Study shatters misconceptions about developing Indian medical tourism

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A new study by Kristen Smith from the Centre for Health and Society, University of Melbourne has recently been published on Academia.edu. The study, entitled Medical Tourism in India – Economic Development and the Global Healthcare Industry, tackles the development of medical tourism, both as an industry and a practice, within the world system. The research involved five large private hospitals in Mumbai, which represent expectations and projections on the development of Indian medical tourism.

One of the foremost findings is that medical tourism in India as a revenue catchment is a running belief. It is expected to increase export earnings by attracting foreign spending within India, which would help real economic development and lower fiscal deficit.

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The study, however, argues that the development of medical travel is merely a part of the development of the Indian healthcare industry. The government has been spending on the industry with a view to improving existing infrastructure as a driver of growth in the medical travel sector.

Another prevalent belief is that medical tourism will improve local health systems. The study sees this as a misconception, noting the absence of mechanisms to ensure developments in the Indian medical travel sector will lead to public benefit.

Finally, it is also believed that medical travel will help improve India’s healthcare standards. The study strained to point out that it doesn’t follow; medical travel could even undermine standards. Widespread adoption of international standards in healthcare may lead to better treatments, but the required improvements on infrastructure may lead to higher costs on healthcare for local patients.

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Satori World Medical is a renowned leader in medical travel services. For more information about India as a medical travel destination, visit the company’s official website.

Baja California and medical tourism in Mexico

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While the cost of care in the U.S. continues to be an issue for many, hospitals overseas continue to attract more patients. As predicted by experts, however, the popular destinations for medical travel are not only banking on the lower cost of care to convince more patients to come to their medical facilities.

Other than lower costs, consumers also place high priority on convenience and comfort, which contribute to speedy recovery and draw many from the Latino community in the US to countries like Mexico. The border country is close to home and hosts highly qualified doctors who fill their expectations in treatments.

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Mexican state Baja California has been actively promoting Mexico as a medical travel destination. Every year, Baja California attracts about 450,000 tourists, mostly from the US. Seeing an opportunity for further growth, the border state’s local government has been formulating a plan to increase investment in its facilities and specialists.

The plan involves investing 15 million Mexican pesos to attract 15 million medical travelers, who are then expected to bring in an additional $8 million in resources. Currently, the plan blankets about 10 hospitals, 12 pharmaceutical chains, and 600 medical specialists. In addition, Mexican tourism authorities expect higher accessibility borne of an exclusive medical lane for border crossings. Mexican medical travel has created inroads, to say the least.

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Satori World Medical is connected with many high quality hospitals and highly skilled surgeons around the world. For an idea of what Mexico has to offer in terms of medical travel, visit the company’s official website.

Patient satisfaction: Meeting the expectations of medical travelers

What does it take to satisfy the multitudes of patients who are seeking a different care experience outside the country?

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For some time, the main appeal of medical travel to many individuals was that it provided an additional option for medical treatment with lower cost than those from local care providers. Currently, the cost of care remains as an important factor, but with the spread of information regarding the high quality of care in medical centers overseas, more and more patients are looking into medical travel not merely as an option that allows them to save on costs but also as something that allows them to have access to the kind of care that they are expecting.

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Medical travelers have all sorts of expectations for the kind of care that they want to receive. To satisfy these individuals, the service provider has to reach, even exceed, their expectations. It may be anything, from the convenience they get as they travel from the hospital to their temporary residence, to good bedside manner from their doctors.

With changes set to happen in the US healthcare system, many individuals would want to have more control over the type of care that they will get. On this front, they will be glad to know that there are many options for medical treatment overseas that can provide them with many choices for the various factors that affect their overall healthcare experience.

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Satori World Medical is a leading provider of medical travel concierge services designed to fit the needs of every patient. Visit the company’s official website to find out more about what some of the most popular destinations for medical travel have to offer.

Thailand as the leading beauty and wellness destination in Asia

Thailand has earned a reputation as a leading destination for medical travel because of its thriving beauty and wellness industry. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to Thailand for its health, beauty, and spa treatments that are often offered at prices lower than anywhere else.

