Medical

With the news of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System plans to offer its 7,000 affiliated doctors subsidies of up to $40,000 each over five years to adopt digital patient records. That would be in addition to federal support for computerizing patient records, which can total $44,000 per doctor over five years.

The competitive advantage from computerized medical records has been analyzed and is expected to shave millions from not only the outrageous administrative costs that have literally blown up health care costs, but also make patient care more effective. By being able to track physician and hospital care it will be easier to find out which specific treatment for diabetes for example are the best. The trick is to get the physicians to play ball.

I have two surgeons in my family, and I have talked extensively to them about health care costs, and Dr. Gabriel Loor who is just finishing up his residency has said that two surgeons can perform the same procedure, such as an appendectomy and due to their specific style of suture can literally cause a difference of thousands dollars for the same procedure.

Another facet of health insurance care costs that is difficult to quantify would of course be the fact that when an ER patient comes in with a broken leg for example, the extra tests that are run can end up showing hundreds of minor acute issues that might be serious or might be benign. Think about the body scan, which shows thousands of masses and without spending thousands of dollars in biopsies and assorted other medical tests there is no way to give someone a complete clean bill of health. A physical, a true physical anyways would literally cost thousands of dollars minimally, and much more in actuality.

Thus when someone comes in to a medical facility for a routine surgery or test it is up to the physician to investigate the results of the tests, and then to order more tests until they can honestly offer a complete healthy diagnosis. Many physicians, surgeons especially will tell you that they can’t do this, as there is not only a financial issue to consider both to the patient and the insurance company, but of course to the medical facility or hospital which loses time for other patients who are most likely exhibiting symptoms.

The medical technology issue will certainly save money as it will give the medical establishment the ability to pull up the medical records and test results the patient has already run. Duplication is of course a major cost factor in medical costs as well. However, it can be safely said that electronic medical records will certainly help medical care costs be kept in check. Will it solve our problems? Not really, as health care costs and health insurance premiums are rising so quickly that it will take more than one solution to control them. After medical records technology, we will need to work on getting more people insured as that is another cost factor.

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Healthcare costs on the rise, but there are a number of ways to lower your medical expenses.


An ounce of prevention.

One of the most effective ways to lower medical expenses, especially over the long haul, is to maintain a healthy lifestyle by:


* Taking advantage of wellness programs

* Maintaining a healthy weight

* Exercising regularly

* Kicking unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking)

* Getting regular checkups.


If your health insurance provides little to no coverage in certain areas, or if you lack health insurance coverage, look into free health screenings. Local clinics and hospitals often offer a variety of screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and mammograms. If it’s free, don’t hesitate to take advantage of it!


Prescriptions on the cheap.

If you take prescription drugs regularly, they can cost you plenty. But it’s not hard to find ways to save money. For example, order your prescriptions through the mail, through a traditional or online pharmacy. If you belong to a prescription drug plan through your health insurance, you can probably get a three-month supply through the mail for the same price as a one-month supply at the local pharmacy. And if possible, ask your pharmacist or doctor to prescribe a less-expensive generic drug.


Keep an eye on your bills.

Medical bills can be confusing, but taking some time to review the charges may save you money. Make sure your bill accurately reflects the procedures you underwent and applies the proper insurance coverage you may have. It’s not too uncommon to have wrong computer codes where you’re billed for healthcare you never received. Contact the company’s billing office immediately if you find a mistake.


Togetherness can save money.

A number of married couples keep separate health insurance coverage even though it may cost them more to do so. Take a look at both your and your spouse’s coverage and see if it makes sense for either of you to join the other’s plan. Be aware that most plans allow the addition of a spouse within a certain time period after getting married – for example, 30 days. If that’s the case, you may have to wait for the plan’s annual open enrollment period.


Keep track of it.

With tax time right around the corner, you may be able to deduct certain medical expenses if you itemize. In order to itemize, your total medical expenses need to exceed (more)


7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. The allowable medical expenses include everything from health-care services to medical aids, which include eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc. Keep records of these expenses if you think you’ll be able to deduct them for the tax year.


It doesn’t hurt to haggle.

Many people don’t realize that they can sometimes negotiate to lower their medical bills. It may not always work, but it doesn’t hurt to ask your doctor, hospital, or pharmacy if they’re willing bargain with you. Before you start negotiations, do some research on what other health-care providers in your area are charging. In addition, your health-care provider may lower their price if you pay in cash up front.


Save a little for a rainy day.

If your employer offers a flexible spending plan that allows you to put pretax dollars in an account, jump on it. With a flexible spending plan, you’ll be reimbursed for out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as prescription drugs, dental care, and co-payments. And because flexible spending contributions are taken out of your pay before taxes are calculated, you use pretax dollars to pay your medical bills.


Know who’s covering you.

These days, insurance companies often provide benefits designed to help you stay safe and healthy. One example – you may be able to receive discounts on vitamins, alternative medicines, health club memberships, or bike helmets. Also examine the range of coverage your health plan offers. It may cover dental care for young children, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. Read all materials provided by your insurer thoroughly to find out what products and services are available before you pay them out of pocket.


It’s your money, shop around.

If your employer doesn’t provide health insurance, you may have to obtain your own coverage. In order to get good coverage at an affordable price, you’ll need to shop around. Premiums vary widely, so you can save some cash if you get quotes from several companies. Examine each plan’s coverage and features, and take into account all exclusions, limitations, and the freedom to choose health-care providers. It’s also important to find out how much your out-of-pocket expenses will be as far as co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles are considered. Be careful. With some plans, small amounts of money can add up quickly with frequent visits to your doctor.

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Health care costs on the rise, but there are a number of ways to lower your medical expenses.


An ounce of prevention.


One of the most effective ways to lower medical expenses, especially over the long haul, is to maintain a healthy lifestyle by:

– Taking advantage of wellness programs

– Maintaining a healthy weight

– Exercising regularly

– Kicking unhealthy habits (e.g., smoking)

– Getting regular checkups.


Look for the freebies.


If your health insurance provides little to no coverage in certain areas, or if you lack health insurance coverage, look into free health screenings. Local clinics and hospitals often offer a variety of screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and mammograms. If it’s free, don’t hesitate to take advantage of it!


Prescriptions on the cheap.


If you take prescription drugs regularly, they can cost you plenty. But it’s not hard to find ways to save money. For example, order your prescriptions through the mail, through a traditional or online pharmacy. If you belong to a prescription drug plan through your health insurance, you can probably get a three-month supply through the mail for the same price as a one-month supply at the local pharmacy. And if possible, ask your pharmacist or doctor to prescribe a less-expensive generic drug.


Keep an eye on your bills.


Medical bills can be confusing, but taking some time to review the charges may save you money. Make sure your bill accurately reflects the procedures you underwent and applies the proper insurance coverage you may have. It’s not too uncommon to have wrong computer codes where you’re billed for health care you never received. Contact the company’s billing office immediately if you find a mistake.


Togetherness can save money.


A number of married couples keep separate health insurance coverage even though it may cost them more to do so. Take a look at both your and your spouse’s coverage and see if it makes sense for either of you to join the other’s plan. Be aware that most plans allow the addition of a spouse within a certain time period after getting married for example, 30 days. If that’s the case, you may have to wait for the plan’s annual open enrollment period.


Keep track of it.


