by admin | Dec 30, 2019 | Stem Cell Therapy, Adipose, Age Management, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Stem Cell Research
Autologous stem cell treatments offer several advantages over other forms of stem cell treatment. In autologous stem cell treatment, a patient’s own stem cells are retrieved, processed, and injected back into the patient’s body. There is no need for a stem cell donor, and the entire procedure can take place in the same medical office. Since the patient’s own cells are used for an autologous stem cell treatment, there is no risk of disease transmission from a donor (because there is no donor) and no risk of rejection (because they are the patient’s own stem cells). Autologous stem cell treatments has some major benefits for the elderly.
Unfortunately, younger stem cells are better for
regenerative medicine than older stem cells are. Moreover, older people have
fewer stem cells that can be harvested than they did when they were younger. So
while autologous stem cell treatment is still advantageous, it becomes more difficult
to achieve as patients get older because their stem cells are fewer and less potent.
Making matters worse, older stem cells compete against more youthful stem
cells, making autologous stem cell treatments potentially even less effective
in older patients.
Fortunately, stem cell researchers are coming up with ways to make the most out of the stem cells that older patients still have. They still take a sample of tissue, such as fat, and harvest the stem cells contained within it. However, instead of injecting all stem cells from the sample (both older and youthful stem cells), researchers select and use only youthful stem cells. Furthermore, they make the treatments even more effective by injecting other substances (e.g. extracellular matrix) that help youthful stem cells survive, grow, and thrive.
To demonstrate the effectiveness of their approach,
researchers collected mesenchymal
stem cells from about a dozen older individuals aged 65 to 86 years old.
They then assorted the stem cells into different groups, separating youthful
from older stem cells. They then used special factors to help the youthful stem
cells grow, increasing the numbers by an impressive 17,000 times. So while only
8% of stem cells produced by older individuals are “youthful,” this laboratory
process increased those numbers to a point that they can be used for stem cell
treatments—even stored for future use!
The next phase of the research will be to inject these youthful stem cells into older patients and assess their effectiveness. However, even these preliminary results are exciting because they suggest that people of all ages can potentially benefit from autologous stem cell treatments, not just middle age and younger individuals.
Reference: Block, TJ et al. (2017). Restoring the quantity and quality of elderly human mesenchymal stem cells for autologous cell-based therapies. Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 2017 Oct 27;8(1):239.
by admin | Dec 27, 2019 | Health Awareness, Aesthetics, Age Management, Skin Care
Maintaining healthy, luminous skin isn’t impossible, but it does require some self-care. Fortunately, many of these steps are quick, simple, and can be introduced easily into your daily routine. And, because many of the strategies to boost skin wellness also go hand-in-hand with overall healthy habits, you may even see some other benefits as a result. Here are some of the most powerful ways to improve your skin’s health naturally. Here are 7 beauty tips for naturally vibrant skin.
Always Remove Your Makeup
Your skin needs to breathe while you’re resting, but makeup
can clog your pores and prevent it from getting the air it needs. To keep
imperfections like blackheads and blemishes at bay always remove your makeup
every night before bed – no exception. If you don’t have time to wash your face
entirely, at least use a cotton pad and olive oil to gently remove lingering
cosmetics.
Get Plenty of Wholesome Nutrients
Every system in your body requires proper nutrition to
function its best, and your skin is no different. Foods
rich in healthy fats, including fatty fish, avocadoes, and nuts, are
especially powerful for keeping skin hydrated and supple. Nutrient-rich foods
like vegetables, fruit, and lean protein will also help round out a
skin-healthy diet.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise
increases blood flow, which helps to boost skin health. When you get
active, circulation increases, which carries essential nutrients to the skin.
Plus, increased blood flow also helps to carry away waste such as free
radicals, which could otherwise exacerbate the signs of aging.
Stay Hydrated
Every single cell in your body requires water
– especially your skin cells. Your skin is an organ made up of water, and
without enough hydration, it can begin to look flaky, dull, and aged. Be sure
to get at least glasses a day to keep your skin looking its best.
Sleep Soundly
The signs of a poor night’s sleep are likely to show up on
your skin immediately, in the form of puffy eyes or undereye bags. Yet, a
pattern of bad sleep can also take its toll on your skin. Because cells
regenerate during sleep, getting ample rest is essential to fighting the signs
of aging. Aim for at least eight hours of shut-eye each night to promote a
natural glow.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Dry skin loses its elasticity and makes it easier to spot
fine lines and wrinkles. For this reason, you should be applying a gentle
moisturizer every morning and evening. Look for one with natural,
non-irritating ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Never Skip Sunblock
The final but most important rule for maintaining healthy skin is to apply sunblock each and every day. Even if you’re only outdoors briefly, UV damage can add up, and will eventually lead to wrinkles, sun spots, and other signs of aging. Make sure your moisturizer has an SPF of 30 or higher, and that it can block out both harmful UVA and UVB rays to keep your skin not only safe, but healthy-looking.
by admin | Dec 22, 2019
WHAT IS Regenerative Medicine Facials More than just PRP, discover the option of Regenerative Medicine and how it is being used to help battle the natural effects of aging. Request Information Packet WHAT IS Regenerative Medicine Facials More than just PRP, discover...
by admin | Dec 13, 2019 | Health Awareness
Whether it’s a migraine or a foul mood, many people believe that certain weather patterns can trigger wellness issues. If you have arthritis, for instance, you might find that your joint pain seems to flare up with certain temperatures or conditions. But does the weather really impact our health, or is it just in our heads? If you are asking yourself ” Does the weather influence your health? ” then let’s take a look at some research to find out.
