Tag: United States

The Cost of Laser Hair Removal

The cost of laser hair removal depends on several factors including the area to be treated, the amount of hair growth on the area, the number of treatments needed, the type of laser used, the individual physician or practitioner, and your geographic location. Laser hair removal can be quite expensive, but many people feel that the results are well worth the expense. This is because results of the treatment have a long-lasting effect. It also produces a reduced hair growth.

Because every individual is different and is going to require laser hair removal treatments specifically geared to their unique hair patterns, the price ranges included in this article are average costs. If you are considering laser hair removal, it is important to set up an appointment with your physician to discuss all of the aspects of the procedure, including the costs.

Because laser hair removal is usually considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance. Each laser treatment is separate and usually incurs a separate charge, unless a specified treatment package has been purchased.

Generally the most expensive areas to treat with laser hair removal is the complete face and neck, back, and legs. The average cost of one treatment for complete face and neck or back hair removal ranges from $600 and $900. Laser hair removal for upper and lower legs each cost from $600 to $850 for each treatment.

Laser hair removal for chest hair costs between $350 and $600 per treatment. This is also the approximate price range for each treatment of the arms. Treatments for the bikini area can range from $350 to $550. The cost of underarm hair removal generally is between $250 and $350 per treatment. Treatments for smaller areas, such as the chin or upper lip, cost between $100 and $175 per treatment.

The national average for the cost of a laser hair removal treatment is $429. Each region of the country has a different average cost per treatment. In the Eastern part of the United States, the cost per session is $425, compared to the Midwest, where it is $450. In the Western region of the country, the average cost per treatment is $420, slightly above that of the South, which is $400.

Fees vary even within each individual region. One of the factors that causes this to occur is the location of the physician’s, or practitioner’s office. The fees that are charged for an office in an urban area are going to be different from those charged for offices located in rural or suburban areas. Another determining factor for the variance in fees within the same region is whether or not the doctor owns or rents the laser equipment.

Another determining factor is the choice of place to have the laser hair removal treatments. A luxury spa will obviously charge a higher fee then a clinic. A doctor who does the procedure himself may charge more then a laser practitioner, or a physician that oversees the laser hair removal treatments provided by a qualified technician.

How Do I Choose The Best Arthritis Medicine?

How Do I Choose The Best Arthritis Medicine?
Stephanie E. Siegrist, MD

Are you spending a fortune on prescription arthritis medicines? Are they helping? Are you concerned about side effects? You may think a particular drug is a miraculous godsend. Yet, someone you know may take the same dose only to experience little relief and life-threatening side effects. All of the choices can be confusing.
The best treatment for your arthritis is based on your needs. Making the diagnosis of osteoarthritis is fairly straightforward, but deciding what to do about it is a complex and very individualized matter. Theres a wide range of options available to help you deal with OA; medicines are only part of the picture:

  • The Basics: Weight Management / Exercise / Education / Modify Activities
  • Medications: Pain Relievers, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), Supplements
  • Injections/ Bracing
  • Surgery

The highest dose of the latest, greatest arthritis medicine on the market will NOT help unless you follow common-sense health practices. Focus on low-tech/low-cost habits that pay off throughout your body and quality of life. Modify the combination of remedies over your lifetime as symptoms wax and wane. Start simple, and then move to the next step if the first isnt helping. You can cut back during the times you have less pain.
At this point, available medicines can relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, not cure it. There are some treatments for rheumatoid arthritis that can slow down joint destruction. Scientific research suggests that nutritional supplements, like glucosamine, might strengthen cartilage tissue. Stay tuned!
The dozens of arthritis medications available are categorized by drug class. The drug classes differ in the way your body handles the chemical that makes up the drug, known as the mechanism of action. Different mechanisms of action target different arthritis symptoms: pain vs. stiffness vs. inflammation. If you understand the classes, you will understand:

  • how each drug works,
  • which drugs are related because they work in a similar way,
  • what side effects can occur, and
  • why a drug may or may not be right for you.

Fortunately, there are eight drug classes to choose from to relieve your osteoarthritis symptoms. If you must avoid a whole class because you have another health condition, there are plenty of others that could keep you comfortable. Combining smaller doses from different classes may be the right answer. Usually only with prudent, thoughtful trials will you and your doctor discover whats best for you. Keep a diary of the remedies you try, and their effects, good and bad. You spend a lot of money trying to feel better – dont waste it!
Beware of your drugs true cost! Cost applies not only to the money you pay for the pills, but also to the toll they could take on your system in terms of side effects like stomach ulcers, kidney failure, addiction, and other problems worth avoiding!
OA is a chronic, degenerative condition that progresses at different rates in different patients (and even in different joints in the same body!) Youve got better things to do than let OA rule your day. The right treatment strategy will get you back to the Pursuit of Happiness!
Want to learn more about all EIGHT classes of OA drugs? Visit www.knowyourbones.com to order Making Sense of Arthritis Medicine: Manage Your Symptoms Safely and discover relief thats right for you!

