Health Journal Online

Category: Diseases & Conditions

Foreigners in Vietnam Prioritise Doctor Expertise When Choosing Healthcare, Survey Finds

When selecting healthcare services in Vietnam, foreign residents prioritize the expertise of medical professionals, according to findings from a newly released survey.

The survey by Indochina Research Vietnam Ltd. highlights key insights into the healthcare preferences of foreigners living in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Can Tho. Vinmec, a leading private hospital chain in Vietnam, leads in brand awareness, with most respondents identifying it as their preferred healthcare provider.

“This first survey serves as a valuable resource for healthcare institutions in Vietnam, offering them critical data on the needs, expectations, and feedback on past experiences of foreign residents in healthcare facilities in four key cities.” said Xavier Depouilly, General Director of Indochina Research Vietnam.

The survey was conducted over two months in early 2025 across key urban districts in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Can Tho. Using a mix of face-to-face and online surveys, the research gathered insights from foreign nationals aged 18 and above who had used or been aware of medical facilities in Vietnam.

In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, participants needed three months’ residency in Vietnam and intent to stay six more. In Da Nang and Can Tho, respondents were required to have lived in Vietnam for at least one month, with plans to stay for a further six months.

According to the study, 80% of respondents in Hanoi, 71% in Ho Chi Minh City, and 78% in Da Nang are familiar with Vinmec’s services, placing the hospital at the top of awareness charts across all surveyed cities. Family Medical Practice, Hanoi French Hospital, and FV Hospital are other top healthcare facilities identified in the survey.

Vinmec, a leading private hospital chain in Vietnam, leads in brand awareness amongst foreigners living in Vietnam as their preferred healthcare provider.
PHOTO BY VINMEC

Among factors influencing healthcare choices, foreigners in Vietnam prioritize doctors’ expertise (53%), followed by the availability of advanced medical equipment (48%) and the quality of patient care or empathy (40%). These preferences remain consistent across cities, although location-specific preferences are evident.

Within the last two years, 88% of expatriates have engaged with healthcare facilities in Vietnam, predominantly for individual health concerns. Services most often sought include routine health assessments (48%), dental treatments (39%), and standard medical advice (38%). On the other hand, cosmetic enhancements and mental health support are rarely utilized or relied upon, with a mere 3% participation rate.

Looking ahead, 87% of respondents plan to use medical services in Vietnam within the next 6-12 months. Dental care (59%) and health check-ups (58%) are the most anticipated services.

For adult treatments, Vinmec is consistently ranked as the top choice across all regions. Meanwhile, when it comes to pediatric care, Family Medical Practice takes the lead.

For emergency care, preferences vary by city. Vinmec and the FV Hospital are top picks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City respectively. Vinmec is the first choice in Danang, while foreigners in Can Tho prefer the Can Tho University of Medicine as their top option.

As Vietnam continues to grow as a hub for international business and medical tourism, understanding the healthcare preferences of foreign residents is crucial.
Xavier emphasized: “We hope these findings will contribute to improving the quality and breadth of healthcare services for expatriates and their families and, in turn, foster the development of medical services in Vietnam.”

Source link

March 24, 2025
‘Healthy’ Woman With Terminal Colon Cancer Warns Of Unexpected Symptom

A 57-year-old special education teacher from England deemed “fit and healthy” by those around her is now advised to receive end-of-life care after being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. What makes her story even more alarming is that her only warning sign was an unusual symptom most people would not associate with cancer.

Though the heartbreaking diagnosis came as a sudden blow to Karen Kennerley from Lancashire, England, she is determined to fight the disease and raise awareness among people about little-known signs of colon cancer.

Colon cancer typically presents with digestive changes like persistent diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or bloating. But Kennerley did not have any of these signs. All that she felt before her devastating diagnosis was a symptom that had nothing to do with her gut.

