The healthcare industry is booming in Washington. The state is home to some of the best hospitals and most cutting-edge research institutions in the country. It’s no wonder that so many people are moving here for jobs in this field! Here are ten reasons why:

The Healthcare Industry Employs More Than 15 Percent of the Workforce in Washington

Washington is known as the healthcare capital of the world. The state was an early leader in establishing a robust public health system, and today Washington’s healthcare industry employs more than 15 percent of its workforce. Over 1 million people are employed in healthcare in Washington, which means that it makes up one-sixth of all jobs statewide!

This title isn’t just for show, it’s also about money. Healthcare is a major source of employment because it generates huge amounts of tax revenue for Washington State. In 2018 alone, this industry generated 59 billion dollars in gross revenues alone — not including expenses like salaries or benefits.

For example, the average non-emergency medical transportation Washington state driver salary is $18.53 per hour. Non-emergency medical transportation drivers earn, on average, $17 per hour. The top 10% of drivers earn more than $24 per hour and the bottom 10% of drivers earn less than $13 per hour.

Healthcare Employment Is Expected to Grow Twice as Fast as All Other Jobs Over the Next Decade

The healthcare industry is one of the largest employers in Washington, with more than 500,000 jobs. The state also has a large concentration of medical and biotechnology companies, including big names like Amgen, Boeing, and Microsoft.

In fact, according to Healthcare Dive’s annual ranking of states with the most jobs per capita in healthcare — which was published on April 10 — Washington came in at number one for 2019! It was followed by Massachusetts at number two and New Jersey at number three.

Washington Has Over One-Third of the Country’s Best Hospitals

Washington has more hospitals per capita than any other state. There are more hospital beds per capita in Washington than anywhere else in the country. This abundance makes it easy for patients to find a great medical facility that treats them well and offers excellent outcomes.

A few specific examples of top-notch healthcare facilities can give you an idea of why so many people choose to travel here:

• Since 1990, Seattle Children’s Hospital has been ranked among America’s best children’s hospitals by U.S News & World Report every year. The hospital was also recognized as one of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals from 1993 to the present day.
• Virginia Mason Medical Center was named one of America’s Best Hospitals by U.S News & World Report every year since 2008.

Washington Companies Are Research Leaders in the Medical Device Industry

Washington is home to several major medical device companies, including:

• Zoll Medical Corp. is a maker of portable defibrillators and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
• Boston Scientific Corp. makes cardiovascular stents and other devices for treating certain heart conditions.
• Colgate-Palmolive Co., manufactures toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, and other oral hygiene products.

Washington’s leadership in the medical device manufacturing industry has been recognized by multiple publications including Forbes.

The State Is Home to Several Major Pharmaceutical Companies, Including Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb

Washington is home to several major pharmaceutical companies. The largest and most well-known is Pfizer, which is headquartered in New York City but has facilities in the state. Pfizer was originally founded as a Seattle company by Charles Pfizer in 1849, so you could say that Washington has always been associated with healthcare and drug development.

Bristol Myers Squibb is another major pharmaceutical company based out of Washington. They are one of the largest global biopharmaceutical companies based on market capitalization and have become world leaders in research and development for cancer treatment drugs.

The State Is Home to Nearly 100 Biotechnology Companies

Washington is a major player in the biotechnology industry, with over 100 companies headquartered there. These biotech companies generate nearly $10 billion each year, employ tens of thousands of people, and are responsible for inventing new medical devices and technologies that help improve patient care.

This industry has grown significantly in recent years: In 2013 alone, Washington’s biotechnology sector grew by 4%, adding more than 2,000 jobs to an existing workforce that already numbers around 55,000 people.

Biotechnology Companies Employ More Than 40,000 People in Washington

Biotechnology companies employ more than 40,000 people in Washington, making it a leading state in this industry. Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing industries in Washington and has been for some time. This is partly because many biotechnology companies choose to locate their headquarters and research centers in Washington over other states.

When compared with other industries, biotechnology companies have been shown to have better chances of surviving through economic downturns. This is because they tend to be able to cut costs when needed without sacrificing research or development efforts. When we look at this data together with the fact that there are more biotechnology companies located here than in almost any other state (more than twice as many), it becomes clear why so many people come here to find their place in their careers.