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Recently, Thailand has been increasing its efforts to further strengthen its image as a premier medical travel destination. It has just launched its ‘Find Your Fabulous’ campaign, which is aimed at attracting women who are looking for ways to rediscover themselves.

The digital campaign is a partnership between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thai Airways International, Asia Web Direct, and more than 30 of the country’s leading providers of health and beauty treatments. Because most of the patients interested in what Thailand offers have been found to do their research online, the campaign’s primary goal is to make important information about the treatments that patients need easily available through effective channels.

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Suraphon Svetasreni, the governor of the TAT, revealed that apart from having a strengthened information drive about Thailand’s offerings as a beauty and wellness destination, the campaign will also offer interested parties special deals that are sponsored by its participants. With the ‘Find Your Fabulous’ campaign in full swing, medical travelers from all over the world can easily find the information they need on the treatments that they want, and they can even expect to find great packages on exclusive health, beauty, and hotel deals with prices that meet their budget.

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Satori World Medical is a leading medical travel company with strong connections to medical institutions and experts in Thailand. Find out more of what Asia’s leading destination for beauty and wellness has to offer on the company’s official website.

DR. KENNETH GERENRAICH JOINS BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR SATORI WORLD MEDICAL

SAN DIEGO – July 18, 2013 – Satori World Medical, the leader in surgical tourism, announces the appointment of physician and entrepreneur, Dr. Kenneth Gerenraich to its board of directors. Dr. Gerenraich will provide strategic input and direction on the development of Satori World Medical and the overall Satori Experience™. 

Dr. Gerenraich founded Woodward Laboratories in 1992, creating at the time one of the only companies providing treatment against infections of the skin and nails.  With a scientific portfolio of 18 patents awarded and 13 patents pending, Woodward Laboratories evolved into a leading international antimicrobial dermatological company serving the OTC pharmaceutical, cosmetic, hospitality, sanitation, medical, and veterinary industries. In 2010, Woodward Laboratories was successfully sold to Pacific World, a $300 million privately held corporation.

A physician and entrepreneur, Dr. Gerenraich earned his Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, now known as Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science. He is a diplomat of the American Academy of Pain Management. While in private practice, Dr. Gerenraich held several leadership positions at Southern California hospitals.

“I am very pleased that Dr. Gerenraich will be adding his considerable business knowledge and leadership at the Board level,” said Steven Lash, president and CEO, Satori World Medical.  “Ken’s extensive expertise will be valued as we continue to grow as the leaders in the medical tourism industry”.

“Satori World Medical is one of the most innovative medical travel companies today,” said, Dr. Kenneth Gerenraich. “I feel privileged to join this company and be on the forefront of helping to control healthcare costs”.

About Satori World Medical:        

Satori World Medical, the leader in surgical tourism, features state-of-the-art hospitals in 7 countries and the US territory of Puerto Rico, which all meet or exceed U.S. quality standards.  All facilities and doctors have undergone a rigorous on-site inspection process led by our Board Certified Chief Medical Officer.  Satori delivers all medical travel related services, while lowering overall medical expenses for both the patient and the plan sponsor.

Satori World Medical offers complete medical and travel services designed to fit your needs. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies, large employers, unions, cities and school districts.

For more information on Satori World Medical, call +1 (866) 613-9686 or visit www.satoriwm.com 

The rising appeal of Latin America as a medical travel destination

Traveling abroad for medical purposes continues to be an option that many people in the US are adding to their choices. The cost of healthcare in the country is still high, and many individuals are now considering taking a chance in places where they can spend less for the same medical treatment. 

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Previously, saving on costs was the strongest motivator for patients to travel overseas for treatment, despite the many misconceptions about the quality of medical care abroad. However, the rise in popularity of medical travel invalidates these misconceptions. Among the many choice destinations for medical travel, Latin America continues to attract a significant portion of patients from the US. Many of these are members of the Latino communities in America who are looking for some peace of mind on top of lower costs on their treatment.

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The proximity of Latin America’s popular destinations to North America, the presence of bilingual healthcare officials, and the healthcare providers accredited by the Joint Commission International make the choice easy for many patients. With some research, they can easily find quality facilities and doctors with an approach that they prefer. Currently, Latin American countries are hoping to improve on their medical travel sector the way that Costa Rica did. Many of them are working on improving the image that others have of their country as a medical travel destination by continuing to educate consumers and debunking misconceptions about the quality of health care in their medical facilities.

