HealthCare Resources Blog

Travel-Related Thrombosis

Pam — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 15:21:39 +0000

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HealthCare Resources works closely with Dr. Hector Escoto who is a vascular specialist/vascular surgeon. Because it is the time for so many to return to the area for the winter months which means long airline flights or car travel, we thought it would be a good time to ask him some questions regarding travel-related thrombosis.

HCR: What is Travel Related DVT?

Dr. Escoto: DVT is a clotting of the blood in any of the deep veins, usually in the calf. If a clot develops, it usually makes its presence known by an intense pain in the affected calf. Medical attention should be sought immediately if this occurs, especially after a long journey. In some cases, this can be fatal, if the clot breaks off and makes its way to the lungs where it can then affect the lung’s ability to take in oxygen.

HCR: What are the symptoms? How will I know it is a DVT?

Dr. Escoto: A DVT can occur some days or even weeks after a trip. In most situations, the person will have no symptoms and through normal movement, the clot will break up. If the clot is larger, it can cause an obstruction and prevent the blood from flowing through the veins. When this happens, a person might experience pain, redness and swelling in the calf – the pain is made worse when walking or standing. If these symptoms are experienced you should see medical attention immediately.

HCR: Who is at risk?

Dr. Escoto: Immobility for an extended period of time, travel for more than 3 hours in the four weeks before or after surgery, a personal/family history of DVT, active cancer/cancer treatment, recent surgery or leg surgery, existing clotting abnormality, obesity (BMI over 30), chronic or acute medical illness, hormones/contraceptive pill, inflammatory bowel disease, varicose veins, pregnancy or two months post-partum, existing cardiac problems, dehydration, severe infection, over 60 years old.

HCR: How can I reduce my risk?

Dr. Escoto: If you have recently been treated for DVT, you should wait two weeks before travelling on long journeys. Although it is unlikely you’ll develop a DVT while travelling, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk:

Take short walks, even up and down the aisle of the plane.
Wear loose fitting clothes.
Stay hydrated.
Drink minimal alcohol or too many drinks containing caffeine.
Do not take sleeping pills.
Wear compression stockings if you have risk factors for DVT.

HCR: What kind of compression stocks are best?

Dr. Escoto: There are many different kinds on the market, each expressing their own unique qualities. It is important that any stocking be fitted properly by a professional. A stocking that is too tight and worn by a traveler with existing problems can do more harm than good – cutting in to the skin on a long flight and potentially causing ulceration and an increased risk to DVT. Never guess the size of the stocking you require, asked to be measured properly. A good stocking will come in a variety of sizes allowing for measurement from the knee to the ankle as well as the foot size. If the stocking is too tight around the knee, it will prevent essential venous return, causing the blood to pool around the knee. Make sure they are comfortable with your chosen footwear.

HCR: What is the treatment for DVT?

Dr. Escoto: Treatment is anticoagulation with either Heparin or Warfarin. Heparin works by making the body’s natural blood thinner work better. Warfarin takes a few days to work fully so Heparin injections are often used for the first few days after diagnosis. You will need regular blood tests while you are on these medications to ensure that the level is correct – too much and you risk increased bleeding and too little may not stop more clots from forming. You’ll also be advised to use compression stockings to compress the leg veins which stimulates the blood flow.

Thank you Dr. Escoto! Safe travels to everyone!

Each month, HealthCare Resources and Dr. Escoto have a Vascular Clinic. This is a screening clinic for circulation, blood flow, vein evaluation. If you would like further information, please contact us at pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com

Filed under: General HealthCare Information, HealthCare Resources, How To's & Advice Tagged: thrombosis, travel-related

Spider Veins!

Pam — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:45:14 +0000

Spider Veins are quite common, more in women than men. HealthCare Resources interviewed Vascular Specialist/Surgeon, Dr. Hector Escoto to learn a bit more about this condition.

HCR: What is the medical term for “spider veins”?

Dr. Escoto: Spider veins are a common, mild variation of varicose veins. This condition is medically called “telangiectasias”.

