\’Nipple By Number\’ Device Helps Plastic Surgeons Perform 3D Nipple Tattoos

Newswise —

December 26, 2019 –

Three-dimensional tattoos offer a new alternative for creating a natural-looking nipple after breast reconstruction.

For most women, accessing this option means finding a tattoo artist with the skill to create these detailed tattoos. Now a new device called Nipple By Number® enables plastic surgeons to perform realistic-looking 3D

nipple tattoos as an in-office procedure, reports a paper in the January issue of

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®

the official medical journal of the

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

(ASPS).

\”Nipple by Number® is a simple stencil device that allows consistent, realistic 3D tattooing of the nipple-areola complex [NAC] to complete breast reconstruction,\” comments lead author Solomon Azouz, MD, of Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale. \”It allows plastic surgeons to perform this sought-after procedure in a safe, reliable, and more- affordable manner, without the need for special training or experience.\”

For most patients, mastectomy results in loss of the NAC – the nipple and surrounding tissue.

Breast reconstruction

has important benefits after mastectomy, but the surgical options for NAC reconstruction are limited.

In recent years, 3D breast tattoos have emerged as a new approach to creating a natural-appearing nipple and areola. Developed by skilled tattoo artists, these techniques use subtle effects of light and shadow to create realistic-looking 3D NAC tattoos.

But 3D nipple tattoos may be difficult to access for most patients. Relatively few artists can perform these sophisticated tattoos. Patients and surgeons may have concerns about verifying the artist\’s skill, or about visiting a tattoo parlor to have the procedure performed. In a survey, Dr. Azouz and colleagues found that less than one-fourth of plastic surgery offices can perform 3D nipple tattoos, or even refer patients to a qualified tattoo artist. National average out-of-pocket costs range from $640 for unilateral to $956 for bilateral breast tattoos.

The Nipple By Number device was developed to provide plastic surgeons with a way of performing 3D nipple tattoos as an office procedure. Itself created by 3D printing, the simple device consists of removeable stencil layers with customizable holes to provide a guide for well-controlled and precise tattooing.

\”The device allows a more facile and efficient approach by allowing those not skilled in the freehand artistic techniques of light and shadow to create a 3D recreation of the NAC,\” Dr. Azouz and coauthors write. The stencil includes openings to guide placement of highlights and shadows to create the illusion of a projecting nipple, and even the tiny Montgomery glands surrounding the nipple. In patients whose reconstruction includes a raised nipple, the device can also be used to create \”4D\” tattoos.

Women have the natural appearance of their nipple restored based on preoperative photographs, or choose from a catalog of NAC designs. The authors note that the Nipple By Number device not only provides a guide for performing tattoos, but may also shorten the learning curve for surgeons or other professionals to gain the technical and artistic skills needed to provide high-quality results with 3D nipple tattooing.

Dr. Azouz and colleagues hope their tool will help make the option of 3D nipple tattooing more widely available to women who have undergone breast reconstruction. The authors conclude: \”The Nipple By Number device will decrease the number of patients who are left to independently find a safe and skilled tattoo artist to complete their breast reconstruction and aid more plastic and reconstructive surgery practices in providing this important service.\”

Click here to read \”A Nipple-Areola Stencil for Three-Dimensional Tattooing: Nipple by Number\”

DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006398

# # #

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®

is published in the Lippincott portfolio by

Wolters Kluwer

About

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

For more than 70 years,

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®

(

http://www.prsjournal.com/

) has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons,

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®

brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.

About ASPS

The

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with advanced technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2018 annual revenues of €4.3 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 18,600 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

Wolters Kluwer provides trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students with advanced clinical decision support, learning and research and clinical intelligence. For more information about our solutions, visit

http://healthclarity.wolterskluwer.com

and follow us on

and Twitter

@WKHealth

Public Comment Period Extended on Cleanup Plan for the Sherwin-Williams/Hilliards Creek Superfund Site

Gibbsboro

, N.J.

– The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the public comment period for its proposed cleanup plan that includes a combination of technologies and methods to address the former paint manufacturing plant and adjoining areas of the Sherwin-Williams/Hilliards Creek Superfund Site in Gibbsboro to

January 29, 2020

. EPA’s study of these areas shows that soil and sediment are contaminated with arsenic and lead, and soil in other areas are contaminated with paint solvents.