Stephanie E. Siegrist, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in her 10th year of practice, and author of “Making Sense of Arthritis Medicine.” She’s one of only 3% of U.S. orthopedic surgeons who are women! Dr. Siegrist strives to bridge the gaps that exist in today’s doctor-patient relationship with “Information Therapy!” Complete information about Dr. Siegrist, and the book, are available from her website.

Options for Dealing with High Blood Pressure

If you are battling high blood pressure do not be discouraged. Did you know that as many as seventy two million people in the U.S. 20 and older have high blood pressure? Twenty eight percent of these do not even know they have it.

Some people do not worry about their blood pressure until they get older. While this might make sense to an extent, it is never too early to monitor your blood pressure. If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you want to start right away.

How many people wait until they are diagnosed with something before attempting to prevent it or cure it? Too many. By taking control of your blood pressure today you can prevent a stroke or developing heart or kidney disease later in life.

When you are young you might be more active than when you get older. Try to stay active and if you aren’t, get active. All it takes is thirty minutes a day of physical activity or exercise to control your blood pressure and better your health.

Eat healthy foods. Try to stay away from salty and fatty foods. Salt increases your blood pressure and fatty foods might cause weight gain, which causes high blood pressure as well. Try to eat more vegetables and fresh fruits. You might find you like more than you thought you would.

Stress can cause high blood pressure but there are so many ways to de-stress. Do you have a favorite hobby that has no stress? If so, try to do this every time you feel yourself overwhelmed or stressed out. You will be surprised at the wonders it can do.

If you take medications talk with your doctor to make sure they aren’t affecting your blood pressure. Certain medications can raise your blood pressure. Antidepressants, cold medicines, oral contraceptives, steroids, even nasal decongestants might be affecting your blood pressure without your knowledge.

If you are unsure of your family history, check it out. If you have a family history of high blood pressure chances are you will end up with high blood pressure as well. If you are aware of this early on, you can start monitoring and controlling your blood pressure before it gets a chance to become high.

There are many different kinds of blood pressure medications if you are unable to see results with regular lifestyle changes. Sometimes these medications are needed along with a regular healthy diet and exercise to be more effective.

The best thing you can do is talk with your doctor. They can suggest something that will help you control your blood pressure and even prescribe you some medication. If you start medication be sure you tell them of any other medicine you are taking as well.

You want to be in charge of your health and not wait until something happens to take that control. When it comes to your health you can never be too late so start as early as you can. You are never alone when it comes to dealing with your blood pressure and other health issues.

Safety Issues Regarding Laser Hair Removal

Safety issues regarding laser hair removal relate to both clients and technicians. These safety issues are very different than those involving other forms of epilation. There are no concerns of drawing blood, contaminating probes, or risking infection. However, there are concerns regarding burns and eye safety. Several organizations have laid down guidelines to ensure the safety of both the clients and technicians. These organizations include The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, The American National Standards Institute, The Food and Drug Administration, The Center for Devices and Radiological Health, and The Society for Clinical and Medical Hair Removal.

All laser hair removal devices in the United States are subject to very strict mandatory performance standards. They also must meet the federal laser product performance standard, which includes specifying their safety features, both for the benefit of the patient and technician.

It is best to purchase new laser hair removal equipment. If used equipment must be purchased, it should only be bought from a qualified distributor with the assurance that it has been thoroughly checked and serviced. The equipment should also be guaranteed..

The room that is used for laser hair removal can be used for other treatments. However, it must be set up in accordance with the strict guidelines that are associated with the use of laser equipment. Setting up the room the proper way is usually done by the equipment distributor or the manufacturer.

The laser hair removal room should have a door that can be locked during treatment. There should be a warning light outside the door to let others know that treatment is being done and they should not enter. There should be protective eyewear, outside of the door for people who may need to enter during a treatment. They should not be any windows in the room, however if there are windows they should be blacked out with protective coverings. It is very important to that the electrical outlet has its own circuit breaker. It also must be grounded, and have the proper amperage and voltage. The room should not have any mirrors or reflective surfaces in it.

Laser hair removal equipment should be on a flat surface and have plenty of ventilation around it. This equipment should only be serviced and calibrated according to the manufacturer’s guidelines for that particular device. It should be regularly cleaned of any carbon buildup that may occur. When the laser equipment is not in use the key should be removed.

It is important that the operator of the laser hair removal device be well trained and qualified. This training should be in all areas including histology and client care. The technician should not wear any reflective clothing or jewelry. The technician, along with any other person in the room, is required to wear ANSI approved protected our eyewear in order to avoid laser blindness.

The client should receive a thorough and detailed consultation, pre and post care instructions, and a patch test before the laser hair removal treatment begins. It is also important that the client understands the benefits and risks of the treatment. During the laser hair removal process the client should wear ANSI approved protective eyewear and be instructed to keep the eyewear on throughout the treatment.