As a result of even superficial analysis, an online pharmacy – one of the most perspective trends. And they expand gradually their consumer area. Users of internet drugstores are people of various trades and age categories. The main thing that unites them, – trust to innovative technologies and desire to cut down time for buying medical products, thus not losing quality.
The business of internet drugstores doesnt differ a lot from usual drugstores, especially in legal regulation and methods of medicine storage. As far as online drugstores are electronic equivalents of real-life drugstores, their reputation and reliability are beyond any doubts.
Acne is a skin condition from which most of us have suffered at one time or another, especially in our teens, but for most people it lasted only for a year or two. However it is possible to have this common condition at any time in your life, and many people are plagued by acne throughout their adult lives, and find themselves in an endless search for a drug or product which will end their problem for ever.
Acne itself is a condition caused by excess oil in the skin, and this oil breaks down into fatty acids which cause the skin to inflame. This normally takes place on the face and neck, but can also create more serious scars in addition to the common spots and pimples.
There are many natural and alternative acne treatments available in preference to the conventional chemical acne creams and lotions. Although not technically an alternative acne treatment, as a first step it is advisable to analyze your diet as this can often contribute significantly to the condition. Avoiding processed and prepackaged food is advisable for all of us, regardless of any skin conditions, but an unprocessed food diet should be particularly beneficial for those suffering from acne. Fried and fatty oily food and food cooked in vegetable oils will contribute to the oils which cause acne, but healthy oils such as those contained in fish such as sardines can be consumed, these are known as Omega 3 oils.
A healthy diet will also improve how your body processes food and integral to this is drinking lots of water. Most of us do not drink enough water, only getting part of our necessary intake though the water contained in other products and beverages. Drinking water, up to 10 glasses a day or more, will help to cleanse your system of many of the oils and toxins which may contribute to acne.
Another alternative acne treatment with potential benefits is increasing your vitamin intake. This can be done by buying vitamin tablets and supplements, but care must be taken as high levels of vitamins in the body can also be harmful. Vitamin A supplements can help with acne but as with all supplements they should be taken in moderation and preferably in consultation with your doctor. Similarly Zinc is often seen as an aid to alleviating acne symptoms, as it can help inflammation reduction and helps the immune system which protects against infection. Zinc can be found in foods such as liver eggs and seafood in particular. There are other products created from herbs which are reportedly able to help acne sufferers.
Overall the best advice to those afflicted by acne who want to avoid conventional chemical treatments is to start with a healthy diet, and give this new regime a chance to work. Locate one of the many sites or books outlining a healthy eating plan concentrating on those foods which contain little fatty vegetable oils and significant omega 3 oils, and critically drink lots of water. This simple change may be enough to alleviate many of your acne symptoms.
In recent years, we have seen a growing trend, a dangerous trend that has unfortunately, cost people’s lives. While years ago drug addiction was related to street drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin, we now see the dangers of prescription drug addiction. In fact, trips to hospital emergency rooms for prescription drug abuse from 2000 to 2002 rose a staggering 56%. Because of the huge problem, a number of new programs have been established to help educate doctors, parents, and even children.
Unfortunately, doctors find themselves in a very difficult position, especially when it comes to treating chronic illness. For instance, treating people with painful illnesses such as MS, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, or Arthritis often requires narcotics to keep the pain at bay. For these people, pain medication allows them a chance to live a relatively normal life. However, the problem arises when someone has a temporary injury and finds narcotics more of a stimulant than a treatment for the pain. With narcotics being addictive, it is easy to understand why people with temporary injuries become hooked.
The good news is that for people taking prescription medication for the excitement and the high rather than for the illness, addiction is a treatable disease of the brain. As more and more doctors become educated about the dangers of prescription drug addiction and the signs to watch for, the problem is being better addressed. The truth is that for people, who truly need prescription drugs, the situation is frustrating but as doctors gain more knowledge and confidence associated with drug abuse, they play a vital role in separating the real needs from the false ones.
