Search the best Doctors | Healthcare800

Other Essential Blog

Care Givers Demographics

Posted on: Feb, 05 2020

A caregiver—sometimes called an informal caregiver—is an unpaid individual (for example, a spouse, partner, family member, friend, or neighbor) involved in assisting others with activities of daily living and/or medical tasks. Formal caregivers are paid care providers providing care in one's home or in a care setting (day care, residential facility, long-term care facility). For the purposes of the present fact sheet, displayed statistics generally refer to caregivers of adults.

The figures below reflect variations in the definitions and criteria used in each cited source. For example, the age of care recipients or relationship of caregiver to care recipient may differ from study to study.
Caregiver Statistics: Demographics

Order this publication

Printer-friendly version

By Family Caregiver Alliance

Definitions

A caregiver— informal caregiver

How Many Caregivers in the U.S.?
- Approximately 43.5 million caregivers have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last 12 months. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- About 34.2 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- The majority of caregivers (82%) care for one other adult, while 15% care for 2 adults, and 3% for 3 or more adults. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Approximately 39.8 million caregivers provide care to adults (aged 18+) with a disability or illness or 16.6% of Americans. [Coughlin, J. (2010). Estimating the Impact of Caregiving and Employment on Well-Being: Outcomes & Insights in Health Management.]
- About 15.7 million adult family caregivers care for someone who has Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. [Alzheimer's Association. (2015). 2015 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures.]
Economic Value
- The value of services provided by informal caregivers has steadily increased over the last decade, with an estimated economic value of $470 billion in 2013, up from $450 billion in 2009 and $375 billion in 2007. [AARP Public Policy Institute. (2015). Valuing the Invaluable: 2015 Update.]
- At $470 billion in 2013, the value of unpaid caregiving exceeded the value of paid home care and total Medicaid spending in the same year, and nearly matched the value of the sales of the world’s largest company, Wal-Mart ($477 billion). [AARP Public Policy Institute. (2015). Valuing the Invaluable: 2015 Update.]
- The economic value of the care provided by unpaid caregivers of those with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias was $217.7 billion in 2014. [Alzheimer's Association. (2015). 2015 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures.]
Gender
- 65% of care recipients are female, with an average age of 69.4. The younger the care recipient, the more likely the recipient is to be male. 45% of recipients aged 18-45 are male, while 33% of recipients aged 50 or higher are male. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Upwards of 75% of all caregivers are female, and may spend as much as 50% more time providing care than males. [Institute on Aging. (2016). Read How IOA Views Aging in America.]
- Male caregivers are less likely to provide personal care, but 24% helped a loved one get dressed compared to 28% of female caregivers. 16% of male caregivers help with bathing versus 30% of females. 40% of male caregivers use paid assistance for a loved one's personal care. About 14.5 million caregivers are males out of the 43.4% who care for an older family member. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2009). Caregiving in the U.S.]
Gender and Care Tasks
- Males may be sharing in caregiving tasks more than in the past, but females still shoulder the major burden of care. For example, while some studies show a relatively equitable distribution of caregiving between males and females, female caregivers spend more time providing care than males do (21.9 vs. 17.4 hours per week). [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2009). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Higher-hour caregivers (21 hours or more weekly) are nearly 4 times more likely to be caring for a spouse/partner. [ National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Among spousal caregivers aged 75+, both sexes provide equal amounts of care. [McCann, J. J., Hebert, L. E., Beckett, L. A., Morris, M. C., Scherr, P. A., & Evans, D. A. (2000). Comparison of Informal Caregiving by Black and White Older Adults in a Community Population.]
- Other studies indicate that 36% of female caregivers handle the most difficult caregiving tasks (i.e., bathing, toileting, and dressing) when compared with 24% for their male counterparts, who are more likely to help with finances, arrangement of care, and other less burdensome tasks. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2009). Caregiving in the U.S.]
Caregiving in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Communities
- 9% of caregivers self-identify as LGBT. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- There are at least 3 million LGBT persons aged 55+ in the U.S. This number is expected to double in the next two decades. [Espinoza, R. (2014). Out and Visible: The Experiences and Attitudes of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Older Adults, Ages 45-75.]
- Male caregivers report providing more hours of care than female caregivers. The average weekly hours of care provided by females from both the LGBT and general population samples is similar—26 vs. 28 hours—but LGBT males provide far more hours of care than males from the comparison sample (41 hours vs. 29). This reflects that about 14% of gay males indicate that they are full-time caregivers, spending over 150 hours per week in this capacity, compared to 3% of lesbian and 2% of bisexual respondents. [MetLife. (2010). Still Out, Still Aging: Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Baby Boomers.]
- LGBT individuals are more likely to be very concerned about having enough money (51% vs. 36%), experiencing loneliness in old age (32% vs. 19%), declining physical health (43% vs. 33%), not being able to take care of themselves (43% vs. 34%) or not having anybody to take care of them (30% vs. 16%) compared to non-LGBT. [Fredriksen-Goldsen, K. I., Kim, H. J., Emlet, C. A., Muraco, A., Erosheva, E. A., Hoy-Ellis, C. P., Goldsen, J., & Petry, H. (2011). The Aging and Health Report: Disparities and Resilience among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Older Adults.]
- 20% of older LGBT individuals and 44% of older transgender individuals feel their relationship with their healthcare provider would be adversely affected if their health provider knew their sexual orientation/gender. [Fredriksen-Goldsen, K. I., Kim, H.-J., Emlet, C. A., Muraco, A., Erosheva, E. A., Hoy-Ellis, C. P., Goldsen, J., & Petry, H. (2011). The Aging and Health Report: Disparities and Resilience among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Older Adults.]
- LGBT older adults are twice as likely to age as a single person, twice as likely to reside alone, and three to four times less likely to have children. [MetLife. (2010). Still Out, Still Aging: The MetLife Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Baby Boomers.]
Caregiving Tasks
- On average, caregivers spend:
  - 13 days each month on tasks such as shopping, food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and giving medication;
  - 6 days per month on feeding, dressing, grooming, walking, bathing, and assistance toileting;
  - 13 hours per month researching care services or information on disease, coordinating physician visits or managing financial matters. [Gallup-Healthways. (2011). Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.]
- Of family caregivers who provide complex chronic care:
  - 46% perform medical and nursing tasks;
  - More than 96% provide help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as personal hygiene, dressing and undressing, getting in and out of bed, or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as taking prescribed medications, shopping for groceries, transportation, or using technology, or both. [AARP and United Health Hospital Fund. (2012). Home Alone: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Chronic Care.]
- On average, caregivers perform 1.7 of 6 ADLs, most commonly getting in and out of beds and chairs (43%). [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- On average, caregivers perform 4.2 of 7 IADLs, most commonly transportation (78%), grocery or other shopping (76%), and housework (72%). [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- 57% of caregivers report that they do not have a choice about performing clinical tasks, and that this lack of choice is self-imposed.
  - 43% feel that these tasks are their personal responsibility because no one else can do it or because insurance will not pay for a professional caregiver.
  - 12% report that they are pressured to perform these tasks by the care receiver.
  - 8% report that they are pressured to perform these tasks by another family member. [AARP and United Health Hospital Fund. (2012). Home Alone: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Chronic Care.]
- Caregivers report holding significant decision-making authority regarding the following:
  - Monitoring of the care recipient’s condition and adjusting care (66%);
  - Communicating with healthcare professionals on behalf of the care recipient (63%);
  - Acting as an advocate for the care recipient with care providers, community services, or government agencies (50%). [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
Age
- Distribution of caregiver age:
  - Average age: 49.2 years old
  - 48% of caregivers are 18-49 years old
  - 34% of caregivers are 65+ years old [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Distribution of care recipient age:
  - Average age: 69.4 years old
  - 14% of care recipients are 18-49 years old
  - 47% of care recipients are 75+ years old [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- The number of hours dedicated to caregiving increases with the age of the caregiver.
  - Higher-hour caregivers are, on average, 51.8 years of age.
  - Lower-hour caregivers average 48 years of age.
Number of Hours Dedicated to Caregiving by Age of Family Caregiver