EPA’s cleanup plan addresses a nearly 20-acre area where the former manufacturing plant operated, the headwaters of Hilliards Creek and adjoining areas, which include approximately six residential properties. At the former manufacturing plant area, the plan includes removing and disposing of approximately 67,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil from the site and backfilling with clean soil, groundwater monitoring, and institutional controls in the form of deed notices.

Floodplain soil and sediment within Upper Hilliards Creek would be excavated and disposed of off-site. Surface water will be monitored. The wetland areas will be restored with vegetation and soil similar in nature to previously existing wetlands.

In areas where paint solvents are present, the EPA is calling for the treatment of harmful chemicals through subsurface treatment. Certain areas containing soil contaminated with paint solvents may also be treated at the site by injecting non-hazardous additives to the subsurface soil to promote the biological breakdown of contaminants. The specific types of additives to be used will be determined by the EPA as part of the design of the cleanup. Soil gas collection systems will also be installed to collect and treat any harmful vapors.

Throughout the cleanup, EPA will monitor and further study the cleanup progress to ensure the effectiveness of the remedy. EPA will conduct a review of the cleanup every 5 years to ensure its effectiveness. Under the proposed plan, the estimated cost of cleanup is approximately $36 million.

Written comments on the proposed plan, postmarked no later than close of business January 29, 2020, may be mailed or emailed to: Ray Klimcsak, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway – 19

Floor, New York, NY 10007, Email:

klimcsak.raymond@epa.gov

To view the EPA’s proposed plan for the site, please visit

www.epa.gov/superfund/sherwin-williams

Veterinarians Offer Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe in Winter

As parts of the U.S. gear up for a powerful post-Christmas

winter

storm–packed with strong winds, heavy snow, and freezing rain—veterinarians at

BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

are offering a few tips to help keep pets safe.

\”Many people think that dogs and cats’ fur make them more resistant to cold weather, but that is not necessarily true. Cold tolerance can vary based on a pets’ size, coat, body fat percentage, activity level, age and overall health,” remarked Harry Weatherson, BVetMed, MRCVS, ER Service Head and emergency veterinarian at

BluePearl in New York City

. “While huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates are more tolerant of cold weather, all dogs and cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. As a general rule, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet.”

While prolonged exposure to cold air, rain, sleet and snow can cause paws to become chapped and irritate your pet’s skin, there are other common winter-related issues pet owners should look out for.

Protect your pet from weather-related health dangers by remembering these eight winter safety tips.

Be mindful of your pet’s tolerance to cold.

Consider shortening walks, especially if your dog is sick, small, short-haired, very young or old. Pets who fall into these categories tend to feel cold faster, and seniors, who may be arthritic, are more prone to falls. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or hormonal imbalances are also more susceptible to developing issues from cold weather due to the inability to regulate body temperature as effectively. If you are unsure of pet’s temperature limits, consult your veterinarian.

Check the paws.

During a winter walk, salt, ice, antifreeze, and coolants can irritate pets’ footpads and/or accumulate between toes. If chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off paws, this can cause GI upset or a potentially more

harmful effect

. After walks, check your dog’s paws for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked or bleeding paw pads. When possible, avoid salt and ice and immediately wash paws with warm water when you are back inside.

Keep an eye out for frostbite.

Sensitive tissues like ears, nose, and paw pads are susceptible to frostbite, so regularly check these areas for signs of cold weather related injuries or damage.

ID, leash, and chip.

It is easy for pets to become lost in winter because snow masks familiar scents that can help them return home. Leash your pet during winter walks—especially during a snow storm—and make sure their ID tags are up-to-date. Consider microchipping to ensure a safe return home if your pet becomes lost.

Honk for sleeping animals.

In cold conditions, animals (especially cats) like to seek shelter and warmth under cars. Honk, open the car hood or loudly slap it to wake up any animal sleeping there. Lastly, visually check beneath the car to ensure that it is clear of all animals.

Never leave your pet in an unattended car.

Car temperatures can drop quickly in colder months. Animals kept in cold cars can develop hypothermia or even freeze to death. Be sure to never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle and always keep the car at a comfortable temperature—both extreme cold and extreme heat can negatively impact your pet’s health.

