The Study of 'Preparation Guidelines' Towards Phetchabun Government Officers and Health Massage Establishments

The purpose of research was to study practices, barriers, and solutions of Phetchabun health massage establishments under COVID-19 situation. Non-participant observation, informal interview, in-depth interview, and participation observation were carried out respectively. Purposive sampling was used with 15 health consumer protection officers in charge;11 district level, 2 provincial level, 2 regional level as well as each representative of 11 districts. Results after implementation of "Preparation Guidelines for Health Spa, Health Massage, and Beauty Massage to Promote Health Tourism During COVID-19 Pandemic" were categorized into two sections. Firstly, the practices, barriers, and solutions of government officer performances included preparation for reopening, monitoring of the provider practices, and performance report. Secondly, the provider operations consisted of doing "Self-Assessment of Health Establishment", logging-in webpage before reopening, and practices for clients included screening and report of patients under investigation, establishment monitor, service, and establishment cleaning. In summary, the preparation guidelines were purposed to reopen their business with numerous contents and messages written by official language, it caused establishment providers and practitioners difficultly understood when applying. LINE Application and making calls were easy and accessible methods for their communication to reach current data and to ensure exact information. Various encouragements and having compliments were also considerable to form trust and confidence among them, they also raised their proud.Copyright © 2023, World Informations Syndicate. All rights reserved.

Writing Workshops For Heart Patients - The Beauty Of Shared Stories

Introduction: COVID-19 created new or exacerbated existing feelings of isolation and anxiety among heart patients. To reach and connect heart patients across Canada who were largely isolated due to social distancing protocols, the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research at University Health Network in Toronto, Canada launched virtual expressive writing workshops in 2021 and 2022, with demonstrated positive mental health impacts for participants. Method(s): Inspired by the research of James Pennebaker and adapted for virtual formats, these "Writing the Heart" workshops illustrated the benefits of expressive writing and demonstrated its practice. Facilitated by an educator who is also a heart failure patient, two workshop streams were offered: a 90-minute introductory session and a six-week intensive series. Workshop design comprised prompts, timed writing sessions, reading work aloud and group reflection on the writings. Four sessions were held, two of each type of workshop, reaching more than 70 individuals across Canada and US. Result(s): Evaluated using a post-workshop survey, participants rated the workshop highly for its facilitation, introduction to the purposes and practice of expressive writing for heart patients, and skills development to explore and describe their experiences and feelings of living with heart disease. Participants noted the power of the experience, with intensive series participants commenting on the sense of community fostered by the workshops. Writings and reflections from workshop participants will be shared to depict the nature of the sessions and the power of writing the heart. Conclusion(s): The workshops afforded a safe, positive space for heart patients to explore their feelings about their condition, bridging the physical distance between participants and reinforcing self-care objectives. Critical to success is the ongoing commitment of the facilitator to direct writing and encourage mutual support.Copyright © 2022

Visitor frequencies and attitudes towards urban forests and their management, before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. A mixed methods case study in Bonn, Germany

Urban forests play a crucial role for the wellbeing of city dwellers, and their importance for people has been emphasised during the COVID-19 pandemic. This exploratory study analyses the visit patterns and visitor attitudes and perceptions in a peri-urban forest nearby Bonn, Germany, as well as the impact of the lockdown. Methodically, we combined automated visitor counting with a total of 345 on-site interviews. Respondents were asked a variety of open-ended and closed questions on various aspects of forest management and recreation. The results show that shortly after the inception of the lockdown the number of forest visitors doubled and the visit pattern changed markedly. In contrast, people's associations with the forest remained rather stable. The forest visitors interviewed primarily associated the forest with tranquillity, recreation and fresh air, and they were generally positive about forest management. However, these expectations conflicted with the sense of crowdedness experienced during the lockdown, when novel forest uses and new motivations for visiting the forest arose, with an important focus on the forest as a place for social interaction. These were mainly a result of the lockdown restrictions, rather than COVID-19 itself, which left people with more time and flexibility, and less alternative activities. The results highlight the importance of forest management in catering to people's expectations and ultimately for the role that forests play for people's wellbeing. This was the case before the lockdown but arguably even more so during, in response to a variety of needs resulting from unprecedented circumstances. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Research Roundup

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary

Staining effect of herbal immune boosters used during Covid-19 pandemic on teeth shade: In-vitro study

Objective: Assessment of staining effect of herbal immune boosters used during COVID-19 pandemic on teeth shade. Material and method: 70 extracted premolars (N=10) were assigned to different solutions which were formulated to mimic the impact of herbal immune boosters on teeth. A baseline reading was performed using in-vitro VITA Easy shade Advance 4.0 and one day later, seven days later, and fourteen days later. The data was entered into SPSS software version 26. Results: A statistically significant difference was noticed in orange, lemon, and curcuma. Conclusion: The consumption of some herbal products has an impact on teeth's shade. Moreover, some materials such as, orange, lemon, and curcuma had the ability to change the teeth shade faster and stronger effect on teeth shade.