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Satori World Medical provides American patients with various options to gain access to top healthcare facilities in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica. Read more about these prime destinations for medical travel on SatoriWorldMed.com .

The different indications of hysterectomy

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The uterus is considered to be an important female organ—the vessel of life, the essence of a woman’s true meaning. However, there are times when medicine recommends its removal. This procedure is known as hysterectomy. And although conservative approaches have greatly diminished the number of operations in recent years, it remains to be widely performed.

So why does a woman have to undergo hysterectomy?

It is uncommon to see women who undergo this surgery due to a life-threatening condition; as a matter of fact, most of the time it is done to help ease a discomfort. Menorrhagia, described as an abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual period, for example, is the most frequently cited indication for hysterectomy. There are times, too, when tumors grow along the uterine walls (uterine fibroid tumors), and surgery is the only feasible way to treat the condition.

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Another common indication for hysterectomy is pelvic pain either caused by endometriosis or adenomyosis. In mild to moderate cases, the pain may still be managed by way of pharmacological interventions. However, in extreme cases the gynecologist may just opt to remove the uterus altogether.

Other indications include uterine prolapse which occurs when the uterus drops into the vagina and in the early stages of uterine cancer when the cancer has not yet metastasized.  

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Get more information on hysterectomy and other related surgeries by logging on to this Facebook page for Satori World Medical.

How do surgeons fix the nose?

Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as nose job, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures being performed today. Almost half a million people seek consultation for nose enhancement at an annual basis, most of whom are not satisfied with the natural appearance of their nose.

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Many people know it by name, but only a handful truly understands the process on how nose jobs are performed. Although seemingly complex, there are actually only five steps needed to achieve that desired nose appearance:

Anesthesia

To ensure a painless surgery, general anesthesia is introduced to the body, usually via intravenous route. The doctor will recommend the best type of anesthesia to be used on the patient.

Incision

The incision to be made is greatly dependent on the type of procedure to be performed. In closed procedures, the incisions are usually hidden inside the nose, while open procedures require that the columella, the narrow tissue strip separating the nostrils, be slit open. After making these incisions, the surgeon will gently raise the soft tissues covering the nose, allowing him the access to reshape the nose accordingly.

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Reshaping

Depending on the patient’s wishes, the nose may either be reduced or augmented. In the latter, cartilage gathered from other areas of the body is used to graft the extension.

Correction of deviated septum

A deviated septum usually causes breathing problems. To remedy this, surgeons may straighten the septum and reduce nasal projections.

Incision closure

After achieving the desired nose shape, the surgeon will now re-drape the nasal skin and tissue and close the incisions. If necessary, additional incisions may be placed in the natural creases of the nostrils to modify their size.

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Satori World Medical offers a wide array of plastic surgery procedures for a fraction of US costs. Visit www.satoriworldmed.com for more information.

REPOST: Audacious Startups Part VI: South Asian Entrepreneurs With Bold Visions For Healthcare

This article from Forbes.com reveals that there are some entrepreneurs in South Asia who are seeking to start several improvements in healthcare delivery. Read about it here:

In my research for startups by South Asian Entrepreneurs, I found a few game changing concepts driven by inspiring visions to change the face of various aspects of healthcare and our lives. These startups will change the face of much in the medical field and potentially bring out its best. The problems they solve range from building a smart card that stops losing lives due to lack of information in North America to aiming to eradicate deaths due to Anemia by 2020. One of them is backed by SBIR funding. Not only are these startups ambitious but their work seems certainly to be in line with their bold visions.

As for any good idea, it takes time for the market to accept it and for the team to establish credibility and the necessary means. Most of these startups have a great concept and are gaining sweet traction. For one credibility will be established more as the team finds better ways to communicate the effectiveness of the process behind their well promoted service.

All in all, this is an eclectic mix that is well on its way to do some good while creating and/or evolving their business models.

