Skin Care
Deep brain stimulation: Uses, surgery, and benefits
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure in which the electrodes are implanted into the brain to deliver electrical impulses. These impulses aim to block or change the abnormal activity that cause associated symptoms.
A Deep brain stimulation system consist of three parts that are implanted by the surgeon inside the body:
- Neurostimulator – a battery-powered pacemaker device that produces electric pulses. The device is placed under the skin of the chest, just below the collarbone or in the abdomen.
- Lead – a coated wire attached to a number of electrodes at the tip. These electrodes deliver electric pulses to the brain tissue. The leads are placed inside the brain and connected to an extension wire via a small hole in the skull.
- Extension – an insulated wire that is connects the lead to the neurostimulator. It is placed under the skin, running from the scalp, behind the ear, down the neck, and to the chest.
The handheld controller is then used to turn the DBS system on and off. The doctor will program the stimulator settings using a wireless device and adjust the stimulation settings as a patient’s condition changes over time. Unlike other procedures, such as pallidotomy and thalamotomy, Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery does not cause damage to the brain tissue.
For the brain surgery portion, the neurosurgery team first use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to map the brain and identify the area in the brain where the electrodes have to be placed.
Surgery for implanting DBS device may be done under general anaesthesia or using a local anaesthetic to numb the scalp before the procedure as an anaesthetic in the brain itself is not required because the brain has no pain receptors.
The surgeon will implant a thin wire lead with a number of electrodes at the tips into the specific area of the brain. The wire will run under the skin to a pulse generator or neurostimulator that is implanted near the collarbone.
In the second part of the surgery, the surgeon will implant the part of the device containing batteries under the skin in the chest, near the collarbone. It is done under general anaesthesia.
Uses:
Deep brain stimulation can be used to treat many of the symptoms that are caused by the following neurological and movement disorders:
Parkinson’s disease: The symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and slowness of movement are related to Parkinson’s disease. These are caused due to the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells that are responsible for transferring messages across the body to control body movement.
Essential tremor: The patient suffers from involuntary rhythmic tremors of the hands and arms, occurring both during rest and while making purposeful movement. It may also affect some patient’s head in a “no-no” motion.
Dystonia: It involves having involuntary movements and a prolonged contraction of muscles, causing twisting or writhing body motions along with tremors and abnormal posture. It can affect the entire body, or be limited to an isolated area only. Patients may suppress the spasms by using “sensory tricks,” such as touching the face, eyebrows, or hands.
DBS surgery may not be an option if a person has severe untreated depression, advanced level dementia, or they have symptoms that are not typical in case of Parkinson’s disease.
Deep brain stimulation is also currently being studied as a potential treatment for other medical conditions, including:
- Dementia
- Major depression
- Addiction
- Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic pain
- Traumatic brain injury
- Cluster headache
- Huntington’s disease
- Stroke recovery
- Tourette syndrome
DBS surgery has become popular amongst patients Parkinson’s and other diseases around the world. Numerous people travel to India for this procedure due to various reasons, such as low cost, advanced facilities, experienced surgeons and excellent patient care services.
Deep brain stimulation cost in India is very reasonable in comparison to various other countries, especially in the west. Indian hospitals offer cost-effective medical packages for patients travelling from abroad for their treatment.
DBS Surgery Advantages
- Deep brain stimulation can be performed on both sides of the brain in order to control symptoms that affect both sides of the body.
- The effects of DBS are reversible and can be customized according to a patient’s clinical condition.
- Stimulation settings and impulses can be adjusted to reduce the chances of potential side effects and improve efficacy of the system over time.
- The device can be used to provide continuous control of the symptom 24 hours a day.
- Patients who have DBS implanted still remain potential candidates for other treatment options such as stem cell therapy, gene therapy or others when they become available.
- This procedure has been proven to be more effective and safer than ablative surgical procedures, in which the tissues are removed
- Long-term complications are less than that in case of traditional surgery as conventional surgery approaches involve destroying small parts of the brain, whereas DBS does not cause this damage
- Stimulator can be easily programmed and managed
- The device can be removed when required – is reversible
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Business
Healthy Man Is A Happy Man: 5 Things You Are Not Doing Right
The average man does a lot to stay fit and healthy – but oftentimes it’s simply not enough. Some habits have the potential to harm you, exacerbate an annoying condition, or cause injury.
