StemCell Therapy

Color blindness (or colour blindness or more specific color vision deficiency (CVD)) is well known but hard to imagine if you are not suffering from it. So usually people are either looking for more information to learn about color blindness and all its details, would like to better understand the vision by simulating it or want to test themselves with some form of color blindness test. All this you can be found here on color-blindness.com and much more.

Color blindness affects approximately every 1 in 12 men (8%) and 1 in 200 women (0.5%). This means there is definitely one in your neighborhood or school class affected by it. Most of them are male, because the most common form called red-green color blindness (a term wich is also misleading) is encoded on the x-chromosome and therefore sex-linked. As red-green color blindness is inherited from a mother to her son, a father never passes this type of color blindness on to his children.

The term red-green color blindness is often used but actually not quite correct. Ever type of color vision deficiency affects the whole color spectrum and therefore can not be reduced to just certain colors. Of course, for the most often encountered types Protanomly (the milder form or red-weakness) or Protanopia (missing red cones, red-blindness) and Deuteranomaly (green-weakness) or Deuteranopia (green-blindness) the colors red and green are the most problematic and misinterpreted or indistinguishable ones. But people suffering from any of those forms have issues with the red or green part in every color, so the whole spectrum of colors is affected.

Besides red-green color blindness, which is encoded on the x-chromosome (sex-linked) and therefore much more common for men, there are also forms of color vision deficiency which are evenly distributed between male and female like Tritanomaly (blue-weakness) or Tritanopia (blue-blindness) and the real color blindness Achromatopsia (monochromacy) or the so called blue-cone monochromacy (only blue cones).

Color blindness simulation is fascinating! If you are not colorblind it is so hard to imagine what it looks like to be colorblind: Which color do you see? Do you see any at all? What does it mean not to be able to see red? and so on. My COlor BLIndness Simulator is a handy tool which allows you to use your own images and try out all the different simulation types. It is even possible to save any simulated image and have a one-by-one comparison.

Online color blindness testing is often done but unfortunately no yet as good as it could be. Usually youll find out about color blindness at school or when visiting an eye specialist and want to confirm this with some online tools. There are online color blindness tests available, but most of them are not reliable and cannot compensate a visit at your eye specialist. There is a new form of color blindness test coming up: Color Blind Check uses a new method and its results look very promising. But this new form still needs more time to develop and calibration to count as a trustable color blindness test.

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Colblindor All about Color Blindness

By cultivating the rare and unique Uttwiler Sptlauber apple, scientists have discovered an innovative way to harness this unique plants stem cells to help prevent the look of aging skin by incorporating it into topical anti-aging skincare products. LifeCells breakthrough formula contains Malus Domestica Plant Stem Cells created to replicate the anti-aging effects of this rare Swiss apple.

New innovations allow us to see the skin preserving potential plant stem cells have to offer. Plant stem cells can serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells. One of their main characteristics is its ability to protect the longevity of skin by helping combat chronological aging.

What was keeping these apples alive?, What was the secret to such prolonged youth?

And, naturally, how quickly could this miracle ingredient be harnessed to stop the aging process - in people?

Scientists discovered that the key to the apple's longevity lay chiefly in its unusually resilient stem cells. Stem cells in plants function much as they do in people: Their job is to maintain and repair. Stem cells found in skin have a limited life span, and as we age and as we expose ourselves to inevitable environmental assaults - like UV light, i.e., sunshine - they decrease in number, as does their ability to regenerate tissue. The result is the familiar loss of skin elasticity and radiance, and finally wrinkles.

Welcome to the apple. New technology made it possible to replicate the cells of the nearly extinct Uttwiler Sptlauber in the lab. In clinical tests, the apple's stem cells appeared to be protecting the skin. Like a youth tonic, they were nourishing and stimulating them, defending them from UV radiation (like a natural SPF booster), even delaying their aging and death.

And so, this fairly tale has a happy ending. Today, the rare Uttwiler Sptlauber trees (there are now seven) are protected by the European environmental group ProSpecieRara. The apples themselves are so revered, in 2008, the Swiss government put them on a postage stamp. Maybe someday we'll even eat them. Imagine what that could do for you.

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LifeCell Official Site | The All in One Anti Aging Cream

Blue Zones are regions of the world where Dan Buettner claims people live much longer than average. The term first appeared in the November 2005 National Geographic magazine cover story "The Secrets of a Long Life" by Buettner.[1] He identified five areas that Buettner considers "Blue Zones": Okinawa (Japan); Sardinia (Italy); Nicoya (Costa Rica); Icaria (Greece) and among the Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California. He offers an explanation, based on data and first hand observations, as to why these populations live healthier and longer lives. The term "Blue Zones" is trademarked by Dan Buettner.[2]

The concept grew out of demographic work done by Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain[3] outlined in the Journal of Experimental Gerontology,[4] who identified Sardinia's Nuoro province as the region with the highest concentration of male centenarians. As the two men zeroed in on the cluster of villages with the highest longevity, they drew concentric blue circles on the map and began referring to the area inside the circle as the Blue Zone. Together with demographers Pes and Poulain, Buettner broadened the term, applying it to validated longevity areas of Okinawa, Japan and among the Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California. Buettner and Poulain, under the aegis of National Geographic, then identified and validated longevity hotspots in Nicoya, Costa Rica and Icaria, Greece.

The five regions identified and discussed by Buettner in the book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest:[5]

Residents of these places produce a high rate of centenarians, suffer a fraction of the diseases that commonly kill people in other parts of the developed world, and enjoy more years of good health.[11]

The people inhabiting Blue Zones share common lifestyle characteristics that contribute to their longevity. The Venn diagram at the right highlights the following six shared characteristics among the people of Okinawa, Sardinia, and Loma Linda Blue Zones:[12]

In his book, Buettner provides a list of nine lessons, covering the lifestyle of blue zones people:[13]

Link:
Blue Zone - Wikipedia

At Integrative Medical NY, patients find a wide range of services to heal from chronic disease, gain more energy, and live fuller, healthier lives. With an emphasis on functional, holistic, and integrative medicine, the practice serves individuals in New York City and the surrounding communities.

The foundation of functional medicine allows the Integrative Medical NY team to diagnose and treat illness with many different approaches. The practice is led by Dr. Maurice Beer and nurse practitioners Jessica Berarducci, Shoko Karakilic, and Mary Beth Charmo.

Guided by the principle that healthcare should be personalized and unhurried, the team uses a medically-informed model with more natural solutions to help patients heal.

From customized nutrition programs and hormone replacement therapy to mindfulness strategies and lifestyle modifications, the team aims to resolve the cause of disease and provide individuals with a plan to sustain lifelong health.

The providers at Integrative Medical NY know people who understand their bodies are more likely to stay healthy. With a commitment to patient education, mind-body harmony, and demystifying complex medical problems, the practice helps individuals become their health advocates and provides them with tools for long-term well-being.

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Integrative Medical NY: Board Certified Internal Medicine ...

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Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative condition of the articular cartilage, which is the most common cause of disability in patients over age 65. Treatment options are limited towards alleviating symptomology.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are effective at treating osteoarthritis (OA) in animal models and clinical trials [1-6]. Mechanisms of therapeutic activity appear to be associated with regenerative and anti-inflammatory factors produced by MSC [7, 8]. On the one hand, MSC produce soluble factors that are antioxidant [9], antifibrotic [10], and stimulate endogenous chondrogenic progenitors [11], on the other hand MSC directly can differentiate into cartilage tissue [12].

The proposed study will involve intra-articular injection of umbilical cord tissue mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) into joints of 20 patients with grade 2-4 radiographic OA severity and intravenously in 20 patients with grade 2-4 radiographic OA severity. The primary endpoint will be safety and feasibility as assessed by lack of treatment associated adverse events. The secondary endpoint will be improvements in joint function as assessed by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Patients will be examined at baseline and 3 and 12 months after treatment.

This, study will provide support for double-blind placebo controlled investigations. The potential of using UC-MSC for this debilitating condition will open the door for future investigations in other inflammatory conditions if results demonstrate safety and feasibility of this approach.

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Human Umbilical Cord Stem Cells for ... - Medistem Panama

As your doctor, I practice medicine in a different way than you may be used to. As medical practices get larger and suffer under increasing insurance restraints, many have come to lack something very importantpersonal attention. Due to sagging reimbursements by insurance companies and higher operating costs, many practices are forced to see many patients every day. I want to care for you on a more personal level.

By keeping my practice small, I can focus first on who you are as a person instead of your illness or symptoms. And youll see only me not a nurse practitioner or other doctorsso you get the attention you deserve in a caring, warm environment.

My practice is based on a partial concierge or membership medicine model. This allows me to limit the number of patients I see and provide the personalized, comprehensive primary care you cant find in most doctors offices.

If you choose to become a member, for an affordable annual fee you can access same- or next-day unrushed appointments that allow me to address all of your questions and concerns. And because youll have ongoing direct communication with me, sometimes you can avoid an appointment altogether, or even a trip to the Emergency Department.

Not ready to become a member yet? Thats okay. Im still happy to see youjust understand that many of these special service benefits are for members only.

My smaller practice allows me to focus on more than treating problems, but also teaching wellness and prevention with the goal of living a long and healthy life free from disease. See our services.

Our healthcare system is filled with plenty of challenges, but having a doctor who can spend enough time with you shouldnt be one of them. I look forward to providing you the attentive, personalized care you have always hoped to find.

Do you have questions? Please call us at (910) 762-4488. Our Patient Membership Coordinator / Office Manager Linda will be happy to help you.

~ Dr. Steve LiederbachBoard Certified, Internal Medicine

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Wilmington Adult Medicine Personalized Medicine Membership ...

The Veterinary Referral Center of Northern Virginia has provided unmatched, compassionate emergency, internal medicine, and surgery care for dogs and cats and their owners throughout Northern Virginia for more than 30 years. We understand and appreciate the needs of our clientsboth owners and referring veterinariansand do our very best to meet these needs.

