ACUPUNCTURE for chronic pain and energy balancing

Acupuncture is a natural way to relieve some chronic diseases, it also help to restore body energy into balance state and calm the mind, needling effect can use to relax some specific muscles and improve local blood circulation.

Acupuncture is suitable for :

1. Pain problem such as acute / chronic muscle pain, lower back pain, knee pain, tendonitis
2. Sequelae of aploplexy, migraine, chronic headache
3. Fatique, insomnia, poor digestion, quit smoking
4. for weight management

In case of severe chronic disease, patient should see specialist for full investigation

Acupuncture at Bangkok Hospital Phuket is performed by a doctor(MD) with specialty in acupuncture.

There is a special offer at 1,500 THB / 3 sessions for chronic pain treatment.

For further detail, please contact info@PhuketHospital.com

GERD or Acid Reflux Disease

GERD stands for Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease. It is a condition in which acid, bile and partially-digested food in the stomach back up into the esophagus. When "refluxed" stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even reach the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion.

The following are several contributing factors that weaken or relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making reflux worse:
- Eating habits: eating large meals or soon before bedtime
- Lying down: especially in about two hours after a meal, gravity helps to keep the stomach juices from backing up into the esophagus, assists the flow of food and digestive juices from the stomach to the intestines
- Wearing belts or clothes that are tight fitting around the waist
- Drinking alcohol, caffeine drinks
- Eating fatty, fried foods and acid foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, spicy foods, mint flavorings
- Lifestyle: use of alcohol or cigarettes, obesity, poor posture (slouching)
- Other medical conditions: Hiatal hernia, pregnancy, diabetes, rapid weight gain

Symptoms
The symptoms in GERD or Acid Reflux Disease are closely related to the back up of acid and other materials from the stomach into the esophagus. It should be noted that the symptoms are not always present; sometimes they can disappear for weeks at a time, but come back after a while. Heartburn and chest pain is the most common of them. It is the unpleasant burning sensation felt into the chest, that can get worse if a person lies down, is lifting or after having a heavy meal. Sometimes the burning sensation moves into the throat area, along with a sour taste, as if the food has come back to the throat. It can resemble those of a heart attack or other heart disease. The symptoms may also be similar to those of an ulcer, gallstones, or pancreatitis.

Self-Care
- Take prescribed medications
- Maintain a reasonable weight. Obesity increases abdominal pressure, which can then push stomach contents up into the esophageal.
- Watch what you eat. If you suffer from acid reflux, you need to know what foods are safe and to avoid.
- Don't eat large meals. Eating a lot of food at one time increases the amount of acid needed to digest it. Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Don't eat within 3 hours of bedtime.
- Don’t wear belts or clothes that are tight fitting around the waist.
- Don’t lie down for about two hours after eating.
- Avoid fatty or greasy foods, chocolate, caffeine, mints or mint-flavored foods, spicy foods, citrus, and tomato-based foods. These foods decrease the competence of the LES.

Complications of Long-Term GERD
GERD is a chronic condition and may lead to more serious medical conditions, but is treatable. If the disease is not treated effectively, the constant acid reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus, and serious complication can occur. The more serious complications of GERD that may occur are Barrett's esophagus, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer, erosive esophagitis, and esophageal strictures.

For additional information, please contact info@PhuketHospital.com
www.PhuketHospital.com

Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation

Bangkok Hospital Phuket is delighted to announce our recent achievement in attaining Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation. In response to the ever increasing number of patients seeking medical care outside of their home countries, it has become essential for hospitals to undergo rigorous screening to ensure they meet international standards for health care services. The current leading body for such accreditation is Joint Commission International , a US-based organization widely seen as the gold standard for top-level health care service providers worldwide.

Achieving JCI is not only an internal milestone, but also one for Thailand as a center of medical excellence. It officially recognizes that the practices of our doctors, nurses, medical assistants and the management team at Bangkok Hospital Phuket meet or exceed the standards of medical facilities in the US.

