The LASIK procedure represents the latest technology in refractive surgery to correct refractive errors. It utilizes the precision of the computerized excimer laser delivery system to customize a change in corneal curvature to bring light into proper focus; and by reshaping the cornea under a precision made flap, the comfort level and return to normal activities generally happens extremely quickly.
Gerald B Walman, MD, our medical director and surgeon, has been providing medical surgical eye care and laser eye surgery, to his following in Arizona for close to three decades. His international background, and meticulous and reassuring attention to individual patient concerns and needs has restored and maintained excellent results to thousands. Many of the staff have continued with the team for years as a result of this comfort level with patient interaction.

This 3D medical animation shows the anatomy of the female reproductive system and roles of estrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle. Displaying both hormonal and copper intrauterine devices, and explains how they prevent pregnancy.

About 2500 years ago, deep in the mountains of Northern China, Taoist priests practiced Qi gong- meditative movement revealing and cultivating the vital life force. They believed this force, qi (pronounced ‘chi’ in China, ‘ki’ in Japan), was inseparable from life itself. They discovered that qi animated not only body and earth, but was the energetic force of the entire universe. Traditional Chinese medicine is a philosophy of preserving health, and is based first and foremost on an understanding of the ultimate power of qi. In contrast to much of Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine is a preventative practice, strengthening the immune system to ward off disease.
In traditional Chinese medicine, qi is manifested both as yin (cold, dark and ‘interior’), and yang (warm, light and ‘exterior’). In fact, qi is present in all the opposites we experience, such as night and day, hot and cold, growth and decay. And although yin and yang may be perceived as opposites, they are actually inseparable. The recognition of one is essential to the recognition of the other. The balance between them is like the motion of night and day; at the instant darkness reaches it zenith at midnight, the cycle has begun to flow steadily towards dawn. At noon, the zenith of light, the day begins slowly to turn towards the darkness of night. All the internal organs of the body are subject to this nocturnal – diurnal swing of the universe.

This world view further holds that qi, manifesting as yin / yang, makes up the universe in the form of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These five elements also represent our bodily constitution as human beings, making us one with the universe. Qi flows into our bodies, up from the earth in its yin form and down from the heavens in its yang form. The energy channels in our bodies through which it moves are called ‘meridians’.

These meridians do not directly correspond to any anatomical component recognized by Western medicine. The best way to understand the flow of qi through the meridians is to compare it to the flow of blood in our veins and arteries. If our blood does not reach out toes, they become dead. If out blood does not flow freely, we have high or low blood pressure. If our blood clots, we have an embolism or a stroke. Similarly, unbalanced or stagnant qi can cause many diseases and ailments. In fact, traditional Chinese medicine is based on the principle that every illness, ailment and discomfort in the body can be explained in terms of an imbalance of qi.

Each meridian is related to one of the five elements. For example, the heart meridian is related to the element fire, the kidney and bladder to water. Along the meridians are pressure points, or ‘gateways’, special places where qi can become blocked. With the help of a trained practitioner, its flow can be freed and balance restored

Scientists have confirmed the one thing nature lovers have always known – walking in nature is healthy! So called Shinrin-Yoku Forest Medicin, is a standard preventative medicine in Japan. It is proven that walking in the forest strengthens the immune system, and most important- it prevents cancer.

In Japan, forest therapy is very common, and they also call it “Forest Bathing”. It is all about allowing your mind and body to peacefully enjoy the calmness of the woods.

What is Actually Happening?

When scientist tested people before and after a two hour walk in the woods, they found 50% more of leukocytes, and also lower blood pressure, calmness and mind clearness among the subjects.

Why Is This Happening?

Well, people and trees have one thing in common; they both don’t like bacteria and fungus. So, trees are transmitting antimicrobial allelochemic volatile organic compounds derived from plants called phytoncide which are in charge of getting rid of bacteria and fungus. If you walk half an hour through the forest you will breathe those compounds and it will improve your health. This effect can last up to two months.

When we walk through the forest, we bath in the natural immune system. We actually dive in “Phytochemicals” immune system of the woods.

Ways to Lift Your Breasts:

 Right Bra Size: Firstly, it is very important to get the size of your bra right. Squeezing into a small bra may cause injury to breast tissue, poor posture or even back pain. Also, right bra size can give your breasts a natural lift.

Exercise: Though the breasts are mainly composed of fat, the entire mass sits on top of a muscle called pectoral. Exercise can build up the muscle, and prevent drooping breasts or sagging. Here are few exercises you can do to keep your breasts firm:

Push-ups: Practice around 10 push-ups a day to strengthen your pectoral muscles. The right way to do it is by starting on your fours, with feet close together and palms slightly wider than your shoulders. Your body should form a straight line from head to toe. Lower down until your chest almost touches the floor. Keep your upper arms at a 45 degree angle to your torso. Pause, then repeat. You should see results in a month or two.