Men are less likely to visit a healthcare professional, and that certainly complicates matters a lot. According to an Orlando Health survey, 81% of men easily remember their first car, but barely half can recall the last time they visited a doctor.
So men not only actively ignore their health but also don’t like visiting the doctor when something does go wrong – an immensely careless attitude towards their wellbeing.
Of course, we don’t want you to be afraid of living your life to the fullest, but it is essential to reiterate the importance of a fit lifestyle and healthy habits to improve your everyday life.
The fact of the matter is that, man or not, many of us are just living our lives on autopilot – in fact, according to a news by Harvard, we spend 46.9% of our time thinking about things that are inconsequential to our progress. This mind-wandering is often a cause for unhappiness that leads to unhealthy attitudes.
Let us highlight five ways you may be hurting your health unknowingly. Pay attention to these tiny details and try to look at things with a fresh perspective.
Let’s get started:
Shampooing Hair too Often
If your head is shaved, skip to the next point. Otherwise, read on.
Hairstylists and skin specialists agree that shampooing your hair every day, or even every other day, is bad for your scalp.
The trouble is that men often wash their hair more than they need to. This removes important oils from the scalp leaving it dry and the hair brittle. Men’s hair is usually thicker and curlier than women’s – it can go without washing for 2 to 3 days at a time.
Dry scalp goes into overdrive to make up for the lost oils and produces more oil than before. This is why men often feel like their hair isn’t clean, no matter how much they shampoo. This results in a never-ending cycle that only irritates their scalps further.
Experts recommend shampooing no more than three times a week to ensure that your hair doesn’t get too greasy too fast. This way, your scalp will also be able to reserve more of its natural oil, which, of course, is healthy.
Wearing the Wrong Underwear
Men don’t really discuss their underwear with the doctor, but perhaps you should.
Your underwear is the second layer of clothing that is supposed to protect the groin area from chaffing and irritation, while also keeping your package safe.
However, many of us are guilty of wearing undies or briefs made from potentially abrasive material, and that can result in chaffing – you might also risk irritating boys when you go commando. Tight briefs not only hurt the skin down there but may even lower fertility, so if you are trying to get the lady pregnant, stick to loose-fitting and cooling boxers
The good news is that you could always invest in men’s cooling underwear that is designed to be very gently on this sensitive part of your body.
Overeating Protein
Men are notorious for eating meat – there is nothing like a Southern barbeque to get most of us excited.
But its time you learned to keep an eye on your protein intake. Experts say that overdosing on protein can cause dehydration and loss of calcium, so it’s awful for your kidneys.
And in the long run, this can lead to weight gain – because the body can’t process all the protein you are eating, so it starts storing it. According to healthline, we are not supposed to have more than 0.8 grams of protein per kg of body weight, every day – that’s the minimum daily average recommended by health specialists.
If you are exceptionally fit and exercise more than the average male, you could get away with consuming up to 1.7 grams of protein per kg of body weight every day.
Consuming Too Much Caffeine
Men who drink too much coffee are at the risk of damaging their fertility.
Many Americans rely on three to five solid shots of coffee to help them get through the day – but the Federal Drug Authority (FDA) puts the cap on up to 400 mg a day, which is roughly 4 cups of coffee.
So why all this hoopla about overdosing on caffeine?
Well, for starters, it is essential to understand that coffee is just ONE source of caffeine – one can of cola has 50 mg of it, and energy drinks can give you to 250mg of caffeine in one serving.
So unknowingly, we gulp down up to 1200 mg of caffeine in a day – this increases blood pressure, causes anxiety, and even boosts the risk of heart disease, in addition to causing fertility issues.
Not Washing Hands before Meals
In 2018, Fox News host Pete Hegseth confessed in front of millions, that he hadn’t washed his hands in over a decade!
He says he can’t see germs, so they aren’t a real thing – a sentiment echoed by many men around the world who are just too lazy to pick up the soap.
If you regularly wash your hands after finishing up in the toilet, pat yourself on the back.
Now, honestly think about this – do you also wash up after taking the public transit, shaking hands with others, working on your office computer, handling equipment at the gym, or before sitting down for a meal?
Be careful of your hygiene, so you don’t get sick and safeguard the health of others around you as well.