[The Partnership for Solutions. (2004). Chronic Conditions: Making the Case for Ongoing Care.]
- Older caregivers are more likely to care for a spouse or partner. The average age of spousal caregivers is 62.3. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Many caregivers of older adults are themselves growing older. The average caregiver of a recipient 65 years of age or older is 63 years old. Of these caregivers, one third report being in fair to poor health. [Administration on Aging. (2005). NFCSP: Complete Resource Guide.]
Time Spent Caregiving
- 4 in 10 (40%) caregivers are in high-burden situations, 18% medium burden, and 41% low burden based on the Level of Care Index (1997). Burden of care increases with hours of care provided. 92% of providers providing 21 or more hours per week are high burden versus 16% of lower hour providers. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Primary family caregivers of people with dementia report spending an average of 9 hours per day providing help to their relatives. [Fisher, G. G., Franks, M. M., Plassman, B. L., Brown, S. L., Potter, G. G., Llewellyn, D., et al. (2011). Caring for Individuals with Dementia and Cognitive Impairment, not Dementia: Findings from the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study.]
Hours per Week
- Family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care. Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers spends 41 hours or more per week providing care. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Family caregivers who reside with those they provide care for spend 40.5 hours per week caring for this person.
  - Those caring for a spouse/partner spend 44.6 hours per week performing caregiving tasks.
  - Those caring for a child under age 18 spend 29.7 hours per week performing caregiving tasks. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Older caregivers who are 75+ years old provide 34 hours in an average week on caregiving. Middle aged caregivers report spending 21.7 hours per week on caregiving tasks. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Family and other unpaid caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias provide an estimated 21.9 hours of care per week. [Alzheimer’s Association. (2015). 2015 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures.]
Months and Years Providing Care
- The average duration of a caregiver’s role is 4 years.
  - Only 30% of caregivers provide care for less than a year.
  - 24% of caregivers provide care for more than 5 years.
  - 15% of caregivers provide care for 10 or more years. Higher-hour caregivers are twice as likely to have been in their caregiving role for 10 years or more. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Regardless of employment status, unpaid caregivers report that positive activities in their respective daily lives are reduced by 27.2% as a result of their caregiving responsibilities. This effect is three times greater in their personal lives than in their professional lives. [Coughlin, J. (2010). Estimating the Impact of Caregiving and Employment on Well-Being: Outcomes & Insights in Health Management.]
- Measured by duration of care, Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers provide care on average 1-4 years more than caregivers caring for someone with an illness other than Alzheimer's disease. They are also more likely to be providing care for five years or longer. [Alzheimer’s Association. (2015). 2015 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures.]
Race and Ethnicity
- Individual adult caregivers in the U.S. identify their race/ethnicity as the following:
  - White: 62%
  - African-American: 13%
  - Hispanic (non-White, non-African-American): 17%
  - Asian-American: 6% [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Hispanic (non-White, non-African-American) caregivers have the highest reported prevalence of caregiving at 21%. Caregiver prevalence among other racial/ethnic groups are as follows:
  - African-American: 20.3%
  - Asian-American: 19.7%
  - White: 16.9% [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- White caregivers are on average older (52.5 years old) than their counterparts among other races/ethnicities. The average age of caregivers among other racial/ethnic groups are as follows:
  - Asian-American: 46.6 years old
  - African-American: 44.2 years old
  - Hispanic (non-White, non-African-American): 42.7 years old [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Hispanic (non-White, non-African-American) and African-American caregivers experience higher burdens from caregiving and spend more time caregiving on average than their White or Asian-American peers. The percentage of high burden caregivers caregiving time by racial/ethnic groups are as follows:
  - African-American: 57%, 30 hours per week
  - Hispanic (non-White, non-African-American): 45%, 30 hours per week
  - White: 33%, 20 hours per week
  - Asian-American: 30%, 16 hours per week [Alzheimer’s Association. (2015). 2015 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures.]
- More than half of African-American caregivers find themselves "sandwiched" between caring for an older person and a younger person under age 18, or caring for more than one older person. African-American caregivers are also more likely to reside with the care recipient and spend an average of 20.6 hours per week providing care. In addition, 66 percent of African-American caregivers are employed full or part-time. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- The needs of care recipients vary by race/ethnicity. African-American caregivers (41%) are more likely to provide help with more than three ADLs than white caregivers (28%) or Asian-Americans (23%). [Alzheimer’s Association. (2015). 2015 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures.]
Relationships between Caregivers and Care Recipients
- A vast majority of caregivers (85%) care for a relative or other loved one:
  - 42% care for a parent (31% for a mother, 11% for a father);
  - 15% care for a friend, neighbor or another non-relative;
  - 14 % care for a child;
  - 7% care for a parent-in-law;
  - 7% care for a grandparent or grandparent-in-law. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Parent care continues to be the primary caregiving situation for mid-life caregivers with 70% of the caregivers between the ages of 50 and 64. [Wagner, D. & Takagi, E. (2010). Health Affairs: Informal Caregiving by and for Older Adults.]
- Most care recipients reside in their own home (48%), and one in three (35%) reside in their caregiver's home. 3 in 10 care recipients who are not in assisted-living or skilled nursing facilities reside alone (31%).
[National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2009 & 2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]

Elder Abuse
- The Department of Health defines abuse as, “a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons.” Abuse can take many forms, including physical, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse, discrimination, or neglect.
  - Under this definition, as many as 25% of elder care recipients report significant levels of abuse. [Cooper, C., Selwood, A., & Livingston, G. (2008). The Prevalence of Elder Abuse and Neglect: A Systematic Review.]
- Approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. Some estimates range as high as 5 million elders who are abused each year. [National Council on Aging. (2016). Elder Abuse Facts.]
- Only 7% of elder abuse cases are ever reported to authorities. [National Research Council. (2003). Elder Mistreatment: Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation in an Aging America.]
- For every 1 case of elder abuse known to programs and agencies there are 24 unknown cases. [Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc., Weill Cornell Medical Center of Cornell University & New York City Department for the Aging. (2011). Under the Radar: New York State Elder Abuse Prevalence Study.]
- Elder abuse, even modest abuse, increases risk of death by 300% compared to elders who have not been abused. [Dong, X., Simon, M. A., Beck, T., Farran, C., McCann, J., Mendes de Leon, C., et al. (2011). Elder Abuse and Mortality: The Role of Psychological and Social Wellbeing.]
- The direct medical costs associated with violent injuries to older adults are estimated to add over $5.3 billion to the nation’s annual health expenditures, and the annual financial loss by victims of elder financial exploitation were estimated to be $2.9 billion in 2009, a 12% increase from 2008. [Administration on Aging: National Center on Elder Abuse. (2016). Statistics/Data: Impact of Elder Abuse].
Geographic Distance Between Caregiver and Care Recipient
- The vast majority of caregivers (75%) reside within 20 minutes of their care recipient. 13% of caregivers reside between 20 minutes and an hour away from their care recipient.
  - The proportion of caregivers reporting they reside fewer than 20 minutes from the home of their care recipient has increased steadily over the past 10 years (44% in 2004, 51% in 2009, and 75% in 2015). [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- As the age of the caregiver increases, their distance from their recipient decreases. 84% of caregivers aged 75+ reside within 20 minutes of their care recipient, compared to their caregiving peers in other age brackets:
  - 76% of caregivers aged 65-74
  - 72% of caregivers aged 50-64
  - 74% of caregivers aged 18-49 [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- 48% of care recipients reside in their own home.
  - Higher-hour care recipients are less likely to reside at home (28%) than lower-hour recipients (57%).
  - Inversely, higher-hour care recipients are more likely to reside in their caregiver’s home (62%) than lower-hour recipients (22%). [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Approximately 5-7 million caregivers in the U.S. (about 15% of all caregivers) are long-distance caregivers. This number is projected to double by 2020. [National Council on Aging. (2006). Nearly 7 Million Long-Distance Caregivers Make Work and Personal Sacrifices.]
- Long-distance caregivers have the highest annual expenses (about $8,728) compared to co-resident caregivers (about $5,885) or those who care for a loved one nearby (about $4,570). [AARP Public Policy Institute. (2008). Valuing the Invaluable: The Economic Value of Family Caregiving.]
- Long-distance caregivers reside an average of 450 miles (724 km) from their care recipients (or approximately 7 hours travel time).
  - More males (58%) than females (42%) are long-distance caregivers. [National Alliance for Caregiving and the MetLife Mature Market Institute. (2004). Miles Away: The MetLife Study of Long-Distance Caregiving.]
- Long-distance caregivers are more likely to report emotional distress (47%) than caregivers either residing with their care recipient (43%) or residing less than one hour away (28%). [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2004). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- Caregivers who do not reside with their care receiver reside the following distances from those for whom they care:
[Gallup-Healthways. (2011). Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Survey: Caregiving Costs U.S. Economy $25.2 Billion in Lost Productivity.]

Caregiving in Rural Areas
- More than half of the 65 million Americans living in rural areas are over the age of 50. Elders in rural areas (about a quarter of all elders) are more likely to reside alone, near or at the poverty level, and suffer from a chronic condition or physical disability. They require an average of 46 miles of travel to get to the nearest health professional. [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rural Task Force. (2002). HHS Rural Task Force Report.]
- 3-6 million Americans are distance caregivers who provide care for a family member that resides an average of 450 miles away. [National Alliance for Caregiving & AARP. (2005). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- About 51% of caregivers in rural areas use community-based services. [Buckwalter, K. C., & Davis, L. L. (2009). Elder Caregiving in Rural Communities.]
Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities
- There are an estimated 641,000 adults aged 60+ with cognitive and other disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury).
  - This number is projected to double to 1,242,794 by 2030, coinciding with the aging population of baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964. [Heller, T. (2011). Strength for Caring: Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Their Aging Family Caregivers.]
- Families are still the primary caregivers for adults with developmental disabilities and are themselves aging. About 76% of individuals with developmental disabilities reside at home.
  - In 25% of these homes, the family caregiver is over 60 years of age.
  - The average age of the care recipient with a developmental disability is age 38. [Heller, T. (2011). Strength for Caring: Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Their Aging Family Caregivers.]
Veterans
- There are a total of 5.5 million caregivers caring for former or current military personnel in the U.S. (1.1 million post 9/11). [Ramchand, R., Tanielian, T., Fisher, M., Vaughan, C., Trail, T., Batka, C., Voorhies, P., Robbins, M., Robinson, E., & Ghosh-Dastidar, B. (2014). Key Facts and Statistics from the RAND Military Caregivers Study.]
- 9 in 10 (96%) caregivers of veterans are female and 70% provide care to their spouse or partner. 30% of veterans’ caregivers care for a duration of 10 years or more as compared to 15% of caregivers nationally. 88% report increased stress or anxiety as a result of caregiving, and 77% state sleep deprivation as an issue. [National Alliance for Caregiving and United Health Foundation. (2010). Caregivers of Veterans: Serving on the Home Front.]
- Military caregivers after 9/11 are more likely to be employed (63% vs. 47%), less likely to have a support network (47% vs. 71%), younger (37% under 30 years old vs. 11%), more likely to be caring for a recipient with a behavioral health condition (64% vs. 36%) or a VA disability rating (58% vs. 30%). [Ramchand, R., Tanielian, T., Fisher, M., Vaughan, C., Trail, T., Batka, C., Voorhies, P., Robbins, M., Robinson, E., & Ghosh-Dastidar, B. (2014). Key Facts and Statistics from the RAND Military Caregivers Study.]
- Veteran care recipients (post 9/11) are more likely to have no health insurance (32% vs. 23%) or regular source of health care (28% vs. 14%), have a mobility limiting disability (80% vs. 66%) or mental health/substance abuse condition (64% vs. 33%), and meet criteria for probable depression (38% vs. 20%) compared to civilians. [Ramchand, R., Tanielian, T., Fisher, M., Vaughan, C., Trail, T., Batka, C., Voorhies, P., Robbins, M., Robinson, E., & Ghosh-Dastidar, B. (2014). Key Facts and Statistics from the RAND Military Caregivers Study.]
- Veterans suffer more frequently from Traumatic Brain Injury (29%), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Diabetes (28%), and paralysis or Spinal Cord Injury (20%). [National Alliance for Caregiving and United Health Foundation. (2010). Caregivers of Veterans: Serving on the Home Front.]
Family Caregiver Alliance
National Center on Caregiving
(415) 434-3388 | (800) 445-8106
Website: www.caregiver.org
Email: info@caregiver.org
FCA CareJourney: www.caregiver.org/carejourney
Family Care Navigator: www.caregiver.org/family-care-navigator

Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) seeks to improve the quality of life for caregivers through education, services, research, and advocacy. Through its National Center on Caregiving, FCA offers information on current social, public policy, and caregiving issues and provides assistance in the development of public and private programs for caregivers. For residents of the greater San Francisco Bay Area, FCA provides direct support services for caregivers of those with Alzheimerʼs disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinsonʼs, and other debilitating disorders that strike adults.

The present fact sheet was prepared by Family Caregiver Alliance. © 2016 Family Caregiver Alliance. All rights reserved.
The Body Conditions in Which You Need to See Neurology Specialists

Posted on: Apr, 17 2018

Of all the systems in the human body, damage to the nervous system is considered to be the most devastating. And while the inner workings of the nervous system are most involved and complex, neurologists across the world have devoted their lives to understanding it. Neurological disorders are diseases of the brain, spine and the nerves that connect them. There are somewhere more than 600 diseases of the nervous system!

Of all the systems in the human body, damage to the nervous system is considered to be the most devastating. And while the inner workings of the nervous system are most involved and complex, neurologists across the world have devoted their lives to understanding it. Neurological disorders are diseases of the brain, spine and the nerves that connect them. There are somewhere more than 600 diseases of the nervous system!

Below are enlisted the various Neurological Conditions when you need to find a neurologist or neurology specialist and book an appointment with him:

Epilepsy – Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder which affects people of all ages. In this neurological disorder, an abnormal electrical activity occurs in the brain, causing recurrent, unprovoked seizures and loss of consciousness. Epilepsy is a spectrum condition with a wide range of seizure types and control varies from person-to-person. It can lead to various other health problems.

Alzheimer’s Disease – Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia – a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over time. Current treatment of Alzheimer cannot stop it from progressing, but can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms thereby improving the quality of life.

Migraine – A migraine is a throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation usually on one side of the head. Migraine attacks can last for an extended period of time and can interfere with life and work, often to the point of the patient being completely sidelined. There's no cure for migraines, but a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, regular workout, regular sleep and meals can prevent migraines.

Parkinson's Disease – Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Due to the diversity of the disease, symptoms might also differ from person to person. Early and accurate diagnosis is very much important to undergo good treatment and to maintain the high quality of life.

Brain Trauma – Traumatic Brain Injury occurs when an external force injures the brain. TBI can further result in physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, and the outcome can range from complete recovery to permanent disability or death. TBI is the leading cause of death and disability across the world, especially in children and young adults. Depending on the injury treatment required may either be minimal or may include medications, emergent surgery or surgery years later.

If you yourself or anyone you know is suffering from any one of the above diseases, find neurologist or neurology specialist near you and start with the treatment. From the research studies, it has been concluded that thousands of people across the world are suffering from neurological disorders.

At HealthCare800, find best neurology specialists, and schedule an appointment, anytime!
Gallstones Can Result in These Common Gallbladder Symptoms

Posted on: Apr, 09 2018

Gallstones, commonly known as cholelithiasis, is a very common problem nowadays across the world. However, the groups of individuals with the highest prevalence of gallbladder symptoms are women who are older than 40 years. If you are also amongst one of the gallbladder patients and facing problems, you need to find top-rated gastroenterology specialist in your region.

Gallstones, commonly known as cholelithiasis, is a very common problem nowadays across the world. However, the groups of individuals with the highest prevalence of gallbladder symptoms are women who are older than 40 years. If you are also amongst one of the gallbladder patients and facing problems, you need to find top-rated gastroenterology specialist in your region.

Gallstones are the result of substances that make up bile, such as cholesterol or bilirubin. They become too concentrated that they crystallize into a stone. These stones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.

Some people may develop only one or two while others have many. Not everyone experiences pain or health problems related to gallstones, but for those who do, gallbladder symptoms can be very painful. Although gallstones do not cause any problem sometimes there occurs a situation where they obstruct an exit from the gallbladder such as the common bile duct thus leading to troublesome situations. This is because this type of obstruction blocks normal bile flow and causes the gallbladder to go into spasms and become inflamed, thus resulting in a condition known as a cholecystitis.

Gallstones can result in these below mentioned common gallbladder symptoms:

Abdominal Pain – The sufferer might experience dull or sharp pains in the upper part of the abdomen which pops up and go or sometimes it is persistent. This type of pain most commonly occurs after consuming a fried or high-fat meal. The pain is so very severe and persists for more than 5 hours may require medical attention.

Back and Shoulder Pain – Pain caused by gallstones may also travel to the back and also to the shoulders, particularly between the shoulder blades, or under the right shoulder blade.

Vomiting and Nausea – Gallbladder problem may result either in nausea or vomiting. But, long term diseases and disorders may cause frequent nausea and long-term digestive issues.

Jaundice – When the bile ducts get blocked, bilirubin accumulates and builds up in the blood thus resulting in a yellowish skin color and eyes which is popularly known as jaundice.

Change in Bowel Movements – Gallstones can often cause pale or chalky colored stool due to issues with the drainage of bile. Urine may also darken in color.

Fever With Chills – Very rare there occurs a situation when the gallbladder becomes inflamed or infected under chronic pressure and if it bursts, the infected material spreads through the abdomen causing a serious health emergency. When this happens, an infection can leak into other parts of the body, causing fever and chills.

In cases where the pain is severe and persistent, medical attention may be required to treat the problem. However, for those who experience mild, occasional pain that resolves on its own, making healthy lifestyle changes and taking safe, effective supplements as advised by gastroenterology specialist for gallstones can help reduce gallbladder symptoms and get digestion back on track.
Pneumonia During Pregnancy – Its Effects and Treatments

Posted on: Apr, 04 2018

Pneumonia is a serious type of lung infection that can be life threatening too. It’s often a complication of the common cold or flu that happens when the infection spreads to the lungs. Regardless of the developments in the field of medical science, pneumonia can be potentially fatal if not diagnosed and treated on time.

Pneumonia is a serious type of lung infection that can be life threatening too. It’s often a complication of the common cold or flu that happens when the infection spreads to the lungs. Regardless of the developments in the field of medical science, pneumonia can be potentially fatal if not diagnosed and treated on time. Pneumonia during pregnancy is called maternal pneumonia. Therefore, pneumonia during pregnancy can create severe complications that can hinder the normal progress of pregnancy and healthy fetal development.

In case of pneumonia during pregnancy, it is recommended to visit an experienced ob gyn doctor who can advise you the suitable treatment to cure the same. The best way to treat and prevent complications from maternal pneumonia is to find the best gynecologist at the first sign of an illness.

What Causes Pneumonia During Pregnancy?

Due to low immunity during pregnancy, pregnant women are at a higher risk for developing pneumonia. Likewise, the expecting mothers are prone to flu. Any type of respiratory illness during the pregnancy, even if it is a simple cough or flu, could convert into pneumonia if it persists for too long. Due to the bump, the lung capacity also gets slightly hindered, therefore making pregnant women more prone to pneumonia. Pneumonia can develop due to several bacterial and viral infections.

How Is Pneumonia Transmitted During Pregnancy?

Firstly, it can get transmitted via airborne droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person. If a pregnant women who has low immunity power inhale these droplets, then the chances contracting pneumonia increase.

Secondly, it might also get transmitted through blood, mostly during and just after birth.

How Is Pneumonia Treated During Pregnancy?

Treatment of pneumonia during pregnancy is pretty difficult because not all the medicines especially those prescribed for pneumonia can be prescribed as they might affect the normal development of the fetus and progression of pregnancy.

If pneumonia is due to viral infection – This is a much more complicated type of pneumonia. It spreads much faster than bacterial pneumonia. Antibiotics cannot treat viral infections. Antiviral medications are used for treating viral pneumonia during the early stages. This helps alleviate the flu-like symptoms and the spreading of the virus in the body.

