ENT, Totum Health News
ClariFix – A New Procedure to Treat Runny Noses
Totum Health is proud to announce they’re one of the first Ear, Nose & Throat practices in New York City to offer a new procedure that can bring long-term relief for your runny and stuffy nose, called ClariFix. The ClariFix procedure is for patients suffering from Chronic Rhinitis (CR), more commonly known as a runny nose.
If you frequently have a runny, stuffy nose, you may have Chronic Rhinitis (CR).
- Chronic Rhinitis is caused by inflammation of nasal linings
- You’re not alone, more than 24 million people in the U.S. suffer from CR
- Your runny and stuffy nose can be frustrating. Treatments, such as sprays, drops, and pills may not give you the relief you’re after.
What is ClariFix and how does it work?
ClariFix is a clinically-proven, minimally invasive option, which uses cryotherapy to treat your Chronic Rhinitis. A small handheld device is placed endoscopically in the nose and uses a cryotherapy balloon to quickly freeze a small area that is often responsible for your frustrating nasal symptoms. No need to continue to rely solely on oral or nasal medications. The ClariFix procedure is safe, effective, and takes less than 30 minutes.
- ClariFix Cryotherapy goes to the root of the problem, the inflamed nasal tissue and the underlying nerves for long-term Chronic Rhinitis symptom relief.
- In a clinical study, 4 out of 5 people reported long-lasting improvement with the ClariFix device, including a reduction in runny nose and congestion.
ClariFix Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does ClariFix cryotherapy hurt?
A: In a clinical study of 27 patients, the cryotherapy was well-tolerated and patients reported an average pain rating of 1.19 on the Wong-Baker FACES pain scale (0 = minimum score, 5 = maximum score).
Q: Can I drive myself back home from the appointment?
A: In most cases, only topical or local anesthesia are necessary and patients can drive themselves back home.
Q: Is there downtime or recovery?
A: In general, there is minimal downtime and recovery. As with any nasal procedure, you may experience increased sensitivity, congestion and/or pain during the healing process.
Q: What are the side effects?
A: In a clinical study, side effects were those usually associated with cryosurgery in the nasal passageway and included: pain/discomfort, headache, facial pain, bleeding, dry nose, and ear blockage. These symptoms had either resolved or were rated as mild within 3 months of the procedure.
Q: How long until I see an improvement?
A: Most patients begin to see improvement between 7 days and 30 days post-treatment.
If you or a loved one are suffering from chronic rhinitis and are interested in learning if you’re a candidate for ClariFix, please click here to Book an Appointment or call 212-288-2222!
ENT, Totum Health News
Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Now Covering Balloon Sinuplasty
Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Now Covering Balloon Sinuplasty
Effective immediately, Blue Cross Blue Shield will now cover Balloon Sinuplasty, a procedure that has now helped over 400,000 people find lasting relief from sinus pain and pressure. If you were previously unable to receive this procedure due to insurance issues, please give our office a call or conveniently schedule an appointment by clicking here.
Balloon Sinuplasty Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the advantages of the Balloon Sinuplasty over traditional sinus surgery?
Balloon Sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional surgery with minimal bleeding and low post-op pain. Most people can get back to normal activities and work quickly. - What are the risks associated with Balloon Sinuplasty?
Because Balloon Sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery there is a low complication rate. -
Does Balloon Sinuplasty work?
Clinical research confirms that Balloon Sinuplasty provides long-term relief from sinus symptoms by effectively opening blocked sinus passageways.
Beauty, Totum Health Press
Kybella Double Chin Removal Treatment Up Close | Featured on Macro Beauty | Refinery29
Kybella Double Chin Removal Treatment Up Close | Featured on Macro Beauty | Refinery29
On this episode of Macro Beauty, we feature the Kybella injection, a double chin eliminating treatment. Totum Health Surgeon, Dr. Dara Liotta, plastic surgeon, performs this procedure on one of our R29ers and our cameras get up close and personal!