Remember, if you greet babies and the elderly with dirty hands, you can harm them severely – they just don’t have the power to fight off diseases. Even something as innocuous as flu can be deadly to them – CDC reported that more than 80,000 people died from common flu in 2017-2018.
It is possible that many of those deaths could have been prevented had those people not been exposed to the virus, something proper handwashing could help with. So stay clean and well-groomed at all times.
In Conclusion
A study by psycnet on the Psychology of Men & Masculinity found out that masculinity is negatively correlated to a willingness to improve health.
Sure, a man who’s rough around the edges with a charming vibe or two is irresistible to the ladies, but carelessness is never a good look on anyone.
So take care of the social niceties discussed above – you owe yourself and the world at large this much at least.
Business
Things to keep in Mind while Hiring a Customs Brokerage
A customer broker works on the behalf of the importers and exporters and helps them with dealing with the logistics and legalities which are involved with the process of exporting and importing goods. Importing from across the border seems like a lucrative option if you can purchase some goods at a cheaper price which are not available within your country. This is why people who are in the business of imports and exports wonder about having their products cleared at the border and who would be in charge of the customs formalities at every international border that your products cross.
A customs brokerage firm can help you to get rid of the stress involved and have the peace of mind that you always wanted. However, there are several things to keep in mind while hiring a customs brokerage firm to take care of your products.
Look for experience
Just because someone has the license, does not mean he is an expert in properly dealing with your goods. The sad reality is that not all brokers are experienced enough with providing the necessary skills to provide their service to certain industries while simultaneously dealing with those countries which have a hostile attitude towards yours. Experienced brokers are generally prepared to face these situations and can save you both time and money which you could have lost if you went to a novice.
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Research on your own
Although word of mouth is useful when you are looking for someone to deal with your goods but it will be foolish on your part to solely rely on the recommendations you hear from others. Often the reality of the matter is entirely different from what you hear and it will cost you heavy if something happens to your goods while they are on the transit.
The smart thing would be to shop around for names and create a list based on your preference for the list of competitive firms that you would like to consider. You can then visit these brokers and rank them accordingly so that you have a clear idea of what to expect when you would hand them over your goods.
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Only look for licensed brokers
While looking for brokers, the first thing that you should do is to look for the license. Although it seems like common sense many people overlook it for having their goods delivered cheaply and then pay the price when something goes wrong.
Unfortunately, they cannot do something about it as the law would not have the jurisdiction to punish such brokers hence you will likely be the only one who will suffer. By producing a license you can trust the custom broker as he will be a professional and you can sue for damages if anything happens to your goods.
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Find a broker who has an efficient team
One of the reasons that clients do not trust some of the big firms is because they also offer other services that make the clients question the priorities of the firms. Many reputable companies who offer such services have proved that they can grow in the industry and create a wider range of services for their clients.
As you can never be sure and it is best to practice caution, you should choose the firm that has a dedicated and efficient team with the expertise that you can trust.
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Choose one that compliments your business
One of the options you can utilize is choosing a brokerage firm that offers the services which cater to the needs of your business. Large companies usually approach firms that offer a variety of services that can provide efficient services and are in line with the needs of the company.
Small and medium scale businesses can look to brokers of the same scale as they do not need a variety of services and will look for specialized brokers who can complete their job at a fast rate which is exactly what your business requires.
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Ask relevant questions
You do not need to shy away from asking questions about stuff that you are not aware of. A customs broker who is sincere about working with you will always be open when discussing the details with you and will respond to your queries. It is important to take a step back when deciding which broker to choose and get in touch with every broker within your shortlist and ask relevant questions regarding customs clearance which will help in your decision making.
To conclude, the first thing you should understand about custom brokers is that they are professionals who are there to help you with importing and exporting goods as they are familiar with the different rules and regulations. You should always go for a broker that is in line with the needs of your business and is in the trade for some time so that he knows how best to handle a situation when it looks tough to deal with.
Business
5 Looks to Ace the Fashion Game with Hoodies
Fashion is something that has evolved with times. The trends are always changing and revolving. Some basic daily wear of the nineteenth century can be a part of the spring collection 2020. Fashion knows no bounds and there are no hard and fast rules in it.
