For those who have suffered from Bell’s Palsy before, it is not easy to forget. This disorder affects a nerve in the face, known as the seventh cranial nerve. It affects approximately forty thousand people in this country each year. The temporary paralysis that results can mimic the effects of stroke, though Bell’s Palsy is far less serious. The exact cause of the disease is not entirely known, though it is believed that herpes zoster, the same condition that causes chicken pox, is linked to it. There are some individuals who are at substantially higher risk of being diagnosed with this disorder, including those infected with HIV, Lyme disease, or Sarcoidosis.

There are few warning signs before the condition’s onset, though many patients report signs of a cold a few days before the main symptoms of Bell’s Palsy set in. In the majority of cases, the telltale signs of the disorder present suddenly, though some patients do find that they slowly progress over two or three days’ time. Generally, the notable paralysis occurs on just one side of the face and can be mild or very severe. Included on the list of reported changes are difficulty eating or drinking due to lack of mouth control, drooling, drooping of the face, difficulty closing one eye, problems showing expression, and twitching of the facial muscles.

A mere physical exam by the same doctors that act as cataract surgeons can result in a diagnosis of the disease, but it is always recommended that people with facial paralysis get immediate medical attention, as this is also a sign of stroke. Other possible causes of limit facial movement include brain tumors, so many patients will undergo CT scans or MRIs of the head before a definitive diagnosis is given.

The good news is that there is no need for treatment. The symptoms will improve on their own. In most cases, the condition will run its course within a couple of weeks. In less common instances, the symptoms could present for months. There are some medications that can be prescribed to help cut the swelling and to treat the virus, but their effectiveness is debated.

How Does Bell’s Palsy Affect Eye Health? It might not make immediate sense why an opthamologist would be involved in a diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy, but at a closer glance, the reason is obvious. Though the nerve affected is not the same one that is used to open the eye, the seventh cranial nerve does affect one’s ability to close it. Therefore, Bell’s Palsy patients will have great difficulty shutting the eye on the affected side of the face. When a person blinks, the eye is nourished and moisturized as tears are spread around the surface and then drained away as the eye reopens. When this process cannot take place, there is real danger of extreme dry eye. In fact, in some severe cases, the eyelid will flip outward during a bout of Bell’s Palsy, further increasing the risk of dry eye.

This resulting condition can be very uncomfortable and make a person feel as if there is sand in his or her eye. The scratchy sensation is often accompanied by a burning feeling. In an effort to correct the problem, the eye will often produce an excess of tears, causing it to run endlessly, especially when the eyelid cannot be used to push the tears to the drainage ducts.

Fortunately, a specialist in corneal transplant Austin can assist with this symptom of Bell’s Palsy. The good news is that there is no reason to think that the eye will remain this way permanently. Bell’s Palsy is only temporary. In the meantime, an eye doctor (the same professionals that provide cataract surgery Austin) can prescribe topical ointments and drops to help moisturize the eye and alleviate the discomfort associated with dry eye. Furthermore, recommendations may be made to protect the eye from the surrounding environment, including the regular use of tinted glasses until the condition improves and avoiding the use of fans, personal heaters, and air conditioning that may blow air directly at the eye.

Broberge Eye Care
4207 James Casey Street
Austin, TX 78745-1193
(512) 447-6096 ‎

Sleep deprivation is one of the most commonly reported issues in this country. Millions of Americans from all age ranges find it difficult to find the dream world and more still can’t seem to stay there throughout the night. Whether it is a problem of constant waking or simply trouble getting to sleep in the first place, part of the problem is likely anxiety.

With so much riding on daily performance, it can be difficult to unwind and let go of the stress of the day. Add to this the knowledge that sleep has not come easily in the past, and one can face serious problems drifting off, even with the help of weighted blankets. Fortunately, there are ways that one can reduce the anxiety that he or she feels.