Nearly 50 Percent of All National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grant Recipients

The NIH is the National Institute of Health, a federal agency that funds research and studies to improve our understanding of the human body. The NIH has more than 20,000 employees and an annual budget of $37 billion.

With so many talented researchers at universities across Washington, it’s no wonder that Washington is leading in healthcare innovation.

NIH Funding for the State Grew by Nearly 15 Percent Between 2000 and 2010

The NIH is the biggest source of federal money for research, and Washington has had a high concentration of NIH grant recipients for a long time.

The proportion of NIH grants awarded to Washingtonians has grown from 26 percent in 2000 to 35 percent in 2010. In other words, as the state’s research funding grew by 15 percent between 2000 and 2010 (the latest year with available data), so did its share of NIH awards.

This means that there are plenty of opportunities to work on new drug discoveries or improve existing treatments at local companies. And that it will continue to be an attractive place for researchers looking for jobs or grants in these fields.

Washington Receives the Highest Concentration of Funding per NIH Grant Recipient in the Country

It’s no surprise that Washington is a leader in NIH funding. As the state with the highest concentration of grant recipients, it receives more than twice as much funding per recipient as any other state. This means that local researchers can apply for grants at a higher rate and get funded more frequently than their counterparts in other states.

The Washington State University School of Medicine (WSU SOM) is an important contributor to this high concentration of NIH grant recipients, which makes it an essential part of our healthcare system here in Washington

There Are Many Reasons Why Healthcare Is Booming

As you may already know, healthcare is booming in Washington. The state has been working to increase access to healthcare and improve the quality of care for all Washingtonians. They need lots of people who are trained to deliver care, manage budgets and provide leadership. There are many opportunities for growth in this field!

If you want to be a part of the movement toward better health outcomes for all Washingtonians, then NEMT might be right up your alley! You’ll get training that will prepare you for positions as a:

• Nurse practitioner (NP) or physician assistant (PA)
• Clinical lab scientist or phlebotomist
• Medical coder/biller

We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at some of the reasons healthcare is booming in Washington. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this industry, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.

It can be a real bummer if you go to a doctor to get your thyroid tested, but you do not understand what is going on or what your test means. If you are in a somewhat similar situation and waiting to know about thyroid testing, you have landed in the right place. Keep on reading to learn more.

What is meant by thyroid function tests?

Before getting to know all about the test, it is important to understand what the thyroid is. It is a little gland that can be found in the front lower area of your neck. It is in charge of assisting in the regulation of a variety of physiological functions, including mood swings, energy production, and body metabolism. Two vital hormones of your thyroid gland are – 

• triiodothyronine (T3)
• thyroxine (T4)

To determine how adequately the thyroid is functioning in your body, a number of blood inspections known as thyroid function tests are performed like

• T3
• T3RU
• T4
• TSH 

You can lose weight, feel highly anxious, tremble, and feel high and clumsy if the thyroid gland in your body generates too many hormones than required. 

Similarly, you may suffer signs including sudden gain in weight, fatigue, and sadness if the thyroid gland in your body is not producing sufficient amounts of these hormones. Medically, this condition is known as Hypothyroidism.

Getting ready for the thyroid function test

To get ready for your scheduled thyroid function tests, there is nothing particular your doctor expects you to do. 

You might need to refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before the test if a medical expert has requested that additional blood tests will be conducted simultaneously too. Every particular pedagogy you need to discern will be made clear to you. 

Contrarily, there would not be any different instructions you are required to attend before the scheduled test.

Taking your blood for the test

Discuss any prescriptions you are consuming with your physician before having blood drawn to assess the thyroid levels in your body. If you are pregnant, let your doctor know about this too. Your test findings can be impacted by certain pills and pregnancy.

When the sharp needle pierces your skin, you can experience a painful prick. Blood will be drawn from test tubes by the medical expert and sent to a laboratory for evaluation. 

The medical expert will remove the needle and apply pressure to the hole until the blood ceases to come out of the skin once they have collected the necessary proportion of your blood to examine your thyroid level. After that, the nurse will cover the scar with a tiny bandage. 

You ought to be competent to resume your regular day-to-day activities right away.

Side effects 

There are not many adverse effects associated with a blood draw because it is a standard, minimally invasive process. 