“The scary thing is, I had no symptoms apart from a bit of fatigue,” she said. However, the mother of three who worked at a small school for special education kids thought it was just exhaustion from the work.

“I went to my GP, who ran some blood tests, and referred me for a FIT test and then I was referred for a colonoscopy in January 2023. Everyone was telling me I was fit and healthy, that there was nothing to worry about but they were doing the tests to rule things out,” she recollected.

During a routine colonoscopy, doctors found a seemingly harmless tumor, but their suspicions grew, and a biopsy soon confirmed the worst: it was cancerous. In June 2023, she underwent surgery to remove the tumor along with part of her large intestine, followed by eight grueling rounds of chemotherapy.

Though her cancer was initially believed to be in remission, she was hospitalized in March 2024 with suspected appendicitis. However, scans revealed a devastating turn, her cancer had progressed to stage 4 and spread to the ovaries. The medics then advised her to receive palliative cancer treatments offered through the NHS.

However, Kennerley is now determined to fight as she hopes to receive cancer treatments in Germany that promise her the best chance of survival. She is raising money to fund her treatment.

“People with stage four cancer feel totally abandoned, I want to change that, not only for me but for everyone else going through this,” she added.

Source link

March 23, 2025
Craving Sweets? It Could Signal Dangerous Health Condition, Doctor Warns

Craving for a sweet treat after a meal, or a candy when you feel low may seem a totally harmless routine. But a doctor now warns that frequent sugar cravings could be more than just a habit; they might signal an underlying health condition that could have serious consequences if left unchecked.

According to Dr. Crystal Wyllie, a GP and online practitioner from the U.K., uncontrollable cravings are not just a desire for certain foods; they could be the body’s way of signaling an underlying health issue.

“Cravings are often your body’s way of telling you something. While most are psychological or habit-driven, unusual cravings, like a strong desire to eat ice, chalk or even ash, can signal deeper health issues, from iron deficiency to hormonal imbalances,” she said, as reported by Birmingham Live.

Dr. Wyllie specifically highlighted sugar cravings as a potential warning sign. “If you often crave sugary foods like cakes, biscuits, or white bread, it could indicate unbalanced blood sugar levels,” she explained. “This might be a sign of insulin resistance or even early type 2 diabetes.”

Sugar cravings in individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance often stem from rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar drops too quickly, either due to the body’s inability to regulate glucose properly or as a result of an insulin spike, it signals the brain to seek a quick energy boost and this triggers cravings for sugary foods. However. Dr. Wyllie warns that this can ultimately lead to a cycle of sugar spikes and crashes.

“Giving in to these cravings too often can make it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar over time. This can lead to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells no longer respond properly to the hormone that controls blood sugar. If this continues, it can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” warned Dr Wyllie.

When a person has diabetes, their body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels effectively, which can lead to long-term health complications if left unmanaged. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Uncontrolled diabetes can also cause vision problems, including diabetic retinopathy, which may lead to blindness.

Source link

March 22, 2025
How the HeadaTerm 2 Provides Drug-Free, Effective Relief
Migraines are more than just a bad headache—they’re a full-body disruption that can leave you sidelined for hours or even days. If you’ve ever felt the throbbing pain, the sensitivity to light and sound, or the overwhelming nausea that comes with a migraine, you know just how debilitating they can be.

For many, finding relief is a frustrating cycle of trial and error with medications, lifestyle changes, and remedies that don’t consistently deliver. But what if there was a way to manage migraines effectively without relying solely on pills? Enter the HeadaTerm 2 Migraine Headache Relief Device—a sleek, non-invasive solution designed to help you take control of your migraines and your life.

A Prescription-Free, Clinically Proven Solution

The HeadaTerm 2–a new generation migraine relief device developed by Canadian company WAT Medical–is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) device, making it a safe and accessible option without the need for a prescription. Supported by clinical studies published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, this device has been recognised by authoritative medical bodies, including the American Medical Forum (AMF), reinforcing its credibility and effectiveness. Additionally, it qualifies for FSA/HSA payment, making it an affordable choice for many migraine sufferers.

