Medical consultants are vital because they bring specialized expertise that enhances patient care and medical decision-making. Their deep knowledge and experience in specific medical fields provide valuable insights for complex cases, accurate diagnoses, and effective treatment plans. Consultants offer a fresh perspective, often identifying nuances that primary care physicians may overlook.
By collaborating with medical consultants, healthcare professionals can optimize patient outcomes, particularly in intricate or rare conditions. Consultants aid in minimizing diagnostic errors, recommending advanced interventions, and ensuring evidence-based practices. This not only enhances patient safety but also contributes to healthcare cost-efficiency by reducing unnecessary procedures and hospital stays.
In the ever-evolving landscape of medicine, medical consultants remain at the forefront of innovation, sharing their cutting-edge knowledge and research. Their role is pivotal in maintaining the highest standards of medical care, fostering interdisciplinary teamwork, and ultimately, improving the overall quality of healthcare services.

In the realm of skincare and beauty, dermatologists are trusted experts who help individuals achieve healthy and radiant skin. However, even the most skilled dermatologists can benefit from the expertise of a marketing professional to effectively reach their audience.
A marketing expert plays a crucial role in a dermatologist's success by crafting strategies that communicate their services and establish their brand. With the increasing demand for skincare solutions, a well-versed marketer can ensure the dermatologist's online presence is strong, utilizing social media, content creation, and search engine optimization.
Navigating the digital landscape can be overwhelming, but a marketing expert can help a dermatologist target their ideal patients, tailoring messages that resonate with specific concerns. They can showcase success stories, educate about treatments, and highlight the dermatologist's credentials, building credibility and trust.
In a competitive field, a dermatologist's focus should remain on patient care. By enlisting a marketing expert, they can ensure that their expertise shines through, attracting the right clientele and allowing them to continue transforming skin while the marketing professional handles the outreach. 

Crave Consulting is here for all physicians 

In the modern world of medicine, plastic surgeons are not only skilled practitioners of their craft but also savvy marketers. Marketing plays a crucial role in their success, as it helps them connect with potential patients, build their brand, and showcase their expertise.
Effective marketing for plastic surgeons involves a multifaceted approach. They utilize social media platforms to share before-and-after photos, educational content, and patient testimonials, demonstrating their skills and building trust. A user-friendly website is essential, providing comprehensive information about procedures, credentials, and patient experiences.
Content marketing, through blogs and videos, establishes surgeons as authorities in their field, addressing common concerns and dispelling myths. Engaging in search engine optimization (SEO) ensures their online visibility, making it easier for interested individuals to find them.
Personalization is key – understanding the unique needs and desires of their target audience allows plastic surgeons to tailor their marketing strategies. Whether it's highlighting the latest techniques, emphasizing safety measures, or focusing on patient care, effective marketing enables plastic surgeons to not only attract patients but also provide them with a positive experience from the initial inquiry to the final result.

Hiring consultants can bring several benefits to businesses and organizations, making it a wise decision for various reasons:

1. Expertise and Knowledge: Consultants often possess specialized knowledge and expertise in a specific field or industry. They bring fresh insights, best practices, and a deep understanding of industry trends, helping businesses to navigate complex challenges more effectively.
   
2. Objective Perspective: Consultants offer an unbiased and external viewpoint. This objectivity can lead to innovative solutions and help organizations see problems from different angles, avoiding internal biases and groupthink.
   
3. Cost Efficiency: Hiring consultants can be more cost-effective than hiring full-time employees for short-term projects. This eliminates the need for onboarding, training, and long-term commitments, making it a financially prudent choice.
   
4. Resource Flexibility: Consultants provide businesses with the flexibility to scale their resources up or down based on project needs. This is especially valuable for handling fluctuations in workload or addressing specialized tasks.
   
5. Focused Problem Solving: Consultants are often brought in to address specific challenges or projects. Their focused expertise allows them to concentrate on solving particular issues without being distracted by day-to-day operations.
   
6. Quick Results: Consultants are experienced in executing projects efficiently. They can expedite project completion and deliver tangible results within a shorter timeframe.
   
7. Skills Augmentation: Consultants can complement existing teams by bringing in skills that may be lacking internally. This helps organizations to pursue new opportunities and tackle projects that require a broader skill set.
   
   
8. Risk Mitigation: Consultants can assist in risk assessment and management. Their external perspective can identify potential pitfalls and recommend strategies to mitigate those risks.
   
9. Change Management: When organizations undergo significant changes, such as process overhauls or technology implementations, consultants can guide the transition, ensuring smoother adoption and minimizing disruptions.
   
