News Post List – Django REST framework

GET /news-post/?format=api&page=4

HTTP 200 OK Allow: GET, HEAD, OPTIONS Content-Type: application/json Vary: Accept { "count": 534, "next": "http://fmp-data.bliss.build/news-post/?format=api&page=5", "previous": "http://fmp-data.bliss.build/news-post/?format=api&page=3", "results": [ { "id": 1198, "title": "Champion Dash 2017", "slug": "champion-dash-2017", "slug_en": "champion-dash-2017", "slug_vi": "champion-dash-2017", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 967, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Champion_Dash_2017_6.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Champion_Dash_2017_6.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-04-18", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 6, "name": "Medical Stations", "slug": "medical-stations" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Family Medical Practice and *9999 Emergency Medical Response were out in force at the third annual Red Bull Champion Dash in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 7 on Saturday.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 949 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Family Medical Practice and *9999 Emergency Medical Response were out in force at the third annual Red Bull Champion Dash in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 7 on Saturday.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Champion_Dash_2017_9.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Champion_Dash_2017_7.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Champion_Dash_2017_4.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Champion_Dash_2017_2.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Champion_Dash_2017_5.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />With three ambulance units on hand, three medical tents in operation, and fully-fledged emergency medical team, competitors were in safe hands as they navigated the 21-obstacle, 7-km track in Phu My Hung. The event attracted over 4,000 people this year including professional athletes, adrenaline seekers wanting to test their limits, and young Future Champions on a separate obstacle course. Our medical stations were busy throughout the race. Out of 4000 attendees on race day, FMP’s EMR *9999 program successfully cared for the medical needs of 150 participants that requested care.Champion Dash General Director Russel Johnson – himself a former Canadian firefighter and first responder – was effusive in his praise for the work that the *9999 team were able to offer." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 569, "title": "19th BBGV Charity Fun Run", "slug": "19th-bbgv-charity-fun-run", "slug_en": "19th-bbgv-charity-fun-run", "slug_vi": "19th-bbgv-charity-fun-run", "slug_ko": "19th-bbgv-charity-fun-run", "slug_ja": "19th-bbgv-charity-fun-run", "overview_image": { "id": 212, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/BBGV_Run_2019.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/BBGV_Run_2019.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-04-17", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 6, "name": "Medical Stations", "slug": "medical-stations" }, "tags": "", "summary": "On Sunday September 29, Family Medical Practice supported the 19th annual British Business Group Vietnam (BBGV) Charity Fun Run in HCMC as a Silver Category sponsor. ∗9999 medical emergency stations and medical team members were on standby for the safety of event participants. \r\nApproximately 110,000 runners have participated in the event over the years it has been held as a great outdoor and team-building day out for corporate members, families, and friends. \r\nAccording to Mr. Le Dang Khoa—one of the notable investors from Shark Tank Vietnam and owner of nearly 20 homegrown brands such as The Bamboo Resort, 38 Degrees Flower Market & Tea House, Cooper & Co. Bespoke and the Danang Dragons Basketball team—serving and sharing with the community is the responsibility of every business, and joining meaningful events such as the BBGV Charity Fun Run is an ideal way for businesses across the country to participate in community and social projects.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 144 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "On Sunday September 29, Family Medical Practice supported the 19th annual British Business Group Vietnam (BBGV) Charity Fun Run in HCMC as a Silver Category sponsor. ∗9999 medical emergency stations and medical team members were on standby for the safety of event participants.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/BBGV_Run_2019_2.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />Approximately 110,000 runners have participated in the event over the years it has been held as a great outdoor and team-building day out for corporate members, families, and friends.According to Mr. Le Dang Khoa—one of the notable investors from Shark Tank Vietnam and owner of nearly 20 homegrown brands such as The Bamboo Resort, 38 Degrees Flower Market & Tea House, Cooper & Co. Bespoke and the Danang Dragons Basketball team—serving and sharing with the community is the responsibility of every business, and joining meaningful events such as the BBGV Charity Fun Run is an ideal way for businesses across the country to participate in community and social projects." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1183, "title": "Get a Shot: Avoid The Dots!!!", "slug": "get-shot-avoid-dots", "slug_en": "get-shot-avoid-dots", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 669, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/ShutterStock-723338824.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/ShutterStock-723338824.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-04-16", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 917 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Recently an outbreak of chickenpox, affecting both children and adults was announced in Vietnam. Chickenpox in general is a mild disease, but it can cause severe complications—especially in babies, adolescents, elderly people, pregnant women and people whose immune system is compromised (e.g. those under steroid treatment, cancer therapy, who have certain genetic disorders, or who suffer from HIV).Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is the primary infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. It manifests as an itchy rash that occurs with fever, headaches, sore throat or flu-like symptoms that last for a few days. The highly contagious nature of the virus leads to a high infection rate among exposed individuals.<h2>Signs and Symptoms</h2>Symptoms of chickenpox include red, itchy vesicles that are more intense on the trunk and head, and which then spread to almost everywhere else on the body (including the scalp, mouth, arms, legs, and genitals).The rash begins as many small red skin lesions that look like pimples or insect bites. They appear in groups over 2 to 4 days, then develop into thin-walled blisters filled with fluid. The blister walls break, leaving open sores, which finally crust over to become dry, brown scabs.The three stages of the chickenpox rash (red bumps, blisters, and scabs) can appear on the body at the same time. The rash may spread wider or be more severe in kids who have weak immune systems.<h2>Complications</h2>Chickenpox is normally a mild disease, but it can be serious and lead to complications or death, especially in high-risk individuals. Complications include:<ul><li>Bacterial infections of the skin, soft tissues, bones, joints or bloodstream (sepsis)</li><li>Dehydration</li><li>Pneumonia</li><li>Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)</li><li>Toxic shock syndrome</li><li>Reye’s syndrome for people who take aspirin during chickenpox</li></ul><h2>Transmission</h2>Chickenpox is very contagious—most kids with a sibling who is infected will certainly get it (if they haven’t already had the disease or the vaccine), showing symptoms about two weeks after the first child does.The chickenpox virus spreads both through the air by coughing and sneezing and by direct contact with mucus, saliva (spit), or fluid from the blisters. Chickenpox is contagious two days before the rash starts until all the blisters are crusted over.A child with chickenpox should stay at home and rest until the rash is gone and all blisters have dried, usually about 1–2 weeks.<h2>Treatments at Home</h2>The chickenpox rash is very itchy. As much as possible, discourage kids from scratching to prevent broken blisters and infection. Preventing a bacterial infection is very important. To help relieve the itchiness, fever, and discomfort of chickenpox:<ul><li>Use cool wet compresses or give baths in cool water every 3-4 hours for the first few days.</li><li>Pat (don’t rub) the body dry.</li><li>Put calamine lotion on itchy areas (but don’t use it on the face, especially near the eyes).</li><li>Wear loose clothing.</li></ul>If your child has blisters in the mouth:<ul><li>Serve cold, soft, and bland foods, because chickenpox in the mouth can make drinking or eating difficult. Avoid anything acidic or salty, like orange juice or pretzels.</li></ul>You may give paracetamol to help relieve pain. Consider putting mittens or socks on your child’s hands to prevent scratching during sleep. Also, trim the child’s fingernails and keep them clean.<h2>When to seek medical assistance</h2>Most chickenpox infections don’t require special medical treatment—but sometimes, problems may occur. Set an appointment with your doctor if your child:<ul><li>has a fever that lasts for more than four days or rises above 102°F (38.8°C)</li><li>has a severe cough or trouble breathing</li><li>has an area of rash that leaks pus (thick, yellowish fluid) or becomes red, warm, swollen, or sore</li><li>has a severe headache</li><li>is unusually drowsy or has trouble waking up</li><li>has trouble looking at bright lights</li><li>has difficulty walking</li><li>seems confused</li><li>seems very ill</li><li>vomiting</li><li>has a stiff neck</li></ul><h2>Prevention</h2>The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is the best way to prevent chickenpox. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that the vaccine provides complete protection from the virus for nearly 98 percent of people who receive both recommended doses. When the vaccine doesn’t provide complete protection, it significantly lessens the severity of the disease.Healthy kids who have had chickenpox do not need the vaccine, they usually have lifelong protection against the illness.Dr. Elvie Joy Atanque-Basa - Pediatrician, Family Medical Practice Danang" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1182, "title": "STI Risks for Travelers", "slug": "sti-risks-travelers", "slug_en": "sti-risks-travelers", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 1002, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/shutterstock_1488058334.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/shutterstock_1488058334.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-04-16", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 916 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Travel may serve to broaden the mind, but it can also have a profound impact on our sense of good judgment. Surprising recent data shows that many people who practice safe sex at home throw caution out the window while traveling, and that more than 60 per cent of travelers of both sexes choose to engage in casual sex during a holiday abroad, often without the use of a condom or any other form of protection at all. The result of all this lack of restraint can be shocking—World Health Organization figures show that more than one million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are contracted every day all around the world. So what are the STI risks for travelers?Most people know that anyone—whether traveling or not—who practices unprotected sex is at risk of catching an STI. This is something that is regularly in evidence at our own medical center, where patients often present with symptoms of STIs, such as urinary discomfort, penile discharge or a genital rash. Even patients who have no symptoms at all tend to turn up at our reception after the glow of an amorous encounter fades—and the reality sinks in about what the consequences may be.Most cases are seeking to be tested for STIs as soon as possible in order to relieve the anxiety of not knowing their status. While the biggest fear factor for many of these patients is the specter of HIV and AIDS, there are still a large number of other potential infections out there that can be transmitted during unprotected sexual encounters.Unfortunately, the majority of these infections have no apparent symptoms—or only mild symptoms that may not be recognized as an STI even by a doctor. This can make identifying an STI problematic, especially in cases where a patient is reluctant to reveal their potential risk.The list of infectious agents known to be transmitted through sexual contact is not short.There are eight that are linked to the highest incidence of sexually transmitted infections, four of which are treatable:<h2>Gonorrhea</h2><ul><li>Bacterial infection of the genital tract, mouth, eyes, or anus.</li><li>Symptoms usually occur within 10 days after exposure.</li><li>Some people may be infected for months before signs or symptoms occur.</li><li>Signs and symptoms may include thick, cloudy or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina; pain during urination, heavy menstrual bleeding or painful bleeding between periods, swollen testicles, painful bowel movements and anal itching.</li></ul><h2>Chlamydia</h2><ul><li>Bacterial infection of the genital tract.</li><li>Symptoms will generally occur (if any show up at all) between 1–3 weeks after exposure.</li><li>Difficult to detect in the early stages.</li><li>Signs and symptoms may be mild and passing, making them easily overlooked. They may include pain during urination, lower abdominal pain, vaginal or penile discharge, pain during sex (in women), bleeding between menstrual periods, and testicular pain.</li></ul><h2>Syphilis</h2><ul><li>Highly contagious bacterial infection (Treponema pallidum).</li><li>Virtually no symptoms beyond sores that can easily be overlooked.</li><li>Increasingly common among gay men.</li><li>Signs and symptoms may include small, painless ulcers around the mouth, genitals, or elsewhere on the body; Rashes on the hands or feet.</li><li>The infection can lie dormant for many years.</li><li>Late stages include severe heart and nerve problems, gigantic open sores, paralysis, blindness, dementia, deafness, and death.</li><li>The disease can spread to unborn children causing birth defects and miscarriage.</li></ul><h2>Trichomoniasis</h2><ul><li>Microscopic, single-celled parasite infection (Trichomonas vaginalis)</li><li>Usually infects the urinary tract in men without symptoms.</li><li>Causes mild to severe vaginal irritation within a week to a month after exposure.</li><li>Signs and symptoms may include clear, white, greenish or yellowish vaginal discharge, discharge from the penis, a strong vaginal odor, vaginal itching or irritation, itching or irritation inside the penis, pain during sex, and pain during urination.</li></ul>The other four are incurable viral infections:<h2>Hepatitis B</h2><ul><li>A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).</li><li>For some people, the infection becomes chronic, lasting more than six months.</li><li>Having chronic hepatitis B increases your risk of developing liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis — a condition that permanently scars the liver.</li><li>Signs and symptoms may include abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fatigue, jaundice.</li></ul><h2>Herpes</h2><ul><li>A viral infection that typically affects the mouth, genitals, or anal area.</li><li>It is contagious and can cause outbreaks of sores and other symptoms.</li><li>It is a highly prevalent infection globally, with the most common type affecting around 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 years.</li><li>It spreads rapidly through direct contact with a person who carries HSV.</li><li>The majority of people with HSV will not show any symptoms at all, but they can still pass on the virus.</li><li>The symptoms of HSV are typically mild but can cause discomfort.</li><li>Signs and symptoms may include tingling, itching, or burning before blisters appear; painful, fluid-filled blisters on the penis, vagina, buttocks, or anus; flu-like symptoms; Fever; muscle aches; problems urinating.</li></ul><h2>HIV</h2><ul><li>Viral infection that impairs immunity</li><li>Can lead to AIDS</li><li>Usually persons contracting HIV develop a flu-like illness within weeks after infection, but this can be overlooked by the patient (or even by the doctor) as the symptoms are not specific. Some people will not develop early symptoms at all.</li><li>Only laboratory testing can establish a person’s HIV status</li><li>Early HIV signs and symptoms may include fever, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, rash, fatigue</li><li>Early signs and symptoms of HIV are short-lived. A person with early symptomatic HIV is highly infectious. Longer-lasting and severe symptoms of HIV may not appear for another ten years, during which time you will remain a carrier of this disease.</li></ul><h2>HPV</h2><ul><li>Most sexually active men and women will contract the HPV virus at some point during their lifetime.</li><li>HPV can be spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex.</li><li>It can result in genital warts and some types of cancer.</li><li>Sometimes, HPV can be transmitted during birth to an infant causing genital or respiratory system infections.</li><li>Safe and effective vaccinations are recommended at the age of 11 to 12 years.</li></ul>These incurable viral infections can be reduced or modified through treatment.<h2>Prevention and Treatment</h2>How can we prevent spreading STDs? While abstinence remains the only certain method, those who are sexually active should pay attention to some reminders:<ul><li>Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B before you travel</li><li>If you do have sex, wear good-quality condoms</li><li>Be cautious when having sex after drug or alcohol use—you are more likely to take risks.</li></ul>If you do think you may have put yourself at risk of contracting an STI, you need to seek medical testing—especially if you’re here short-term and don’t want to carry an infection back home.Family Medical Practice medical center provides an anonymous testing and treatment service with rapid turnaround of results.Dr. Christopher Mandani Suazon - Internist, Family Medical Practice" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1184, "title": "Diarrhea in Children", "slug": "diarrhea-children", "slug_en": "diarrhea-children", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 1000, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/shutterstock_1649178751.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/shutterstock_1649178751.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-04-16", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 918 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Just as in other major cities in Vietnam, Danang and Hoi An are packed with street food stalls and restaurants selling all manner of local delicacies. Foods are prepared fresh by vendors and enjoyed by locals on low stools and plastic chairs—and the taste is so good! It’s overwhelming, because the best places for authentic Vietnamese food in these bustling cities are found right there on the streets.The downside is that eating street food greatly increases the risk of contracting diarrhea. While for some adults, the deliciousness of the cuisine can sometimes outweigh the bathroom-related risks associated with eating it, children are much more susceptible to diarrhea than adults are. In their case, it helps to know the causes of diarrhea, and how to treat the child’s discomfort at home.Diarrhea is the body’s way of ridding itself of germs, and most episodes last a few days to a week. Diarrhea often occurs with fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and dehydration.Common Causes and TreatmentsSome of the most common reasons that kids get diarrhea include:<ul><li>Infection from viruses like rotavirus, bacteria like salmonella, and (in rare cases) parasites like giardia. Viruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in children. Along with loose or watery stools, symptoms of a viral gastroenteritis infection often include vomiting, stomach ache, headache and migraine, and fever.</li></ul>When treating viral gastroenteritis—which can last 5–14 days—it’s important to prevent fluid loss. Offer additional breast milk or an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to infants and young children. Water alone doesn’t have enough sodium, potassium, or other nutrients in it to safely rehydrate very young children. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the amount of fluids your child needs, how to make sure he or she gets them, when to give them, and how to watch for dehydration.Older children with diarrhea can drink anything they like to stay hydrated—including ORS and branded products with names that usually end in “lyte”. Popsicles can also be a good way to get fluids into a child who has been vomiting and needs to rehydrate slowly.Be sure to consult with a doctor if you are a traveler—your child may need to have his or her stools tested.<ul><li>Medications like laxatives or antibiotics can also lead to diarrhea in children as well as adults.</li></ul>For mild diarrhea caused by medication, keep your child safely hydrated. If a course of antibiotics is causing your child to experience diarrhea, be sure to continue the medication but do inform your doctor.Studies show that yogurt with live cultures or probiotics can help ease diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Probiotics help replenish the healthy gut bacteria killed by antibiotics.<ul><li>Food poisoning can also cause diarrhea in kids. Symptoms usually come on quickly, may include vomiting, and tend to go away within 24 hours.</li></ul>Treatment for food poisoning-related diarrhea is the same as for that caused by infection: keep your child hydrated and call your doctor with any questions.<ul><li>Other causes of diarrhea include irritable bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, food allergies, and celiac disease. If you’re not sure what’s causing your child’s diarrhea, give your doctor a call.</li></ul>Recognizing DehydrationDehydration is one of the most worrisome complications of diarrhea in children. Mild diarrhea usually doesn’t cause significant fluid loss, but moderate or severe diarrhea can.Severe dehydration is dangerous; it can cause seizures, brain damage, even death. Inform your doctor if your child has:<ul><li>Dizziness and lightheadedness</li><li>A dry, sticky mouth</li><li>Dark yellow urine, or very little or no urine</li><li>Few or no tears when crying</li><li>Cool, dry skin</li><li>A lack of energy</li></ul>Diarrhea usually goes away within a few days, but it can lead to complications. If your child is too weak to stand up or is confused or dizzy, don’t wait—get help.Go to the nearest clinic/hospital right away if your child:<ul><li>Seems very sick</li><li>Has had diarrhea for more than three days</li><li>Is younger than 6 months old</li><li>Is vomiting bloody green or yellow fluid</li><li>Can’t hold down fluids or has vomited more than twice</li><li>Has a fever</li><li>Seems dehydrated</li><li>Has bloody stools</li><li>Is less than a month old with three or more episodes of diarrhea</li><li>Passes more than four diarrhea stools in eight hours and isn’t drinking enough</li><li>Has a weak immune system</li><li>Has a rash</li><li>Has stomach pain for more than two hours</li><li>Has not urinated in 6 hours (in babies) or 12 hours (in children)</li></ul>Dr. Elvie Joy Atanque-Basa - Pediatrician, Family Medical Practice Danang" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1181, "title": "World AIDS Day and HIV in Vietnam", "slug": "world-aids-day-and-hiv-vietnam", "slug_en": "world-aids-day-and-hiv-vietnam", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 999, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/shutterstock_1174748812.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/shutterstock_1174748812.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-04-16", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 915 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "World AIDS Day is celebrated every 1st of December, and one way to celebrate it is to give awareness to people regarding HIV transmission, prevention and treatment as well.Let’s start first with some important and updated key facts:<ul><li>There were approximately 37.9 million people living with HIV at the end of 2018.</li><li>At the end of 2018, 1,700,000 people were newly infected with HIV.</li><li>In June 2019, 24.5 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART).</li><li>53 percent had achieved suppression of the HIV virus with no risk of infecting others.</li><li>Due to gaps in HIV services, 770,000 people died from HIV-related causes in 2018.</li></ul>It is a well-known fact that HIV continues to be a major global public health issue. It has claimed more than 32 million lives to date. With increasing access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health condition.The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) targets the immune system and weakens the immune system against infections and some types of cancer. The most advanced stage of HIV infection is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which can take 2–15 years to develop if NOT treated.<h2>SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS</h2>The symptoms are very non-specific and vary depending on the stage of infection. For the first few weeks after the initial infection, they might be asymptomatic or may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, rash or a sore throat. As the individual’s immune system progressively weakens, they could have swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fatigue, persistent fever, diarrhea or a cough that does not go away for a long time. As the disease progresses, the infected person might develop severe illnesses such as tuberculosis (TB), cryptococal meningitis or other severe opportunistic infections and cancers such as lymphoma and Kaposi’s sacroma.Transmission is through the exchange of a variety of body fluids from infected people such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. It can also be transmitted by an infected mother to her baby through pregnancy and delivery.Individuals cannot become infected through ordinary contact such as shaking hands, sharing personal objects or even hugging and kissing.<h2>TRANSMISSION</h2>Transmission is through the exchange of a variety of body fluids from infected people such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. It can also be transmitted by an infected mother to her baby through pregnancy and delivery.Individuals cannot become infected through ordinary contact such as shaking hands, sharing personal objects or even hugging and kissing.