If pneumonia is due to bacterial infection – Antibiotic therapy is the main treatment to treat bacterial pneumonia. The cough suppression medicines are used in case of a severe cough. The experienced ob gyn doctors never try to stop a cough altogether because a cough is the main source with which the body gets rid of the phlegm that is accumulated in the lungs.

Can Pneumonia Cause Complications During Pregnancy?

If left untreated, pneumonia can become severe thus causing a variety of complications. Oxygen level in the body starts declining because the lungs are no more able to produce enough of oxygen to transport all throughout the body. Pneumonia may also cause complications in babies. These include premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage and respiratory failure.

Never ignore or attempt to self-treat persisting cough and flu symptoms. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can bring down the risk associated with pneumonia during pregnancy. There is no home treatment for pneumonia. Find the best gynecologist to get yourself checked before proceeding for your pneumonia treatment and stay safe.
For Heart Disease Patients Regular Exercise is a Bliss – Know Why

Posted on: Mar, 16 2018

Physical activity is as beneficial to your heart as medication in many cases! Yes, one of the very best gifts you can give your heart is physical activity. In fact, when regular exercise regime is paired with healthy diet, it becomes easy to maintain the normal weight. Moreover, if you stop smoking it is indeed a great protection plan against coronary artery disease and vascular disease.

Physical activity is as beneficial to your heart as medication in many cases! Yes, one of the very best gifts you can give your heart is physical activity. In fact, when regular exercise regime is paired with healthy diet, it becomes easy to maintain the normal weight. Moreover, if you stop smoking it is indeed a great protection plan against coronary artery disease and vascular disease.

Not convinced such simple steps could be so powerful? Some of the top internal medicine doctors recommend that these four lifestyle factors since time immemorial have proved beneficial in reducing the chances of death from all causes by almost 80 percent in the past 8-years. For patients suffering from heart disease, regular exercise is beneficial in the following ways:

Exercise Lowers Blood Pressure – Exercise plays a vital role in slowing the heart rate and also lowers the blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Exercise Helps You Control Weight – The perfect blend of smart diet and exercise together with being physically active plays a vital role in helping you lose weight. In turn, it helps you optimize your heart health. Being overweight puts stress on the heart and is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Exercise Helps Strengthen the Muscles – A combination of aerobic workouts and strength workouts is considered best for heart health. For such exercises improve the muscles' ability to draw oxygen from the circulating blood. This, in turn, reduces the need for the heart to work harder to pump more blood to the muscles, regardless of the age.

Exercise Can Slow the Development of Diabetes – Some of the best internal medicine doctors believe that the perfect blend of strength training, regular aerobic exercises such as cycling, brisk walking, or swimming reduces the risk of developing diabetes by over 50%. This is because exercise allows the muscles to process glycogen – a fuel for energy in a much better way. When glycogen becomes impaired it leads to excessive blood sugars and thus diabetes.

Exercise Lowers Stress – Stress hormones put an extra burden on the heart thereby making the heart to work much harder. Exercise, whether aerobic (like running), resistance-oriented (like weight training) or flexibility-focused (like yoga), can help you relax and ease stress thus making the work of heart easier.

Exercise Can Help You Quit Smoking – With time the smokers when they regularly do exercise become more fit, as a result, they quit smoking. Smoking is considered as one of the top risk factors for heart disease because it damages the structure and function of blood vessels. Therefore, people who become fit in the first place chances are less likely that they will ever start smoking again.

If you are a heart patient, try to fit more and more exercise in your day to day activities and become physically active. Begin with small starts and build up from there! If you face any adverse effects from any of the exercises, rush to your internal medicine doctor to get the instant help and medication.
Put an End to Digital Eye Strain by Following These Tips

Posted on: Mar, 09 2018

Digital eye strain – a temporary discomfort that follows after prolonged use of digital devices such as laptop, smartphones, desktops, and tablets. If we go by figures alone, on an average nearly 9 in every 10 individuals spend more than two hours every day on their digital device.

Digital eye strain – a temporary discomfort that follows after prolonged use of digital devices such as laptop, smartphones, desktops, and tablets. If we go by figures alone, on an average nearly 9 in every 10 individuals spend more than two hours every day on their digital device. On the other hand, people who use multiple devices simultaneously, end up putting excessive strain on eyes. This constant exposure to technology is what causes risk of digital eye strain.

Sadly almost all of us are at the risk of digital eye strain! HealthCare800 brings to you the best eye doctors to provide expert treatment and care for all kinds of eye-related problems including a simple routine eye examination to more severe conditions of the eye and its surrounding structures.

Prevention Tips for Digital Eye Strain

One of the obvious ways of reducing digital eye strain is by limiting the use of digital devices, but all those who cannot reduce their usage here are multiple ways to reduce the impact:

Anti-Reflective Lenses – All such people are required to use specialized lenses to cater varied vision needs. The latest lens technology can help you protect your eye from blue light, glare and other environmental stressors. Computer glasses are specially designed for viewing content on digital screens. The design of the anti-reflective lenses allows you to relax your eyes, thereby reducing glare during prolonged use of digital devices.

Lubricant Eye Drops – These can be used for soothing eyes. However, simply do not use them without consulting the best ophthalmologist.

Maintain Good Distance – It is always recommended to position your device in such a way that there is sufficient distance between your eyes and the screen. The hand-held devices should be kept just below eye level and at a distance that offers comfortable reading. Children should hold devices as far as possible as they have shorter arms and therefore are subjugated to more risk of receiving the dose of harmful blue light.

Reduce Glare – Another thing to be always taken care of is to adjust the brightness of your screen and consider changing your device’s background color from bright white to a cooler gray.

Blink More Often – When one keeps on staring the screen of the digital device for a longer time, there are fewer possibilities of blinking the eye, thus causing eyes to become dry and itchy. Therefore, as a rule, blink as often while staring at the screen of your digital device.

Increase Text Size – So that you can easily read the screen content easily without facing any hiccups or without causing any sort. These can be used for soothing eyes of staring on your eyes, it is recommended to increase the size of the text.

An annual visit to one of the best eye doctors is vital for the entire family, especially children. Be sure to tell your best ophthalmologist about the computer work that you do and the average time you spend on electronic devices.
These Symptoms Can Result In Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Posted on: Mar, 06 2018

Do you experience chronic pain in the shoulders and arms? If so, it’s possible that you might be suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition in which nerves, arteries, and veins within the shoulder cavity get compressed, thereby leading to a pain, numbness, and more.

Do you experience chronic pain in the shoulders and arms? If so, it’s possible that you might be suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition in which nerves, arteries, and veins within the shoulder cavity get compressed, thereby leading to a pain, numbness, and more.

With proper treatment, thoracic outlet syndrome can be treated, but because the condition can vary from patient to patient, accurately diagnosing the different types of TOS can be fairly difficult. At HealthCare800, our Maryland based thoracic surgery specialists are committed to providing patients with the best and most effective treatment options for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Thoracic outlet syndrome can be divided into three types: vascular, neurogenic, and arterial TOS.

Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Depending upon the condition the patient is suffering from, he/she could experience various symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and more. The most identifiable and common symptoms include:

WASTING OF THE THUMB – When a patient suffers from neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, they can experience wasting in the fleshy base of the thumb. Commonly known as Gilliatt-Sumner hand, this condition occurs when the muscles around the base of the thumb begin to atrophy. This atrophy is the result of blood flow being restricted to the hand due to compression within the thoracic outlet.

NUMBNESS OF THE HANDS & FINGERS – Likewise the Gillatt-Sumner hand, numbness can occur in patients suffering from TOS. Numbness is the result of the reduction in blood flow to the extremities. Although it is not as severe as Gillatt-Sumner hand, the numbness in the fingers can make your gripping power weak and uncomfortable. It can also result in fatigue in the hand and arm.

Often this numbness comes in the fourth and fifth finger of the hand and can be identified by a tingling, needle-like sensation in the fingers.

DISCOLORATION OF THE ARMS AND HANDS – When arteries and of the shoulder gets compressed, less blood reaches the arms and hands. Sometimes this can result in acute numbness in arms and fingers. Other times, the lack of blood flow can result in discolouration of the affected arm. It can also make your hand cold and pale. This poor circulation can also result in a weakened or even absent pulse in the arm.

SHOULDER AND NECK – Extremes of pains and aches in the shoulder and neck are some of the most common symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. The pain can be sharp and burning. Sometimes this pain can even extend down the shoulder to the arms and hands themselves.

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it’s time to seek an appointment with the thoracic specialist and get it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. The board certified experienced Maryland based thoracic surgery specialists are committed to the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of thoracic diseases. They adopt state-of-the-art surgical techniques and holistic therapies to treat their patients.

HealthCare800 is your one-stop search engine to find thoracic surgery doctors and look for other health services and health care providers near you.
Diabetes and Your Eye – How Your Vision is Connected

Posted on: Feb, 14 2018

Diabetes can result in serious vision problems, and it’s the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment among adults. High blood sugar can lead to problems like blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. A comprehensive examination can detect diabetes early and catch early signs of eye conditions.

Diabetes can result in serious vision problems, and it’s the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment among adults. High blood sugar can lead to problems like blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. A comprehensive examination can detect diabetes early and catch early signs of eye conditions.

Too much of glucose in the blood for a long time can cause damage in many parts of the body and this includes the small blood vessels in your eyes. Those with diabetes should undergo eye exams at least every year, even if there are no signs of vision problems. The best diabetes doctor in Maryland recommends all their patients to undergo eye examination once in a year.