Weight Lifting: Weight lifting is a great way to build up your pectoral muscle. You can try bench pressing or the dumbbell fly. To start off with, try a simple balance ball exercise you can do at the gym or at home. Use a balance ball to support your weight under your upper back and extend your legs out in a 90 degree angle. Start with a free weight in each hand with your hands rested on the ground at your sides. Bring your arms up into a 90 degree angle and hold the position for a few seconds. As soon as you can no longer handle the position, drop the weights back down to your sides, take a few seconds to rest and go back into the same motion.

Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe Vera is known to have natural skin tightening properties. Massaging with Aloe Vera Gel exercises the muscles and tones the breasts. You can also try almond oil, as it increases blood circulation.

Nutrition: The muscles will become tight if you fulfill the protein requirement of the muscles. Your body requires essential nutrients such as vitamins, calcium and minerals. These can be found in foods like tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, meat etc. But along with this you need to reduce the intake of caffeine and also stop smoking.

Swimming: Just spending about half an hour in the pool can do wonders for your breasts! Swimming tightens the muscles responsible for holding your breasts. Swimming can help you burn fat and build muscle in your upper body, hence helps you lift your breasts and keep them firm.

Strokes are the leading cause of adult disability in the United States and the third leading cause of death. A stroke can be the result of a lack of blood flow caused by a blood clot or a hemorrhage. Without oxygen, brain cells become damaged or die so the affected area of the brain becomes unable to function. Risk factors for stroke include: high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and atrial fibrillation (heart abnormality). High blood pressure is by far the biggest risk factor for stroke.

The Path To Stroke Recovery

Strokes can affect patients physically, mentally, and/or emotionally. Disability corresponds to the areas of the brain that have been damaged. For most stroke patients, recovery involves a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology, and it’s important to take advantage of all of these services.

Medical care is often focused on preventing another stroke and most often utilizes anti-coagulant therapy with warfarin (Coumadin) or anti-platelet therapy with aspirin, ticlopidine (Ticlid) or clopidogrel (Plavix). These drugs are designed to prevent blood clots from forming and lodging in the brain, which could produce another stroke. These drugs are not, of course, used in cases where the stroke are caused by a hemorrhage.

Precautions with Coumadin

Coumadin works by blocking the action of vitamin K. Since green leafy vegetables and green tea contain high levels of vitamin K, you should avoid these foods while taking Coumadin, or at least don’t increase your consumption of them. Physicians monitor the effects of Coumadin using a test known as the International Normalized Ratio (INR) and will adjust the dosage up or down as needed. In addition to foods that are high in vitamin K, other natural substances that may interact with Coumadin include:

.Coenzyme Q10 and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), which may reduce Coumadin’s efficacy.

.Proteolytic enzymes, such as nattokinase and bromelain, and several herbs, including Panax ginseng, devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), and dong quai (Angelica sinensis), can increase Coumadin’s effects. It’s likely that you can continue using these products, but don’t change the dosage from what your body is accustomed to.

.Garlic (Allium sativum) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) may reduce the ability of platelets to stick together, increasing the likelihood of bleeding. Generally, people on Coumadin should avoid high dosages of these products (more than the equivalent of one clove of garlic per day or 240 mg daily of ginkgo extract).

.Iron, magnesium, and zinc may bind with Coumadin, decreasing its absorption and activity. Take Coumadin and products that contain iron, magnesium, or zinc at least two hours apart.

.To reduce the likelihood of bleeding and easy bruising with Coumadin, try 150—300 mg of either grape seed or pine bark extract daily.

Natural Remedies For Stroke Recovery

From a natural perspective, Ginkgo biloba extract is key to stroke recovery. It increases blood flow to the brain, boosts energy within nerve cells, and favorably affects blood thickness. The recommended dosage is 240—320 mg daily (less if you take Coumadin).

Several supplements can help prevent blood clots, including omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, flavonoids, grape seed and pine bark extracts, and garlic. Fish oil (up to 3,000 mg per day EPA + DHA) and flavonoid-rich extracts appear to be able to be used safely in combination with aspirin and other platelet inhibitors. However, using multiple natural antiplatelet agents at the same time may increase bleeding tendencies when combined with antiplatelet drugs (including Plavix and Ticlid).

Two forms of choline have shown promise in aiding stroke recovery: citicoline (CDP-choline) and glycerophosphocholine (GPC). In one six-month trial that followed 2,044 stroke patients, GPC was found to significantly help the recovery more than 95 percent of participants—without side effects. Choose one of the following: citicoline: 1,000—2,000 mg daily or GPC 600—1,200 mg daily. There are no known interactions between citicoline or GPC and Coumadin or anti-platelet drugs.

Lastly, there’s nattokinase, a protein-digesting enzyme that has potent “clot busting” properties. It has shown significant potential in improving stroke recovery. Typical dosage is 100—200 mg daily. Nattokinase should be used with caution for those taking Coumadin or antiplatelet drugs.