Consider adjusting diets.

With walks cut short and less time spent outdoors in general, indoor pets can experience unhealthy weight gain. Ask your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations and supplement the lost time outdoors with indoor playtime. Hide-and-seek with treats is one good way to keep your dog active indoors.

Be prepared.

Like humans, your pet will need food and water if power goes out during a cold front or winter storm. Be sure to keep an ample supply of water, food, and medication (plan for five days), and store emergency numbers and addresses in a safe, easily accessible place. Keep copies of these emergency numbers in both your home and car for good measure.

The best way to monitor your pets’ comfort level in the cold is to watch their behavior. If you notice that your pet is shivering/shaking/trembling, whining, acting lethargic or anxious, searching out warmth or shelter, or holding up one or more paws, that is a sign that it is time to head inside.

Pick-6 Rolls to $5.2 Million for Dec. 30 Drawing

TRENTON (Dec. 27, 2019)

– The Pick-6 drawing on December 26 produced

four

winners of

$6,041

for matching five out of six white balls drawn. The $5.2 million drawing will be held Monday, December 30, 2019.

The

winning numbers

for the

Thursday, December 26

, drawing were:

13, 16, 26, 30, 35 and 37

. The XTRA

Multiplier

was:

. By adding XTRA for an additional $1.00 per play, winners are able to multiply their non-jackpot prizes by the XTRA number drawn.

Acting Executive Director James Carey announced that there were 483,331 tickets purchased for the drawing and of those sold, thousands were prizewinners! For correctly matching four numbers, 323 ticketholders won $72 each and 45 others won $216 each with the addition of XTRA. Moreover, for correctly matching three numbers 6,773 ticketholders won $3.00 each and 997 others won $9 each with the addition of XTRA. Lastly 7,941 ticketholders each won $2.00 for correctly matching two numbers with the addition of XTRA on their purchase.

PETS ARE THE BEST: Eight new pups report for duty

Urban, a three-month-old black Labrador retriever, trains with Danielle Berger at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. Berger is leading the training for the U litter, composed of Urban and seven of her brothers and sisters, with assistance from interns including (left to right) Charlotte Kronick, Dominique Andrews, Trevor Vidas, and Tesa Stone. (All images: Eric Sucar/University Communications)

PHILADELPHIA PA–More sure-footed and confident by the day, the U litter puppies of the

Working Dog Center

are not yet 3 months old, yet are already a month into their training to use their agile bodies and sensitive noses to serve society.

These eight pups, all black Labrador retrievers, also fit into a special category: They are WDC legacies, the first to be born to two “

graduates

” of the Center, mom Pinto and dad Boomer.

Since their arrival at the WDC, they’ve been gradually introduced to tasks that will guide them on to careers in search and rescue, disease detection, police work, and more. With help from several interns, lead puppy trainer

Danielle Berger

makes sure the labs, each named for victims of September 11, receive a balanced mix of training, socialization, and rest.

Earlier this month,

Penn Toda

caught up with JUel, Ugo, Uli, Uman, Umar, Upton, Urban, and Uzza on a busy day of training, which, to an untrained eye, looks an awful lot like play—probably because, to the puppies, work and play are one and the same.

Though the U litter is graced with excellent pedigree—Pinto and Boomer both work in cadaver detection—they are still puppies with a lot to learn. “Play dates” with older dogs, such as Lucy, a Dutch shepherd, teach puppies like Ugo good social skills.

The puppies get a mix of one-on-one training, group “puppy play dates,” and frequent snuggles, to ensure they’re skilled and well-socialized. When they’re not at the WDC, each puppy lives with a volunteer foster family.

Cindy Otto, executive director of the WDC, works Casey, an older WDC dog, through training to improve strength, balance, and fitness. Otto drew inspiration to found the Center after caring for working dogs that responded to the 9-11 attacks. Each puppy that comes through the Center’s program is named for a 9-11 victim or working dog.

In a “runaway” drill, Drexel co-op intern Lauren Filipe hides in a crate, encouraging Urban to chase after her. The aim of the exercise is to elicit a bark from Urban, which will be her signal to her handler that she’s found the object of her search. Urban quickly obliged.

Located at Pennovation Works, across the Schuylkill River from Penn’s main campus, the WDC makes use of nearby buildings and open spaces to train the puppies and give them room to roam.