Diabetes Can Result To These Eye Conditions

Cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are the most common eye problems that are associated with diabetes. Amongst these, the diabetic retinopathy is the most common and the most serious one.

Cataracts – The chances of developing cataracts increases by 60 percent in all those suffering from diabetes. This condition, the clouding of the lens of your eye, is mostly associated with the aging process, but if you have diabetes, you could develop cataracts at a younger age. The top diabetic doctor in Washington recommends wearing sunglasses often when you move out in the sun.

Glaucoma – The chances of developing cataracts increase by 40 percent in all those suffering from diabetes. Glaucoma is the result of pressure building up in the eye. If glaucoma is left untreated, it can result in the blindness or serious vision loss. There are different types of glaucoma, and it is another condition that can be detected with a comprehensive eye exam.

Diabetic Retinopathy – The term diabetic retinopathy refers to disorders of the retina caused by diabetes. It can also be caused when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in your retina. This condition has different type and different stages. Sometimes, the diabetic retinopathy can result in diabetic macular edema (DME). It’s the most common eye condition for people with diabetes. The longer you have diabetes, the more likely this condition will develop. From the studies, it has been found that “almost everyone” with type 1 diabetes, and “most people” with type 2 eventually develop diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms Make You Aware

With diabetic retinopathy, the early symptoms may go unnoticed. But if you suffer from any of the signs of eye problems given below, see your eye doctor right away:

Blurry vision

Cloudy vision

Double vision

Pain or pressure felt in one or both of your eyes

Dark Spots

Schedule Your Appointment With Diabetes Specialist

Talking with a primary source – your diabetes healthcare practitioner – can be the most helpful and impactful in terms of your path forward. When you know about diabetes and associated eye conditions and other knowledge about the diseases can make a difference in your overall health and the health of those around you.

HealthCare800 is one stop search engine for everyone to find best diabetes doctor in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. Top diabetes doctors know how to integrate diet and oral medication or insulin to achieve the best possible outcomes in order to help people with diabetes live long and in a healthy way.
These Could be the Possible Reason if You Often Feel Fullness in Your Ear

Posted on: Feb, 06 2018

Often people can be seen complaining “My ear feels full” with or without dizziness, while others could be seen complaining ringing or roaring noise in the ear. All such conditions are related to ear problems especially the middle part. This is an alarming call for you to consult an ear infection doctor usually referred to as ENT Specialist.

Often people can be seen complaining “My ear feels full” with or without dizziness, while others could be seen complaining ringing or roaring noise in the ear. All such conditions are related to ear problems especially the middle part. This is an alarming call for you to consult an ear infection doctor usually referred to as ENT Specialist.

This sensation in the ear is also termed as aural fullness. The leading cause is a condition known as cochlear hydrops which occurs when the fluid accumulates in the middle ear, thus increasing and creating an imbalance in the pressure. This pressure needs to be lowered or released by draining out the fluid. The early stage of this condition known as cochlear hydrops leads to Meniere’s disease.

Ear fullness can also be caused due to common cold, fever, a mild ear infection or due to ear wax. Regardless of the reasons behind ear fullness, a medical diagnosis by the best ear nose throat doctor in Maryland, Northern Virginia or Washington DC is essential to identify cochlear hydrops or any other ear-related problems. Hence, it is highly recommended to consult an ear infection doctor.

Underlying Causes of Aural Fullness Includes:

Ear Infection – Ear infection in the form of otitis media occurs in the middle ear. It is a type of fungal infection that causes discharge and pain. Antibiotics are used to treat this problem. Sometimes, it may be non-symptomatic and resolves on its own.

Endolymphatic Hydrops – It is caused by fluid imbalance. A fluid called endolymph in the middle ear is maintained at a constant volume and pressure. Loss of this fluid also causes ear fullness. If it is associated with dizziness referred as vertigo and tinnitus, commonly known as Meniere’s disease, it needs to be treated immediately to avoid permanent hearing loss. The secondary endolymphatic hydrops can be caused due to head injury or an impact of surgery.

Cholesteatoma – This condition occurs when the eardrum gets ruptured or the Eustachian tube does not function properly or due to repeated ear infections. This condition results in ear fullness that needs proper medical attention at the earliest to avoid worsening the situation.

If in case aural fullness is accompanied by fever, pain, dizziness, vertigo and imbalance, it is highly recommended to figure out the underlying cause of cochlear hydrops or any other ear problems. Consult the best ENT doctor in Northern Virginia, Maryland or Washington DC for the treatment or any other ear ailments. An ENT specialist will perform nasal endoscopy to diagnose the exact problem and start the treatment thereof. In nasal endoscopy, a thin tube is passed via the nose to examine the rear side of the nose and top of the throat to check if there is any fluid accumulation due to which blockage has occurred, therefore leading to ear fullness.

Hence, next time you feel fullness in your ears, it is advised to consult your ear infection doctor immediately. Early detection can save you from serious complications.
Bacne Is Annoying At Best – Get Rid Of It With These Simple Steps

Posted on: Jan, 15 2018

Bacne is annoying at best! Everyone has had it at some point or other, so you're not alone! Bacne is the acne (whiteheads, blackheads and cysts) which occurs on the back of your body. It can occur in both men and women, though it’s more common in men. One of the most common causes of back acne is sweaty clothes. It is the hair follicles in the back that traps sweat and bacteria thus causing the breakouts.

Bacne is annoying at best! Everyone has had it at some point or other, so you're not alone! Bacne is the acne (whiteheads, blackheads and cysts) which occurs on the back of your body. It can occur in both men and women, though it’s more common in men. One of the most common causes of back acne is sweaty clothes. It is the hair follicles in the back that traps sweat and bacteria thus causing the breakouts.

Some of the best skin doctors in Washington DC and in Northern VA always recommend removing that sweaty sports bra after the gym. You can consult one of the best dermatologists in your area to get rid of the rare problems of skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes. However, you can also get rid of bacne with these simple steps:

Exfolidate Regularly – Like the face, the upper torso and back have more oil-producing glands than any other area of the body. This clearly means they produce more of the skin’s natural oil, thereby increasing the chances of developing body acne in these areas. Therefore, exfoliating on a regular basis becomes vital since the skin cells on the back do not slough off as efficiently as it is required.

Wear Cotton Clothes – Any type of skin irritation can lead to outbreaks. It is always said to stay away from tight clothing so as to minimize friction, especially when sweating. Certain materials such as the cotton clothes absorb sweat from the skin thereby reducing irritation. Lighter colors and cotton are ideal, especially during workouts.

Try Cleansing Pads – Even when you have realized that your body is squeaky clean, do wipe the remaining dirt and oil out from the back of your body using cleansing pads. These pads are saturated with salicylic acid, so they fight breakouts while cleansing. Get a help from someone to rub these pads on your back!

Use An Acne Spray – Trying oral acne medication on your back can be tricky, but a simple spray can be the best suitable treatment to get rid of the acne. Because it is easy to spray all over the back instead of applying.

Shower After Workout – One of the leading causes of bacne is we are so busy working out in the gym that we end up working accumulating a lot of sweat. Breakouts on the back and body can be exacerbated by working out or sweating more. Whenever it is possible, shower right after exercising to remove sweat that may be irritating the skin and causing clogged pores on your back.

Don't Let Conditioner Sit on Your Back – Sometimes, washing our hair can also be the cause of bacne. When conditioner-coated hair sits directly on our backs, it seeps into the skin, thus leading to the pop up of back and body acne. Therefore, clip your hair up if you're going to let it sit in your hair for a bit. Even though you've rinsed, the freshly conditioned hair can irritate sensitive acne-prone skin.

Acne-fighting soaps and lotions can leave your skin more vulnerable to sunburn. If the conditions become worse, schedule an appointment with the best skin doctor in Washington DC or Northern VA to analyze the root cause prior starting with the treatment. Your doctor will provide you with a balanced blend of treatment for skin diseases.
Factors That Influence the Recovery Process from Any Infection

Posted on: Jan, 10 2018

Often we have seen patients complaining that they are still feeling weak inside even after proper treatment. They often ask their internal medicine doctor if they still have the infection? Or do they need strong antibiotics?Often we have seen patients complaining that they are still feeling weak inside even after proper treatment. They often ask their internal medicine doctor if they still have the infection? Or do they need strong antibiotics?

Often we have seen patients complaining that they are still feeling weak inside even after proper treatment. They often ask their internal medicine doctor if they still have the infection? Or do they need strong antibiotics?

When you start taking proper medication as prescribed by your internal medicine practitioner after having infection, you witness a notable increase in energy and overall well-being, within one or two days. However, in the subsequent days, the remaining recovery can be more protracted. It becomes very frustrating to get back to normal levels of strength, activity, appetite, etc.

So why is it that you continue to feel unwell for days even after proper treatment?

The simple answer is that it requires a lot of energy for the body to fight an infection. The more serious the infection, the more energy required to fight it. The antibiotics are given to kill bacteria, however, the body has to allocate extra resources to fight off the infection. The more serious an infection, the more prolonged is the course of the illness. Infections which occur due to bacteria are considered to be the worst when it comes to the speed of recovery. These infections are extremely draining.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE SPEED OF RECOVERY FROM AN INFECTION

AGE – People younger in age are generally stronger and better hence they are able to fight off infections in a much better way. Older persons, on the other hand, tend to have more medical problems. These things may have a negative effect overall on the immune system and the ability to make a full recovery.