With tax time right around the corner, you may be able to deduct certain medical expenses if you itemize. In order to itemize, your total medical expenses need to exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. The allowable medical expenses include everything from health-care services to medical aids, which include eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc. Keep records of these expenses if you think you’ll be able to deduct them for the tax year.


It doesn’t hurt to haggle.


Many people don’t realize that they can sometimes negotiate to lower their medical bills. It may not always work, but it doesn’t hurt to ask your doctor, hospital, or pharmacy if they’re willing bargain with you. Before you start negotiations, do some research on what other health-care providers in your area are charging. In addition, your health-care provider may lower their price if you pay in cash up front.


Save a little for a rainy day.


If your employer offers a flexible spending plan that allows you to put pretax dollars in an account, jump on it. With a flexible spending plan, you’ll be reimbursed for out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as prescription drugs, dental care, and co-payments. And because flexible spending contributions are taken out of your pay before taxes are calculated, you use pretax dollars to pay your medical bills.


Know who’s covering you.


These days, insurance companies often provide benefits designed to help you stay safe and healthy. One example – you may be able to receive discounts on vitamins, alternative medicines, health club memberships, or bike helmets. Also examine the range of coverage your health plan offers. It may cover dental care for young children, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. Read all materials provided by your insurer thoroughly to find out what products and services are available before you pay them out of pocket.


It’s your money, shop around.


If your employer doesn’t provide health insurance, you may have to obtain your own coverage. In order to get good coverage at an affordable price, you’ll need to shop around. Premiums vary widely, so you can save some cash if you get quotes from several companies. Examine each plan’s coverage and features, and take into account all exclusions, limitations, and the freedom to choose health-care providers. It’s also important to find out how much your out-of-pocket expenses will be as far as co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles are considered. Be careful. With some plans, small amounts of money can add up quickly with frequent visits to your doctor.

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Cancer surgeons in Indian hospitals are certified and have more than five to ten years of experience. Cervical Cancer surgery hospitals in India at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore have English speaking and well trained medical staff that cares for its patients. The doctors and cancer surgeons in India at these hospitals are adept in dealing with complicated and emergency situations The advanced and cutting edge medical facilities available at Cervical cancer surgery hospitals in India makes them a reliable global destination for patients who are seeking a suitable and less cost option for recovery from Cervical cancer. Medical Tourism Company in India can be broadly defined as health holiday along with a provision for cost effective medical and surgical treatment according to the patient need. It also combines the wellness and healthcare along with the leisure and relaxation of the rejuvenating the person in all aspects.

Cervical Cancer Causes

Cervical cancer begins with abnormal changes in the cervical tissue. The risk of developing these abnormal changes has been associated with certain factors, including previous infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), early sexual contact, multiple sexual partners, cigarette smoking, and taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

Forms of HPV, a virus whose different types cause skin warts, genital warts, and other abnormal skin and body surface disorders, have been shown to lead to many of the changes in cervical cells that may eventually lead to cancer.

Genetic material that comes from certain forms of HPV has been found in cervical tissues that show cancerous or precancerous changes.

In addition, women who have been diagnosed with HPV are more likely to develop a cervical cancer that has genetic material matching the strain of virus that caused the infection.

These findings demonstrate a strong link between the virus and cervical cancer.

Because HPV can be transmitted by sexual contact, early sexual contact and having multiple sexual partners have been identified as strong risk factors for the development of cervical lesions that may progress to cancer.

Cigarette smoking is another risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. The chemicals in cigarette smoke interact with the cells of the cervix, causing precancerous changes that may over time progress to cancer.

Oral contraceptives (“the pill”) may increase the risk for cervical cancer, especially in women who use oral contraceptives for longer than 5 years.

Cervical Cancer Treatment

Treatment of cervical cancer is directed at preventing precancerous cells from becoming cancerous cells.



This is usually a step-by-step process, involving the removal of cells or tissue to diagnose cancer and to find out how far it has invaded.
If the deepest cells removed by biopsy were normal, no further treatment may be needed.
If the deepest cells removed by biopsy were cancerous or precancerous, this means the cancer has invaded farther than the biopsy. In these cases, treatment generally starts with removal of additional tissues. As these tissues are removed, they are checked for dysplastic change to be sure all the precancerous or cancerous cells have been removed from the body or are otherwise destroyed.

 

India the home of tradition has now named as a developing country. New innovations are implemented in various fields. Medical advancement in India has developed so vast that attracts even the abroad patients for health in India. Cervical cancer surgery in India has got the name of best performance and India so called a right destination for cervical cancer surgery. Cervical cancer is one of the life threatening diseases that kill the person livingly. The study of cancer is called Oncology derived from the Greek word called study of mass or tumor. Cervical cancer is a preventable and curable disease if detected earlier. Fore more details on cervical cancer surgery in India visit http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com and enquiry@forerunnershealthcare.com

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Medical tourism offers Body lift surgery in India at an affordable cost. India has fast emerged as a desirable destination for medical tourism. Welcome to the India tourism & medical treatment in India. India is one of the best places for the medical treatment or any other health care in India. Every year thousand of visitors come to India from around the world just for the medical check up and other type of surgery. The process of healthcare tourism is jointly facilitated by the corporate sector involved in medical and healthcare as well as the tourism industry – both private and public.  Hospitals of Delhi and Chennai provide best treatment for Body lift surgery in India.

What is Body lift surgery?

Body lift surgery is an extremely effective procedure for patients with excess skin resulting from weight loss. Depending on the location of the excess skin, patients may choose to undergo either an upper, mid or lower body lift. For patients with significant amounts of excess skin though the midsection, lower body and extremities, a combination of these techniques, called the full or total body lift surgery may be the best option. Body lift surgery is especially beneficial for women who have undergone stomach stapling (or Bariatric surgery) or for women who have been left with an excess of loose and sagging skin due to weight loss or pregnancy.

Types of Body lift surgery:

The type of Body lift surgery you choose will greatly depend upon the location of the excess skin on your body, as well as your overall aesthetic goals. Your plastic surgeon can focus on a specific part of your body, as is done in an arm lift or a thigh lift or take a more inclusive approach and treat a larger area all at once.

Central body lift – This procedure is also called Belt Lipectomy. In Central Body Lift surgery, excess skin and fatty tissue is removed circumferentially from the belly, hips, back, buttocks and outer thighs.
Lower body lift – Lower Body Lift is performed to shape buttocks and thighs by removing excess skin and fat from these areas.
Total body lift – Total Body lift surgery is helpful for patients who have lost skin elasticity all over their body. Total body lifts address every part of the body that commonly accumulates fat and surplus skin: arms, breasts, abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks can all be recontoured to achieve a smooth, trim and lifted appearance.

Who should consider Body lift surgery?

If you have lost large amounts of weight and have loose, hanging skin on your face, breasts, back, belly and thighs you can certainly go for Body lift surgery. It can also be undertaken to counter the effects of ageing and multiple pregnancies. The skin often stretches to such a degree during weight retention that even when the excess fat is gone, the skin remains in its enormous state. At times the physical discomfort and appearance of this extra skin causes more embarrassment than the initial weight. Persons wishing to remove such skin and tailor their body to a more natural shape are perfect candidates for a Body lift surgery.