Startup: Biosense Technologies / Mumbai, India 

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Founders: Dr. Myshkin Ingawale, Dr. Abhishek Sen, Dr. Yogesh Patil & Aman Midha

Pitch: Biosense Technologies is a Mumbai based medical device company focused on developing and commercializing screening and diagnostic tools appropriate for the developing world. Their non-invasive, mobile “ToucHb” technology enables instant, point-of-care screening and monitoring of anemia.

Claim to fame: Needle free Anemia screening device. Aims to remove deaths due to Anemia by 2020 by democratizing healthcare (Video link of talk at TED by founder Dr. Myshkin Ingawale, a TED Fellow).

Startup: Kela Medical / Ontario, Canada 

Image Source: forbes.com

Founder: Dr. Arjun Kumar

Pitch: … set out to revolutionize the medical records industry with a unique approach and cutting edge technology. Our approach empowers individuals to take healthcare into their own hands to ensure that they have access to their medical records at all time.

Claim to fame: Developed the first smart card that holds the patients entire medical record on it. A much needed solution that will save many lives by providing important medical information at point of care.

Startup: Imbed Biosciences / Madison, WI, USA 

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Founder: Ankit Agarwal

Pitch: Medical device company developing novel technologies for imbedding bioactive agents in wound dressings and surgical implants.

Claim to fame: Founder has been a Kauffman Foundation Entrepreneurial Postdoctoral Fellow in the U.S. The startup has secured SBIR funding. This is a medical device company developing novel and patent-pending technologies for imbedding bioactive agents in wound dressings and surgical implants. By leveraging its novel nanofilms platform, Imbed is revolutionizing biologic dressings to prevent wound infections and expedite wound closure.

Startup: Shapeup / Providence, Rhode Island, USA 

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Founders: Dr. Rajiv Kumar & Dr. Brad Weinberg

Pitch: ShapeUp is a global corporate wellness company that uses social networking to make employees healthier. We make health social.

Claim to fame: Impressive traction and a strong board and investors team. Over “One Million Pounds of Weight Loss By Participants On ShapeUp’s Online Social Wellness Platform”. ShapeUp has pioneered an innovative approach to behavior change that leverages the power of social networking, gaming, coaching, and financial rewards to improve the health of large populations and reduce healthcare costs. ShapeUp’s social wellness platform covers two million lives across 90 countries and is used by more than 200 employers and health plans.

Startup: Labdoor / San Franciso CA, USA 

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Founder: Neil Thanedar

Pitch: LabDoor builds report cards for the products in your medicine cabinet by providing web/mobile apps that give product safety grades for top pharmaceuticals, supplements, and cosmetics. LabDoor answers the most important questions about your products: Is it safe? Does it work? What does it cost?

Claim to fame: Covered well in a FastCoexist article with the title “The Truth About 5 Hour Energy, And All The Other Questionable Supplements You Take: A new site called LabDoor can help give you some transparency.” Another article at Gigacom .

All power to these startup teams. I hope they are able to do more meaningful work. Truthfully, I feel good covering these startups. They are and aim to do some much needed meaningful work in a conservative and siloed industry. Great going!

In a future post, I will cover some social startups that are working at the grassroots and leading from the front. The post will not be limited to South Asian founders only. If you come across any interesting social startup working at the grassroots, I would love to hear about your nominations.

Satori World Medical is a leader in medical travel with strong ties to centers of medical excellence in Asia. Follow this Twitter page page to stay up to date on the developments in the medical travel industry.

REPOST: Childhood Cancer Survivors Have Significant Chronic Disease

This article from Time.com shares some details of the challenges and difficulties faced by adult cancer survivors. Read about it below:
 

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A study of over 1,700 childhood cancer survivors found that 98% of the participants had at least one chronic disease such as new cancers, heart disease or abnormal lung function.

The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, presents a dismal picture of life after cancer. Conducted by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, it provides a glimpse into St. Jude’s LIFE program, a two- to three-day initiative that brings long-term childhood cancer survivors back to the hospital for regular check-ups throughout their adult lives. The goal is to monitor adult survivors to better understand the mechanisms that promote survival. The former patients undergo various checks and screenings including basic health exams, blood tests and X-rays.