You can experience some bruising or pain at the location where the syringe was put in the days just after the blood sample. Your distress can be reduced by applying an ice pack to the afflicted area or by consuming an over-the-counter painkiller. 

Make sure you inform your physician right away if you feel excruciating discomfort or if the region around the hole turns red or inflamed. These could signal an infection.

After the test

Your physician may request additional tests depending on your test result.

Your consultant would probably recommend a prescription to control your thyroid if the scan findings are regular. To ensure the medicine is functioning, they will do more thyroid testing. These examinations will look for: 

• issues with the thyroid gland’s structure 
• thyroid gland activity
• any potential troublesome tumors 

If aberrant results are found during a physical examination of the region of your neck, your consultant may additionally recommend an ultrasound. 

The social work industry has become increasingly competitive in recent years. However, the industry is dynamic and lucrative, with many exciting opportunities for professional development. Exploring career options in this field can lead to rewarding work that helps people overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. If you’re interested in this line of work and want to know how to get the right job, then this article is for you. We’ll be taking an in-depth look at some of the best job options available in 2022 in the Social Work Industry.

Social Work Case Manager

A social work case manager is a professional who specializes in helping people deal with personal, family, or group problems. Social workers provide social services to individuals and families, including children and adolescents. They also allow clients access to community resources.

They coordinate services for clients to help them achieve their goals. It includes providing counseling and arranging medical care if needed. They may also assist with crises such as domestic violence or child abuse. Ultimately, they aim to help clients find long-term solutions to their problems. The best way to do so is through collaborative efforts between the client and their case manager.

On the other hand, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the year 2021, the median pay of these managers was $74,000 per year. Therefore, occupation-wise growth is pretty good as it is estimated to grow at 15 % by 2030.

Public Health Social Worker

A public health social worker is a professional who works in the field of public health and focuses on improving a community’s overall health and well-being. It’s important to note that this job title is not interchangeable with other roles commonly referred to as “social work.”

Public health social workers help individuals, families, and communities access healthcare programs or benefits. They can be found working at hospitals, clinics, or schools, performing different tasks such as:

• Assisting clients in accessing services through Medicaid or Medicare.
• Navigating insurance coverage options for children whose parents may not qualify for Medicaid assistance.
• Advocating for patients during hospital stays by ensuring they get proper treatment from doctors and nurses.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are the highest level of licensure in the field of social work, and they’re required to work in a clinical setting. To become an LCSW, you must earn your master’s degree in social work from an accredited school. The next step is to take and pass a state-specific exam that tests your knowledge and skills in working with individuals or families with mental illnesses and disorders. When given this exam, you can apply for your LCSW license through your state’s department of licensing board for health professions.

Once licensed as an LCSW, many people choose to specialize in a particular area, for example,

• Family Counseling
• Child welfare services
• Mental health counseling

Mental Health Social Workers

Mental health social workers work with individuals, families, and groups to help them cope with mental illness, substance abuse, and other issues. What’s alarming is that in America, one in five adults is found to have mental illness yearly. Approximately 50% of all chronic mental illnesses start by 14 years of age and around 75% by 24, states the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

These professionals may provide counseling, crisis intervention, and other services. A bachelor’s degree in social work is the minimum educational requirement for this position. However, some employers may prefer a master’s degree or higher.

Mental health and substance abuse social workers typically need a license issued by their state. Licensure requirements vary by state. However, most states require at least two years of supervised experience working with clients on mental health issues or substance-related disorders. They are done under the supervision of an approved licensed professional before they can qualify for licensure through examination.

Probation Officer

Probation officers are professionals who work with offenders in the community, supervising their behavior and helping them to reintegrate into society. In addition, they work with offenders to help them stay out of trouble and avoid further contact with the criminal justice system.

Probation officers are responsible for supervising individuals on probation or parole who have been convicted of crimes and those deemed suitable for alternative sentencing measures. These could be house arrest or electronic monitoring devices due to mental health problems or physical disabilities. It makes it difficult for them to report regularly at designated police stations or jails.

Healthcare Social Work

Healthcare social work is a job that helps patients navigate the healthcare system, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured. It also allows patients access to the healthcare system by helping them understand their insurance options and get coverage. Furthermore, healthcare social workers help patients understand their healthcare costs through advocacy strategies like negotiating bills with doctors’ offices. Also, it helps provide advice on maximizing benefits received from insurance companies.