Trainers erect various obstacles and challenges for the puppies to navigate, helping them improve their agility and also conquer any fears. “The genetics are shining through in these dogs,” says Berger, encouraging Uman to cross a narrow plank.

SOURCE:

Protecting Animals, Serving Society

PETS ARE THE BEST

DAWN WATSON\’S PET TIPS

NJ Senator Singleton to Kick-Off 2020 Community Projects Jan. 20

Event will be held as a Day of Service in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

MAPLE SHADE, NJ

– Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Senator Troy Singleton (photo) is partnering with Habitat for Humanity for his January community service project. The “Serve with Senator Singleton” event will be held on Monday, January 20, 2020 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore located at 530 Route 38 East in Maple Shade.

The Senator and a group of volunteers will participate in a “Building Blitz” where they will help assemble furniture and other items for sale in the ReStore showrooms. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. Anyone interested in volunteering can sign-up on the Senator’s website:

https://www.senatorsingleton.com/habitat_for_humanity_restore_2020

“Over the past two years, we have joined with dozens of volunteers to donate over 1,000 hours to community service projects that benefit residents throughout Burlington County,” said Senator Singleton. “This is our third time returning to Habitat for Humanity to hold a Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Habitat’s mission to provide affordable housing for deserving residents makes it the perfect partner to kick-off our 2020 service events.”

This will be Senator Singleton’s 26

“Serve with Singleton” event since becoming State Senator in 2018. Previous volunteer efforts include: indoor and outdoor clean-up days, animal welfare projects, various clothing and supply drives, painting projects, and community event set-up and staffing.

The ReStore is Habitat for Humanity’s home improvement store open to the public that offers new and used items for 50-90% off the retail price. Proceeds from the store go back to the construction of affordable houses in the community.

“As Dr. King said, ‘Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve…You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love,” said Singleton.

Political Observers Say There is a Deep Rift Among Democrats in New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. — Several political observers are suggesting there is a big rift among members of the Democratic Party in the states of New Jersey. The proof they say was seen at a State Senate hearing in November when Sue Altman, the leader of the left-leaning Working Families Alliance was singled out by New Jersey state troopers and forcibly removed her from the crowded State Senate hearing

corporate tax breaks.

The

New York Times

reported she was led past her main political rival,

George E. Norcross III

, a Democratic power broker who was at the hearing to testify in support of an $11 billion

economic incentive program

that Ms. Altman had criticized harshly and that is the subject of state investigations and subpoenas.

According to Times the imagery and its aftermath have roiled Trenton, exposing a generational and philosophical rift between progressive and mainstream Democrats that is mirrored nationwide

The clash thrust Ms. Altman into the limelight and offered a vivid example of how the grass-roots energy in New Jersey that helped Democrats

flip four seats in Congress

last year has spilled into the State House. Altman’s ejection from the November hearing is being reviewed by the attorney general, and it is coloring the discussion of a range of issues, including the renewal of the

corporate tax-break program

and the fight for control of the Democratic State Committee.

CONTINUE TO READ

PUBLISHED Gloucestercitynews.net

How to Use CBD oil for Better Sleep

Gloucestercitynews.net

(December 28, 2019)–It might come as a surprise but according to certain reports, more than 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders. To put it the other way, a good lot of people are exhausted from personal and professional pressures of life, which often results in insomnia and other mental as well as emotional disorders.

There are many medical treatments available for getting you better sleep but most people do not recommend taking any sleep disorder medicines due to their addictive effects. This would be the moment where

top rated UK CBD oil brands

must enter your life.

Yes, currently, it’s the most natural treatment for insomnia and quite affordable as well.

If you or someone you know is suffering from sleeping problems, then CBD oil is just the thing for you! Of course, you would want to learn more about the use of

CBD oil for better sleep

and here it is!

First things first, let’s learn a bit about CBD oil

CBD oil is made from one of the 80 cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant. However, it is not the same as other compounds derived from the same plant. Unlike other compounds of this plant, CBD doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is primarily responsible for creating the ‘high’ in the brain. Yes, people get stoned due to its presence in marijuana and hashish. Since CBD doesn’t contain it, it is known to be a non-intoxicating or non-psychoactive substance.