The authors report that by age 45, 80% of survivors have a life-threatening, disabling or serious health condition. Sixty-five percent of the survivor participants who were at risk for lung problems after their treatment had abnormal lung functions, and 61% of former patients at risk for neurocognitive issues had endocrine problems in areas of the brain like the hypothalamus. Another 56% of survivors had heart abnormalities, and 48% had memory difficulties.

“It is not surprising, but it helps quantify what our fears were in this population,” says study author Dr. Melissa Hudson, the director of the St. Jude Division of Cancer Survivorship. “We have known for many years that adults who were treated for cancer in childhood have a higher risk for health problems, and these health problems appear to increase as they age.”

The study population is one of the oldest groups of survivors to be studied. Participants ranged from 18 to 60 years old, though the average age was 33. Their average time from cancer diagnosis was 26 years, with a range from 11 to 48 years from diagnosis.

Previous studies looking at cancer survivors’ health have typically relied on surveys instead of actual check-ups in the doctor’s office. “We know we are underestimating the amount of disease,” says Dr. Hudson. “This comprehensive study allows us to get down to what are the undiagnosed conditions that are hopefully in early stages so intervention will benefit them.”

The researchers say their findings support tailoring treatments to patients so that exposure to radiation from chemotherapy is kept to a minimum. Patients should have regular check-ups throughout their lives and maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to not exacerbate their risk. “Physicians and healthcare providers should be advocating for healthier lifestyle practices for anyone they see in their practice, but it is particularly important for childhood cancer survivors because they have already had treatments when their organs were more vulnerable that put them at risk for types of diseases we see in aging populations like high blood pressure, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, etc.,” says Hudson.

Screening programs like the one at St. Jude’s not only identify health issues early in these at-risk patients but also help doctors identify which screening processes are most helpful and aid in characterizing what patient profiles are at a higher risk for certain diseases.

“Our greatest findings were that these patients had diseases that were not identified,” says Dr. Hudson. “This type of care really understands their risk for disease in the context of their previous cancer history.”

Satori World Medical is a leading medical travel company based in San Diego. Follow this Twitter page for more news on developments in the healthcare industry.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Why it's just as bad as carpal tunnel syndrome

Many people are aware of carpal tunnel syndrome, a disabling disease that completely incapacitates the hands of whoever is unfortunately inflicted with it. Many fear this condition, not just because of its repercussions to one’s work and activities, but because of the excruciating pain it brings forth. Patients can vouch for the pain, and it is certainly not something to make light of.

As carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is to the upper extremities, tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is to the lower extremities. And while it is lesser known, tarsal tunnel syndrome can be equally discomforting as its superior counterpart.

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Different conditions, same pathophysiology

Like CTS, the main cause of TTS is nerve compression. In this particular case, however, the tibial nerve, the nerve providing the sensation to the bottom of the foot, is the one affected. Constant compression to this nerve may result to nerve damage, thus causing the following symptoms:

• Shooting pain in the foot

• Numbness

• Tingling or burning sensation

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Initially, rest, manipulation, muscle strengthening, and casting may provide some relief. More serious cases might necessitate pharmacological intervention, such as corticosteroid injections and lidocaine patches. If all of these treatment modalities fail, surgeons may recommend the performance of tarsal tunnel release surgery to decompress the nerve area.

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Do you have an advanced case of tarsal tunnel syndrome? Waste no time in having it treated. Visit Satori World Medical’s website to learn how you can receive surgical treatment for a mere fraction of the price.

Medical travel: Long-term growth is dependent on healthcare quality

One of the primary reasons why many people around the world, especially those in developed countries, such as the US, are opting for medical travel is because of the high cost of local health care. However, affordable health care may not be enough for a medical travel company’s long-term growth.

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Although medical travel adoption has been gaining ground these past few years, it is still not doing so at a faster rate. This is because many people are still concerned about the quality of medical care that foreign hospitals and doctors provide, which is why more performance data regarding the quality of surgeries performed overseas should be made and released to the public. Registries of successful operations overseas should provide the necessary data that would, once and for all, prove whether or not medical travel is really as safe as most medical travel providers say, and that the health care provided overseas are comparable or exceed that of top-notch US hospitals.

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Proving that overseas health care is really affordable and safe can lead to the explosive growth that most medical travel providers want.