How HeadaTerm 2 Works–And Why It Stands Out

The HeadaTerm 2 is all about precision and innovation. Delivering controlled electrical impulses to the trigeminal nerves on your forehead stimulates the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers. This approach directly targets the root causes of migraine pain, making it a powerful alternative to medication. Best of all, it’s safe, clinically tested, and free from the side effects often associated with oral treatments. Unlike traditional painkillers that may cause drowsiness, nausea, or dependency, HeadaTerm 2 provides a natural, side-effect-free way to manage migraines.

When it comes to migraine relief, the HeadaTerm 2 excels in three key areas:
- Relieving Acute Symptoms: Need fast relief? The HeadaTerm 2 is 58% effective in significantly reducing migraine intensity, helping you regain control over your day.
- Reducing Migraine Pain: With an 86% success rate in lowering pain levels, it’s ideal for those who struggle with the debilitating effects of migraines.
- Preventing Future Attacks: The device can reduce migraine occurrence by up to 64%, offering long-term relief and a more manageable future.
Studies published in Emergency Medicine show that the HeadaTerm 2 is 35% more effective than traditional oral medications, making it a game-changer in migraine management.

Customised Relief for Every Migraine Sufferer

Every migraine is different, and the HeadaTerm 2 adapts to your needs with nine adjustable stimulation levels, allowing for a personalised treatment experience. Whether you’re dealing with a mild headache or a severe migraine, you can fine-tune the intensity to suit your pain threshold. For particularly tough days, you can manually start another session after the device completes its standard cycle.

The HeadaTerm 2 is also designed with comfort in mind. Made from hypoallergenic medical-grade silicone and featuring advanced conductive gel, it sits gently on your forehead, weighing just 0.0198 pounds—so lightweight, you might forget you’re wearing it!

Portable, Rechargeable, and Always Ready

Portability is a major advantage of the HeadaTerm 2. Its compact design and included storage box make it easy to carry wherever you go—whether to work, on a trip, or during a day out. The rechargeable battery provides up to 5 standard treatment sessions per charge, ensuring you’re always prepared when a migraine strikes.

Clinically Proven and Approved

When it comes to your health, trust and safety are essential. The HeadaTerm 2 is clinically proven and approved for OTC use, offering a non-invasive, prescription-free solution that integrates seamlessly into your daily routine. With clinical backing and endorsements from reputable medical institutions, it’s a migraine relief option you can rely on. Moreover, many users report feeling significant relief within the first 30 minutes of use. One satisfied user shared: ‘I used to rely on painkillers, but with HeadaTerm 2, my migraines have become much more manageable.’

Take Back Control with HeadaTerm 2

The HeadaTerm 2 isn’t just a device—it’s a tool for empowerment. It provides fast, effective relief without the hassle of traditional treatments, helping you regain control over your life. Whether you’re battling an acute attack, managing ongoing pain, or looking to prevent migraines altogether, this device has you covered.

Living with migraines is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. The HeadaTerm 2 offers a safe, customisable, and portable solution to one of life’s most frustrating challenges. Why settle for anything less when you have drug-free migraine relief at your fingertips? It’s time to tame the pain and take back your days, one session at a time.
Source link
March 21, 2025
Anti-Vaxx Mom Whose Daughter Died From Measles Says Disease ‘Wasn’t That Bad’

The parents of an unvaccinated Texas child who died from measles appeared in a video formulated by an anti-vaccine advocacy group where they railed against vaccines, even saying the disease “wasn’t that bad.’

A 6-year-old Texan died after contracting measles last month, marking the first death of a child in the U.S. caused by the highly contagious illness in nearly a decade.

Following her death, the anti-vaccine advocacy group Children’s Health Defense met with the child’s parents, whose four other children also suffered from milder cases of the same illness, as reported by Mother Jones.