We provide exceptional emergency services 24/7 365 days a year, including holidays, and unsurpassed referred internal medicine, surgery, behavior medicine, and ophthalmology services at fees that are often significantly less than other regional referral centers. Our veterinarians are award-winning experts in their fields. Providing our patients and clients with an unparalleled care experience is our top priority.

Our Behavior Medicine Division, added in 2016, is led by Dr. Amy Pike, one of fewer than 70 board-certified veterinary behaviorists in North America. Dr. Amy Butler and Dr. Jocelyn Patterson, two highly regarded critical care specialists, are now members of our team. On July 23, 2018 we added an Ophthalmology Division led by Dr. Michelle Samuel, leading board-certified ophthalmologist.

We are locally owned and operated and give back to our community. Trust our highly trained veterinarians and staff members to care for your beloved four-legged family members.

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Veterinarian in Manassas, Virginia | The Veterinary ...

Age happens. While theres nothing we can do to literally turn back the clock, we can work to optimize your vitality, weight, and sense of well-beingas well as prevent diseaseas you move through life. Medicine moves fast, and every day there are new techniques and treatments being perfected that are effective, safe, and non-invasive. Dr. Kate Kass makes it her highest priority to seek out training and certifications in breakthrough protocols. Be it chronic pain, wrinkles, or decreased energy and vitality, Dr. Kass can work with you to tailor a regenerative treatment program to your specific needs, so you dont have to settle for anything less than your best self.

Hormones decline as we age. In your 40s and 50s, you might receive hormone replacement therapy but HGH, human growth hormone, is often overlooked. The decline in HGH contributes to the acceleration of the aging processwhich includes changes in body composition, bone density, lipid metabolism, cardiovascular function, and physical performance.

Symptoms of low growth hormone can often mimic the symptoms of low testosterone or estrogen. If you have adult HGH deficiency, you could experience one or some of the following symptoms:

A higher level of body fat, especially around the waist

Anxiety and depression

Decreased sexual function and interest

Fatigue

Feelings of isolation

Greater sensitivity to heat and cold

Decreased muscle mass

Less strength and stamina

Reduced bone density

Abnormal changes in cholesterol composition

Not great, right? But the good news is that Dr. Kass offers a thorough protocol to optimize adult growth hormone levels. Testing and restoring adult growth hormone levels is an essential part of Dr. Kass comprehensive age management strategy, and has proven to be safe, affordable, and highly effective. ( Please note, we do not prescribe growth hormone but work with patients on other strategies for improving levels)

Dr. Kass offers a variety of customized IV nutrient infusions that target your specific condition, such as migraines, adrenal fatigue, depression, anxiety, or a sluggish metabolism. IV nutrient therapy is ideal for athletes, patients with compromised gut function, patients who are recovering from illness and need immune support, and anyone looking for an antioxidant boost for regenerative benefits. Dr. Kass offers many different IV nutrient therapy combinations, including:

Originally pioneered for professional athletes in the 1970s to help heal injuries, PRP is now used extensively for orthopedic treatments for regenerating ligaments,tendons, and joint injuries, and in orthopedic surgeries to improve surgical outcomes. PRPs applications are wide-ranging, since it has the ability to regrow collagen, enrich fibrin, and aid in the formation of new blood vessels.

Heres how it works: PRP is a concentrated preparation of your own growth factors extracted from your own blood. When injected into an area of concern, PRP stimulates a stem cell response for regeneration of the target tissue. In her practice,Dr. Kass has harnessed the power of PRP to treat many different longevity concerns. Using one of the leading PRP harvesting systems available, she draws a patients blood, and then runs the blood through a specialized centrifuge to concentrate the patients own platelets and growth factors. This concentrated growth factor soupwith all its amazing healing and restorative propertiesis then injected into targeted areas for regeneration.

Dr. Kass leverages PRP therapy to regrow hair by promoting stem cell regeneration and regrowth of weakened hair follicles. Her protocol combines PRP with ACell, an FDA-approved protein product. ACell provides an extracellular matrix as a kind of scaffolding for stem cells to latch onto and grow, increasing the treatments efficacy and reducing the formation of scar tissue. Injection treatments last 90 minutes and frequently provide results in just one visit. PRP is an effective option for women who are genetically predisposed to hair loss or thinning and men who experience male-pattern baldness.

In addition, Dr. Kass uses PRP therapy to treat other medical concerns ranging from sexual function to scar rejuvenation and damaged skin.

Dr. Kass is one of the few practitioners who is certified and trained in the protocols of the Vampire Facial, a highly sought-after treatment that harnesses PRP and concentrated growth factors to stimulate new collagen and improve skin tone and texture. You will continue to see improvements in your skin for 23 months and results will last for 12 years.

With a foundation in functional medicine, Dr. Kass works with you to determine the root cause for weight gain or an inability to lose weight. She tests for food allergies,and conducts genetic testing to determine the optimal weight-loss strategy for you.She helps you to clean up your gut and correct hormone imbalances. Dr. Kass focuses on shoring up your foundation so you can establish a healthy weight. If you need ongoing assistance, she will work with you to create a medical program and develop meal plans for ongoing weight loss and maintenance.

For these treatments to work optimally, Dr. Kasss Pillars of Functional Wellness always need to be in place. The five Pillars are: gut health, hormone balance,reduced environmental exposure to toxins, emotional well-being, and physical activity. The Pillars of Functional Wellness create a sustainable strategy for long-term health.

Contact Dr. Kass to start living your best life today.

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Regenerative Medicine Seattle - Dr. Kate Kass

How much is stem cell therapy? As stated by CBC Canada,the cost of stem cell therapy is $5,000 to $8,000per stem cell treatment for patients. According to a Twitter poll by BioInformant, the cost can be even higher. Our May 2018 poll found that stem cell treatments can cost as much as $25,000 or more. This article explores the key factors that impact the cost of stem cell therapy, including the type of stem cells used within the protocol, the number of treatments required, and the site of theclinic. It also provides pricing quotes from stem cell clinics within the U.S. and worldwide.

In this article:

Stem cell therapy is the use of living cells as therapeutics to treat disease or injury. Read on to learn about the cost requirements of these procedures.

CBC Canadas pricing involves Cell Surgical Network (CSN) following its protocol to remove fat tissue and process it before re-injecting [adipose-derived stem cells] either directly or intravenously into the same patient. Unfortunately, the U.S. FDA and Department of Justice (DOJ) sent this network of stem cell treatment providers a permanent injunction notice in May 2018. Therefore, patients should not seek treatments from the group at this time.Although Cell Surgical Network (CSN) is based in California, it has a network of approximately 100 U.S. treatment centers. They also have three Canadian clinics located in Vancouver, Sudbury,andKamloops.

The controversy such as the one above stirs up questions about the safety of stem cell procedures. Anyone considering stem cell therapy from any tissue or source will benefit from understanding the possible consequences of stem cell therapy and the factors driving costs.

For the patient, a stem cell transplant involves multiple steps, including:

There are also real costs for the doctors who provide stem cell treatments. They have overhead costs, including:

There is also time and expertise required toperform the procedure and offer post-operative care. In some cases, the physician must pay licensing fees to access stem cell sourcing, processing, or delivery technologies.

Stem cell treatment has gained more and more traction over the last decade. It has been helped along by considerable advances in research. In 2017, the number of scientific publications about stem cells surpassed 300,000. The number of stem cell clinical trials has also surpassed4,600 worldwide.

However, stem cell therapy is still expensive. Among the cheapest and easiest options is to harvest adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) those that exist in adult fat layers and re-deliver them to the patient. Unlike harvesting from bone marrow or teeth, providers can feasibly remove fat, separate stem cells, then re-inject them into a patient the same day. This approach is typically less expensive than those that require more invasive procedures for harvesting. Because of its practicality in terms of cost, it has become a common approach to stem cell treatment.

Relatively easy harvesting stilldoesnt translate to inexpensive cost, although some are certainly more affordable than others. For orthopedic conditions, the costof stem cell therapy is typically lower, averaging between $5,000 and $8,000. Examples of these types of medical conditions include:

Note that these prices are typically out-of-pocket costs paid by the patientbecause most insurance companies will not cover them. They are considered experimental and unapproved by the FDA. This means patients needing stem cell treatment will need to use their own savings.

Although fat is a frequently utilized source for stem cells, it is also possible for physicians to utilize stem cells from bone marrow. Regenexx provides this service in the U.S. and Cayman Islands. With theRegenexxstem cell injection procedure, a small bone marrow sample is extracted through a needle, and blood is drawn from a vein in the arm. These samples are processed in a laboratory, and the cells it contains are injected into an area of the body that needs repair. On June 19, 2018, ACAP Health, a leading provider in innovative, clinical-based solutions partnered with Regenexx to reduce high-cost musculoskeletal surgeries.ACAP Health is a national leader in employer healthcare expense reduction. It is one of the first healthcare groups to partner with a stem cell treatment group to support insurance coverage to patients.

A recent Twitter poll conducted by BioInformant reported that, on average, patients can expect to spend $25,000 or more on stem cell therapies. According to the poll,

Most likely, those paying lower stem cell treatment costs under $5,000 were pursuing treatment for orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions. In contrast, those paying higher treatment costs were likely getting treated for systemic or more complex conditions, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimers disease or dementia), psoriatic arthritis, as well as the treatment for autism.

In the U.S., treatment protocols vary depending on the clinic and the treating physician. A one-time treatment that utilizes blood drawn from a patient can cost as little as $1,500. However, protocols that utilize a bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue extraction can run as much as $15,000 $30,000. This is because bone marrow extraction is an invasive procedure that requires a penetrating bone and adipose tissue extraction requires a medical professional trained in liposuction.

For treatments that require a systemic or whole-body approach, the cost tends to be in the higher range, often averaging from $20,000 to $30,000. Examples of the diseases or conditions requiring this type of stem cell treatment include:

These higher costs reflect the complexity of treating these patients and the fact that multiple treatments are often required.

Founded by Dr. Neil Riordan, a globally recognized stem cell expert, theStem Cell Institutein Panama is one of the worlds most trusted adult stem cell therapy centers. Over the past 12 years, the center has performed more than10,000 procedures, making it a widely recognized destination for stem cell treatments.

