HEED THE WARNINGS Simple Steps to Enhance Personal Safety
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the fragility of life and the importance of simple precautions. However, for Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, a neurosurgeon in Toledo, Ohio, these lessons have been etched into his life through personal tragedy and decades of frontline experience. Hoeflinger has dedicated over 25 years to treating patients with traumatic brain and spinal injuries and has seen firsthand the devastating consequences of neglecting personal safety. Driven by his loss — the death of his 18-year-old son in a drunk- driving accident — Hoeflinger has made it his mission to educate the public on the most common factors that contribute to these life-altering injuries. ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION At the top of Hoeflinger’s list of concerns is alcohol consumption. “Without a doubt, alcohol is number one,” he states
emphatically. “So many cases I see when I’m on trauma call are related to alcohol.” The link between alcohol and traumatic injuries is well-documented, with studies showing that alcohol impairs judgment and motor skills, leading to a higher incidence of accidents and injuries. LATE NIGHTS Hoeflinger’s second warning targets the dangers of late nights, stating that “nothing good ever happens after midnight.” He explains that many incidents, including fights and accidents, occur in the late hours when people are more likely to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and less vigilant about their safety.
urges. Despite widespread
awareness campaigns, failure to wear seat belts remains a leading cause of death and serious injury in car accidents. LACK OF SITUATIONAL AWARENESS Finally, Hoeflinger stresses the need for heightened situational awareness, particularly for older adults at higher risk of falls. “Pay attention to your surroundings,” he advises. “I can’t tell you the number of people, especially elderly people, I see who accidentally fell down a flight of stairs and ended up paralyzed.” By heeding his advice, we can all help reduce the incidence of severe injuries and fatalities and perhaps even change the world for the better, one life at a time.
NOT WEARING SEAT BELTS Another critical factor Hoeflinger
emphasizes is the importance of wearing seat belts. “Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, always wear your seat belt,” he
THE PERFECT COMBO FOR A SMOOTHER, SLEEKER MIDSECTION! Liposuction + Tummy Tuck:
Halloween is just around the corner, and many of us will indulge in candy — Dr. Mike included! He’s known for sneaking some of his kids’ candy while out trick-or-treating. But whether you’re enjoying some sweet treats or simply looking to target stubborn fat before the holidays, a tummy tuck might be a great option to help you achieve your goals. A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) can help eliminate unwanted fat and loose skin, particularly below the belly button. It’s ideal for addressing the dreaded “spare tire” and can significantly enhance your body’s contours. For those with fatty tissue above the belly button, we can use liposuction in conjunction with a tummy tuck, either before or after, to achieve better results. The type of fat targeted in these procedures is superficial fat, which lies just beneath the skin and can be shaped with liposuction or removed during surgery. However, it’s important to note that visceral fat — the unhealthy fat surrounding your organs — requires a different
approach. For patients struggling with visceral fat, semaglutide, a medication that helps with weight management, is a beneficial option.
A tummy tuck is also highly effective for those dealing with loose skin, stretch marks, or scars from previous surgeries (such as a C-section). The procedure tightens the abdominal area, and following up with liposuction can further define curves. Additionally, we use the Renuvion laser, a radiofrequency plasma heating device, to tighten any remaining loose skin post-tummy tuck. After the procedure, patients typically need around 2–3 weeks to recover. You may have surgical drains during the initial phase, but most patients can return to normal activity after two weeks. By the third week, you should be feeling much more like yourself. Whether you’re planning ahead for some holiday indulgences or simply want to refresh your figure, a tummy tuck offers fantastic results and can leave you feeling confident and ready for the season!
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