DURATION OF INFECTION PRIOR TREATMENT – There are some people especially men who wait until the dire conditions occur before they seek medical attention. But till then it is too late. The infection until that time becomes so extensive that it takes much more time and energy to eradicate the infection completely from the body.

STRENGTH OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM – If you have a weak immune system, you will have less efficiency in fighting infections. To avoid the prolonged recovery time, your doctor tries to treat underlying medical conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, and poorly controlled diabetes through medications.

MORAL SUPPORT FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS – Patients who get great support from loved ones tend to get better in a quick time span. No doubt, there are other factors that play a vital role in diminishing this effect, however, when ill people have loved ones around cheering them on, they have a feeling that there is a reason to keep living.

POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE – The more positive attitude and approach the patient possesses, the better is the overall recovery from infections and disease in general.

The best way to treat your infection and recover quickly is to visit your internal medicine specialist. Your internal medicine doctor will try his level best to cure every disease. However, exceptions are always there! Sometimes people succumb to their infection no matter how hard they try. So, if you are suffering from any infection or can see any symptom, book an appointment with one of the best internal medicine doctors in Maryland or Fairfax VA at HealthCare800.

HealthCare800 is your online health search engine where you can find experienced and best internal medicine specialists, who with their innovative diagnosis and treatment options help you combat physical disorders.
Slipped Disc: Check out the Risk Factors Involved and Its Symptoms

Posted on: Jan, 02 2018

A Slipped Disc Hurts & It Hurts A Lot!

Adventure activities are fun-filled and exciting, but at the same time, they come with a high risk of muscle damage. For all those involved into weightlifting, rock climbing, or hiking through the mountains with a heavy backpack are more likely to develop slipped disc injuries. Even if you're not active, you can develop slipped disc due to various reasons—just living your everyday life.

A Slipped Disc Hurts & It Hurts A Lot!

Adventure activities are fun-filled and exciting, but at the same time, they come with a high risk of muscle damage. For all those involved into weightlifting, rock climbing, or hiking through the mountains with a heavy backpack are more likely to develop slipped disc injuries. Even if you're not active, you can develop slipped disc due to various reasons—just living your everyday life.

Pain management doctors/specialists in Maryland provide expert care for patients suffering with backache and slipped disc pain in extremities. Their main aim is to control the symptoms and prevent the effects of untreated pain. They can provide comprehensive evaluation and individualized scientifically proven therapies to slipped disc patients.

How slipped disc occurs?

Our spine has multiple vertebrae, all cushioned by rounded flat discs. When any of the disc gets damaged it results into slipped disc. This might be due to an accident, or it could be a result of normal living. One of the worst things about slipped disc is that when a herniated disc presses itself on a nerve, it can lead to swelling, numbness and unbearable pain.

Do you have a slipped disc?

Slipped disc also refers to torn disc, ruptured disc or collapsed disc. The problem of slipped disc has a tremendous effect on your body therefore, it is vital to make yourself fully aware of the condition and learn how to overcome the problems associated with a slipped disc.

Symptoms of slipped disc

Likewise, the symptoms of damaged disc vary from one patient to another, similarly the amount of pain you feel also varies. Some people have damaged discs and manage to feel no symptoms. Some general signs of disc rupture include:

Pain in the back

Pain in the legs

Pain becomes unbearable with passage of time

Pain gets worse while bending

Numbness in arms or legs

Coughing makes back pain worse

Are you at the risk of slipped disc?

Although slipped disc can happen to anyone and at any given moment of time, yet you might be at higher risk for following reasons:

Increasing age

Sedentary lifestyle

Sedentary lifestyle

Smoking cigarettes

Bad lifting techniques

Poor sitting posture

Suggestions for help in case of slipped disc

Always take breaks. One should avoid sitting for the longer span of time.

Get Moving. Regular workout regime helps in improving the strength of the entire body thus letting your back stay fit.

Keep the posture right while sitting, standing or walking.

Keep a look over your weight. Stay healthy, keep weight normal which further reduces the risk of slipped disc.

Get a good mattress. A good mattress can make all the difference for a slipped disc patient and help you get a good night’s rest.

If the pain still persists, it is highly recommended to see a professional and board certified pain management specialist/doctor in Maryland. Avoiding getting help can make the pain worse and unbearable thereby, leading to further dangerous consequences.
Why Winter is the Best Time for Plastic Surgery

Posted on: Dec, 29 2017

Thinking about undergoing plastic surgery, but not sure when is the best time to undergo cosmetic procedure? Some plastic surgeons say the best suitable time to go for your cosmetic surgery is the winter season. You may now want to book a consultation with a renowned plastic surgeon. HealthCare800 is your online health search engine where you can find best plastic surgeons in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia, who can provide you with a wide range of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery services. Before you book an appointment with your doctor, check out the following reasons why winter is the best time for plastic surgery

Thinking about undergoing plastic surgery, but not sure when is the best time to undergo cosmetic procedure? Some plastic surgeons say the best suitable time to go for your cosmetic surgery is the winter season. You may now want to book a consultation with a renowned plastic surgeon. HealthCare800 is your online health search engine where you can find best plastic surgeons in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia, who can provide you with a wide range of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery services. Before you book an appointment with your doctor, check out the following reasons why winter is the best time for plastic surgery:

Easy Patient Recovery – The cool temperature during the winter months plays a vital role in the recovery of the patient. When the weather is cold, people tend to wear loose fitted clothes that help in concealing swelling and bruising that usually occur after certain cosmetic procedures. The scarves and the winter hats effectively cover up the effects of facial procedures such as facelift or rhinoplasty. It is recommended to wear sweater in cases of breast augmentation or tummy tuck procedure. Patients should avoid strong, direct sunlight after their procedures.

It's Perfect Time To Stay Inside – During the winter months, inclement of weather is witnessed many times. It’s cold, rainy or snowy and this is the reason why few people spend a lot of time staying inside. So undergo cosmetic surgery during this time so that you can stay back at home watch movies, television seasons, eat good and healthy food and recover fully. You might miss social gatherings, but taking rest at home after you have undergone surgery will help you recover faster. Also, you will end up avoiding the hassle or cost of planning a vacation.

More Recovery Time With No Office Tensions – November and December months are full of holidays. This means you can plan your cosmetic surgery prior Thanksgiving, and you will fully recover by the New Year. However, you will miss your office works for a few weeks. You can save all your leaves for this time of the year and take off to undergo cosmetic surgery. So, if you choose winter months, you can recover quickly as you will not have to take office stress.

Another plus side of undergoing plastic surgery in the winter months is you get to avoid all the holiday crowds for that particular season. This is also the perfect way to enter the New Year with New You. With all of the blankets, good food, and laid back entertainment, the winter season is the perfect time of the year to undergo plastic surgery.

HealthCare800 connects you with best plastic surgery specialists in Washington DC and Maryland. All you have to do is search and book an appointment with your doctor, without the hassle of waiting in line for hours. So create your Cloud Medical Account with HealthCare800 and book your appointments instantly, from anywhere, anytime.
Put Off Heroin Addiction With Suboxone: Advantages & Disadvantages

Posted on: Nov, 24 2017

Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug which is extracted from poppy seeds and processed from morphine. It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder that is “cut” with sugars, starch, powdered milk, or quinine. Highly pure heroin (the white powder) can be snorted or smoked and may be more appealing to new users because it eliminates the stigma associated with injection drug use.

Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug which is extracted from poppy seeds and processed from morphine. It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder that is “cut” with sugars, starch, powdered milk, or quinine. Highly pure heroin (the white powder) can be snorted or smoked and may be more appealing to new users because it eliminates the stigma associated with injection drug use.

These drugs are used in getting relief from pain because they bind to opioid receptors in the brain thus increasing the capacity to tolerate pain. The drug also reduces the body’s reaction to pain along with the intensity of the pain. As soon as the heroin enters the brain, it gets converted into morphine and binds to same opioid receptors, producing a rush for the user. After few hours, this rush makes the person feel drowsy, slower heart rate, less breathing and mental imbalance.

To get rid of heroin addiction, there are available variety of treatments such as behavioral and pharmacological. But, the renowned physicians in the United States rely highly on suboxone treatment for drug addicts. You can look for and book appointments with them by visiting the official website of HealthCare800. It is a one-stop search engine for everyone to find doctors, healthcare providers, health services and healthcare commerce anywhere in Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.

WHAT IS SUBOXONE, & WHY IS IT USED?

Suboxone is a medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone and the three together in the form of dosage is used for treating opioid dependence. As per the data released by World Health Organization, an estimated 15 million people worldwide suffer from opioid dependence. Suboxone treatment for drug addicts has proved highly beneficial to cure this problem in millions of patients.

Buprenorphine is regarded as “partial opioid agonist,” which means it produces milder effects than what is produced by opioid. It fills the brain's opioids receptors without causing the same risk as full opioids. One of the biggest advantages of using opioids is that it cannot produce a full opioid effect, thus making it more difficult to treat.

Another ingredient that forms part of Suboxone is naloxone – another opioid antagonist. Unlike methadone, suboxone can be prescribed in a doctor's clinic. Suboxone has been shown to be an effective treatment option who may not have till date accessed any treatment options. Overall, the benefits of Suboxone are: it lowers potential for abuse, greater accessibility, and it has prove effective in treatment of opiate dependence.