It is with great pride that we announce JCI accreditation this month. Ever committed to improving the lives of each patient that passes through our doors, we invite you and your loved ones to experience the top-tier services Bangkok Hospital Phuket has to offer.

http://www.phukethospital.com/

eMail: info@PhuketHospital.com

Please visit http://www.JointCommissionInternational.org for further information about JCIA

New Influenza Virus 2009

Status of the New Influenza Virus 2009
There has been an outbreak of the New Influenza Virus 2009, in which cases have been found from infected patients in Mexico, United States and other countries in Europe, with clusters of cases found in Asia such as Hongkong, and South Korea. There are no cases positive for the new influenza virus in Thailand.

“What is the New Influenza Virus 2009?
Swine Influenza is an infection that spreads from human to human, and is caused by virus type A H1N1, a new species of virus found in pigs and human hosts. The virus can easily be destroyed with heat by cooking food at around 70°Celsius and above.

Signs and symptoms:
Early signs of influenza A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. If signs and symptoms are not severe, influenza will just resolve without the need for hospitalization. Severe condition includes difficulty of breathing, weakness, heavy cough, chest pain and ultimate death following severe pulmonary infection.

How is the disease transmitted?
Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed, as handling doorknobs, water glasses, telephone. The virus enters the system through the nasal passages or eyes after nose picking or rubbing eyes. Infection is not spread by eating pork meat.

Vaccines and Treatment:
There are no available vaccines preventing infection. The influenza vaccine used at present is not effective in preventing this new species of influenza. Medications to treat influenza are available on request if there is a need to use it in treating patients in Thailand.

Measures to follow to prevent infection and avoid spread:

Persons without signs and symptoms:
- Prepare the body to be strong by eating nutritious food such as fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of liquids, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, and manage your stress.
- Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing if you do not have a tissue, then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid traveling to areas that are high risk or populated with people infected with influenza-like illness, congested places like department stores or movie theaters.
- Stock up on necessities such as drinking water, rice, dry goods, medicine, etc. enough for 1 week to prepare in case one gets sick and there is a need to rest and stay at home.
- Be informed always, following up on news and updates.
- Diabetics and hypertensive patients should reserve medications for at least two to three months to avoid going to the hospital always and being in contact with sick patients.

Patient with Flu-like signs and symptoms:
- Slight or moderate symptoms such as fever, headache, body malaise, cough, sore throat, in most cases, the condition will resolve in itself. Stop working and take a rest at home. Schoolchildren should take a break from school. Call and ask information from staff with any doubts about present illness.
- Wear a mask always to avoid spreading the virus when sneezing or coughing.
- If condition has not improve after 3 days, with symptoms becoming serious, accompanied with severe coughing, weakness, difficulty of breathing, and chest pain, patients should wear a face mask and consult a physician immediately.
- It is possible to take herbal medications such as Andrographispaniculata (Burm.f.) NeesACANTHACEAE, four tablets three times a day for sore throat and fever.
- Keep on washing hands frequently.
- Do not use hands dirtied with nasal secretions, saliva in grasping objects, such as doorknobs, telephone, etc.

View updated information about Influenza A (H1N1) from www.PhuketHospital.com
eMail: info@PhuketHospital.com

Q & A about Influenza A (H1N1)

Q: What is Influenza A (H1N1)?
A: Influenza A (H1N1) is transmitted disease which can only transmit from
human to human. There is not any report about transmission from pig to
human. The new virus strain which is the cause of Influenza A (H1N1) is the
subtype of influenza virus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu)
in humans (H1N1). Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans. Other
strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs and in birds.


Q: Was any patient with influenza A (H1N1) detected in Thailand?
A: There is not any patient with influenza A (H1N1) found in Thailand. In
Thailand, there are 3,159 patients with seasonal influenza found from the
beginning of 2009. The numbers of patients are not different from last
year. No report of dead from seasonal influenza in Thailand.

Q: How do people become infected with influenza A(H1N1)?
A: Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human
transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get
on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another
person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or
surfaces, and be exposed. To prevent spread, people should cover their
mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and wash their hands
regularly.

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of infection?
A: Early signs of influenza A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough,
headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and
sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.

Q: Is there any confirmation of transmission between pigs and humans at this point?
A: No.

