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Spinal Cord Stimulators for Chronic Back Pain Win FDA Approval

  Spinal Cord Stimulators for Chronic Back Pain Win FDA Approval On May 16, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices from the pharmaceutical company Abbott to treat chronic  back pain  in people who have not had or are not eligible to receive back surgery, per a  press release from Abbott . Approval was granted after a six-month study of 200 participants showed that spinal cord stimulation provided significant relief and improvements in pain, function, quality of life, and mental health.Those enrolled in the trial had experienced an average of nearly 13 years of disabling chronic back pain. Participants were not eligible for corrective back operations because they were either medically frail or they had numerous degenerative changes in their spine, none of which were severe enough to qualify for corrective surgery but are nonetheless causing significant symptoms. After half a year, 85 percent of those implanted with Abbott’s SCS d
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Atkins Diet: The Ultimate Guide

Atkins Diet: The Ultimate Guide The  ketogenic  diet may be the “it” low- carb  diet for weight loss right now, but its predecessor, the Atkins diet, is the original version of this restrictive eating approach. “Atkins and  keto  are both low- carb  diets that may benefit weight loss, diabetes management, and heart health,” says  Vanessa  Rissetto , RD , a nutritionist based in  Hoboken , New Jersey. In addition to  keto  being much higher in fat than Atkins, a main difference between Atkins and  keto  is that you gradually increase your  carb  intake on Atkins, Rissetto says. Meanwhile, she adds, carbs “remain very low on the  keto  diet, allowing your body to stay in  ketosis  and burn  ketones  for energy.” Today, the diet, also called the Atkins Nutritional Approach, comes in three versions. ( 1) Atkins 20 is for people who: Want to lose more than 40 pounds (lb) Have a waist circumference of over 35 inches (women) or 40 inches (men) Have  prediabetes  or type 2 diabetes Atkins 40 i
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Beyond Coconut: 7 Other Natural Oils for Smooth and Radiant Skin

  Beyond Coconut: 7 Other Natural Oils for Smooth and Radiant Skin 1. Coconut Oil Coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin and is known to have many health benefits, including those from vitamins E and K, as well as its antifungal and antibacterial properties. The one big exception? Along with cocoa butter, coconut oil is likely to cause breakouts. “In general, coconut oil is a great option for almost everybody, except if you have oily skin and you're acne prone, I would not use it on the face,” Katta says. In a  study published in the journal  Dermatitis , researchers found coconut oil was better than olive oil at moisturizing skin when used in a carrier. Remember to look for cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for your face or skin care. 2. Olive Oil Olive oil doesn’t typically trigger allergic reactions, Katta says, but for the best results, be sure to opt for the extra-virgin variety. Olive oil contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, and some research, such as a  study published
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8 Steps for Guarding Your Skin Against the Environment

  8 Steps for Guarding Your Skin Against the Environment 1.  Try a Mineral Sunscreen to  Avoid Sun Damage Wearing sunscreen is the No. 1 goal, but many dermatologists like Chwalek prefer SPFs that contain titanium dioxide or  zinc oxide , which are ingredients that physically block UV rays. “Chemical sunscreens allow some absorption of light, which is why I think physical blockers are superior. They’re a bit more aggressive in protecting you from UV rays,” she says. You’ll find these in  sunscreens that have “mineral-based” on the label . 2.  Pick a Tinted Sunscreen for a Product That Does Double Duty To better block blue light, look for a tinted moisturizer with SPF, says Garshick. Iron oxides, which are formulated into tinted sunscreens, are the ingredient that shields skin from this type of light spectrum. (It’s what provides the tint.) She likes  EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40  or  SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 . 3.  Pick a Functional Powder for On-t
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25 Tips for Weight Loss That Actually Work

 25 Tips for Weight Loss That Actually Work 1. Eat Slowly “I have my clients learn how to choose foods they like, really taste each morsel going into their mouths, and chew deliberately. I advise them to chew slowly, swallow only when the food is all chewed up, and repeat. It takes time to know we're full. Eating slowly not only allows us to enjoy our food more but gives us better cues of satiety.” 2. Enjoy the Food You Eat “So often we’re told what to eat, and then when we don’t like that specific food, we’re less apt to create long-term healthy habits. Try new fruits and vegetables. Find out how to prepare new dishes that provide variety and flavor. Add herbs and spices to elevate flavor. Or if you prefer, savor the sweetness of fruit and the depth of raw and steamed vegetables. There’s no reason that your relationship with food can’t be pleasurable.” 3. Keep a Daily Gratitude Journal “Our eating habits are sometimes connected to our emotions, whether we realize it or not. When
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