During the interview, the young couple doubled down on their decision not to vaccinate their child even after her death. Hailing from the Mennonite community, they argued that if measles patients had access to untested treatments, the MMR vaccines would be entirely unnecessary.

“We spent the morning at Dr. Ben Edwards’ clinic, and the parents are all still sitting there saying they would rather have this than the MMR vaccination because they’ve seen so much injury, which we have as well,” journalist Polly Tommey said while interviewing the couple. “Do you still feel the same way about the MMR vaccine versus measles and the proper treatment with Dr. Ben Edwards?”

“Absolutely [do] not take the MMR [vaccine],” said the mother. “The measles wasn’t that bad. [The other children] got over it pretty quickly. And Dr. Edwards was there for us.”

The parents described the symptoms of the illness their child exhibited, beginning with a fever, respiratory symptoms and the notorious rash that often accompanies it. However, days after contracting the illness, the child’s fever continued and respiratory symptoms worsened as she began struggling to breathe.

The girl’s parents took her to a hospital emergency room where she was admitted and diagnosed with pneumonia. After being placed on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit, the child passed away.

The measles outbreak in Texas has spurred many public and political figures to take to their platforms and encourage residents to get vaccinated and vaccinate their children. This includes Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who previously promoted anti-vaccine views.

RFK Jr. published an op-ed in Fox Digital earlier this month acknowledging that the decision to vaccinate is a “personal one”, but encouraging people to vaccinate to mitigate the spread of the disease regardless.

“Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons,” he wrote earlier this month.

Originally published by Latin Times.

Source link

March 20, 2025
3 Medications You Can’t Stop Suddenly; One Is Taken By Millions

It’s not always easy to stop certain medications once you have started them. Abruptly discontinuing some common drugs can lead to worse conditions than before, or even trigger serious withdrawal symptoms, warns a doctor about three common drugs, one of which is taken by millions of people.

Dr. Asif Ahmed, a GP in the U.K., took to Instagram to raise awareness about “disease rebounding,” a condition where relapse occurs when certain medications are stopped abruptly.

In a recent video, he highlighted three common medications that are hardest to come off once you start them. He also explained why they need to be tapered off slowly to avoid serious side effects, dependencies, and complications.

“Please don’t suddenly stop or change any of your medications if you’re on them. There may be a reason why you need them long-term. However, if you’re worried about any side effects or rebound withdrawal, please make sure you mention it to your doctor,” Dr. Ahmed said in the video.

The first medication on Dr. Ahmed’s list is venlafaxine, an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) commonly prescribed as an antidepressant. While it can be highly effective for many, Dr. Ahmed warns that it may cause serious side effects when discontinued abruptly.

“From my experience, it is one of the hardest medications to come off, which is why, despite its effectiveness, it is rarely given as a first-line treatment,” he explained in the video.

The next drug Dr. Ahmed warns of is benzodiazepines, a class of medications often prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. While effective in the short term, these medications can lead to dependencies quickly and can have dangerous withdrawal effects when stopped suddenly.

One of the most surprising medications Dr. Ahmed points out is PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), commonly used for acid reflux, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole. Taken by millions, these drugs are widely prescribed, but Dr. Ahmed warns that they are “given far too often,” with many people unaware of the rebound symptoms they can cause when stopped abruptly.

“Say you get started on this for your heartburn or your reflux, when you start coming off it your stomach actually reacts by producing more acid which makes the reflux even worse and heartburn worse. This means it’s very hard for you to actually come off the medication,” Dr. Ahmed said.

“The crazy thing is the rebound is often worse than your initial symptom before you started the PPI. Everyone needs to be told about this before they start the medication,” he added.

Source link

March 19, 2025
Insomnia In Elderly? Here’s Best Exercise For Better Sleep

Regular physical activity is widely known for its benefits to overall health, but what about its impact on sleep? While exercise plays a crucial role in promoting better rest, not all types of exercise are equal when it comes to combating insomnia. New research has revealed that specific exercises can significantly reduce the risk of insomnia in older adults.