Find a Friend

This doesn’t have to be a literal friend, though it could be. Having someone to talk to – a family member, coworker, or even a professional therapist – can help you cope with the stress in life. Bottling it up inside is asking for trouble. Not only will your sleep habits likely feel the effect of the stored stress, but it can also wreak havoc on other bodily functions. Many people dealing with excess stress report frequent headaches, higher blood pressure, signs of depression, and, of course, signs of insomnia. Letting those fears, frets, and feelings out can be a great way to let loose and find the peace needed to drift off each evening.

Stop Stress Eating

Not only does stress effect our hunger levels and often influence the food choices we make, the eating can increase stress. That’s right! It’s a never ending cycle, if one doesn’t step in and make adjustments. Healthy foods – whole grains, fruits, lean protein, and vegetables – have been tied to healthier mental statuses. Foods impact blood sugar levels and blood sugar levels effect energy and mood. Choose the right foods and learn the answer to ‘what is a weighted blanket’ and you could be on your way to a more restful sleep every night.

Stop and Smell the Roses

Ok, so you don’t actually have to find roses to sniff, but taking a few moments out to breathe when you begin to feel anxiety creeping in can make all the difference in the world. So often, we get caught up in the long ‘to do’ lists in our minds and forget to take those small breaks that can reduce stress and keep us moving at top efficiency. It doesn’t take long. Just five minutes of peaceful, deep breathing and you are sure to feel more relaxed and better ready for the bed each evening.

Get Help

For some people, stress and anxiety are simply too much to overcome of their own. This is not uncommon. Unfortunately, many of those individuals live for long periods of time being weighed down by their problems, when asking for help could alleviate the issue very quickly. When the stress relief techniques listed above are not enough to help you sleep, then speak to a medical professional. There is help. In some cases, the loss of sleep and constant stress, or lack of focus can be a sign of something more serious. Regardless, you may be able to find the rest you need with the help of weighted blankets for autism, weighted blankets for ADHD, or weighted blankets for generalized anxiety.

A Straight Path to Wheel Alignment

Keeping your car running smoothly and safely requires regular wheel alignment and general car repair Austin Texas. Wheel alignment is the process where you return your car’s wheels to the recommended manufacturer’s setting. There are two reasons for this: first, you reduce the amount of wear and tear you inflict on your tires, and second, you keep your car driving straight and not pulling to one side or another. Ask us about flowmaster exhaust Austin TX.

Components of Wheel Alignment
A automotive repair Austin shop will check and adjust three separate parameters when aligning your car’s wheels.
Camber – Camber is the position of the angle of your tires in relation to the center of the car. When the center of the bottom of the tire is flat on the ground, the center of the top of the tire should be directly above it. If the top of the wheel is leaning toward the center of the car you have a negative camber, away from the center of the car, you have a positive camber. You want a balanced camber.

A sign of a misaligned camber is tire tread wear. If your treads are worn more on the left or right side of your tire your camber is off.
Caster – This one is a little harder to conceptualize. To do it properly, it helps to imagine a caster type of wheel, like the kind you find on a shopping cart. The shopping cart swivels on a joint which is ninety degrees perpendicular to the floor. Now imagine the ball joints of your car’s wheels as this swivel. If these ball joints are not in the correct angle to the rest of the car, your caster alignment is off and can negatively affect your steering and may cause your car to “wander.”
Toe – in/Toe-out – This one is a little easier to visualize. Your drive and passenger side wheels are supposed to be exactly parallel to each other. If your car becomes pigeon-toed is called toe-in. If it becomes splay-footed it is called toe-out. Either way your vehicle’s alignment is off.
An easy way for a driver to identify this problem is by looking at the wear on your tire tread. If they are uneven and the high side points to the center of the car, you are toe-in, to the outside you are toe-out.

Once your vehicle is improperly toe in or toe out, your tires will wear out at an accelerated pace.