<h2>RISK FACTORS</h2>Key populations include:<ul><li>Men who have sex with men (MSM)</li><li>People who inject drugs</li><li>Prisoners and other people in closed settings</li><li>Sex workers and their clients</li><li>Transgender people</li></ul>Behaviours and conditions that put individuals at greater risk of contracting HIV:<ul><li>Unprotected vaginal or anal sex.</li><li>Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea and bacterial vaginosis.</li><li>Sharing contaminated needles and drug solutions when injecting drugs.</li><li>Receiving unsafe injections, blood transfusions and tissue transplantation.</li><li>Medical procedures that involve unsterile cutting or piercing.</li><li>Accidental needle stick injuries.</li></ul><h2>DIAGNOSIS</h2>HIV can be diagnosed through rapid tests capable of providing same-day results, facilitating early diagnosis and allowing early treatment and care. This is done through HIV quick testing—a screening test to detect antibodies produced by the person as part of their immune response to fight HIV. This test is readily available at Family Medical Practice Clinics throughout Vietnam.Most widely used HIV diagnostic tests detect antibodies produced by the person as part of their immune system’s response to fight HIV. Many who have the infection develop these antibodies within 28 days, and it is before this time that people experience the so-called “window” period where HIV antibodies have not been produced and when they may not yet have any signs or symptoms of the infection. It should be emphasized that after infection, an individual can still transmit HIV to a sexual or drug-sharing partner.Up to this day, there is no single test that can provide a full HIV diagnosis. A confirmatory test is required, which is done by a qualified and validated health professional from an accredited clinic or hospital.Any person tested positive should undergo retesting before they are enrolled for treatment and care, to rule out any potential testing or reporting error. Notably, if someone is diagnosed with HIV and has started treatment, they should NOT be retested.Once a person has tested positive for the HIV quick test, he or she would be referred to one of the HIV-AIDS control and prevention centers strategically located throughout Vietnam. These are the only accredited centers to perform the confirmation test via trained health care providers who also provide counseling and medication prescription (ARV treatment)—and this is given for free.<h2>PREVENTION</h2>The risk of HIV infection can be reduced by avoiding or limiting exposure to risk factors. The WHO has listed some key approaches for HIV prevention:Male and female condom useConsistent and correct use of condoms for male and female alike during vaginal or anal sex has been proven to protect against the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), including HIV.Testing and counselling for HIV and STIsIt is strongly recommended that testing for HIV and other STIs be done on all people who are exposed to ANY risk factors. This enables them to know their HIV status and access necessary prevention and treatment services at the soonest possible time. Testing for partners or couples are also advised.Use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) for preventionAn evidence-based study showed that if an HIV positive person adheres to an effective antiretroviral treatment (ART), the risk of transmitting the virus to their uninfected partner is significantly reduced by 96%. With this finding, the WHO recommends that all people living with HIV should be offered ART with the aim of saving lives and greatly reducing HIV transmission.This has been proven by several randomized control trials (RCT’s) that show the use of oral Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with daily use of ARVs among HIV negative partners have effectively reduced HIV transmission. The WHO recommends PrEP as the prevention of choice for people at substantial risk of getting infected with HIV.Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is the use of ARVs within 72 hours of exposure to HIV to prevent infection. PEP is the administration of a 28-day course of ARV drugs coupled with counseling, first aid care, HIV testing and follow-up care.Harm reduction for people who use injectable drugsUsing sterile injecting equipment (needles and syringes, preferably disposable ones) for each injection; not sharing drug-using equipment and drug solutions are highly advised among drug users.<h2>TREATMENT</h2>In 2018, there were 23.3 million people living with HIV all over the world who received antiretroviral treatment (ART). However, more efforts are needed to reach out—particularly to children and adolescents diagnosed with HIV.<ul><li>The HIV treatment guidelines include new alternative ARV options with better tolerability, higher efficacy and lower rates of treatment failure.</li><li>Combination antiretroviral treatment (ART) consisting of three or more antiretroviral drugs. These drugs (ARVs) suppress viral replication and strengthen one’s immune system to regain the capacity to fight off serious infections.</li><li>These drugs do NOT cure an HIV infection.</li></ul>The WHO is expanding access to treatment and sets this at the heart of a set of targets for 2020. This is a big step to bring the world back on track to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.Dr. Hazel Gallardo-Paez - Family Medicine, Family Medical Practice Danang" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1186, "title": "Service Posters & Pamphlets", "slug": "service-posters", "slug_en": "service-posters", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 955, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/library.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/library.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-04-16", "category": { "id": 4, "name": "Library", "slug": "library" }, "subcategory": { "id": 15, "name": "Collaterals", "slug": "collaterals" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Access our library of medical posters, pamphlets and brochures for more information about our services.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 988, 920, 919 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Please download our service posters <a href=\"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1K2qqFyLKV20DAnSXOhBDkD4wyjHjBnxq?usp=sharing\">here</a> or pamphlets <a href=\"https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jn_vtATtWMaDEpGBJPM_Fxh2vd-Q9qpN\">here</a>." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1175, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "ClinicTour", "slug_en": "ClinicTour", "slug_vi": "ClinicTour", "slug_ko": "ClinicTour", "slug_ja": "メディカルセンター救急車見学会", "overview_image": { "id": 930, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Mirai4June2019_02_website.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Mirai4June2019_02_website.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-04-13", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 7, "name": "Clinic Tours", "slug": "clinic-tours" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "みらい幼稚園の年長組のみなさんを2区・メディカルセンターにお迎えしてに、見学会を行いました。救急医療専門医のセルジオ医師と、救急コールセンター・マネージャーのマーヴィン、日本でも看護婦として活躍していた、看護師のナース・チャムと一緒に、救急処置室を見学し、正しい手の洗い方などについて学びました。<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Mirai4June2019_01-1.JPG\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />その後は、日本人小児科専門医の森医師と、「からだってどうなっているの？」をテーマにお勉強会。臓器の模型を使って、「これはからだのどこにある？」「どんな働きをしている？」など、みんな熱心に森医師の話を聞いていました。子ども達の知識の多さに、医師もスタッフも驚きました。<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Mirai4June2019_03-1.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />最後は、救急車の見学。「この救急車、見たことあるよ！」という声も。救急車の中に乗り、マーヴィンから救急車のお話を聞きました。「救急車は何に使うの？」「救急車の音はどんな音？」「救急車を見かけたらどうするの？」という質問に、子ども達は元気よく答えてくれました。そして、実際の救急車のサイレンを体験。大きな音にびっくりしながら、「日本の救急車と音がちがうね！」と大興奮。<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Mirai4June2019_04.JPG\" class=\"format-left\" />このような見学会を通して、子ども達に病院・医療を身近に感じてもらい、受診の際の不安を取り除くことができたらと思います。また、病院ってこんなところと　興味を持っていただき、良い刺激となれはとても嬉しく思います。ファミリーメディカルプラクティスの2区・メディカルセンターの増改築が終わり、多くのみなさんに新しい施設や設備、サービスをご紹介するために、見学会を実施しています。ご興味にある方は、マーケティング部・日高 toshie.hm@vietnammedicalpractice.comまで、ご連絡ください。

メディカルセンター見学会は、日本人ママを対象にも開催しております。

" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 732, "title": "Vaccinations While Traveling in Vietnam", "slug": "vaccinations-while-traveling-vietnam-dr-elvie-joy-atanque-basa", "slug_en": "vaccinations-while-traveling-vietnam-dr-elvie-joy-atanque-basa", "slug_vi": "vaccinations-while-travelling-vietnam", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 328, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Vaccinations_while_Traveling_in_Vietnam.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Vaccinations_while_Traveling_.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-04-10", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Recommended vaccines for travel-related exposures are given to protect travelers from vaccine-preventable diseases which may be present in other countries. It is also given to prevent importation and spread of such diseases across international borders.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 196, 195, 194, 193, 192 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "If you’re travelling to a foreign land, you’re exposing yourself to a host of new organisms that thrive in different environments around the world. Getting vaccinated should be one of your most important considerations, and you should start getting your shots at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure to produce enough immunity from the given vaccine. (Remember that some vaccines may require more than one dose.)There are several vaccinations that are generally recommended for going abroad, whilst some others are required when traveling to specific countries. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all travelers keep up-to-date with the routine schedule of childhood vaccinations and booster shots. Routine vaccines include the Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR) shot; the Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus (DPT) shot; polio; varicella (chicken pox) and flu vaccines. The probability of exposure to some of these diseases may be greater while traveling overseas.In the case of MMR, three contagious viral diseases that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets (or any direct contact with the saliva of an infected person), it is currently recommended that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first at the age of one, and the second at 4–6 years old. If you’re planning to travel with a child, the second dose may be given at an earlier age—provided the interval between the first and second dose is at least four weeks. Teens (and adults) who show no evidence of immunity against measles should get two MMR doses at least four weeks apart.Recommended vaccines for travelers should be based on the following:<ul><li>Vaccines already given based on previous immunization history</li><li>Underlying medical conditions of the traveler</li><li>Potential threats at the travel destination</li><li>Activities planned during travel</li><li>Length of travel abroad</li><li>Amount of time available before departure</li></ul>All travelers should consider the influenza vaccine, especially if they are traveling during the influenza season of the destination region(s). The influenza vaccine is particularly relevant if influenza epidemics are occurring at the destination(s), and for travelers in large tourist groups—especially those that include older persons, or when traveling on cruises where they are likely to be in confined circumstances for days or weeks.If previous immunization records cannot be obtained, an age-appropriate vaccination schedule must be started.Yellow fever vaccine is the only vaccine required by the International Health Regulations for travel to Equatorial South America and areas approximately 15° on either side of the equator in sub-Saharan Africa.Recommended vaccines for travel-related exposures are given to protect travelers from vaccine-preventable diseases which may be present in other countries. It is also given to prevent importation and spread of such diseases across international borders.Here is the list of recommended vaccines for travel-related exposures, especially here in Vietnam:<ul><li>Hepatitis A—spread through consuming contaminated food and water or person to person via the fecal-oral route. Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation are poor.</li><li>Hepatitis B—spread through infected blood/ blood products, contaminated needles, medical instruments and sexual intercourse. Risk is higher for those at occupational risk, long stays or frequent travel, children (exposed through cuts and scratches) and individuals who may need, or request, surgical procedures abroad.</li><li>Japanese encephalitis—spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. This mosquito breeds in rice paddies and mainly bites between dusk and dawn. The risk is higher for long-stay travelers in rural areas, particularly if unable to avoid mosquito bites.</li><li>Rabies—spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Particularly dogs and related species, but also monkeys. The risk is higher for those going to remote areas (who may not be able to promptly access appropriate treatment in the event of a bite). Even when pre-exposure vaccine has been received, urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal or monkey bites.</li><li>Typhoid—spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. The risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited.</li><li>Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, is endemic in Vietnam. There are no medications that you can take to prevent dengue fever, therefore, travelers are advised to take appropriate precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellents, covering up and using mosquito nets, and to seek early medical advice if they begin to experience symptoms of the virus.</li></ul>Some travelers may require booster shots if some time has passed since their last vaccination or for a number of other reasons. We advise both travelers and those living long-term in Vietnam to consult with our doctors if there is any concern or question about required boosters.While vaccines can help prevent you from contracting some serious diseases, they are not going to shield you against all bacteria that you come across in a new country. And since you’ll be exposed to things that you aren’t used to, we advise you to always remember to be careful.Dr. Elvie Joy Atanque-Basa - Pediatrician, Family Medical Practice Danang" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1069, "title": "Measles - The dreaded disease", "slug": "measles-dreaded-disease", "slug_en": "measles-dreaded-disease", "slug_vi": "sởi-căn-bệnh-đáng-sợ", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 673, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/shutterstock_1323694607_1.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/shutterstock_1323694607_1.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-04-09", "category": { "id": 1, "name": "Announcement board", "slug": "announcement" }, "subcategory": { "id": 12, "name": "Medical Alerts", "slug": "medical-alerts" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Measles is a viral infection that is highly contagious, spreads very quickly and can cause devastating damage to almost every system in our body.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 923, 751 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "<h2>MEASLES- The dreaded disease</h2>Measles is a viral infection that is highly contagious, spreads very quickly and can cause devastating damage to almost every system in our body.NERVOUS SYSTEMMeasles can cause encephalitis (severe inﬂammation of the brain) resulting in serious neurological damage and up to 10% death rate.One of its rare complications is a condition called SSPE (Subacute Sclerosing Pan Encephalitis) which can appear even years after the disease has gone and causes slow progressive destruction of the brain.CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMMeasles virus can attack the heart tissue and cause severe inﬂammation which may result in heart failure and death.PREGNANCYMeasles can cause severe infection in mother and fetus that may result in serious complications to both mother and baby-premature delivery or fetal death.RESPIRATORY SYSTEMMeasles can affect the respiratory system, causing a severe inﬂammation in the airway and lungs, leading to respiratory distress, failure, or death.BLOODMeasles can interrupt the normal coagulation of the blood and may result in severe bleeding.EYESMeasles is a leading cause of blindness, especially in malnourished children.ABDOMENMeasles can attack the liver, pancreas and intestines, resulting in hepatitis, pancreatitis, appendicitis or colitis.IMMUNE SYSTEMA new study, published Nov 2019 in Viral Immunology, shows that measles has a profound effect on our immune system. Children in the study who became infected with measles lost a signiﬁcant proportion of their immunity toward other infections (including past vaccinations).The measles “wiped out” 11–73% of their immune system “memory” that put these children at risk of contractingthose infections. This effect happened only in unvaccinated children. Those who received the MMR vaccine did not suffer from this serious effect.Some parents refuse to vaccinate their children, believing that if their child contracts measles “naturally” it will strengthen their immune system. This study proves beyond any doubt that not only can measles cause devastating complications and death, it severely weakens the immune system as well.PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN—MAKE SURE THEY ARE PROPERLY VACCINATED.Dr. Jonathan Halevy,Head of Pediatrics, Family Medical Practice" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1155, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "laymaugotchan", "slug_en": "laymaugotchan", "slug_vi": "lấy-máu-gót-chân", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": null, "post_date": "2020-03-31", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1170, "title": "Telemedicine Service_Online Consultations Now Available", "slug": "telemedicine-service_online-consultations-now-available", "slug_en": "telemedicine-service_online-consultations-now-available", "slug_vi": "dịch-vụ-tư-vấn-khám-chữa-bệnh-trực-tuyến", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": "オンライン診療開始", "overview_image": { "id": 935, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Telemedicine.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Telemedicine.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-30", "category": { "id": 6, "name": "FMP on COVID-19", "slug": "updatesoncovid19" }, "subcategory": { "id": 25, "name": "FMP services_COVID-19", "slug": "fmpservicesCOVID-19" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 936, 930, 910 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "We offer telemedicine service for those who prefer to consult with our physicians from home. PLEASE <a href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RqKYCDnm_PP86swdo2P1ryOzWq7icTtQ/view?usp=sharing\">CLICK HERE</a> AND FOLLOW THE STEPS TO BOOK AND RECEIVE TELEMEDICINE SERVICES. For further information, please call +84 28 3744 2000 or email: d2.reception@vietnammedicalpractice.com " } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1168, "title": "Safeguarding Patients and Medical/Non-Medical Teams", "slug": "safeguarding-patients-and-medicalnon-medical-teams", "slug_en": "safeguarding-patients-and-medicalnon-medical-teams", "slug_vi": "dam-bao-an-toan-cho-benh-nhan-va-nhan-vien", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 939, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/image_facebook_10.04.2020.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/image_facebook_10.04.2020.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-24", "category": { "id": 6, "name": "FMP on COVID-19", "slug": "updatesoncovid19" }, "subcategory": { "id": 25, "name": "FMP services_COVID-19", "slug": "fmpservicesCOVID-19" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 938, 932, 908 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "In accordance with government advice and protocols issued by the MOH and the CDC, we are currently observing the following hygienic practices:<ul><li>Rigorous levels of protection for patients and front line medical team members (including 14 days of self isolation for those returning from overseas travel in observation of travel restrictions imposed by the government).</li><li>Daily hygiene and cleaning regimens of our facilities, both public and closed-off areas, to the highest standards.</li><li>Continued news updates and training for our medical and non-medi- cal team members to ensure they are ready to provide information and assistance to our patients as the situation develops and evolves internationally and domestically.</li></ul><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/protocol1.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/protocol2.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />Remember always to place health and wellness at the highest priority during these times—and do not forget about social distancing and to wash your hands." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1166, "title": "Covid-19 Talk in Marubeni and Mitsubishi", "slug": "dr-hung-s-coronavirus-talk-marubeni-and-mitsuibishi", "slug_en": "dr-hung-s-coronavirus-talk-marubeni-and-mitsuibishi", "slug_vi": "hoi-thao-Covid19-tai-Marubeni-va-Mitsubishi", "slug_ko": "dr-hung-s-coronavirus-talk-marubeni-and-mitsuibishi", "slug_ja": "dr-hung-s-coronavirus-talk-marubeni-and-mitsuibishi", "overview_image": { "id": 902, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/DrHungtalk5_e2NGTAw.jpeg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/DrHungtalk5_e2NGTAw.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-19", "category": { "id": 6, "name": "FMP on COVID-19", "slug": "updatesoncovid19" }, "subcategory": { "id": 26, "name": "FMP articles & events_COVID-19", "slug": "fmparticlescovid19" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 940, 906 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Dr. Hung engaged with over 40 audiences at the offices of Marubeni and Mitsubishi this week to provide news and updates on the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also explained the necessary actions that governments have had to take globally to mitigate the spread of the fast spreading virus and how our government in Vietnam is pro-actively taking actions at its best to further contain the spread and transmissions by tightening borders, restricting travels, and quarantining those returning from affected countries.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/90BC5307-E66E-46F6-B4A2-EB7B298B0748.jpeg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />Dr. Hung reminded audiences to keep practicing daily hygiene; wear masks when in public places (as imposed by the government on March 16th); avoid social gatherings and instead, to try social distancing as much as possible especially during such uncertain times.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/DrHungtalk1.jpeg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />Many raised questions concerning transmissions, nutrition to stay healthy and keep immune system strong, and availability of vaccinations.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/DrHungtalk3.jpeg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />With so much fear and panic surrounding our daily lives, Family Medical Practice will continue to keep the community updated with current, trustful news and updates on the pandemic and on how we could all join efforts to protect ourselves and our families to mitigate the spread of the virus." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1217, "title": "Dr. Rafi Kot delivers inspirational Vietnam success story at TEDx", "slug": "dr-rafi-kot-delivers-inspirational-vietnam-success-story-tedx", "slug_en": "dr-rafi-kot-delivers-inspirational-vietnam-success-story-tedx", "slug_vi": "bs-rafi-kot-truyền-cảm-hứng-tại-sự-kiện-tedx", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 400, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Tedx_Event__BIS_school-_March_12_2018.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Tedx_Event__BIS_school-_March.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-19", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 1, "name": "News", "slug": "news" }, "tags": "", "summary": "“Where failure is not an option, ingenuity and innovation are paramount,\" Dr. Rafi Kot delivers inspirational Vietnam success story at TEDx", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 982, 981, 980, 979, 978 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Ho Chi Minh City, 8 March 2018: Speaking at “TEDxYouth@BISHCMC”, the first TEDx event in Ho Chi Minh City for 2018, Family Medical Practice’s founder Dr. Rafi Kot presented a case of how a little Vietnamese ingenuity, underpinned by a father’s hope and a can-do attitude, can save lives and lead to the nation being recognized as a pioneer and role-model for the region.In his presentation titled The Art of Cheating Death, Dr. Kot spoke of a relatively quiet Sunday afternoon in the clinic that was disrupted when a young Russian tourist struggled through the doors, gasping for breath.“Our doctors’ examinations bore some bad news – severe inflammation of the walls of her heart, exacerbated by the low cabin pressure on a long flight from Russia. We call it dyspnea – basically a severe shortness of breath that had the patient destined for a heart-lung machine. While there are several in Vietnam, the machinery here was simply not a long term solution, and we knew that we needed to move her to a facility in Thailand where she would be able to receive more sustained care – but this is far easier said than done,” he continued.These machines – known as ‘ECMO’ - extra corporeal membrane oxygenation machines – take over pumping blood from the heart and breathing from the lungs while the organs are effectively disconnected from the body.ECMO medical evacuations have been described as ‘the Mount Everest of medical transportation’ for their incredible complexity for people who are hanging to life by the thinnest of threads.“How do you move a patient to another country, when she is simply unable to draw breath and her heart is unable to pump blood?” he asked the 100-strong audience in the theater at Ho Chi Minh City’s British International School in District 2. “But in an acute life and death situation where failure is not an option, ingenuity and innovation are paramount and it is amazing what kind of ideas you are able to come up with.”No one in the region had ever undertaken such a move, and no one was willing to try, citing liability as a key concern.“I sat with her father, I explained to him the risks, and he said a phrase I will never forget. ‘Doctor, for you it is a risk. For me, it is a chance,” said Dr. Kot.