Today, as much as 95% of all psychiatry residency programs throughout the United States are now offering education associated with prescription drug addiction. On the other hand, less than 30% of medical fields such as pediatric address the potential problem. Obviously, as more and more children are learning that they can get hold of parent or grandparent’s prescriptions, educating these families, as well as doctors is vital.
Currently, the United States has more than 19 million regular prescription drug users. For many of these people, the prescription drugs treat a chronic illness, again giving them quality of life but for others, the prescription drugs were administered as a solution for a temporary condition that has lead to addiction. In this case, doctors need to play a huge role in intervention for patients who do not need long-term care and those who have not yet become addicted to them.
To combat the problem of prescription drug addiction, the federal government is putting programs in place for intervention, screening, referral, and even treatment. Many of these programs are being incorporated into businesses to help employees get through the addiction. The key really falls back to the doctors in taking the time to know their patients, to understand the illness, and then to work closely with the patient when prescribing the medication. For example, someone with a rare disease or illness that is extremely painful would require the doctor to educate him or herself on this problem so that proper treatment could be provided and then monitored. The bottom line is that ongoing education is the key to the dangers of prescription medication, which takes time and persistency.
Many people are afflicted with some type of allergy to all sorts of things, such as environmental allergens, odors, fumes, food, and cigarette smoke just to name a few. If symptoms become uncomfortable and happen on a routine basis, then allergy treatment and testing may be in order.
With food allergies and small children, the process of elimination is the best way to determine which food is causing the allergic reaction. Allergy testing methods such as skin testing and blood testing are effective, but some people may respond better to one than the other. Food allergies for instance show up better on blood testing, but if you know youre allergic to a certain food, wouldnt you just not eat it?
Environmental allergies are a little trickier. Consider all the possible triggers; weeds, trees, pollens, grasses, dust, dust mites, molds, pet dander, chemical fumes, and cigarette smoke are all popular offenders. Skin allergy testing is the best method to use for diagnosis of these types of allergies if severe enough to warrant this approach. Allergy treatment can then be prescribed based on the level of reaction to certain irritants. Not everyone with allergies has to seek help from a specialist. There are quite a few over-the-counter medications that are very effective in treating symptoms, but if this doesnt work, then a professional should be consulted. Many times allergies are present with other conditions such as eczema and asthma, and should be evaluated in conjunction to allergy treatment since they all go hand in hand. By treating allergies, related conditions will resolve themselves or lessen significantly as allergy treatment progresses.
Prescribed allergy treatment usually consists of immunotherapy, better known as allergy shots, which expose allergy sufferers to tiny amounts of the offending allergens in gradually increased doses that over time decrease symptoms. Of course, substances that cause severe allergic reactions, such as certain foods (shellfish, eggs, peanuts) and bee stings should be avoided completely. Avoidance is the only allergy treatment in this case, aside from using an Epi-Pen and/or Benadryl in case an accidental exposure occurs. Different allergy treatments and combinations thereof may have to be tried before significant relief occurs. Over time allergies decrease and may eventually disappear requiring less allergy treatment.
There are quite a few online resources you can check out about allergy treatments. Just use Google and you’ll find the most relevant ones.
I also recommend you try drug-free allergy treatments. They can be very effective for you.
A number of dangerous drugs have been in the news recently. These reports started to surface when Congress was having hearings about the painkiller, Vioxx. A Food and Drug Administration staff member testified in front of Congress that there are safety concerns about several medications. These medications are Accutane, Arava, Bextra, Celebrex, Crestor, Lotronex, Meridia, and Serevent.
When you put the problems in perspective, the number of problems related to these medications is incredibly small compared to the number of people who took the drugs. If five million people have taken the medication and one has had a serious side effect, thats one in a five million, or 0.00002%. The chances are not that great, but the chance is there.