All that was missing from the students of the University of Patras and the return to a new daily life after quarantine

Introduction: The pandemic that broke out by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the imposition of restrictive measures to reduce the dispersion, affects both the physical and mental health of all population groups. Objective(s): The main objective of the study was to investigate how these measures have impacted the students during the first quarantine period (Spring 2020). Also we wanted to know what they lacked most after the six-weeks-lockdown. Method(s): More than 2,000 students from all Schools of the University of Patras participated in the research, completing an online questionnaire. Emphasis was placed on the question "What is the FIRST thing you will do immediately after lifting the measures". The open last option 'Other' was qualitative investigated with thematic analysis by gender. Result(s): The answer options of the evaluated question were to 'Go out for coffee/food/drink/fun with friends' (58%) or 'with family' (5%), to 'Visit beauty and hair salons' (16%), to 'Travel' (6%), or to 'Go shopping' (2%). The option 'Other' was answered by 246 (13%) students. The thematic analysis revealed 13 categories, with first place 'Restoring immediately social life without restrictions', followed by 'Seeing and being together with boyfriend/girlfriend', but at the same time 'Continue to be careful and take self-restraining measures after the end of the quarantine'. Conclusion(s): Students of both genders lacked mainly social life and companionship. The need to return to a new daily routine with protection measures that limit both exposure to the new virus and the spontaneity, is obvious.

Fabrication of single piece definitive obturator for post surgical maxillectomy defect during covid-19 pandemic-A Literature review with Clinical case report

Background: Impacts of primary oncology surgical procedure can impede restoration objectives. Restoring oral function, comfort and aesthetics is a challenge due to limitations in the restorative treatment options. Methodology: Literature review on the responsibilities, role of maxillofacial prosthodontist, materails and retentive aids used for prosthesis, classification of maxillofacial prostheses, recent advancements in MFP and Workflow for the fabrication of obturator prostheses in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario. Case report on the fabrication of Holllow bulb definitive obturator during pandemic crisis. A 47 years old male patient reported for post-surgical evaluation in maxillary posterior region of oral cavity. The patient had partial maxillectomysurgical procedure of squamous cell carcinoma in the palate 5 years back. To replace the gap created, the patient was using interim obturator. He had facial asymmetry and collapse. Prosthodontic rehabilitation with one piece closed hollow bulb obturator was planned & subsequently fabricated for the patient. For our case considering the feasibility & ease of manipulation, heat activated acrylic resin was used for this particular patient for rehabilitation. The method described is easy, simple, time saving & economical. Bulb portion was hollow & made of heat cure resin, so weight was less & less chances of tissue irritation. Results: With the Covid-19 infection protocol measures taken definitive obturator was given to the maxillectomy patient to restore aesthetics, function and comfort as well. After insertion of prostheses mastication, deglutition and phonetics were improved. Breathing problems were resolved and aesthetics was improved. Conclusion: A simplified technical approach for the treatment of a patient with palatal defect of and other supportive structure has been presented in Covid-19 situation following the described infection prevention protocols. The technique presented offers a method of obtaining a detailed impression of the defect and promptly provides the patient with a light weight, easyto-use and flexible tissue-tolerant obturator.

Clinical assessment of a lip care product for evaluating performance and increasing attribute expectations in the mask wearing era