“Thankfully, if three decades in Vietnam has taught me one thing, it is that this is a nation of ingenuity, where people have the skills and the wherewithal to give something a shot. And so, with just some scribbles on a notepad, four hours later, we had custom-built a rig that included a ventilator, a Dr. Lucas machine, two oxygen tanks, an ECMO monitor, a mounted mechanical heart and lung, four syringe pumps for ongoing medication, thermo-blankets, all mounted on a custom built rig with its own working table.”With that, Asia’s first mobile ECMO was built and ready to move – but the challenges were just beginning. A team of 14 was assembled that included bio-engineers, ER specialist doctors, cardio specialists and supporting nurses, each with a unique role to play in the mobilization.A standard passenger jet did not have wide-enough doors to move the patient, so the team had no choice but to contact both Vietnam Airlines and the aircraft manufacturer in France to discuss using the smaller propeller-powered aircraft which has a wider cargo door which needed to be removed and reinstalled in order to transport the patient. The craft was also only available in the dead of night, meaning that all the patient moving was done in total darkness, before the airline brought the plane back to Vietnam for a 6 am passenger flight.The flight arrived safely in Bangkok shortly after, and the reverse process took place, as the patient was moved to treatment there. She recovered fully and returned to Russia several months later.“It wasn’t until later that we reflected on what we had been able to achieve in those days,” said Dr. Kot. “Everyone said it was impossible. The only nations that had done it before were advanced countries like the Germany, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., and France – no one in Asia. And then, a small private clinic in Vietnam suddenly joined the ranks of international nations performing these kind of evacuations, and a global leader in its own right.”“We have now done this for a Chinese patient as well, and have inadvertently become an industry pioneer. We just wanted to help a tourist, but sometimes an acute event places you in a unique situation, a place that you do not think you will be,” he concluded, focusing his gaze on the students in the room. “My advice then to kids is when life presents you with these situations, focus on the positives. Put your energy toward what will happen if you do pull it off, and turn your back on the people who tell you that it can’t happen. Life’s biggest challenges are shrouded in those events, and when you overcome those obstacles, those are the times that you define your life’s journey.”--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About Family Medical Practice:Family Medical Practice, the first foreign-operated, multi-disciplinary primary medical health care provider in Vietnam, opened in Hanoi in 1994 and owns and operates five modern clinics based in Hanoi, Danang and HCMC. FMP is the only private medical provider in Vietnam with such national coverage. All Family Medical Practice clinics have fully-equipped ambulances described as “state-of-the-art emergency medical units” on standby 24 hours a day.About TEDx, x = independently organized eventIn the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 666, "title": "Bathwater Quality and Your Baby's Skin", "slug": "bathwater-quality-and-your-babys-skin", "slug_en": "bathwater-quality-and-your-babys-skin", "slug_vi": "bathwater-quality-and-your-babys-skin", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 817, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/babywater.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/babywater.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-17", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "One of the key factors in triggering atopic dermatitis is water pollution. The same water that reaches our sinks, baths and showers; the water we use to cook with and wash our dishes with is also used to wash ourselves and our babies. It’s the same as the water in our swimming pools.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 286, 285, 284, 283, 282 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Over the past few years, we have seen a dramatic rise in the number of babies who suffer from atopic dermatitis—both in Vietnam and around the world. Recently we have noticed more and more babies coming to our clinic with severe and hard-to-control eczema.We know that genetics plays an important role in the development of atopic dermatitis. If there is a family history of atopic conditions (such as eczema, asthma, hayfever or food allergies in close relatives) the baby will have an increased risk of developing atopic dermatitis, as well as other atopic conditions. About 30% of babies who suffer from atopic dermatitis will also have food allergies that may exacerbate their skin inflammation.Many children with atopic dermatitis, however, don’t have a family history of atopy—which means genetics are not the only culprit. We know that there are many environmental factors that can affect the development of skin inflammation:<ul><li>Formula feeding (vs breastfeeding)</li><li>Child birth via Cesarean section (vs natural delivery)</li><li>Overuse of antibiotics early on in life</li><li>Vitamin D deficiency</li></ul>All of these are risk factors in developing atopic conditions. Environmental pollution also plays a significant role in triggering eczema, asthma and allergies.It is a known fact and a daily reality to anyone who has been living in Vietnam for a while that our environment is becoming more and more polluted, especially in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang. When we think about pollution, we usually think about what we see, hear, smell and breathe outside—mainly air pollution, noise, waste, garbage and plastic. We forget to look inside our homes.It May be in the WaterOne of the key factors in triggering atopic dermatitis is water pollution. The same water that reaches our sinks, baths and showers; the water we use to cook with and wash our dishes with is also used to wash ourselves and our babies. It’s the same as the water in our swimming pools. What do we know about this water, and about what it may contain? And how might it affect us?Several studies have been done to investigate the effects of “hard water” on our skin. “Hard water” is water that contains high levels of calcium, calcium carbonate, chlorine, magnesium and other heavy metals. This water usually has high pH levels, while our skin is mildly acidic (low pH). A few studies have been conducted on adults with and without a predisposition to atopy. The results showed that using “hard water” disturbs proteins and the bonds between skin cells, damaging the skin barrier as a result and leaving it prone to colonization and penetration by pathogenic bacteria and other harmful toxins. This triggered an inflammatory response—the eczema. This damage was most pronounced in people with a genetic predisposition to atopy, but also occurred in non-predisposed people.Another study done on infants showed that babies who lived in areas with high levels of calcium carbonate in the water were more likely to develop eczema.Urban Development and WaterThe pace of urban development in Vietnam is rapid. The astonishing increase in new residential and commercial projects, buildings, apartments, offices and malls is staggering. You can find numerous projects that contain over thousands of apartments and shops, creating very crowded living areas. Urban populations are expanding as more people immigrate to the big cities. This inevitably results in a drastic increase in water demand and an urgent need to build a vast water supply system quickly. On the other hand, Vietnam’s water resources are not infinite. In fact, they are probably gradually shrinking. More sources of water (rivers, lakes and reservoirs) are becoming polluted, and more and more households find themselves without easy access to clean water.These factors combined will affect the quality of water that reaches our homes. It may compromise the ability to adequately control the water quality in water reservoirs and water pump stations; It may force contractors to use inferior water pipes and water systems. All these factors adversely affect the quality of water in our homes.If your baby suffers from atopic dermatitis that is hard to treat; if his skin gets better every time you travel or go on vacation, then the culprit may be hiding in your shower. Check your home water quality in a reliable laboratory. If you can’t, try using distilled bottled water for a few weeks for bathing—it might help improve your child’s (and your own) skin condition.Dr. Jonathan Halevy, Head of Pediatrics, Family Medical Practice Ho Chi Minh City" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 883, "title": "Color Me Run 2018", "slug": "color-me-run-2018", "slug_en": "color-me-run-2018", "slug_vi": "colormerun2018", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 412, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Color_Me_Run_2018_13.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Color_Me_Run_2018_13.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-12", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 6, "name": "Medical Stations", "slug": "medical-stations" }, "tags": "", "summary": "This May 12, Family Medical Practice was a proud medical sponsor of the extraordinary COLOR ME RUN held in HCMC’s District 7. The festival was attended by over 10,000 people and included runners of all ages—children from as young as three were seen participating on the day!", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 155 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "This May 12, Family Medical Practice was a proud medical sponsor of the extraordinary COLOR ME RUN held in HCMC’s District 7. The festival was attended by over 10,000 people and included runners of all ages—children from as young as three were seen participating on the day!<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Color_Me_Run_2018_14.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Color_Me_Run_2018_4.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />The event kicked off at 9 am. There were two medical stations on site manned by professional medical team members (including nurses and hi tech ambulances on standby along the race route). The event organizer Pulse Active’s volunteer staff were easily recognisable in their striking shirts bearing the important safety message: IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES DIAL *9999. Announcements about our emergency services number were also made throughout the day to ensure that all present knew what to do in case of an unexpected medical event. All race kits also included our first aid tips pamphlet to ensure everyone was prepared in case of injuries.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Color_Me_Run_2018_9.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Color_Me_Run_2018_5.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Color_Me_Run_2018_10.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Color_Me_Run_2018_8.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />The much anticipated event closed out after 9 pm with popular young artists (including Sam Tsui) taking over the stage, seeing young people celebrating with music and dance and keeping with the day’s theme: SHOUT OUT LOUD!<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Color_Me_Run_2018_15.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Color_Me_Run_2018_22.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />Many thanks to all participants and we will be sure to see you all again next year!" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1116, "title": "COVID-19 Talk at Puma", "slug": "covid-19-talk-puma", "slug_en": "covid-19-talk-puma", "slug_vi": "covid-19-talk-puma", "slug_ko": "covid-19-talk-puma", "slug_ja": "covid-19-talk-puma", "overview_image": { "id": 792, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/20200309_143644.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/20200309_143644.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-11", "category": { "id": 6, "name": "FMP on COVID-19", "slug": "updatesoncovid19" }, "subcategory": { "id": 26, "name": "FMP articles & events_COVID-19", "slug": "fmparticlescovid19" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Dr. Pedro L. Trigo recently presented a talk on the virus’ origin, spread, and status as an epidemic at Puma Vietnam office.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 941, 792 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "As one of FMP’s many approaches to raise public awareness on COVID-19, internist Dr. Pedro L. Trigo recently presented a talk on the virus’ origin, spread, and status as an epidemic at Puma Vietnam office.More than 60 Puma staff engaged with Dr. Pedro on pressing concerns regarding new emerging cases in Vietnam; preventive measures and controls that are and should be in place; as well how to recognize symptoms and what tests and medical facilities are available at hand.Dr. Pedro explained the complexity of COVID-19 and compared it with SARS and MERS—the two types of coronavirus that have affected humans on a large epidemic scale in the recent past. With time, as we have witnessed with China’s alarming numbers of cases and deaths at its peak, to its recovery now underway, we will see a similar pattern emerge in other epicenters currently being hard hit by the virus. Dr. Pedro reminded the audience to continue practicing daily hygiene; to avoid crowded places if possible; and to wash their hands often as well as wear masks when one is sick so as to not spread any infection to others.At the end of the talk, Dr. Pedro emphasized the importance of staying abreast of good quality information from reliable sources and to be able to understand the differences between facts and fiction—as there are many widespread rumors and incorrect information being spread on the internet." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1114, "title": "Feeding Time", "slug": "feeding-time", "slug_en": "feeding-time", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 845, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Feeding_time.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Feeding_time.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-11", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "The decision to breastfeed can give your baby the best possible start in life. While that’s true, it’s still an intimate and personal choice—and there are many factors that can weigh on a mother’s decision. In healthcare, we can guide parents to recognize the benefits breastfeeding brings to both mother and child, but we must also respect and support women for whom breastfeeding is not possible or is not the best choice.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 789 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "THE DECISION TO BREASTFEED can give your baby the best possible start in life. While that’s true, it’s still an intimate and personal choice—and there are many factors that can weigh on a mother’s decision. In healthcare, we can guide parents to recognize the benefits breastfeeding brings to both mother and child, but we must also respect and support women for whom breastfeeding is not possible or is not the best choice.According to UNICEF, 24% of babies in Vietnam are breastfed (either exclusively or with formula feeding) up to the age of six months—higher than the overall global rate. The official recommendation from the WHO is that women are advised to breastfeed exclusively for the baby’s first six months of life, without the need for additional solid food or fluids, including water. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of many diseases that are a threat to infants, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (by 36%); middle earinfection (otitis media), allergic rhinitis, and childhood leukemia (by about 18%).There are also some studies that show children who are breastfed tend to have a higher IQ, and are less likely to be obese or overweight in adolescence and Adulthood.The benefits to the mother include a reduced risk of pre- and postmenopausal Breast cancer (because of the reduced exposure to estrogen) And a reduced risk of ovarian cancer.These benefits increase with longer periods of breastfeeding. It’s usually considered best for mother and baby to experience close skin contact immediately after birth to trigger a bond that also helps to stimulate the production of breast milk.After giving birth, it takes about two or three days for the milk to come in to the breast. The first milk that comes in is something called colostrum, a creamy yellow liquid containing high levels of antibodies—which are proteins that fight infections and bacteria. Babies only drink about 5–10 mls of it, after which the breast milk begins to be produced in its normal form. Normally when a baby suckles, the first part of the milk taken will be more watered down. Milk with a higher fat and nutritive content comes in at the end. It’s often recommended that breastfeeding mothers should make sure that they are allowing their baby to stay on long enough to get what they need and not switch too early, so that the baby is getting the creamy fat content at the end.It’s unfortunate that some mothers do experience significant challenges in feeding their babies that can be overwhelming, especially in the absence of professional help from a midwife or lactation consultant.Around 30% of women will experience at least one breastfeeding problem in the first two weeks after delivery, and many of those will consult their doctor. The most common reasons for stopping breastfeeding in those early weeks is the baby not suckling or rejecting the breast, as well as painful breasts/nipples. After the first few weeks, the most common reason for stopping breastfeeding is reported as insufficient milk—which can include the perception of insufficient milk. Appropriate management and support for these problems is therefore key to achieving ongoing breastfeeding. Low milk supply is the most commonly reported cause of mothers choosing to stop breastfeeding.However not all mothers who worry about low milk supply have an actual issue. Perception of low milk supply is a common problem, when parents misinterpret normal newborn behaviors—such as cluster feeding (prolonged periods of frequent brief feeds), growth spurts, and frequent feeding—or misunderstand how breastfeeding works, not appreciating that breasts may come to feel softer as the weeks go by; a baby’s swallowing pattern may change; or that response to a breast pump is not a measurement of milk supply. Milk production is a feedback mechanism—the more you feed, the more milk is produced, and the less you feed, the less milk is produced—so if the mother starts supplementing breast milk with bottle feeding, this may lead to an actual decrease in her milk production.Sometimes there really is an issue with milk transfer, in that the milk isn't being effectively withdrawn from the breast by the baby. The most common cause of this isn't an illness—it's more to do with positioning and attachment of the baby at the breast. If the mother is not positioned correctly while breastfeeding or the baby is not attached to the breast well, feeding will become more painful and this will lead to ineffective milk transfer. The best indicators of low milk supply are the frequency of wet nappies and weight gain (after five weeks of age).Rarely, in perhaps 2–5% of cases, there is an underlying medical problem. Issues such as retained placenta, hyperthyroidism, and heavy bleeding during delivery can affect the pituitary gland, which affects milk supply. One third of women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome will have problems with their milk supply—breast surgery can also be responsible for this situation, as can the effect of hormonal contraception.Pain in breastfeeding can have a significant impact on the relationship and whether the mother chooses to continue breastfeeding her child. Cracked or sore nipples are common and are usually due to positioning and attachment issues. This is common in the early days of breastfeeding, and usually with practice and patience the issue resolves itself and the woman can carry on without needing to see a doctor. However, breastfeeding isn’t supposed to be painful, and if the problem continues for a long period it is advised for the mother to seek help from a medical or health professional.If it does continue, it can cause fissures and acute pain—which will then affect breastfeeding. Applying a small amount of breast milk on the nipple can be very protective and restorative, as well as using purified lanolin (which is found in a lot of commercial nipple creams). Sometimes an antibacterial ointment is also necessary.Cracked nipples are caused by attachment problems, when the baby is not attaching to the breast properly.Usually, when a baby attaches to the breast, it will make a wide open mouth so the top lip is way above the nipple, and make strong sucking motions. But if the baby is latching onto the nipple only, this will eventually cause nipple pain. Sometimes when milk is not effectively removed from the breast, a painful condition called mastitis may arise, which presents as a wedge-shaped area of the breast that becomes painful, red, hard or firm, and hot. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and chills, body aches, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. It occurs when milk is held too long in the duct, causing distension—a blocked duct that then gives rise to mastitis. Blocked ducts are normally caused by poor positioning and attachment. When mastitis does occur, it is important to present to your doctor early to assess whether treatment is needed and to get advice on positioning and attachment to prevent the problem in the future.POSITIONING AND ATTACHMENT TIPS MEDICAL COLUMNDr. Olivia Wyatt was born in South Africa and raised in Botswana, where she worked with HIV patients with Harvard Medical School and the Clinton Foundation. Now a mother of three—daughters Aggi Rose and Evie and son Louis—Dr. Olivia regularlyconvenes FMP’s Saigon International Mother and Baby Association, a group supporting new and expecting mothers with parenting guidance and information, where she leads discussions on topics such as feeding, sleeping, development milestones, colds & coughs, and vaccinations over coffee, tea<ul><li>Sit comfortably with your back well-supported and your lap flat.</li><li>Keep baby’s body in a straight line facing the breast.</li><li>Support baby’s neck, shoulders and back so he/she can easily tilt back the head.</li><li>Ensure baby’s lower lip and chin makes contact with the breast first.</li></ul>SIGNS OF EFFECTIVE ATTACHMENTUsually, if the nipple is brushed against a baby's top lip and nose, it will fully open its mouth. This is called rooting, and every suckling animal has the same instinctive response. It will latch on naturally when the nipple touches the top of the mouth, which draws in quite a large part of the breast rather than just the nipple. If the mother and baby are properly guided, the baby will get used to the correct rooting response, and the more frequently it will occur.Trained healthcare professionals can support mothers and educate them about the best positions for the strongest attachments. A lactation consultant—or a midwife, or a nurse—can help to educate new mothers on how breastfeeding works, what to expect, what's normal, and what's not often talked about, especially in the early stages.<ul><li>Baby has a large mouthful of breast.</li><li>Baby’s chin is firmly touching the breast.</li><li>Baby’s mouth is wide open.</li><li>Feeding doesn’t hurt.</li><li>No change in shape or color of the nipple after feeds.</li><li>Baby’s cheeks stay rounded while sucking.</li><li>Baby takes long, rhythmic sucks and swallows with occasional pauses.</li><li>Baby finishes feeding independently.</li></ul>Baby should produce regular soaked/heavy nappies. Bowel motions should be soft and yellow from day 4/5 with two or more dirty nappies a day and poos at least the size of a large coin." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1089, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "clinictour20190528", "slug_en": "clinictour20190528", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "사이공-몬테소리-유치원-2군-메디컬-센터-투어", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": null, "post_date": "2020-03-11", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 7, "name": "Clinic Tours", "slug": "clinic-tours" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 763 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1095, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "cpr20190723", "slug_en": "cpr20190723", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "국제학교-재학-고등학생-대상-응급처치-교육-진행", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 770, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/67264051_2360934940847582_6269482930133794816_o.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/67264051_2360934940847582_626.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-10", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 9, "name": "First Aid Courses", "slug": "first-aid-courses" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 769 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1093, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "cpr20190702", "slug_en": "cpr20190702", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "한국-국제학교-교직원-대상-심폐소생술-워크샵", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 768, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/65758021_2347208002220276_5568305875266830336_o.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/65758021_2347208002220276_556.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-10", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 9, "name": "First Aid Courses", "slug": "first-aid-courses" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 767 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1096, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "cpr20190907", "slug_en": "cpr20190907", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "한국-국제학교-의료-동아리-대상-응급처치-교육", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 771, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/71089522_2399602903647452_6863769282774302720_o_1.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/71089522_2399602903647452_686.