Working in collaboration with universities and physicians worldwide, its stem cell treatment protocols utilize combinations of allogeneic human umbilical cord blood stem cells and autologous bone marrow stem cells to treat a wide variety of conditions.

A reader of BioInformant was recently treated for psoriatic arthritis at the Stem Cell Institute in Panama in early 2018. The price of his stem cell treatment was $22,000. With travel and lodging included, the total expenses were approximately $30,000.

Because of its proximity to the U.S., Mexico is increasingly becoming a destination for medical tourism.Before choosing a stem cell treatment provider in Mexico, ensure the clinic is fully authorized by COFEPRIS, the Mexican equivalent to the FDA.

One patient who recently shared stem cell treatment quotes with BioInformant found that the treatment for glycogen storage disease, a metabolic disorder that often onsets in infancy and continues into adulthood, would cost $23,900 throughGIOSTAR Mexico.

In contrast, the patient was quoted$33,000 throughCelltex, a U.S.-based company that treats patients in Cancun, Mexico.Celltex follows FDA regulations concerning the export of cells to Mexico and is compliant with the standards and procedures of COFEPRIS. Celltex also has an alliance with a certified hospital in Mexico, which is approved to receive cells and administer them to patients by a licensed physician.

In contrast, the patient was quoted $10,000 from Stem Cell Therapy of Las Vegas and Med Spa, an American clinic. This price difference may reflect regulatory restrictions that prevent U.S. providers from expanding cells. It may also reflect the therapeutic approach used by the clinic, as well as the quality of their expertise.

In Mexico, where certain types of stem cell expansion are allowed that are restricted within the U.S., treatment protocols vary depending on the clinic and the treating physician. A one-time treatment that utilizes peripheral blood from a patient can cost as little as $1,000. In contrast, protocols that utilize more invasive sources of stem cells can run as much as $15,000 $35,000. Examples of invasive procedures includebone marrow and adipose tissue extraction. In some cases, hospitalization may be required, which raises costs. The location of a stem cell facility can factor heavily into thecost of the procedure.

Not every cost associated with treatment gets billed to the patient at the time of the procedure. Hidden costs such as reactions to the treatment, graft-versus-host disease, or disability derived from the treatment can all result in more money to the patient, to insurance, or to the government.

For example, in the case of someone with cancer, it frequently isnt viable to harvest the patients own stem cells because they may contain cancerous cells that can reintroduce tumors to the body. Instead, the patient would receive stem cells by transplant. Treatments that involve cells from another person are called allogeneic treatments. The danger here is that the body may see those cells as invaders and attack them via the immune system, a condition known as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). The body (host) and the introduced stem cells (graft) then battle rather than coexist.

Transplanted cells often face the risk of being rejected by their host; this article discusses the effect of plasma exchange on acute graft vs. host diseasehttps://t.co/cA3nzFntew

Katie Bunde (@kbuns76) May 29, 2018

In addition to making the stem cell treatments less effective or ineffective, GvHD can be deadly. Roughly30 to 60 percent ofhematopoieticstem cell and bone marrow transplantationpatients sufferfrom it, and of those, 50 percent eventually die. The hospital costs associated with it are substantial.

Another hidden cost is the potential to disrupt a system that formerly functioned adequately. The best current example of this isthe case of Doris Tyler, who received bilateral stem cell injections in her eyes from Drs.RobertHalpernand JamieWalraven of Stem Cell Center of Georgia. According to her, while her vision was failing, it was still good enough to perform various tasks, and now it is not. That means the cost increases for her, as well as potential insurance or disability claims (though again, insurance is unlikely to cover the specific consequences of this action).

Because of tight regulations surrounding stem cell procedures performed in the United States, many stem cell treatment providers provide both on-shore (U.S.-based) and offshore (international) treatment options.Depending on where a treatment is received, patients may have to pay travel, lodging,and miscellaneous expenditures.

For example, Regenexx offers treatments at a wide range of U.S. facilities using non-expanded stem cells. However, it also offers a laboratory-expanded treatment option at a site in the Cayman Islands, which can administer higher cell doses to patients by expanding the cells in culture within a laboratory.

Similarly, Okyanos (pronounced Oh key AH nos) offers treatments to patients at its Florida location and provides more involved stem cell procedures at its offshore site inGrand Bahama. It was founded in 2011 and is a stem cell therapy provider specializing in treatments for congestive heart failure (CHF) and other chronic conditions. It is fully licensed under the Bahamas Stem Cell Therapy and Research Act and adheres to U.S. surgical center standards.

Similarly, Celltex is headquartered in Houston, Texas, but offers stem cell treatments in Cancun, Mexico. Celltex specializes in storing a patients mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for therapeutic use.

While no hard evidence yet points to stem cell clinics raising their rates as a result of lawsuits, that is a typical response in industries whose products or services the public perceives as a high risk.

An additional danger to stem cell treatment providers,points out Nature, is the reduction of bottom-line profits through former patients winning suits. If clinics have to pay out the money they earned and then some to individuals suing for damages, they may soon become faced with an unviable business model. That is a definite concern for those hoping to leverage these treatments now and in the future.

As with any other area of medicine, patient evaluations of stem cell providers and treatments run the gamut from extremely satisfied to desolately unhappy. Those like Doris Tyler who have lost their eyesight exist at the negative end of the spectrum. However, many others praise stem cell treatments for their power to heal diseases, boost immunity, fight cancer, and more.

For example, BioInformants Founder and President, Cade Hildreth, had a favorable experience with stem cell therapy. Cade had bone marrow-derived stem cells collected and then had them re-injected into the knee to treat a devastating orthopedic injury. Cade was able to reverse pain, swelling, and scarring to reclaim an elite athletic ability.

As of now, this much is clear. There exists enough interest in America and across the world that stem cell providers are continuing to offer a wide range of treatments. Stem cell treatments also offer the potential to reverse diseases that traditionally had to be chronically managed by drugs. Like most medical practices, stem cell treatments will require further testing to reveal merits and faults. Until then, the public will likely continue to pursue services when medical needs arise.

Although the cost of stem cell therapy is pricey, some patients choose to undergo the treatment because it is more economical than enduring the costs associated with chronic diseases.

Although most stem cell therapy providers do not provide FDA-approved procedures, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to encouragepatients to pursue approved therapies, even if there is a higher associated treatment cost.

Providers rarely post their prices for stem cell treatments in print or digital media because they want patients to understand the benefits of therapy before making a price decision. Additionally, the price of stem cell treatments varies by condition, the number of treatments required, and the complexity of the procedure, factors that can make it difficult for medical providers to provide cost estimates without a diagnostic visit for the patient. However, in many cases, it is not in the patients best interest to make treatment decisions based on the cost of stem cell therapy. The best way to know whether to pursue stem cell therapy is to explore patient outcomes by condition and compare the healing process to other surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

The cost of stem cell therapy is indeed expensive, especially because the procedures are rarely covered by health insurance. However, with the right knowledge and a clear understanding of the treatment process, the risk of undergoing stem cell therapy can be worth it, especially if it removes the requirement for a lifetime of prescription medication. Although stem cell therapy has associated risks, it has improved thousands of lives and will continue to play in a key role in the future of modern medicine.

Download this infographic for your reference:

Are you seeking a stem cell treatment? If so, we have partnered with GIOSTAR to help you acccess medical guidance and advice.

In alignment with what we believe at BioInformant, GIOSTARs goal is to offer cutting-edge, extensively researched stem cell therapy options designed to rejuvenate and improve a patients quality of life.

Click here to Schedule a Consultation or ask GIOSTAR a question.

If you found this blog valuable, subscribe to BioInformants stem cell industry updates.

As the first and only market research firm to specialize in the stem cell industry, BioInformant research is cited by The Wall Street Journal, Xconomy, AABB, and Vogue Magazine. Bringing you breaking news on an ongoing basis, we encourage you to join more than half a million loyal readers, including physicians, scientists, executives, and investors.

Do you think the cost of stem cell therapy is too much? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Up Next: Japan to Supply Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC) for Clinical Research

Cost Of Stem Cell Therapy And Why Its So Expensive

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The Cost Of Stem Cell Therapy And Why It's So Expensive ...

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body - most often by inserting thin needles through the skin. It is one of the most effective practices used in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture stimulates nerve fibers to transmit signals to the spinal cord and brain, activating the bodys central nervous system. The spinal cord and brain then release hormones responsible for making us feel less pain while improving overall health. Acupuncture may also: increase blood circulation and body temperature, affect white blood cell activity (responsible for our immune function), reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and regulate blood sugar levels.

Aquatherapy

Aquatic Physical Therapy is the practice of physical therapy in a specifically designed water pool with a therapist. The unique properties of the aquatic environment enhance interventions for patients with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions. Aquatic therapy includes a wide range of techniques allowing patients to improve their balance, muscle strength and body mechanics. Aquatic therapy works to enhance the rehabilitation process and support effectiveness of stem cell treatment.

Epidural Stimulation

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen at a level higher than atmospheric pressure. The equipment required consists of pressure chamber, which may be of rigid or flexible construction, and a means of delivering 100% oxygen into the respiratory system. Published research shows that HBOT increases the lifespan of stem cells after injection and provides an oxygen-rich atmosphere for the body to function at optimum levels.

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a member of the neurotrophic factor (neurotrophin, NTFS) family, which can prevent the death of nerve cells and has many features of typical neurotransmitter molecules. NGF plays an important role in the development and growth of nerve cells. NGF is synthesized and secreted by tissues (corneal epithelial, endothelial, and corneal stromal cells), and it can be up-taken by sympathetic or sensory nerve endings and then transported to be stored in neuronal cell bodies where it can promote the growth and differentiation of nerve cells.NGF can exert neurotrophic effects on injured nerves and promote neurogenesis (the process of generating neurons from stem cells) that is closely related to the development and functional maintenance and repair of the central nervous system. It is also capable of promoting the regeneration of injured neurons in the peripheral nervous system, improving the pathology of neurons and protecting the nerves against hypoxia (lack of oxygen)/ischemia (lack of blood supply).

