Protect Yourself From Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer’s ear is a common condition, particular in the summer months. In fact, 10% of all people in the United States will be affected by swimmer’s ear at least once in their lifetime. Knowing its cause and symptoms can help you protect your ears this summer.

Swimmer’s ear is an infl ammation of the outer ear and ear canal, most often caused by bacteria found in lakes, rivers and pools. When your ears get wet, your skin can soften and crack. This allows bacteria to get under your skin and cause an infection.

Anyone can get swimmer’s ear, but those who are diabetic, elderly or have a skin condition, such as eczema, are at a higher risk.

Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include ear pain, itchiness, “plugged” ears, loss of hearing, and jaw pain.

Fortunately, swimmer’s ear is very treatable. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter ear drops, antibiotics or steroids. With this treatment, you should see improvement in just a few days.

A new you. A new life.

Bariatric surgery is the start of a new life for many men and women struggling with their weight.

Bariatric surgery is a specialty of general surgery that offers sustainable weight loss. The two most successful bariatric surgery procedures are gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. With gastric bypass patients can lose between 80 – 100 pounds. Gastric sleeve results between 40 – 60 pounds of weight loss per year.

Bariatric surgery helps people who have tried to lose weight, but have been unsuccessful in dietary attempts and exercise. For some, it’s the only method that offers healthy and sustainable weight loss.

People who are good candidates for bariatric surgery will have documented unsuccessful dietary attempts, a body mass index of 35 or greater, and one or more of the following:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Acid reflux
• Osteoarthritis
• Back and knee pain
• Sleep apnea
• Infertility

Candidates go through a screening process. This includes a bariatric seminar, dietary evaluation and a psychological evaluation.

Bariatric surgery is a lifestyle change. You will follow dietary guidelines that include avoiding complex sugars and soda pop. You will also engage in physical activity.

If you are ready to regain control of your life, bariatric surgery may be your answer.

Total Joint Replacement

Every year more than 1 million hip and knee replacements are performed in the United States. Although it’s becoming more common because of advancements in surgical technique and anesthesia, it’s still a major surgery that requires careful consideration.

Osteoarthritis, inflammatory diseases, trauma, and years of physical activity can cause irreversible damage to your joints. The associated stiffness, swelling and pain make it difficult to perform simple daily tasks such as walking and climbing stairs.

Non-surgical options like weight loss, steroid injections and anti-inflammatory drugs can slow the progression of wear on joints and decrease pain. However, when these methods don’t work, surgerymay be necessary.

After surgery, most people feel 75% better within three weeks and can expect to have a significant decrease in pain along with increased joint motion. Your recovery will require hard work and motivation to see the best results.