Fashion trends may come and go, in jewelry as in clothing and hairstyles, but just as in those arenas, there are some elements that never seem to go out of style. In fact, they get reinvented for a new audience. The ballet flat. The little black dress. Pearl jewelry is one such fashion evergreen that just goes on and on. However, far from the stuffy  chokers of society matrons or demure Grace Kelly single strands, pearls today are used in jewelry as fresh and fashion-forward as any couture collection.

Rambaud of Paris has been adorning French women with beautiful jewelry since 1885. Today the company specializes in cultured pearls from Tahiti and other parts of the South Seas such as China and Japan.

An organic gem, courtesy of a friendly oyster

For the uninitiated, a cultured pearl is not artificial. It is simply a “farmed” version of a pearl created naturally by ocean mollusks such as oysters in certain parts of the world. These “wild” pearls are created when a grain of sand lodges in the flesh of the mollusk. The pearl is the result of the animal’s reaction to the foreign object. A defense mechanism kicks-in and coats the particle with layer after layer of a substance called nacre, or mother-of-pearl, which eventually becomes thick enough to form a pearl. So rather than being a mineral like other precious jewels, pearls considered organic gems because they are created by a living organism. In the creation of a cultured pearl, man simply helps nature along by introducing the object into the bivalve in a controlled environment rather than allowing it to happen at random. The result is just as naturally beautiful as pearls found in the wild, and can be controlled as to color and shape depending on the conditions. As in the wild, some pearls are cultivated in salt water and others in freshwater, giving different properties to the pearls.

Pearls: Not just for Jackie O anymore

Rambaud offers nearly a dozen different collections featuring these pearls, in a range of styles from traditional to rock-n-roll, for an
amazing variety of looks. If you think of pearls as being white, or cream, or the occasional grey, think again. The cultured pearls in Rambaud’s collection come in a dazzling array of colors, including pink, gold, even chocolate.

The cultured pearl earrings on the website range in price from under 100 euros for a simple Tahitian freshwater pearl and silver pair to nearly 1000 euros for a spectacular set of 9mm grey-green pearls set off with .028 carats of diamonds. There is a wide selection, in between, so every set of ears can find lovely cultured pearl earrings at a price that sounds good to them.

If a cultured pearl necklace is more your thing, you can find an array of lengths and fashion-forward styles at Rambaud. Pearls are the stars, but these necklaces bring in interesting supporting characters. you’ll find original styles including long pendants with iridescent disks or pearls dangling from delicate silver chains, as in the “Tactiles” collection, or an Art Deco-inspired creation combining black and white pearls in “Les Annees Folles” collection.

Whether a delicious treat for yourself or a glorious gift, cultured pearl jewelry from Rambaud is sure to be a hit — a perfect marriage of nature and art, tradition and cutting-edge fashion.

Rambaud travels the world in search of the finest suppliers and materials to create its unique pieces. Founded in 1885 by Henri Marie Prosper Rambaud, the house that bears his name has been providing quality jewelry for four generations.

Services

• cultured pearls
• cultured pearl necklace
• cultured pearl earrings

Unlike the US, whose history compared to that of Europe sometimes seems just weeks old, France boasts a number of businesses over a century old that still bear the family name. Rambaud is one such company. Founded in 1885 by Henri Marie Prosper Rambaud, the family had carried the tradition forward for four generations.

Today, Rambaud specializes in jewelry made with cultured pearls, and is one of the largest importers in France of this “organic gem”.  Cultured pearls are formed like pearls found in the wild, except that under controlled circumstances results auch as shape, size and color can be predicted and planned. The executives of the firm travel the world in search of the  best suppliers and the highest quality pearls to use in their jewelry. Designs range from the traditional to the ultra-modern. Unlike the conservative, virginal reputation of the strand of pearls and the twin set as worn and popularized by Grace Kelly, today’s cultured pearl jewelry as conceived by the designers at Rambaud is exciting, sensual and even whimsical. Their “Lila” line, for example, marries rose-colored pearls with amethysts for pink-and-purple confection that is anything but staid. The pearls Rambaud uses in their designs come in the traditional cream or black, but they also have pieces incorporating pearls of champagne and even rich chocolate colors.