10. In conclusion, hiring consultants can offer specialized knowledge, objectivity, cost efficiency, and focused problem-solving, contributing to improved business outcomes and overall success. However, it's important to choose consultants with relevant experience and a track record of delivering value to ensure the best results.
    
    
11. Focus on Core Competencies: Outsourcing certain tasks to consultants allows internal teams to focus on their core competencies, leading to higher productivity and better results in their own areas of expertise.
    

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of healthcare, medical marketing has emerged as a pivotal tool for healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and medical practitioners. This dynamic practice involves promoting medical services, products, and expertise to both patients and fellow professionals. Its significance cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in several aspects.
First and foremost, medical marketing helps in building awareness. In an era where patients are more proactive in managing their health, effective marketing campaigns provide essential information about available treatments, preventive measures, and advancements in medical science. This empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Moreover, medical marketing bridges the gap between medical professionals and their potential patients. It facilitates communication, making patients more comfortable in seeking specialized care. A well-executed marketing strategy can establish trust and credibility, which are vital in an industry where trustworthiness is paramount.
Additionally, medical marketing aids in fostering innovation. By showcasing cutting-edge technologies and breakthroughs, it encourages the healthcare industry to push boundaries and strive for continuous improvement. This, in turn, benefits patients by offering them access to the latest and most effective treatments.

Medical marketing is of paramount importance in today's healthcare landscape. Its role in raising awareness, promoting communication, and driving innovation makes it an indispensable tool for medical practitioners and organizations alike. However, ethical considerations and accuracy are crucial to ensure that the information presented is reliable and beneficial to both patients and the medical community.

One of the most common questions asked after a diagnosis of autism, is what caused the disorder.
We know that there’s no one cause of autism. Research suggests that autism develops from a combination of genetic and nongenetic, or environmental, influences.
These influences appear to increase the risk that a child will develop autism. However, it’s important to keep in mind that increased risk is not the same as cause. For example, some gene changes associated with autism can also be found in people who don’t have the disorder. Similarly, not everyone exposed to an environmental risk factor for autism will develop the disorder. In fact, most will not.
Autism’s genetic risk factorsResearch tells us that autism tends to run in families. Changes in certain genes increase the risk that a child will develop autism. If a parent carries one or more of these gene changes, they may get passed to a child (even if the parent does not have autism). Other times, these genetic changes arise spontaneously in an early embryo or the sperm and/or egg that combine to create the embryo. Again, the majority of these gene changes do not cause autism by themselves. They simply increase risk for the disorder


Autism’s core symptoms are:

• social communication challenges and
• restricted, repetitive behaviors.

In autism, these symptoms

• begin in early childhood (though they may go unrecognized)
• persist and
• interfere with daily living.

Specialized healthcare providers diagnose autism using a checklist of criteria in the two categories above. They also assess symptom severity. Autism’s severity scale reflects how much support a person needs for daily function.
Many people with autism have sensory issues. These typically involve over- or under-sensitivities to sounds, lights, touch, tastes, smells, pain and other stimuli.

Autism is also associated with high rates of certain physical and mental health conditions.

The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is the world’s first and largest international charity dedicated specifically to the eradication of death and suffering from renal cancers. KCA is a charitable organization made up of patients, family members, physicians, researchers and other health professionals from around the world. KCA funds, promotes and collaborates with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Urological Association (AUA) and other institutions on research projects. We also educate families and physicians, and serve as an advocate on behalf of patients at the state and federal levels in the United States and globally. Every March, Kidney Cancer Awareness Month helps to raise awareness and educate the public about the essential role kidneys play in our overall health. While many people remain at risk for developing kidney cancer during their lifetime, most are not aware that they may be vulnerable. To raise awareness of kidney cancer and the need for a cure, KCA is launching a series of campaigns this March, starting with #OrangeMarch.  KCA is urging supporters to wear kidney cancer awareness items, including orange ribbons – the official color of KCA. You can now visit www.OrangeMarch.com (link is external) to order your free Awareness Gear.

March is also World Kidney Cancer Remembrance Month. We invite you to  of your loved ones – including those who have survived renal cancers, family and friends, and those whose memory we honor in this month-long worldwide celebration of life and remembrance.  You can also help us raise awareness of kidney cancer by joining and sharing with Kidney Cancer Answers.

Join us in the fight against kidney cancer this Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more and find resources at www.kidneycancer.org.

Autism Overview
Autism is one of a group of neurodevelopmental disorders known as pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). These are characterized by problems with communication and social interaction. Patients often demonstrate restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behavior patterns or interests.