Benefits of Body lift surgery:

Body lift is very similar to a science-fiction film where characters vanish. Your fate would be less than that, as only your wrinkles and loose skin will disappear with Body lift surgery. It is a revolutionary surgical procedure that quickly, safely and effectively improves the shape and tone of your body. After having Body lift surgery you can get back your self confidence and normality in your life. It is a way to get started with the beauty and self esteem that you have always dreamed of.

Body lift surgery in India:

Numerous significant reasons and issues motivate foreign health seekers and patients to travel to India for procedures like Body lift surgery. As more and more patients from Europe, the USA and other affluent nations with high medical costs look for effective options, healthcare tourism in India is definitely on the cards for most of them and the fast growing Indian corporate health sector is fully geared to meet that need. Not just cost savings or the high standard of medical care facility, but also the waiting time is much lower for any treatment in India than in any other country. Medical help is often an emergency and situations can turn worse if the treatment is delayed. While you might have to wait for several months to get a surgical operation done in the US, in India things can be arranged within a week. For more information on Body lift surgery in India, log in to: http://www.tour2india4health.com. Or mail your quires at enquiry@tour2india4health.com, or call us at: +91-9371136499, +91- 9860755000 (International) / + 1-415-599-2537 (USA) / +44-20-8133-2571 (UK)

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Autism is a group of disorders related to development in person. The autistic affected person has problems related behavior, communicating with others and social movement in groups. Autism is usually diagnosed only when a child reaches three years of age and begins to show certain changes in the behavior and learning ability. Still in certain cases even when the child is in infant stage you can find the symptoms of autism such as lack of proper crying, not reacting to touches and meticulously fussy and doest have eye contact with others, etc.

Tests to be done:

Doctors do the following medical tests to find out if a child is suffering from autism:

  • Tests to find out food allergies.
  • Tests to find out the presence of heavy metals.
  • Vitamin analysis to find out any lack of any particular vitamins in the body.
  • Neurotransmitter test.
  • Level of Histamine, Candida, fatty acids and amino acids in the blood.
  • Test to evaluate immunity function and any imbalances in chemicals called T-helper-1/T-helper-2 cytokines.
  • Test to find the proper function of Intestinal obstruction.
  • Test to find any viral or fungal infection in the body.
  • Test to find the antibodies in the immune system.

The food allergy test that is taken will help both the parents and the doctor to sort out the allergic foods so that it can be avoided on the child as it may cause some digestive troubles.

Amino Acid tests are done to test for any deficiency in neurotransmitters which are helpful in co-ordination of hand and brain like block building, sensitivity towards chemicals, etc. These tests also show nutritional imbalances.

Tests for heavy metals will be very helpful to find out if there are any toxins like arsenic, mercury, lead, etc. So that, that particular element can be avoided through food or water.

Vitamin analysis test will also be helpful in including or avoiding any particular vitamin that are lacking or is more.

Neurotransmitter test is helpful in showing any particular imbalance in the brain’s chemistry which is the major impact on the behavior of the brain. Autistic Children usually have a chemical called Candida more in the intestine and very low level of essential fatty acids in their body.

Treatment methods to be opted:

The parents and doctor of each autism affected child should discuss and decide upon what type of Curative treatment should be followed for that particular child. Because each autistic child is different from the other like how normal child is different from the other. After proper analysis for any nervous imbalances and immune imbalances and proper method of treatment is sort out.

These tests are done and proper treatments are recommended by doctors and now-a-days even pediatricians specialize in this particular field of autism and they can recommend best treatment for your child who has the particular symptom of autism so that they can lead a normal life. 

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Medical Transcription is one area of medicine which plays a very important role in its own way. A popular notion is that a lot of people tend to think that anyone can work as a medical transcriptionist. However, having a professional degree in medical transcription adds more value to the profession in terms of giving a quality output as well as a greater income generation. Moreover, employers prefer hiring transcriptionists who have completed some proper MT course.

A formal degree leads to interaction with the medical fraternity that in turn directs to a better understanding of how medical records management, health care billing & coding and medical transcription – the process of converting the physician’s written and recorded notes into electronic files -  is carried out.

There are many online courses and certifications available on medical transcription. These have a duration that range from a 6-month to 2-year certificate, diploma or associate degree programs that will teach make you adept in a range of skills. Most of these courses include subjects such as:

  • Medical Terminology and Basic Medical Procedures
  • Anatomy, Pathology and Physiology
  • Health Care Law
  • Ethics
  • Business Communications 
  • Office Administration
  • Word Processing

For people who are already actively involved in the field, there are two certifications for available for them to become certified in medical transcription:

  • The Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) which is good for recent graduates of medical transcription programs or those who have less than 2 years experience in acute care medical transcription. They may become a RMT after passing the certification exam.
  • The Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) which is earned after passing a certification examination and 2 years experience in acute care transcription including surgical transcription and the use of different report types. To keep certification current, continuing education credits must be earned every three years.

Having a MT degree will get an annual salary ranging from $33,000 and $40,000. Many MTs are paid on either hourly basis or on the volume of work they complete. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical transcriptionists can also go on to pursue careers like medical technicians, medical coders and other administrative workers.

The current economic scenario does not seem to have ebbed this particular industry as the BLS has predicted that medical transcription field will grow faster than the average occupation until at least 2014. Those planning to join an MT course need to thoroughly research the training companies, check their syllabus and job placement rates. Some “schools” are training centers that don’t really teach what needs to be known to land a decent medical transcription job.

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In business world people are used to take sick or medical leave. Some times it is necessary to take due to health problem or illness. But few people are taking sick leave without any solid reason. In this article we will discuss how to utilize your sick time? When to take sick leave? What to do in sick time? This article will provide you the opportunity to practice going through the process of deciding whether to call in sick for office.

Identify how sick are you? If you feel not well and think that you need to see a doctor in order to get better, it is the right time to call in sick. If you are suffering from an illness (flu, conjunctive eyeties, etc.) that is contagious, take rest at home. If you go to work in this situation there is a chance that you may get even sicker to the point that you may have to miss more than one day of job. If you go to office, you would not be able give productive results due to the illness.

If you make a decision that it would probably be a good idea to take leave, consider how much sick leave do you have? If you have some days, it might be a good idea to stay home this day to try to get well again. If you only have a few days or a single day, you may have to make a decision whether you may need those/that day(s) at a later date. If you do not have sick leave, can you afford to miss a day’s pay?

A person would have to make this decision based on his health condition. For example, a person may have very bad allergies at the same time every year. That time is coming up and the allergies are worse than how he feels presently.

After making the choice to stay at home from work, then you have to do the following things –

Request your colleagues who will have to do your important work. Follow your office procedure for calling in sick. When you speak to your manager or the person to whom you call in sick, tell him that you are not feeling well and need to take the day off.

Though sick time is a benefit, it should be used only when essential. Employers look favorably on employees who do not take any leave due to illness. In fact, some companies give awards or rewards to employees who do not use any sick time during a specified financial year.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

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Medical school admissions are becoming increasingly competitive, in part, because of the failing U.S. economy. Bright applicants who used to target business school or law degrees are finding those fields unstable and are turning their interest toward medicine. Consequently, stronger candidates are now pursuing a medical career, making professional medical school admissions consulting increasingly important in optimizing medical school applications.