Cultured Pearls- the Way to Make Mother’s Day

With Mothers’ Day fast approaching (though the French have a bit more time that the Americans, with their Mothers’ Day falling on the last Sunday of the month rather than the second one) any one of Rambaud’s cultured pearl necklaces may be the perfect gift for almost any mom on your list.  Rambaud offers such a wide range of styles, colors and prices that it would be hard not to find something to fill the bill.  Because the company imports such a high volume of cultured pearls, they get amazing prices which they pass on to their customers. That means that buyers can score spectacular cultured pearl pendants and fashionable cultured pearl bracelets sure to impress any mother without breaking the bank.  Of course, if you want to splurge,  you can find pieces combining diamonds and white gold for over 1000 euros. But you can get away for very little, with a lovely set of earrings for only 85 euros. And there is a wide selection at every price point in between.

You really can’t go wrong giving an elegant gift of cultured pearl jewelry from a company that’s been family-run for generations. Someone who is special in your own family is sure to appreciate your good taste.

Rambaud travels the world in search of the finest suppliers and materials to create its unique pieces. Founded in 1885 by Henri Marie Prosper Rambaud, the house that bears his name has been providing quality jewelry for four generations.

services

• cultured pearl necklaces
• cultured pearl bracelets
• cultured pearl pendants

Hernia repair used to require an extensive operation, general anesthesia, and a long recovery time with an extended period of limited mobility. But  there is good news for the three-quarters of a million people who will suffer hernia this year. Surgeons are now using an innovative “plug and patch” method that takes only about half an hour on the table, does not even require general anesthesia and allows patients to resume normal activities in as little as two days.

ASPIDE MEDICAL of France is applying even more innovation to the traditional Plug Technique for hernias. The company has introduced EASYPLUG®, a hernia repair technology that answers surgeons’ needs. The innovations of this solution, based on Aspide Medical’s SURGIMESH® technology have surgeons smiling. The micro-perforated zones ensure a maximal reinforcement, and at the same time helps localizing fixation points. The Easyplug has zones of lighter density, which keeps the implanted material at a minimum, and also allows the implant to be more easily accepted by the body. EASYPLUG® has a special microporous structure designed exclusively by ASPIDE MEDICAL. For the comfort and convenience of patients, the EASYPLUG® allows for less chronic post-operative pain and less shrinkage.

It is generally accepted that the plug and patch method of hernia repair is the most effective replacement for old and outmoded surgical methods for the treatment of hernias. Earlier hernia repair methods, which are still used today, involve stitching together the two sides of the hole using sutures or wire.  This approach creates tension and often causes a recurrence of the hernia, and also produces swelling and pain. More importantly, the tension inhibits full and effective healing of the edges.  Recovery is prolonged with reduced patient flexibility, prolonged pain and restrictions imposed on activity.

With the newer method, using EASYPLUG® surgical mesh, a specially designed mesh system is gently placed through the defect. It opens to cover and effectively repair the defect from the inside, the best place for mesh to be positioned. After this, an additional sheet of mesh is s included as reinforcement. This is placed in a completely tension free fashion, being held in place by a “VELCRO-Like” effect of the mesh itself. Since there is no tension and only a minimal amount of surgical dissection, there is little post operative pain, and patients return to normal activity in just days. In combination with the plug, this method eliminates much of the tension that occurs with the older method of hernia repair and reduces the hernia surgery recurrence rate from up to 20 percent to less than 1 percent.

Founded in 1994, Aspide Medical is a world leader in textile surgical implants. The Surgimesh® range, developed in partnership with surgeons includes implants for for digestive, urological and gynecological surgery.

Services

• Hernia repair

ASPIDE Medical
246 allée Lavoisier
42350 La Talaudière
FRANCE
Tel : +33 (0)4 77 53 16 59
Fax : + 33 (0)4 77 53 01 97
Email : aspide@aspide.com
Web : http://www.aspide.com

The treatment of incontinence in women is an issue that is not always easy for women to discuss. However, the problem is widespread. An estimated 51 million women worldwide (17 million of them in the U.S. alone) have to deal with urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence is the medical term used to describe the condition of not being able to control the flow of urine from your body. Incontinence usually occurs because the urethra cannot close tightly enough to hold urine in the bladder. It is surprising to learn how prevalent this rarely talked about condition actually is. For women over age 60, approximately 23% deal with incontinence, and the problem is more common in women than men. 50% of nursing home residents suffer from urinary incontinence.  But urinary incontinence is not just a problem for older women. Between the ages of 18 and 44, approximately 24% of women experience incontinence.