Getting your Tires Aligned
Unless you have the proper tire alignment equipment in your possession, you will need to take your car to a reliable garage to have a proper alignment performed. Car repair Austin TX shops have a variety of adjustments they can make to your wheels and tires to get your car back into proper adjustment. Precise measurements and minute adjustments will need to be done to make sure your alignment is correct and your car is working at its best performance. Your service will also be able to check other items regarding wheels, suspension and tires to keep your car driving efficiently and safely. If you see smoke coming out of your muffler then ask us about Austin Transmission Repair and ac repair Austin Texas.

About the Author: Brandon Adams is the author of man popular articles on the automotive repair industry.

Modern Medical Spa Treatments

When you think of a medical spa, does hair laser removal come to mind? You may be surprised at some of the treatments and pampering that you can receive at a laser spa such as ours that offers face resurfacing in austin,tx and permanent hair removal. We combine the possible treatments with a personal touch that will make you feel pampered and draw you back again and again.

Spa Treatments

• Facial questions can be answered by a chemical peel asthetician Austin. They can exfoliate your skin, help get rid of blemishes, and bring your natural beauty to the surface. Facials are safe for all skin types, and can be very simple, or more complex, depending on what results you are looking for. Having a facial can be one of the most pampered experiences when you come to our medical spa.
• One of the newest treatment options available to treat many skin problems is laser light treatments. We offer laser treatments for many problem areas, including hair removal, facial treatments for blemishes and scars, sun damage, brown spots, and other skin conditions such as rosacea. When you take advantage of our laser treatments, the recovery time is fast, the possible side effects are few, and the results may amaze you.
• Aging may be a part of life, but Austin Botox will take years off your face. Injections and fillers are great to treat wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines, and other skin problems. Your face will look much younger when you receive an injection or filler treatment, and with each additional treatment, you will notice even more improvement.
• Botox has become one of the most desired ways to treat sagging skin, facial wrinkles, and problem areas where you want a fuller and more supple look. We use a safe method that will give you the results you want.
• Chemical peels are an option that can treat your skin to a newness that you may not have seen before. Blemishes, acne scars, brown spots, sun damage, age spots, uneven skin tone, and even some types of skin cancer, are able to be treated with chemical peels.
• Tan skin looks healthy and is very attractive. The only problem is that both being in the sun and using tanning beds may leave you with other problems. We offer a new way to tan, with spray on tan in round rock. This procedure can give you a natural tan that will fool anyone who sees you. Ask about our md skin care spa product.

Medical spas have come a long way. Our well-trained professional staff is available to consult with you about possible options to treat any area you need help with. We will inquire about your medical history to ensure you are in good health, ask what your problem areas are, and talk to you about each option. We will happily provide you with all the information you need to make a decision about what you want done, including any possible side effects, reactions, and interactions with other things in your life. Medical spas are the best solution for any type of medical or cosmetic procedures and personal pampering all combined in one location. You deserve the best and to be treated well – make an appointment today and ask about collagen fillers and a laser facial!

About the Author: Roxanne Jones has written extensively about the medical spa industry and enjoys informing consumers about the many options in this field

Lens Implants

What is the best treatment for your particular eye condition? Not the best treatment for someone with a similar condition or someone with the same general type of health, but you? What will work for your condition, your health needs, and your lifestyle? It is essential that whether you are being treated for dry eyes syndrome or glaucoma, dr. care is equally skilled, professional, and compassionate. While there are varying degrees of severity with eye and vision conditions, you should never forgo seeing a professional because you think your condition is too advanced, too difficult, or not advanced and difficult enough. Every eye condition is serious and should be treated with skill, and as early as possible to achieve optimal results.

Those suffering from eye and vision problems wouldn’t call themselves “lucky” by any means, but it is fortunate that there are so many new and promising treatments that can effectively resolve issues you may be having. From the very successful LASIK to premium lens implant treatment, there are options which you may not even be aware of and which can help you maintain your current level of sight or even reverse some vision impairment. To people struggling with vision impairment or loss, or discomfort or pain in the eye, this is certainly welcome news.