The latest study, published in the journal Family Medicine and Community Health, evaluated five different types of physical activity and found that while combination and aerobic exercises are effective in improving sleep quality, resistance training works best for combating insomnia in older adults.

The researchers pooled data from 25 trials involving more than 2,000 older adults, with an average age of 70. The researchers assessed how five different types of exercises impacted participants’ sleep quality, measured by the Global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (GPSQI).

The exercises examined included aerobic activities like brisk walking and swimming, which elevate the heart rate; combination exercises such as yoga, which blend flexibility and relaxation; balance exercises like standing on one leg, which improves stability; flexibility workouts like gymnastics, which enhance mobility; and strength training, including weightlifting, which builds muscle.

Researchers noted that while aerobic exercise improved sleep by 3.76 points on the GPSQI scale, combination exercises contributed to a 2.54-point improvement. However, the most notable results came from strength and resistance training, which showed the greatest improvement in sleep, enhancing the GPSQI by 5.75 points.

Further analysis revealed that strength training had a Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curve (SUCRA) value of 94.6%, indicating it was the most effective exercise for improving sleep quality among all the options tested.

“This study shows that exercise, particularly strengthening exercise and aerobic exercise, is beneficial for enhancing subjective sleep quality at a clinically significant level compared with normal activities, which is consistent with previous studies,” the researchers wrote.

“Nevertheless, caution should be applied when interpreting this study because of the diverse exercise characteristics, the small number of studies, and the high risk of bias among studies,” they added.

The researchers also noted that the intensity of some exercises might pose challenges for older adults with limited physical abilities. This means that while certain exercises are highly beneficial, modifications or lower-intensity options may be necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness for all individuals.

Source link

March 18, 2025
‘Don’t Push Too Hard,’ Warns Coach After Neck Artery Tear From Squats Trigger Strokes

Gym enthusiasts who pride themselves on pushing their limits for the perfect lift should take a moment to listen to the cautionary note of a gym instructor who suffered strokes after tearing her neck artery during squats.

The 33-year-old fitness coach Bridgette Salatin from Ohio is still dealing with memory issues two years after the catastrophic stroke. Now easing back into her gym routine with lighter weights, she warns others: “Don’t push yourself too hard.”

Salatin remembers the moment it happened; she was midway through a 70kg barbell squat when she suddenly felt dizzy, followed by a “really bad” headache. She had not eaten or slept enough the night before and had pushed her limits, holding her breath before lifting the weight.

“When I woke up that day, I had a pain in my neck but I thought I’d probably just slept on it funny. I was squatting and I had a barbell on my back. I started to get a really bad headache,” Salatin said.

The sharp pain shot from her shoulders to her right temple before she collapsed to the ground. Later, she learned the intense strain had torn an artery in her neck, triggering three mini-strokes.

Doctors also diagnosed Salatin with occipital neuralgia, a painful neurological condition caused by injury or inflammation of the occipital nerves, which run through the scalp. The condition can result from pinched nerves, muscle tightness in the neck, or a head or neck injury.

“They did a few scans on me and they said ‘you’ve had a stroke’ but how in the world does that happen at the age of 31? I felt an instant grief. I thought ‘I’ve failed myself’ and ‘am I ever going to be right again?’. I felt like I lost a sense of myself,” she recollected.

Although months of bed rest and blood thinners helped her recover, Salatin said her life has never been the same, even two years later.

“My short-term memory is gone and doing everyday things is hard for me. I used to teach a yoga class that was strictly on learning headstands but I can’t do that anymore,” she said.

She now urges others to start with lighter weights and find a balance between pushing limits and avoiding injury.