Watch the video above to see how this transformative treatment works! KYBELLA® is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment that destroys fat cells in the treatment area under the chin to improve your profile.
The rest of the story can be read here: http://www.refinery29.com/kybella-double-chin-removal-video
ENT
Do Your Ears Hurt When Flying?
If your ears hurt during takeoff and landing you’re not alone. Many times a common cold or sinus infection can be to blame, however for some people they have what is known as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.
What is a Eustachian Tube?
The Eustachian tube is a small passageway that connects your throat to your middle ear. When you sneeze, swallow, or yawn, your eustachian tubes open. This keeps air pressure and fluid from building up inside your ear. But sometimes a Eustachian tube might get plugged. When this happens, sounds may be muffled and your ear may feel full. You may also have ear pain.
How Can Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Be Treated?
Symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction usually go away without treatment. There are several ways you can temporarily help relieve the symptoms including:
- swallowing
- yawning
- chewing gum
- or pinching your nostrils closed, and “blowing” with your mouth shut
For patients that suffer from chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, there is a new FDA approved device that can help permanently restore the Eustachian tube to its normal function.
Dr. Lisa Liberatore has been successfully performing this minimally-invasive treatment, known as Eustachian Balloon Dilation, on people from all over the world for close to a decade.
How Does Eustachian Balloon Dilation Work?
Using a balloon dilation system similar to Balloon Sinuplasty, Dr. Liberatore will use a catheter (long, flexible tube) to insert a small balloon through your nose and into the Eustachian tube. When it is inflated, the balloon opens a pathway for mucus and air to flow through the tube. This simple procedure immediately can help the eustachian tube function properly.
ENT, Totum Health News, Wellness
What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Ever had a feeling of fullness in your ears, similar to having waterlogged ears after coming out of the swimming pool?
This common phenomenon, known as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, affects many people around the world. However, it should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, it may cause other serious conditions that require more aggressive treatment options.
The Eustachian Tube
The Eustachian tube is a small tube which connects the middle ear to the upper throat/ back of the nose. This tube normally stays closed unless you yawn, swallow or chew. These actions allow air in and mucus out of the middle ear. Because the middle ear is usually filled with air, the function of the Eustachian tube is to balance air pressure on both sides of the eardrum and drain out mucus. This helps the eardrum to vibrate as required for you to hear properly.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)
Sometimes the Eustachian tube gets blocked, which disrupts normal eardrum function This creates what is known as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD).
ETD causes difficulty in hearing, pain, and a full sensation in the ears.
Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Mild ETD may be left to cure over time. However, to ease the discomfort caused by ETD, some simple home remedies can treat it. In case it reoccurs, you will need to consult your doctor.
Some common Eustachian Tube Dysfunction symptoms include:
- Fullness in the ears
- Muffled hearing
- The sensation of plugged ears
- Tinnitus, also referred to as ringing in the ears
- Pain in either one or both ears
- Clicking or popping sounds
- A feeling of tickling or irritation
- Dizziness or loss of balance (in some cases)
What Causes Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
As earlier mentioned, ETD is caused by a blockage or inflammation of the Eustachian Tubes.
Some common causes include:
- Common cold, sinusitis, or infections in the ear and throat – These conditions are characterized by an excessive formation of mucus which further blocks the Eustachian tube. Infections are the major causes of inflammation along these tubes.
- Allergies – Allergies that affect the nose lead to more mucus being produced. This also blocks the Eustachian tube.
- Altitude changes – This is common for people who fly in planes. When a plane descends, there tends to be more pressure nearer to the ground that affects the eardrums, causing pain. Usually, a simple chewing or yawning motion will balance the pressure and resolve ETD. Altitude changes also occur hiking or riding on an elevator.
- Glue Ear – Glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion (OME), is normally associated with dulled hearing, a condition that is common among children. This is caused by a build-up of a glue-like fluid in the middle ear. Glue ear prevents air from flowing into the middle ear. However, it will clear on its own given some time.