 

Medical school admissions consulting companies come in a variety of forms. Some are larger companies that focus on admissions to several types of graduate programs – not just medicine. Others are smaller companies that provide a medical focus, but have a group of consultants. Finally, elite companies offer both the medical focus and a highly experienced consultant who works one-on-one with clients. These professionals are ex-admissions officers from respected medical institutions. They have the inside knowledge of how medical admissions work, providing personalized guidance to optimize candidate’s written materials and interview skills.

 

Because applicants can unknowingly undermine their chances of success with poorly compiled application materials, underdeveloped medical school admission essays and inadequate interview skills, a qualified, personalized medical school admissions consultant provides a great advantage.

 

An expert consultant can offer a variety of services to improve a medical school application:

 

  1. AMCAS® editing. The American Medical College Application Service is a centralized application processing service for medical school applicants. Ensuring that a candidate’s activity descriptions are optimally-worded is essential for showcasing the applicants’ accomplishments to admissions committees.
  2. Medical school personal statement and secondary essay editing. The AMCAS® medical school admission essay and follow up secondary essays allow the applicant to demonstrate his or her distinctiveness as a candidate. Excellent organization, format, syntax, grammar and spelling are essential.
  3. Curriculum vitae (C.V.). The C.V. is a standardized medical resume that is offered to faculty to improve candidates’ letters of recommendation (LOIs), highly important factors in the medical school application process. The C.V. can also be used for the rest of the applicant’s professional career.
  4. Mock interviews. Few people would take the MCAT® without practicing first. But many applicants mistakenly arrive at their medical school interviews unprepared. Being coached by an experienced professional makes an enormous difference in an applicant’s confidence and presentation to the admissions committee.

 

When choosing a medical school admissions consulting company, an applicant should verify the company’s references and research its consultants. Elite companies that offer both the medical focus and a highly experienced consultant who works one-on-one with clients offer a large advantage for medical school applicants, especially during these competitive times.

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Medical technology is that branch of medicine which deals with the technical apparatus associated with the treatment and diagnosis of diseases and medical conditions. Most hospitals and private nursing care facilities have medical equipment which consists of machines and technical devices to detect and monitor any irregularities in a patient’s medical conditions. A Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) is usually hired by hospital to maintain the medical equipment of medical facilities.

Medical equipment may consist of laboratory instruments and devices to analyze the composition of urine, blood, fasces or semen. Medical monitors may be used to predict a patient’s medical state by the measurement of parameters like blood pressure, ECG, EFG as well as gases dissolved in the blood. Diagnostic equipment comprises of medical imaging machines like which are used to help diagnosis of a condition. Such devices include ultrasound, MRI and x-ray machines, and PET and CT scanners. Therapeutic apparatus consists of infusion pumps, medical lasers and LASIK surgery machines. Life support devices are used to sustain the bodily functions of the afflicted in a period of severe medical crisis. These include will consist of apparatus like the following- ventilators, anesthetic machines, heart-lung machines, ECMO, and dialysis machines.

The field of medical equipment is a rapidly advancing one and the frontiers of medical research are steadily expanding to incorporate more and more sophisticated technology. It shows tremendous scope of developing better and improved machines to bolster healthcare and medicine as a science. The X-ray, electrocardiograph, endoscope, ultrasound scan, CT scan and the artificial heart are inventions which have revolutionized medicine quite phenomenally.

Often it is not possible under financial considerations to carry out the long- term treatment of a patient in an official medical facility like a hospital. That is when Home Medical Equipment (HME) comes into play. The patient is taken care of by a family member or any other person not a qualified medical professional in their knowledge of nursing. It is also referred to as Durable Medical Equipment or DME in medical parlance as it is designed to withstand regular and repeated use by the patient or care-giver. Common Home Medical Equipment includes easily visible and recognizable apparatuses and devices like the wheelchair, crutch, diabetic shoes, artificial limb and not so easily visible but essential aids like the nebulizer, nasal cannula, orthosis .Such devices can only be used on a doctor’s recommendation and approval and can only be purchased from a doctor’s prescription. The purchase should be carried out from a pharmacy in the vicinity to ensure 24-hour access to replacement or new purchases should the need arise in the event of an emergency.

Medical equipment supplies are governed by the field of medical logistics. It comprises of the supply and distribution of pharmaceuticals, surgical apparatus, medicines, medical equipment and other devices to doctors, nurses, technicians and laboratory analysts. Following staff costs, medical supplies are the most expensive area of the health care sector which explains the adoption of supply chain management theories to cut down costs.

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There is now a serious rise in medical tourism which can be broadly defined as the provision of cost-effective private medical care in collaboration with the tourism industry. The attractions of being able to have an operation or nose job, spa visit, holistic healing or yoga combined with a sunshine holiday without having to wait in the National Health Service queue is proving a growth industry.

The World Medical Tourism market is estimated at over £10 billion and it is growing at over 35 per cent a year and now around half a million UK medical tourists go abroad each year – and coming back in better condition. It is a fact that medical costs can be halved in continental Europe and halved again in Thailand.

India and Thailand are popular destinations, with Singapore probably in third spot, but it is Thailand which is now making the running. Thailand sees the United Kingdom as an important market for tourism and medical holidays and with its modern hospitals and well-qualified doctors it believes it can make considerable inroads into this market.

Hospitals in places such as Thailand provide first-class care at costs lower than those in UK private hospitals and are often offer a higher quality and the after-care nursing services can be offered at very low cost. These hospitals have no waiting lists and have high levels of cleanliness. And a holiday and recuperating in pleasant surroundings are all part of the package which more and more British people are looking for.

The reputations of hospitals in places like Thailand for their skills and services are at a high level and what the market offers and is able to provide will become more sophisticated and tailored to people’s needs. Any inhibitions there might have been in years gone by about medical treatment abroad have now disappeared with over 205,000 health and wellness holidays, including fitness, mental and physical relaxation, medical treatments, beauty treatments, spa visits, mineral and thermal baths, health farms and surgical recuperation, being taken last year.

Research shows that 1 in 10 British adults would consider having surgery or an operation abroad because it is cheaper and a quarter would be interested in recuperating in a hotel after an illness or operation.

For more information please visit our website at http://www.healthvisionasia.com or email mark@healthvisionasia.com

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Medical bracelets and jewelry

Medical bracelets and jewelry are vital for special medical conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, epilepsy, implants, alzheimers, allergies, special medications and many other special needs. All our products bear the official universal emergency medical alert symbol designed by the American Medical Association in 1963. All are custom engraved with your medical and contact information and all bracelets are engraved on both sides. (tungsten bracelet ,ring,pendant)

Included in our product lines are the gold filled and sterling silver bracelets which are excellent for dress occasions. The Black Hills Gold necklaces and bracelets are stunning 10 and 12 karat jewelry pieces with gold filled engraved inserts which can be updated if your information changes. They are much more beautiful than the photos. Another line is our sturdy combination sterling silver and high polish stainless steel bracelets which give you a classy look for half the price. The beautiful hard fired enameled necklaces are a real bargain. They have a unique feature of easy-to-read backs. And the charms are very popular. Many of our customers do their own beaded bracelets and our sterling and gold filled charms go nicely with their designs.