Causes of incontinence

Urinary incontinence usually is caused by weakened or damaged pelvic muscles and tissue that prevent the urethra from closing tight enough to hold urine in the bladder. Some people are unable to prevent leaking urine when they cough, sneeze or exercise. Other women experience a strong urge to urinate but are unable to make it to the bathroom in time.

To determine the type and cause of urinary incontinence, doctors take a complete medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination. Specialists such as gynecologists and urologists may use a variety of testing methods to determine the cause and type of urinary incontinence.

There are a number of factors that contribute to incontinence in women. The most common is pregnancy and vaginal childbirth, because Weakened or damaged pelvic muscles and tissue can be the result of pregnancy and childbirth. The bladder and urethra must be well supported by the pelvic muscles and tissue to allow them to work properly. Here the surgical treatment of incontinence may be recommended, with or without muscular exercises.

The second most important predictor of incontinence is aging, which tends to worsen all forms of muscular injury and weakness, and the pelvic muscles are no exception. Certain medical and neurological conditions, such as hysterectomies, spinal cord problems, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’sdisease, stroke and diabetes can make incontinence worse. Lifestyle factors can also add to the problem. For example, while obesity does not cause incontinence, it does contribute due to the increased abdominal pressure. And while smoking is not a direct cause of incontinence, it may aggravate it.

Of course, not all incontinence is a permanent condition. Urinary tract infections can cause temporary incontinence, and certain medications may increase the likelihood of temporary incontinence. These can be treated effectively with medications such as antibiotics and with the help of Kegel exercises.

Treatment of incontinence

With the advents of superior technology, there are now a number of advanced and effective options for the treatment of incontinence in women, to help restore the urinary continence women have lost with age, or after bearing children.

One of the newest and most effective surgical treatment of incontinence uses the sling procedure, which serves as support for the urethra during increased abdominal pressure. Bone fixated slings treat incontinence by supporting the urethra with a graft material that is secured to the pubic bone. Self-fixating slings treat incontinence by supporting the urethra. The sling is secured in place by friction and natural tissue ingrowth, rather than by sutures or screws. New sling models have built in features that anchor the sling and provides short-term fixation. Mesh characteristics allow tissue fixation without suturing.

For the least invasive surgery,  the Surgimesh® sling, from Aspide Medical can be inserted vaginally. The lightest sling in the market, it is a polypropylene sling specially designed to limit extensibility and deformation of the mesh during implantation.It boasts a very high mechanical resistance which enables elongation control, and the smoothed sides of the sling reduce considerably the risks of erosion. The special weave  of the mesh allows a very quick colonization, and does not salt out particles (optimized knitting and pores size) Another advantage of the Surgimesh® sling is easy insertion; the sling remains flat, even under tension. All of these factors allow a smoother implantation during surgery and maximum patient comfort afterwards.

With so many women suffering in silence, understanding the prevalence, possible causes and treatment options may encourage more women to seek today’s more advanced and effective treatment of incontinence.

Founded in 1994, Aspide Medical is a world leader in textile surgical implants. The Surgimesh® range, developed in partnership with surgeons includes implants for for digestive, urological and gynecological surgery.

Services

• treatment of incontinence

ASPIDE Medical
246 allée Lavoisier
42350 La Talaudière
FRANCE
Tel : +33 (0)4 77 53 16 59
Fax : + 33 (0)4 77 53 01 97
Email : aspide@aspide.com
Web : http://www.aspide.com

]]> http://www.webinfrance.com/treatment-of-incontinence-women-worldwide-advances-new-technology-567.html/feed 0 http://www.webinfrance.com/prolapse-surgery-more-effective-lasting-with-advanced-mesh-techniques-234.html http://www.webinfrance.com/prolapse-surgery-more-effective-lasting-with-advanced-mesh-techniques-234.html#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:22:15 +0000 Web in France team http://www.webinfrance.com/?p=2771 Prolapse prosthetic treatments by French company Aspide Medical allow for mini-invasive surgery and better results

Prolapse is a condition that affects many women. Many cases are mild and cause little or no discomfort. However, women who suffer from more significant prolapse problems often encounter issues that greatly affect their quality of life on a daily basis. Besides general pain and discomfort, these women may experience embarrassing urine leakage when coughing or sneezing, difficulty with bowel movements or pain during sexual intercourse.