The demand for this work has grown significantly over recent years due to more people gaining access to health insurance coverage through Medicaid expansion programs and other government subsidies. Healthcare social workers can work in hospitals, community clinics, schools, and private practice settings such as nursing homes or home healthcare agencies.

School or Academic Social work

School or academic social work is the practice of helping students who are struggling academically, emotionally, and behaviorally. School social workers can help students by working with teachers and parents to improve their performance in school. They also work with students with disabilities or behavioral issues that make it difficult to function in a classroom environment.

School social workers may assist victims of bullying or other traumatic events during their childhoods, such as domestic violence. These episodes could lead to lasting problems with mental health later in life if not addressed properly. School social workers are trained to identify potential warning signs for these issues when they’re still just coming into focus and then take action before it’s too late.

There Are Several Career Options Within Social Work

Social work is a broad field, encompassing many different types of jobs. As a result, there are several career options within social work that you can choose from depending on your interests and goals.

Social workers help people by listening to their problems and providing them with information and support. For example, social workers may work in hospitals or schools and discuss their issues with patients or students. They also may work with organizations such as family service agencies, mental health clinics, homeless shelters, or halfway houses. They help people directly through counseling or case management services such as housing assistance. These social workers often advocate for legislation that supports vulnerable populations.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a term for a wide range of liver conditions that affect people who use little to no alcohol. As the name suggests, the liver stores excess fats that can’t be burned or used in the metabolic body functioning.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a more specific fatty liver disease that may progress to liver scarring and inflammation in the long term.

This article will cover the basics of NASH and NAFLD and how they can be diagnosed and treated. Follow along to learn more about the most common liver issues.

Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

You might wonder what is NASH. Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis is an advanced fatty liver disease caused by the build-up of fats. The common symptoms of this condition include; fatigue, bleeding and bruising easily, pain in the upper right abdomen, itchy skin, jaundice, nausea and vomiting, slurred speech, and drowsiness.

NASH may lead to liver cirrhosis, causing symptoms such as: confusion, spider-like blood vessels on the skin, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and more. 

Causes and risk factors of NASH include obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, poor diet, PCOS, sleep apnea, or hypothyroidism.

Diagnosis of NASH

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis can be diagnosed with various blood tests and imaging tools. The blood tests include liver function tests and enzyme tests. While the imaging tools like ultrasound, CT scan, or magnetic resonance imaging help diagnose liver issues.

If the healthcare professional suspects NASH, the patient will undergo a common method for determining the cause, a biopsy. The physician will remove tissue from the liver through a needle and send it to pathology for further examination.

The Fatty Liver Program uses special diagnostic methods to determine the scarring and percentage of fat present in the liver. It’s a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can replace the liver biopsy method.

There are liver stiffness tests that measure the level of fibrosis in the liver. Such tests include MRE – magnetic resonance elastography and a Fibroscan liver test.

Treatment of NASH

Physicians recommend lifestyle modifications in treating NASH. Attending weight loss programs or improving the diet can help treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis symptoms and improve liver inflammation and fibrosis.

Physical activity is also important, and doctors advise patients to gradually lose weight since malnutrition and sudden weight loss can progress and worsen the disease.

Regarding the medical aspect, no medicine has been approved so far in treating NASH. However, researchers have studied particular medicines for further use and implementation.

The main complications of NASH are late-stage scarring and fibrosis, followed by inflammation and cirrhosis. If the condition is not treated, it will lead to liver cancer, end-stage liver failure, and hepatic encephalopathy. Doctors treat cirrhosis with minor medical procedures and medicines.

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the term for the buildup of fats in the liver. It’s seen in obese and overweight people. End-stage NAFLD doesn’t display any serious symptoms, however, it can lead to severe liver damage if left untreated.

If the person has a high concentration of liver fats, they have an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney failure. 

This liver disease develops in four stages. The first one is called steatosis – or a simple fatty liver that can be diagnosed when another testing is performed. The second stage is NASH which is a more serious complication of NAFLD since the liver is inflamed. Fibrosis is the third stage that results in scar tissue, and the fourth one is cirrhosis.

People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or those who struggle with PCOS are at increased risk of NAFLD.