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-10", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 9, "name": "First Aid Courses", "slug": "first-aid-courses" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 770 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1097, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "clinictour20191016", "slug_en": "clinictour20191016", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "호크마-국제-유치원-2군-메디컬-센터-방문", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": null, "post_date": "2020-03-10", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 7, "name": "Clinic Tours", "slug": "clinic-tours" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 771 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1219, "title": "Who would you call in a medical emergency?", "slug": "who-would-you-call-medical-emergency", "slug_en": "who-would-you-call-medical-emergency", "slug_vi": "cấp-cứu-biết-gọi-ai", "slug_ko": "who-would-you-call-medical-emergency", "slug_ja": "who-would-you-call-medical-emergency", "overview_image": { "id": 1176, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/147-02.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/147-02.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-10", "category": { "id": 4, "name": "Library", "slug": "library" }, "subcategory": { "id": 17, "name": "Medical Videos", "slug": "medical-videos" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 987, 985, 986, 984, 983 ], "content": [ { "type": "video", "value": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEvgOmao37A" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1092, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "cpr-20190611", "slug_en": "cpr-20190611", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "한국-여행사-직원-대상-응급처치-교육", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 767, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/62427503_2330539187220491_5920931121289232384_o.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/62427503_2330539187220491_592.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-10", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 9, "name": "First Aid Courses", "slug": "first-aid-courses" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 766 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1091, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "clinictour-20190605", "slug_en": "clinictour-20190605", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "몬테소리-가든-유치원-2군-메디컬-센터-방문", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 766, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/62098458_2326265817647828_8746551953133142016_o.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/62098458_2326265817647828_874.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-10", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 7, "name": "Clinic Tours", "slug": "clinic-tours" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 765 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1094, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "nursestation-20190712", "slug_en": "nursestation-20190712", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "한국-국제학교-체육대회-응급처치실-지원", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": null, "post_date": "2020-03-10", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 6, "name": "Medical Stations", "slug": "medical-stations" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 768 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1090, "title": "A Ticking Bomb", "slug": "ticking-bomb", "slug_en": "ticking-bomb", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 763, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/A-Ticking-Bomb.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/A-Ticking-Bomb.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-09", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "The secret behind the hidden charm. Vietnam's HIV threat.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 764 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "The secret behind the hidden charm. Vietnam's HIV threat"It’s like a ticking bomb here in Vietnam,” says Dr Serge Gradstein from Family Medical Practice, a foreign-operated multidisciplinary medical practice in Vietnam.“It’s a serious problem that needs addressing.”Dr Gradstein believes the true scale of HIV infection rates is unknown despite some official reports stating otherwise.“I think if we had the numbers, they would be very alarming.”HIV remains a public health threat in Vietnam despite efforts to reduce new infection rates over the past two decades.Dr Serge Gradstein worked at Israel's largest HIV clinic in Tel Aviv in the 1980s and 1990s. Photo by Mike PalumboUNAIDS, the leading global organisation that supports a coordinated response to HIV and AIDS, reports that national estimates point to an increasing proportion of new infections among key populations of people at risk of contracting HIV.It is estimated in Vietnam there were around 11,000 new HIV infections in 2016 and 8,600 AIDS-related deaths in 2017.The prevention needs of high-risk populations in Vietnam are either not being fully met or have no specific interventions tabled to combat HIVEstimates point at somewhere between 220,000 and 280,000 people were living with HIV in Vietnam in 2017While UNAIDS reports the prevalence of the disease among Vietnamese adults between the ages of 15 to 46 as being at just 0.4%, there isn’t enough reliable data to paint a clearer picture of the scale of new infection rates in Vietnam.This concerns medical professionals like Dr Gradstein who are at the frontline of the diagnosis and treatment of people with HIV."I’ve seen an increase in numbers [of people being diagnosed with HIV in Vietnam], but in the absence of hard data, I can’t say if it means anything or not,” he explains at Family Medical Practice in central Ho Chi Minh City."It may just be that we have a service with specialist doctors for HIV that accounts for the increase in people presenting at the clinic with HIV."But from our experience, we know there are people who don’t use condoms and people who don’t get tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections), including HIV."The late night bars and karaoke venues of the Thai Van Lung neighbourhood or "Japan Town" in Saigon. Photo by Olga RozewinDr Gradstein’s observations correlate with data reported by UNAIDS on the number of people living in Vietnam who know their HIV status.There just isn’t a definitive number.What is fairly certain however, is that the highest incidences of HIV are estimated to be among populations who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, and sex workers.A 2016 estimate states that 3.7% of sex workers in Vietnam have HIV, while for men who have sex with men it is 12.2%, and 14% among people who inject drugs.“I see more men [than women for consultations], but I’m certain there is a huge unknown population under the carpet,” Dr Gradstein says of the possible epidemic confronting Vietnam. "The turning point was in the mid-90s when we started to give the 'cocktail'"Before coming to Vietnam in 2012, Dr Gradstein worked at Israel’s largest HIV clinic in Tel Aviv during the 1980s and 1990s when Israel experienced its first and second waves of Ethiopian immigrants fleeing war and famine.Ethiopia was already in the midst of an HIV epidemic and so it was only a matter of time before HIV-positive Ethiopians began to present at his clinic.Dr Gradstein had trained initially as a paediatrician before training to specialise in infectious diseases.It was around this time that he headed up the paediatric department of the HIV clinic in Tel Aviv and for the first time began treating HIV-positive patients on a scale much larger than he ever had previously.Many of his patients included children."It was then that we started to learn ‘real’ medicine,” recalls Dr Gradstein."We saw lots of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV [among the immigrants]. It took a while for them to come to our attention because of the time it took for their resettlement."The first priority was to house and feed them and then they were referred to the health system for medical examinations.""The turning point was in the mid-90s when we started to give the ‘cocktail’, which brought about a dramatic fall in mortality and morbidity, including mother to child transmission rates. I saw it right before my eyes. It was impressive," he says.The cocktail that Dr Gradstein referring to is the combined drug treatment known as HAART or Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment.It is also sometimes referred to as cART (combination antiretroviral therapy) or ART (antiretroviral therapy).In addition, there is increasing awareness, at least within the gay community says Dr Gradstein, of the existence of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).PrEP is a newly-accepted means of prevention which is a combination of two antiretrovirals branded as Truvada that can be taken on a permanent basis by individuals at risk of exposure to HIV.As a result, the prospect of being diagnosed with HIV today is much less traumatic than it was 20 or 30 years ago. According to Dr Gradstein, people have become less fearful of the disease as a result, especially given the likelihood of fewer complications and serious side-effects from modern day HIV treatments.In many ways, he says, someone who has Diabetes, may actually experience greater complications with their health than someone with HIV."There was hysteria, absolutely," says Dr Gradstein, of the impact the emergence of HIV and AIDS had on communities in the 1980s."In certain communities, everybody knew somebody who had died from AIDS, but today that doesn’t exist as much."Vietnam, however, has been a new and different learning curve for Dr Gradstein.When he arrived here back in 2012 to take up his position with Family Medical Practice, he was struck by the cultural difference, particularly by what he believes is an overarching Vietnamese cultural norm to suppress certain things, including issues related to health.While he is at pains to highlight that this is merely his personal perception from his experiences of living and working here, he is confident that it has played a role in ensuring that HIV remains a public health threat in Vietnam.Expatriate gay and straight men are sometimes guilty of lowering their guard during sexual encounters"For instance, in industrialised countries, people are more proud and open about being a gay man, but in Vietnam there is more of a stigma attached to sexuality. If it doesn’t fit within the social norms of society, it tends to get covered up more. Men might be married with children, but be unofficially gay, which can potentially be a threat to their wives and children (if they take risks when they have sex)," says Dr Gradstein, who goes on to clarify that high-risk sexual behaviour isn’t just isolated among men who have sex with men.As figures show, sex between heterosexual partners carries high-risks as well if appropriate precautions aren’t taken.Some expatriate gay and straight men are at times guilty of lowering their guards during sexual encounters leaving them exposed to a greater risk of contracting HIV.It is something he finds baffling given that it is assumed in general that expatriates would have a better knowledge of the associated risks of having unprotected sex with multiple partners."Coming here to Vietnam, for some reason many seem to forget about the risks," he says. "It’s quite incredible sometimes. They seem to stop using protection because they are geographically in Vietnam."Left on the shelf. "They seem to stop using protection because they are geographically in Vietnam." Photo by Mike PalumboOn the flip-side, there are men presenting with HIV phobia.While the reluctance of people wanting to get tested for HIV has long been documented and understood, there is a type of patient who over-tests, sometimes for good reason because of the choices they have made, but often without good reason, except that in their minds they have contracted the disease."HIV phobia is one of the classic ones now. It’s not a question of logic. It’s more of an emotional problem that should be addressed on an emotional level," explains Dr Gradstein. “Because people can suddenly find themselves exposed to higher risk here, some people have a tendency to become more anxious than others and so they use an encounter to fuel their anxious state."The curious thing about HIV phobia, says Dr Gradstein, is that while there is perhaps a higher chance of contracting HIV through sex in Vietnam than in countries like Australia, people can misguidedly attribute much of their anxiety to HIV.They forget other more prevalent and serious STIs, like Hepatitis B which, unlike HIV, is easier to contract and can survive outside the body for a long period of time.It is believed that Hepatitis B infection rates in Vietnam hover somewhere between 8% and 40% of the population depending on geographic location. Yet, HIV still attracts all the hype."If you just focus on HIV, you’re likely overlooking other major communicable diseases, like Syphilis for example, which is making a comeback because it’s much more infectious than HIV," says Dr Gradstein."The way forward with all of this is better education and more effective campaigns about sexual health for all communities living in Vietnam, because that will go a lot further towards building a safer, healthier and happier society, rather than simply pushing it under the carpet."If you're seeking professional help & advice on this topic, contact Family Medical PracticeDr. Serge Gradstein - Pediatrician, Family Medical Practice HCMC" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1113, "title": "ABCDE", "slug": "abcde", "slug_en": "abcde", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 790, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/ABCDE.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/ABCDE.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-09", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Foreigners in Vietnam are involved in 500 accidents every year. Most of these crashes involve motorbikes.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 790 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Recent statistics from Vietnam’s National Traffic Safety Committee show that road crashes kill almost one person every hour in this country. More than 9000 traffic accidents occurred in the first half of 2019 alone, killing nearly 4100 people and injuring more than 7000. Foreigners in Vietnam are involved in 500 accidents every year. Most of these crashes involve motorbikes.With so many bike accidents in Saigon, trauma management is an extremely important part of emergency ambulance response. First responders generally follow two key strategies: “Stay and Play” and “Scoop and Run”. What happens at the scene of an incident always depends on the situation and condition of the victims.The standard of care for ambulance medicine internationally is to bring patients to the hospital setting in the best possible condition. When the situation allows, ambulance teams will do the most they can to relieve emergency departments, ranging from preliminary diagnostic measures to determine a provisional diagnosis to stabilizing and initiating treatment to prevent the patient from deteriorating. This requires proper medical equipment on board, as well as a certain know-how on the part of the ambulance team. That all falls under the “Stay and Play” category.“Scoop and Run” is where the situation requires the ambulance to pick up the casualty and then take them to a medical facility as quickly and safely as possible, where a more complete diagnostic can proceed. In that case, we don't want to have the emergency medical team remain on site for too long. In Vietnam, “Scoop and Run” is the normal ambulance response strategy, partly because the role of paramedics is not recognised in local law.This means that for ambulance teams, a fast and efficient rescue protocol plays a very important role. In trauma management, the algorithm we use is called ABCDE. It stands for Airway (check the patient’s airway for patency), Breathing (check if the patient is breathing sufficiently), Circulation (check that the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate are maintained), Disability (check if the patient has sustained any immobilizing injuries) and Exposure (thorough physical examination of the patient to detect less obvious injuries).This systematic approach is used everywhere in the world. It's a symptom-based method ensuring that whatever might kill a patient first is treated first. For example, a casualty doesn’t have much time to live if their airway is obstructed, impairing breathing, so that problem must be treated before anything else—and if the patient is bleeding from a major artery and the bleeding isn’t stopped by putting pressure on the wound, the patient will very likely die.After completing ABCDE and achieving a stable condition of the patient, the next priority is pain management for patient comfort. Broken bones should be splinted and immobilized to prevent further damage, and open wounds dressed to prevent further infection.An important and relatively recent change to the ABCDE protocol is that C-spine (neck) trauma has been prioritized further, so a trauma team will check the C-spine simultaneous to looking at breathing, circulation, and so on. The reason is that if an accident is serious, head trauma is usually involved—and this is especially dangerous in Vietnam, where few people wear proper helmets. Bystanders at an accident are usually unaware how serious damage to the C-spine can be, and it is often overlooked by improperly trained medical personnel. People who see a victim lying unconscious on the ground who has just been in a motorbike accident tend to drag them to the side of the road. That isn’t necessarily life-threatening if the victim has a broken leg, but if someone has a broken C-spine and is dragged, it can be fatal. Whenever our ambulance team suspects a C-spine injury, they will manually immobilize or apply a stiff-neck collar around the patient’s neck immediately to protect it.In cases of severe and major trauma, every minute counts. It’s critical for all members of an emergency medical operation to be trained in the ABCDE method to ensure that to ensure that everyone follows the same protocol—therefore aligning their priorities in the management of trauma victims. This is true of our medical operation in Saigon, where everyone is trained in this method—from the doctors and nurses to the emergency responders in the ambulances.We also have fantastic resources both on board the vehicles and in our medical centers. I can say with confidence that our ambulances are the best in the country, fully equipped with mobile Intensive Care Unit technology. At our clinic, we have a state-of-the-art CT scanner for precise imaging; an on-site laboratory to perform blood and other specimen testing with the fastest possible turnaround; and in case referral to another hospital is required, the ambulance is right there to transport them immediately.I've heard about a lot of trauma cases here where people are brought to a local hospital and had to wait to even be seen, despite the fact that time is crucial in trauma emergencies. It’s not that they’re not a priority, but that these facilities are overcrowded—there can be as many as three patients to a bed, and naturally staff can be overwhelmed by the volume of patients.When trauma patients come to our medical center, I have seen first hand that they receive priority treatment. All of our emergency doctors are trained in the ABCDE protocol to assess the urgency and risk to the patient. By following the protocols and with the resources we have at hand, we can complete diagnostics and initiate definitive medical treatment time efficiently.If someone gets into a motor vehicle accident and a bystander calls ∗9999, the ambulance can be dispatched within minutes—depending on the severity of the emergency, and guided by the same global-standard ProQA protocols that are used by 911 in the US. Our ambulance team—consisting of an ambulance driver, at least one nurse and one doctor—will perform an initial assessment on site (a quick ABCDE) and transport the patient quickly and safely to the nearest appropriate hospital, if needed—and is capable of providing lifesaving emergency treatment en route. When the patient is handed over to our emergency doctor at FMP, their condition will be re-assessed following ABCDE (in case it has changed)—followed by a full diagnostic workup (for example, laboratory testing, ultrasound, X-rays or CT scan to objectify the severity of injuries).Once all the tests and checks are complete, a doctor will have a full appraisal of the situation and will know if a particular treatment or surgery is necessary, if the patient should be kept under observation for several hours or can be sent home. Until that moment, trauma management is all about assessment and treatment of the most urgent symptoms in order of greatest risk to the life of the patient.Dr. Linh Ngo - Emergency Doctor, Family Medical Practice HCMCA dedicated doctor with broad clinical expertise, Dr. Linh Ngo is both a German board-certified general surgeon with a colorectal specialty and an emergency medicine physician. He has taken postings in Ethiopia, Sierra Leone and Bangladesh, and plans to engage in volunteer work in remote areas of Vietnam." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1088, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "FMPmedicalprogram-20180628", "slug_en": "FMPmedicalprogram-20180628", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "국제학교-재학-고등학생-대상-체험-프로그램", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": null, "post_date": "2020-03-09", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 7, "name": "Clinic Tours", "slug": "clinic-tours" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 762 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1100, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "cpr20170203", "slug_en": "cpr20170203", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "호치민시-국제학교-재학-고등학생-대상-응급처치-교육-진행", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 775, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/16715952_1841201549487593_6211222518595434100_o.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/16715952_1841201549487593_621.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-09", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 9, "name": "First Aid Courses", "slug": "first-aid-courses" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 775 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1099, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "evacuation20170209", "slug_en": "evacuation20170209", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "한국인-여행객-다낭에서-한국으로-응급후송-진행", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 774, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/16864786_1841196569488091_8927814885573951905_n.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/16864786_1841196569488091_892.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-09", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 6, "name": "Medical Stations", "slug": "medical-stations" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 774, 773 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 867, "title": "Teenage mental health at British International School", "slug": "teenage-mental-health-british-international-school", "slug_en": "teenage-mental-health-british-international-school", "slug_vi": "teenage-mental-health-british-international-school", "slug_ko": "teenage-mental-health-british-international-school", "slug_ja": "teenage-mental-health-british-international-school", "overview_image": { "id": 401, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Teenage_mental_health__BIS_school_22th_August.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Teenage_mental_health__BIS_sc.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-09", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 8, "name": "Health Talks", "slug": "health-talks" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 152 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "August 22, Dr. Miguel from Family Medical Practice gave a mental health talk to BIS students."To coincide with the launch of our new Wellbeing curriculum at BIS HCMC, we were delighted to welcome Dr Miguel de Seixas, a psychiatrist from <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/FamilyMedicalPracticeVietnam/?__tn__=KH-R&eid=ARCgD0mvnBkp4Q_mLya3Nle7fVyrmrjt2Q2B-l0tpnRdcAZI-grL6kwgwtqJcUIvZ_omQ_t51LHOMmDF&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAw0Td_RCuEyaroe1CYa39VaRiJ8ysECZt36mHYTqanAA_t1Xy39Ak4w14uVNPUHoIBF7_1q9khIRjOB7WDe1vvG1aJwHzkOPT2p2a4-KIPIX_u1TqI0f0z8RBKtg0kOhOPux0LOMuEGLwzDYSTPZ4jtZVJPa0kmtWUxZCQuxVxMN4sOPGPHke88N7A4OkDb2ODT3xd0hqKc-xBBzAifbUtoGcXozECU7Et4IpnM_qY28qhfA46uto-4WXqeDhR2vm_JsAGFzFjf0ieum__Ug7AerdVzzfEA9ACGRl5-TjxvEizD3DWB3swH9S1YjMk-HSIxsMsWhWDt5Xpx7Edrpt92vFF0ZjaWDOAKAemJOMB4XdJCq90Q5h9_7G1nrE6blF8qgt6SCOgtViu9Abn3vQ1Sc6JyQhJoKbxRuXhhR2YDvTCRU_WNRg_zaJ6NZX2nzPzB0EmsH9srQQktUhGmHN_H2ZzU5gNq1fwwRtX0lEmj1_VD_WVP3p77vfF\">Family Medical Practice Vietnam</a>, to speak on the important topic of teenage mental health.Dr Miguel spoke to our Year 8, 10 and 11 students about the importance of looking after their mental health and presented a range of different strategies they could adopt to be ‘mentally healthy.’The students will be building upon these ideas over the next year as part of the wellbeing curriculum at the Secondary Campus.<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/wellbeing?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAw0Td_RCuEyaroe1CYa39VaRiJ8ysECZt36mHYTqanAA_t1Xy39Ak4w14uVNPUHoIBF7_1q9khIRjOB7WDe1vvG1aJwHzkOPT2p2a4-KIPIX_u1TqI0f0z8RBKtg0kOhOPux0LOMuEGLwzDYSTPZ4jtZVJPa0kmtWUxZCQuxVxMN4sOPGPHke88N7A4OkDb2ODT3xd0hqKc-xBBzAifbUtoGcXozECU7Et4IpnM_qY28qhfA46uto-4WXqeDhR2vm_JsAGFzFjf0ieum__Ug7AerdVzzfEA9ACGRl5-TjxvEizD3DWB3swH9S1YjMk-HSIxsMsWhWDt5Xpx7Edrpt92vFF0ZjaWDOAKAemJOMB4XdJCq90Q5h9_7G1nrE6blF8qgt6SCOgtViu9Abn3vQ1Sc6JyQhJoKbxRuXhhR2YDvTCRU_WNRg_zaJ6NZX2nzPzB0EmsH9srQQktUhGmHN_H2ZzU5gNq1fwwRtX0lEmj1_VD_WVP3p77vfF&__tn__=%2ANKH-R\">#Wellbeing</a> <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bishcmc?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAw0Td_RCuEyaroe1CYa39VaRiJ8ysECZt36mHYTqanAA_t1Xy39Ak4w14uVNPUHoIBF7_1q9khIRjOB7WDe1vvG1aJwHzkOPT2p2a4-KIPIX_u1TqI0f0z8RBKtg0kOhOPux0LOMuEGLwzDYSTPZ4jtZVJPa0kmtWUxZCQuxVxMN4sOPGPHke88N7A4OkDb2ODT3xd0hqKc-xBBzAifbUtoGcXozECU7Et4IpnM_qY28qhfA46uto-4WXqeDhR2vm_JsAGFzFjf0ieum__Ug7AerdVzzfEA9ACGRl5-TjxvEizD3DWB3swH9S1YjMk-HSIxsMsWhWDt5Xpx7Edrpt92vFF0ZjaWDOAKAemJOMB4XdJCq90Q5h9_7G1nrE6blF8qgt6SCOgtViu9Abn3vQ1Sc6JyQhJoKbxRuXhhR2YDvTCRU_WNRg_zaJ6NZX2nzPzB0EmsH9srQQktUhGmHN_H2ZzU5gNq1fwwRtX0lEmj1_VD_WVP3p77vfF&__tn__=%2ANKH-R\">#BISHCMC</a>"<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Teenage_mental_health__BIS_school_22th_August_1.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1098, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "nursestation-20170115", "slug_en": "nursestation-20170115", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "호치민시-마라톤-2017-hcmc-run에-의료팀-지원", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 773, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/16178649_1827216820886066_3408137038350379483_o.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/16178649_1827216820886066_340.