Nutrition Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy interventions focus on adapting the environment, modifying the task and teaching the skill, in order to increase participation in and performance of daily activities, particularly those that are meaningful to the patient with physical, mental, or cognitive disorders. Our Occupational Therapists also focus much of their work on identifying and eliminating environmental barriers to independence and participation in daily activities, similar to everyday life.

Physiotherapy

Physical therapy or physiotherapy (often abbreviated to PT) is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialty that, by using mechanical force and movements, remediates impairments and promotes mobility, function, and quality of life through examination, diagnosis, prognosis, and physical intervention. We combine our PT with stem cells for maximum physical rehabilitation improvements.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Research has shown that TMS can effectively treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, neurological pain, stroke, spinal cord injuries, autism and more. This procedure is very simple and noninvasive. During the procedure, a magnetic field generator or coil is placed near the head of the person receiving the treatment. The coil produces small electrical currents in the region of the brain just under the coil via electromagnetic induction. This electrical field causes a change in the transmembrane current of the neuron which leads to depolarization or hyperpolarization of the neuron and the firing of an action potential.

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Stem Cell Treatments and Therapies from Beike Biotechnology

January 8, 2019:IRIDEX Announces Preliminary Operational and Financial Results for 2018 Fourth Quarter and Full Year

December 4, 2018:IRIDEX Announces Departure of Chief Financial Officer and Reiterates Full Year 2018 Guidance

November 1, 2018:IRIDEX Announces 2018 Third Quarter Financial Results and Raises Full Year 2018 Guidance

October 25, 2018:IRIDEX to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences

October 23, 2018:Press Release: Leading Ophthalmologists to Discuss the Value of IRIDEX Solutions at AAO

October 15, 2018:IRIDEX will be hosting a series of panel discussions at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) in Chicago, IL

October 15, 2018:IRIDEX Announces Appointment of Robert E. Grove, Ph.D. to its Board of Directors

September 18, 2018:IRIDEX Announces MicroPulse Treatment Symposium at ESCRS

September 6, 2018:IRIDEX Announces FDA Clearance to Introduce Updated TruFocus LIO Premiere Laser Accessory to the U.S. Market

August 30, 2018:IRIDEX Cyclo G6 Laser System for Glaucoma Treatment Used In Majority of Top U.S. Ophthalmology Hospitals

August 1, 2018:MicroPulse lunchtime symposium at the ESCRS in Vienna on September 22, 2018

July 19, 2018:Innovations with Ed Begley Jr., will feature IRIDEX in an upcoming episode scheduled to air on CNBC on July 22, 2018

July 10, 2018:IRIDEX Reaches Milestone of 1000th Cyclo G6 System Shipped

July 7, 2018:Glaucoma experts, including Dr. Nathan Radcliffe, will share their experiences with the Cyclo G6 at the Mexican College of Glaucoma

June 25, 2018:IRIDEX Announces Multiple Studies of MicroPulse Laser Therapy Published at World Ophthalmology Congress

June 19, 2018:IRIDEX Announces Approval of CYCLO G6 Glaucoma Laser System in South Korea

May 29, 2018:Join us for an Educational Dinner event with Michael C. Giovingo, MD in Chicago on June 21, 2018

May 17, 2018:IRIDEX MicroPulse Technology Featured In Many Scientific Presentations at the European Glaucoma Society Meeting

May 10, 2018:IRIDEX will host glaucoma wet lab at SMO in Monterrey, Mexico on May 14, 2018

May 3, 2018:IRIDEX will host symposium on MicroPulse Technology for Glaucoma at SFO in Paris, France on May 7, 2018

May 2, 2018:IRIDEX Announces Dramatic Increase In MicroPulse Visibility at the 2018 ARVO Meeting

March 30, 2018:IRIDEX will host symposium on MicroPulse Technology for Glaucoma at EGS in Florence, Italy on May 20, 2018

March 26, 2018:Join IRIDEX at ASCRS in Washington, DC on April 14-16 to take advantage of ASCRS-only specials

March 20, 2018:The G-Probe Illuminate glaucoma device with built-in transillumination is now available in Europe

February 23, 2018:IRIDEX Issues Voluntary Recall of TruFocus LIO Premiere Laser Indirect Ophthalmoscope

February 17, 2018:IRIDEX will participate at the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) meeting in New York, NY on March 1-4, 2018

January 12, 2018:IRIDEX will host symposium on MicroPulse Technology at APAO in Hong Kong on February 8, 2018

January 9, 2018:IRIDEX announces infringement lawsuit against Quantel

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IRIDEX | Ophthalmology Lasers to Increase Performance ...

Whether you're an athlete at the elite, college or high school level, lead an active life, or are a weekend warrior, regenerative medicine can help you overcome pain, heal damaged tissue and help you return to the activities that you enjoy.

Regenerative medicine works to enhance the bodys natural healing mechanisms through nutritional excellence, support of the microbiome, resolution of stress, balancing of the musculoskeletal system, and regeneration of injured tissue. Modern medicine has made great strides in treating many conditions, but it has been unable to keep up with the needs of the population struggling with painful conditions of the muscular, joint and skeletal systems. Many of the current medical treatments are merely palliative, including cortisone injections, pain medicationsand even some surgeries. And in some cases, these treatments can worsen the condition and accelerate the degenerative process.

Regenerative medicine is an innovative approach that works with the bodys natural healing systems to fully heal damaged tissue, resolve inflammation, and restore function. It is a game-changer for so many people who are searching for a solution to their discomfort and pain.

The focus is on rejuvenation or helping the body maximize its natural healing systems, restore damaged tissue and resolve chronic inflammation. Next, regeneration involves the use of specific types of cells and tissues to injured or damaged areas where they will help to restore and heal. This can be done through procedures like PRP or amniotic therapies. Regenerative medicine holds a key to the future of healthcare in providing natural, wholistic, healing solutions to common conditions that cause pain and disability.

Dr. Stoll is an internationally recognized leader in lifestyle medicine and utilizing whole-plant based nutrition as the foundation for preventing, suspending, and reversing chronic disease. In addition, as a specialized sports medicine physician, he utilizes regenerative medicine procedures, such as prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma injection therapy, to assist the body in healing damaged tissue and resolvingpainful conditions.

During your consultation and treatment with Dr. Stoll you will receive a comprehensive, holistic plan that addresses every aspect of healing includingdiet, body alignment and muscular balance, tissue healing/restoration, exercise, stress, sleep, supplement guidance, and general wellness on and off the field of life.

There are several types of regenerative injection treatments including prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma(PRP). Each of these techniques activates the bodys natural healing system to create a local healing environment that helps to resolve musculoskeletal injuries and arthritis. These procedures are minimally invasive and relatively inexpensive options for the treatment of muscle, tendon, and joint pain. Research has demonstrated healing for acute and chronic tendon, ligament, and cartilage injuries including conditions liketorn meniscus, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow, as well as arthritic joint pain. C. Evert Koop, former surgeon general of the United States, was an outspoken proponent of RIT after resolving his painful back condition. Numerous professional, elite amateur, Olympic, and recreational athletes have all benefited from these treatments.

Prolotherapy has been in use since the 1930s, and is a well-recognized and established treatment for tightening and strengthening damaged and weak ligaments. As the ligaments heal, pain resolves and stability improves, resolving muscle spasms and dysfunctional movement patterns. Prolotherapy requires the injection of a local anesthetic (procaine or lidocaine) plus 5-25% dextrose (sugar) onto the injured ligaments or tendons attachment sites on the bone, at the joint capsule, inside the joint, or in the myofascial layer. The procedure has been used on millions of patients and has been proven as safe as other types of injections commonly used in orthopedics.

Platelets are an important component of healing and act like the conductor of a symphony, directing cells and coordinating the regenerative process. PRP is a concentration of platelet rich plasma obtained from whole blood through a centrifuge process that removes the red and white cells. Because it is a concentrate, it stimulates a brisk healing response

PRP contains several different types of growth factors that help stimulate the healing of tissuesincluding muscles, tendon, ligaments, and cartilage There are many indicationsas in sports medicine and orthopedics including acute muscle tears, chronic tendonopathy, connective tissue injuries, small cartilage tears, and osteoarthritis. For preparation of PRP, various protocols are used, with an underlying principle of concentrating platelets to 35 times physiological levels, then injecting this concentrate in the tissue where healing is desired. It is typically takes 1-4 treatments to resolve the painful condition and is used in combination with dietary excellence, microbiome support, therapy, and supplements if needed.

Call the Dr. Fuhrman Wellness Center at (908) 237-0200 to set schedule an appointment.

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Regenerative Medicine | DrFuhrman.com

Orthopedic conditions can affect people in Los Angeles of all ages and lifestyles. While many orthopedic injuries are caused by sudden and severe accidents that inflict a major toll on joints and bones, most are caused by general wear and tear of the joint. Through the gradual loss of cartilage and the weakening of vital connective tissues, joints can lose their normal functions and suffer from severe pain during even light physical activity.

While many opt for joint replacements and various in-depth surgeries every year, more and more people understand the vast array of uses and benefits from regenerative medicine. This process takes advantage of the major steps made in medical care in recent years, providing patients in Los Angeles withnewer and more effective treatments.

Whether you have been suffering from orthopedic conditions for years or are only just beginning to feel the toll on your joints, regenerative medicinetreatment may be right for you. Los Angeles Orthopedic surgeon Steven W. Meier, MD and the team at Meier Orthopedic Sports and Regenerative Medicine provide numerous forms of regenerative medicine treatment in order to help patients put an end to countless physical limitations. To learn more about regenerative medicine treatment techniques and schedule an appointment with an experienced orthopedic surgeon, call 310.736.2793 or contact us online today.

Rather than replace missing tissue in joints with artificial materials, joint regenerative medicine focuses solely on regenerating tissue, tendons, cartilage, bone, and ligaments. Whether these tissues have been severely damaged or have lost considerable mass, regenerative techniques aim to restore important tissue to a healthier and younger state.

In order to provide the most effective treatments possible for each patients unique orthopedic condition, Dr. Meier in Los Angeles provides three main modalities of regenerative medicine. Each of these treatments regrows tissue in a different manner and may be most suitable for certain conditions.