Diagnosis of NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is diagnosed via liver function tests, an ultrasound scan, or a biopsy. Liver function tests are blood tests that detect abnormal results and rule out conditions like hepatitis.

The ultrasound scan is a type of test that creates an image of the body’s insights in the abdomen. If your final diagnosis is NAFLD, you might need further testing to determine the stage. Even more, you might need to do a fibroscan which is a special type of blood test.

Some patients might need a biopsy to rule out any malignancy or a more serious condition. The physician takes out a small liver tissue sample and sends it to a lab for further analysis.

Treatment of NAFLD

The majority of people with NAFLD will not develop serious issues. While there’s no specific medicine for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, specific lifestyle modifications can help in reducing the inflammation and stopping the condition from getting worse. Additionally, more invasive treatments like a liver transplant can aid in treating NAFLD.

Consult a Professional

If left untreated, NASH/NAFLD can lead to more serious health issues. Consult a professional and take care of your health!

Chronic back pain affects a large portion of the adult population. In fact, an estimated 16 million adults undergo persistent or chronic back pain that limits their day-to-day activities. 

For most patients, chronic back pain is effectively managed with non-surgical treatment methods. However, in more severe cases, surgery is required to give the patient lasting pain relief. 

Spinal decompression is one of the most common surgical procedures used to resolve chronic pain. In this article, we’ll explain the ins and outs of this procedure, as well as the conditions that it’s used to treat. 

The Low-Down on Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression surgery is a procedure used to alleviate lower back pain caused by spinal cord or spinal nerve compression. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the tissue that’s compressing the spinal cord or nerves. This relieves pain and neurological symptoms while allowing the inflamed nerve tissue to heal. 

There are a few different procedures that fall under the category of spinal decompression surgery. These procedures include:

• Laminectomy and laminotomy

Laminectomy and laminotomy are surgical procedures that involve the lamina. The lamina is a piece of bone that, as part of each vertebra, creates the “roof” of the spinal canal. By removing some or all of the lamina, your surgeon can make more space in the spinal canal for relief from nerve impingement. 

During a laminectomy, the surgeon takes out most of the lamina. During a laminotomy, the surgeon creates a hole in the lamina to remove only a small portion of the bone.   

• Foraminotomy

Intervertebral foramen are the openings between vertebrae that create space for spinal nerves to travel throughout the spine. During a foraminotomy, the surgeon enlarges the foramen, which makes more space around the spinal nerve roots as they exit the spinal canal. This procedure can alleviate symptoms of foraminal narrowing in the sine. 

• Discectomy

Damaged intervertebral discs can compress nearby nerves, leading to persistent back pain and discomfort. During a discectomy, the surgeon removes some or all of a damaged intervertebral disc to resolve symptoms of nerve compression. 

What Are The Steps of Spinal Decompression?

The steps of spinal decompression can differ depending on the exact procedure. However, the procedure generally involves the following steps:

1. Prepare and administer anesthesia

The first step of spinal decompression is to administer anesthesia and prepare the patient. You’ll be under anesthesia (and therefore, asleep) for the entire procedure. 

2. Create the incision

With the incision site cleaned and fully prepped, your surgeon will make an incision. The traditional location for the incision is on the patient’s back, above the spine. However, to reduce blood loss, surgeons are now utilizing other approaches (with an incision on the front or side of the body) when possible. 

3. Access the spine

After the incision has been made, your surgeon will move organs, blood vessels, and other tissues out of the way as needed to access the spine. 

4. Decompress the spinal nerves

With access to the spine established, your surgeon can alleviate spinal nerve compression by removing the necessary bony or soft tissues. 

5. Perform fusion (if needed)

If fusion is being performed, your surgeon will place bone graft material between the targeted vertebrae. The segment may be reinforced with rods, screws, and/or cages.  

6. Close the incision

To complete the procedure, your surgeon will place any tissues that were moved aside back into their proper positions and close the incision with sutures. 

Which Conditions Does Spinal Decompression Surgery Cure?

Spinal decompression surgery may be used to cure a broad range of spinal conditions and disorders, including:

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a common condition that occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrower, usually due to age-related degeneration. With less space in the spinal canal, it’s more likely for the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves to become compressed. 

