It is estimated that approximately 50 million people in the United States alone are affected by acne vulgaris, and another 14 million Americans experience the redness, flushing and pronounced blood vessels associated with rosacea. While there are no cures for these persistent skin conditions, dermatologists are broadening their treatment options to include laser, light and cosmetic therapies that are proving effective in managing these conditions and improving patient satisfaction.

Speaking at the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologist Jenny J. Kim, MD, PhD, FAAD, assistant professor of medicine and dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), in Los Angeles, Calif., discussed the latest approaches for treating acne, acne scarring and rosacea with laser and light therapies by themselves, in combination with each other or with cosmetic treatments, such as fillers.

Soaring health care costs extend from humans to pets

Reggie, an 8-year-old dog whom I loved without reservation, went to his reward three weeks ago on our veterinarian's examining table. Reggie had been diagnosed in early November with congestive heart failure and had not responded to the various medications prescribed for him. His stomach had swollen to the size of a soccer ball; he was hemorrhaging internally and sooner or later would bleed to death.

The decision to end his life was incredibly painful, but not really all that difficult. Our laws permit us to do unto our household animals what we are not permitted to do unto ourselves: take them out of their misery, let them die speedily when they are ready to die - and grant them, in the words of the most beautiful prayer that I know, "a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last." So while Reggie snuggled his head into the crook of my elbow, the veterinarian administered the final dose, and, after three deep sighs, Reggie breathed his last.

Thursday, January 24

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