Because orthopedic conditions can cause severe pain that limits activities during both professional and personal life, prolotherapy treatment is designed to alleviate serious discomfort in a natural manner. During prolotherapy treatment, a solution that includes dextrose is injected between the muscles and bone where the injury has taken place. A numbing spray is used during the treatment, making this a painless procedure.

The solution that is injected into the problem area not only quickly alleviates painbut is designed to stimulate the production of tendons and ligaments. Additionally, the immune system will be stimulated, bringing fibroblasts into the areas where pain occurs, which will both eliminate pain and grow soft tissue.

Depending on the type and severity of an injury, a patient may undergo multiple prolotherapy treatments. However, the total healing time is often far shorter and much less complicated than post-surgery rehabilitation. With the help of a skilled orthopedic surgeon, a Prolotherapy treatment plan can be tailored to your unique orthopedic condition.

As an orthopedic surgeonwho practices the use of prolotherapy, Dr. Meier provides a rare combination of skills, as prolotherapy in Los Angeles is not normally part of the standard orthopedic surgery training curriculum. In addition, the combination of prolotherapy use with surgery skills is advantageous, as a surgeon has detailed knowledge of anatomical structure. The combination of a high level of technical skill and experience performing prolotherapy treatment means there is a reduced risk of complications and can also reduce the total amount of treatments needed for effective prolotherapy care. Additional information about regenerative medicine treatment can be found on ourprolotherapy FAQ.

Stem cells are the building blocks of the human body. Modern scientific research has shown that stem cells are used by the body to turn into anything that is needed on a daily basis. However, the human body is not equipped to create replacement tissues for orthopedic injuries on its own.

Through orthopedic stem cell treatment therapy, we use these cells to grow tissue has been damaged or lost. The amniotic stem cells have the ability to grow into nearly any type of tissue in little time, thanks to modern medical procedures. By doing so, we can specifically create what your joints need in order to return them to a healthy and properly functioning state.

Additionally, the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in stem cell treatments allows orthopedic surgeons to supercharge self-healing capabilities. During this procedure, blood will be drawn from the patient, then spun down to concentrated platelets and growth factors. This concentrated plasma will then be injected directly into the injured joint, tendon, or ligament, which will expose damage to this natural healing solution. PRP therapy treatment is among the most modern and cutting edge of all procedures available.medlineplus.gov has more information about stem cell therapy as well.

There are numerous conditions that can be treated with PRP Therapy. While no two patients will undergo the same treatment for their needs, knowing what conditions are treatable through regenerative medicine treatment can help you make an informed decision concerning your path to recovery.

The following orthopedic conditions can all be treated through various forms of regenerative medicine:

Should you be suffering from symptoms indicating that you have any of these conditions, or if you have been diagnosed with a condition, it is vital that you seek help from a skilled orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Steven W. Meier of Los Angeles not only provides regenerative medicine injection therapy and a wide variety of orthopedic services, he also provides second opinions on diagnoses in order to give patients the most information possible on their conditions to obtain proper joint tissue regeneration.

If you are looking for a solution to assist with your orthopedic limitations, get in touch with Dr. Steven W. Meier and the medical team at Meier Orthopedic Sports and Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Meier is a Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with years of experience in advanced orthopedic techniques.

For more information on regenerative medicine and what treatments may be right for you, contact an orthopedic surgeon by calling 310.736.2793 or filling out the online contact form. Through an appointment with a regenerative medicine specialist at Meier Orthopedic Sports and Regenerative Medicine in Los Angeles, you can restore your body and stay healthy for years to come.

Next, learn about our Lipogems.

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Regenerative Medicine Therapy Specialists Beverly Hills, Los ...

Regenerative medicine is an emerging specialty of medicine focused on enhancing the bodys ability to regenerate healthy tissue and overcome disease processes. Regenerative treatments can be used to address symptoms associated with many medical conditions, by unlocking the natural ability of the human body to regenerate healthy tissue, and restore health and function.

In the field of Regenerative Medicine, there are several treatment options commonly offered:

Drawbacks with this option:

-Limited stem cells, if any

-Not very potent

-Foreign cells, therefore risk of rejection

Drawbacks with this option:

-Patient has to undergo an additional procedure in order to harvest tissue.

-The number of stem cells and the potency of the cells decrease as an individual ages.

-Strict regulations in the US limit how this treatment can be performed.

Exosomes are the byproduct of neonatal stem cells , which are most potent.

They are not cells, therefore, they do not carry a risk of rejection.

See more here:
Regenerative Medicine Regenerative Solutions of New Jersey

At Downtowns Healthcare our Medical team is highly trained and have 100s of hours in post graduate study to bring to Colorado a variety of regenerative medicine options. In a regenerative therapy session, growth factors, proteins HA, cytokines and/or mesenchymal stem cells are injected into injured or damaged areas to enhance the bodys natural ability to heal tissues. In patients who cannot rebuild as quickly as others, this matrix of cells essentially work more quickly to repair damaged cells and tissues and create healthy cells which can then be replicated. Regenerative therapy causes this matrix of cells to transform, beginning to stimulate your bodys natural healing response, and start to repair and regenerate the damaged part of your body. Even after one treatment, many of our patients report experiencing a reduction in their pain, as this matrix of cells begin to replace damaged tissue with repaired, healthy cells. In fact what makes DHC one of the best offices is the following: Our providers skill set is the best of the best. Karen Rea NP has taken 100s of post grad hours in the delivery of joint injections. In fact she teaches other MDs, NPs PAthroughout the country and is accredited through AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) We always use diagnostic ultrasound in the delivery for visualization and accurate placement of the regenerative treatment. In fact a recent study stated that when DX ultrasound is used it resulted in a 48% reduction procedural pain, a 42% reduction in pain scores at outcome, 107% increase in the responder rate.

View the study

We do a very thorough consultation and evaluation to see if one is a candidate. If a patient is, we offer options in different regenerative treatments and recommend the one that we feel would give the best results. This is one of the reasons for such a high improvement rate in our office. Though this treatment does not help everyone, a majority of patients report some form of improvement from increase range of motion, less pain, pain scores going from an 8-9 out of 10 to a 0-3, 10 beingthe most pain. Patients have also reported taking fewer medications such as opioids/over the counter medications and many joint surgeries have been cancelled or postponed as patients have had an increase in function and feel better overall. Call today at 303-292-9992 to schedule a consultation and evaluation to see if you are a candidate.

How Does Regenerative Medicine Work?

Over time, healthy tissue can become dysfunctional due to age and injury. A human cell and tissue product (HCT/P) is administered to a recipient to repair, reconstruct, replace, or supplement the same basic functions of the recipients cells or tissues.

Regenerative Medicine For Denver

At Downtowns Healthcare our Medical team is highly trained and have 100s of hours in post graduate study to bring to Colorado a variety of regenerative medicine options. In a regenerative therapy session, growth factors, proteins HA, cytokines and/or mesenchymal stem cells are injected into injured or damaged areas to enhance the bodys natural ability to heal tissues. In patients who cannot rebuild as quickly as others, this matrix of cells essentially work more quickly to repair damaged cells and tissues and create healthy cells which can then be replicated. Regenerative therapy causes this matrix of cells to transform, beginning to stimulate your bodys natural healing response, and start to repair and regenerate the damaged part of your body. Even after one treatment, many of our patients report experiencing a reduction in their pain, as this matrix of cells begin to replace damaged tissue with repaired, healthy cells. In fact what makes DHC one of the best offices is the following: Our providers skill set is the best of the best. Karen Rea NP has taken 100s of post grad hours in the delivery of joint injections. In fact she teaches other MDs, NPs PAthroughout the country and is accredited through AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) We always use diagnostic ultrasound in the delivery for visualization and accurate placement of the regenerative treatment. In fact a recent study stated that when DX ultrasound is used it resulted in a 48% reduction procedural pain, a 42% reduction in pain scores at outcome, 107% increase in the responder rate.

View the study

We do a very thorough consultation and evaluation to see if one is a candidate. If a patient is, we offer options in different regenerative treatments and recommend the one that we feel would give the best results. This is one of the reasons for such a high improvement rate in our office. Though this treatment does not help everyone, a majority of patients report some form of improvement from increase range of motion, less pain, pain scores going from an 8-9 out of 10 to a 0-3, 10 beingthe most pain. Patients have also reported taking fewer medications such as opioids/over the counter medications and many joint surgeries have been cancelled or postponed as patients have had an increase in function and feel better overall. Call today at 303-292-9992 to schedule a consultation and evaluation to see if you are a candidate.

How Does Regenerative Medicine Work?

Over time, healthy tissue can become dysfunctional due to age and injury. A human cell and tissue product (HCT/P) is administered to a recipient to repair, reconstruct, replace, or supplement the same basic functions of the recipients cells or tissues.

Depending on the cause of your condition will dictate what treatment options will be recommended. We typically will recommend a variety of treatments along with regenerative medicine such as nutritional guidance, some form of rehab whether it be at our office, a referral to a PT and or home exercise. It is critical to identify the cause so that the best treatment options are identified. This also is a reason we feel we get better results than other offices as we focus on rehabbing the area as well.

We strive to help each patient start to feel better as quickly as possible, we know that certain pains and conditions hinder your performance and workflow throughout the day. Come over for a visit if you have any of the following conditions:

Regenerative therapy slows the progression of pain and deterioration in the body. Restoring proper function and mobility in the area or areas of the body affected. Be able to jump around and feel young again, you deserve it.

How Stem Cell Therapy In Denver Has Helped Others

Conditions Treated

Depending on the cause of your condition will dictate what treatment options will be recommended. We typically will recommend a variety of treatments along with regenerative medicine such as nutritional guidance, some form of rehab whether it be at our office, a referral to a PT and or home exercise. It is critical to identify the cause so that the best treatment options are identified. This also is a reason we feel we get better results than other offices as we focus on rehabbing the area as well.