The following is a quick summary of what the FDA believes are some of the concerns with these medications.
Accutane
This medication is very effective for severe acne. It is also well-known that Accutane causes serious birth defects. Because of this, the manufacturer has set guidelines for its dispensing. If the patient is female, she must have a negative pregnancy test EVERY month before the doctor writes the prescription. It then must be filled within seven days. The patient must also go back to the doctor every month for a new prescription. Women who take Accutane and are sexually active should two forms of birth control and not become pregnant for at least a month after stopping the medication.
The problems arise when women take Accutane from a friend or get it from another country. They are then not being monitored by a doctor and may not know the dangers of pregnancy.
Another topic surrounding Accutane is the reported increase in suicide rates. It has been stated that Accutane makes some patients feel depressed or irritable. This is where friends and family can step in and discuss these problems with the patient. If someone is feeling depressed or has thoughts of suicide while on Accutane, please tell them to let their doctor know right away.
Arava
Arava is used for treating severe rheumatoid arthritis. During the last several years, reports of serious lung or liver problems have arisen in patients taking this medication. Patients on Arava are required to get frequent liver function tests to detect any problems before they get serious. Virtually every time, liver failure occurs gradually over a long period of time. By testing frequently, these problems can be detected early and can be fixed. The signs of liver problems include: nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, dark urine, pale stools, and yellowish eyes or skin.
The signs of lung problems include fever above 101, chills, sore throat, ear pain, cough, nose pain, or colored sputum. If you are taking Arava and have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.
Celebrex
This medication is used primarily for mild to moderate pain. It works in the same way that Vioxx did before it was taken off the market. Experts are therefore concerned that Celebrex can lead to the same increased chance of stroke of other heart problems.
The cardiovascular risk is extremely low, but the risk is there. Because of this, those who have heart problems may want to avoid Celebrex. If you are currently taking Celebrex, contact your doctor about your concerns. Often times, regular anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen work quite well.
Crestor
Crestor is in the drug class statins and is used to lower cholesterol. Some consumer advocates say it should be taken off the market because of the chance for kidney and liver problems. These problems are rare and the risk is minimized by using lower doses and by periodically checking kidney and liver function. Anyone taking Crestor should call their doctor if they experience muscle pain or weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, dark urine, pain when urinating, pale stools, or yellow-looking eyes or skin. These are the signs of liver or kidney problems.
Lotronex
Lotronex is used for women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome who have frequent diarrhea and have failed to get better on other treatments. Reports have been in the news because about 0.1% of women who take Lotronex may get sever constipation. It can also cause ischemic colitis, caused by low blood flow to parts of the gut. This may occur in about 0.29% of women who take Lotronex more than six months. If you feel the risks outweigh the rewards, there are other medications for diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome that dont have these effects.
Meridia
Meridia is used for weight loss, but it can increase blood pressure and heart rate. There are reports of stroke and heart attack in patients taking Meridia, but these may not be caused by the drug. Since many overweight people already have high blood pressure or heart disease, it may not be he drug causing the problems. Patients taking Meridia should check their blood pressure and heart rate at least weekly and report any sustained increases to their physician.
Serevent
Serevent is a long acting bronchodilator used to prevent airway constriction in patients with asthma. It may lead to an increased risk of asthma worsening, especially when the medicine is not used properly. Serevent should not be used for emergency breathing difficulties. The fast acting inhaler, albuterol, should be used for these emergencies. Serevent should always be used with another inhaler that controls inflammation, such as an inhaled steroid.
Like winning the lottery or getting struck by lightning, rare side effects do occur, but your chances are slim of getting one. Realize that millions of people throughout the world take these medications. Some people are simply predisposed to certain problems. The news media loves to blow these stories out of proportion.
Every medication has potential side effects. Your doctor should know the possible side effects and can weigh the benefit of your medication against their risks. Be sure to ask any questions you have when a drug is prescribed by your doctor or dispensed by your pharmacist. Always follow the medication instructions and never share medications with anyone. If you are hesitant to take a certain drug, by all means, let your doctor know. There are a number of different medications that can also help you.