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Satori World Medical is a premier medical travel services company in the US with facilities and partners around the world that have been subjected to rigorous inspection processes to ensure that patients will only get the best healthcare services available. Furthermore, their clients include Fortune 500 companies, cities, large employers, and third-party administrators, which only prove that the services that they offer are truly world class. For more information about Satori’s services, visit this website.

There's the crash: The downsides of a widespread dependence on caffeine

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When one takes note of the trend in food products widely available today, it becomes evident that there is an increasing demand for caffeine among consumers.

Previously, there were many people proclaiming their love for coffee. This was followed by an increase in the popularity of energy drinks. Currently, it seems that other food producers are trying to cash in on the success of energy drinks and are finding ways to include caffeine into other types of food products like gum, biscuits, and potato chips.

Consumers are reported to be buying more products that are marketed as energy-boosting because more and more people are citing exhaustion as one of their top health concerns. People from all over the world bear the burden of their daily duties, and many individuals feel like they need extra help to get through the day.

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However, health experts warn against the overdependence on the energy-boosting substance. As always, doctors recommend keeping caffeine consumption within acceptable levels. When taken excessively, caffeine may actually contribute to the energy problems of a person. For instance, one may be lacking in sleep due to the effects of caffeine to one’s sleep pattern.

Caffeine can only do so much in boosting a person’s energy level. When tiredness persists as an issue, doctors recommend looking for other solutions like examining and changing one’s rest habits or adding exercise to the daily schedule.

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Satori World Medical provides high-quality healthcare services to patients nationwide. Find more links to articles on health issues concerning the nation at www.satoriworldmed.com.

Video games for the elderly

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 Recommending video games for aging individuals may turn out to be a good idea.

With the increasing popularity of smart phones these days, it seems that more and more people are adding gaming to the types of activities that they do to pass time. It isn’t just for computer-savvy people anymore as various types of games, both simple and complex, are now easily available for their gadget of choice.

Previously, aging individuals were advised to keep themselves occupied by doing activities that stimulate their mind. This may involve learning a new skill or engaging in moderate physical activity to slow mental decline.

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For years, researchers have been doing various types of studies on the effects of video games to the player’s cognitive functions. One recent study found that the requirement for quick-thinking in many video games might be more helpful than the type of thinking done for crossword puzzles in slowing or reversing decline in mental functions that come with aging.

The study also adds another dimension to what is currently known about video games and preventing mental decline in adults. Previous studies used brain-teaser games that required deeper intellectual thought to test for the benefits of video games to a person’s brain. With the results of this study, there is now data to prove that other types of games can also benefit adults and help them counter the effects of aging to their cognitive skills.

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Satori World Medical is the world’s first global healthcare network and service provider. Find more articles on medical research at www.satoriworldmed.com.

Study reveals new information on why red meat is bad for the heart

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Previous studies have long since confirmed that red meat can be harmful to the heart. By now, many people know that the saturated fat and the cholesterol in this type of meat contribute to the deterioration of heart health due to the gradual clogging of the arteries.

According to a group of researchers from the Cleaveland Clinic, however, there is more to this phenomenon than what is already known. Fat, it seems, is not the only culprit to increasing heart disease risks – the microbes and bacteria in a person’s gut may also contribute to worsening the condition.


The human gut is full of good bacteria, and recent studies have shown that these microbes can have a significant effect on a person’s health. A person’s diet, meanwhile, has been shown to have an impact on the types of bacteria present and more common in the gut at any given time.

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Following these details, the researchers set out to learn how these microbes responded to a diet that included red meat. They were zeroing in on the compound carnitine, which is present in meat like beef, pork, duck, and lamb, because it was similar in structure to choline. This vitamin-b-group nutrient is metabolized by the gut bacteria into trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which transports cholesterol to the arteries.

The results of the study confirm that a meat-heavy diet does establish a cycle that promotes heart damage. People who eat more meat had more carnitine in their gut, which contributes to the increase of TMAO in their blood.

Fortunately, old advice still applies in order to reverse the trend. Limiting meat intake and substituting vegetables will help reduce the presence of bacteria like carnitine in the gut. With a reduced capacity to synthesize TMAO from carnitine, meat eaters may succeed in reducing their risk of heart disease.

