Latest news with #Lipman
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The best red light therapy devices for 2025: Treat yourself to some RLT
Red light therapy (RLT) isn't just another wellness fad. Endorsed by scientific evidence and a growing body of research (although more research is still needed), the best red light therapy devices show promising results when it comes to reducing wrinkles, boosting hair growth, even easing chronic pain caused by inflammation. Some research even indicates that red light therapy can be a useful adjunct to traditional therapies for neurological disorders, cognitive function and obesity. While other light therapies exist, red light therapy — technically called photobiomodulation — uses longer wavelengths, including near-infrared and infrared light, that penetrate deeper into your body than other light colors, according to Dr. Frank Lipman, chief medical officer at the Well in New York City The key to enjoying the potential benefits of these devices is to identify products that use clinically-backed wavelengths of light, typically ranging from 600 to 900 nanometers (nm). At these wavelengths, red light therapy has the ability to stimulate the mitochondria — parts of your cells that produce energy. "This supports the body's natural healing processes to reduce inflammation and redness, increase collagen production, diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and promote healing," Lipman says. The results can be impressive: One study found that after just eight treatments spread over a month, more than 90 percent of users noticed smoother skin, less redness and lighter dark spots. While that's exciting, keep in mind that the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) suggests thinking of red light therapy as one piece of your skincare puzzle — not the whole solution. And heads up if you have a darker skin tone: You'll want to chat with your dermatologist before jumping in, since research shows you might be more likely to develop stubborn dark spots from the treatment. Ready to give it a try? The good news is you no longer have to visit a high-end spa or a doctor's office to reap the RLT rewards — or pay a premium to do so. Thanks to a growing market of at-home devices, including masks and full-body panels, it's easier than ever to bring the benefits home. To help you choose the best at home red light therapy device for your needs, we turned to three skin and health experts for their insider advice and we researched over two dozen options. After rigorously testing the top 10 for ease of use, features, comfort, design and results, we found top performers in every category — from portable units to professional-grade panels, including targeted tools for face and pain relief. Best overall red light therapy device More red light therapy devices we like for 2025 Types of red light therapy devices Factors to consider when purchasing a red light therapy device How we chose Other products we researched FAQs Meet the experts Today's red light therapy devices use gentle LED (light-emitting diode) technology to deliver specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that stimulate cellular activity and promote healing — all without generating excess heat. Whether you're targeting wrinkles, soothing sore muscles or boosting overall wellness, there's a device designed for your needs. From portable handheld tools to comfortable masks to powerful full panels, here's a guide to finding your perfect match: Handheld devices: These compact red light therapy tools are ideal for spot treatments, letting you target specific areas like your face, joints or scalp. Their focused design makes them especially popular for addressing fine lines, acne or localized pain. While they're travel-friendly and often more budget-friendly than larger devices, you'll need to move them around manually — which can take extra time if you're treating larger areas. Red light masks: Designed specifically for the face, these wearable red light devices often combine red and near-infrared LEDs to help increase collagen production, reduce wrinkles and calm inflammation. Some are rigid and made of harder plastic, while others are made from flexible — and more comfortable — silicone for longer wear. Panels and full-body devices: Red light panels — flat, grid-style devices covered in LEDs — let you treat large areas of your body at once. Simply stand or sit in front of these rectangular or square units, which come in various sizes. "Full-body exposure to red and near-infrared light can have metabolic and immune benefits beyond skin health," says Lipman, making these devices especially valuable for athletic recovery, muscle and joint pain or systemic inflammation. While panels are most common, you'll also find full-body red light therapy bed devices that resemble tanning beds or sleeping bags. Just note that these larger setups command both a bigger budget and more space than handheld tools or masks. Combination devices: Some red light therapy tools incorporate multiple technologies or wavelengths. For example, you might find a red light device for the face that offers red light, near-infrared light and even blue light (commonly used for acne). These are great for users who want a multitargeted approach, like treating signs of aging, breakouts and inflammation all at once. Scrolling through endless Instagram ads of glowing faces and too-good-to-be-true before-and-afters? While those viral LED masks might be tempting, choosing the best red light therapy device isn't about chasing the latest sensation. Experts say that, instead, your perfect match depends on your wellness goals, how consistently you'll actually use it and the practical realities of your space and schedule. Here's what matters most: Wavelength: Different wavelengths penetrate the skin at different