HCR: What are the causes?

Dr. Escoto:

Age: The development of spider veins may occur at any age, but usually occur between the ages of 18 and 35 years, peaking between 50 and 60 years.
Gender: Females are affected approximately four to one over males.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a key factor contributing to the formation of varicose and spider veins. The most important factor is circulating hormones that weaken vein walls. There is also a significant increase in the blood volume during pregnancy, which tends to distend veins, causing valve dysfunction which leads to blood pooling in the veins. Later in pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can compress veins, causing higher vein pressure leading to dilated veins. Varicose veins that form during pregnancy may spontaneously improve, or even disappear a few months after delivery.
Lifestyle/Occupation: Those who are involved with prolonged sitting or standing in their daily activities have an increased risk of developing spider or varicose veins. The weight of the blood continuously pressing against the closed valves causes them to fail, leading to vein distension.
Family History: If other family members had varicose veins, there’s a greater chance you will too.
Obesity: Being overweight puts added pressure on the veins.

HCR: Are they dangerous? Or are they usually removed only for cosmetic purposes?

Dr. Escoto: Spider veins alone are not a dangerous condition but a cosmetic issue. If you have spider veins, plus varicose veins it is important to rule out an underlying condition (such as venous valve deficiency).

HCR: How can they be prevented?

Dr. Escoto: There is no way to completely prevent this condition. But improving circulation and muscle tone can reduce the risk of developing varicose veins/spider veins or getting new ones. The same measures taken to treat the discomfort of varicose veins at home, can help to prevent varicose veins, including: Exercising, watching your weight, eating a high fiber/low salt diet, avoid high heels and tight hosiery, elevating your legs, changing your standing/sitting position frequently.

HCR: How can they be removed?

Dr. Escoto: There are two options for this medical condition.
1) Sclerotherapy: This is the “gold standard” and is preferred over laser for eliminating spider veins and smaller varicose leg veins. A sclerosant medication is injected into the diseased vein so that it hardens and eventually shrinks away.
2) Skin Laser: This is a new technology. With this treatment, we close of smaller varicose veins and spider veins. Laser surgery works by sending strong bursts of light onto the vein, which causes the vein to slowly fade and disappear. No incisions or needles are used.

Filed under: Doctors, General HealthCare Information, HealthCare Resources Tagged: Dr. Escoto, physicians, vascular

New Life Mexico — Olympic-sized Pride & Gratitude

Pam — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:45:52 +0000

I could not summarize the information or put together the photographs as well as Jono Vernon Powell did with his blog post regarding his sister and New Life Mexico. Please do read through it because it is super!

I can only summarize about Philippa on this side of the world, here in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (And this is the first time I have ever written about New Life Mexico and-or Philippa without her stamp of approval on it and going over the words with a fine-toothed comb) – so, this is a big risk I am taking here!

New Life Mexico and Philippa do not make loud noises here in the area. There are no giant fundraisers, ticket sales, gala functions with big ticket items. Diligent and consistent work goes on daily throughout the various colonias, whether it might be a session on hand-washing to increasing a young boys self-esteem by playing in a basketball tournament among a myriad of other activities that New Life Mexico sponsors. Touching a child’s life in a positive manner doesn’t really need big fanfare or hoopla. Philippa and her very small staff just DO IT.

Does that mean they have all necessary funds to run all of the programs? Certainly not! They (NLM) is a small, struggling charity on a continual search for sponsors but in “their” own way, following to the letter the rules of a British charity.

Philippa is probably my BFF but that doesn’t mean we always agree on everything. I am always floored when she makes a receipt for a donation of two pencils. But, as she has explained to me at least 500 times, “we are a British charity and this is required.” Every single tube of toothpaste, backpack, toothbrush, comb – anything and everything is receipted by her. The bookkeeping, record keeping and the like are absolutely beyond impeccable.

I sincerely believe that some of the local “charities” here could and should take a great lesson from the Brits in regards to how they run charitable organizations.