It is important to receive treatment no matter how “severe” you feel your condition is. Many people, for instance, forgo getting treatment for dry eyes because they think it is not going to be a serious problem or that the symptoms of red, irritated, or itchy eyes will resolve themselves in time. The problem, though, can become more severe, eventually impact our ability to see clearly, as well as becoming increasing painful and intrusive. In Austin, LASIK is an option, but so are drug therapy, implants, cataract surgery restor, and various other treatments. Having a range of treatment options available, as the best Austin physicians do, is essential so you can pursue the avenue that is right for you.

If you need to visit an ophthalmogist, Austin is able to provide you with those with the most advanced training. The best clinic will have trained and knowledgeable staff, the best technology, and the most honest, respectful relationships with their clientele. If you need macular degeneration laser treatment or to consult a corneal specialist, Austin is a premiere destination and is continually at the cutting edge of medical advancements.

If you have a condition, ranging from retinal detachment to dry eyes, Austin area professionals can help you find a path to better vision and a better life. Take the time to research your options, both in terms of treatments and of providers, to ensure that you have an optimal chance at seeing improvement. When you struggle with vision issues, you realize just hoe important sight is and how much it impacts your quality of life. See a qualified professional soon to see how much your quality of life can be improved when you seek effective treatments.

About the Author: Mark Masters has authored may pieces on the eye care & surgery industry and enjoys keeping his readers up to date in this field

What is an Acne Facial?

How can you tell which hair, nail, facial, waxing, and tanning salons in Austin TX are the best? When you walk in the door, do you feel welcomed? Do you feel like the staff not only understands what you need, but will help you achieve it, whether it is a professional coloring or makeup application? Will they give you the tips you need to create these looks on your own? Do they care how you look? All of these questions are important, and perhaps even more so when you need an acne facial. Many people are sensitive about the condition of their skin, and acne is an especially frustrating problem no matter what age you are. You need to know that your skin will be attended to, as well as your feelings.

When you walk into the best hair salon Austin TX has to offer, you should feel like a valued client. When you get a facial designed specifically for acne, your facialist should describe to you what she is going to do, as well as which products she will be using. Such a facial works to purify your skin. Your aesthetician will extract blockages from the pores to rid them of excess oils and cellular debris. This decreases the formation of blemishes. Before the extractions take place, she will thoroughly cleanse your skin and may use any number of products. Make sure to inquire about them, as well as which products you should use at home to maintain your results best and keep your pores clean.

A Lumi Light facial may be another option to consider. This technique utilizes light therapy and microcurrents which can help those with acne. It also reduces redness, pigmentation, and sun damage. For best results with any type of facial, it is best to incorporate them into your regular beauty routine. Ask your aesthetician how often you should receive these treatments, and ask if they have any series discounts available.

Whether you need a facial or a cut, you need the best skin and hair care products Texas and the world can provide. You will find that the best salons use nothing but the highest quality products, including Dermalogic and Kerestasa. This is essential, particularly if you are struggling with acne. The last thing you want is to have products applied to your face that will clog pores or damage your skin. You need nourishment, and you will get this with the best salon. You can also purchase products for home use so you can continue to make progress in clearing up acne and blemishes.

What services can you expect to find in Austin? Brazilian wax, hair styling and coloring, bridal services, makeup application, manicures and pedicures, and much more. But perhaps most importantly, you will find professionalism, knowledge, respect, and friendliness. You deserve the best aesthetician or hair stylist Austin can boast of, and with an outstanding salon, that is exactly what you will get.

About the Author: Kenneth Brown has written extensively about the beauty & fashion industry and enjoys informing consumers about the many options in this field

What to Expect At Your First Visit

When you take a visit to your dentist, there are several things you should expect to see the first time around. By taking in these things, you can have a better idea of the Austin dental clinic you have chosen, which can help you feel more positive about your decision and let you know that you have found a good dentist. Austin dentist chipped tooth repair and other services should be readily available.