depths, says Timothy Demchak, a professor of applied medicine at Indiana State University. For optimal results, look for devices that offer both red light (630 to 680 nanometers) for skin benefits and near-infrared (800 to 830 nanometers) for deeper tissue treatment. This combo gives you the best of both worlds: surface-level improvements like collagen stimulation plus deeper healing for muscles and joints Irradiance: Irradiance refers to how much light energy is delivered to your body. "When it's too weak, it won't make much impact. Too strong, and it could be uncomfortable," says Lopez. "It's about finding the sweet spot backed by reliable research." That means, look for a device with irradiance levels between 20 an 200 mw/cm². This is generally considered safe and effective. Be wary of manufacturers making outlandish power claims — third-party verification is your friend here. Size and coverage area: Match your device to your goals. Full-body treatment calls for a larger panel or system, while targeted therapy for your face or specific problem areas might only need a compact device or mask. Larger devices pack more power and efficiency but demand more space and investment. Consider where you'll use and store your device — that sleek full-body panel might seem perfect until you realize it doesn't fit in your bathroom. Treatment time: Most effective protocols require 10 to 20 minutes per session, three to five times weekly. While that might not sound like much, it adds up. Devices with higher irradiance levels often cut down treatment time, making them more practical for busy schedules. Consider what fits into your routine. Even the most powerful device won't help if you can't make time to use it. Ease of use: You're more likely to use a device regularly if it's intuitive and comfortable. Some panels have adjustable stands or wall mounts, while others require awkward positioning. Masks should be lightweight and breathable. Handheld devices should feel ergonomic and not strain your wrist after a few minutes. And if the device feels like a hassle, it'll end up in a drawer. Look for tools with straightforward controls, timers and safety features like automatic shut-offs. Portability and storage: If you travel often or want to bring your red light device between home, the office or even the gym, opt for a compact and lightweight model. Some portable options even come with travel cases to make it easier to bring with you. That said, if red light therapy is going to be a permanent part of your routine and you have the space, a larger panel or mounted system may deliver better and faster results. FDA registration and safety features: Our experts acknowledge that being FDA-registered doesn't guarantee a product works, it does show that the device meets basic safety standards for at-home use. This is especially important if you're using the device on sensitive areas like your face or scalp. You should also look for built-in safety features like built-in timers or eye shields, and always follow the manufacturer's guidelines. To find the devices that truly deliver results, we spoke with three leading experts — a functional and integrative medicine physician, a nurse practitioner and a photobiomodulation researcher — to learn how light therapy works its magic at the cellular level. Their expertise helped illuminate (pun intended) what really matters in a quality device. Armed with this knowledge, we explored over two dozen popular red light therapy devices, focusing on those offering both red and near-infrared light at scientifically proven wavelengths. We then spent four months testing 10 devices, evaluating everything from how they felt against our skin to how well they held up with regular use. While not every device earned a spot in our final recommendations, we made sure to cite other solid options that deliver effective treatment. There are a lot of great red light therapy devices on the market. The following didn't make the winners list either because I haven't yet tried them or they're not as versatile as some of the options that did. That said, these are reputable brands that use clinically proven therapies and wavelengths. Bon Charge Red Light Therapy Blanket: Red light therapy blankets are fairly new to the market. This one combines clinically backed levels of red and infrared light and has 360-degree coverage at a steep price of $1,999. MitoMAX Red Light Therapy Device: This sturdy flat panel has great power with clinically-backed red and infrared wavelengths. It's a good option for those looking for a slightly less expensive model than our best overall pick ($750). PlatinumLED BIO Series: Another flat panel option, this one is known for high irradiance and professional-grade performance, but it's bulkier than some other available options. (Prices start at $399) Megellin Red Light Therapy Bag: This pricey ($1,499) light-infused sleeping bag offers full-body coverage — or you can lay it flat for two people to use at once. LightStim for Wrinkles: The LightStim wand, priced at $249, is specifically designed for facial anti-aging benefits, but the smaller treatment area makes it less convenient than red light masks. Solawave Wand: A bargain at $135, this may be the best red light therapy wand for newbies. It's a good option for those who want something for spot treatment instead of full-face coverage. Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectaLite FaceWare Pro: This red light therapy mask ($455) is popular, but it's not as moldable and comfortable as some of the silicone masks we tested. HigherDose Red Light Hat: Designed for hair growth, this wearable has 120 LED bulbs spread throughout and uses 650-nm red light wavelengths to target your scalp. Some studies suggest this wavelength can stimulate hair follicles and improve hair thickness over time. At $499, it may be worth a try for some. The most effective devices emit red light between 630 and 680 nm and near-infrared light between 800 and 830 nm, according to Demchak. You also want to consider irradiance, better known as the power output. Think of it like your morning coffee: You want it strong enough to work (at least 20 mw/cm²) but not so strong or you'll feel the negative impact (keep it under 200 mw/cm²). The right strength depends on what you're treating and how deep you need that light to go. Good news: Red light therapy is generally gentle on your body. While some folks might notice a bit of redness or warmth, that's usually temporary and nothing to worry about. Lipman always suggests starting slow and sticking to the device's guidelines, just like you would with any new workout routine. Skip the sessions if you're pregnant, running a high fever or have a pacemaker. And if you've got darker skin, have a chat with your dermatologist first — they can help you avoid any unwanted dark spots. Yes. Demchak, for one, praises red light therapy as an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain. At the cellular level, it stimulates healing, reduces inflammation and improves circulation. It also regenerates cells and increases collagen production to repair damaged tissue, while boosting cell energy production that can trigger pain-relieving endorphins. Plus, as Demchak explains: "Pain signals travel from the injury site to the brain on nerves, but a high dose of light can decrease nerve conduction [thereby reducing pain]. Some people start experiencing changes in their skin tone and inflammation in about two weeks. But for bigger projects, like easing joint pain or encouraging hair growth, Lopez says it'll likely take four to six weeks of consistent use before you notice anything. The key word here is "consistency." Stick to your device's recommended schedule and you'll be more likely to see the results that you're seeking. Liliana Lopez, DNP, FNP, a nurse practitioner and cofounder of Health & Wellness with HBOT, a wellness center that offers red light therapy among other wellness modalities Timothy Demchak, PhD, ATC, GTS, a photobiomodulation researcher and professor of applied medicine and rehabilitation at Indiana State University Frank Lipman, MD, an integrative and functional medicine physician and chief medical officer at the Well, a wellness club in New York City Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Medscape
3 days ago
- Business
- Medscape
‘Kind of a Shock': Welcome to the Bureaucracy as a New Doc
When Jeremy Lipman, MD, first started working as an attending colorectal surgeon, he knew very little about how to code and bill. He would receive weekly emails from medical coders and billers about how he wasn't doing it right. If he excised a lesion or debrided a wound, the billing team would want to know what kind of debridement he performed and how big the wound was, 'which just never crossed my mind to put into a note but were important for them for billing,' he said. Lipman finally set up a meeting with the key players on those teams, and they went through charts and showed him what he was doing wrong and what he needed to fix. 'And that was very helpful,' said Lipman, who now works at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland. How prepared a resident is for the bureaucratic tasks required of an attending doctor today — including billing and responding to patient messages in a timely fashion — is 'highly variable,' said John Andrews, MD, vice president of graduate medical education innovations at the American Medical Association. If a new attending doctor starts at a practice setting that is closely aligned with where they received training, that doctor may learn these skills more quickly, Andrews said. However, if a physician moves from one city to another — or to a different healthcare system — 'the challenges can be greater because you may have a different EHR [electronic health record]. You may have different supports to the team that provides care to your patients,' he told Medscape Medical News . Also, 'within a large health system, it may be a more seamless path than if you're going into solo practice or joining a small group,' Andrews added. Time spent navigating bureaucratic challenges may be harder at first because 'you haven't developed the reflexes to do it quickly,' Andrews said. 'And so it takes some time for that to get better.' Here are tips for new attending physicians as they navigate the great bureaucracy of the American healthcare system. Learn the Practical Side of Medicine As a Resident Once a resident becomes an attending doctor, all of a sudden the buck stops with them and that person must navigate tasks such as billing and Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, Andrews said. '…For some people it's kind of a shock,' he said. The biggest change moving from being a resident or fellow to an attending physician 'is that you suddenly have independent responsibility for navigating these systems whereas in a training program there's backup or there is an attending physician who is ultimately responsible,' he said. To help ease this transition, Andrews said medical residents in their final months of training should 'really consciously pay attention to some of the issues that you're going to need to surmount' in your practice as an attending. For example, after seeing a patient, ask the attending doctor how they coded the visit. Also learn from the attending physician how to work within and coordinate interprofessional teams. 'I think there's an old school model of the physician doing everything,' Andrews said. 'And the truth of the matter is in the current healthcare system; it's a multidisciplinary activity.' 