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF USING SUBOXONE

Suboxone is a proved resource for those looking for effective treatment to recover from opiate addiction. Like all other medications, suboxone also has its own disadvantages. Aside from possible side effects, it is also a type of drug that people take for a long time to maintain recovery. Being a partial opioid agonist, in long time span it allows some opioid dependence in users. As a result, when users try to get off it, they taper their dosage under medical supervision. Suboxone does not “cure” addiction. But be assured there are less possibilities that it will produce the same addictive behavior likewise other opioid agonists. Although addiction can be a danger with this medication, yet it has low-risk danger.

If your relationship with the present drug treatment is not yielding good and positive results, its OK to change your physician who specialize in suboxone treatment for drug addicts. The skilled doctors meet with patients to evaluate their health and substance problem. They identify issues and create personalized treatment plan to ensure addicted individuals stop compulsive drug seeking and use.
Looking for an Ob-Gyn Doctor? Every Pregnant Woman Should Consider These Things

Posted on: Nov, 07 2017

The best obgyn doctors practice two medical specialties — obstetrics and gynecology. These two specialties deal with the female reproductive organs both in their pregnant and non-pregnant states. The best way to find best ob gyn doctors in Washington DC is to get a referral from a family member or friend or visit the official website of HealthCare800. It is a one-stop search engine for everyone to find health care doctors, providers, health services and healthcare commerce anywhere in Washington DC and Northern Virginia.

Across the world, during and after the pregnancy phase, women experience substantial changes in health status. Seeing a good doctor is critical to a successful pregnancy. The best obgyn doctors practice two medical specialties — obstetrics and gynecology. These two specialties deal with the female reproductive organs both in their pregnant and non-pregnant states. The best way to find best ob gyn doctors in Washington DC is to get a referral from a family member or friend or visit the official website of HealthCare800. It is a one-stop search engine for everyone to find health care doctors, providers, health services and healthcare commerce anywhere in Washington DC and Northern Virginia.

Here's what you should keep in mind when you are looking for your own life ob gyn doctor:

QUALITIES YOU WANT TO SEE – It is very much important to decide on the qualities that are most important to you in an ob-gyn such as her credentials, the hospital or birthing center she attends, her point of view on pain relief, or her rate of cesarean deliveries. Along with the same, think about the delivery you want and the special circumstances that apply to your pregnancy. If you have a condition that would make your pregnancy high-risk such as diabetes, it's recommended to see a reputable ob-gyn.

GET RECOMMENDATIONS – Talk to others who have given birth recently or your regular gyno or general practitioner. Most importantly, ask them why are they recommending the services of the specific doctor. Once you have the list of names, do background research on the doctors to be certain they're board-certified ob-gyns.

ONLINE REVIEWS FROM OTHER PATIENTS – There's no better time to put your Internet-sleuthing skills to the test than when you're looking for the best ob gyn doctors in Washington DC, Northern Virginia or anywhere else. With your trusty list in hand, visit each doctor's website and go through their credentials, the roster of services, and testimonials. The reviews on other websites will give you a sense of what each doctor is like in person. The reviews are written by patients who have consulted the obgyn or taken up the services.

SCHEDULE INTRODUCTORY VISIT – This is where the real work begins. Schedule an introductory visit with your top picks and ask three to four questions pertaining to your needs. When you will meet the potential doctor in person, you will be better able to judge whether entrusting your pregnancy with this doctor will be a bliss or not. If you find the doctor's personality, tone, or belief system don't match your own, no problem, just move on.

Like with any relationship, when things don't seem to go on smoothly. It's OK to change your doctor also while you're pregnant. There are some best ob gyn doctors in Washington DC and Northern Virginia who are well-known for their quality of service. They make the expecting mothers feel comfortable, and most importantly, listen to you and look out the best possible solutions during and after your pregnancy.
Tips For Helping Your Kids To Avoid Backpack Injuries

Posted on: Sep, 05 2017

Our orthopedic specialist in Fairfax, VA offers some advice to reduce the back and shoulder pain that as many as half of all school children experience each year.

Children carry heavy load of backpack on their shoulders during school year. However, most parents and children are unaware of the potential injury caused by too-heavy packs.

While backpacks are considered the most efficient way to carry books and other items kids need for school, it's important they weigh less than 15 percent of a child's body weight. Children can experience back pain and soreness for carrying heavy bags. These problems can lead to more chronic problems that may require medical treatment.

Our orthopedic specialist in Fairfax, VA offers some advice to reduce the back and shoulder pain that as many as half of all school children experience each year.

PACK ONLY WHAT IS REALLY NEEDED – Though this step requires few practice and reminders, and this becomes especially important once your child reaches middle school. Keep a check that your child daily carries the books and other items as prescribed in the timetable. Students have multiple textbooks and will be expected to tote them to and from class on a daily basis.

LIMIT THE WEIGHT TO 15% OF BODY WEIGHT – Some kids decide to carry their entire curriculum books in the backpack. A child weighing 100 pounds should carry no more than 15 pounds. When you consider that the average book weighs 3-5 pounds, by the time your child has a few books, notebooks, and a water bottle, they’ve likely exceeded the safe zone. This is the reason why many schools maintain a daily timetable to reduce the number of books being carried to school each day.

DISTRIBUTE THE WEIGHT EVENLY – Encourage your child to wear both straps of the backpack across the shoulders as it will minimize stress on the spine and back muscles. If ever it happens that the weight of the backpack exceeds the 15% rule, it is advisable to remove few books from the backpack and carry those in your hands to help more evenly distribute the weight.

SELECT THE PROPER BACKPACK – You can enhance comfort and safety by purchasing a backpack that has multiple compartments so that the weight gets evenly distributed. Padded straps can also help prevent straps from cutting into shoulders. Newer backpacks with wheels are also an option, provided that the handle extends long enough to allow children to stand upright while pulling it. And at the same time, they should also be sturdy enough so that they do not topple over.

LIFT PROPERLY & MINIMIZE BACK INJURIES – Whenever you are picking up the backpack and you know that it has ample of weight, make sure to bend at the knees and then lift it onto your shoulders.

Pain and injuries caused by backpack can be avoided. Always encourage your child to pay attention to these issues and take care of them. The backpack is a school supply item that has an important role in your child’s physical health. If you need advice on backpack-related problems or looking for back injury treatment for your child, you can schedule appointment with one of the renowned orthopedic specialists in Fairfax, VA or your local area at HealthCare800.com. An orthopedic specialist is dedicated to the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic diseases, disorders and injuries. They treat children to help minimize back injury or strain so that they can stay focused on learning.
Why Is It Necessary To Get Your Eyes Tested Annually?

Posted on: Sep, 01 2017

Regardless of the physical health and age, an annual comprehensive eye examination is a must for all. It helps in detecting eye problems if any at their early stages. If detected at an early stage, they can be treated in the most effective way.

During the comprehensive eye exam, a skilled and professional ophthalmologist not only determines your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but also checks your eye for common eye diseases.

Regardless of the physical health and age, an annual comprehensive eye examination is a must for all. It helps in detecting eye problems if any at their early stages. If detected at an early stage, they can be treated in the most effective way.

During the comprehensive eye exam, a skilled and professional ophthalmologist not only determines your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but also checks your eye for common eye diseases.

WHO SHOULD GET THEIR EYES TESTED?

An eye examination is the most important of all the health examinations for everyone. Adults should get their eyes tested to know if there are any early signs of eye disease and to keep their prescriptions current. While the children should get their eyes tested to know if they are OK and will help them in normal development and learning.

It is a known fact that the vision is closely linked with to the learning process. Children who face trouble in seeing or interpreting what they see often land in trouble in their schools. Many times children do not complain of vision problems simply because they don't know the difference between the “normal vision” and the “blurred vision”. If your child performs poorly at school or exhibits a reading or learning problem, be sure to schedule an eye examination to rule out an underlying visual cause.

WHAT ALL PROBLEMS AN EYE DOCTOR CHECKS?

Ophthalmologists not only evaluate whether you have nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, they also check your eye for eye disease if any. They also look for any other problem that might be responsible for vision loss in the near future. Here are some examples of the conditions that your eye doctor will be looking for:

Amblyopia: This is a situation when the eyes are misaligned or when one eye has a much different prescription than the other. In such a situation, the brain “shuts off” the image from the turned or blurry eye. If left untreated, amblyopia can stunt the visual development of the affected eye. This further results in permanent vision impairment. Amblyopia is often treated by patching the stronger eye for periods of time.

Strabismus: This is a situation when the person either has crossed or turned eyes. The doctor looks for your eyes' alignment to be sure that they are working together. Strabismus causes problems with depth perception and is often responsible for causing amblyopia.

Eye Diseases: Many eye disease such as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease shows no symptoms in the early stages. Your eye doctor will check your eyes in and out to detect if there are any signs of early problems. In most cases, early detection and treatment of eye diseases can help reduce your risk for permanent vision loss.

Other Diseases: Your eye doctor can detect early signs of some systemic conditions and diseases by looking at your eye's blood vessels, retina and so forth. They may be able to tell you if you are developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other problems.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VISION SCREENING AND COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAM?

Vision screenings are general eye tests that help in identifying people who are at risk for vision problems. These brief vision tests are performed by a school nurse, paediatrician or volunteers. A comprehensive eye examination is performed by an eye doctor and will involve careful testing of all aspects of your vision. Remember, only an eye doctor can provide a comprehensive eye exam.