Signs and Symptoms
According to the Autism Society, autism symptoms typically become clearly evident during early childhood, between 24 months and 6 years of age. Symptoms include a marked delay in language and cognitive development. There may be signs of obsessive and/or antisocial behavior.
Asperger syndrome, another PDD, may be referred to as “high functioning autism.” Asperger syndrome usually lacks the primary communication and cognitive problems that characterize classic autism.
Autism symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people may be considered autistic but manage to function in society without many setbacks. For others, the condition can have a substantial impact on their lives.

Causes of Autism The exact cause of autism and other autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is unknown. The most current science demonstrates that there is no single cause of autism. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role.



Prevalence of Autism
Autism spectrum disorders are found in individuals around the world, regardless of race, cultural, or economic background. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism does occur more often in boys than in girls, with a five-to-one male-to-female ratio.
The CDC estimates that one in 68 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder. There are indications that instances of ASDs are on the rise. Some fault environmental factors. However, experts debate whether there is an actual increase in cases or just more frequent diagnoses.

Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Classic autism usually entails substantial problems in all of the areas affected by ASDs. Someone with Asperger syndrome has issues with behavioral and social interaction. The symptoms experienced by people with Asperger syndrome are usually less severe than those experienced by patients with classic autism.
There is still some debate as to whether Asperger syndrome is a variation of classic autism. Some argue that it should be classified as a separate disorder.
Pervasive Development Disorder–Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is a classification for someone who exhibits signs of autism but does not fit into the categories of classic autism or Asperger.

Treatments and Outlook
There is no cure for ASDs. The most effective treatments involve early and intensive behavioral interventions. It is generally agreed that the earlier a child is enrolled in these programs, the better their outlook will be.
Since conventional medicine has not found a cure for ASDs, patients and their advocates have sought alternatives, including:

• high dose vitamins
• chelation therapy
• hyperbaric oxygen

There is currently no evidence that these treatments are effective. Parents should weigh the research and financial costs before investing in any of these therapies for their children.

Article from healthline magazine

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the rectum or colon. Both of these organs are in the lower portion of your digestive system. The colon is also known as the large intestine. The rectum is at the end of the colon. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated one in 22 men, and one in 24 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
Your doctor may use staging as a guideline to figure out how far along your cancer is. It’s important for your doctor to know the stage of your cancer so they can come up with the best treatment plan for you, and give you an estimate of your long-term outlook. Stage 1 of colorectal cancer is the earliest stage. The stages progress up to stage 4, which is the most advanced stage. The stages of colorectal cancer are:

• Stage 1 cancer has penetrated the lining, or mucosa, of the colon or rectum but hasn’t spread to the organ walls.
• Stage 2 cancer has spread to the walls of the colon or rectum but hasn’t affected the lymph nodes or nearby tissues yet.
• Stage 3 cancer has moved to the lymph nodes but not to other parts of the body yet. Usually, one to three lymph nodes are involved at this stage.
• Stage 4 cancer has spread to other distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.

Symptoms
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer may not present any symptoms, especially in the early stages. If you do experience symptoms, they may include:

• constipation
• diarrhea
• changes in stool color
• changes in stool shape, such as narrowed stool
• blood in the stool
• bleeding from the rectum
• unexplained weakness
• passing excessive gas
• fatigue
• unintended weight loss
• abdominal cramps
• abdominal pain

If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss a colon cancer screening.

Causes
What causes colorectal cancer?Researchers don’t know what causes colorectal cancer yet. However, they do know that colorectal cancer develops when healthy cells become abnormal. The abnormal cells divide and multiply faster than they should and don’t die when they should. This leads to an accumulation of unhealthy cells.
Precancerous growthsAbnormal cells accumulate in the lining of the colon, forming polyps, which are small, benign growths. Removing these growths through surgery is a common prevention method. Untreated polyps can become cancerous.
Gene mutations Sometimes, colorectal cancer occurs in family members. This is due to a gene mutation that passes from parent to child. These mutations don’t guarantee that you’ll develop colorectal cancer, but they do increase your chances.