By being chosen to carry the Olympic torch in the UK, representing the connection between Mexico and England was something that, of course, was an extreme honor but as well, so very important, has brought attention and awareness to New Life Mexico, both here in Puerto Vallarta, in England and hopefully, beyond!

We tip our sombrero’s to Philippa, New Life Mexico, the New Life Mexico board of directors, Philippa’s family and friends in England! We are so very proud of you!

[Link to blog: http://www.jonovernon-powell.com/my-sister-philippa-olympic-torch-bearer-01-05-12/]

Filed under: Charity, New Life Mexico

Lily Padilla-Corona — Registered Dietician

Pam — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:20:05 +0000

Medical Matters Event > Speaker Bio

Lily Padilla-Corona, Registered Dietician will be speaking on “Health Diets – Myths vs Facts”.

Speaking times: 1:30 pm and 6:00 pm

Lily has worked as a Registered Dietician for the past 10 years. She received her Bachelor of Science from San Diego State University. Her certification as a Certified Diabetes Educator came after years of experience working with the diabetic patients. She has a passion for community education on lifestyle changes to prevent, manage, and minimize the risks of the pre-diabetic and chronic diabetic disease.

Filed under: Events, HealthCare Resources Tagged: bio, Medical Matters

Dr. Rajy Abulhosn — Family Practice

Pam — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:15:33 +0000

Medical Matters Event > Speaker Bio

Dr. Rajy Abulhosn — Family Practice will be speaking on “Managing Your Health at 50 and Beyond”.

Speaking times: at 11:30 am and 4:00 pm

Dr. Abulhosn is <> Board Certified in Family Practice and has been with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group in San Diego, CA since 1999. He was born and raised in Seattle and earned his B.S. degree from University of Washington. He also received his B.A. degree in broadcast journalism in 1991 and his medical degree in 1995. Dr. Albulhosn completed his Family Practice Residency at Sharp HealthCare – Sharp Grossmont Family Practice Program. He is the Medical Director for the Sharp Rees-Stealy Executive Health Program.

Filed under: Events, HealthCare Resources Tagged: bio, Medical Matters

Micheal Ryder — Physical Therapist

Pam — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:03:55 +0000

Medical Matters Event > Speaker Bio

Micheal Ryder, Physical Therapist will be speaking on “How to Keep Those Aching Joints Moving & Why You Need to Do So”.

Speaking times: 9:30 am & 2:00 pm

Michael Ryder holds a Master’s of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. He has worked as a physical therapist for Sharp HealthCare for over twenty-three years as a board certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist Specialist. He currently is the manager of the Sharp Rees Stealy Physical Therapy Department in San Diego, California.

Welcome Micheal!

Filed under: Events, HealthCare Resources Tagged: bio, Medical Matters

Dr. Kathlyn Ignacio — Occupational Medicine

Pam — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:28:40 +0000

Medical Matters Event > Speaker Bio

Dr. Kathlyn Ignacio — Occupational Medicine

We are proud to be hosting some very distinguished physicians as featured speakers at our Medical Matters Conference on February 6, 2012 at the Hotel Marriott.

Dr. Kathlyn Ignacio will be speaking at 10:30 am and 3:00 pm on “Alternative Health Practices”. She will introduce and review alternative healing practices such as acupuncture, healing touch, craniosacral therapy, chiropractic care, mediation and hyperbaric oxygen treatments.

Dr. Ignacio received her Bachelors Degree from Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles in 1982 and her Medical Degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1988. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla in 1991. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine.

Dr. Ignacio joined the Sharp Rees-Stealy Occupational Medicine Department in 1992 and is the Associate Medical Director for the program at the Sharp HealthCare-Sharp Memorial Metro Campus.

Welcome Dr. Ignacio!

Filed under: Events, HealthCare Resources Tagged: bio, Medical Matters

Medical Matters Speaker Schedule (Feb 6)

Pam — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:01:17 +0000

We are thrilled and proud to present the following speakers at the upcoming Medical Matters Event (February 6, 2012). Plan accordingly!