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Satori World Medical, based in San Diego, is a leading provider of high-quality healthcare services to patients nationwide. For more about the developments in the healthcare industry, visit www.satoriworldmed.com.

The 2013 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report: Insights into growth areas for medical travel

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The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report for 2013 has recently been released, detailing the progress of 140 economies in improving their tourism industries. Using various data from publicly available sources, and international travel and tourism institutions and experts, the report highlights the important factors which make a country competitive in travel and tourism.

Leading the countries in competitiveness were: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Canada, Sweden, and Singapore. Insights into how these countries maintained their high levels of T&T competitiveness can be found on the report. What is immediately evident, however, is that high-quality products and services still hold more importance than the costs to visit the destination.

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Switzerland, for example, has some of the best infrastructure in the world, top marks for many of its hotels and tourism-specific facilities, and high safety and security, which contribute to its high rank in the competitiveness rating.

These factors also contribute to the attractiveness of a country to health and medical travelers. Consumers are still motivated by the lower costs of health care when they travel abroad, but many are becoming more fastidious about their choices. Apart from considering the costs, they also check for accreditation, connections with US hospitals, and the credentials of the doctor handling their treatment.

Growth in the medical travel industry, therefore, is fueled by various improvements in the delivery of health care and service. The countries that are expected to become more attractive travel destinations are those that can ensure safety, convenience, and world -class high-quality and affordable care.

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For updates on the developments of the medical travel industries in various countries, visit Satori World Medical’s official website.

Understanding necrotizing fasciitis: Causes and treatment

Necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease, is a terrifying medical condition caused by several kinds of bacteria, one of which is Staphylococcus aureus. The disease is called as such because the bacteria involved produce toxins that eat through skin, fat, and tissue in a short span of time.

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Although it is a fairly rare disease, it is a very deadly one, with 1 in every 4 cases resulting in death. It is not yet known why the same bacteria behind strep throat and skin infections can have this destructive power, but the flesh-eating disease results when these bacteria enter the body through open wounds, mosquito bites, bruises, and burns. The disease can be passed from person to person through close physical contact.

WebMD.com states that the following have a higher risk of getting the disease:

• Those who have weak immune systems

• Those who have cuts, burns, or wounds

• Those who have chronic health problems, including cancer or liver disease

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To prevent necrotizing fasciitis from spreading, patients are advised to inform their doctors early on in case of the following:

• Physical contact with a person who has the disease

• Swelling of the wound or cut

• Fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting a few hours after the injury occurred

• Diarrhea

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For treatments to be effective, the disease has to be diagnosed and treated early. Treatments include removing infected tissue and fluids, prescribing medicines and antibiotics to kill the bacteria, and performing amputation or organ removal in severe cases to save the patient’s life.

The simple habit of keeping open wounds clean can go a long way in preventing this deadly disease.

More health tips and information about how medical travel can help you can be found at Satori World Medical’s official website.

Maintaining a healthy smile: Preventing gum disease

Gingivitis, more commonly known as gum disease, can affect most people without their knowledge. This fairly common disease, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can damage tissues surrounding the teeth and, ultimately, lead to tooth loss.

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The disease develops mostly because people sometimes forget to brush their teeth after meals, leading to plaque build-up on the teeth and around the gums. Plaque encourages bacteria growth, which can cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily during tooth brushing. Without proper cleaning and plaque removal, this can result to periodontitis, wherein plaque keeps building up, and the inner layer of the gum, as well as bone, pulls away from the tooth, resulting in mini pockets where bacteria and food particles are trapped, encouraging infection to settle in. The resulting battle between the infection and the body’s cells can break down the connective tissues of the teeth, leading to tooth loss.

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In order to prevent this disease from ever occurring, proper oral hygiene should be observed. Tooth brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash are highly encouraged. Visiting the dentist every six months is also recommended, as dentists can perform additional cleaning procedures that can help prevent gingivitis. In addition, quitting smoking, reducing stress, maintaining a well-balanced diet, and not putting too much stress on the teeth by excessive grinding and clenching can go a long way in preventing gingivitis.

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