Q: Is there any medicine for Influenza A (H1N1)?
A: Yes, Oseltamivir and Zanamivir is the effective medicine for Influenza A
(H1N1).

Q: Is there enough Oseltamivir in Thailand?
A: Yes, there are 3,250,000 capsules of Oseltamivir (for 325,000 patients) at
present time. Public Health Ministry of Thailand has a facility for the other
more 1,000,000 capsules of Oseltamivir within 4 days.

Q: Is there any vaccination for Influenza A (H1N1)?
A: No. There is only vaccination for seasonal influenza that we should get it
done in order to prevent from occurrence of other subtype of influenza
strain.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools. A person with diarrhea typically passes stool more than three times a day. People with diarrhea may pass more than a quart of stool a day. Prolonged diarrhea persisting for more than 2 days may be a sign of a more serious problem and poses the risk of dehydration.

Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and older people, and it must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems. People of all ages can get diarrhea and the average adult has about of acute diarrhea about four times a year.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea? Diarrhea may be accompanied by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or an urgent need to use the bathroom. Depending on the cause, a person may have a fever or bloody stools.

When should a doctor be consulted?
Diarrhea is not usually harmful, but it can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. You should see the doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days
- Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
- A fever of 102 degrees or higher
- Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
- Signs of dehydration

Preventing Diarrhea
Diarrhea happens when you consume food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. You can take the following precautions to prevent diarrhea;
- Do not drink unpasteurized milk or dairy products.
- Avoid all raw fruits and vegetables, including lettuce and fruit salads, unless they can be peeled and you peel them yourself.
- Do not eat raw or rare meat, fish, and food not hot when served
- Wash your hands before and after cooking

Notice :
- Diarrhea is dangerous if a person becomes dehydrated.
- Causes include viral, bacterial, parasitic infections, food intolerance, reactions to medicine, intestinal diseases, and functional bowel disorders.
- Treatment depends on the cause of the problem involves. You may need an oral dehydration solution to replace lost fluid and electrolytes
- See the doctor if the person with diarrhea has severe pain in the abdomen or rectum, a fever of 102 degrees or higher, blood in the stool, signs of dehydration, or diarrhea for more than 3 days.

For additional information, please contact the “Gastrointestinal and Liver Center” Bangkok Hospital Phuket thru info@PhuketHospital.com

www.PhuketHospital.com

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Dengue virus, transmitted to human by Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, causes dengue fever, mostly found during the rainy season.

Symptoms of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
1. Febrile stage – This stage starts with the onset of high fever, which lasts 2-7 days. Symptoms in this period cannot yet indicate Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.
2. Critical stage – This is the severest stage. Patients may perform vomiting, abdominal pain, liver swelling, restlessness, cold extremities, fatigue, bleeding of skin, tissues or internal organs, skin rash and have lymph leaking outside of blood vessels, causing haemoconcentration. Patients will have to be closely observed.
3. Recovery stage – Patients will recover and gain more appetite and urination. There will also be itchier rash on skin. Plasma will slowly increase and will become normal within 7 days. Blood conditions have to be monitored for another 7 days.

Pre-hospital Care - when children have fever during the dengue fever epidemic
1. Be careful when using antipyretic, some types can lead to more serious symptoms during the critical stage.
2. Drink fruit juice or ORS (Oral Rehydration Salt) when having nausea and vomiting.
3. Observe your children closely and see the doctors if the signs of dengue fever suspected.
4. Avoid eating or drinking food with red, brown, or black color to observe bleeding in gastrointestinal tract.

Prevention and control of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
1. Get rid of the breeding sites for mosquitoes, e.g. household water containers both inside and outside the houses, jars, buckets, toilets, vases, standing water containers, discarded tyres, lotus tubs, etc.
2. Sleep in the room with mosquito nets or aluminium nets to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, especially during the daytime.
3. Use mosquito repellent, which is suitable for children
4. Wash up well to dispose of sweat odour, which attracts mosquitoes.
5. Get rid of mosquitoes by using chemicals, electrical traps, or other insecticide equipments.