In the United States, CBD or hemp oil has been excluded from the list of ‘controlled substance.’ This means that it’s legal to use CBD products as long as they are legal in your state. As per the 2018 Farm Bill, it has been made legal in all 50 states across America. So, unless your local laws disapprove of it, consuming CBD is absolutely all right!

So, what is CBD oil used for?

CBD oil has been in use since centuries dating back to 1200 A.D, where it was first mentioned that it can successfully treat people suffering from sleep disorders. Today, CBD oil used for the treatment of issues like anxiety, depression, chronic pain, epilepsy, inflammation, constipation, and in some cases, cancer.

There have been cases across the US where people successfully healed themselves with a daily dosage of CBD oil. So, anyone who is suffering from sleeping disorders must give it a try.

Can CBD oil impact the quality of your sleep?

Studies have shown that CBD, in fact, does help in improving the quality of your sleep. It can readily shift your body from REM to NREM sleep (as mentioned by the World Health Organization). As per experts, CBD oil can contribute in preventing the breakdown of a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain which affects the mental and emotional state of the body. It allows the sleep-promoting chemical to flow freely through your body and

makes you sleepy

without getting you high.

There is still a lack of conclusive research on the matter but there are some studies support the issue. In a

2019 study

, it was concluded that patient suffering from anxiety as well as sleep disorders showed improvement after a month of 25 milligrams (mg) of the CBD.

According to another

study

, it was revealed that CBD was capable of successfully treating RBD. CBD is also known to heal day-time excessive sleeping and grogginess.

How does CBD oil help in improving your sleep?

There are many direct and indirect ways that contribute in helping you sleep better after you consume CBD oil in your system. Here’s how it happens.

CBD helps in reduction of anxiety

: This means that CBD helps in regulation of cortisol, the stress hormone. It balances the serotonin level as well. When a person feels less-stressed, he or she sleeps better. According to a number of

studies

, CBD can successfully treat anxiety-related disorders and thus, improves the quality of sleep.

2. Relaxed muscles: As per certain

studies

, CBD treats movement disorders as well. It reduces muscle tremors which are often the result of anxiety disorder and keeps the person awake during the night. It helps in the treatment of insomnia as well.

3.Decreases restlessness: People who suffer from sleeping disorders have a habit of being restless all through the night and sometimes during the day as well. Those who suffer from REM sleep disorder which gives rise to nightmares and restlessness have shown positive signs of improvement in their sleeping patterns.

4.Relief from PTSD and trauma: Sleep disturbances and REM cycles often affect the mental health of patients. Sleeping problems might also be the result of post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD and trauma. A daily dosage of CBD oil reduces anxiety and depression related to PTSD and thus improves the quality of sleep.

5.Chronic pain: Those who suffer from chronic pain in joints or muscles always have a hard time sleeping. Since CBD oil has successfully proven to heal body pains. When pain is reduced from the body, it indirectly helps people sleep better during the night.

How to use CBD oil for sleep

Everyone has a different body type. Thus, there are a variety of CBD products, such as gummies, creams, sprays, vapes, and capsules that help one person in a far better way than the other. However, CBD oil has proven to have a great effect on most people dealing with sleeping disorders. A spoonful of CBD oil put under your tongue slowly releases its effect on your body slowly, thus, helping you sleep for a longer time than usual. The best time to consume CBD oil is an hour or so before bed time.

How much CBD should one use for the treatment of sleeping disorder

Since CBD is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) right now, this means that there is no guideline for a definite dosage of CBD oil. On the basis of studies, a higher dosage of CBD oil has proven far more healing than smaller ones. An optimal dosage of CBD oil anyway depends on height, gender, weight, and other deciding factors.

It is important to consult your doctor or a medical professional about the dosage of the oil. It is recommended to have a talk with your regular doctor, if possible since he or she knows all about your medical history and can decide the most suitable dosage for you.

Closing thoughts about cbd & sleep

When compared to other sleeping aids, CBD products are considered to be safer and more effective than the traditional medicines. It is natural and quite an affordable way to say goodbye to your sleeping disorders however slowly. However, there is still a lot of research needed to completely accept the therapeutic effects of CBD oil.