Source link

March 17, 2025
Coroner Warns Of Deadly Interaction

A 34-year-old nurse in the U.K. took a common combination of medications for years, never suspecting the silent danger lurking in her daily routine. However, a recent coroner’s report revealed that a little-known, deadly drug interaction was responsible for her sudden cardiac arrest and death.

Chloé Burgess from Southampton, England, had been taking the antidepressants amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant) and paroxetine (selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) before doctors prescribed her ivabradine. She was given ivabradine, a heart medication after being diagnosed with sinus tachycardia, which causes a rapid heartbeat, and left bundle branch block, a condition that disrupts the heart’s electrical signals.

A recent inquest into her unexplained death in 2023 revealed that her heart medication likely interacted with her antidepressant, causing elevated levels of amitriptyline in her blood. Burgess had been taking this combination for four years without issues. However, an episode of sleep apnea might have triggered severe cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death, the coroner’s report revealed.

“The potential dangers of the combination of amitriptyline, paroxetine and ivabradine is not widely appreciated and does not trigger an alert on the prescribing software used in primary care or by pharmacists,” Coroner Nicholas Walker said in the report.

Based on the inquest findings, the coroner has issued a stark warning to doctors and healthcare professionals, stressing the importance of having a “full understanding” of the potential risks when prescribing ivabradine alongside antidepressants.

“The potential dangers of the combination of drugs in Chloe’s case was not well-known or appreciated by those treating her…I am also concerned that those prescribing ivabradine should have a full understanding of the potential interaction with amitriptyline and paroxetine,” Walker said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), SSRIs are not suitable for everyone as they can cause problems if patients have other underlying conditions or when they are taken alongside other medicines.

SSRIs can pose risks for individuals with bleeding disorders, diabetes, epilepsy, narrow-angle glaucoma, or serious kidney, liver, or heart conditions. They may increase bleeding risk, affect blood sugar levels, and worsen seizures in epileptics.

Some medicines that can interact with SSRIs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and antiplatelets such as low-dose aspirin. Other interacting medications are theophylline, clozapine, lithium, triptans, and other antidepressants, including TCAs, MAOIs, and SNRIs.

Source link

March 16, 2025
Woman Collapses, Vomits Blood After Weight Loss Jabs: ‘I Could’ve Died’

A UK mother of four who turned to weight loss jabs to shed her baby weight now warns others it’s not worth the risk after collapsing and vomiting blood.

The 43-year-old, already following weight loss diets, weighed 171 lbs when she decided to try the injections to look slimmer. Now, she realizes the dangerous gamble could have left her children without a mother, Manchester Evening News reported.

Gill Riley from Cheshire, England, was determined to get back to her pre-pregnancy weight and was constantly on several weight loss diets. But when she felt the diet plans were no longer working, she decided to take GLP-1-class weight loss injections which she obtained from a friend who had purchased them from an online pharmacy.

Within just three months of starting the injections, Riley experienced a dramatic weight loss of 18 lbs. By the end of December last year, she began feeling unwell, but she thought it was just the flu. However, everything took a terrifying turn on December 26th when Riley collapsed, vomiting blood. She was immediately rushed to the emergency room, facing a life-threatening situation. The doctors found her body resembled someone with anorexia, and blood results showed that she had very low levels of potassium and sodium.

Riley was diagnosed with pneumonia and put on antibiotics, which she believes was a result of her weakened immunity caused by the weight loss jabs. During her hospital stay, she was treated with IV drips and supplements to help restore her health before getting discharged.

Although Riley has now recovered from the emergency, she needs further tests to evaluate if she has developed any permanent kidney damage.

After her terrifying ordeal, Riley is now urging other women to seriously consider the health risks before using weight loss injections. “Just because I wanted to be skinny, I could have died and left my kids with no mum because I felt like I had to look a certain way and I don’t,” she said.

“People need to be aware that it’s not as simple as taking a skinny jab and everything goes smoothly, you need to think of the risks that are involved with it,” she added.

Source link

March 15, 2025