(630) 553-9596Patient Education
Welcome to the Patient Education Library of A Beautiful You Weight Management & Medical Spa
We invite you to explore our comprehensive list of resources and educational materials designed to help educate you about your cosmetic or weight loss treatment. Choose a topic below to learn more.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition or treatment, please feel free to contact A Beautiful You Weight Management & Medical Spa in Yorkville, IL, at (630) 553-9596. To request an appointment, use our secure online appointment request form.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, or the medical advice of your doctor. This information should not be relied upon to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment.
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Acupuncture - Chiropractic Treatment
Acupuncture is an ancient treatment art that originated in China over 5000 years ago. Today’s professional acupuncture methods are grounded in science and used as treatments for a wide variety of conditions. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles ... Read More
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Aging Skin
Wrinkles, crows feet, age spots...call them what you like, but if you are bothered by their presence, they are considered unwanted signs of aging. Everyone’s skin is genetically programmed to change as part of the natural aging process. Sun exposure ... Read More
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Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder. People with eating disorders have problems with their eating behavior, thoughts, and emotions. They have a distorted body image and attempt to control their weight by controlling their food intake. People ... Read More
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Aquatic Therapy
Orthopaedic conditions, medical conditions, and neurological disorders may reduce your ability to bear weight on your legs, tolerate the impact exercise on land, or move against the forces of gravity. Aquatic therapy is a rehabilitation option that allows people to ... Read More
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Arthritis
Arthritis is a common disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, immobility, and swelling. Arthritis is actually a term for a group of over 100 diseases that affect the muscle and skeletal system, particularly the joints. Arthritis alters the cartilage in ... Read More
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Balanced Diet and Nutrition
The food that you eat can directly affect your health. As Americans are facing higher rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, it is more important than ever to make sure that you and your family are eating a ... Read More
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Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are an alternative treatment option for hormone imbalance. Hormone imbalances are common, especially during midlife transition. Hormones occur naturally in the body and regulate a variety of functions. Traditional synthetic hormone replacement (HRT) has been associated with unwanted ... Read More
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Bone Mineral Density Testing
Bone Mineral Density Testing (BMD) is an evaluation used to help diagnose osteoporosis, a progressive disease that causes bone loss, and increases bone fracture risk. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a type of bone density testing. BMD testing is generally recommended ... Read More
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BOTOX for Pain Management
BOTOX® is useful for more than smoothing out wrinkles. In fact, it is indicated for treating painful muscle spasms and contractions in the neck (cervical dystonia), tension headaches, migraine headaches, back pain, and myofascial pain. BOTOX injections are used to ... Read More
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BOTOX® Cosmetics
Botox Cosmetic is used by both men and women for vanishing frown lines without surgery or downtime. Botox is an injected prescription medication that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines). Approximately ... Read More
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Bulimia
Bulimia is a type of eating disorder. People with eating disorders have problems with their eating behavior, thoughts, and emotions. They have a distorted body image and attempt to control their weight by controlling their food intake. People with bulimia ... Read More
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Captique™ - Facial Rejuvenation
Captique™ is a skin filler treatment used to rapidly add volume beneath the surface of the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Captique treatments are quick and safe. You can receive Captique during your lunch hour. ... Read More
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Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are named so because they occur in predictable patterns, often as regular as clockwork. They are one of the most painful types of headaches. Fortunately, treatments and medication can help reduce symptoms and the number of headache episodes. ... Read More
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Collagen Injections
Collagen injections are nonsurgical cosmetic procedures used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen injections are most frequently used to treat frown lines, crow’s feet, laugh lines, and smile lines. It is also used to add fullness or ... Read More
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Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a scope to view the inside lining of the entire colon. A scope is a long thin tube with a light and a viewing instrument that sends images to a monitor. The scope ... Read More
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Compulsive Overeating