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-09", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 6, "name": "Medical Stations", "slug": "medical-stations" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 772 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1101, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "studentvolunteer2017", "slug_en": "studentvolunteer2017", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "2017-겨울-방학-학생-지원-프로그램-student-volunteer-program", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 776, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/11111.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/11111.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-09", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 7, "name": "Clinic Tours", "slug": "clinic-tours" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 776 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1047, "title": "Covid-19 Outbreak", "slug": "letter-dr-rafi", "slug_en": "letter-dr-rafi", "slug_vi": "letter-dr-rafi", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 607, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Covid-19.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Covid-19.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-05", "category": { "id": 6, "name": "FMP on COVID-19", "slug": "updatesoncovid19" }, "subcategory": { "id": 26, "name": "FMP articles & events_COVID-19", "slug": "fmparticlescovid19" }, "tags": "", "summary": "The coronavirus outbreak is currently at its peak, and the world is trying every possible means to understand the mechanism of this virus and how to eradicate it. Dr. Rafi Kot explains how this virus is different from other epidemics he has witnessed, why the virus is here—probably to stay—and what we should know in order to co-exist along with it.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 942, 736 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "The coronavirus outbreak is currently at its peak, and the world is trying every possible means to understand the mechanism of this virus and how to eradicate it. Dr. Rafi Kot explains how this virus is different from other epidemics he has witnessed, why the virus is here—probably to stay—and what we should know in order to co-exist along with it.These days we are experiencing a worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus knownas COVID-19.Two previous coronavirus outbreaks, SARS and MERS, caused a severe disease with a mortality rate of around 8%. However, there are important differences between these two coronaviruses and COVID-19. MERS and SARS were both clearly distinguishable diseases, clinically speaking. During those outbreaks, it was easy to isolate and define patients. What is different about the current COVID-19 outbreak is that there is likely to be a very large group of infected people who are only minimally sick. They exhibit only a very mild form of the disease, which is now managing to get past our safety nets—resulting in an inability to define and isolate that group. On the other spectrum, there are what we call “index cases” (or “super spreaders”)—a person who (and it is still not understood why) spread the virus in a much more infective manner than other people.SARS did not pass from human to human until the SARS patient was clinically ill. In the current outbreak, even that population with a minimal or very mild form of the sickness seems to be able to infect others. The assumption is that the infectivity coefficient of a COVID-19 patient is between two to six people, which means that every infected person could potentially transmit the disease to up to six others on average.The coronavirus outbreak is currently at its peak, and the world is trying every possible means to understand the mechanism of this virus and how to eradicate it. Dr. Rafi Kot explains how this virus is different from other epidemics he has witnessed, why the virus is here—probably to stay—and what we should know in order to co-exist along with it.To compare infectivity coefficients, a flu patient will likely infect two others; every SARS patient infects up to three patients; and a measles patient—which is a highly infectious disease—will infect up to 12–18 new people.Genetic HopTo understand how the virus spreads, it’s important to note that ALL coronaviruses stem from animals, and animals are their reservoir. At a certain stage, each of these viruses made a “genetic hop”, enabling them to infect humans. Once humans were infected, the viruses became human-to-human diseases and spread quickly. The COVID-19 virus centers itself in the respiratory system, which is also its springboard for infecting others.15% of COVID-19 patients suffer from an acute disease, which presents mainly as bilateral pneumonia (meaning that both lungs are affected). There is no direct antiviral therapy for such a condition. We use antibiotics and oxygen if there is a secondary infection, and in extreme cases we move patients on ventilators until they recover.Other symptoms, such as fever and pain in the muscles and throat, occur as well—very similar to a normal flu. COVID-19 is more severe than the flu, however (the mortality of flu is 1:1000), but not as severe as in SARS, where the mortality rate was at 8-9%. The mortality rate from COVID-19 ranges currently from 1-2%; however it is very difficult to assess the real numbers and to know how many people have been minimally affected by the virus (minimal symptomatic cases) who have not been factored in to the statistics. This is also one of the reasons why the CDC has started to check people who suffer from the flu in 5 major cities in the USA for COVID-19 infection.Stopping the OutbreakThe SARS outbreak was stopped mainly due to good isolation methods and policies, and also perhaps to the seasonal behavior of the virus. It’s unclear how much COVID-19 is susceptible to weather changes. Currently data related to the outbreak is foggy, due to two main reasons:<ol><li>Method of infection (patients with minimal disease).</li><li>The limitation of lab tests—there are no quick tests available, and the tests are only performed among the suspected sick and not among the entire population, leading to an inability to know how large the carrier population is, leading to likely underestimates of the morbidity rate and the epidemic itself.</li></ol>Can a Vaccine be Developed?It will take a year, at best, and likely up to 18 months to develop a vaccine (depending on if the WHO and CDC will approve clinical trial shortcuts against the Helsinki committee), by which time this outbreak will most probably be behind us. A patient exposed to the disease develops temporary immunity for a few years, which diminishes as the virus genetically modifies itself, or due to a normal weakening of our immune system over time.Are Official Public Reports Reliable?Health authorities worldwide are operating within a complex situation. Everyone is working on a basis of missing information. It is not simple. It’s also the case that control centers and control mechanisms can usually only be evaluated after several cycles of an outbreak. As I am writing these lines (18/2), the latest numbers from the CCDC (Chinese Center for Disease Control) are emerging. So far, this is the latest and largest analysis of the data available so far :<ul><li>80.9% of cases suffer mild to almost minimal symptoms and have recovered.</li><li>13.8% are in a moderate to acute condition</li><li>4.7% are in critical condition.</li></ul>Adults face the highest risk; the mortality rate is at 2.3% of the entire infectedpopulation. In Hubei it stands at 2.9%.<ul><li>The highest death rate—14.8%—is the population over 80.</li><li>There has been no mortality recorded for children under 9 years old.</li><li>The mortality rate among the population below 39 years old is low, at 0.2%</li><li>Adults over 40 years old are at 0.4% mortality; over 50 are at 1.3%; and over 60jump to 3.6%.</li><li>Males are at a higher risk than females—2.8% vs. 1.7%.</li><li>Cardiovascular patients face the highest risk, followed by diabetics and those with respiratory disease.</li></ul>The data sample size used to derive these results is quite significant, and seems wide.There is a fear that in those countries not issuing full reports about the sickness, there may be many minimally sick patients who are not even mentioned. The fact that there are no reports does not necessarily mean that the scrutinizing mechanisms in place are effective—rather that the disease is still in a quietly accelerative mode.That again is the reason for the CDC to declare immediate active efforts to identify COVID-19 in five labs in the USA. These include New York, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The labs will routinely check all patients with ANY flu-like syndromes or anything resembling flu-like symptoms, as well as for coronavirus. These tests will enable the authorities and the CDC to have an early warning regarding a quiet spread of the virus in the USA, hence the ability for early prevention—“the golden window time”—which is so critical in terms of early response, but which has been missed in China.As of the time of writing, there are 600 patients in isolation who are mostly returnees from China. One coronavirus patient has been identified as positive over the last few days. The assumption among most countries and the WHO is that we are facing a global issue, one that is not going to go away within the next 2–3 weeks—and its spread into the Western world is a matter of time only.To recap, I can only ask that the public refrain from consuming the fake news, films, and clips that are produced en mass spreading conspiracy theories and inflating bad news. Use common sense, and keep things in proportion. This is neither an apocalypse nor the end of the human race.* A much more common illness, influenza, kills about 400,000 (FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND) people every year, including 34,200 Americans last flu season and 61,099 the year before.We have been through SARS, the bird flu, and many other epidemics—and we have prevailed, and we shall prevail this time too.As to the authorities, it is important to come out with one voice daily, and transparently announce accurate infection statistics for Vietnam and the region. An app has now been created for that purpose—however I would remind everyone that this is not a disease of apps and screens, it is a human disease, and therefore a human voice and personality should address the public daily. Not a phone or website.It is sad that being a veteran of so many epidemics, the communication between health authorities and the public still leaves so much to be desired.*Source: CDC" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1079, "title": "Social Distancing", "slug": "social-distancing", "slug_en": "social-distancing", "slug_vi": "social-distancing", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 868, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Social_Distancing.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Social_Distancing.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-05", "category": { "id": 6, "name": "FMP on COVID-19", "slug": "updatesoncovid19" }, "subcategory": { "id": 26, "name": "FMP articles & events_COVID-19", "slug": "fmparticlescovid19" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 943, 760 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Social distancing is a preventive measure to keep people from being in close or frequent contact with each other in order to avoid the spread of a disease. It is used when we face outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as with the case of COVID-19. Social distancing is different from quarantine, a term referring to the separation and restriction of movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease while they are monitored to see if they become ill. It is also different from isolation, which refers to the separation of people who are sick from those who are not in order to prevent the spreading of the disease.The various unknown factors about COVID-19, the confusing and sometimes conflicting information we get about it, the concerns about the risk of contamination and the readiness of health systems to cope with patients have all understandably caused people to be cautious. We see travel restrictions, a rush to buy face masks and hand sanitizer, schools closed, gatherings postponed, and all kinds of special measures being taken. Why would one not be cautious about that which is most precious to us—our health and the health of our loved ones? This is a sensible concern, based on self-preservation and intuition. It is not unexpected that people would spontaneously initiate a form of social distancing by themselves.These special measures aim at containing the spread of the infection in its most acute phase. Despite the disruption they may cause, people tend to understand them. After all, we have all heard that special times require special measures. However, as the weeks pass and the disruption continues, it becomes increasingly important not only to focus on the relative benefits of social distancing but also on the costs of such a change from our normal habits, including the costs to our physical and mental health.Those costs include the concern, anxiety or downright fear about your health and the health of your loved ones, about being off work, about potential loss of income and job security. They include frustration with the uncertainty about how long this disruption will continue and the difficulties in helping one’s children remain happy and healthy while they are away from their friends and from their normal activities. It includes the reduction in physical activity and the consequences of this reduction in physical and mental health indicators. It includes increased screen time, distance from support networks, and boredom. In some cases, it includes feelings of depression and hopelessness, including a relapse in anxiety or mood disorders.In children and adolescents, social contact is a protective factor for mental health. Isolation can have significant consequences, contributing to a depressed mood, low energy levels and a loss of interest in activities. Exercise and outdoors activities are also important to help children and adolescents cope with stress, as well as having a positive impact on physical health, mental health and cognitive functions. The risk of depression is lower when people exercise regularly. Lower levels of screen time are associated with reduced odds of depression—but with lack of school, outdoor activities and exercise, it is probable that screen time would increase in most households.In order to balance the benefits and costs, I propose we think in terms of preparedness to face COVID-19 instead of focusing solely on minimising the acute risk of infection through avoidance. Look for credible sources of information without getting trapped in the emotional rollercoaster that 24/7 news channels provide. Avoid loneliness by staying in touch with your friends. Talk about your experience and support each other, so that your family and friends feel able to talk to you if they are not coping. Help your children do so as well. See this period as an opportunity to get to know the children you are raising better. Learn ways to relax together. Have limits on your family's screen time—not just your child's. Maintain good sleep habits, be active, eat well. Look after yourself and your families. Seek help when you need it. Be smart, and be prepared.Dr. Miguel de Seixas - Psychiatrist, Family Medical Practice HCMCDr. Miguel Fernando Dinis de Seixas is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists who has treated people with conditions such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal tendencies, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia.He trained in Cambridge and London and is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1055, "title": "Hepatitis B Testing Program", "slug": "hepatitis-b-testing-program", "slug_en": "hepatitis-b-testing-program", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 664, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/ShutterStock-508660399_ufrP07R.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/ShutterStock-508660399_ufrP07.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-04", "category": { "id": 1, "name": "Announcement board", "slug": "announcement" }, "subcategory": { "id": 11, "name": "Promotions", "slug": "promotions" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 742 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Hepatitis B infection rates in Vietnam are among the highest in the world. The virus establishes a permanent struggle with the body’s immune system in the liver, destroying hepatic tissue and impairing its ability to filter and purify your blood stream. This gives rise to cirrhosis, unsightly physical conditions such as bloating and discoloration, and in many cases cancer of the liver followed by death.If you’ve been assessed by your doctor as being at a high risk of suffering from Hepatitis B, it is critical to undergo a full examination by a specialist to find out how to minimize the danger to your health. We offer a comprehensive hepatitis B testing program to provide all the basic screening procedures and a series of full consultations with a liver specialist. This will help you and your doctor to better understand your risks and to help you take the next important steps in managing this threat.As this program and any corresponding treatments can take time, costs and frequencies of consultation can be highly variable. For more information on screening or to book an appointment with our specialist, please contact reception at the clinic closest to you." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1102, "title": "NO_ENGLISH", "slug": "d224hremergency", "slug_en": "d224hremergency", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": "2군-메디컬-센터-24시간-응급-진료-월요일-금요일", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": null, "post_date": "2020-03-04", "category": { "id": 1, "name": "Announcement board", "slug": "announcement" }, "subcategory": { "id": 13, "name": "Operating Hours & Notices", "slug": "holidays-and-operating-hours" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 777 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1115, "title": "Lend Me Your Ear", "slug": "lend-me-your-ear", "slug_en": "lend-me-your-ear", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 791, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Lend_me_your_ear.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Lend_me_your_ear.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-03", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 791 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Must-read guide to babies and infectionsBehind the eardrum is a space called the middle ear. It’s a resonating chamber, like the body of a violin or guitar. It amplifies sounds coming from the outside through the eardrum, and within it is a system of small bones that transmit sound signals to the inner ear and onward to the brain.This space is connected to the nasopharynx (nasal cavity) by a canal, one of the spaces in the upper respiratory tract that can fill with mucus or pus whenever inflammation occurs. When this happens in the middle ear, the surrounding tissues become engorged by mucus or swelling, and this impairs drainage toward the nasal cavity—creating ideal conditions for bacteria to proliferate there and causing a condition we call otitis media.It’s very common in small children for a number of reasons. Some kids are always getting congested, and because of their smaller anatomy, the drainage canal is narrow and can block easily. The middle ear is not a sterile space, so if it fills with fluid, it’s easy for flora from the nasal and oral cavities to spread there and cause a serious infection, as well as a constant sensation of pressure and painful discomfort within the ear.There are a few types of bacteria that are generally responsible for this condition. The most dreaded of these is now a thing of the past: the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria, a very virulent organism that used to be an enormous problem in children’s medicine before the advent of the HIB vaccine—which is now given to almost every child, including kids in Vietnam.An efficient HIB vaccine was difficult to create. Haemophilus proteins alone cannot stimulate a strong immune response, so an ingenious vaccination method had to be used to jolt the body’s immunity into action. To do this, researchers tried combining Haemophilus with a protein issued from an unrelated pathogen like diphtheria, known to have a powerful impact on the immune system. The vaccine that resulted stimulated a protection that worked strongly against Haemophilus. Nowadays, Haemophilus infections have dropped to almost zero, so this vaccine was very successful.Unfortunately, vaccination has not been as effective against the second bacteria in the list that usually causes otitis media: pneumococcus. The problem with pneumococcus is that it has a lot of serotypes, which means that no single vaccine can work against all the varieties that exist. But there are around a dozen types that are more common, and the vaccines we have against these are actively sufficient.Vaccination is extremely important in fighting serious infections and also has a beneficial effect in reducing the incidence of otitis media, because it is a very good preventive measure against Haemophilus influenzae—and to some extent, also against pneumococcus. By contrast, treating the condition after it takes hold is quite problematic.The trouble with otitis is that it occurs within an enclosed space that is not well irrigated by blood vessels. Normally to treat a bacterial infection, we administer antibiotics that will be carried by the blood to the site of the infection. With otitis, because you don’t have blood vessels in the middle ear, you’ve got nothing that can deliver the medicine.It’s not enough to have a good antibiotic that kills the bacteria in the lab; you need one that you can give in higher doses without being toxic—such as antibiotics from the penicillin family. Derivates of penicillin (amoxycillin, cefuroxime, etc.) have a particularly safe profile that enables us to increase their dosages significantly without the risk of increased side effects, so we often prescribe these kinds of antibiotics for children. Pneumococcus, however, develops a resistance to penicillins quite easily. This sometimes makes treating otitis more difficult. First of all, we need to use high doses to address the low-grade resistance of the bacteria, or prescribe antibiotics that can overcome that resistance. If the simple antibiotics don’t work, perhaps we have to escalate and use a more potent medicine. But due to the problem of poor irrigation within the middle ear, even this treatment can fail. The pus and fluid within the middle ear will continue to build up and cause pain, discomfort and disorientation.Nature has a solution for this problem, in that there is a little triangular membrane in the eardrum that is a bit weaker than the rest, like a security door. It can perforate when the pressure builds inside the middle ear without causing functional damage, and then the pus can drain out and the tissue will eventually heal. It’s the body’s answer to how not to get an ear infection that can’t be controlled.Of course, when the child’s mother sees the pus draining out of the ear, she will certainly panic. In fact, the baby will feel much better at that point, because the pressure will immediately vanish. This is where the ENT doctor is sometimes necessary—when we have a child with unbearably painful otitis who is not responding to antibiotics, we may decide to do the perforation surgically. Generally once the pus has been removed, you don’t need any more antibiotics.The procedure hurts, but it lasts a fraction of a second, and after that there is no further pain. It’s painful because the exquisitely tender eardrum is particularly sensitive to pain, as a membrane that is supposed to feel delicate vibrations. After it’s over, thankfully, the pain is gone. The difficult thing is to get the child to accept the surgeon to get to the ear!Dr. Serge Gradstein - Pediatrician, Family Medical Practice HCMC" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 688, "title": "∗9999: Bringing International Protocols to Vietnamese Ambulance Response", "slug": "9999-bringing-international-protocols-to-vietnamese-ambulance-response", "slug_en": "9999-bringing-international-protocols-to-vietnamese-ambulance-response", "slug_vi": "9999-bringing-international-protocols-to-vietnamese-ambulance-response", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 690, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/9999-Bring-protocols.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/9999-Bring-protocols.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-03-02", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "There’s now an emergency response service in the city that will provide immediate assistance even before the ambulance arrives.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 299, 298, 297 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "As Vietnam’s medical landscape continues to evolve, Ho Chi Minh City’s first 911-styled emergency service (EMR ∗9999) may be the first step towards adopting international emergency standards that could eventually see advanced paramedical and ambulance services extending nationwide. Funded by private investment, EMR ∗9999 not only features a fleet of hi-tech ambulances with built-in life-preserving technologies, but it also introduces the globally-recognized ProQA response system—a computerized set of protocols that guides emergency call-takers as well as real-time ambulance dispatch.Professional emergency medical dispatcher (EMD) Marvin Mesina has been based in Saigon for the past nine months to oversee the implementation of the ProQA system and train the team who answer emergency calls. To learn more about the challenges of instituting such a vital healthcare service in the Vietnam context, we speak with Marvin about his experiences in developing this program.<h2>What qualifies you to be an EMD trainer, and how did you come to work in Vietnam?</h2>I started in 2007 in Montreal at Urgences-santé, one of the largest ambulance providers in Quebec—it’s the only one in Montreal. They take a minimum of 900-1000 calls in 24 hours. I was lucky, I worked there for eight years and didn’t have any horror stories—I never had anybody trying to kill themselves on the line or anything like that, although my colleagues did. For us, someone who’s having a cardiac arrest on the phone is a daily routine, so that’s not something extraordinary. I’ve had a childbirth case, so that was one of the highlights. But at some point I stopped taking calls, because I was the team leader, supporting the team.While I was in Montreal, a businessman in the Philippines acquired the ProQA system, and I started getting in touch with them saying, “I’ve been doing this for eight years, maybe I could give you a hand in the project.” The Philippines is my country, I was happy and excited to see that this was happening there. At that time, 911 would get you the Pizza Hut hotline!While I was there, an executive from Family Medical Practice in Vietnam came over to get some ideas, and he asked me what my position was. I told him I was taking care of training, so he offered me the chance to come here for a month to train the EMDs in Vietnam, and then after that he offered me a job. I love it here, you can’t complain when it’s sunny all the time.