'And being sort of at the head of that team and coordinating the input of people like pharmacists and physician's assistants and physical therapists and occupational therapists and whomever you may have to work with, that's an important skill that people have to learn,' he said. Meet the Teams When you're a resident, there is a program director who is responsible for your daily workflow, said Lipman, who serves as the director of Graduate Medical Education at the Cleveland Clinic. However, 'Once you become an attending, you often have many people that are responsible for different areas of your work.' That can create confusion about what you're supposed to be doing day to day, he explained. After accepting an attending position, consider setting up a meeting with the key players to ask about documentation standards and billing. 'If you have the opportunity to meet with the biller or coder from your institution to get some tips and tricks, that's great,' Lipman said. There are also billing courses available online. It is also important to learn how to manage patient communications outside of direct clinical encounters. Find out what other team members, such as nurses and office staff, can manage. Also, ask new colleagues when they answer emails, calls, and MyChart messages, Andrews said. Find out how your new team keeps up with communication and paperwork in a timely manner, Lipman said. Such paperwork includes insurance pre-authorizations, work release letters, Family and Medical Leave Act paperwork, and disability forms. 'If they're not submitted in the right time, patients are going to lose out on disability benefits which can be their financial lifeline if they lose their employment,' Lipman said. Figure Out What's Important Once a new attending arrives at their position, 'figure out what the coin of the realm is,' Lipman advised. 'What is the thing that that institution is most focused on as far as a metric for your success?' 'Certainly, we all want to provide excellent patient care,' he said. '…But then there are things like research and committee involvement and education and documentation… What are the other things that become meaningful to your institution and to your leadership so you can focus your efforts in the right places?' If different people want different things from you, try to figure out who is responsible for what you want, Lipman said adding: Do you want more time for your clinical work? Better operating room times? More leadership opportunities? Find out who can offer you those things, Lipman said 'and that's probably the person that I would defer to.' It's also important to learn the practice's protocols and regulations and understand how they may differ by setting. Lipman sees patients in a variety of practice settings including the endoscopy suite. 'And each of those settings has a different level of rules and regulations and how things are done and it's important to understand what those are,' he said. 'What works in one setting doesn't work in another even though it's in the same hospital and so understanding those different rules and regulations is key.' Also, talk with your new partners to find out what's really important. 'You might be told that there are sort of 10 things that you have to do, but you can talk to your partners and they say: 'Well you know in reality it's just these three things that are super important and the other seven are not', so you have to prioritize,' Lipman said. 'They can help.' Note that doctors who go into private practice have 'a whole separate' layer of things they must deal with compared with doctors working for larger systems, Lipman said, including making sure they are running their private practice. Finally, new attendings may want to consider writing down the things that are important in their job currently and what they would like to see in their job 5 years from now, Lipman said. Then when they are given opportunities or things they're being asked to do, they can reflect on whether those things align with what they have written down that are either currently or in the future going to be important to them, Lipman said. 'And if not, then trying to find ways to either say no or delegate to somebody else.'
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: Capstone Eyes $100 Million Goal With Southeast Expansion, Targets 1,500 Acquisition Opportunities
On Wednesday, Capstone Holding Corp (NASDAQ:CAPS) announced that it is pursuing opportunities in the Southeast U.S., a region with over 1,500 acquisition candidates. In today's uncertain economic climate, marked by persistent inflation, high interest rates, and shifting policy, Capstone noted a unique window to accelerate growth through strategic M&A. CEO Matt Lipman stated that navigating this environment requires scale, infrastructure, and operational discipline, which its Instone platform offers. Capstone Reports 8% Revenue Growth, Eyes $100M Goal With New Acquisitions in 2025 Lipman highlighted the company's focus on acquiring building product distribution companies in the Southeast, where its team is already on the ground and actively engaged in discussions. Companies interested in exploring a partnership can contact Matt Lipman to schedule a confidential meeting. Price Action: CAPS stock traded lower by 6.72% to $2.35 premarket at the last check on Wednesday. Read Next:Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article EXCLUSIVE: Capstone Eyes $100 Million Goal With Southeast Expansion, Targets 1,500 Acquisition Opportunities originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hostel chain to replace receptionists with self check-ins after Reeves raid