Nonetheless, people who are suffering from disturbing sleeping patterns can surely rely on this safe, effective, and non-addictive form of medication.

images courtesy of unsplash.com and pinterest.com

University of Washington: SAD lights push back depression during dark days

SAD is a subset of depression that can be marked by feeling blue and tired, craving carbs, and having less interest in socializing.

Getty Images

About ten percent of those who live in the Northwest suffer from SAD, according to UW Medicine experts.

For Robert, * it was getting just too hard to get out of bed in the morning during the winter months.

Finally, his partner, who lives near Skagway, Alaska, suggested using a seasonal affective disorder light, otherwise known as a SAD light, to deal with his sleepiness and mild depression.

“This worked far better than expected. I would even call it life changing,” said Robert, a Seattle resident and software engineer, who, like others living in the Northwest, endures many dark months in a place where sunlight barely limps pass the eight-hour mark in December.

Most of us struggle to get out of bed, but for Robert, the task was particularly hard, especially when the sun wasn’t rising until well after he was on his way to work.

“I had extreme trouble waking up in the morning,” he said. “Drinking coffee would boost my energy for an hour or so, but I could not sustain my energy throughout the workday.”

Then, on the recommendation of his doctor and his roommate, he bought a SAD light. The struggle to get out of bed and the need for coffee stopped.

While Robert’s experience might be dramatic, it is not surprising, said

Dr. Nina Maisterra

, of the UW Medicine Belltown Clinic, who has recommended SAD lights to her patients who struggle with depression or lack of energy during the winter.

About ten percent of people living in the Northwest suffer from SAD, according to UW Medicine’s

Dr. David Avery

, a professor emeritus at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Avery has studied diminished daylight and its effect on people for the last three decades. For his patients, Avery suggests working at controlling their wake and sleep times, and keeping active socially but avoiding what resembles “jet lag” during the weekends, such as staying up late and sleeping in.

SAD is generally classified as a subset of depression, It can be marked by feeling blue and tired, craving carbohydrates and feeling less interest in socializing. Research has linked SAD to changes in circadian rhythms and serotonin levels, Maisterra said.

Treatments may include cognitive behavioral therapy that’s focused specifically on SAD; medications known as serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, which work by increasing the levels of a nerve-cell signal in the brain; and light boxes. These are used either as dawn simulators or as a daily exposure that mimics being outdoors in the sun.

“It’s effective for some people. It’s just like many treatments, sometimes you have to use a combination of therapies,” Maisterra said.

Robert started using his SAD light in August. He sets the timer to go on 30 minutes before he actually wishes to rise in the morning. He reads in bed, the timer goes off, the light turns off, and it’s time to get up.

His co-workers are beginning to ask about using the light, now that winter is coming in.

“I tell them to test it out,” he said. “It’s easy to buy online and doesn’t really require any lifestyle changes to use.”

*Robert asked that only his first name be used for this article.

Combating the effects of gloomy weather

Holiday Events in SOUTH JERSEY

Adventure Aquarium\’s Christmas Celebration

Through December 30

1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ

A unique experience you can’t miss! Visitors can experience Scuba Santa and his elf swim alongside the Aquarium’s habitants while enjoying the twinkling lights, glowing trees, and falling snow of the Aquarium. AAA Members can save on Adventure Aquarium tickets.

LEARN MORE

New Year’s Fireworks from the Battleship @ Battleship New Jersey

December 31 • 4PM – 12:30AM

The annual tradition continues! Ring in the New Year with fireworks aboard the Battleship New Jersey. Music, concessions, and cash bar service will be available for both showtimes – 6pm and 10pm. Tickets required.

Purchase tickets here

Additionally, families can spend the night on the ship on December 31, with breakfast the next morning.

Purchase tickets for the overnight event here.

Smithville Holiday Light Show On The Lake

Thursday – Sunday until January 5 • Dark until 8PM

Historical Smithville 615 E. Moss Mill Rd., Smithville, NJ 08205

In addition to exploring a variety of shops, families can explore over 120 Christmas trees magically floating on the lake while listening to orchestrated lights and music.

LEARN MORE

WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River

Thursdays – Sundays through February 17

Cooper River Park, Cherry Hill

Tasty treats, outdoor games, a heated tent with arcade games, an all-around family fun – visit Cooper River Park to experience this and more!

LEARN MORE