We strive to help each patient start to feel better as quickly as possible, we know that certain pains and conditions hinder your performance and workflow throughout the day. Come over for a visit if you have any of the following conditions:

Regenerative therapy slows the progression of pain and deterioration in the body. Restoring proper function and mobility in the area or areas of the body affected. Be able to jump around and feel young again, you deserve it.

How Stem Cell Therapy In Denver Has Helped Others

1. PRP Platelet Rich Plasma:Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections are derived form a sample of the patients own blood. These injections contain plasma with higher concentration platelets than what is normally found in blood. PRP injections attempt to take advantage of the bloods naturally healing properties to repair damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments,muscles, or even bone.

2. Amniotic Allografts:is allograft tissue derived from the amniotic membrane and fluid. Placental tissue is donated by healthy mothers at the time of scheduled cesarean section. Expectant mothers submit their past medical and social history and a detailed risk assessment is performed. Ultimately, approval of the tissue for use is made by the Medical Director following an intensive and complete medical review and prenatal evaluation prior to delivery. This tissue is rich with the basic components necessary for tissue regeneration including:Growth Factors, Cytokines, Collagen, Fibrinogen, Hyaluronic Acid, Messenger RNA.

Key Characteristics: The extracellular matrix of the amniotic membrane contains a high concentration of cellular scaffolding, cytokines, growth factors and proteins.

Ref: Predictive Biotech

3. Umbilical Cord tissue/blood: this regenerative medicine product is derived from Umbilical Cord Tissue Donations. This product contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and is rich in growth factors from umbilical cord tissue. These tissues are obtained under informed consents and strict ethical protocols. These tissues are from safe, reliable hospital sources via a non-invasive, simple, and painless procedure.

Key Characteristics: Whartons Jelly is a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord that provides cushioning and support to the umbilical vein and arteries. The cushioning and protective elements from Whartons jelly consist of a network of structural proteins, pericytes, mesenchymal stem cells, cytokines, chemokines and growth factors.Ref: Predictive Biotech

Click here to view Cell viability

4. Adipose tissue: Adipose-derived stem cells come from a patients fat tissue, which is surgically extracted via liposuction under general anesthesia.Adipose-derived stem cells are recognized as being an effective mesenchymal stem cell population with enormous potential in different fields of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy. Although there is unanimous agreement on the harvesting procedure for adipose tissue, there are various protocols for adipose-derived stem cell isolation.

5. Bone Marrow: Adult stem cells can be extracted from bone marrow by aspiration, typically from the superior iliac crest or the sternum. The bone marrow aspiration (BMA) procedure is a concentrated serum of your own cells, the procedure is considered autologous point-of-care, and we do not expand or manipulate the marrow product other than placing it in a centrifuge.

We use an array of different regenerative treatment options. Based on a thorough history, consultation and evaluation, recommendations will be given on best option for your specific condition.

Research

We encourage people to look into regenerative medicine. There are currently over 4,000 clinical trials being conducted worldwide. Go to clinicaltrials for more information.

Downtowns Healthcare continues to review research, and put into play the most cutting edge treatments to help those who are interested in regenerative medicine.

1. PRP Platelet Rich Plasma:Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections are derived form a sample of the patients own blood. These injections contain plasma with higher concentration platelets than what is normally found in blood. PRP injections attempt to take advantage of the bloods naturally healing properties to repair damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments,muscles, or even bone.

2. Amniotic Allografts:is allograft tissue derived from the amniotic membrane and fluid. Placental tissue is donated by healthy mothers at the time of scheduled cesarean section. Expectant mothers submit their past medical and social history and a detailed risk assessment is performed. Ultimately, approval of the tissue for use is made by the Medical Director following an intensive and complete medical review and prenatal evaluation prior to delivery. This tissue is rich with the basic components necessary for tissue regeneration including:Growth Factors, Cytokines, Collagen, Fibrinogen, Hyaluronic Acid, Messenger RNA.

Key Characteristics: The extracellular matrix of the amniotic membrane contains a high concentration of cellular scaffolding, cytokines, growth factors and proteins.

Ref: Predictive Biotech

3. Umbilical Cord tissue/blood: this regenerative medicine product is derived from Umbilical Cord Tissue Donations. This product contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and is rich in growth factors from umbilical cord tissue. These tissues are obtained under informed consents and strict ethical protocols. These tissues are from safe, reliable hospital sources via a non-invasive, simple, and painless procedure.

Key Characteristics: Whartons Jelly is a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord that provides cushioning and support to the umbilical vein and arteries. The cushioning and protective elements from Whartons jelly consist of a network of structural proteins, pericytes, mesenchymal stem cells, cytokines, chemokines and growth factors.Ref: Predictive Biotech

Click here to view Cell Viability

4. Adipose tissue: Adipose-derived stem cells come from a patients fat tissue, which is surgically extracted via liposuction under general anesthesia.Adipose-derived stem cells are recognized as being an effective mesenchymal stem cell population with enormous potential in different fields of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy. Although there is unanimous agreement on the harvesting procedure for adipose tissue, there are various protocols for adipose-derived stem cell isolation.

5. Bone Marrow: Adult stem cells can be extracted from bone marrow by aspiration, typically from the superior iliac crest or the sternum. The bone marrow aspiration (BMA) procedure is a concentrated serum of your own cells, the procedure is considered autologous point-of-care, and we do not expand or manipulate the marrow product other than placing it in a centrifuge.

We use an array of different regenerative treatment options. Based on a thorough history, consultation and evaluation, recommendations will be given on best option for your specific condition.

Research

We encourage people to look into regenerative medicine. There are currently over 4,000 clinical trials being conducted worldwide. Go to clinicaltrials for more information.

Downtowns Healthcare continues to review research, and put into play the most cutting edge treatments to help those who are interested in regenerative medicine.

As a disclaimer: Like all medical procedures, Downtowns healthcare procedures have a success and failure rate. Check out our website for testimonials. However, these should not be interpreted as a statements on the effectiveness of our treatments for anyone else. We do a very thorough consultation and evaluation to see if a person is a candidate for care.

When you come in to visit our office, you will quickly learn that all of our services are aimed to treat the underlying condition you suffer from, and not just the symptoms.Your health and overall well-being are very important to us; if you think we can help, don't hesitate to reach out.

When you come in to visit our office, you will quickly learn that all of our services are aimed to treat the underlying condition you suffer from, and not just the symptoms.Your health and overall well-being are very important to us; if you think we can help, don't hesitate to reach out.

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Denver Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Therapy

Regenerative Medicine Regenerative Medicine: A Holistic Approach for Musculoskeletal & Peripheral Vascular Disorders

That regenerative medicine is a holistic practice implies that regenerative medicine techniques for musculoskeletal and peripheral vascular disorders are both available and effective. That is true. Adding a holistic approach is another step in the process that helps your body move forward on a healing path.

Numerous forms of regenerative medicine exist. From a musculoskeletal and peripheral vascular perspective the first step should embrace the importance of nutrition. While several procedures are available to enhance cell regeneration none of them will be as effective if the body is nutritionally deficient. While numerous supplements are available, we recommend Juice Plus. This is a whole food fruits and vegetable extract with several medical school studies that demonstrate Juice Plus absorption and cell integration of the underlying nutrients.

Before regenerative medicine techniques are initiated it is best to have a medical doctor evaluate the root cause of the problem. Often underlying conditions are present that affect healing. For example, a patient with diabetes or early peripheral arterial disease will not heal as quickly as someone without those conditions. Medical management to obtain optimal control of co morbid disease can only enhance a regenerative medicine approach.

Likewise a torn rotator cuff in the shoulder or an osteoarthritic knee may be associated with a strained ligament in the neck or a nerve irritation in the low back. Quite often treating the spinal component will improve the results of treating the injured limb. That means the whole body should be evaluated, not just the area of most obvious interest. If muscles are inhibited, tight or weak a functional restoration program to re educate, stretch and then strengthen should occur.

Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, Segmental Plethysmography, and Arterial Duplex studies are three non invasive and non ionizing tests that can both image and detect the presence of injury or disease. Depending upon the severity of findings results can be used to formulate a focused treatment plan. A very powerful tool to re-grow, or proliferate torn or stretched muscle, tendon and ligament is Prolotherapy.

Prolotherapy is a technique where medications are injected into an injured musculoskeletal body part with the intent of regenerating tissue. Various compounds are used, but we prefer a combination of Xylocaine and Sodium Morrhuate. Morruate is 80% arachandonic acid. When injected into the injured body part it stimulates local prostaglandin production, which in turn initiates the wound healing cascade.

Essentially Prolotherapy is a natural way of telling your bodys natural wound healing response to come to an area and to it. Injections are often done an average of three times over a several weeks. Biopsies have been done and confirm the creation of organized tissue (not scar formation). After the third injection a 40% thickening can be expected.

For more severe cases, or in instances where a faster response is needed, PRP can be done. In this instance Platelet Rich Plasma (concentrated growth factors from your own blood) are injected into the injured tissue. Unlike prolotherapy that tells your bodys natural wound healing response to come to an area, PRP concentrates those cells involved in wound healing and puts them into the area. Usually only one or two injections are needed. While there can be more pain right after the injection it is usually short lived and followed by rapid improvement.

Placed in between PRP and Stem Cell therapy are concentrated growth factors that are obtained from donor sources such as amnion (the inner most layer of the placenta) or from the placenta itself. When tissue or growth factors are obtained from sources other then your own body they are called allografts. While some biologic companies that provide placenta derived growth factors have studies that show their products contain stem cells most claims from this class of products are restricted to containing growth factors only. The FDA closely monitors the process whenever biologics such as these are used to help assure that strict safety standards are met. Nice things about allograft growth factor treatments include relative ease of administration, they usually only need to be done one time, and they cause little pain during the procedure.