The boss of a major hostel chain is planning to swap his receptionists for automated check-in machines because of Rachel Reeves's tax raid on employers. Larry Lipman, chairman of Safestay, said his company would have to rely on automated self check-in booths instead of human staff as costs soar following the October Budget. He said the Chancellor's decision to increase National Insurance (NI) contributions and lower the threshold at which they are paid meant the company would look at 'doing away with receptionists' in favour of automated check-ins in some cases. 'Costs are costs, and they eat profit. We're a listed business and we want to deliver value to our shareholders, and that means controlling our expenditure. That means controlling payroll. I'm not happy with it, of course I'm not,' he said. He added there would be a 'natural reduction' in staff rather than specific job cuts, with Safestay opting not to rehire for positions when people move on rather than make redundancies. 'We're not going to call our 400 staff in 12 countries and say we're losing 10pc of them,' Mr Lipman said. 'I'm very cognisant of the fact that we pay their mortgages. But people do leave, especially a lot of our staff who are transient. They are young, and they work for six to 12 months, and then they go to another country.' Founded by Mr Lipman in 2006, Safestay runs 20 travellers' hostels across the UK and Europe. The company listed on London's Alternative Investments Market in 2019. Trade association UK Hospitality has warned that the combined impact of tax rises in the Budget would cost the hospitality industry £3.4bn annually. Bosses have warned this will prompt them to slow or cancel investments and cut jobs. Mr Lipman said: 'It just means we're looking harder at automation. This is where I think the Government may have it wrong, because if all of business is doing what we're doing, because we must, then you're going to hit employment levels.' He said the industry was being 'forced in the direction' of reducing staff. 'I love to grow people and it's part of what we should be doing for society. It's a great thing for a business to be giving that sort of opportunity. It all seems counterproductive.' Mr Lipman said it would be difficult for Safestay to use price rises to mitigate the cost increases without damaging its position in the market as a budget operator. 'There's little we can do with bed rate, because there's a ceiling to what people will pay, and people are feeling the pressure. I fear, without being political, that the Government didn't think this through.' A government spokesman said: 'Since the start of this parliament there are 190,000 more jobs in the economy, and going forward we are delivering on our plan for change by providing economic stability to create growth, jobs and put more money into people's pockets. 'The OBR forecasts unemployment to stay low by historical standards throughout this parliament and to fall to 4.1pc in 2029.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Sign in to access your portfolio
Telegraph
05-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Hostel chain to replace receptionists with self check-ins after Reeves raid
The boss of a major hostel chain is planning to swap his receptionists for automated check-in machines because of Rachel Reeves's tax raid on employers. Larry Lipman, chairman of Safestay, said his company would have to rely on automated self check-in booths instead of human staff as costs soar following the October Budget. He said the Chancellor's decision to increase National Insurance (NI) contributions and lower the threshold at which they are paid meant the company would look at 'doing away with receptionists' in favour of automated check-ins in some cases. 'Costs are costs, and they eat profit. We're a listed business and we want to deliver value to our shareholders, and that means controlling our expenditure. That means controlling payroll. I'm not happy with it, of course I'm not,' he said. He added there would be a 'natural reduction' in staff rather than specific job cuts, with Safestay opting not to rehire for positions when people move on rather than make redundancies. 'We're not going to call our 400 staff in 12 countries and say we're losing 10pc of them,' Mr Lipman said. 'I'm very cognisant of the fact that we pay their mortgages. But people do leave, especially a lot of our staff who are transient. They are young, and they work for six to 12 months, and then they go to another country.' Founded by Mr Lipman in 2006, Safestay runs 20 travellers' hostels across the UK and Europe. The company listed on London's Alternative Investments Market in 2019. Trade association UK Hospitality has warned that the combined impact of tax rises in the Budget would cost the hospitality industry £3.4bn annually. Bosses have warned this will prompt them to slow or cancel investments and cut jobs. Mr Lipman said: 'It just means we're looking harder at automation. This is where I think the Government may have it wrong, because if all of business is doing what we're doing, because we must, then you're going to hit employment levels.' He said the industry was being 'forced in the direction' of reducing staff. 'I love to grow people and it's part of what we should be doing for society. It's a great thing for a business to be giving that sort of opportunity. It all seems counterproductive.' Mr Lipman said it would be difficult for Safestay to use price rises to mitigate the cost increases without damaging its position in the market as a budget operator. 'There's little we can do with bed rate, because there's a ceiling to what people will pay, and people are feeling the pressure. I fear, without being political, that the Government didn't think this through.' A government spokesman said: 'Since the start of this parliament there are 190,000 more jobs in the economy, and going forward we are delivering on our plan for change by providing economic stability to create growth, jobs and put more money into people's pockets. 'The OBR forecasts unemployment to stay low by historical standards throughout this parliament and to fall to 4.1pc in 2029.'
