Health and Wellness Review

We asked if you ever have or ever would go to Mexico for lower-cost medical care.

Twelve percent of respondents have. Of the rest, half said they would never take the risk, and half said they might consider it if the price was right.

People seem far more willing to travel to Mexico for dental care than other forms of medical treatment.

Here are some comments from respondent about medical tourism and dental tourism:

• "Dental  treatments are way too expensive to the patient compare to the costs of materials.  DDS's charges are way out of line for the average American."
• "I have purchased prescription drugs there with wonderful results." (Texas woman)
• "I work with someone who has gone for minor surgery and it cost almost exactly 1/8th of the price that was quoted here in Texas."
• "I would not go ANYWHERE else for any of those procedures! Despite the Democrat's propaganda, the U.S. has the BEST health care in the world!" (Georgia woman)
• "I regularly buy prescription drugs in Mexico for fraction of US price.uy prescription drugs in Mexico." (California man)
• "They're cleaner, politer, helpful, sanitary than most places in Los Angeles. The top cities to do cosmetic or major surgery are Guadalajara and el Distrito Federal.  By the way, 70% of the medical students at the University of Guadalajara are Americans. They do their studies there and pass the boards here." (California)

Unfortunately, pimples are not just a teenage problem

We've all got hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and most of the time, they work just as they should. But sometimes a blockage occurs, and infection follows, and then you've got yourself what we in the biz like to call a "zit." Though most of us associate acne with teenagers, people of all ages get pimples — and people of all ages hate them.

You've heard the old wives' tales; now it's time for some solid facts. If you're struggling with acne, here are six solutions modern medicine can offer you.

1. Benzoyl peroxide: This is the active ingredient in most over-the-counter acne products. It might take the form of a topical gel, a cream, a foaming cleanser, or a bar of soap. Higher concentrations are available with a prescription.
2. Antibiotics: Since acne is a bacterial infection, removing the bacteria can clear up the infection. Antibiotics may be taken orally or applied topically.
3. The Pill: Though obviously not an option for males, oral contraceptives can help regulate hormones and control acne, particularly for teenage girls.
4. Retinoids: Like antibiotics, these can be taken orally or applied topically. Retinoids are typically very effective. Howver, the potential for side effects is high, so it's important that the doctor consider the patient's total health.
5. Phototherapy: Cutting-edge science suggests that exposure to certain wavelengths of light can reduce acne. Some methods use red light, while others focus on violet.
6. Lasers: No, we're not going to laser your blackheads away! But if you've got scarring from past acne, lasers may be a cosmetic option for you.

HIV testing from the dental hygienist

A Wyoming hygienist is offering HIV testing right in the dentist’s office! The CDC recommends that voluntary HIV screening become a part of regular medical care for all teens and adults. Stacy Smith is doing her part by offering to take an oral swab as part of her standard dental cleaning routine. The swabs are sent to an outside lab for analysis, and results take about two weeks. Soon Smith will offer OraQuick testing, which returns results in only 20 minutes.

Wyoming’s HIV rates are relatively low. With half a million residents, the state’s Department of Health estimates that about 140 are living with HIV/AIDS. Of course, 25% of those infected with HIV in the US don’t know it, leaving them far more likely to infect someone else. Smith is enthusiastic about making testing more commonplace. Since HIV can lead to changes in the mouth, she says testing is a natural fit for dental health professionals.