- Enlarged Adenoids – These and other blockages are other known causes of ETD.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Treatment
On normal occasions, ETD will clear on its own with time. However, after cases of allergies, colds, or sinusitis, these symptoms may go for an entire week because it takes longer for mucus or inflammation to clear.
Some simple home remedies that work well to clear ETD include:
- Yawning
- Chewing or swallowing
- Blocking the nostrils and mouth then breathing out
- Using saline nasal sprays to clear out mucus
- In cases where it is caused by allergies, consider taking medications aimed at controlling allergies
- Antibiotics in case of infections
In case of severe ETD or recurring episodes, you will need to see a doctor for professional intervention.
Events, Totum Health Events
8th Annual Totum Art Show Benefitting Luv Michael (LuvMichael.org)
We hope that you will join us for the 8th Annual Totum Health Art Show benefitting Luv Michael (LuvMichael.org). Artist from around NYC will be donating their artwork to be put up for auction or purchase at the event and online.
When: Thursday, June 8th 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: 154 East 85th Street, Backyard Patio
Cocktails & Appetizers will be served
For more details, including a preview of the artwork and early bidding access, please visit livetotum.com
RSVP
To RSVP for the art show, please call 212-288-2222 or email info@livetotum.com
Special thanks to our generous artists for contributing their work for this night’s event
Share the Luv
Luv Michael is a Non Profit 501c3 organization with a mission to train, educate and employ people with Autism. Your donation will help achieve our mission and allow us to build out our training kitchen and school.
To learn more please visit: luvmichael.org
Totum Health Insights, Wellness
Promoting Wellness in a Healthy Home
There isn’t a specific set of guidelines that must be followed to achieve the perfect healthy home. Everyone has different needs whether personal, mental or health related.
Wellness is more than just being healthy, it’s also about having a balanced and fulfilling life both outside and inside the home. So, how do you incorporate a healthy environment into your home?
Events, Totum Health Events, Wellness
Improving Quality of Life – The Importance of Moving our Bodies and Exercise
This week we had Shannon Cusma, Pilates Manager and lead teacher trainer from Equinox speak to us about the importance of moving our bodies and exercise. It was wonderful!
We were presented with 50 reasons to exercise….the most important being Improving Quality of Life. Shannon reviewed the benefits as well as key steps to get started.
- Find something you enjoy and do it!
- Schedule it on your calendar and don’t cancel on yourself
- Commit to 30 min/day 2-3x/ week and work your way up
- Start Slow
- Track your progress
- Mix it up
Exercise should be fun and enjoyable! Shannon provided us with various workouts and a variety of levels and….demonstrated each one for us. We even had volunteers show us their strength!
The evening concluded with stretches and emphasis was placed on stretching muscles that have been warmed up.
Shannon answered many questions for us. If you are interested in contacting her:
Shannon Cusma
scarafello@aol.com
Please RSVP 212-288-2222. Next week I will be giving you a group Health Coaching talk on Life Happens…. how to rebound after struggling circumstances. Feel free to send me your struggles that you deal with! See you on Monday, Feb.20th at 6:30pm.
Best of health,
Sheila
Beauty, Events, Totum Health Events, Totum Health Insights
Healthy Eating 101 – Nutrition
Healthy Eating 101
Our wellness series continues to offer new opportunities for us to make positive changes in our health! Last night enriched us with information on nutrition.
Reyna Franco, Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, Exercise Physiologist, presented a comprehensive talk on Healthy Eating 101. Initial discussion concerned “Why we eat?” which quickly went into the nutritional value of a healthy eating plan. A basic breakdown of meals should include:
Beauty, ENT, Events, Totum Health Events, Totum Health Insights, Wellness
Simple Steps to Stress Management
Simple Steps to Stress Management
Our awareness of how we manifest stress can be physical, mental, emotional or behavioral. How do you react to stressors? Are you willing to think about changing your reaction?