What causes prolapse problems?

Connective tissue separates the pelvic organs. The tissue, called fascia, is attached to nearby muscles. When healthy, the fascia and muscles support the bladder, vagina and rectum. Defects in the fascia can cause prolapse problems known as cystoceles (located between the bladder and vagina) and rectoceles (located between the vagina and rectum). Like hernia, cystocles and rectocles involve tissue that bulges or protrudes into an area where it does not belong. In this case, the breach occurs in the walls between the vagina and bladder or rectum. These can be damaged by one or more of the following factors: difficult vaginal births, multiple births
problems during delivery or the use of episiotomy during birth. However, factors unrelated to childbirth can also cause or aggravate the problem. These include strain from lifting heavy objects, chronic cough, chronic constipation or the weakening of vaginal muscles caused by a lack of estrogen after menopause.

Treatment of Prolapse Problems

Activity Modification  is the first suggestion of most doctors. This includes avoiding heavy lifting Kegel exercises (squeezing the pelvic floor muscles) to help to strengthen the muscles around the vagina and bladder. For rectocele doctors often suggest a diet that allows for easy passage of stools by adding fiber, liquids, and a stool softener if necessary.

In cases where these lifestyle changes do not produce  relief, surgical repair is another option. Until recent years, this surgery was only partially effective, as patients often developed recurring problems when resuming normal activities and reinjuring themselves by coughing or straining to lift heavy objects. However, the use of advanced surgical mesh technology has greatly increased the success of prolapse operations.

The Miracle of Mesh – Hope for Prolapse Sufferers

Mesh reinforcement is used with the aim of reducing the risk of recurrence of the prolapse. The mesh has many holes within it to allow the body’s own tissue to grow into the mesh. The mesh then provides a framework of support.  It may provide a longer lasting repair and has been shown to be successful in 80% of people. Mesh is a synthetic material and is permanent, and has been extensively used in surgery, especially in hernia repairs.

SURGIMESH®PROLAPSE  from Aspide Medical of France is a range of safe and efficient prosthetic devices for a  surgical treatment of prolapse problems. Developed to correct cystoceles and rectoceles, among other conditions, each one of Aspide’s surgical devices includes a sling and specific tools corresponding to the operating technique chosen by the surgeon. There are solutions that are optimized for abdominal surgery (coelioscopy) and for a vaginal option that does not require an abdominal incision.

The SURGIMESH®PROLAPSE range of products was designed in partnership with surgeons’ teams.  The mesh is composed essentially of  monofilament polypropylene knitting, a solution particularly adapted to the surgical treatment of cystoceles and rectocele.  The newest knit dimensions are  0,08mm. Many precut shapes are available for coelioscopic use, as well as to open surgery allowing treatment of all pathologies.

Surgical repair of the cystocele or rectocele can result in improved bladder or bowel control. Patients find that they no longer have problems with stress incontinence and can resume activities they did not feel comfortable doing before. Surgery can also relieve pain they may have experienced during sexual intercourse.

Aspide Medical, founded in 1994, is a world leader in textile surgical implants. The Surgimesh® range, developed in partnership with surgeons includes implants for for digestive, urological and gynecological surgery.

Services

• prolapse treatment

Nice Modern and Contemporary Art Museum is located on the “Promenade des Arts”. Its new artistic programm currently emphasizes european New Realism and american Pop Art, with collections by Yves Klein, Kenneth Noland, Larry Poons and Morris Louis.

Created in 1963, Matisse Museum presents paintings, drawings and scuplture by Henri Matisse, but also pictures and objects which used to belonged to the artist.

The Fine Arts Museum presents an important collection of works of art from the XIIIth to the XXth century.

You can also visit the Photography and Image Theater, Marc Chagall Museum, “Villa Arson” dedicated to contemporary art and Masséna Museum, describing Nice history in the XIXth century. 

If you’re looking for a hotel in Nice, France, we recommend Hôtel de Madrid, a 3 star hotel Côte d’Azur with cosy and modern guest rooms. Close to the trainstation and Tramway line, Hôtel de Madrid offers ideal conditions for your stay in Nice.