From what I can gather Swarovski crystals are made from glass using a patented technique which was invented in Austria, basically a special way of cutting the glass. A lot of the beads are simply glass beads which have been cut in this fashion, but you get a huge number of swarovski charms, which essentially inset swarovski small swarovski crystals into charms, normally solid silver, although I think I’ve seen some silver plate ones too.(tungsten bracelet wholesale)

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If you are overweight, you are not alone. In 2007, 2 out of 3 Americans are overweight or obese. As a society, we are becoming increasingly mindful that decreased activity coupled with increased caloric intake and poor nutrition slowly but inevitably overwhelm our bodies’ ability to maintain a healthy weight.

Being overweight or obese puts you at serious risk for developing many obesity related diseases. That’s the bad news. The good news is that reducing your weight dramatically reduces these same risks. For those patients who suffer from these conditions, weight loss can significantly improve or completely correct these conditions.

Insulin Resistance and Diabetes Mellitus
Obesity leads to insulin resistance, a diminished biological response to the hormone insulin. This resistance is characterized by an elevation of circulating insulin, a diminished ability to store glucose, and a propensity to store fat.

In patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, serum glucose levels improve within days after starting a weight loss program. One study showed that the average fasting blood glucose levels in persons with type 2 diabetes decreased from 290 mg/dL to 110 mg/dL in 3 days in response to a very low calorie diet. Medication (oral agents or insulin) can be greatly reduced or eliminated in such cases. Another study reported that, after a 23-kg weight loss (22% of initial body weight), all patients taking oral agents and 82% of patients taking insulin were able to discontinue medication. Similar results were reported with weight losses of 9.3 kg. In general, patients with a 15% reduction in total body weight may consider stopping oral agents. Smaller decreases in total body weight may even cure “pre-diabetes”, a significant cardiovascular risk.

Hypertension
Hypertension improves with weight loss in overweight persons. In patients following Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCD’s), one study reported a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure in 81% of patients and in diastolic pressure in 62% of patients (6). Patients receiving a diet of 800 to 1200 kcal who averaged a weight loss of 10.5 kg showed decreases in both systolic and diastolic pressures of about 20 mm Hg. In about three quarters of these patients, blood pressure returned to normal. Adding an exercise regimen to weight loss led to even greater improvements in blood pressure.

Sleep Apnea
Obesity can be associated with mild to severe respiratory functional impairment. Increasing obesity is associated with decreasing oxygen saturation. Two primary disorders ensue: obesity-hyperventilation syndrome and sleep apnea.

Patients with hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) and sleep apnea improve quickly with weight reduction. For every 1 percent decrease in weight, sleep apnea patients decrease their apnea-hypopnea indices (the amount they stop breathing at night) by 3 percent. In fact, many sleep apnea patients who sleep with CPAP machines are able to stop using their breathing machines at night after weight loss.

A disturbance of ventilation-perfusion (a mismatch in breathing vs. circulation) is common in obese persons. This disturbance can result in heart failure. These conditions also improve with weight loss. With significant weight loss, essentially normal pulmonary function can be achieved and cardiac function can be normalized.

Dyslipidemia
Obesity is often associated with an elevation of serum triglycerides and total cholesterol. The ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol is usually elevated, resulting in an even greater risk of heart attacks and strokes. All of these values generally improve with weight loss. Often, fasting triglyceride levels that may be as high as 1000 to 1500 mg/dL will return to normal levels (<250 mg/dL) with dietary treatment alone. Weight loss has been repeatedly reported to increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. Even rather small weight losses of 5% to 10% of initial weight will have this result.

Metabolic Syndrome
Intra-abdominal fat is metabolically active and associated with serious health risk. Metabolic Syndrome describes a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors which combine to produce a pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic (hypercoagulable) state. This condition leads to vascular diseases that result in heart attacks and strokes and a pro-inflammatory state associated with an increased incidence of a number of cancers. It is estimated that over 50 million Americans are currently at risk, but that less than 5% are diagnosed.

To be classified as having Metabolic Syndrome, one needs 3 out of 5 of the following components: 1. increased intra-abdominal fat defined by a waist circumference greater than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women  2. high blood pressure 3. elevated triglycerides 4. low HDL cholesterol 5. diabetes or pre-diabetes. Abdominal obesity is present in 84% of patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

In summary, fat location matters. Intra-abdominal fat is metabolically active and dangerous and can lead to heart attacks, strokes, cancers, and more. Fortunately, 1st-line treatment for Metabolic Syndrome is weight reduction and increased physical activity. Waist circumference and intra-abdominal fat decrease markedly with the type of weight loss typically experienced by patients at Jumpstart Medicine.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects 5 – 10% of reproductive age women. It occurs in association with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and anovulatory infertility. As noted above, weight loss improves diabetes. Weight loss in PCOS patients can also significantly improve their reproductive potential (fertility).

Degenerative Joint Disease
Low back pain and osteoarthritis of the knee are both more common in obese persons.  Obese women are 4 times more likely and obese men 5 times more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knees. Fortunately, the associated knee pain and disability improve or resolve with weight loss. According to the Framingham Study, an 11 pound weight loss in women decreased their risk for knee osteoarthritis by 50%. The degree of improvement varies with the amount of structural damage but relief can oftentimes be complete with moderate weight loss.

Social Stigmatization and Prejudice
In addition to suffering from health risks, obese individuals also suffer discrimination and decreased competitiveness in our society. Compared to a normal weight counterpart with otherwise equal credentials, an obese person is less likely to be hired for a job and more likely to be paid less if he or she receives the job. Obese individuals are less likely to be admitted to competitive colleges than their otherwise equal normal weight candidates.

Other Benefits
Because the risks attending general surgical procedures are greater in obese patients, it is often beneficial to reduce a patient’s weight before attempting a major elective procedure such as an orthopedic operation, cholecystectomy, or gastric bypass. A 5% to 10% reduction in body weight or a 5-unit change in body mass index (BMI) can reduce the duration of hospitalization and the incidence of postoperative complications.

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Holistic medicine is health care that comprises all the aspects of one’ s personality to obtain the optimum state of wellness. It encompasses the process of looking into the wholeness of the person including nutritional, physical, environmental, spiritual, lifestyle and social values. Holistic medicine includes virtually all treatments and diagnosis known to achieve balance in personality. It upholds the responsibility of educating one’s self to attain the ideal over-all health and well being.

Holistic medicine and Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is commonly associated with holistic medicine. By definition, alternative medicine is the medical techniques that are usually not accepted or practiced by conventional medical practitioners. Most alternative medicines are founded to have rooted on unscientific, untested and untraditional principles. Often, these forms of medicine are closely associated with metaphysical components and anti-scientific stands.

Many of these techniques don’t normally have pharmaceutical values like the acupuncture, herbalism, Reiki, homeopathy and the likes. Yet the alternative medicine may also be used in experimental non-drug and drug techniques that are not yet accepted in the medical circles. The future of alternative medicine holds on the potentiality of transforming the “alternative medicine” into conventional medicine since it is now becoming widely appreciated and practiced by medical doctors. In fact, complementary medicine is the term used for alternative medicine practiced in combination with conventional medicine.

Due to these changes in view of the alternative medicine, holistic medicine has become a more preferable option among those who are quite doubtful of the alternative medicine.

Alternative medicine may appeal to metaphysical beliefs and so does the holistic medicine but on milder and more scientifically based approach. Yet the knowledge applied in holistic medicine still cannot hide the fact that it tends to cling to non-scientific knowledge.