Trends can be surprising. One time it can promote beige and simple whites and earthy tones, another moment it can go all glittering and glistening. The best part about indulging in fashion is that nothing is ever over, you never know when shoulder pads might become a trend again. However, there are some constants, some all-time favorites that can never go out of style anywhere in the world. One of them being, the much-loved, Hoodies!
These iconic, humble masterpieces of the fashion industry are in for the long haul because they have been through eras and ages. They are here to stay as they are no new-day invention. These garments have had many forms since a whopping three-thousand years.
A hoodie has many forms which can be found everywhere. If you take a look in the printed recollections of the Ancient Greece and Rome, you can see scholars donning them. In the middle age, monks used to wear cape-like garments with hoods attached to them. By the 17th century, women, trying to stay anonymous would wear them. They are so popular that the infamous, grim reaper is also seen with a hood.
The hoodie finally in the modern day world was reincarnated as a sweatshirt with a hood with a drawstring. Some came with a pouched pocket. They were first introduced by Knickerbocker Knitting Company in the 1930s, they were mainly manufactured to keep the athletes warm. Later it was rather speedily adopted by the working-class, considering their comfort and durability. Then came the fashionable 80’s, the era of pop, hip hop, the original Walkman and the original street style urban looks. This is exactly when the youth adopted the hoodie culture and it has remained this way ever since.
The hoodie has changed the course of fashion. They are no longer just garments you wear in the winters and fall. They have evolved to be worn any time of the year. Many popular business associates and entrepreneurs are seen wearing it, defying convention and changing the monotonous office culture. Hoodie can entered and changed the way the world perceives power. The higher the authority the more casual they dress.
What makes Hoodie a perfect piece of garment? May be it’s the warmth or the protected feel of it. Mostly because of the sense of anonymity it gives. Once you have the hood on, you are in your zone. Psychologically, people might be feeling strong and confident because of it. One of the major reasons people love it is because of the feeling of oneness it gives. You can call it your group, your clan or your crew. No wonder it is a matter of a much heated debate about its origin.
Partying in tuxedos, long-sleeved shirts or collared Polos are outdated now. This is also because a hoodie is a perfect blend of casual and upbeat style. It is the new cool. But there are some things that you need to know when opting for a hoodie at a party.
- Go for a pullover hoodie, not a zip-up one.
- Unless it is a party with a bunch of close friends at a not-so-exclusive club, do not go for printed hoodies.
- Be aware of the kind of party you are about to attend. Dress accordingly.
Of course this means, there is an added pressure to look the best while you are in a hoodie. One needs to look stylish and the fashion sense should be on point. Here are ways to look your best in a hoodie this New Year’s party-
The Casual Look
Never underestimate the power of an understated look. It’s a given that a hoodie will make you look different and really cool. Pair it with a denim jacket. Just pick your blue and pair it with a perfect grey hoodie and black skinny jeans and sneakers. It can never go wrong.
The Star of the Party Look
It is a New Year’s party, start your fresh year with a dapper look. The one that takes risk. Carefully color co-ordinate and pick a fabulous hoodie and pair it with an uber-cool bomber jacket. Wear denim jeans and sneakers with a hint of bling. This look has Hit written all over it.
Back to the Classics Look
You can always be what a hoodie originally represents. The early street-grunge style. Wear a baggy hoodie and jeans. Keep your hair ruffled. Think of yourself a free-style graffiti artist. Add some bling to your look. If you carry the look, add a cap. Pair it with casual white sneakers and you are good to rock the party.
The Formal yet Informal Look
It is totally understandable that you are at a party and you have your seniors with you. It is a casual party but you don’t want to go overboard with your fashion sense. Play safe and go for the neutral colors. Black is perfect for both the moods. Wear a quality black branded hoodie. Pair it with an overcoat or a leather jacket, good pair of dark-colored jeans and earthy-toned ankle boots. Wear a watch. The best of both worlds is right here in this look.
“Making a statement” Look
You can either make a statement by dressing yourself well or quite literally make a statement. There is something better than a hoodie. A hoodie with words! Speak your mind with custom-made hoodies with words or dialogues written all over it. If you like bling, there are words sewed with sequins.
The world of fashion has so much to offer. Have fun with your look.
Author Bio
Michelle is the Editor & Author at Hoodie Lab. She loves to write about the latest trends & tips of the fashion industry.
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