Well-defined fuller lips, associated with attractiveness/youthfulness, continue to be a desirable trait. Age-related changes to lips include roughness, lip lines and wrinkles, loss of plumpness, hydration, volume, collagen, and elastin. Invasive procedures have disadvantages: risk of complications, affordability, and recovery time, it is the noninvasive treatment methods which are popular with the masses. With new ingredients, there is an ever-expanding list of lip products being introduced to improve/enhance beauty, while remaining inexpensive and most popular fashion trend amongst cosmetics. Lip cosmetics sales took a dive during the COVID era but is expected to soar with increasing demand for additional attributes of transfer proof and long wear besides typical expectations of hydration, volume, barrier repair, and antiaging. The study objective was to evaluate product efficacy and tolerance of novel ingredients in a lip care product for smoothness (visuals) plumping (calipers), hydration (corneometer), barrier function (TEWL), biomechanical properties (cutometer), transfer resistant, long wear, and tolerance in a 12-hour clinical trial study design. It involved 45 healthy volunteers (F, 18-65 y) with visual and tactile evaluations by a trained grader, various instrumental measurements, self-perception assessments and digital photographs. Our study results showed the lip care product is significantly effective at various time points for restoring hydration, plumpness, barrier function along with being transfer resistant, long lasting, and well tolerated. This methodical clinical design involving visual grading, instruments, digital photography and subjective perception is a reliable effective tool in meeting expectations for lip care products, especially in terms of performance, transfer resistance, and long wear.

Impact of covid-19 pandemic on the consumption of herbal products and its effect on oral and dental health: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate, assess and explore the impact of herbal products and their effects on oral and dental health in Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: It is a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from laypeople in Saudi Arabia using a convenient sampling technique distributed electronically. A total of 20 questions were entered, including demographic variables, the usage of herbal products, and possible effects of oral and dental health. Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software version 23, and results with a p-value of equal or less than a level of 0.05 were considered significant. Results: 282 females and 103 males have filled the questionnaire in a total of 385. It was observed that about two-thirds of participants 69.9% and 66.8% used lemon and orange. Most of the participants used the herbal immune boosters less than one month 41.8% and 80.5% used these products one time per day. The majority of the participants 94.0% continued dental hygiene practices. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic made people try to enhance their immunity by consuming herbal immune boosters' products that may have some consequences on their oral health and dental well-being.

ASSESSMENT OF MOBILE APPS FOR ADULTS WITH KNEE/HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS

Purpose: Greater access to smartphones and mobile app technology, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, has fueled a growing interest in mobile health apps. Patients with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis (OA) may benefit from mobile apps when seeking additional guidance and advice. Clinicians may leverage these apps for symptom monitoring, activity tracking, and exercise program delivery. Integrating mobile apps into patient care may empower self-management and enhance communication, therapeutic alliance, and treatment adherence. Mobile apps could also facilitate access to healthcare services and reduce costs. However, little is known about the quality of these apps. We aimed to synthesize and evaluate current available mobile apps for adults with knee/hip OA. Methods: We searched Apple App Store, Android Google Play, and Amazon App Store for mobile health apps targeting management of knee/hip OA. Inclusion criteria for appraisal: available in English;containing search terms of “knee”, “knee OA”, “hip”, “hip OA”, “osteoarthritis”, “arthritis”, “physical therapy”, “rehabilitation”, and/or “rehab” in the app description;targeting knee and/or hip OA;and free to download. Exclusion criteria for appraisal: apps specific for rheumatoid arthritis;unavailable for download;could not be opened due to incompatibility;requiring subscription, passwords, institutional accounts, download fees, or additional accessories (e.g. motion sensor) for usage. The search was terminated for each search term when the last 10 apps on a platform did not meet the inclusion criteria, consistent with the methodology used in prior research. Paired reviewers rated apps using the adapted Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) (score range 0-132, higher is better) that appraises apps by technical aspects, engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, quality, and relevant information to the subject matter. Disagreements were resolved by discussion between 2 reviewers. Apps that scored ≥3/5 on overall app quality or totaled ≥80/132 were included in the final descriptive summary. Results: Among 797 identified apps, 41 met inclusion/exclusion criteria for MARS appraisal. As shown in Figure 1, 17 apps met the pre-determined score thresholds for final summary. Their key characteristics are summarized in Table 1. The median MARS score was 86 (interquartile range = 23 and ranged from 63 to 115). App features varied. Common app features were exercise recommendations, education, goal setting, and improving well-being. Many apps allowed for social media sharing and included measures to protect privacy. 11 apps demonstrated low to moderate credibility. Jointfully Osteoarthritis (Apple), My Arthritis (Apple), and Jointfully Osteoarthritis (Android) were the top three rated apps. They also were the only apps receiving an overall 5/5 quality rating. Conclusions: While many no-cost apps targeting knee/hip OA management exist, only three were rated highly. Features varied widely in our sample. Future research is needed to identify optimal app designs and functions for self-management strategies tailored to patients with knee/hip OA. Evaluating whether incorporating mobile apps in patient care improves outcome, treatment adherence, and patient satisfaction will help guide clinical practice recommendations. [Formula presented] [Formula presented]