Make sure to arrive at your Austin dental office on time, or even several minutes early. You never know when an appointment ahead of you may end early, allowing you to get in faster. The office should be clean and well-kept, showing that your new dentist takes pride in his or her office and knows that it is important to give a professional appearance. A good dentist office will have reading materials for you, as well as things for children to do while you wait. The staff you encounter should be friendly and willing to make you feel comfortable. Many people are not fond of going to the dentist and they should be aware of this and seek to make you feel as at home as possible so you can be relaxed when you finally meet your dentist.

Whether you are there for a short cleaning session, Austin venners, or for direct bonding, your dentist should be considerate and explain everything to you fully so you completely understand any procedures he or she intends to perform. This includes care credit Austin invisalign. There should be no need to feel nervous. If your dentist does not explain something to your satisfaction, ask questions until you understand. Your dentist should be patient and willing to help you feel comfortable during your appointment. Dentists should also always wear a mask, gloves, and gown when working on your teeth. Cleanliness and sanitary conditions should be a number one priority of your dentist. If at any time you do not like what you see, you should either let your dentist know or consider a new Austin dental clinic entirely.

If you are at your very first visit with a dentist and not for something else such as a consultation about tooth whitening, Austin dentists are just like any other dentists. Dentists will often perform what is called a comprehensive exam. Not only will the dentist look at your teeth and likely take X-rays, but he or she will also look at your entire head and neck. He or she may also ask for medical history in order to find out more about you should anything be related to problems discovered or that may occur in the future. They will also check for decay, look at your gums to check their health, and make sure you don’t need a laser gum surgery Austin consultation.

Not every dentist will do a huge list of things upon a first examination, and not everything will be done in your very first visit. But no matter what, it is important that you feel comfortable when at your dentist’s office and that you feel you are getting the best care possible. That way if you need a laser gum surgery Austin appointment, you will be all set.

About the Author: Bobby Milton has worked in the dental industry for over 20 years and writes and lectures on many different dental topics

New Years Eve in Austin

Everyone loves to celebrate New Year’s Eve. It is a time to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of a brand new one. One of the great things about celebrating New Year’s Eve is that there’s no “right” way to celebrate it. You can celebrate it at home on your own or with a few friends in an intimate setting, or you can celebrate it out on the town with your special someone or with friends. In Austin, you can celebrate New Year’s Eve in a number of different ways!

First Night

The biggest party in Austin on New Year’s Eve is likely First Night. First Night is the main event and is a family-friendly and alcohol-free event that the entire family can attend, or that just adults or teenagers can enjoy. And the best part is that the attendance fee for First Night is non-existent. It does cost to get food at the food court and to park, but the price is minimal when you look at all of the things that you can do at First Night.

The show usually starts with a family festival at Auditorium Shores that is in the early evening, which is a chance for parents to enjoy some fun and to get some food out with their children. There is a grand procession later in the evening that usually goes down Congress Avenue and through to the 1^st Street Bridge. Then Auditorium Shores is illuminated and you can settle down with your family to watch the Waterlight Parade as the sun goes down. And, of course, there are spectacular fireworks that go off at midnight, which are always enjoyable to watch. Throughout the evening you’ll find tons of artists and activities that you can enjoy in the heart of the city.

Other Events

There are many other events that you can enjoy in Austin on New Year’s Eve, and things change every year! One tip is to look at the Long First Night tickets. These tickets are the perfect way to make sure that you get a great seat for the fireworks and all other festivities, and that you’re able to enjoy the live bands and DJ’s that will be performing at the Long Center. Tickets are inexpensive and ensure that you get the best of First Night.

You can also find a number of things going on at local hotels and restaurants. Things like all-night parties with DJ’s are great for singles or couples who want to go out and party the night away, and you can find family friendly events at many community centers. When New Year’s Eve hits Austin, you’ll find that there is almost too much to do! Why not try different things every year so that you’re able to see everything that there is to see? Any way you go, you’re bound to find something that you enjoy about New Year’s Eve in the wonderful and always-moving city of Austin.