Simply put holistic medicine claims to cure and treat the whole person. Holistic medicine stresses out the unification of the mind and the physical body. Holistic medicine practitioners give credence to the belief the man is not a pure physical body with systems and parts that encompass it. Man is also a spiritual being that requires spiritual healing. Holistic medicine concerns itself to the belief of the connection between the spirit and emotions and mind.

The gap between holistic medicine and alternative medicine is closed by the common practice of not using drug treatments and surgeries. They usually employ meditation, herbs, prayers, vitamins and minerals, as well as exotic diets in treating certain ailments.

Holistic Medicine and Conventional Medicine

Allopathy or conventional medicine defines individual health as the non-occurrence of diseases, which appeals to be a negative approach in defining the condition. Holistic medicine on the other hand concerns itself on a person’s absolute state of physical, social, mental and spiritual well-being.

As based on the definition given (that is commonly used among medical practitioners), orthodox medicine remains to deal with one’s susceptibility to diseases instead of the wellness as opposed by holistic medicine. Based on common observations, conventional medicine typically doesn’t apply to healthy individuals. While holistic medicine focuses on the quality of living practiced by people. Sick people normally don’t seek medical attention not until the symptoms of the disease/s are obvious. Thus, there is too little preventive treatment against sickness.

There are great differences between holistic medicine and the conventional type both in the diagnosis and treatments. Most of which are scientifically based. In oppose to this stand, diagnosis in holistic treatment are conceived through the manifestations of body imbalance. These are determined through certain procedures distinctive only to holistic medicine and other related medicinal practices.

People who have already undergone any of these procedures claim that is not bad trying on or all of these practices. Yet individual preferences still have the hand on what will be accepted as the ideal procedure.

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When you get sick, you go to the doctor. And the doctor will, of course, prescribe medicines. You will go and buy medicines. You take them, and hopefully, you get well. This is how the health profession goes on nowadays a cycle of diagnosis and prescription.If anyone were to give you herbs for medicine, you would probably say that that person was a quack but a few natural herbs can help relieve stress

But nowadays, studies are being conducted to see if there are really is any merit to what is called natural medicine.

Natural medicine is the use of natural methods, herbal medicines, and traditional practices to heal ailments. Every culture has a form of natural medicine. In ancient cultures, village medicine men served as the doctors of the community, passing on medical knowledge to the apprentices that followed them.

Many categories of the healing methods fall under natural medicine. Among these are traditional medicine, complementary medicine, and alternative medicine.

Usually, natural medicine refers to medical practices that were in place before the advent of modern medicine.

This includes herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, which is prevalent in Chinese, Ayurvedic(or Indian), and Greek medicine.

Upon the advent of modern medicine, many professionals discarded the use of herbs in favor of man-made medicine. The fact that these treatments are based on the healing properties of some herbs was forgotten.

For example, opium, digitalis, quinine, and aspirin all have their roots in traditional medicine.

Natural medicine can be considered as a lost art. This does not mean that it has lost efficacy over time. In some cases, natural therapy is actually better than modern medicine. This leads some doctors to seriously consider and study the possible uses of natural medicine

Before we continue, it is important to stress that not all the natural remedies are legitimate. It would help to only try those remedies which have been thoroughly studied and are relatively risk free.

Take herbal medicine for example. There are many well-documented and studied herbal remedies available. However, only those that deal with minor ailments such as cough, colds, fever, skin rashes, and its ilk are likely to be recommended by health professionals. These remedies are sometimes superior to synthetic medicine. This is because herbal medicines are less likely to cause negative side effects.

Currently there are numerous organizations that study the effects and advocacy of natural medicine among which is herbal medicine. Some governments and health agencies openly advocate the use of natural methods since they are inexpensive and relatively risk-free.

As their studies compile, more herbs and treatments are added to the list of accepted medicines. However, many herbs and treatments have been proven to be bogus medicine. This represents a challenge for both the user and the agencies because they have to ascertain that the treatments they either use or advocate are legitimate.

There exist today many alternative medical treatments that fall under natural medicine. However, not all of them have been proven to be effective. You could mention homeopathy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and other alternative medical treatments. It would pay to consult the experts as to the legitimacy of these treatments.

Natural medicine should also be thought of as an accompanying medicine. Right now, the current collective medical thought suggests that natural medicine be used only to supplement accepted modern medical practices. In that case of minor ailments your expert we actually advise you to take natural therapies instead.

The practice of modern medicine revolves around diagnosing an illness and prescribing treatments for such. Natural medicine is helpful because it suggests that treatment be not necessarily given only when sick. Natural medicine strives to make each patient practice good health habits. These habits include good diet, healthy living, and the regular natural treatment.

It is this same line of thought that leads our parents to tell us to eat our vegetables. Yes, a healthy lifestyle and will do no harm to our well-being. And this is the foundation of natural medicine,may it be massage, herbal medicine, aromatherapy or others.

It is funny but true that science, in its quest for excellence, is studying the knowledge of sages past. This, surprisingly, leads us back to the remedies nature offers. The possibilities of finding remedies to everyday illnesses in natural medicine are encouraging. So staying tuned to studying these remedies is worthwhile until we can verify that these therapies are truly helpful to our health and our society.

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The history of alternative medicine is a rather interesting one, and has its
origins in traditional methods of medicine. Alternative medicine has been
in existence since time immemorial. Being a primeval science, this medicinal
system has been known to man since the early days of his time on Earth. Using
natural ingredients to prevent and cure most illnesses has perhaps been man’s greatest foray into medical science. Traditional medical practitioners aimed at prevention of diseases associated with an increase in resistance of the human body. As an expert rightly pointed out, “The study of the history of alternative medicine is fascinating on a variety of levels, not just concerning other and often better ways of preserving and restoring health.”

 

Practised for thousands of years, alternative medicine includes systems like
Acupuncture, Ayurveda and traditional Asian medicine. Alternative medicine branches
out from the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments and
therapies. CAM is often combined with formal, conventional medicine, integrating
both medical practices, in order to give the best results to patients. It can be said that
the earlier methods of medicine were attempted at achieving a balance between bodily
and natural energy. Energies were sought as positive and negative energies, where
positive energies were to bring in happiness and health and negative energies an
incapacitation of resistance to face any ailments. Matters of utmost importance in
deciding therapies or treatments in these earlier medical systems were factors like
one’s lifestyle, one’s habits of eating and one’s occupational pressures.

 

The earliest use of traditional remedies dates back to 2800 BC in China.
Practised all over the world in more than a hundred disciplines, alternative medicine
has aided medical tourism in an unprecedented manner. Using alternative medicine
and following alternative medical practices not only removes any possible additional
affects of the illness but also increases the resilience of the body. It is generally
claimed that natural remedies are not only less inimical to human physiology
but they also help in retaining body pliancy. Systems of natural, traditional
medicines use a combination of ingredients to restore the bodily constituents. In
fact, natural remedies are considered more as food, given their natural constituents.
Since alternative medicine is based on completely natural methods and there is
no usage of any chemicals, there is no danger of any interference with the organic
system. A holistic approach as opposed to looking at a set of symptoms and a
treatment that delves into the root-cause of an illness are some of the distinct and
highly acknowledged features of alternative medicine. It is also opined that
widespread use of modern medicine has deteriorated the immune system in the
human physiology and has resulted in these modern medicines becoming less
effective. It is also often said that alternative medicine is the only way to cure
some incurable diseases.