All You Need to Know about Marijuana Drug Screening & THC Drug Testing
Marijuana is an illicit substance taken most often by means of smoking. A cigarette rolled with marijuana is called a joint. A cigar rolled with marijuana is called a blunt. The drug can also be smoke through a pipe or a bong. Regardless of how marijuana is taken, it is harmful to the body, impairs judgment and its use is an incredible liability to companies.
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC in its abbreviated form is the substance found in marijuana. As the active ingredient in cannabis, THC is what causes the pleasurable sensations those who take marijuana describe.
Signs of Marijuana Abuse
A person high on marijuana exhibits tell-tale symptoms including loud talking and laughter, sleepiness, irritated eyes, odor on breath and clothing, carrying drug paraphernalia, distorted sense of time intervals and forgetfulness.
Signs of Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana addicts are often focused on the drug at all times, when they will next be able to use, where they will use and where they will get their next fix from. Warning signs include dependence, uncontrollable urge to use the drug, mental fixation on the drug, and continued use of the drug despite physical, emotional, mental and social consequences associated with it.
Marijuana Drug Testing
Drug testing for marijuana is very beneficial to companies and parents alike. Not only is marijuana drug testing easy to perform, it is also laboratory accurate in most cases. Marijuana drug test kits are available in many different types including hair drug tests, urine drug tests, saliva drug tests and spray drug tests. Each of these marijuana tests have their own pros and cons, yet the most popular for marijuana drug testing in the home and the workplace is the urine drug test. Once a urine sample is collected, the dipstick, or other testing device is subjected to the sample and results can be read within minutes.
Employers benefit greatly from THC drug testing, as it helps to maintain a safe working environment for employees and keeps productivity up. Losses associated with drug use in the workplace include decreased productivity, absenteeism, workers compensation claims, insurance claims and onsite accidents. To prevent this, marijuana drug testing can keep jobsite drug abuse at bay and ensure employees are safe, healthy and working to the best of their ability.
Parents can also benefit from marijuana testing. Drug testing kits are simple to use and help worried families conclude whether or not their child is abusing drugs. Drug testing for marijuana can help keep drugs out of your home and out of the hands of your children. Marijuana testing can also be the first step in helping your teen overcome their drug addiction.
Crohns Disease & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is There A Cure?
For the individuals who suffer from the mysterious symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or the debilitating symptoms of Crohns Disease the question Is there a cure? weighs heavily on their lives. The frustration that results from living with this non-specific illness serves to compound the never ending symptoms. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohns sufferers continue to battle the illness while researchers search for causes and cures.
The Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) describe Crohns as Crohn’s disease is a chronic (ongoing) disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although it can involve any area of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or colon.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is described as A group of symptoms, of unknown cause, characterized by unexplained fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, feeling poorly, trouble thinking, and sometimes, fever and/or lymph node swelling.
There is currently no cure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Chrons Disease. There is no magic pill, no immunization, and no medication that can rid sufferers of the debilitating symptoms of CFS and CD. However, individuals who suffer from CFS and CD can successfully manage their symptoms. Using current interventions including prescription medications, alternative therapies, and a comprehensive nutritional plan, CFS and CD patients can find relief.
Upon receiving a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Crohns Disease, the patient is advised to seek as much information as possible from current and reputable sources. Because little is still known about CFS and CD, information is limited but available. Reliance on sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and the medical research departments of large universities will yield the best information. CFS and CD patients are advised to beware of quack treatments or anyone offering a cure. Armed with information, the CFS sufferer can assist in making the most viable choices for his or her treatment plan.