Risk factors
Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?There are some factors that may increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer:
Unavoidable factorsSome factors that increase your risk of getting colorectal cancer are unavoidable. Getting older is one of them. Your chances of developing this cancer increase after you reach the age of 50. Some other unavoidable risk factors are:

• a prior history of colon polyps
• a prior history of bowel diseases
• a family history of colorectal cancer
• having a genetic syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• being of Eastern European Jewish or African-American descent

Avoidable factorsSome risk factors for colorectal cancer are:

• being overweight or obese
• smoking
• a heavy use of alcohol
• having type 2 diabetes
• having a sedentary lifestyle
• consuming a diet high in processed foods or red meats

Diagnosis
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?Early diagnosis of colorectal cancer gives you the best chance of curing your colorectal cancer. Your doctor will start by getting information about your medical and family history. They’ll also perform a physical exam. The doctor may press on your abdomen or perform a rectal exam to determine the presence of lumps or polyps.

Blood testing
Your doctor may run some blood tests to get a better idea of what’s causing your symptoms. Though there is no blood test that specifically checks for colorectal cancer, liver function tests and complete blood count (CBC) tests can rule out other diseases and disorders.

Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy involves the use of a long tube with a small, attached camera. This procedure allows your doctor to see inside your colon and rectum, and to note anything unusual. During a colonoscopy, your doctor can also remove tissue from abnormal areas. These tissue samples can then be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
X-ray Your doctor may order an X-ray using a radioactive contrast solution that contains the metallic element barium. Your doctor will insert this liquid into the bowels through the use of an enema. Once in place, the barium solution coats the lining of the colon, and helps to improve the quality of the X-ray images.

CT scans provide your doctor with a detailed image of your colon. In the case of colorectal cancer, another name for a CT scan is a virtual colonoscopy.

Treatments
What are the treatment options for colorectal cancer?Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on a variety of factors. The state of your overall health and the stage of your colorectal cancer will help your doctor create a treatment plan.
SurgeryIn the earliest stages of colorectal cancer, it might be possible for your surgeon to remove cancerous polyps through surgery. During surgery, if the polyp hasn’t attached to the wall of the bowels, you’ll likely have an excellent outlook.
If your cancer has spread into your bowel walls, your surgeon may need to remove a portion of the colon or rectum, along with any neighboring lymph nodes. If at all possible, your surgeon will reattach the remaining healthy portion of the colon to the rectum. If this isn’t possible, they may perform a colostomy. This involves creating an opening in the abdominal wall for the removal of waste. A colostomy may be temporary or permanent.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. In the case of colorectal cancer, chemotherapy is a common treatment after surgery to destroy any remaining cancerous cells. Chemotherapy also controls the growth of your tumor.
While chemotherapy provides some symptom relief in late-stage cancer, it often comes with side effects that need to be controlled with additional medication.
Radiation Radiation uses a powerful beam of energy, similar to that used in X-rays, to target and destroy cancerous cells before and after surgery. Radiation therapy commonly occurs alongside chemotherapy.
MedicationIn September of 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug Stivarga (regorafenib) to treat patients with metastatic, or late-stage, colorectal cancer that doesn’t respond to other types of treatment and has spread to other parts of the body. This drug works by blocking enzymes that promote the growth of cancer cells.

Outlook
What is the long-term outlook?When it’s caught early, colorectal cancer is treatable and often curable. With early detection, most people live at least another five years after diagnosis. If the cancer doesn’t return in that time, you’re considered cured, especially if you’re in the first three stages of the disease.

by Healthline 

Packed full of antioxidants, chocolate is increasingly gaining a place among the circle of healthful foods. Some studies show that chocolate may protect the skin from damaging sunlight. However, not all researchers agree.


Can chocolate protect our skin from sun damage?

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that a moderate amount of chocolate - especially dark chocolate - is good for our gut health, cholesterol levels, and brain. It may even lower the risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
The health benefits of chocolate are thought to be due to the high levels of antioxidants found in one of the nation's favorite snacks.
But what about our skin health? Can chocolate prevent skin aging, sunburn, and possibly even skin cancer?

Chocolate and sunlight

Too much sunlight leaves most people with sunburn. However, excessive sunlight exposure is also a key contributor to skin cancer and skin aging.
Could chocolate, with its high antioxidant levels, protect us from the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays? Some believe that it could.

The raw cocoa bean has very high levels of flavanols, a type of antioxidant. But most of these are lost during the process that turns the bean into the chocolate that we know and love.
That being said, chocolate manufacturers are now experimenting with new processes that preserve higher levels of antioxidants.

A study by led Prof. Wilhelm Stahl - from the Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf, Germany - and colleagues investigated whether higher antioxidant levels in chocolate could improve the skin's ability to withstand damage from UV radiation.
For the study, 24 women consumed a chocolate drink that contained either 27 milligrams of flavanols (normal chocolate) or 329 milligrams (high-antioxidant) each morning for 12 weeks.

Medical News Today
By Yella Hewings-Martin PhD