Colds & Flus
The CDC states that flu activity peaks from December to February, with the full season stretching from October to May. Is it a coincidence that these months also see the chilliest temperatures? Not according to 2015 research, published in Viruses. The study shows a correlation between plummeting temperatures and humidity levels and the uptick in infections. The theory is that breathing in poorly humidified air – hot or cold – can dry the nasal passages, thus decreasing resistance to viruses. Of course, colder season also tends to restrict us to indoor activities, where we might be more likely to pick up germs from others. Even if chilly, dry weather does impact resistance, germs are still the culprit behind flus and colds, so try to avoid direct contact with anyone who is sick and wash your hands frequently.
Migraines
The triggers for migraines have long been debated, but those who experience them often cite weather patterns as a causative agent. While the verdict is still out on whether cold temps could affect these severe headaches, research has indicated that cluster headaches appear more frequently during transitions from winter to spring and spring to summer.
Mood Changes
Feeling gloomy as a result of less sunshine? You’re not alone. More than 3 million people in the U.S. experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) each year, a condition characterized by depression which typically starts in the fall and persists through the winter. Reduced sunlight can affect the body’s circadian rhythm, serotonin levels, and melatonin, all of which influence mood. Symptoms of SAD include feeling sluggish, losing interest in your favorite activities, and feeling depressed most of the day, almost every day. Of course, dreary weather can also lead to some of these feelings on a less intense scale. If you think you could have SAD, however, don’t feel as if you have to “tough it out;” doctors can offer treatments such as light therapy to help you address the condition. When asking yourself ” Does the weather influence your health? ” the answer is yes!
Chronic Pain
Pain from conditions like osteoarthritis is believed to be worsened by damp, cold weather. Some studies suggest cloudy, rainy weather indeed increases severe discomfort, but other research debunks this theory. Persistent pain caused by arthritis and other chronic conditions tends to wax and wane to begin with, which makes it challenging to establish a definitive link between weather patterns and aches. Still, the Cloudy with a Chance of Pain project, which aims to correlate chronic pain with weather, suggests planning any burdensome activities around any weather patterns you believe to influence your pain levels.
by admin | Dec 10, 2019 | Health Awareness
The CDC recommends everyone over the age of six months receives a flu vaccination, with the exception of people who are allergic to the vaccine or its ingredients. For individuals who are at a high risk for flu-related complications, including pregnant women, seniors, and children under the age of five, it’s especially important to be vaccinated. Aside from simply complying with general health recommendations, however, there many benefits to receiving the flu vaccine. Flu season spans the fall, winter, and spring with activity peaking from December through February, so here’s why you should get vaccinated if you haven’t already done so. Here are 5 Benefits of Getting the Flu Vaccine.
Avoid the Flu Entirely
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary from person to person based on factors like age and current health. Yet, in many cases, it can prevent the flu altogether. For instance, during the 2016-2017 season, it’s estimated that the vaccination prevented more than 5 million cases of the flu.
Experience Fewer or Reduced Symptoms
If you do contract the flu despite receiving the vaccine, it’s possible that your symptoms will be less severe than those of a person who wasn’t vaccinated. Typically, symptoms include fever and chills, muscle or body aches, fatigue, headaches, cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Yet, in at-risk populations as well as people with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, and diabetes among others, flu-like complications can become deadly. The vaccine can minimize symptom severity and therefore decreases the risk of death in populations like young children and people 65 and older.
Prevent Flu-Related Hospitalization
Because the vaccine can reduce the risk of the flu and its complications, it can also help you stay out of the hospital. Within recent years, immunizations have helped reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization by 40%. Of those who do require hospitalization, vaccinated parties may be 82% less likely to be admitted to ICU.
Save Your PTO
While it may not be a health-related reason, saving your paid time off (PTO) is still a compelling incentive for getting vaccinated. Since many employees receive just 10 to 15 days of PTO each year, it’s important to use them wisely. Staying at home with the flu is certainly not anyone’s idea of a fun day off.
Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Events
Recently, researchers discovered individuals with high blood pressure who receive the flu shot are 16% less likely to experience a deadly cardiovascular event, and 18% less likely to die from any cause. Medical experts have long suspected that the flu puts stress on the body, which could trigger stroke or heart attack. Because patients with high blood pressure are already at an elevated risk for these conditions, it’s critically important for them to be vaccinated.
In addition to these benefits, there’s even more good news to consider. Most local pharmacies now offer convenient flu shot services right at their locations, so you don’t even have to schedule an appointment. And, chances are your insurance will cover the cost of the shot, too. You can always discuss your candidacy for the vaccination with your physician, but unless you have a known allergy to the shot or its ingredients, they’re likely to give you their approval.
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