Because of your health is precious, Bangkok Hospital Phuket, we provide the PCR (Polymerase Chain Recreation) Test for an accurate Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever diagnosis. Therefore, the doctor can perform proper treatments.

Further information please contact info@PhuketHospital.com
http://www.phukethospital.com/

Influenza

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness, which occurs on a regular basis. It is caused by influenza viruses. The flu outbreaks usually occur throughout the year but mainly in the rainy season. Infections occur and spread rapidly.

Influenza infection
The virus presents on nasal secretions, saliva or sputum of infected persons. It spreads when infected persons cough or sneeze around others. Infections also occur through touching contaminated objects and then touching your own face, causing the virus to enter your body through your nose or mouth.

The signs and symptoms of influenza
Patients present with a high fever ranging between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius. The symptoms of influenza also include headache, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, runny nose or dry cough. These symptoms are similar to those of the common cold but are often more severe and last longer than the typical common cold. Flu-related complications can occur such as bronchitis and pneumonia. The symptoms usually appear in persons three to five days after being exposed and most people who get the flu recover completely in seven to ten days.

The difference between the influenza and the common cold
The common cold is caused by a virus. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. The common cold usually does not cause a high fever. Influenza is caused by influenza viruses. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness, which leads to a common infection of the lungs. Influenza usually comes on suddenly and causes higher fever than common cold, severe headache, muscle aches and sudden fatigue.

People in every age group can catch the flu. Rates of influenza infection are highest among children while the death rate is high among elderly people or those with certain chronic illnesses such as heart disease, pneumonia or kidney disease. A flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect against the flu. It can reduce infection rate, shorten hospital stay and risk of influenza-related complications.

Prevention of Influenza
1. Always take a good care of yourself. Exercise regularly and eat nutritious food to help boost your immune system.
2. Avoid ongoing close contact with or sharing personal items with other people especially the cold sufferers.
3. Wash your hands frequently.
4. Cover your mouth with a piece of cloth when coughing or sneezing. If you are sick, be careful not to spread the germs.
5. Keep yourself warm in the winter.

Influenza vaccine
The best way to protect yourself from influenza is to receive an annual influenza vaccine. Maximum protection develops by two weeks after vaccination. Flu shots are usually given to the elderly or people with certain chronic illnesses that cause immune deficiency. However, influenza is not considered a severe disease. If treated appropriately, the flu recovers completely in three to five days. You should see your physician to obtain a more accurate diagnosis if you have a high fever more than three days.

For further detail about Influenza Vaccination, please contact info@PhuketHospital.com
Website : www.PhuketHospital.com

Easy Techniques to Breastfeed A Baby

Easy Techniques to Breastfeed A Baby
1) The baby should be put to the mother’s breast as soon as possible after birth because this can help the mother produce milk.
2) The mother should offer the baby her whole breast and not just the nipple.
3) The baby should be fed from a different breast each time so that both breasts produce the maximum amount of milk.
4) The baby should be fed whenever he/she is hungry. Before offering the second breast to the baby, it should be ensured that the baby sucks the fat rich hind milk from the first breast.
5) The mother should be encouraged to let the baby continue to suck for as long as possible

For further information, please contact info@PhuketHospital.com
www.PhuketHospital.com

2/1 HongsYok Utit Road,
Maung district,
Phuket
Thailand

Breastfeeding Exclusively for the First 6 Months Helps Your Baby…

- Helps babies’ brains to grow and develop
- Breastmilk is easy to digest
- Protects against ear infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections, blood poisoning and viruses
- Protects against allergies, asthma, and the severity of allergic reactions
- Decreases risk of tooth decay
- Decreases incidence of colic and diarrhea
- Breastfeeding plays an important role in the emotional and spiritual development of babies
- Children receive the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies

“Breastfeeding promotes a very special bond between mother and child that only a mother can provide”

For additional information please contact the “Women’s Health Center and Child Clinic”, Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

eMail: info@PhuketHospital.com
www.PhuketHospital.com

Headache

“Headaches” are one of the most common medical complaints. They are caused by blood vessels that can abnormally constrict (narrow) or dilate (widen) around your skull. Besides occurring in conjunction with other frequent illnesses such as the common cold and influenza, the pain also occurs in those with anxiety, stress, or those who work under pressure.