<h2>What is the experience of taking emergency calls like?</h2>I think most EMDs will tell you that whenever they hear the phone ring, there’s always a certain level of anxiety, because you never know what you’re going to get. Someone could have been shot, or it could be someone having a heart attack. So there’s always that level of excitement. One thing you learn in training is that when you lose that excitement, it’s time for you to quit. You might sound like a robot when you’re following the protocol scripts, but you still need a certain level of compassion. Empathy is a big thing when you’re trying to comfort someone saying “listen, I’m here to help you”—they can feel it in your voice. If you don’t sound sincere, they’ll know it.Actually, an EMD dispatcher has a stress level above a paramedic or a firefighter, because an EMD gets yelled at on the phone for something minor, but a paramedic can calm people down when they get there, because the patient sees someone is there to help. With us, they don’t see us, they just hear someone asking them protocol questions on the phone, which is annoying. The ProQA system that we use is really the most efficient way to get the right emergency assistance to them as fast as possible, but they don’t know that.<h2>What did you think of the setup here compared with what’s available overseas?</h2>It’s better than I expected. I didn’t know at first that it was going to be privately-owned by a clinic. In the Philippines we were managing networks of ambulances, all owned by different companies, so we had a nationwide coverage area. We’re not there yet here. The service is growing, and after we expand our ambulance fleet and our coverage area this month, the visibility will go up. The number of calls is starting to increase, especially in the weekends, but it will take time for people to understand that we’re not just for subscribers or to bring business to the clinic. We accept calls from anyone within the area we cover and take them to whatever medical facility will give them the best treatment, not only Family Medical Practice.<h2>What’s the difference between the calls you’d get overseas and the calls you get here?</h2>Besides problems like psychiatric issues and suicides, it’s exactly the same thing. Some people might even call you for a fever or a minor headache.<h2>You said that everything is the same except for psychiatric calls?</h2>Because here, psychiatric problems are taboo, right? When I first asked the EMDs what they knew about that, most of them didn’t even know that it exists in Vietnam because it’s a taboo. When you have those family values, people hide psychiatric problems from society. I think it’s an Asian mentality that even when someone in your family has a psychiatric illness or is an alcoholic or drug user, you don’t talk about it, and even if they’re sick, you just hush-hush, because you don’t want to be judged by the community.<h2>What has been the greatest challenge in implementing ProQA here?</h2>Traditionally, Vietnamese people haven’t been relying on the national ambulance system, I think it’s because the emergency hotline has to take the time to verify if an emergency case is genuine, and also the ambulances they have here aren’t fully equipped. There’s no immediate care, guidance or medical instructions over the phone—it’s only about calling and waiting for the ambulance to arrive, which heavily impacts the mortality rate.That’s the thing we need to educate the locals here on—that there’s now an emergency response service in the city that will provide immediate assistance even before the ambulance arrives. I think they should stop taking motorbikes or taxis to hospital, because a lot of people die on the way before they get medical care. We can now save a lot of those lives by giving basic medical advice over the phone that can stabilize the patient while they wait for an ambulance.By contrast, most expats here know that we have to ask a series of questions about the emergency that they’ll have to answer before we can respond with the most appropriate solution, depending on the severity of the case.Another problem is that we don’t have paramedics as a job in Vietnam. I guess when we have those, then things will start to change. Because paramedics are not recognized in this country, the emergency doctors have to play the role and run around fetching patients outside, which is inefficient. Instead, they should be at the medical centers attending to patients at the facility.<h2>Will you stay here a long time?</h2>I want to see where EMR ∗9999 goes, I’m curious. My original plan was to stay for six months to see how it improves and evolves. It’s been nine months now, I’ll stick around for a while. It is a promising project; it might sound clichéd, but it is to help people. It’s a business, but it’s a business to help others. I am that kind of person who has a certain compassion—I do feel I should be helping people!Marvin Mesina - ∗9999 Emergency Call Center Manager, Family Medical Practice Ho Chi Minh City" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 199, "title": "Abnormal Uterine Bleeding", "slug": "abnormal-vaginal-bleeding", "slug_en": "abnormal-vaginal-bleeding", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 846, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Abnormal_bleeding.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Abnormal_bleeding.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-02-28", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "Gynecology", "summary": "Menstruation, bleeding, period pain, and related issues are often hard topics for women to discuss even among themselves, as many cultures still view them as taboo. It is nonetheless important to recognize that each woman has a right and obligation to take care of her body and health, and that starts with becoming more aware of what your body is telling you.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 16, 19 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "In most cultures, it’s rare to talk about menstruation—which downplays the universal role it has in the lives of women. It’s very important for women to understand their own cycle, because abnormal bleeding may be the first warning sign of a deeply concerning health problem she may otherwise be unaware of.Between menarche and menopause, a woman has an average of 400 to 500 periods. That is a lot. Back in the time when it wasn’t uncommon for women to have 8–10 babies, they would have perhaps 80 to 100 menstrual periods in their lifetimes. This is because when pregnant and during breastfeeding, periods do not occur. Now we only have from zero to two babies, meaning that for most women bleeding occurs almost every month.Because menstruation is so frequent, it can be difficult to know when abnormal bleeding happens. There are many things that cause it, but the most common causes differ widely between the various age groups—from as young as 20 to 40 years old; after 40 years old; and beyond 50 years of age. It also ranges from benign causes—such as a slightly shorter or longer period, or the early stages of a perfectly normal pregnancy—to life-threatening causes such as cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, or ectopic pregnancy (which happens when the fetus develops outside of the womb).For the 20–40-year-old age group, the common causes of abnormal bleeding are usually fertility related—such as spotting in the early stages of pregnancy, conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), medicines such as birth control pills or the IUD (intrauterine device) used for contraception, or an infection of the pelvic organs. Excessive bleeding can be a sign of problems such as miscarriages and ectopic pregnancy.The worst case scenario for this age group is cervical cancer—caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a preventable condition. I recommend that young women and girls receive an HPV vaccination before they are sexually active, as it is the most reliable, accessible, and economical option to avoid infection and a higher risk of cervical cancer.For women over 40 years old but who have not yet experienced menopause, the most serious cause of abnormal bleeding can often be endometrial cancer.In post-menopausal women, abnormal bleeding can be caused by hormone therapy such as tamoxifen for breast cancer, or hormone replacement therapy used to treat menopausal issues—or it can be a sign of cancer itself of the cervix or endometrium.Frustratingly, it is tricky to recognize when bleeding is out of the norm, as there is a high level of variance in period frequency and the volume of blood loss during a period between individual women. What is a normal period for one woman may be too long or too much for another. Outside of excessive bleeding, there is little to clearly distinguish between normal and abnormal bleeding, as they have mostly the same texture and consistency.For that reason, it’s advisable for women to keep a detailed record of their normal periods. Information such as the frequency of their menstruation or how many tampons or pads they usually use can be very valuable for a doctor. This will also help women to identify when bleeding happens at an unusual time. If this happens, it should be taken seriously and women should consider a check-up, especially if the bleeding is excessive. For all age groups, excessive bleeding is a definite call for an immediate visit to your gynecologist.Knowing what to do when a woman has determined that her bleeding is not normal is the next important step. I have read worrying research that indicates as many as 50 percent of college-aged women are unaware of dangerous conditions such as cervical cancer. They may know even less about what signs to look out for and what to do if they recognize the signs.Tests such as Pap smears, which can help pinpoint a woman’s health issues in the very early stages, are now standard in most Asian countries. I would recommend yearly testing, as it is relatively accessible in most countries. HPV testing is a good option also, especially in countries which are relatively advanced with their HPV vaccination programs.Menstruation, bleeding, period pain, and related issues are often hard topics for women to discuss even among themselves, as many cultures still view them as taboo. Many women are taught that it is shameful to discuss their own bodies in such a way. It is nonetheless important to recognize that each woman has a right and obligation to take care of her body and health, and that starts with becoming more aware of what your body is telling you, and making sure you have the necessary knowledge and vaccinations.Dr. Nana Akino’s medical studies in gynecology and the aging process in women inspired her to conduct in-depth research on counteracting the effects of aging on the ovaries during her Ph.D. studies. She is particularly interested in supporting women’s health, reproductive health and all gynecological issues, including hormone replacement therapies.Dr. Nana Akino - Gynecologist, Family Medical Practice Ho Chi Minh City" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1048, "title": "Workplace Wellness", "slug": "workplace-wellness", "slug_en": "workplace-wellness", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 608, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Oi-Workplace.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Oi-Workplace.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-02-28", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "Health at Workplace", "summary": "\"A significant part of our lives is spent in the workplace—let’s make sure this part of our existence is as positive as possible\".", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 739, 738, 737 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "No matter what kind of job we do, the average person spends more time at work than on any other activity. Our work environment impacts our health and well-being, and our personal health impacts greatly on our work output and efficiency. It is therefore important to create and maintain a healthy workplace environment, for the benefit of both employers and employees.Most of us spend a full third of our lives working—but very few people would say that they consciously take good care of their health while working, or that their employers provide a working space that supports and enhances their state of health. Most people regard work as a “necessary evil” of life and look forward to the next holiday and retirement. But what if this could change?Up until recently, the focus has been on avoiding physical injury in the workplace, and this is regulated by various agencies like OSHA (e.g. mandating the hours of work, wearing appropriate protective clothing, making sure floors are not slippery, that air conditioning or ventilation units are properly maintained, that staff facing a computer monitor every day keep the screen at eye-level, and that arms and wrists are poised at the most natural position while seated).More recently, many companies have become more aware of the benefits associated with investing in employee health (beyond just physical health). Good health means less sick days, which is good for business.Psychological health in the workplace is now becoming more and more important. Research shows that it is not only essential for the well-being of the employee, but this also directly impacts on the productivity and quality of work produced by the employee. Psychological safety for the employee thus directly translates into better staff retention and higher productivity for the company.The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes four key elements that every workplace should have to ensure their health. These four elements are:<ul><li>A healthy physical environment • Psychological safety • Resources for health • Participation in the community</li></ul>A healthy workplace is defined as one in which workers and managers collaborate in using a continual improvement process to protect and promote the health, safety and well-being of all workers and the sustainability of the workplace. Employers are very unlikely to reach their goals if their employees do not provide and proactively ensure a working environment that can support good physical and mental health.When the environment where employees are working brings comfort and safety, they feel healthy and happier. This also motivates people to come to work every day and to be more productive—just imagine a person who dreads going to work because it’s going to be a dirty office with poor air ventilation and an unreasonable and mean boss—versus looking forward to spending a day in a pleasant, clean office where colleagues and bosses are respectful and encouraging. Which scenario encourages more motivation and productivity and new ideas?There are numerous examples. Ergonomics, for one, is vital in any physical environment—this is the science of designing a workplace in a way that considers the capabilities and limitations of workers, removing risk factors that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries and allowing for improved human performance and productivity. The most common ergonomic considerations involve positions related to computer, desk and chair. Beyond this, certain touches in décor can positively influence an employee’s sense of well-being—such as a place to put a picture of family or any other personal item that provides encouraging thoughts or helps staff to relax or be more productive—as long as such things meet the business needs as well.Studies show that better lighting can increase an employee’s work rate by 23%. Other statistics also indicate that workers who have a view of the outdoors are likely to be 25% more productive, and process calls 12% faster. Employers can also make sure the working space sounds, looks, feels and smells great. Adding plants in the office can be calming and also act as air purifiers.Color is also very important in a working place, as certain colors can help to boost workers’ productivity. Yellow interiors are energizing, expressive, radiant and happy; blues are more intellectual and stimulate the mind, helping staff to stay focused. Greens promote balance, calmness and security, and also symbolize nature, the environment, growth and development. Red may be the color of fire, blood and violence; however it is known to promote bold decisions, and it is also good for restaurants and sales offices.Beyond these more physical considerations, psychological safety in the workplace is of paramount importance. Essentially, a psychologically healthy environment is one where an employee can work without fear of negative consequences to their self image or career.Organizational behavioral scientist Amy Edmonston introduced concepts of psychological safety in her book The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth. She wrote that a safe workplace is one fostering trust and respect, where people feel comfortable working and being themselves. She emphasizes that a person should not be afraid to speak their mind during team meetings, even if his or her idea is different or opposite to the majority or consensus.For the employers out there—just to clarify—a psychologically safe work place is not one in which the employee is “happy” per se (some employees will be happier at home or playing computer games all day), but rather, one in which employees feel safe to speak their mind, safe from being bullied, and safe from sexual harassment— and where they can express their real opinion so as to not suppress their creativity and ideas that can contribute to the success of the business.Any leaders or team members who discourage staff from speaking up, ridicule them for different suggestions or being different, or punish someone for expressing different opinions, are acting in a way that is detrimental to the success of the team and the business. To this end, the management of an organization plays an important role in ensuring a corporate culture and organizational structure that provides psychological safety to its employees, and make sure its supervisors are there to help the employees do the best job they can.In the long run, psychological safety benefits the company by increasing staff retention (saving money on recruitment), through increased productivity and better quality work from the existing team, and providing a better public image for the company. Provision of personal health resources should also not be overlooked. This can simply include information made available about exercise, nutrition, and health insurance or ways to balance one’s lifestyle between work and rest being made available in the workplace. Staff should be encouraged to exercise by providing exercise facilities; employers can also remind them about healthy dietary options or provide healthy fruits and snacks on-site.Safety talks onsite during lunchtimes, such as talks on ergonomics, breathing exercises and cancer screenings, can be of great benefit to employees—as can providing annual flu shots on-site to all employees free of charge to minimize staff sick days.Another good example that can be implemented in places of work is N.E.A.T.—Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. This is a method focusing on expending calories even when not exercising. Workers can use everyday activities to increase their energy expenditure without having to exercise, which is particularly good for people with busy schedules who can’t go to gyms easily. Examples of these activities are using stairs instead of elevators; doing one’s own household chores; parking a bike or getting out of a taxi 1–2 blocks away from the destination to fit in a brief walk; and getting up from one’s work desk every 30 minutes to stretch. At lunchtime, staff should not eat lunch at their desk, but instead take a walk to a restaurant or canteen.One last thing to consider in having a healthy workplace is corporate participation in community activities to improve the health of the workers, their families and the members of the community in general. This can involve taking part in group activities both inside and outside the business.A significant part of our lives is spent in the workplace—let’s make sure this part of our existence is as positive as possible.Dr. Jane Li Shadwell" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1167, "title": "Covid-19 Talk at Bien Dong POC", "slug": "covid-19-talk-bien-dong-poc", "slug_en": "covid-19-talk-bien-dong-poc", "slug_vi": "hoi-thao-covid19-tai-cong-ty-BienDongPOC", "slug_ko": "covid-19-talk-bien-dong-poc", "slug_ja": "covid-19-talk-bien-dong-poc", "overview_image": { "id": 906, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/EEF3FAD7-6DBE-4510-989C-A3BED145A50D.jpeg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/EEF3FAD7-6DBE-4510-989C-A3BED.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-02-28", "category": { "id": 6, "name": "FMP on COVID-19", "slug": "updatesoncovid19" }, "subcategory": { "id": 26, "name": "FMP articles & events_COVID-19", "slug": "fmparticlescovid19" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 944, 907 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "On 28 February 2020, Dr. Hung from Care1 presented another talk on the outbreak and epidemic of COVID-19 to the employees of Bien Dong POC, an oil and gas company, in HCMC. Dr. Hung provided information of the virus, its current status and statistics, as well as answered many anxious questions from over 20 + audiences on the epidemic virus.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/61A61BDA-41C1-4467-A60D-5E52EB2738AE.jpeg\" class=\"format-left\" />With an aim to continue supporting the community with good, quality information on facts and preventive measures including the importance of practicing daily hygiene, FMP hopes to help keep unnecessary fear at bay and minimise the spread of incorrect information in the community" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1171, "title": "Dr Rafi Kot's Covid-19 Talk at Repsol Office", "slug": "dr-rafi-kots-covid-19-talk-repsol-office", "slug_en": "dr-rafi-kots-covid-19-talk-repsol-office", "slug_vi": "chia-sẻ-của-bác-sĩ-rafi-kot-tại-văn-phòng-repsol", "slug_ko": "dr-rafi-kots-covid-19-talk-repsol-office", "slug_ja": "dr-rafi-kots-covid-19-talk-repsol-office", "overview_image": { "id": 915, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/BSKottalk2.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/BSKottalk2.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-02-26", "category": { "id": 6, "name": "FMP on COVID-19", "slug": "updatesoncovid19" }, "subcategory": { "id": 26, "name": "FMP articles & events_COVID-19", "slug": "fmparticlescovid19" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 946, 945 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "On 26 February, Family Medical Practice’s Founder and CEO Dr. Rafi Kot made a presentation on CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK to the staff of the Repsol office.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/BSKottalk.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />Dr. Kot addressed more than 40 employees of the global energy firm, presenting an overview of the current status of Covid-19 both worldwide and within our community. He provided details of the various strains of coronavirus and the pandemics we have experienced thus far, including SARS, swine flu, the Hong Kong flu, and MERS. Based on the symptoms and a close genetic analysis, Covid-19 is 88% similar to SARS, but there is a significant difference in the rate of transmission.According to Dr. Rafi, current CCDC statistics on COVID-19 mortality for each age group show the highest death rate (14.8%) is among the population aged above 80. There has been no mortality recorded for children under 9 years old. For cases between 30–50 years old, the mortality rate below the age of 39 stands at 0.2%, while for over 40 years old it is at 0.4%.To give attendees a deeper understanding of the virus and how it damages the respiratory system, Dr. Rafi explained the complex workings of its DNA, portraying this virus’ complex medical issues in easily comprehensible terms.Before the talk closed, Dr. Rafi reminded everyone to continue practicing daily hygiene by washing hands regularly, wearing a mask if one is not well so as to protect others from getting sick, and encouraging people to seek medical care if they feel sick.This is one of many talks FMP will be organizing for mid- to large-sized corporate groups with the goal of engaging with our community, informing them of the latest updates, and most importantly easing fears and minimizing the unnecessary spread of incorrect information." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1019, "title": "Service Pamphlets", "slug": "vaccination-sheet", "slug_en": "vaccination-sheet", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": null, "post_date": "2020-02-26", "category": { "id": 4, "name": "Library", "slug": "library" }, "subcategory": { "id": 15, "name": "Collaterals", "slug": "collaterals" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Download our services pamplets here.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 922, 683 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Download our services pamphlets:<ol><li><a href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z0gzKy9yDWWkGtlBpo1jNHQqr_o0crxo/view\">Feeding Problems</a></li><li><a href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DyFKWGm-ijgiZNT9JzzmIVWBgKWbkgRa/view\">Caring for Your Skin in Saigon</a></li><li><a href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/12pDwUCrWKG56obhrNskG12GnOHQwbQO2/view\">Cardiovascular</a></li><li><a href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c8Fe24PP9_1vhgX3JzWcKab4wR8DPIOm/view\">A Guide for Treating Fever in Children</a></li><li><a href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PxF0DJrMKMqsOqeziALHw5uQMELvsVdy/view\">A Guide to Healthy Eating for Young Children</a></li></ol>" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1020, "title": "FMP Brochure", "slug": "fmp-brochure", "slug_en": "fmp-brochure", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": null, "post_date": "2020-02-26", "category": { "id": 4, "name": "Library", "slug": "library" }, "subcategory": { "id": 15, "name": "Collaterals", "slug": "collaterals" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 921, 684 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Download our brochure <a href=\"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OXxm5tqtMZvREXuxc4jDearJLE7gD_Jt/view\">here</a>." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 570, "title": "The Postpartum CheckUp", "slug": "postpartum-checkup", "slug_en": "postpartum-checkup", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 835, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Postpartum.