9:30 am & 2:00 pm
Michael Ryder, Physical Therapist
“How to Keep Those Aching Joints Moving & Why You Need To Do So”
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group
Sharp Healthcare – San Diego, California

10:00 am & 2:30 pm
Dra. Laura Garcia, OB/GYN
“Menopause & Hormones – Happy or Horrible?”
Puerto Vallarta

10:30 am & 3:00 pm
Dra. Kathlyn Ignacio, Internal Medicine
“Alternative Health Practices”
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group
Sharp Healthcare – San Diego, California

11:00 am & 3:30 pm
Dr. Miguel Saldaña, Plastic Surgeon
“Current Trends in Plastic Surgery”
Puerto Vallarta

11:30 am 4:00 pm
Dr. Rajy Abulhosn, Medical Director Executive Health Program
“Managing Your Health at 50 and Beyond”
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group – San Diego, California

12:00 noon & 4:30 pm
Dr. Armando Joya, Bariatric & Gastric Surgeon
“Current Trends in Gastric Surgery”
Puerto Vallarta

12:30 pm & 5:00 pm
Dr. Julian Anthony, Urology, Specialist in Robotic Surgery
“Diagnosing, Treating and Managing Prostate Disease”
Sharp HealthCare, San Diego

1:00 pm & 5:30 pm
Dr. Alberto Marron, Orthopedic Surgeon
“Application of Stem Cells in Orthopedics”
Puerto Vallarta

1:30 pm & 6:00 pm
Lily Padilla-Corona, Registered Dietician
“Health Diets – Myths vs Facts”
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group
Sharp HealthCare, San Diego

Filed under: Events, HealthCare Resources

Medical Matters: A Community Healthcare Event

Pam — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:08:27 +0000

Filed under: Events Tagged: Medical Matters

Benefits of Medical Tourism

Pam — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:15:42 +0000

“Medical Tourism” is a big buzzword these days! Described in Wikipedia: “Medical tourism (also called medical travel, health tourism or global healthcare) is a term initially coined by travel agencies and the mass media to describe the rapidly-growing practice of travelling across international borders to obtain health care. It also refers pejoratively to the practice of healthcare providers travelling internationally to deliver healthcare.” This can be anything from having cardiac bypass surgery to Botox to hip replacement all the way to having some minor diagnostic studies performed.

There are numerous reasons that people look to Puerto Vallarta for these types of services and procedures. Many Canadians have a very long wait for diagnostic studies such as MRI’s, CAT Scans and ultrasounds. A normal wait here is about twenty-four hours. And when you are finished with your study, you will walk out with your results – no waiting! Folks from the United States might be uninsured at home and they are able to find substantially reduced rates for various surgeries than what they would pay out-of-pocket in the United States. Or perhaps it’s a bit of a nip and tuck that is desired. Breast implants to tummy tucks are less expensive here and performed in state of the art hospitals by board-certified and highly experienced plastic surgeons.

It is vital that the potential patient does his/her homework! Ask for previous patient references, perhaps check for a couple of different quotes and-or have a variety (or at least two) consults with different physicians. As well, remember that medical services are not like the “flea market”. Prices are pretty much firm and set and do remember, “cheap” does not always mean “good”. A good physician/surgeon is going to require pre-op lab work, pre-op cardiac consult and not just take on an unknown person without a thorough medical check up and background information.

There are countless medical tourism companies throughout the entire world. Some are well established, responsible and top-notch. Some though, are not even familiar with the area where they will be sending you. If a person chooses to go through a medical tourism company, make sure the company is reputable and will be with you every step of the way. And these are businesses, so prices will be increased. That’s not necessarily a “bad thing”, but it is important to know ahead of time!

Medical tourism can be a real boost to the local economy. Restaurants, rental agencies, tour companies and hotels can all benefit by this unique “vacation”.

So, perhaps having a colonoscopy in between your beach time and margarita nights isn’t exactly what you would normally plan during your vacation. But the cost savings and very personalized and professional service might just be worth it!

Filed under: HealthCare Resources Tagged: medical tourism