Compulsive overeating is a disorder of eating behaviors. People who compulsively overeat will continuously eat throughout the day or experience repeated episodes of consuming very large amounts of food. They are most frequently overweight and males. Compulsive overeating can lead ... Read More
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Constipation
Constipation refers to a change and decrease in bowel movements. Constipation can be very uncomfortable but is rarely linked to a serious medical condition. It can cause hard stools that are difficult and painful to pass. A poor diet, poor ... Read More
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Cosmetic Laser Treatment for Spots, Freckles, & Lesions
Cosmetic laser surgery treatments are non-surgical methods of removing or improving the appearance of freckles, liver spots, and pigmented lesions. A laser wand device is used to deliver small precise amounts of light energy. The light is delivered in brief ... Read More
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Cosmetic Laser Treatments
Cosmetic laser treatments are non-surgical methods that improve the appearance of skin. A medical laser is a device that delivers a small but precise amount of light energy. The light is delivered in a series of brief pulses where only targeted ... Read More
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Depression
Depression is a real medical condition that is treatable. Depression is not a “normal part” of every day life. Common symptoms of depression include feeling sad, irritable, tired, and uninterested in activities that used to be enjoyable. Everyone feels this ... Read More
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Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a very common condition for people of all ages. A viral infection, such as the stomach flu, or a bacterial infection most frequently causes diarrhea. Less commonly, diarrhea is associated with an underlying medical condition. Symptoms include the ... Read More
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Epidural Injections - Low Back (Lumbar)
Epidural injections are a non-surgical treatment option for low back (lumbar) pain and pain radiating into the legs. The procedure involves delivering pain relieving medications directly to or near the source of the pain in the spine during a short ... Read More
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Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. It is normal for men to have trouble maintaining an erection from time to time. However, if it occurs more than 25% of the time, it may be time ... Read More
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Exercise Therapy - Chiropractic Treatment
Exercise therapy is a part of chiropractic care that focuses on helping the body function at a higher level of efficiency. Exercise is important for helping all body systems function optimally while preventing injury and deterioration. Exercise therapy may help ... Read More
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Exercise Therapy - Pain Management
Exercise therapy focuses on helping the body function at a higher level of efficiency. Exercise is important for helping all body systems function optimally while preventing injury, pain, and deterioration. Exercise therapy may help improve flexibility, strength, endurance, and posture. ... Read More
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Facial Peels
Facial peels, also called Chemical Peels, are nonsurgical cosmetic treatments used to improve the appearance of facial skin (skin resurfacing). Aging, sun exposure, acne, mild scarring, wrinkles, and discoloration can cause facial skin to appear old, rough, leathery, and unattractive. ... Read More
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Gallbladder Disease/Gallstones
Gallbladder disease is caused by conditions that slow or block the flow of bile from the gallbladder. Bile is a fluid that breaks down fat during the digestive process. Inflammation or gallstones can block the bile flow. Gallstones are solid ... Read More
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Gas and Bloating
Gas symptoms occur daily as part of your normal digestive process. Belching, burping, and passing gas (flatulence) eliminates gas from your digestive tract. Excess gas can cause discomfort, pain, and bloating. Gas symptoms are produced by swallowed air and the breakdown ... Read More
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Gastric Banding
Obesity is a growing nationwide epidemic. Obesity is associated with serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Doctors may recommend the gastric banding weight loss surgery for people that are very obese and have not lost ... Read More
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Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is most frequently caused by viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Usually, treatment is aimed at preventing dehydration. Certain bacterial causes are ... Read More
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GERD (Reflux)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive condition. It is also called Peptic Esophagitis and Reflux Esophagitis. GERD results when stomach contents and stomach acids enter the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that transfers food from your throat to ... Read More
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Gout
Gout is a disorder that can cause sudden joint pain. It occurs most commonly in the big toe, although it may affect other joints. The buildup of uric acid, a substance found naturally in the body and in certain foods, ... Read More
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Hair Loss
Hair loss, also referred to as alopecia or balding, is a very common condition. Balding is very common in men, although both men and women tend to lose hair thickness as they age. In most cases, hair loss is inherited ... Read More
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Headaches - Chiropractic Treatment
