Dr. Constance Chen

Complementary therapies may help women with the effects of mainstream medicine and its treatments. With the approval of their doctors, some women have found benefits from therapies such as acupuncture; aromatherapy; exercise, including yoga and tai chi; and meditation and relaxation techniques.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
June 09, 2020

Breast cancer, the most commonly occurring cancer in women, is traditionally treated with a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In seeking to maximize the benefits of these treatments and minimize their often-debilitating side effects, many women consider adding various complementary therapies to their treatment regimens.

“Complementary therapies may help women with the effects of mainstream medicine and its treatments,” says plastic surgeon and breast specialist Dr. Constance M. Chen. “With the approval of their doctors, some women have found benefits from therapies such as acupuncture; aromatherapy; exercise, including yoga and tai chi; and meditation and relaxation techniques. These are referred to as ‘complementary’ rather than ‘alternative’ therapies, since they work in concert with traditional treatments; they don’t replace them.”

Safety first

In some women, integrating complementary therapies with standard treatment can help relieve common signs and symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, difficulty sleeping, and stress. Although not all medical professionals are supportive, it may be useful to bring your doctor into your plans before undertaking a complementary regimen. “Standard treatments have been through a rigorous scientific process of testing and clinical trials to determine their safety and effectiveness,” she says. “The same isn’t always true of alternative therapies. In particular, some herbal supplements interact with cancer drugs in ways that can make traditional medication less effective. The ‘natural’ label is no guarantee of safety. The same is true of large doses of some vitamins. Although many traditional doctors are not well educated in alternative therapies, you can try asking your doctor for advice on safety and on the best strategy for you.”

Which therapies are safe and effective?

Acupuncture has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. A practitioner applies hair-thin, sterilized needles to specific points on the skin and moves them gently to stimulate the nervous system. The strongest evidence for acupuncture as an adjunct to cancer treatment has been found in clinical trials that demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy drugs or by anesthesia used in surgery. It has also been found effective in limited studies in reducing pain for some cancer patients and in reducing the hot flashes suffered by women undergoing hormone therapy. There is some evidence that acupuncture may help relieve fatigue and resolve problems sleeping. The FDA has approved the use of acupuncture by licensed practitioners. Many states regulate the practice; you should do your own research to find a certified practitioner.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants to improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Essential oils are extracted from the fragrant part of the plant, which is often found under the surface of leaves, bark, or peel. The fragrance is released when the plant is crushed or a special steam process is used. Essential oils used in aromatherapy include those from geranium, lavender, tea tree, lemon, ginger, cedarwood, bergamot, and Roman chamomile. Each has a different chemical makeup that affects how it smells, how it is absorbed, and how it affects the body. Essential oils are most often inhaled indirectly via a diffuser that distributes the oil in the air. They may also be diluted and massaged into the skin. While studies have shown mixed results, some have shown benefits to cancer patients in instilling a feeling of calm, relieving anxiety, improving sleep, and reducing nausea and pain. A study of breast cancer patients found inhalation of ginger oil to have some effect in reducing acute nausea. Aromatherapy is generally considered safe when used as directed, though the oils can cause an allergic reaction in some women when applied directly to the skin and lavender and tea tree oils have estrogen-like effects that can be detrimental in some cases.

Exercise has been shown to improve outcomes for cancer patients and improve quality of life. It can relieve stress and fatigue and improve sleep. An exercise program should be started slowly, building up gradually to thirty minutes most days of the week. Tai chi is a form of exercise that uses slow, gentle movements and deep breathing. It is generally safe, doesn’t require physical strength, and can relieve stress. Yoga comes in many variations, some of which require considerable bending, twisting, and stretching along with deep breathing. It’s important to avoid poses that cause discomfort. Many cancer patients find yoga relieves stress and fatigue and improves sleep.

Meditation is a method of deep concentration on a single thought, often combined with deep breathing and relaxation techniques that calm the mind and relax the muscles. Many people who practice meditation do so once or twice a day, often starting with the help of an instructor. These practices are generally credited with relieving anxiety and stress.

“These therapies bring relief to many breast cancer patients,” says Dr. Chen. “You may find benefit from the therapy itself and also from the psychological support and conviction that you are doing everything possible to enhance the success of your treatment and to sustain the best possible quality of life as you heal.”

Constance M. Chen, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with special expertise in the use of innovative natural techniques to optimize medical and cosmetic outcomes for women undergoing breast reconstruction. She is Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery (Plastic Surgery) at Weill Cornell Medical College and Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery (Plastic Surgery) at Tulane University School of Medicine. http://www.constancechenmd.com

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Updox shares Net Health’s vision of powerful solutions that drive patient care and help providers have a greater impact on outcomes.