Degenerative Disc Disease and Herniated Disc

Degenerative disc disease is used to describe back pain caused by age-related wear and tear on an intervertebral disc. A herniated disc can result from degenerative disc disease and occurs when the soft disc interior protrudes from a crack in the tough disc exterior. 

An injured intervertebral disc can press on nearby nerves, leading to back pain along with neurological symptoms like weakness, numbness, and tingling in the extremities.  

Spinal Fracture

A fractured vertebra can cause spinal nerve impingement. Spinal decompression surgery may be used in patients with spinal fractures to resolve persistent pain and neurological symptoms. 

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition that results from spinal instability. With this condition, one vertebra slips out of place and rests on the bone directly below it. This may cause nerve compression and require spinal decompression. 

Spinal Decompression and Spinal Fusion

Since spinal decompression surgery involves removing certain bony and soft tissues in the spine, it can contribute to spinal instability. Any instability in the spine poses the risk of further injury and pain for patients with back problems. To offset this risk, spine surgeons typically perform spinal fusion at the same time as spinal decompression. 

Spinal fusion prevents instability by fusing two or more vertebrae into one bone. Unfortunately, this process eliminates all motion at the fused segment. 

Is Spinal Fusion Always Necessary During Spinal Decompression?

The restricted mobility and risk of adjacent segment degeneration associated with spinal fusion have led to an investigation into alternative options. With innovations in the medical field, patients now have access to treatments that stabilize the spine after spinal decompression without the need for fusion. 

The Premia Spine TOPS System is one such alternative. It’s a mechanical implant device that takes the place of tissues removed during spinal decompression. It allows movement in all directions while protecting the spine by creating a controlled range of motion. 

Non-fusion spine implants paired with spinal decompression can offer relief from debilitating back pain and neurological symptoms without limiting patients’ movement. If you’re a candidate for spinal decompression surgery, consider speaking to your surgeon about the complete variety of treatment options available. 

Many people are looking for ways to improve their health and beauty, but they’re unsure where to start. One option is a medical spa, which offers a wide range of procedures that can help you look and feel your best. Of course, we all want to look and feel our best. But with so many products and treatments out there, it’s hard to know what will work and what’s just hype. Medical spa treatments are one of the most popular trends in the beauty industry today. These high-tech treatments can help you achieve your skin goals faster. Here, we will discuss whether medical spas are worth the hype and are good for the skin.

Medical Spas Are Popping Up Everywhere

It’s hard to believe that a medical spa would be worth the hype and good for the skin. After all, have you ever heard anyone say, “I’m going to the dermatologist for my next facial”? But it turns out that more people are going to medical spas for treatments like laser hair removal and Botox injections. They’re popping up everywhere from Los Angeles to New York City, and many even offer membership plans so you can save money on treatments over time.

According to a report, the cosmetics market in the US was valued at around $14.8 billion in 2021. This data provides a picture of sensitivity towards the skin and looks. Skincare has become a necessary part of our daily routines because we don’t want wrinkles or blemishes when we look in the mirror every morning.

Medical spas provide a range of cosmetic procedures similar to those offered by dermatologists but without the stigma associated with them. If you’re considering getting a procedure done at such an establishment, ensure that the medical spa has a valid license by state health departments.

Not All Medical Spas are Created Equal

If you’re going to pay for a medical spa treatment, it’s necessary to ensure the person giving the treatment has received proper training and possesses a valid license. Not all medical spas are created equal; some have doctors on site; some don’t. The best way to check is by asking if your practitioner has a valid medical license.

The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar global business. And therefore, professional medical spas are popping up everywhere.

If you’re wondering why medical spas are so famous, it’s because they offer a variety of treatments that can help your skin. The medical spa uses products that contain active ingredients to treat or prevent certain skin conditions. These products are considered medications by the FDA, requiring doctor supervision.