Headaches are a very common condition. Headaches can cause pain in the head, face, and neck. There are several different types and causes of headaches. Traditionally, medication has been used to treat headaches. Recent studies indicate that long-term chiropractic treatment ... Read More
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Heart Attack - Myocardial Infarction (MI)
A heart attack is a life-threatening emergency condition. Heart attack, medically termed myocardial infarction (MI), is the leading cause of death for men and women. A heart attack occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygenated blood and ... Read More
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Heart Disease
Heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, is a common problem in the United States. It occurs when the heart and blood vessels do not function properly. The most common cause is narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood ... Read More
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Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm, the muscle inside of the chest wall. A hiatal hernia may cause no symptoms. However, symptoms can occur from the back up of stomach acids, air, or ... Read More
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High Blood Pressure - Hypertension (HTN)
High blood pressure, or hypertension (HTN), is a common condition in the United States. High blood pressure is termed a “silent killer” because it usually does not have symptoms but can cause significant cardiovascular and organ damage. The only way to know ... Read More
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High Cholesterol - Dyslipidemia
High cholesterol occurs when there is too much or an unhealthy balance of cholesterol in the blood. Your body needs some cholesterol for healthy functioning but too much is dangerous to your health. High cholesterol has no symptoms. The only ... Read More
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Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that most often occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. Thyroid hormones regulate your body metabolism. Metabolism refers to all of ... Read More
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Indigestion
Indigestion is a common condition and affects people of all ages. Indigestion can occur for many reasons. Cigarette smoking and the consumption of certain foods, medications, and alcohol can contribute to indigestion. Indigestion can be a symptom of stress. Some ... Read More
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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Laser Vein Removal
With increasing age, the majority of women and large numbers of men experience unsightly varicose and spider veins in their legs. These vascular lesions may appear for many reasons including increasing age, heredity, hormone changes, and obesity. In the past, ... Read More
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Iriderm Laser - Skin Rejuvenation
Age spots, red capillaries, freckles, rosacea, moles, and sun damage all are common skin conditions that can make the skin look older. Finally, there is a safe and effective way to minimize the appearance of these bothersome skin conditions—the Iriderm ... Read More
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. It is also referred to as nervous indigestion, spastic colon, and functional bowel disease. IBS is defined by the symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation for a prolonged ... Read More
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Juvederm® - Facial Rejuvenation
Wrinkles and loss of skin volume are a natural part of aging. Factors such as heredity, sun exposure, and lifestyle can accelerate the process. Fortunately, Juvederm® is a nonsurgical treatment to plump fine to deep wrinkles, creating a fuller more ... Read More
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Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that is used to help people with significant obesity lose weight. The surgery reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes the small intestine. As a result, people feel full sooner and eat ... Read More
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Low Back Pain
The vertebrae in your lower back are larger than in any other part of your spine. Vertebrae are the series of bones that align to form your spine. The spinal section in your lower back is called the lumbar spine. ... Read More
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Lower GI Series /Barium Enema
A Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Series or Barium Enema test provides a series of X-ray images of the large intestine. A barium enema can be used to screen for colon cancer and bowel diseases. Prior to taking X-rays, barium, a chalky ... Read More
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Massage Therapy
Good circulation is an important element of whole body health. Massage therapy can help stimulate and improve circulation to remove the collections of waste products in lymph that cause discomfort. It can help to relieve pain and stiffness and improve ... Read More
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MediDerm® Laser - Facial Rejuvenation
MediDerm® laser is a skin rejuvenation system that reduces wrinkles and skin imperfections. It gives skin a smoother and younger look. The laser delivers a controlled light wavelength that is appropriate for you. It creates a customized peel treatment efficiently. ... Read More
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Menopause
Menopause is a normal and natural part of a woman’s aging process. Menopause, commonly called “the change of life”, occurs around the age of 50. During this time, hormones change and menstruation (“getting periods”) stops. Common symptoms include hot flashes, ... Read More