DUBLIN, Ohio (PRWEB)
June 09, 2020

Updox, the only place to manage healthcare communications across both in-person and virtual care, today announced a partnership with Net Health, a premier provider of cloud-based Electronic Health Record (EHR) software for specialized care settings. Net Health serves more than 14,000 physical therapy, wound care, occupational medicine, employee health and hospice facilities, as well as 98 percent of large hospital networks in the US. Net Health will integrate the Updox platform with its classic ReDoc® software, Agility® software, therapy solution used in skilled nursing facilities and home health therapy software to support clients in the delivery of telehealth, video chat, secure text and SMS text services to their patients.

“Updox shares Net Health’s vision of powerful solutions that drive patient care and help providers have a greater impact on outcomes,” says Net Health CEO Josh Pickus. “Telehealth gives our clients the flexibility to incorporate virtual visits into their engagement workflow to ensure that care continues during this pandemic. The Updox solution is HIPAA-compliant and exceptionally easy to use for both patients and providers—we’re confident we’re offering a solution that our clients can get up and running quickly.”

Updox supports safe, effective ongoing treatment and care, while reducing potential coronavirus exposure to protect both staff and patients. The Updox solution was created to be as easy as making a phone call, and requires no special equipment or apps to download, just internet access. Updox facilitates up to 45,000 telehealth visits per day between patients and their healthcare providers.

“We’re proud to partner with Net Health to ensure healthcare providers can safely and securely offer remote care for patients to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” says Michael Morgan, chief executive officer, Updox. “During this time of crisis, quickly implementing comprehensive and secure telehealth services ensures that healthcare services continue in ways that are safe, secure and personal. Beyond the pandemic, we know healthcare will continue to see increased demand for virtual care, driven by patient preference for convenient, consistent and accessible connections with their providers of choice.”

In a recent Updox survey, 42 percent of Americans said they have used telehealth services since the pandemic began and 82 percent of that group said they love/like telehealth services. When asked about their preferences for using telehealth following COVID-19, 51% of respondents said convenience was most important to them, and 49% said that they wanted to be able to choose their provider rather than be assigned a healthcare professional for telehealth services.

About Updox

The only place to manage healthcare communications across both in-person and virtual care, Updox offers one consolidated inbox for healthcare providers to manage patient journey products and office productivity. Updox provides a broad set of capabilities for virtual health, patient engagement, and paperless office efficiency that work together in a secure, easy-to-use collaboration platform. Updox customers also benefit from an engaged user community for benchmarking, idea exchange and networking. Learn how we simplify the business of healthcare. Visit http://www.updox.com or follow the company on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Net Health

Net Health provides cloud-based software for specialty medical providers across the continuum of healthcare—from hospital to home. Net Health’s interoperable EHRs deliver end-to-end solutions that ensure compliance, improve outcomes, empower providers and inspire care. The company serves over 14,000 facilities, including 98 percent of the largest hospital chains, two-thirds of skilled nursing facilities and many leading hospice organizations and private practices. Net Health is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, Level Equity and Silversmith Capital Partners. http://www.nethealth.com

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The Bridge Club Pets is a virtual community for pet parents. A place to come for informed insight and guidance from veterinary professionals whose everyday focus is the health and well-being of pets.

The Bridge Club inspires professional and personal growth and creates connections. It’s a “Ted-Talks meets LinkedIn + book club” concept that brings people together in an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie.

PALATINE, Ill. (PRWEB)
June 09, 2020

Today, more than 40 percent of all pet owners reach out to Google or one of the thousands of pet-related Facebook Groups before reaching out to their own veterinarians. After more than three years of successfully hosting conversations with the veterinary profession, The Bridge Club launches The Bridge Club Pets (TBC Pets), a virtual community where pet owners can gather in a casual conversation to gain informed insight and guidance directly from veterinary professionals.

Bridging conversations to the pet owner was not too big of a stretch for The Bridge Club. “In virtually every conversation we have had with more than 25,000 veterinary professionals, it always comes up that they wish the pet owner knew this, or did that, to help with the health and well-being of their pets,” says Catherine Haskins of The Bridge Club. “What we are finding is that pet owners WANT to have these conversations and WANT to know what they need to do from real professionals who care.”