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Postpartum.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-02-12", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Many women experience a difficult child delivery, which can take a serious toll on the body and the mind. Doctors often place a great deal of importance on monitoring a baby’s health and development in the months after birth, but due consideration isn’t always given to the mother—and sometimes important medical issues can be missed while everyone’s focus is fixed on the baby.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 66, 65 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "The first three to four months of having a child are the most challenging by far, especially for first-time mothers. People usually talk about how wonderful it is to have a baby—and it is wonderful! But people don't always talk about the struggles and the isolation, the sleep deprivation and the monotony of spending time with a newborn who can't communicate their needs. These things can be difficult, especially with social media adding pressure to look like you're enjoying every minute—because that’s all you see in the snapshots from other moms and babies. Often a mother can feel like she is the only person struggling with such a big change to her life.Many women experience a difficult child delivery, which can take a serious toll on the body and the mind. Doctors often place a great deal of importance on monitoring a baby’s health and development in the months after birth, but due consideration isn’t always given to the mother—and sometimes important medical issues can be missed while everyone’s focus is fixed on the baby.In many developed countries, it’s now standard to perform a postpartum checkup on the mother around six weeks after delivery to ensure she is physically recovering from the pregnancy, as well as to check that her emotional needs are being met, while addressing any medical needs she may have going forward. These check-ups are a great opportunity to talk to mothers about how the labor went, to ask if there were any difficulties that she had in the first few months of the baby's life, and to discuss issues like contraception and psychological wellbeing. They also provide an opportunity to ensure there were no physical consequences of the labor, including checking scars, wounds, and so on. We can also perform a Pap smear or HPV screening, something that can otherwise tend to be skipped following childbirth.Having a child can greatly change the dynamic of the relationship between a woman and her partner as well, and this can be another difficulty that people can't easily prepare for before the baby arrives. Being able to talk these things through with someone can provide a therapeutic reassurance that everything is completely fine—and that postnatal worries and sleep deprivation are all part of the normal spectrum.Many mothers suffer from emotional difficulties in the months following birth. Sleep deprivation too can be brutal—which is why it’s a torture technique! By its nature, it reduces your ability to objectively assess what’s happening around you, and can result in stressful changes in hormone levels. This is when physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing can become intertwined and take a toll on the mother. This typically involves feeling overly worried about small matters, ruminating, and not being able to rest as a result. It’s often very important for mothers to reach out to other families for support and to meet with other moms in their situation, especially if they are going through emotional difficulties. If possible, they could also seek community support services such as playgroups or professionally led groups to share and discuss maternal and child care issues.For mothers in this situation, the postpartum checkup can be an opportunity to assess these emotional upsets, restoring some perspective and relieving stress—or otherwise to initiate medical treatment in serious cases.The check-up also allows the physician to examine any physical consequences of the birth. These can include recovery from stitches or scars, as well as check if there is any separation of the abdominal muscles. A doctor will also check for issues such as blocked ducts that may interfere with breastfeeding. We can give advice on the types of exercises that a mother can do to aid recovery of normal movement, or refer the mother to a physiotherapist if the need is there.Contraception is also an issue that can be overlooked by new mothers, which is why a postpartum check-up can be helpful in providing information on this issue—it’s not unheard of for a woman to find herself pregnant again just two months after giving birth, which can be quite a surprise! Generally, if a mother is exclusively breastfeeding, the body’s own hormones will work to prevent conception—although this method is not particularly reliable, especially when the baby is taking even a little supplemental formula milk. Mothers can consider taking a contraceptive pill from six weeks after delivery—and while combined oral contraceptive medicines used to be not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, it has recently been shown to be a safe method of contraception even at this time. This can be a relief for mothers who experience negative side-effects of progesterone-only pills, as evidence suggests combined pills have no detrimental effect on mother or child.The beauty of this examination is that so many issues can be dealt with during a single consultation at six weeks after delivery. If any issues are identified then—either physical or mental—it provides the opportunity to follow up in a structured way.While postpartum checkups are rarely done as a matter of course in Vietnam, new mothers can schedule appointments with physicians who have experience in the procedure overseas. Additionally, our practice’s SIMBA group for new mothers is currently the only professional lead support network for women with babies, helping mothers to network and support each other during this challenging and rewarding experience.Dr. Anna Donovan - Internist, Family Medical Practice Ho Chi Minh CityDr. Anna Donovan studied at the University of Manchester and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine before serving the San bushmen as a volunteer physician in Namibia. She has extensive experience in giving postpartum check-ups from her time working in the UK." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 914, "title": "Fun Clinic Tour at D2", "slug": "no_english", "slug_en": "no_english", "slug_vi": "tôi-bạn-tất-cả-chúng-ta-sinh-ra-là-để-chạy", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 446, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Borntorun.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Borntorun.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-02-10", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 7, "name": "Clinic Tours", "slug": "clinic-tours" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Đặc điểm sinh học của cơ thể là luôn sẵn sàng để chạy. Tổ tiên của chúng ta trước đây cũng sống bằng cách kiên trì săn bắn và ẩn nấp để tránh khỏi thú ăn thịt. Chúng ta được định hình như một cỗ máy chạy để săn mồi mỗi ngày trong một môi trường khan hiếm thức ăn.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "NO_ENGLISH" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1057, "title": "Demystifying Coronavirus", "slug": "demystifying-coronavirus", "slug_en": "demystifying-coronavirus", "slug_vi": "demystifying-coronavirus", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 687, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/shutterstock_1629206074.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/shutterstock_1629206074.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-01-25", "category": { "id": 6, "name": "FMP on COVID-19", "slug": "updatesoncovid19" }, "subcategory": { "id": 26, "name": "FMP articles & events_COVID-19", "slug": "fmparticlescovid19" }, "tags": "", "summary": "While MERS was caused by a coronavirus that jumped from bats to camels and then to humans, the new coronavirus seems to have originated in bats that jumped to snakes and then humans who either consumed it or otherwise came into contact with the infected animals. But this theory is still not proven, and a deep investigation on this topic is now underway.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 947, 745, 744, 743 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that infect mostly animals, although a few of them have spread to humans as well. The infections they cause can range from mild to severe. The most common members of this family that regularly infect many people around the globe are known to cause a mild upper respiratory tract infection—the common cold. Some others coronaviruses can cause more serious and deadly diseases such as MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).A new strain of coronavirus, now called COVID-19, recently emerged in Wuhan city, in China’s Hubei province. The outbreak was initially linked to a large seafood and animal market in the city of Wuhan, where transmission of the virus most likely occurred via a jump from animal to human. But currently there is a growing debate about where and how the infection started. While MERS was caused by a coronavirus that jumped from bats to camels and then to humans, the new coronavirus seems to have originated in bats that jumped to snakes and then humans who either consumed it or otherwise came into contact with the infected animals. But this theory is still not proven, and a deep investigation on this topic is now underway.These viruses were initially thought to have only been transmitted from animals to humans. This presumption was later contradicted by the discovery, using mathematical models, that the viruses were highly contagious and could be transmitted from person to person. Now it is evident just how easily and frequently infection from person to person can occur, and what is the cause of the deep concern about a global pandemic.The virus replicates within humans cells by using our own cellular machinery against us. A virus is actually just a ball of genetic information that uses a biological host to multiply from one to millions. Just as any written information would require ink and paper to form a book, so too does the virus need the materials available within a host to reproduce itself, as it has no cell structure of its own. When it infects a person, it hijacks the body’s cells, each of which contains ample biological machinery—the equivalent of loads of paper and ink—to produce millions of copies from one single viral invader.Symptoms of COVID-19Just as the hepatitis virus targets the liver, COVID-19 targets the lungs, where it causes respiratory inflammation. In most cases, the symptoms it causes are similar to those of the common cold, such as dry cough and fever. In severe cases, especially when the patient has some preexisting risk factors (such as old age or comorbid conditions) the infection causes pneumonia-like symptoms—for instance, a progressive cough and difficulty in breathing with severe lung inflammationThe time from exposure to the appearance of symptoms is usually between 2–21 days. Because of the long incubation period, the virus can be transmitted during this asymptomatic phase. This came to light during cases in Germany where the virus was transmitted from a Chinese woman to a number of German colleagues before her infection became evident for her. Such a situation can be precarious, as monitoring the spread of the virus could become extremely challenging.Also, the virus poses a higher risk in colder regions because it survives longer on surfaces at low temperatures, which makes it difficult to contain in places with large populations (such as Wuhan) during the winter. Even with the world-class hospitals and highly skilled medical staff and scientists they have in Wuhan, the infrastructure wasn't enough for the sudden surge in severe pneumonia patients. Also in the early stages of the epidemic at least 7% of medical staff in the region—including doctors and nurses—were exposed to the virus while treating infected patients due to the lack of preparedness and shortage of beds. This made controlling the outbreak more daunting for the Chinese authorities. Since that time they have taken a more cautious approach along with other authorities worldwide. Crucial information has been released by Chinese scientists and medical practitioners in other countries as cases of the infection are reported around the world.Since the virus can't sustain itself for long in high temperatures, on top of the government closing schools, there have been relatively fewer cases in places like Ho Chi Minh City, which has a warmer climate. Still, the virus has taken almost 3000 lives globally out of 85,000 cases of the infection that have been officially reported. The preliminary fatality rate of COVID-19 is around 2% in China (but in China excluding Hubei province, it is just 0.16%) in comparison to 9.6% for SARS and 34% for MERS.However, as SARS affected just 800 people and MERS around 2500, it is evident that COVID-19 is far more contagious. Therefore, it poses a higher risk than influenza—which has infected more than 25 million people but has a fatality rate of 0.1%. If the spread of the COVID-19 contagion goes unchecked, it could lead to a much higher number of casualties than those that influenza has caused so far.Preventative MeasuresSo far, 80% of fatalities have been reported in people aged more than 60. Moreover, 75% of those who succumbed to the infection had underlying chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure and/or cancer. The virus seems to affect more men than women—which could be linked to genetic disposition or different hormonal patterns—and children are also less likely to be affected, perhaps related to their higher levels of immunity against the coronavirus. Essentially, adults with low immunity are more prone to infection.People are advised to consume healthy, well-cooked food and place an increased focus on sanitizing surfaces and maintaining cleanliness. Frequently washing hands and letting sunlight into houses could be of help too.As the virus is highly contagious, it can spread from an infected person to another person by sneezing, coughing or personal contact. Physical barriers such as face masks can help prevent transmission when someone is close to an infected person. Also, distance should be maintained from people infected by the virus as well as those showing symptoms of the infection.Any kind of masks will be equally effective here, as most of them provide almost the same level of protection against airborne virus transmission and respiratory droplets in this case. However, when there are no cases in a community, there is no benefit to wearing a mask, and the World Health Organization does not advise people to use mask except in risky scenarios, i.e. when there is a chance to be close to an infected person.Being in crowded places and traveling to risky areas such as China, South Korea, Northern Italy or even Japan and Singapore may carry a risk of developing an infection. Currently regardless of any personal interest for travel, the government already banned many destinations because of the chance of becoming infected. It is tourism that has affected Vietnam more, contrary to the common belief that its proximity to China is what makes Vietnam more vulnerable to the virus. But the fact is this was not the case, and there are only 16 confirmed cases in Vietnam—most of them related to a group of Vietnamese workers who went to Wuhan for training. It would therefore be appropriate to postpone any unnecessary travel plans. For similar reasons, expats need not consider leaving Vietnam for their home countries, as their risk of exposure while traveling is far higher than it is by staying in this sunny, tropical country.Diagnosis and TreatmentLab tests and CT Scans are primarily used to make a provisional CODIV-19 diagnosis. Those suspected of carrying the infection will receive personal health care by medical practitioners and be quarantined. Medical authorities responsible for containing the coronavirus will be notified so that necessary medical care can be provided to the patient, and further proliferation of the virus can be avoided. Test kits are currently limited and are not available to the public or for testing on the healthy.In case patients experience mild cold symptoms, or do not feel well in general, it’s recommended they take care of themselves at home just as they would when suffering from a common cold, while maintaining a distance from others—especially family and friends. If the symptoms are aggravated or become worrisome, medical practitioners should be consulted for further treatment. Our Family Medical Practice medical centers are observing strict site access protocols to ensure they remain safe and exposure-free places to seek treatment as usual.There is no antiviral treatment or vaccine available right now. Some studies have already been initiated to derive a cure against the virus, deploying a scientific double-blind strategy where neither the medical practitioner administering treatment nor the patient knows if they are receiving potential treatment or a placebo. This is the only method that can tell us if a treatment is really useful or not. The studies will not be complete for some time, so results will be available in the near few months—however, if proper measures continue to be taken (namely those communicated by medical practitioners and government authorities) and through careful personal care and hygiene, a more widespread contagion can be prevented.Dr. Pedro L. Trigo — Internist, Family Medical Practice HCMC" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 993, "title": "Dehydration and Risk of Orthopedic Injuries", "slug": "dehydration-and-risk-orthopedic-injuries", "slug_en": "dehydration-and-risk-orthopedic-injuries", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 533, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/pc001016175_l.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/pc001016175_l.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-01-24", "category": { "id": 5, "name": "Blogs", "slug": "blogs" }, "subcategory": { "id": 22, "name": "Orthopedics", "slug": "Orthopedics" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Dehydration has an impact on your heart, endocrine system, digestion and nervous system, and also contribute to orthopedic injuries.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 623, 627, 626, 625, 624 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Summertime always comes with an elevated risk of dehydration. To sportspeople, this risk is of even greater concern. Athletes can lose up to three quarts of fluid per hour during exercise, so staying hydrated can be difficult.Dehydration has an impact on your heart, endocrine system, digestion and nervous system, and also contribute to orthopedic injuries.Risks of Orthopedic InjuriesDuring exercise, heat cramps can occur as your body loses too much water. These cramps are not only uncomfortable, but can also impact your form and endurance. Poor form leads to a variety of orthopedic injuries, such as muscle strains and tears—or even fractures. Heat exhaustion can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches and even a loss in consciousness. Such symptoms make it very difficult for your body to properly function, increasing the likelihood of injury.To decrease the chances of dehydration during summer is a fairly easy task. Plan ahead and maintain an awareness of your body throughout the day to help you stay hydrated despite the rising temperatures.Tips for staying hydrated<ul><li>Before exercising—up to two hours before starting your activity, you should be consuming around 20 ounces of water.</li><li>During your workout or outdoor activity—drink between seven and ten ounces of water every 10–20 minutes.</li><li>After exercising—drink at least eight ounces following exercise.</li><li>Throughout the day—keep up with the water intake as your body continues to lose fluids even when at rest.</li><li>Sports drinks and coconut water can provide an added benefit of replenishing electrolytes lost through sweat, but added sugar can be a negative. Plain water is your best bet.</li><li>Listen to your body—if you start to experience symptoms of dehydration such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting or muscle cramps, stop exercising immediately.</li></ul>Source: <a href=\"http://www.trinityorthopedics.com/dehydration-risk-orthopedic-injuries/\">http://www.trinityorthopedics.com/dehydration-risk-orthopedic-injuries/</a>" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1212, "title": "Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)", "slug": "novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov", "slug_en": "novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 1009, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Corona-virus-poster_HCMC_90hsvv7.png", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Corona-virus-poster_HCMC_90hs.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-01-22", "category": { "id": 6, "name": "FMP on COVID-19", "slug": "updatesoncovid19" }, "subcategory": { "id": 26, "name": "FMP articles & events_COVID-19", "slug": "fmparticlescovid19" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 971, 970, 969, 968, 967 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 684, "title": "A Witness to the HIV Epidemic", "slug": "witness-hiv-epidemic", "slug_en": "witness-hiv-epidemic", "slug_vi": "hiv", "slug_ko": "hiv", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 256, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/IMG-1731.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/IMG-1731.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-01-19", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Given everything I’ve seen in this field, I can feel why people feel safe revealing these kinds of fears in the kind of secluded non-public clinic I work in now. I see the guilt, the fear, maybe the religious aspect; it’s psychologically very complicated. Compared with the prognosis of early AIDS sufferers, I think these fears are understandable. It remains a truly terrifying disease.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 828, 827, 826, 825, 824 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Dr. Michael Alkan has undertaken countless medical missions in locations all over the world, seeking adventure in the human jungle throughout his career. He was witness to the emergence of the AIDS epidemic, and went on to open AIDS clinics and work as an AIDS preceptor in a number of countries affected by the disease. The following is his own account of his life’s work to help those afflicted with the virus.At first, it wasn’t called HIV, it wasn’t called AIDS. They called it GRIDS, gay-related immunodeficiency syndrome. The year was 1980, and I was a research fellow at UCLA, the San Fernando Valley program. We saw the very early non-diagnosed suspected cases, and we infectious disease doctors suddenly found that we had to learn a new trade.The first of all the publications started with one letter to the editor, 13 Cases of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia in Gay Men. The disease itself was well-known; it afflicts children with lymphoma after chemotherapy, destroying what’s left of their immune system after the lymphoma has eliminated the rest. Gay men were known for amebiasis, herpes, and a lot of other troubles, but not for P. Carinii Pneumonia. So we were being exposed to something that we had never seen before.This is what science is all about. You see something that doesn’t fit, you ask your colleagues if they have also seen it, and yes, if it doesn't suit the picture, you publish it. Eventually we all found out what it was, and then the world was different.I went home in around 82 or 83. One day, while making rounds, I came upon a young hemophilia patient who must have been about 20 years old. He had been admitted because of fever, and he had these funny spots on his skin. It was the first case I diagnosed with HIV. We didn’t have the blood test yet. What we had was a surrogate test for lymphocyte function, and that test turned positive, which strengthened my point. He eventually passed away; there was a big presentation to the whole hospital, and everybody doubted the diagnosis because nobody knew what it really looked like, as there was no diagnostic test. When the test came out in 1985, I pulled his serum out of the freezer, and it was genuinely positive. So this boy, whose face is a clear picture in my memory, was my first real encounter with HIV.We were sailing in totally uncharted waters. We had no idea what we were doing, we had no idea how to prevent transmission; this was long before the inversive precautions came out, when every body fluid is suspected until proven otherwise—and even after proven otherwise. We imported knowledge from immunocompromised cancer patients to the AIDS patients, who had similar symptoms. These were the days when what we could do for the patients was to help them die in peace. There was no treatment, and it was very very difficult.The next thing that happened was that I won a scholarship to go for six months and work in the Beth Israel medical center in lower Manhattan in New York. One of the four buildings in the hospital was a detoxification center for drug addicts. A lot of them carried HIV and were AIDS patients. The epidemic was rampant at the time; at any given moment there were more hospitalized AIDS patients than were ever diagnosed in the whole country of Israel. For six months, I was exposed to everything. By that time, we knew exactly what it was, we knew the biology, we had a serological test. It was the absolute beginning of the antiretroviral treatment, and all of a sudden we had tools, we had something to work with.My return to Israel from the US coincided with the influx of Jews from Ethiopia. This community was rural, from the north of the country; there was no HIV among them. However, they were encouraged to move to Addis Ababa by Jewish organizations who provided for them and gave them subsistence money. Now, you can imagine that for this money, some of the men went and bought sex. And if it was a single mother with three children, she was probably selling sex in order to make ends meet. As a result of that, the government of Israel decided to test anybody who came from Ethiopia, and whoever was found to be seropositive was sent to one of the six AIDS centers in Israel. I ran one of them.We called it the Infectious Disease Clinic. People with urinary tract infections sat next to people with HIV, except that the color of the skin of the Ethiopians was a giveaway. In the beginning, it was all about patting them on the shoulder and helping them to cope, giving them horrible information, and catering the information to their culture. Luckily, we had an Ethiopian nurse, and she taught me how to reveal the bad news to the patients with the language barrier, cultural barrier, their vocational barrier.And it went