No matter who you are, an annual eye exam is done by professional ophthalmologists in Washington DC or your local area is must if you wish to see clearly and preserve your vision for life.
Plastic Surgery Is No Longer Just For Women

Posted on: Aug, 08 2017

If you or any guy you know is considering a cosmetic procedure, start with the facts. It is highly recommended to visit a renowned specialist. The very first step is to look for plastic surgery specialists in Maryland or your local area. Schedule a consultation appointment to find out which technique is best suited for your individual needs and long-term desires. Decide your personalized treatment plan to achieve both short-term and long-term goals.

Randomly, when one thinks of cosmetic surgery, they often picture a middle-class woman, visiting her local plastic surgeon. However, plastic surgery is not only meant for women. In fact, the newest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) show that male cosmetic procedures are steadily on the rise. With each passing day, men are become increasingly aware of the benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by the plastic surgery specialists in Maryland. This is because the techniques adopted are quick and require little downtime.

THE RECENT STATISTICS OF MALE PLASTIC SURGERY

As per the new statistics released by American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), there has been a significant increase in the male cosmetic surgery. Since 2000, male cosmetic surgery has shot up by 28%. These numbers are expected to grow in the upcoming years. As plastic surgery is becoming more efficient and affordable, it can now offer something to men of all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

WHAT EXACTLY MEN LOOKS FOR

There are many reasons behind the fact why men are taking more interest in their appearance. With the shift in culture, men no longer want to look rugged and weathered. Instead, a man’s softer and smoother skin is an added advantage. Additionally, the challenging job market gives men reason to consider an elective procedure, ensuring to be in strict competition with their colleagues. Men are looking for plastic surgery options to gain confidence when reentering the dating market. Whatever, the reason may be, many guys find it easier to admit they would like to improve what they see their reflection in the mirror.

Although men are fast becoming a common sight of the plastic surgery waiting room, however, this does not mean they are there for the same reason as their female counterparts. Men look for specific techniques to address their issues, usually starting with their physique. Liposuction is one of the most popular surgical procedure, putting an end to ‘love handles’ or the beer belly. Liposuction of the neck with or without radio frequency treatment is becoming increasingly popular and can help avoid having to undergo a face/neck lift with scars around the ears. Along with liposuction, male breast reduction is also gaining popularity. In male breast reduction, gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts) are eliminated to create a sculpted, masculine chest.

Non-invasive procedures are also gaining popularity amongst men and women. Injectable, like Botox, soft tissue filler and Kybella are some of the known non-invasive procedures. This is because they have the excellent ability to erase wrinkles, restore lost facial volume and improve the ‘double chin’ without a lengthy recovery. Non-surgical techniques require downtime and can even be completed during a lunch break, giving men the chance for self-improvement. The five most common cosmetic procedures are rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, breast reduction, liposuction, and facelift.

HOW MEN CAN GO AHEAD

If you or any guy you know is considering a cosmetic procedure, start with the facts. It is highly recommended to visit a renowned specialist. The very first step is to look for plastic surgery specialists in Maryland or your local area. Schedule a consultation appointment to find out which technique is best suited for your individual needs and long-term desires. Decide your personalized treatment plan to achieve both short-term and long-term goals.
Summer Sun Can Damage Your Eyes: Prevention Tips

Posted on: Aug, 04 2017

The best ophthalmologist in Fairfax, Virginia not only tests your vision but also looks for possible signs of sun damage, and thereafter, suggests you the best remedy to cure it. If it's time for your next examination, or if you have any concerns about your eye health, visit Healthcare 800 – a one stop search engine to look for the best eye specialists in your nearby location and fix appointment thereof.

Sunscreen no doubt protects your skin from the damaging rays of the sun, but did you know that your eyes can also suffer from sun damage? Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause a variety of eye problems, ranging from "sunburn" of the cornea to cancer. Ophthalmologists in Fairfax, Virginia provide tips on how to prevent this damage:

WHAT TYPES OF LIGHT CAUSE DAMAGE?

Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation. Unlike visible light, it can't be seen because it has a shorter wavelength. Types of UV light include:

UVC Rays – UVC rays are very damaging to the eyes and skin. Fortunately, the ozone layer prevents most of them from reaching the earth.

UVB Rays – The ozone layer blocks some UVB rays, but a significant amount still breaks through, resulting in sunburns and suntans and thus leading to the formation of cataracts.

UVA Rays – These rays particularly cause damage to your eyes though they are not quite as strong as UVB or UVC rays. These rays can damage the macula, the part of your retina responsible for central vision.

Visible Blue Lights – The bulk of your exposure to blue light comes from the sun, but it's also found in digital screens, including computer monitors, smartphones, flat screen televisions, and LED and fluorescent lights. Exposure to blue light can increase your risk of developing macular degeneration.

WHAT DISEASES CAN BE CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO UV LIGHT?

PHOTOKERATITIS – Photokeratitis is responsible for eye “sunburn.” If you are exposed to a significant amount of UV light, be it for few hours only and do not protect your eyes, you may experience red eyes, tearing, sensitivity to light and a feeling that something is stuck in your eyes. Photokeratitis usually goes away on its own.

CATARACTS – Prolonged sun exposure can result from your risk of cataracts. When you have a cataract, the clear lens in the center of your eye becomes cloudy, impairing your vision.

MACULAR DEGENERATION – Exposure to the sun plays the vital role in the development of macular degeneration. It is a condition that occurs when the cells in the center of your retina begin to deteriorate, affecting your ability to read, drive and recognize people.

CANCER – Melanoma and basal cell and squamous cell cancers can develop on your eyelids and most often occur on the lower eyelids. Possible symptoms of eyelid cancer include eyelash loss, bleeding bumps, new spots on the eyelids that grow or have irregular borders, and chronic inflammation of the eyelids that doesn't get better when you use medication.

CONJUNCTIVAL GROWTH – Sun exposure can also cause benign growths to form on the conjunctiva, the white part of your eye. The problem is more likely to occur if you live in an area that is very sunny year-round.

WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM THE SUN

Try to schedule outdoor activities either in the early hours of the day or late afternoon/early evening hours. This is because it is the time when the sun's rays are not quite as intense.

Every time you step outdoor, wear your sunglasses. Look for glasses that block 100 percent of UV rays. Wraparound sunglasses provide the best protection.

Block blue light by buying sunglasses with copper or bronze-colored lenses. But at the same time make sure that these glasses protect you from UV Rays.

Wear sunglasses even if your contacts block UV light. Although the protection is very helpful, your lenses don't protect your entire eye.

Never take your sunglasses off in shady locations. Your UV exposure decreases in the shade, but you still receive some exposure from reflected light from sand, road surfaces or buildings.

During your early eye tests, the best ophthalmologist in Fairfax, Virginia not only tests your vision but also looks for possible signs of sun damage, and thereafter, suggests you the best remedy to cure it. If it's time for your next examination, or if you have any concerns about your eye health, visit Healthcare 800 – a one stop search engine to look for the best eye specialists in your nearby location and fix appointment thereof.
How To Protect Your Skin From The Scorching Heat Of Summer

Posted on: Jul, 20 2017

The best skin doctor in Washington D.C. and their team are ever ready to help the clients on what’s best to skip this summer to protect your glowing skin.

Often you might have heard the horrifying tale of women who applied essential oils before hitting the tanning beds and ended up with severe chemical burns. Even after months either the skin was in the process of healing from those burns or has not yet started with the healing. These horrifying skin stories may make you question how really do you keep your skin safe especially in the summer months? The best skin doctor in Washington D.C. and their team are ever ready to help the clients on what’s best to skip this summer to protect your glowing skin.

KEEP YOURSELF AWAY FROM THE TANNING BEDS – It might seem to be a tricky task. Whether you are trying to get a “base tan” to start the summer or want a beautiful glow before going on vacation, it is highly advisable to skip the tanning beds. Tanning beds are more dangerous than you think. From the studies it has been revealed that tanning beds emit 15 times more UV radiation than sun exposure, thereby increasing your chances of getting tanned up to an incredible level of 50%. If you are experiencing the same or have been diagnosed, its high time to get in touch with a renowned dermatologist who can look help you get back your glowing skin.

SIMPLY DONT IGNORE THE SUNSCREEN LOTION – This rule is applicable to everyone and anyone. Even if you have never got a sunburn or you have a darker skin, then too sunscreen does more than only preventing you from becoming a lobster on the hottest of days. It protects you from the harmful ultraviolet rays that damage your skin and cause sun spots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Tossing the sunscreen out this summer thus increases the risk of above-mentioned skin problems and also makes your skin age faster. Instead, lather up to ensure that your skin is happy and healthy this summer. Years from now your skin will thank you by continuing to look youthful.

FOLLOW THE RITUAL “SAFE SUN” THIS SUMMER – The team of skin doctors in Washington DC always encourage their clients to practice “safe sun” ritual. With “safe sun” they mean wear hats, sun-protective clothing, apply sunscreen and take wise decisions before exposing yourself to sun. Protection and covering yourself from top to bottom might seem to be a hassle in the initial days, but it is no different than brushing your teeth or wearing a seatbelt. It is protecting your skin and ensuring that it will be healthy in the years to come. If you already have sun damage, there are ways to eliminate sun spots, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and brown spots. There are number of treatments available for sun damage including chemical peels, laser treatments, and micro needling.

The main aim of the dermatologists is to make sure that all of their patients take care of their skin every time and especially during the summers in the best possible way. The best skin doctor in Washington DC ensures that the client protects their skin against sun damage and Melanoma. If you already have sun damage, you can search and schedule an initial consultation from the array of doctors available at Healthcare 800 – one stop search engine to address your health issues. Be ready to receive worth satisfying skin care evaluation and discuss the various treatment options for sun damage.