Even more advanced regenerative techniques include obtaining stem cells from bone marrow or fatty tissue (when the cells come from your own body they are referred to as autologus grafts), or umbilical cord derived sources. The goal for both autologus and allograft stem cell therapy is to provide a high concentration of undifferentiated cells (cells that have not yet decided what they want to be). Harvesting and preparing stem cells from bone marrow or fat cells requires a minor surgical procedure (either bone marrow aspiration or liposuction) so the technology needed to obtain these cells, and then to concentrate them, is more involved for the patient versus getting cells from allograft sources. That also means that the cost for autologus stem cells is higher and there is generally some pain when the tissue is taken (in most cases this is well controlled however some discomfort should be expected). When stem cells come from other donors as is the case with umbilical cord derived sources there is little or no pain associated with the procedure since only a graft is required. With each step up from proliferative injections to stem cell treatment the cost is higher and the response is expected to be more robust.

It is readily accepted that PRP and Stem Cell therapies can regenerate ligament and facilitate muscle & tendon healing. Cartilage restoration is a bit more controversial. Most physicians that perform regenerative medicine treatments however agree that when stem cells are employed the clinical response looks very much like new cartilage was laid down. With the exception of select cancer and wound or peripheral vascular conditions while there have been exciting reports of stem cell treatments resulting in miraculous responses in a wide range of medical conditions for the most part these other indications are not yet readily accepted by the medical community. Our office has published in the past on reversal of peripheral vascular disease when nutritional support (Juice Plus) is combined with medications such as Plavix and Pletal. We have seen excellent responses in wound and peripheral vascular cases using PRP or Stem Cell this approach in our opinion they are still not the main stay of treatment and experience remains anecdotal.

Reducing total load means doing whatever is necessary to put the body back onto a healing path. In an effort to maximize outcomes we like to help you and your body do what ever is necessary to facilitate the best outcome. That means looking at all the factors that affect wellness and doing whatever else is necessary too support your musculoskeletal system and the joint or tissue we are trying to treat. Some patients may even benefit from treatment with hormone replacement therapy, infectious and immunological approaches, or addressing mind body spirit challenges. We try to be open minded in our approach and provide only those treatments that make sense for you. Whether you suffer from sprained, strained or partially torn muscle, tendon, ligament, or have joint space narrowing associated with osteoarthritis,regenerative medicine offers new treatment options for restoring quality of life.

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More and more athletes are turning to stem cell treatments, because the pressure to get back on the field is high and access to these experimental therapies is continuing to increase. Athletes commonly suffer serious injuries that could potentially end their careers and cause them serious long-term health complications. Most of them turn to surgery to resolve those injuries.

However, some of them are pursuing stem cell treatments, because these procedures are less invasive than surgery and have the potential to speed and augment repair.

This article outlines 38 athletes who have undergone stem cell treatments for their knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, and more.

In this article:

Stem Cell Therapy for Knees

The 14 athletes below pursed stem cell therapies to resolve knee injuries and complications.

In 2010, the NFL player Jarvis Green went to Regenexx to seek stem cell treatment for his knees. The treatment involved extracting stem cells from his bone marrow and then injecting it into his knees. Prior to this, Green had two knee surgeries, which both resulted in complications and long recovery periods.

The running back for the Denver Broncos also had stem cell treatment for his knees. He had his treatment in 2013 but has yet to disclose which stem cell clinic he used.

Sidney Rice went to Switzerland for stem cell injections. The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver underwent Regenokine injection treatments for his knees.

Hines Ward was among one of the first athletes who turned to stem cell treatment for a speedy recovery. He had joint regeneration therapy using cell prolotherapy at Intermountain Stem Cells. The treatment was for a knee medial collateral ligament sprain.

The defensive lineman for the Falcons underwent a knee surgery and used stem cell therapy to speed up his recovery. The surgery was for a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Jamaal Charles had a torn anterior cruciate ligament on his knee and had ligament-repair surgery. His stem cell therapy involved extracting stem cells from his bone marrow and injecting them into his knee.

Rolando McClain had been experiencing chronic pain in his knees for two years, and then he suffered a high ankle sprain. During his offseason, McClain went to USA Precision Stem Cell and had liposuctioned fat cells autologously injected into his knees.

The Raiders linebacker injured both of his knees and then underwent stem cell treatment during his offseason.

When Alex Rodriguez sustained a knee injury, he went to Germany for stem cell treatment. The procedure was a platelet-rich plasma therapy that was injected into Rodriguezs knee. They also injected it into his shoulder to prevent future inflammation.

Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers had experienced swelling on his knee for a long time before he finally consulted with Dr. James Andrews to then received a stem cell and platelet-rich plasma injection.

The pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers didnt want to risk his career by allowing surgery on his knees. Instead, he went to joint Intermountain Stem Cells for regeneration therapy using stem cell prolotherapy.

Kobe Bryant traveled to Germany to seek stem cell treatment from Dr. Peter Wehling for the degeneration of his knees.

Pau Gasol had an autologous stem cell injection on his knee to remove degenerated tissue without surgery. The procedure was a focused aspiration scar tissue removal done by Dr. Steve Yoon at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.

Chris Johnson sustained a meniscus injury on his left knee, but he continued to play through the season. The injury worsened and Johnson lost a lot of cartilage throughout the remainder of the season. He sought out Dr. James Andrews and had stem cell therapy to accelerate his recovery.

The three athletes below pursed stem cell therapies for ACL and MCL repair (ligaments within the human knee).

The famous golfer confirmed in 2010 that he had undergone a stem cell treatment. He received joint regeneration therapy with platelet-rich injections.

Stephen Curry had a grade-1 MCL sprain and consulted with Dr. Russ Riggs from the Reflex Clinic in Tigard regarding stem cell treatments. Dr. Riggs advised Curry to have PRP injections to help his recovery by reducing the inflammation and pain.

The former NFL player went to South Koreas Chaum Anti-Aging Center to seek treatment for an ACL injury. There, he had bone marrow-derived stem cell injections for ligaments, tendons, and joints.

Stem Cell Therapy for Cartilage, Tendon, & Muscles

The six athletes below pursed stem cell therapies to resolve cartilage, tendon, and muscle complications.

The Jacksonville Jaguars guard sought stem cell treatment for cartilage regrowth in 2013. However, Uche Nwaneri has not yet gone public about which clinic he underwent treatment at.

Marquis Maze, the former University of Alabama receiver, had stem cell therapy for a muscle injury at USA Precision Stem Cell. The procedure was an autologous operation for his damaged joints and muscles.

LaRon Landry missed a lot of games in 2012 due to an injury to his left Achilles tendon. Instead of seeking surgery, he went to AminoMatrix and had PRP treatments for his torn tendon.

Cliff Lee is one of the many athletes who has gone to Intermountain Stem Cells. According to their website, Lee had a joint regeneration therapy using stem cell prolotherapy.

The Olympic swimmer had mild arthritis in her knees, which worsened due to her training. In 2009, she had an autologous chondrocyte implantation to regrow the cartilage cells on her kneecap.

The veteran rugby player took a break from his career due to damaged knee cartilage. With the hope of reviving his career, he had stem cells injected into his right knee at a clinic in Queenstown.

Elbow Stem Cell Treatments

The three athletes below pursed stem cell therapies to resolve elbow injuries.

Among the major league athletes, Bartolo Colons stem cell treatment has had some of the most coverage. He was sidelined due to a torn rotator cuff and elbow injury in 2005. He was then one of the first athletes to receive a stem cell transplant on his arm from his fat and bone marrow.

Andrew Heaney went public about having stem cell treatments in 2016. He had a torn ulnar collateral ligament and received stem cell therapy to aid his recovery.

Garrett Richards had a torn elbow ligament and wanted to start surgery right away. Instead, the teams physical therapist Bernard Li advised Richards to try stem cell treatments. In May 2017, stem cells were extracted from his bone marrow and injected into his elbow.

Leg and Foot Stem Cell Treatments

The four athletes below pursed stem cell therapies to resolve leg and foot injuries.

The Real Madrid forward sustained a hamstring injury and tried stem cell treatment to hasten his recovery for their next game in Manchester. The procedure involved harvesting stem cells from his own bone marrow and injecting it into his hamstrings.

The Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw underwent a foot surgery that involved having screws inserted into his foot for two fractures, which he regretted within the year. It wasnt until 2011, when a new fracture occurred, that he decided to seek a different form of treatment. Instead of following through with the surgery, he tried stem cell injections to promote bone regrowth in his foot. In 2012, he had the screws taken out and played for the rest of the season.

Prince Amukamara of the New York Giants sustained a broken bone in his left foot from training camp. For bone regeneration, he had stem cells harvested from his bone marrow and injected into his foot.

The Olympic athlete David Payne suffered a shin injury while he was training for the Olympic trials in 2011. In an attempt to reach his optimum for the trials, he had stem cell therapy with PRP as a regenerative procedure.

The two athletes below pursed other types of stem cell treatments for athletic injuries.

Ray Lewis is another high-profile athlete who received a stem cell treatment for a sports-related injury. Lewis traveled all the way to Europe for stem cell therapy on his triceps.

The football star Peyton Manning suffered a neck related injury while playing ball. He traveled to Germany to undergo stem cell treatment, where stem cells from his fat cells were harvested and injected into his neck.

The six individuals below pursed stem cell therapies for conditions beyond sports-related injuries.

The hockey player Gordie Howe experienced a number of small strokes in 2014. At the age of 86, his right side had become paralyzed. Dr. McGuigan from Stemedica, a stem-cell manufacturer, offered Howe and his family an experimental stem cell treatment. The procedure involved millions of neural stem cells injected into his spinal column. He started exhibiting results within days.

Jose Contreras was suffering from chronic pain in his joints, and was among one of the first high-profile athletes to try PRP therapy as an alternative to surgery and other invasive procedures.

Daisuke Matsuzaka was the highly fought-for pitcher in 2006. He is also one of the major league athletes who had PRP therapy for painful joints.

The 82-year-old Nascar driver joined his wife in seeking stem cell treatments to better their health and regain some youth. Foyt had adult stem cells injected into his blood, ankle, and shoulder.

Jack Nicklaus is a golf legend with 120 professional tournament victories. He went through various medical procedures to help with his chronic joint pain and inflammation. In 2016, he tried stem cell therapy at the Isar Klinikum in Germany. The procedure used liposuctioned abdominal stem cells stained with Matrase to break down the fat tissue.

The tennis player Rafael Nadal had stem cell treatment for back ailments. Stem cells were injected into a joint in his spine to help repair the cartilage. He had also received a similar procedure for his knee the year before.