Popular Medical Spa Treatments That Actually Work

• Chemical Peels: In this procedure, a chemical solution is put on the skin to remove layers on the top. The skin gets smoother after the procedure. You may undergo the procedure more than once to get the desired results.
• Fraxel: Fraxel laser treatments are designed to improve the appearance of your skin by targeting fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. The awesome thing about this treatment is that it’s non-invasive, which means there’s no downtime. If you are in Las Vegas, looks for spas that provide fraxel in Las Vegas to get you back to your busy life as soon as the treatment is done.
• Microdermabrasion: This procedure uses a unique applicator that helps to restore overall skin texture and tone. It can improve the facade of sun damage, age spots, acne scarring, wrinkles, melasma, fine lines, and other skin conditions.
• CoolSculpting: Also known as cryolipolysis, is a medical procedure certified safe by FDA. The treatment freezes excessive fat cells under the skin that do not pacifies by dieting or traditional exercises.
• Microneedling: Microneedling treats skin issues by stimulating the production of collagen. As clear from the name itself, the procedure involves tiny needles to puncture the skin for treatment.
• Facial: It is a beauty treatment designed to energize and exfoliate facial skin. In this procedure, deep cleansing solutions are applied to the skin that helps remove impurities from the area.
• Laser Hair Removal: A concentrated beam of light is used in this procedure to remove the unwanted hairs on the body. Laser light treatment helps delay hair growth in the future. It is becoming more and more popular along the time. The procedure not being too costly is also one of the reasons for its becoming famous. An individual treatment session may cost between $100-$800, which is quite affordable for looking more beautiful.

Check to See if the Medical Spa has a Doctor on Site

When you are considering medical spa treatments, it’s essential to make sure that there is a doctor on site. A doctor should be able to answer questions, provide guidance about the procedure, and prescribe it if necessary. If the procedure requires anesthetization and follow-up care, it can only be provided by a physician.

Most medical spas have nurses and aestheticians who are licensed to administer treatments. However, it’s better to look for someone with a professional degree and training at the helm of your treatment. If there isn’t a physician available, ask them where they send their clients when they need medical attention during or after their sessions.

A medical spa, where physicians visit periodically for consultations or procedures, can also serve your purpose. A doctor having access to your medical history and any previous treatment recommendations from other physicians is valuable. For example, if you have undergone a laser hair removal treatment and facing some skin issues after the session. The doctor can go through your history and start treatment accordingly.

Ensure That Your Treatment Gets Reported to Your Dermatologist

As with any medical procedure, it’s necessary to ensure that your treatment gets reported to your dermatologist.

Some medical spas are not transparent about their treatments and may not be accredited by the American Association of Medical Spas (AAMS). This organization requires strict guidelines for health departments, training, and supplies to provide treatments. It also requires each spa to have a board-certified doctor who oversees all treatments, including aesthetic procedures.

Reporting to your dermatologist is an excellent way to crosscheck your treatment at a medical spa and ensure it’s safe for your skin type.

Some Treatments Require Multiple Visits and Can be Expensive

Some medical spa treatments are more expensive than others. If you’re looking for a treatment with a quick turnaround time, you may want to go elsewhere. In addition, some of these treatments require multiple visits and can be costly. For example, if you want to get a full-face peel, it will take at least three sessions if all goes well during those sessions.

However, if you want a less invasive alternative that still gives your skin a youthful glow, there are plenty of other options available at medical spas.

Conclusion

The medical spa trend is taking off. It’s an affordable way to get treatments that can make a big difference in your skin. However, there are some crucial things to consider before you sign up for one of these treatments. First, ensure that the facility has a licensed doctor on staff who can supervise all procedures performed at their facility. It’s also essential that they follow up with your dermatologist so that any reports of side effects or complications are documented properly. Some of these simple but effective steps followed regularly can go a long way toward improving your complexion.

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is among the top reasons most people don’t qualify as contact lens candidates. Medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), this condition occurs when the eyes don’t make enough tears. 

Dry eye syndrome is a common problem that affects millions of people past the age of 50. But there are other risk factors, including allergic eye disease, vitamin A deficiency and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of dry eyes are also common among otherwise healthy contact lens wearers. This condition is known as contact lens-induced dry eyes and makes contact wearing extremely uncomfortable. 

It’s often said that contact lenses and dry eyes don’t go hand in hand. Sure, it’s challenging to wear contact lenses with dry eyes. But there are lots of ways of mitigating this problem. In this post, we’ll go in-depth on contact lens-induced dry eyes and what you can do about it. 

How Contact Lenses Cause Dry Eyes 

Contact lenses cause dry eyes because of where they are worn- directly on top of the cornea. The cornea is the only part of the body without blood vessels. And that’s important to ensure that the front part of the eye is transparent enough to let the light shine through. But that also means the cornea gets oxygen directly from the atmosphere through the tear film. 