Integrated Diagnostics: The One Shop Stop Solution

Introduction: There is a constant ongoing evolution in the clinicalpractices attributable to the changing lifestyle, newer diseases(#COVID is the newest Trend!) and increasing longevity. Laboratorymedicine has to keep up with the changing face of medicine and hasto cater to the unmet challenges of diagnosis and treatment. By nowwe all know that master of one can never win the race, and a coalitionworks in everyone's favour. This amalgamation of biochemistry,hematology and microbiology provides flexibility in service provisionin the light of increasing expectations, shifts in population demographics and constraint in resource availability.Aims &Objectives: Our aim is to overcome the challenges of thisintegration or consolidation, whatever it may be referred to as and theobjective was one, streamlining the lab services for best patient care.The consolidation had to be at the level of individuals-be it technicians, residents and consultants or at the level of technology, be itSysmex, Stago or Roche or at the level of our approach be it themethods, measures and principles and last but not the least, consolidation of funds for this ever expanding technology.Materials &Methods: APPROACHThe process has to start at all levels simultaneously. The decisionmakers have to draft a policy and then comes the implementation ofplans. Finance, IT department and human resources have to beacquainted with the process and brought to one platform for all towork in unison. Not all stake holders will agree to the plan, but that isthe beauty of a coalition-each new idea helps the lab move one stepforward. The laboratory information system is an excellent exampleof this integration. Connectivity to almost every part of the hospitalhas already been achieved. This has led to better communication,coordination and execution. Compartmentalization is important foraccountability and reducing the Turn Around Time for reports.Result: Meeting Future Needs.Finally, there is the appearance of new diseases and a need for alaboratory response. The recent COVID-19 virus outbreaks highlighted a crucial need for diagnostics. Universal operating proceduresand harmonization of the available diagnostic assays are needed forfaster screening approaches in the global fight against the pandemic.Conclusions: We have to be friendly for a patient friendly diagnosisand thus convergence of various laboratory services is the need of thehour.

Trends in cosmetic consumer preferences during COVID-19 pandemic: Comparing 2021 to 2020.

This commentary evaluates trends in the factors influencing consumer decision-making for cosmetic dermatologic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. This is a follow-up national survey to one that was published 1 year ago. This study compares the data from Summer 2020 to early Summer 2021, which presents a stark contrast. Our results demonstrate that consumers are now more interested in cosmetic dermatologic procedures compared to 1 year prior. Additionally, they still value the overall safety of the clinic, so physicians should ensure that certain safety measures remain in place despite any decreasing rates of COVID-19 positivity. Our survey sheds more light on current consumer perspectives, which may in turn help physicians adjust their practices to meet current demand. It is important for physicians to be knowledgeable regarding the patterns of consumer decision-making in order to deliver appropriate patient education and provide proper patient outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Life after lockdown: Zooming out on perceptions in the post-videoconferencing era.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply disrupted daily life across the globe, with profound effects on mental and physical health. After more than a year of isolation and communication via videoconferencing, people are returning to in-person activities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate worsening self-perception, mental health, and anxiety with the return to in-person activities, with a focus on the influence of videoconferencing, social media, and the use of filters. METHODS: An anonymous survey was distributed online through social media platforms and student network pages. RESULTS: A total of 7295 participants responded to the survey. Seventy-one precent reported anxiety or stress related to returning to in-person activities, and nearly 64% sought mental health support services. Thirty-percent stated they plan to invest in their appearance as a coping strategy to deal with the anxiety of returning to in-person, and >30% plan to take action in changing their appearance. The most reported dermatologic concerns were skin discoloration (32.36%), wrinkles (24.45%), and acne (14.85%). The prevalence of anxiety and mental health services increased relative to the use of filters in 18- to 24 year-olds. CONCLUSION: This survey study of >7000 participants across the country elucidates worsening self-perception, anxiety, and mental health as we return to in-person activities in relation to increased videoconferencing, social media usage, and the use of filters. Physicians should be aware of these effects to better serve their patients.

Zooming into cosmetic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic: The provider's perspective.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a massive shift toward virtual living, with video-conferencing now a primary means of communication for both work and social events. Individuals are finding themselves staring at their own video reflection, often for hours a day, scrutinizing a distorted image on screen and developing a negative self-perception. This survey study of over 100 board-certified dermatologists across the country elucidates a new problem of Zoom dysmorphia, where patients seek cosmetic procedures to improve their distorted appearance on video-conferencing calls.