 

A Brief History of Alternative Medicine

The history of alternative medicine can be traced back to some 5000 years, when the Chinese and Indians discovered traditional and Ayurvedic therapies to heal the body and the mind. The real objective was to identify the deterrents in the body system which caused ailments, and
strengthened the body’s immunity. The therapies mainly incorporated self-care, lifestyle
changes and various preventive measures. The normal practices that were followed in the early stages of the history of alternative medicine include the extractions of the bark of willow trees. Many kitchen ingredients were also used for treating patients. The treatments were considered as the blessings of God, as it brought immense relief to the writhing bodies and prayer was considered as one of the strongest weapons in waging war against ailments.
Source: “A Brief History of Alternative Medicine”, http://www.med-help.net/med-history-of-alternativemedicine.
html

 

Alternative Medicine and Medical Tourism

Today, alternative medicine holds out immense potential in attracting medical
tourists. For example, India is likely to become a major hub for medical tourism,
with revenues from the industry estimated to grow from US$333 million in 2007
to US$2.2 billion by 2012, says a study by the Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII) and McKinsey.3 The major competitive advantages that India faces are cost
effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
The world has witnessed the development of many traditional as well as modern
systems of medicine in the 20th century. Path-breaking discoveries like penicillin,
technological advancements in modern surgery, major research advancement in stem
cell research and genetic structure, and the development of traditional medical systems
like traditional Chinese system of medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Homeopathy,
Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and others have all been a part of developments in the
omnipotent territory of global medicine. The major competitive advantages that India
has are cost effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
The last few years have seen countries with their own individual expertise attracting
tourists from all over the world and promoting medical tourism like never before.

India

In India, medical tourism in alternative medicine has its ancestry in South India
and some places in North-Eastern India. Internationally famed for its natural remedies and therapies, Kerala’s schools of medicine have embraced Siddha,
Naturopathy and Ayurveda in treating their patients. These traditional medical
practices are estimated to attract high-end medical tourists from Europe and
Middle Eastern countries. The vital advantages that a country like India faces
with regard to medical tourism are its traditional therapies like yoga and Ayurveda
combined with tourist attractions in states like Kerala and north-eastern states.
Naturopathy, a therapeutic system based on natural remedies, trusts natural
elements like air, water and sunlight, combined with therapeutic massages and
conditioning and toning of the human body. Naturopathy believes that the human
body has the capacity to heal on its own, provided it is in a healthy environment.
With a holistic approach to well-being, Naturopathy believes that the three
physical entities – the physical body, the supernatural soul and the mind – must
be integrated through natural energies. “A recent survey shows that 76% of global
drugs are consumed by USA and European countries. We believe that freedom
from diseases and drugs can only be achieved by living a natural life style.”4
Ayurveda, the most ancient health care system, takes its ingredients from nature.
The use of herbs, materials like gold and mercury and many household ingredients
make this science easily accessible to common man. Ayurveda claims to cure diseases
like diabetes with the aid of nature. The Siddha medical system, which is a part of
Ayurveda, employs herbs, minerals and advanced scientific techniques under ancient
principles of medical science to cure many chronic diseases. It is named as one of
the most complicated and intricate forms of medicine. Siddha considers nature
and man as one essential entity. It claims that physiological characteristics like
human aging can itself be arrested with natural remedies.

Naturopathy has evolved medical tourism in India in more than one ways.
With its systems of medication using all natural ingredients to restore the holistic
disease-fighting nature of the human body, the medicine has created increased
chances of its own survival through tourists from all parts of the world visiting
India to reap its benefits. As Vitthal Kamat of the Kamat Group of Hotels says,
“With Naturopathy and Ayurveda along with the world renowned tourist attractions
and heritage places, the tourism sector can grow in leaps and bounds.”5 Naturopathy
in “KayaKalp”, a naturopathy centre in Himachal Pradesh, run by the Vivekananda Medical Research Trust in India has served medical tourists in detoxifying, immunizing and rejuvenating through Yoga, Pranayama, Panchkarma, Meditation and Naturopathy. Its therapies are claimed to be drug-less and extremely natural. Naturopathy takes the help of Ayurvedic preparations for healing processes like Panchkarma and improvement of blood circulation.

India’s pioneer in alternative therapy – medical tourism, Kerala, has visitors
from all over the world in the months of June, July and August. These months are
looked upon as the best period for cure of bodily ailments through Ayurveda.
High quality medical facilities provided at low prices are the main tourist attraction
in Kerala. Mr. M Narayanan, head of Poovar Island Resort says that there are
tourists from countries like Australia, Europe and Germany. The packages offered
in these Ayurvedic spas include services like Ayurvedic oil massages, powder
massages, vegetarian diets, detoxification programs and a lifestyle change. In fact
it is little known that Ayurveda includes not just massages, but a whole gamut of
services like herbal and natural diet plans, natural healing therapies, and therefore
a full-fledged medical system.

Ayurveda Gram, a unique Ayurvedic Institution in Bangalore offers Ayurveda
in its wellness form to medical tourists. It offers services like Customized Yoga,
Pranayama, Meditation, and a vegetarian diet to boost metabolism. Its sprawling
campus full of medicinal herbs and natural surrounds helps in the processes of
cure for specific ailments like Arthiritis, Spondilytis, Cholesterol, Sinusitis, Peptic
Ulcer and Obesity. Other therapies by Ayurveda Gram include Stress Management
therapies, Panchkarma and rejuvenation therapies.

AYUSH, the department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha
and Homeopathy was formed under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act,
1970. One of the most recent awareness activities undertaken by AYUSH was a
health fair organized in parts of Hyderabad, Chennai, Indore and New Delhi.
AYUSH ensured that the major Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha manufacturers in
India participated in this health fair.

Another famous Ayurvedic centre in India is the C V N Kalari Centre for
Ayurveda. Kalari is one of the approved Ayurvedic centres recognized by the
Kerala Tourism Department.6 Kalari has its customers from many foreign countries. The centre specializes in Marma Chikitsa (the application of pressure on specific
nerve points) and other special practices of healing. Having both therapeutic and
rejuvenative aspects in them, these specialized healing procedures take extensive help
of Ayurveda to treat the ailing.
Some Ayurvedic resorts have formulated Ayurvedic kitchens that help improve
the effectiveness of oil treatments. Diet regimens, detoxification programs and other
processes that give a glowing skin to the customer are very popular. Some of these
Ayurvedic resorts also arrange for cooking classes to help their customers acquire
and maintain the lifestyle that they are introduced to in these spas and resorts.
Ananda, an Ayurvedic Spa in the Himalayas is one of the most famous destination
resorts in India. It offers specialty Ayurvedic packages like Aroma therapy massages,
reflexology programs for rejuvenation, stress release programs, personalized Yoga
sessions, body composition analysis and weight reduction programs through Yoga
and Ayurveda. Ananda claims that its packages and therapies cure many ailments
like headaches, nausea, climatic disorders, facial paralysis, insomnia, asthma, neuralgia
and does general improvement of metabolism.

China

The 3000 year-old method of traditional medicine in China has gained popularity
as the world’s most popular medicine, being used by more than a quarter of the
world in treating even chronic diseases like cancer, AIDS, allergies and heart diseases.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses medicinal herbs, therapeutic exercises
and acupuncture to cure ailments. TCM diagnoses illnesses based on the five elements
theory and the yin-yang theory. The five elements theory base their evaluation on the
five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water to establish a connection between
human physiology and pathology and the natural environment.7 The movement of
these five elements constantly rules the functioning of the human body and thus
establishes the interdependence of both.