Because contact lenses sit on top of the tear film, they effectively cut the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes. FDA-approved contact lenses are designed to allow oxygen to pass through. But even then, contact lenses are a barrier to adequate oxygen transportation and will cause or exacerbate symptoms of dry eyes, especially when worn for a long period. 

The other way contact lenses cause dry eyes comes down to their construction material. Most traditional contact lenses are made of hydrogel because it’s breathable. Unfortunately, this material is not easily wettable. This causes instability in the tear film, making for an uncomfortably dry contact lens wearing experience. 

That said, it’s important to acknowledge that silicone-based hydrogel contact lenses have undergone tremendous improvements recently to boost their wettability. If you wore contact lenses five-to-ten years ago but had to pull out due to contact lens-induced dry eyes, the market probably has much better models than what you may have used then. 

Symptoms of Contact Lens-Induced Dry Eyes 

• Stinging or burning sensation
• Grittiness or itchiness
• Red eyes
• Eye fatigue
• Light sensitivity 
• Watery eyes 
• Blurred vision
• Soreness 

Tips and Tricks for Managing Contact lens-Induced Dry Eyes 

Switch to Daily Disposable Lenses

Most eye doctors recommend daily disposables for dry eyes because they are single-use. In other words, you pop in a pair in the morning, spend the entire day in it and then throw it in the trash in the evening. Because you’re not reusing the lenses, you eliminate the issue of protein and dust buildup, which is the major cause of wettability issues in contact lenses. 

Speaking of disposable, Alcon Dailies Total 1 has several unique technologies that make them a favorite with contact wearers with dry eyes. One of them is Water Gradient Technology, which ensures that the lens’s surface remains moisturized throughout the day.

Besides creating a gentle cushion, this water surface promotes oxygen transmissibility at 156 Dk/t. This is, by far, the highest oxygen permeability of any daily disposable lens and means a lot for contact wearers suffering from dry eyes. 

Consider Low Water Contact Lenses 

While high-water contact lenses are the best for some wearers, some people are better off with low-water content lenses. If you’re already suffering from dry eye syndrome, lenses with a high water content may draw out more of your natural tears, making the issue worse. In that case, it’s important to ask your eye doctor whether low water content contact lenses may be preferable. 

Avoid Overwearing Your Contacts

Stretching your contact lenses’ wearing schedule may seem a clever way to save money and time. But it’s not. Overwearing your contacts only increases your chances of developing various eye complications, including dry eyes syndrome, corneal neovascularization (growth of blood cells in the cornea), Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (acute allergic inflammation) and contact lens acute red eye. 

The main issue with contact lens overwear is decreasing the amount of oxygen that gets into the eye from the atmosphere. Even if you clean your daily wear lenses faithfully or wear a fresh pair of dailies every morning, contact lens overuse leads to protein deposits and bacteria and allergens buildup over time. Eventually, this buildup leads to issues of dryness, grittiness and eye irritation. 

Always Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Contacts 

Sometimes your lenses are not to blame for your dry eye symptoms. How you handle them also says a lot. 

Contrary to most myths, contact lenses don’t cause eye infections in and of themselves. Most contact lens-related problems are caused by failure to adhere to healthy habits and instructions:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them before touching contact lenses. 
• Never use anything else other than the recommended cleaning solution to clean your contacts. 
• Do not use your saliva (spit) to rewet your contact lenses. 
• Always remove your contact lenses before going to bed. 
• Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended wear time instead of overusing your contacts. 
• Have a habit of using the recommended rewetting drops even if your eyes don’t feel dry. 
• Let your eyes breathe for some time, even if you’re using extended-wear contacts. 

Consider Sclera Lenses 

If you’ve tried these tips for dealing with dry eyes, but the issue persists, perhaps soft lenses are not meant for you. But that’s why the manufacturers have scleral lenses. Scleral lenses are large-diameter lenses designed to rest on the sclera.

These rigid gas permeable lenses have a unique dome shape that vaults over the cornea. This space is filled with isotonic fluid that keeps the eyes moist throughout the wearing period. By vaulting over the cornea, Sclera lenses are less likely to irritate. Actually, they are the most recommended for dry eye sufferers because they correct vision while providing therapeutic benefits through lubrication.