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Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is an alternative medicine technique intended to improve the appearance of cellulite or localized collections of fat. Aging and weight gain can cause cellulite/fat deposits in the thighs, buttocks, arms, and abdomen. Mesotherapy involves injecting physician-created formulas into affected ... Read More
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Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe the combined effects of several conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The conditions include high blood pressure, resistance to insulin, abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and obesity ... Read More
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Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure used to improve the appearance of facial skin. Very superficial skin conditions, such as fine wrinkles, dull skin, age spots, and acne, may be minimized with microdermabrasion. The procedure uses the gentle abrasive action ... Read More
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Migraine Headache
Migraine headache pain can be severe and accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to odors, light and sound. If untreated, migraine symptoms can be so severe that people need to lie down for a few hours or days. Although there ... Read More
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Neck Pain
The neck is a very vulnerable part of the spine. It is susceptible to injury. Muscle, ligament, nerve, and spine injuries are common causes of neck pain. Poor posture and “wear and tear” can also cause neck pain. Degenerative diseases, ... Read More
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Obesity & Sleep: Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS)
People with significant obesity are at risk for developing obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). OHS results when the body does not receive enough oxygen and does not eliminate enough carbon dioxide while breathing during sleep. OHS can cause extreme daytime sleepiness ... Read More
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Occupational Therapy: An Overview
An injury, disease, or traumatic event may change the way your body functions and the way that you perceive your environment. A single problem or combination of conditions may change the way that you think, act, feel, see, or move ... Read More
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Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. It causes progressive bone loss and increases the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men, and the incidence increases with age. Bone loss from osteoporosis can lead to fractures ... Read More
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Pain Management - An Overview
Pain management for orthopedic conditions consists of a variety of treatments aimed at reducing pain. There are many types and causes of orthopedic pain. Orthopedic pain is commonly caused by injury and aging. Back pain may result from irritated or ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Weight Management
Weighing too much or too little can be a problem. In the United States, weighing too much is the more common situation. It can be unhealthy to be underweight or overweight. Of growing concern, many Americans are becoming obese, which ... Read More
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Perlane® - Facial Rejuvenation
Perlane® is a revolutionary new injectable skin filler that is especially formulated to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and skin folds. Perlane contains larger gel particles than other skin fillers (ie. Restylane®), allowing it to give more volume and ... Read More
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Photodynamic Therapy - Facial Rejuvenation
Photodynamic therapy is a revolutionary process to improve the appearance of acne and poorly textured skin. It is used to treat a variety of skin conditions including wrinkles, large pores, actinic keratosis, sun damage, pigments, and rough looking skin. The ... Read More
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Photofacial Rejuvenation
Photofacial rejuvenation is a state-of-the-art skin treatment that is used to erase damage on the skin’s surface creating a younger and healthier looking skin. It is effective in treating a variety of skin imperfections including fine wrinkles, freckles, age spots, noncancerous lesions, ... Read More
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Physical Therapy: An Overview
An injury, illness, chemotherapy, bed rest, inactivity, or disease may change the amount of control that you have over moving your body. Alterations in your health status may result in poor endurance, decreased muscle movement, paralysis, and loss of balance, ... Read More
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Physical Therapy: An Overview
An injury, illness, chemotherapy, bed rest, inactivity, or disease may change the amount of control that you have over moving your body. Alterations in your health status may result in poor endurance, decreased muscle movement, paralysis, and loss of balance, ... Read More
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Preparing for Surgery
Surgery can be an overwhelming experience. It is important to go into your surgery feeling secure and confident. This guide will help you to understand what to expect. Understand the procedure Talk to your doctor. Learn what to expect before, during ... Read More
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Progressive Strengthening
Progressive strengthening exercises are used in rehabilitation to increase muscle strength, tone, size, and function. Progressive strengthening is also referred to as “progressive resistance,” “exercise progression,” and the “overload principle.” Injury, disease, and neurological disorders, such as stroke or traumatic ... Read More
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Progressive Strengthening Exercises