A reasonable treatment plan should include a combination of therapies. By discussing a plan with a competent medical professional, the patient can assist in developing the best plan for him or her. A medical professional may prescribe prescription drugs that may alleviate the constant fatigue or intestinal pain that accompanies CFS and CD. In addition to prescription medications, seeking the help of a nutritionist will assist in managing the illness. It is common knowledge that a good diet can assist in recovering successfully from many illnesses Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohns are no exception. A reasonable nutritional plan may not only include a diet of whole foods, but may also include nutritional supplements. Additionally, the CFS and Crohns sufferer may find relief with the assistance of alternative therapies. Hypnosis, yoga, massage and other forms of relaxation can provide much needed relief from symptoms.
Although Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohns cannot yet be cured, sufferers can successfully manage their illness using a multi-pronged treatment approach. Being among some of the most difficult illnesses to manage Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohns Disease management involves several major lifestyle changes. Commitment to these lifestyle changes may well be the key to ending, or at least, minimizing the suffering.
Anyone who has traveled into the small border towns in Mexico has surely seen the number of farmacias that line the streets. They are usually nothing more that a small store with a person in a white lab coat working behind the counter. The danger here is that the prescription medication that is readily available may not be medicine at all.
The Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers about these dangers. The warning reminded people that drugs purchased in foreign countries are not regulated by the FDA and do not carry the same FDA assurances of safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality as drugs purchased within the United States.
What is truly bothersome now is the proliferation of internet pharmacies. Unless the web site carries the VIPPS logo, you truly cannot be sure where the medication originated. Only on-line pharmacies that have demonstrated to National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) compliance with VIPPS criteria including patient rights to privacy, authentication and security of prescription orders, adherence to a recognized quality assurance policy, and provision of meaningful consultation between patients and pharmacists. To find out more on VIPPS certification, go to www.nabp.net.
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Acne Getting You Down? The Future of Acne Treatments Looks Bright with New Laser Therapies
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous hair follicles. Each follicle contains a tiny hair and multiple sebaceous glands. Under normal circumstances, sebum, the oily substance made by the sebaceous glands, travels up the hair follicle and out to the skins surface. However, with acne, sebum is trapped within the follicle and skin bacteria multiplies within the clogged pores. Acne develops on those areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are most numerous: the face, scalp, neck, chest, back, and upper arms and shoulders. Acne typically begins in adolescence, although onset in the twenties or thirties is common.
One approach to treating acne is to target the bacteria that produces the inflammation associated with acne known as Propionobacterium Acnes, or P. acnes. P. acnes releases porphyrins, which are naturally occurring molecules in the body. When porphyrins absorb certain wavelengths of light, free radical damage is produced which destroys the bacteria.
Porphyrins absorb light best in the blue wavelength range 400 nm to 430 nm. A low intensity blue light source (405 nm to 420 nm) has been studied for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne. In the study, two 15-minute exposures a week for a period of four weeks produced a 60 percent reduction in acne in 80 percent of patients. Reported remissions from acne lasted as long as three to eight months.
Another way to treat acne using laser technology is to damage the sebaceous glands by a thermal or heat effect. In a recent study, a 1450 nm diode laser was used to perform four treatments one month apart. There was 100 percent clearing of acne in 16 of the 17 patients evaluated six months after the last treatment. Skin biopsies performed immediately after treatment showed heat-induced alterations of the sebaceous glands, reducing the amount of oil produced.
“While lasers have been used successfully for acne scarring for years, their use in actually controlling existing acne is a major breakthrough and could be an excellent alternative for those patients who have had minimal success with traditional therapies,” explained by a dermatologist. “However, this treatment is still investigational and not widely available yet. So not all patients will have access to it and the procedure is not covered by insurance.”
Patients need to be aware that many states do not distinguish who can and cannot perform procedures with laser/light sources. “Since skin treatments using lasers can carry potential side effects, they should be performed by a qualified physician or under direct physician supervision. I encourage patients to ask their physician questions about who will be performing laser surgery, including their qualifications,” cautioned by the dermatologist.