For more information on hotel stay Nice or to make a reservation 3 star hotel in Nice, feel free to visit their website.

 Located in the Baie des Anges on the Mediterranean Sea, Nice is a sought-after place for business meetings.

Only 30 km away from Italy, the city finds itself between mountains and water. Its gorgeous views attract visitors, as well as its enjoyable weather, mild in winter, warm and dry in summer.

In Nice, two “Palais des Congrès” have been built to organize business meetings. You can also choose to meet your providers or customers in a prestige hotel Nice.

We would like to recommend Hôtel de Madrid, a 3 star hotel Nice conveniently located a two-minute walk away from the train station. It is also close to the Tramway line leading to the Old Town, business district and Promenade des Anglais.

A Best Western Nice, Hôtel de Madrid offers ideal conditions for your business meetings, with its two modular meeting rooms with natural daylight and air-conditioning.
 
Equipped with free Wi-Fi, a 50” plasma screen with USB and HDMI connections and an Edimax wireless video projector, “Matisse Room” can accomodate up to 20 people.

Fully equipped too, “Gauguin Room” can accomodate up to 50 people. It is suitable for meetings as well as cocktails and product presentations. 

For more information on Nice accomodation or to make a reservation 3 star hotel in Nice, feel free to visit Hôtel de Madrid website.

Nice values and emphasizes its rich architectural patrimony. A historical capital city of Nice county, it belonged to Provence region before joing the “Maison de Savoie” in 1388 and later on Piemont-Sardaigne kingdom. Nice became definitely French in 1860.

Walking around the city, you will notice contrasts between the Old Town, its narrow and winding streets, red-colored building and baroque churches and XIXth centuries neighborhood with larger streets, influenced by Italian architecture. You will recognize “Hausmann” style stone buildings dating from 1860 and on, after Nice’s annexion to France.

One of Nice’s assets is its mild and very pleasant weather, due to its location at the back of the Baie des Anges, surrounded by hills protecting it against winds. With its mild winters and warm summers, Nice is a pleasure to visit all year long.

Looking for a 3 star hotel Nice? We have selected Hôtel de Madrid for you, a hotel sea Côte d’Azur with 44 modern and cosy guest rooms, equipped with free Wi-Fi internet access, TV and air-conditioning.

For more information or to male a reservation 3 star hotel in Nice, feel free to visit this luxury hotel on the Côte d’Azur website.

Nice and its surroundings have inspired many film directors. Several movies have the Baie des Anges for setting, such as 1963 “La Baie des Anges” by Jacques Demy. In this movie with Jeanne Moreau and Claude Mann, Demy tackles the theme of destructive passion.

More recently, in 2005, French Actor Jean Dujardin played the role of a hilarious surfer struggling to surf on the small waves of the Baie des Anges in “Brice de Nice”.

If you feel like discovering Nice and its area, why not book a hotel town centre Nice? Conveniently located a two-minute walk away from the train station, Hôtel de Madrid 3 star hotel Nice is waiting for you to drop your luggage and start exploring the city.

Nice’s main attractions, from the beach of the Baie des Anges and the Promenade des Anglais to picturesque Old Town are easily accessible by Tramway.

Hôtel de Madrid provides 44 comfortable and modern guest rooms, all non-smoking, equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi internet access and TV.

For more information or to book a room at this hotel Nice near station, feel free to visit their website.

A dynamic city, Nice offers an eclectic cultural programming, from photo exhibitions to classical music or jazz concerts, open-air cinema and dance shows.

Built in 1882, Nice Opera presents hundreds of plays, mainly classical ones. Several theaters, like Théâtre National de Nice, Théâtre Francis Gag or Théâtre de la Tour also offer an outstanding variety of plays all year long.

Between sunbathing days on the beach, shopping times and museum visits, will you have time to climb up Nice hills and have a look at the gorgeous views of the bay?

If you are looking for Nice accomodation, we recommend Hôtel de Madrid, a cosy and conveniently located Best Western Nice. Close to the train station, this luxury hotel Provence Côte d’Azur offers a great setting for your holidays and excellent customer service.

Its 44 non-smoking rooms are fully-equipped with free Wi-Fi connection, TV and air-conditioning. Hôtel de Madrid is accessible to persons with limited mobility.

For more information or to make a reservation 3 star hotel in Nice, feel free to visit their website.