Headache symptoms
Headaches can range from a condition of mild to severe pain. A headache may signal a more serious condition.

Tension headaches
Tension headaches are the most frequently occurring type of headache due to factors such as insufficient sleep, stress, and eyestrain. They may cause an aching or squeezing sensation located in the temples with radiation to the middle and back of the head. The headaches may be unilateral (on one side of the head) or bilateral (on both sides of the head). The pain of a tension headache often occurs in the afternoon or throughout the day and may not disappear completely. Migraine headaches are characterized by rapid onset of severe pain that then completely disappears.

One-sided headaches or migraines
Migraine pain, triggered by heat and bright light, usually throbs in the rhythm of a person's pumping heart. Each time the pain occurs, it may be unilateral or bilateral. Headaches may occur on the both sides at the same time for some people. If the pain is intense, patients may experience nausea and vomiting. The pain gradually decreases and lasts between 4 and 72 hours.

Headaches in women
Migraines are common symptoms that occur in conjunction with menstrual periods or menopause.

Headaches in children
If children have a chronic headache occurring daily and consistently, it is caused mostly by brain abnormalities such as meningococcal meningitis and brain tumors. If it occurs sporadically (infrequently and without a pattern), the headache may originate from migraines.

Headaches in the elderly
Much rarer are headaches due to vascular abnormalities. The main symptom is dizziness. This symptom is triggered by several factors such as hypotension caused by body movement, balance problems caused by ear or eye diseases or loss of sensory nerves. In addition, the elderly may experience neck pain caused by degeneration in the cervical spine (neck region).

Headaches can be caused by several different kinds of diseases
Hypertension, glaucoma and brain tumors can trigger headaches.

Prevention and Protection
• Headaches should be treated based on the specific type of disease causing then.
• Headaches caused by stress or anxiety can be treated by getting sufficient rest and regular exercise. Do not take your work too seriously. If the pain is severe, you can massage around your neck or take painkillers every 4 to 6 hours.
• Migraine headaches can be treated by:
• Observing and finding out your trigger factors and avoiding them
• Taking painkillers such as paracetamol or aspirin immediately if you start to feel intense pain
• Exercising regularly

For further detail about Bangkok Hospital Phuket, please kindly visit www.PhuketHospital.com
eMial : info@PhuketHospital.com

Health Check-up…..Prevention is better than cure

With today’s hurry-up lifestyle, people often don’t pay careful attention to their health or take care of themselves. The easiest way to ward off diseases and protect your health is to undergo regular medical check-ups. It is essential and beneficial because you can take appropriate medical action immediately if abnormal symptoms are detected and protect yourself from subsequent serious illness.

How often should a person have a medical check-up?
People should undergo regular medical check-ups at least once a year. Details of the check-up are determined according to a person's age, sex, personal risk factors and family history, especially for genetic diseases. This also includes a person’s pattern of daily living (such as stress, drug use, cigarette smoking or work) that may also contain leading risk factors for several illnesses and diseases.

Preparation for a check-up
1. Do not consume any food or drink 6 to 8 hours before your check-up.
2. Wear comfortable clothing to perform a venipuncture procedure.

Benefits of medical check-up
- Reduces health risks because if the check-up is conducted, illnesses detected can be reduced, warded off and treated immediately.
- Reduces the rate of hospital stay and saves money on treatment
- Improves better quality of life. Good physical health helps people achieve and sustain a state of good mental health, helping people work effectively. Thus, family and economic problems are reduced.

Medical check-ups are the right time for consulting a doctor about your general health. If you see the doctor when you are not ill, it is easier to perform medical check-ups, to help develop an exercise plan for strong health and to improve functional ability in all areas of daily life, especially for the elderly.

Medical check-ups are not a waste of time; on the contrary, they help us save time. Abnormal symptoms detected at earlier stages are easier and take less time to treat.

For further information, please visit http://www.phukethospital.com/eng/center_wellness.php

info@PhuketHospital.com