Haskins added that the goal of TBC Pets is to further elevate the view of veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Originally, TBC Pets was scheduled to launch later this Fall but was expedited with the support of Zoetis Petcare to help pet owners address their growing concerns about safety and transmission during the current quarantine.

The conversations take place on Zoom and are streamed on Facebook Live and Instagram. All pet owners register in advance and follow the same Bridge Club “rules” to turn on their cameras and bring a beverage to toast the conversation. Pet owners are able to pose questions to the special guest in the chat function. TBC Pets has partnered with whiskerDocs to have certified veterinary technicians in the conversation with pet owners to help provide resources and answer their general questions. All pet owners are encouraged to see their veterinarians.

“We are excited to be a part of the community that The Bridge Club is building,” says Deb Leon, CEO of whiskerDocs, whose veterinary team has been answering pet questions during TBC’s virtual conversations. “As more and more families bring pets into their homes, they are looking for reliable resources to help them do their best at caring for their pet family members. Our whiskerDocs family of over 4 million pets has taught us how important it is for pet owners to have instant access to pet expertise and support when and how they need it.”

To date TBC Pets has already had more than 5,000 pet owners register for their conversations that include: Caring for Your Pet while Sheltering with Dr. Ernie Ward, Telemedicine for Pets with Dr. Audrey Wystrach, Is Being Home Stressing Your Pet with Dr. Amy Pike, Is My Pet Gaining the Quarantine Pounds Again with Dr. Ward and How to Care for Your Aging Pet with Dr. Shea Cox. The feedback has been overwhelming with immediate survey results indicating 92 percent would attend a second session and 8 percent are considering it. Already, The Bridge Club has seen up to 25 percent repeat attendees.

All conversations are free to pet owners. To learn more about what The Bridge Club Pets has scheduled next, visit http://www.thebridgeclubpets.com.

About The Bridge Club

The Bridge Club is the first video-based, professional community created to connect the industry’s best in just 25 minutes. The Bridge Club inspires professional and personal growth and creates connections. It’s a “Ted-Talks meets LinkedIn + book club” concept that brings people together in an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie. To learn more, visit http://www.thebridgeclub.com and http://www.thebridgeclubpets.com.

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The new DGSHAPE AK-1 Titanium Abutment Kit makes it easy for users of the company’s advanced DWX-42W wet dental mill to offer full-service, high-quality implant restorations in-house.

“Custom abutments are quickly becoming the standard of care for implants, as they offer the flexibility for a passive fit and the prosthetic correction of implant angulation.”– Lisa Aguirre, DGSHAPE Americas Product Manager

IRVINE, Calif. (PRWEB)
June 09, 2020

Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE Americas dental business group has announced the availability of the new AK-1 Titanium Abutment Kit for use with the advanced yet simple-to-use DWX-42W wet dental mill. Designed to provide added value and opportunity for clinicians and dental laboratories of all sizes, the DGSHAPE AK-1 Titanium Abutment Kit enables DWX-42W users to offer full-service, high-quality implant restorations in-house with precision and ease.

The new AK-1 allows clinicians and lab owners to expand the capabilities of their DWX-42W to allow for milling of both the custom abutment and implant-supported restoration in-house. Equipped with a DGSHAPE DWX-42W and AK-1, the clinician or lab can maintain greater control over the design process and materials, significantly reducing both the turnaround time and costs.

Three material attachments are currently available for the DGSHAPE AK-1 Abutment Kit, each featuring a manufacturer specific attachment to the standard DWX-42W material holder. This allows for the milling of pre-milled titanium blanks from a variety of popular manufacturers, including GeoMedi®, MEDENTiKA® and NT-Trading®. The AK-1 kit includes a set of titanium dedicated milling tools, a special purpose filter tray, a torque screwdriver, a hexagonal wrench, a receptacle tray, replacement filters, and a user’s manual.

“Custom abutments are quickly becoming the standard of care for implants, as they offer the flexibility for a passive fit and the prosthetic correction of implant angulation,” said DGSHAPE Americas Product Manager, Lisa Aguirre. “That translates into greater overall esthetics, fewer chairside visits for adjustments, better overall support of implant structure, and improved implant-supported crown retention. The new DGSHAPE AK-1 makes it easy and cost-effective for DWX-42W users to produce quality custom titanium abutments in-house and offer all of these advantages to the patient.”

To learn more about the AK-1 Abutment Kit, visit http://www.rolanddga.com/ak-1. For more information on Roland DGA’s complete line of DGSHAPE dental products, visit http://www.rolanddga.com/dental.