The yin-yang theory calls for comprehending the bright and dark sides of
the universe, in other words, the opposite properties of the universe.8 The relative
nature of yin and yang represents the interrelationship between substance and function. As traditional chinese medical practitioners say “Only with ample
substance can the human body function in a healthy way; and only when the
functional processes are in good condition, can the essential substances be
appropriately refreshed.”

Chinese herbal medicine is more known as Chinese materia medica. This includes
Chinese crude medicine, prepared drugs in pieces, traditional Chinese patented
medicines and simplified Chinese medicinal preparations. Chinese herbology, a major
aspect of TCM addresses the art of combining medicinal herbs.10 It visualizes the
entire human body’s balance of energies and spirit to treat a medical condition.
Herbs are combined into different potions of various characteristics for the sake of
different individuals being treated by TCM practitioners. Herbs like Astragalus,
Ginkgo, Ginger, Green Tea, Siberian Ginseng and Garlic are used to treat several
ailments. Around 300 mineral and animal extracts and 400 formulae are used to
cure diseases, in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture, as part of TCM is used to unblock the flow of vital energy through
the human body.11 One of the oldest healing techniques in the world, this traditional
method aims at “restoring health through simulation of specific points on the body.”12
Ailments like nausea, addictions and some kinds of pains are claimed to be treated
with the help of acupuncture.

Taking advantage of its abundant human resources, China is luring medical tourists
into its web of alternative medical therapies. Wellness packages in China come at
low costs and without any side-effects, thanks to proliferated Traditional Chinese
Medicine. Several massages and spas have been set up in recent times that provide
mental health and physical well-being to medical tourists with the help of Chinese
medicinal herbs. Wellness apartments are established for the purpose of serving
senior medical tourists. These wellness apartments facilitate these tourists in
practising their own hobbies and also conducting medical activities like Taiji.

Germany

Germany’s alternative medical practices have their origins in Homeopathy, a
medical system that was developed by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician.
Homeopathy considers symptoms as disturbances of vital forces that have
connection with the human body. Homeopathic advocators believe that this
medical system has the ability to cure acute diseases like flu, cold, pains, depression
and fatigue, constipation, irritability other than chronic diseases. It is claimed to
cure allergies and allergic disorders like Eczema and Asthma. Moreover, this
medical system is child friendly, in the sense, that the medication given by
homeopaths is sweet to the tooth and therefore acceptable. Homeopaths are known
for debonair and their hands free treatment of patients. They concentrate more
on the patient’s state of mind and attitude towards life. The preparation of different
potions in Homeopathy is done mostly with the help of herbs, minerals and
animal extracts. Also, it is often reasoned that since the dosage that homeopaths
prescribe is in such minute constitutions and because they come in dilutions of
substances like water and alcohol there is no chance of any side-effects.
Germany also stands famous for its herbal remedies. Regulated by Commission
E14 on the purity and pharmaceutical activity, these herbal medicines in Germany
have come a long way in preventing and curing many diseases like cancer, AIDS and
other serious ailments. Most physicians in Germany are required to be educated in
Alternative therapies, so that it serves complimentary to modern medical treatments.
As Mark Blumenthal, chairman of the American Botanical Council points out, “Most
of the clinical research that’s conducted on the leading herbal medicines in the United
States comes from Germany.”15

With more than 300 spa towns, Germany has become the premier destination
for health and wellness in Europe.16 One of the most famous resorts in Germany
is the Baltic Spa Resort in Warnemunde. Situated on the shore of the Baltic Sea,
it idealizes the sea as a “homeopathic pharmacy” and claims that “it contains all
important trace elements and has a similar composition to human blood”17 Sea water is said to have revitalizing effects in treating bodily ailments like respiratory
illnesses, sleep disorders and obesity. Other than these, mental disorders like
depression, anxiety and agony are claimed to be cured with the help of the sea.
Sea breeze is said to be specifically effective in treating cardio-vascular as well as
dermatological conditions. Major advantages that Germany faces are in terms of
both cost and quality. As Axel Steller, the CEO of the Arab German Health
Foundation points out, “In the US, operations are four to five times more expensive
as they are in Germany”.

Japan

Japanese medicine is known as Kanpo or Kampo, a herbal medicine that forms part
of well-researched modern clinical methods and also traditional methods of
medicine. A Japanese variant of the traditional Chinese medicine or the Oriental
medicine, Kanpo adheres to the body’s natural instincts and natural mechanism
of healing. For this purpose, medical treatment involves diagnosis of the tongue,
abdomen and pulse. At each stage of the treatment, different formulae that are
necessary to bring the body back to normalcy, are prepared by the physician.
These herbal medicines are regulated by the Japanese Government. Kanpo
medicine is used to cure many acute and chronic ailments like cardio-vascular,
respiratory, digestive, reproductive and dermatological conditions and immune
system corrections and even disorders like bedwetting, high cholesterol and
hepatitis. Though Kanpo therapies take longer than usual to work, this medical
system uses some very natural diagnosis and treatment methods and concepts
like water, blood and air to identify bodily symptoms. Also, it is claimed that
these herbal medicines produce no side-effects because of their natural
compositions. Japanese therapists of Anma visit countries like India and Singapore
to help in promotion of health tourism. Anma, a traditional Japanese massage, is
said to be a complete form of Shiastu19 that treats the body to release blood flow
in a proper manner to rejuvenate the body.

Apart from attracting tourists for its natural herbal medical treatments, Medical
tourism in Japan has become popular thanks to its volcanic areas that have allowed
the formation of some hot mineral water springs called Onsen. Japanese Onsen serve as places where the ailing can get alternative treatments to modern medical
practices. These have medicinal properties that heal wounds, alleviate pains and
replenish energy levels. Senior tourists and people suffering from many kinds of
aches and pains come flocking to these mineral water springs. The healing
properties of these springs are accentuated by the surrounding volcanic soil that
is composed of many minerals and curative elements.

Outlook of Medical Tourism in Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is here to stay, claim some traditional medical practitioners.
Given its perceived advantages over the modern medical techniques and the expensive
western medicines, alternative medical therapy is gaining ground in many developing
as well as developed countries. Practices like Ayurveda and Homeopathy claim that
surgery may always be the last option in case of treatment of an ailment. Natural
medicines like herbs and minerals can all be partaken as food and not medicines as
such, since their composition is all natural. Alternative medicine is used in conjunction
with modern medicine to treat many chronic ailments like diabetes and AIDS. This
helps modern medical practitioners to evolve a closer relationship with the patient
and cure him to a greater extent, thus giving him a new perspective to life. It follows
that one should never overlook the disposition of the traditional cures suggested by
our ancestors. These provide a standpoint from where one can comprehend the
profundity of traditional and alternative medicine, and gauge the tremendous potential
of alternative medicine in medical tourism.

Please seek author’s permission for reprint. Send a reprint request to kirrti82@gmail.com.

References
1. www.hinduonnet.com
2. “Kerala”, www.takekerala.com
3. “Prospects of Medical Tourism in India”, www.mpiweb.org
4. “Medical Tourism push for Penang and Langkawi”, http://thestar.com.my
5. www.wikipedia.com

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