Stem cell therapies now offer novel alternatives to many surgical procedures. With more and more athletes exploring these types of treatments, they will play an increasingly important role in the future of sports injuries at both the amateur and professional level.

Do you know of other athletes who have undergone stem cell treatments? Mention them in the comments section below.

Up Next:Cost Of Stem Cell Therapy

38 Pro Athletes Who Have Had Stem Cell Treatments

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Early growth determines longevity in male rats and may be related to telomere shortening in the kidney.

Different letters above the columns indicate significant differences in longevity, the number within the columns indicates the number of replicates.

He commented that infection longevity might be conducive to multiple infections or that species may occupy different sites within the snail, making coexistence possible.

The aging lung the contribution of elastin and collagen, which are insoluble extracellular proteins characterized by their longevity, strength and resistance to destruction.

While very similar features have been found to increase ' happiness', we find them to be somewhat significant in explaining longevity.

If so, then increased longevity is much less of a problem than improved technology linked to increased expectations.

Of course, other factors might also be influential, including revisions in expectations of longevity.

In addition, it is not known whether patients' expectations of their longevity affect their psychological wellbeing.

Under this hypothesis, gigantism is viewed as a host adaptation that improves host survival beyond the longevity of the parasite.

I also present the alternative hypothesis, discussing why higher levels of initial political competition may increase the longevity of a democracy.

Prolonged longevity in both societies also means that family carers have been ageing, and periods of care have often become prolonged.

Otherwise, how can we account for his longevity and for his remarkable comebacks ?

Whilst the impact of increasing longevity has been significant, the effect has been much less than that of interest rates.

Therefore, control strategies that can limit transmission as well as drug pressure and thereby extend longevity of antimalarials in malaria endemic areas should be considered.

The natural longevity of the mongoose is not known, but some individuals have been reported to survive up to 13 years in captivity.

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LONGEVITY | meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary

Are Freckles Harmful?

Freckles are harmless. They may sometimes be confused with more serious skin problems. Conversely, more serious problems such as skin cancer may at times be passed over as a mere freckle. Anyone who has one or more pigmented spots of which they are not certain should be seen by a dermatologist. Treatments are available to lighten or eliminate those freckles whose appearance bothers their owners.

What are freckles?

Freckles are flat, beige, brown circular spots that typically are the size of the head of a metal nail. The spots are multiple and may develop on sun-exposed skin after repeated exposure to sunlight. These are particularly common in people with red hair and a fair complexion. They may appear on children as young as 1 or 2 years of age.

Most freckles are generally uniform in color but can vary somewhat in color -- they may be reddish, yellow, tan, light brown, brown, or black -- but they are basically slightly darker than the surrounding skin. They may become darker and more apparent after sun exposure and lighten in the winter months. Freckles are due to an increase in the amount of dark pigment called melanin and an increase in the total number of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. The word freckle comes from the Middle English freken, which, in turn, came from the Old Norse freknur, meaning "freckled." (Some speakers of Old English and Old Norse must have had a tendency to develop freckles.)

What types of freckles are there? Freckles vs. lentigines

Ephelides (singular: ephelis) is the Greek word and medical term for freckle. This term refers to 1 mm-2 mm flat spots that are tan, slightly reddish, or light brown and typically appear during the sunny months. They are most often found on people with light complexions, and in some families, they are a hereditary (genetic) trait. People with reddish hair and green eyes are more prone to these types of freckles. Sun avoidance and sun protection, including the regular use of sunscreen, help to suppress the appearance of the freckles.

Lentigines (singular: lentigo) comes from the Latin word for lentil and is the medical term for certain types of larger pigmented spots most commonly present at the site of previous sunburn and sun damage. Lentigines are often darker than the common freckle and do not usually fade in the winter. This kind of spot is referred to as lentigo simplex or solar lentigo. The number of melanocytes and melanosomes (cellular structures that contain melanin pigment) are normal in number and appearance. Although occasionally lentigines are part of a certain rare genetic syndromes, for the most part they are just isolated and unimportant spots.

What are "liver spots" or "age spots"?

"Liver spots" or "age spots" are common names for solar lentigines on the back of the hands. The term "liver spot" is actually a misnomer since these spots are not caused by liver problems or liver disease. While lentigines do tend to appear over time, they are not in themselves a sign of old age but a sign of sun exposure.

Freckles vs. moles

Moles are small, almost sightless mammals (a shrew relative) that tunnel beneath the ground and occasionally damage suburban lawns and golf courses. This term when used to describe something on the skin is very nonspecific. Most of the time it refers to a brown to black flat to slightly elevated bump. The type of cells of which the bump is composed distinguish the real nature of mole. For example, a mole composed of benign melanocytes is called a melanocytic nevus.

Frequently, elderly people may have raised, brown, crusty lesions called seborrheic keratoses in or around the same areas where lentigines are plentiful. Seborrheic keratoses are also benign (not malignant) growths of the skin. Some patients call these growths "barnacles" or "Rice Krispies." Although they are most often medium brown, they can differ in color ranging anywhere from light tan to black. They occur in different sizes, too, ranging anywhere from a fraction of an inch (or centimeter) to an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Typically, these growths are around the size of a pencil eraser or slightly larger. Some lesions begin as a flat, brown spot, indistinguishable from a lentigo. Then they gradually thicken, forming the waxy stuck-on appearance of seborrheic keratoses. They look like they have either been pasted on the skin or may look like a dab of melted brown candle wax that dropped on the skin. Seborrheic keratoses may occur in the same areas as freckles. Seborrheic keratoses are also more common in areas of sun exposure, but they may also occur in sun-protected areas. When they first appear, the growths usually begin one at a time as small rough bumps. Eventually, they may thicken and develop a rough, warty surface.

Seborrheic keratoses are quite common especially after age 40. Almost everybody may eventually develop at least a few seborrheic keratoses during their lifetime. They are sometimes referred to as the "barnacles of old age."

What causes freckles?

Freckles are thought to develop as a result of a combination of genetic predisposition (inheritance) and sun exposure. The sun and fluorescent tanning lights both emit ultraviolet (UV) rays, which when absorbed by the skin enhances the production of melanin pigment by cutaneous melanocytes. People with blond or red hair, light-colored eyes, and fair skin are especially susceptible to the damaging effect of UV rays and likely to develop freckles. A freckle is essentially nothing more than an unusually heavy deposit of melanin at one spot in the skin.

Is it possible to inherit freckles?

Heredity or more accurately skin color is a very important factor in the susceptibility to form freckles. The tendency to freckles is inherited by individuals with fair skin and/or with blond or red hair. Very darkly pigmented individuals are unlikely to develop freckles.

Research in twin siblings, including pairs of identical twins and pairs of fraternal (nonidentical) twins, have found a striking similarity in the total number of freckles found on each pair of identical twins. Such similarities were considerably less common in fraternal twins. These studies strongly suggest that the occurrence of freckles is influenced by genetic factors. A number of genes have been associated with freckling: MC1R, IRF4. ASIP, TYR, and BNC2.

Why do freckles form on body areas not exposed to the sun?

True freckles almost never occur on covered skin and pose essentially no health risk at all. They are all absolutely harmless. They are not cancerous and generally do not become cancerous. A rare skin finding called axillary freckling (freckles in the armpit) is occasionally seen in a rare inherited disease called neurofibromatosis. These freckles are quite different in appearance from the common variety in both their appearance and distribution.

Anyone who has one or more uncertain pigmented spots should have their dermatologist evaluate them. Even verbal descriptions and photographs cannot convey enough information for satisfactory self-diagnosis. As always, it is better to be safe than sorry.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a full-body skin examination for adults as part of a routine annual health exam. It is important to have any new, changing, bleeding mole or growth examined by your physician or dermatologist as soon as possible. Skin cancers are curable if diagnosed and treated at an early stage.

What is the treatment for freckles?

Freckles are rarely treated. Several safe but expensive methods are available to help lighten or reduce the appearance of freckles. Frequently, multiple or a combination of treatments may be required for best results. Not everyone's skin will improve with similar treatments, and freckles can often recur with repeated UV exposures.

Are there home remedies for freckles?

There are no home remedies that adequately treat freckles. A quick Internet search will reveal a whole host of treatments, most of which are composed of a variety of edible goodies. Makeup can be of great benefit in concealing freckles.

What is the value of freckles?

Some people like their freckles, while others may be more bothered by their appearance. The cosmetic improvement of the skin is a frequent request among people with freckles. On the other hand, freckles are desirable by some people who like the special character or uniqueness these give them.

Freckles can have their value. One is in poetry. For example, without freckles, Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894), the American physician, professor, and man of letters, could not have written:

His home! the Western giant smiles,And twirls the spotty globe to find it;This little speck, the British Isles? 'Tis but a freckle, never mind it.

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Is it possible to prevent freckles?

Since we cannot change our own genetic component of freckling, our main prevention measures are aimed at sun avoidance and sun-protection, including

Freckle prevention is more effective than freckle removal. Freckle-reduction treatments are more difficult and often not satisfactory. People with known hereditary tendencies of freckling should start sun protection early in childhood. Much of the sun and UV skin damage occurs often while children are under age 18.

Fair-skinned people who are more prone to freckling and sunburns are also generally more at risk for developing skin cancers. Freckles may be a warning sign of sensitive skin that is highly vulnerable to sunburn and to potential skin cancer.

Medically Reviewed on 12/27/2018

References

Bastiaens, Maarten, et al. "The Melanocortin-1-Receptor Gene Is the Major Freckle Gene." Human Molecular Genetics 10.16 (2001): 1701-1708.

Freckles.org. <http://www.freckles.org/>.

Green, Adle C., Sarah C. Wallingford, and Penelope McBride. "Childhood exposure to ultraviolet radiation and harmful skin effects: Epidemiological evidence." Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology 107 (2011): 349-355.

Praetorius, Christian, Richard A. Sturm, and Eirikur Steingrimsson. "Sun-Induced Freckling: Ephelides and Solar Lentigines." Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research 27 (2014): 339-350.

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