About Roland DGA Corporation and DGSHAPE Americas

Roland DGA Corporation serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution and service arm for Roland DG Corporation and its subsidiary, DGSHAPE. Founded in 1981 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers, engravers, photo impact printers and CNC milling machines. DGSHAPE Americas is the Roland DGA dental business group dedicated to the DGSHAPE line of products, most notable as a market leader in dental milling machines. To learn more about Roland DGA Corporation and DGSHAPE Americas, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/dental.

About DGSHAPE Corporation

DGSHAPE Corporation designs and manufactures hardware and software solutions for entrepreneurs who want to fulfill their dreams of creating something new to “Shape the Future.” We cater to multiple industries, including medical, manufacturing and retail. We help innovators unlock their dreams by removing barriers to creation through intuitive technology that simplifies the user experience, including interface, software and maintenance, multi-axis rotary milling technologies, and Internet of Things (IoT) analytical platforms. Everything we do is motivated by creating tools to “Make Innovation and Make Life Better.” To learn more about DGSHAPE Corporation, visit https://www.dgshape.com.

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Medical Activist, “Final Diagnosis: No Second Chances” Author & Filmmaker, J.T. Madicus

“This all began as a teaching exercise for medical students, but the characters took on lives of their own. Dr. Tseng, Dr. Liz, Jeff, and the others are real people to me now, and their exploits keep me awake at night.”

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB)
June 09, 2020

Most thrillers begin with a staccato burst of gunfire, not the rapping of knuckles on a wooden door. J.T. Madicus, otherwise known as Future Doc House, is turning the genre on its head with his debut novel “Final Diagnosis: No Second Chances.” Setting the stage as the first of five works in the series, it combines the novelist’s experience in medical science with his love of fiction to create a medical drama/thriller that teaches its audience medicine. Proudly introducing Dr. Tseng to the world, its captivating plot embeds real-life medical scenarios allowing the reader to watch its heroes analyze, diagnose, and treat patients. Though both the characters and the plot are fiction, the medical cases are factual.

Tseng’s whirlwind introduction includes being kidnapped, transported to an unknown location in central Europe, and dropped into an operating theater with a cadaverous body on the table and a crew of medical experts he knows only by reputation. If they can cure their patient of a mysterious illness, they will earn their freedom. The novel combines a gripping narrative with tense action scenes and medical puzzles, which could double as recommended reading for medical students.

“This all began as a teaching exercise for medical students, but the characters took on lives of their own,” Madicus said. “Dr. Tseng, Dr. Liz, Jeff, and the others are real people to me now, and their exploits keep me awake at night. Other people feel the same, even the first proof-readers for the novel said they couldn’t put it down!”

Madicus began writing the book, in part, as a way to distract himself from the ever-evolving rigors of the medical field. Approximately 30 percent of medical students will experience depression at some point in their training. Medical school is highly competitive and relatively joyless. Student debt can be overwhelming. Doctors are nearly twice as likely to commit suicide when compared to the general population.

“I studied medicine in three different countries,” Madicus said. “I know first-hand that, no matter where you look, the joy and excitement is missing from medical education. This novel is my contribution towards putting that spark back in. We’re talking about addiction, redemption, and healing not just medically, but also emotionally. Both the medical plotlines and the character arcs dwell on the question: Can a broken person be made whole again? This is something I have always been driven to explore.”

While the puzzling medical mysteries will appeal to medical students and professionals, the psychological tension, strongly developed characters, and fast-paced plot will be entertaining to both the average reader as well as the medical expert. Two additional novels in the five-book series are well underway and “Final Diagnosis: No Second Chances” has already taken life into the form of a film set to premiere in Summer 2020.

Madicus no doubt has his stethoscope on the pulse of the future of medicine with several other projects, including QUPI.com, the largest medical question bank on the market. Created for medical students, QUPI exists to solve the problem of the shortage of doctors by making it fun and easy to practice medical knowledge through cutting-edge educational content and software technology online and by way of an app. His analysis of the state of healthcare and medical education in the United States, “Is There a Doctor Aboard? An Urgent Call for Change in Medical Education and Government Policy” does not paint a pretty picture. QUPI’s mission is to revolutionize medical education into the 21st century.

“Final Diagnosis: No Second Chances” softcover ($15.99) and e-book ($4.99) copies of the novel can be purchased on Amazon.

For information on the novelist, medical activist, and filmmaker, visit the J.T. Madicus website.

Press Contact(s):

Stacey Barker, stacey@jadeumbrella.com

Todd Schuetz, todd@jadeumbrella.com

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