Progressive strengthening exercises are used in rehabilitation to increase muscle strength, tone, size, and function. Progressive strengthening is also referred to as “progressive resistance,” “exercise progression,” and the “overload principle.” Injury, disease, and neurological disorders, such as stroke or traumatic ... Read More
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Radiesse® - Facial Rejuvenation
Radiesse® is a skin filler treatment used to rapidly correct facial lines and wrinkles, particularly nasolabial folds, lines that run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Radiesse® works below the skin’s surface to create ... Read More
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Restylane® - Facial Rejuvenation
Restylane® is a skin filler that is used to rejuvenate and enhance the appearance of aging facial skin. Restylane restores natural volume to your skin—correcting fine lines, creating fuller lips, and enhancing the shape of your cheeks or chin or ... Read More
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Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins & Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for small varicose or spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves the tiny injections of a medication into affected veins. The solution used causes the veins to shrink and eventually dissolve. Sclerotherapy may improve the appearance of veins and ... Read More
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SilkPeel™ Dermalinfusion™ - Facial Rejuvenation
SilkPeel™ Dermalinfusion™ is the only skin rejuvenation procedure that provides both non-invasive exfoliation and the delivery of skin-specific topical solutions. SilkPeel Dermalinfusion leaves your skin fresher feeling and better looking. Unlike other skin treatments, it does not use crystals or ... Read More
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Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common and under-diagnosed sleep disorder. It causes repeated episodes of stopped breathing (apneic episodes) and startling or gasping for air during sleep. People with sleep apnea frequently do not realize that they have it. The consequences ... Read More
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Stroke - CVA
A stroke or a “brain attack” is an emergency medical condition. It occurs when the blood supply to the brain is stopped or reduced for a period of time. Your brain controls the life sustaining functions of your body. It ... Read More
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Symptoms of Heart Disease, Heart Attack, and Stroke
Heart Disease Heart disease is termed “a silent threat” because many people do not experience symptoms until a heart attack or stroke occurs. Cardiovascular symptoms that require immediate emergency medical attention include chest pain, shortness of breath, pain or numbness in ... Read More
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Tension Headache
Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache, meaning that they are not caused by an underlying medical disorder. Most people will experience a tension headache in their lifetime. They occur most frequently between the ages of 20 ... Read More
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The Digestive System/How it works
Whenever you eat and drink, food travels through your digestive system for processing. Your body absorbs nutrients and removes waste products via your digestive system. As water is absorbed from your digestive system, the waste products become more solid and ... Read More
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The Heart: How it Works
The Heart: How it Works The heart is the core of the cardiovascular system. Your cardiovascular system consists of your heart and the blood vessels that carry blood throughout your body. Your heart is located to the left of the middle ... Read More
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Upper GI Endoscopy
An Upper Gastrointestinal Intestinal (GI) Endoscopy is a procedure that uses an endoscope to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. This test is also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or a gastroscopy. An ... Read More
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Upper GI Series/ Barium Swallow
An Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series or Barium Swallow provides a set of X-rays showing the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Before the X-rays are taken, barium, a chalky substance, is swallowed. The barium provides an image of the upper gastrointestinal ... Read More
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Virtual Colonoscopy
A virtual colonoscopy is a procedure that uses medical imaging and computers to create a three-dimensional picture of the colon and rectum. The test is most frequently used to diagnose pre-cancerous polyps and colorectal cancer. It is a relatively quick ... Read More
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Weight Management
Weighing too much or too little can be a problem. In the United States, weighing too much is the more common situation. It can be unhealthy to be underweight or overweight. Of growing concern, many Americans are becoming obese, which ... Read More
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Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the head moves suddenly from severe impact, such as during a car crash. Whiplash can cause neck pain, upper back pain, shoulder pain, tight muscles, and burning or tingling sensations in your neck or upper back. Most ... Read More
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Whiplash - Chiropractic Treatment
Neck and upper back pain may occur immediately or in a somewhat delayed fashion after an auto crash. If you have neck pain, upper back pain, shoulder pain, tight muscles, and burning or tingling sensations in your neck or upper ... Read More
Copyright © - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.