like this:“Welcome to Israel. When you came here, do you remember that they drew your blood to test for lots of kinds of diseases? All your tests are good! Except that one test shows that there's a virus in your blood. You're healthy! But there's a virus in your blood.”And then I would shut up, and wait. If he asks, “what's the virus,” I know where to go. If he asks “how can it be that I have something in my blood and I'm not sick,” I know where to go. If he doesn't ask anything, I proceed, I go on.And I say, “In Israel, unlike Ethiopia [which is not true anymore], the government gives you free treatment for this virus, and we will see to it that you will be healthy.” In some cases, the patient would say, “Do you mean AIDS?” And again I would know which way to go.The clinic grew to be much more efficient with the development of new medications and new testing systems. From being in total darkness, we ended up giving top-notch treatment to people.One day, one of the drug company reps came to me and said, “We need a doctor to go and work for the national AIDS program in Botswana.” I said, “When's the next flight?” not really knowing where Botswana was. I had to look it up and find out that this is the Kalahari Desert, and it is one of the most interesting countries that I've ever known.In the year 2000 in Botswana, the government had declared AIDS a national emergency. Botswana had 1.5 million inhabitants, and 1/3 of them were infected with HIV when they started the process. The government didn't only do it because of humanitarian reasons; they did it because of the diamond industry which is the backbone of the financial situation in Botswana. They knew it could break down with all of the employees dying of AIDS.I took two tours of duty there. The most amazing thing was at the beginning. They said, “Doctor, tomorrow the HIV orientation course for doctors and nurses will start, it’s six days and you're registered to attend.” I said, “Come on guys, I’ve been taking care of AIDS patients for 18 years!” They said, “Never mind that. You should also take the exam at the end.”So for six days I learned how to teach African doctors about HIV. And I learned more than from any of the teachers from the questions that the audience were asking. I understood where the black holes were, where they didn’t want to go, that they didn’t want to touch them, that they didn’t want to take care of AIDS patients. They considered this as voodoo, as punishment from the gods, or something like that. Of the only two responses that I heard about condom use, one was, “I don’t eat a banana with a peel,” and the other was “if I have a candy, I take the wrapper off first.”They had to invent a new word in the English language, “AIDS preceptor”, which is a doctor who will teach local medical teams not to be afraid of touching patients and treating them. I opened two separate AIDS centers in peripheral Botswana; all the American universities were on top of them wanting a piece of the pie, and the drug companies were donating anti-AIDS medications. I was teaching, I was working with the doctors, with the nurses, and touching the patients physically, which meant a lot to the patients and to the doctors as well.I did two missions to Botswana, followed by two missions to Nigeria, followed by two or three to Ghana, and then Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia. One thing led to the other. The big hurdles were not only money; they were education, manpower, some things that take a whole generation to trickle into the population.I shouldn't say this, but I have yet to see a more promiscuous society than what I found in Africa. An unmarried nurse in our clinic in Ghanzi, the middle of the Kalahari, had two children.The fact that she had two sons was the reason why suitors were knocking at the door every day, because she had proved that she was fertile, she could give you children. So they wanted to marry her. But after marriage, on Saturday nights they would go to the watering hole in the center of the village and have more beers than they should, and there would be 15-year-old girls there, who for a beer would have sex. Or, if they liked you very much, it was not only a beer, maybe some money or some clothes.The meaning of prostitution in Africa is different from what it is in Western culture. So you may understand how AIDS spread in African countries so fast.After that, I was recruited to teach in Gondar in Ethiopia, which is in the middle of the Amhara region, a very conservative town during the daytime, and where at night there are nightclubs which you shouldn’t go to. The School of Public Health had been summoned by the government to take nurses and health officers, and within the course of six months give them a Master's degree in Public Health–AIDS caretaker. And I was asked to give the first two weeks of teaching, which was a refresher of nursing school; what is a virus, what is a bacteria, what is the immune system like. I did this five times, and it was a joy.That was the last convolution of my HIV AIDS career. Ten years ago I retired.At first, I still followed the literature and tried to stay alert to changes, but then the changes were so fast that I decided to let go. Now, I will gladly counsel a patient regarding HIV, and then transfer him to a younger doctor to give treatment, because the field is developing faster than I can follow.It’s a different world! Back then, your average patient died within 13 months of your diagnosis, and there was nothing you could do about it, you just watched him melt away. Now we have a situation where this is regarded as something like hypertension, heart disease or diabetes—a chronic condition which, when properly treated, can lead to a normal life for another 30 years. And the new tricks with drugs against HIV are really fantastic! We drafted a paper about the hardships of being under AIDS care, because some drugs you needed to take with food, others you needed to take on an empty stomach, some were taken in the morning, some at night. Today, it takes one tablet before bedtime and that's it! So we've come a long way.Here in Saigon, the most common AIDS-related concern I see are people who are near psychosis from the fear of having AIDS when they don't have it, and you can't confuse them with facts. They can be Vietnamese, American, Japanese, Korean, it doesn't matter—the fear is there, irrespective of culture. When you show them the results, “Look, it's safe, you’re OK!” And they say “No, I’m not!”Given everything I’ve seen in this field, I can feel why people feel safe revealing these kinds of fears in the kind of secluded non-public clinic I work in now. I see the guilt, the fear, maybe the religious aspect; it’s psychologically very complicated. Compared with the prognosis of early AIDS sufferers, I think these fears are understandable. It remains a truly terrifying disease." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 850, "title": "Tet 2020 Operation Hours", "slug": "tet-2020-operation-hours", "slug_en": "tet-2020-operation-hours", "slug_vi": "lịch-làm-việc-tết-2020", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 393, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Tet_2020_Notice.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Tet_2020_Notice.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-01-19", "category": { "id": 1, "name": "Announcement board", "slug": "announcement" }, "subcategory": { "id": 13, "name": "Operating Hours & Notices", "slug": "holidays-and-operating-hours" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 147 ], "content": null, "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 691, "title": "Contraception", "slug": "contraception", "slug_en": "contraception", "slug_vi": "contraception", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 276, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Plaquettes_de_pilule.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Plaquettes_de_pilule.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-01-19", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Many people want to use contraception, but many don’t even know how to obtain knowledge about it—and while they may search online or ask friends, the lack of education and an embarrassment to talk openly about sex quite often means that they end up with the wrong information.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 302, 301, 300 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "I practice at an international clinic treating both foreigners and locals, but it’s usually my Vietnamese patients who ask me for basic advice about contraception. The lack of knowledge about this important health issue within the Vietnamese community can be staggering.A large part of the problem is that it’s still hard to talk about this in our society: people want to use contraception, but many don’t even know how to obtain knowledge about it—and while they may search online or ask friends, the lack of education and an embarrassment to talk openly about sex quite often means that they end up with the wrong information. Many local couples practice traditional contraception (the rhythm method and withdrawal) without realizing just how unreliable these strategies are.My foreign patients at least have a better grounding in terms of the basics, but those with local sexual partners often grossly underestimate their partner’s level of understanding. There are a lot of foreigners here who have faced unwanted pregnancies by presuming that just because their partner seems well-acquainted with international lifestyles, they probably know how to use contraceptives correctly. The truth is that they may be very under-informed. Many local women, for example, may purchase oral contraceptives over the counter without understanding that this medicine needs to be taken on a daily basis, not only on the days they have sex.One of the consequences of this knowledge gap is that underage pregnancy rates are very high in this country. It’s commonly thought that many young women don’t want to use condoms because they are embarrassing to buy and interrupt sexual intercourse—and I know for a fact that many women consciously choose abortion as a preferred form of contraception. This is very dangerous. I do urge younger people who are sexually active to choose a contraceptive method that actually prevents pregnancy from occurring. If a young woman has an unwanted pregnancy and chooses to have an abortion, it can affect her reproductive health in the future—procedural abortions can scar the uterus and can affect future fertility, and in the case of a late abortion, there is a high risk of haemorrhage. Sometimes when an abortion goes wrong, the whole uterus must be removed.Traditional methods are still observed by many couples in Vietnam, and it is often the habit of married people to forego modern methods such as condoms because, in their minds, they are associated with unmarried lifestyles. These people may not understand that the rhythm method is only useful in women who have a very regular cycle —although even then there is still some risk of pregnancy, even on “safe” days. Many mature wives often choose to sacrifice an unplanned pregnancy for economic reasons, and this demographic is a major contributor to Vietnam’s enormous abortion rate.Most patients who consult with me will have already used a preferred method for contraception. If they want to change, I will ask them about their situation, because the method will only be effective if the client actually wants to use it—that is very important. My advice will also depend on the woman’s age. Married women in Vietnam often prefer the IUD, although for young women, I tend to introduce condoms or the oral pill, and often both. If the woman has already had children and doesn’t want any more, I may introduce female sterilization.My priority is to introduce oral pills and condoms, although there are several other methods available here. In fact, most contraceptive methods are not hard to come by in Vietnam; we’re not lacking anything in terms of availability. I think the main barrier to progress in this area is to do with the mind. That’s the only thing that prevents people from taking action. They are too shy to learn about contraception, have it, buy it, use it or convince their partner to use it.Vietnamese women are often resistant to using hormonal methods such as contraceptive pills because they feel they are somehow unnatural, or worry that if they use a method that prevents menstruation, the “bad blood” will not be released from their body. I often need to explain to my patients that hormonal methods are now very safe, as the dosages are lower than they were in the past—but still high enough to prohibit the activity of the ovaries. Previously, high dosages were used that would cause many side effects, such as weight gain or high blood pressure. After many years of study, medical researchers have found ways to balance the hormone levels in these drugs. Those methods that prohibit menses (such as the lunelle injection or the implant, both of which can repress ovulation for around three years) also prevent build-up of menstrual blood from occurring, so it’s normal for women using these contraceptive methods not to have their regular period or to only experience spotting.Most hormonal methods use a combination of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone is only used on its own when a woman is breastfeeding. After breastfeeding stops, they will be switched to the combined hormone method, which is far more effective.I still recommend the contraceptive pill as the preferred hormonal contraceptive. Although they do not offer any protection against STIs, they are inexpensive in Vietnam and available over the counter in most pharmacies. They do not prevent menses, have less side effects, and are easy to start and to stop using. I don’t recommend the implant for younger women, because when your ovaries are inactive for such a long time at that age, your ability to restore your fertility is lower and it takes more time for your ovaries to become active again.Condoms are still the best form of contraception in that they also protect against STIs, although their use remains problematic in Vietnam. Many couples use them incorrectly, putting them on just prior to ejaculation or only using them during menstruation! There are other barrier methods available such as the female condom or diaphragm, but they’re exceedingly rare and not popular at all—I would say that only 1 in 100 of my patients will have even heard of them.There are few people who are not embarrassed to buy condoms, although for those who just can’t face the salesperson, online delivery is an option. However, many substandard brands are on the market, and expired condoms are often still sold, which break easily. It’s important to check before you buy them or use them—they have an expiry date. Check the foil package too—if it’s broken at all, you cannot use it. Good quality condoms are oily inside; you should check carefully for holes, and after use you must check the condom again by squeezing it to see if there are any ruptures. To use condoms correctly, you must use one every time you have sex, and keep it on until the end.Doctors don’t often prescribe condoms to patients, but I often provide free condoms in my consultation room, especially to young people. When we talk about condoms, I will remind them that in case of a mistake, you must have another method to support the condom, such as the emergency oral pill. Although the effectiveness of this pill is very low—only 75%—I still advise its use. I advise two methods in case one doesn’t work.Vietnam is still a very traditional country, and people are so reluctant to reveal personal information about this topic that the statistics we have are not particularly reliable. Culture still represents a huge barrier to people who want to be better informed. Many women will ask me to avoid recording any information about their sexual history or previous abortions, because a woman’s virginity is still an important factor to prospective husbands. Men who fail to contain their ejaculation will still claim to have withdrawn safely, and some women will believe themselves protected from pregnancy based only on “feeling lucky”. Our abortion rate alone has prompted some discussion in government about how to introduce sex education in schools; however, this has yet to occur. I do believe it vital that sex education becomes more widespread here in order to help solve some of these problems. For now, it remains important to be very cautious in practicing safe sex in Vietnam, and I would advise anyone not to hesitate to consult with a specialist to gain accurate knowledge and to learn how to use a contraceptive method correctly.INFO BOXCondoms (bao cao su): Popular brands include Durex (VND13,000–18,000 each); Sagami VND9,000–15,000 each); Power Men (VND8,000–15,000 each); True-X (VND11,000–16,000 each); and Okamoto (VND9,000–18,000 each). Shop easily and anonymously at Lazada or search from many Vietnamese language Facebook stores.Oral Contraceptive (thuốc tránh thai): Available at any local pharmacy. Prices vary from VND10,000–150,000/blister pack. Always consult a doctor for advice on the right brand for you. Popular brands include Mercilon, Drosperin, Rigevidon, and Diane35.Morning After Pill (thuốc tránh thai khẩn cấp): Available at local pharmacies. Prices range from VND10,000–150,000/pack. Popular brands include Postinor, Mifestad 10, and Mifepristone.Hormone Patch (miếng dán tránh thai): Evra (VND234,000/box of three patches) is a common brand in Vietnam. Available at Pharmacity.Female Condom (bao cao su cho nữ): more expensive than normal condoms at around VND70,000–90,000 each. Available in specialist sex shops and online.Diaphragm (màn chắn tránh thai): VCF brand (VND120,000/box of three). Available at Pharmacity.Medical Procedures: An IUD insertion (vòng tránh thai) can be performed at Family Medical Practice or any major hospital. For female sterilization, vasectomies, lunelle injections (thuốc tiêm tránh thai) or implants (que cấy), recommended hospitals include (International) FV and Hanh Phuc; (Local) Tu Du and Hung Vuong.Dr. Tran Thi Kim Nguyet - Gynecologist, Care1" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1144, "title": "Our New Pediatric Center Opening Soon in District 7", "slug": "our-new-pediatric-center-opening-soon-district-7", "slug_en": "our-new-pediatric-center-opening-soon-district-7", "slug_vi": "phòng-khám-fmp-kiddies-sắp-mở-cửa-tại-quận-7", "slug_ko": "호치민-7군-소아전문-메디컬-센터-개원-임박", "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 1192, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/D7_opening.png", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/D7_opening.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-01-16", "category": { "id": 1, "name": "Announcement board", "slug": "announcement" }, "subcategory": { "id": 13, "name": "Operating Hours & Notices", "slug": "holidays-and-operating-hours" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 818 ], "content": [ { "type": "image", "value": { "id": 788, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/D7-Opening_Standee-Full.png", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/D7-Opening_Standee-Full.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" } } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 593, "title": "A Shot in the Dark", "slug": "shot-dark", "slug_en": "shot-dark", "slug_vi": "shot-dark", "slug_ko": "shot-dark", "slug_ja": "shot-dark", "overview_image": { "id": 235, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Kids-vaccinations_3-OiVietNam-3N.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Kids-vaccinations_3-OiVietNam.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-01-15", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "While it’s safe enough to put your kids through their shots at a local clinic, there are some important differences between what is generally offered on the national program and what is available at an international clinic.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Some of the toughest issues for expat families resident in Ho Chi Minh City are those which would be non-issues back home. Your kids’ educational prospects become a complex puzzle; playing outside without worrying about the heat and air quality are a major headache; and things that would be dealt with automatically by the public system overseas are suddenly issues that require research and decision-making where none were needed before.One of those issues is vaccination. As a parent in my home country, vaccinating my kids would simply be a matter of following the doctor’s schedule – I’d have no concerns about quality of care, it would be easy for me to find out which shots were due to be administered and on which dates, and I’d be reasonably confident that I wouldn’t completely mess it up. The opposite is true in Vietnam – I’ve no idea if the local clinics or vaccines are any good, no idea if I shouldn’t be taking my kids off to Singapore every six months for their boosters, and no idea if I’d be paying through the nose at an international clinic for the same thing that I could get at the local hospital for less than a hundred thousand VND. My fears of messing up my kids’ vaccination program and rendering them vulnerable to life-threatening diseases are suddenly not as close to zero here as they would be elsewhere.Dr. Truong Hoang Quy and Dr. Jonathan Halevy, who practice pediatrics at Family Medical Practice (34 Le Duan, D1), are quick to reassure parents in situations like mine. According to Dr. Quy, Vietnam’s 30-year-old vaccination program is actually very good, generally administered according to the same international standards you’d expect in other countries. While some of the schedules vary in certain respects from those overseas – mainly because the risks of exposure to certain diseases are variously higher or lower here than they are abroad – they do have a very comprehensive, standardized program.While that’s reassuring, a little Google research turns up some worrying figures. In 2013, there were several reports about babies dying hours after getting a Quinvaxem shot. There was a subsequent investigation by both the Vietnamese Government and the WHO, and they concluded that the vaccine was safe – but after restarting the program, again there were reports of infant deaths.Dr. Halevy is quick to put this in perspective. “The big issue about vaccination in Vietnam is not the vaccines themselves, but the safety issues in their administration”, he explains. “For example, if the vaccine was not kept in the proper way, or if the vaccine had expired when it was given. The 5-in-1 Quinvaxem issue became significant because at the time, there was a worldwide problem with the availability of Pentaxim, produced in France and Belgium. The authorities here had to use Quinvaxem, which contains a different kind of pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination, produced in Korea.”“It might be related to the fact that the pertussis vaccines in new shots such as Pentaxim and Infanrix do not contain the whole bacteria, only certain molecules”, he says. “It’s known that the Korean vaccine contains the whole bacteria. It was used up to 20 years ago in all the countries in the world, but it was known to have more side effects – that’s why they came up with a new vaccine that has less. But if you look at the numbers, Quinvaxem was given to millions of kids in Vietnam. The reports were very scarce, so we’re talking about 0.0000-something percent of risk of death. Of course, the vaccine is very important to prevent the death of little babies from pertussis. So if you take all these factors into consideration, the Quinvaxem is still a better solution than no vaccination.”“When you look at the national view, the vaccine saves the lives of babies; it prevents pertussis from happening” he says. “There’s always a tiny little risk in any medication you can get – even Tylenol can kill you. You need to take into consideration the side effects and the benefits of the vaccination – or the medication, or the medical procedure. Everything you do in medicine has two sides, it has benefits, it has side effects. You need to consider if the benefits outweigh the risks.”It should be observed that problems associated with the subtleties of vaccine storage and delivery in Vietnam are mostly restricted to provincial areas. “I think that in most cases where there are side effects, it’s in remote areas, not in the center”, says Dr. Quy, “because it’s important that vaccines are stored in the fridge at two to eight degrees. So in mountainous areas, for example, sometimes the electricity is cut. It’s difficult to store vaccines properly in these conditions.”While it’s safe enough to put your kids through their shots at a local clinic, there are some important differences between what is generally offered on the national program and what is available at an international clinic. Vaccines at some international medical centers may be more advanced than those offered locally – and sometimes there are nuances regarding certain vaccinations that local clinics may not necessarily pay attention to that may be dealt with more effectively at private clinics – it always pays to ask.“if new vaccine comes out, the Vietnamese administration has to conduct research and implement a ‘pilot’ or test in small groups of people”, explains Dr. Quy. “They have to make sure that the vaccine is suitable and safe for Vietnamese people.” While this is standard practice in any country, it’s common for these studies to take longer in Vietnam than they do elsewhere, meaning that newer, more effective vaccines will often take a few years before getting onto the national program.With expats like myself, the problem is that we come from different countries, and different countries have different schedules. “It can be quite a mess”, says Dr. Halevy. “A lot of people don’t understand that when a certain country chooses which vaccinations to put on their program and which not, many times it’s not for medical reasons, but economic reasons. A certain country will decide not to put a hepatitis B vaccination on their program, not because it’s not necessary or not effective, but because economically, for that particular country, it’s not cost-effective. In certain countries, they don’t give BCG vaccinations for tuberculosis, because they have low risk, low exposure to TB – but in countries such as Vietnam and Thailand which are high risk, you need to have the BCG vaccination.”As with anything difficult in Vietnam, part of the solution comes from being proactive. First of all, if you go to any clinic, you need to be sure that it’s working with an updated vaccination schedule. You need to be certain that the vaccinations they have cover both local and international requirements. If you live in the UK or in Germany your kids really won’t need a Japanese encephalitis vaccination, but if you live in Vietnam, it’s very important. You’ll also need to understand that there’s a difference between countries when it comes to vaccinations, so you need to be a little more flexible. Some parents decide that they’ll only follow their own country’s vaccination schedule, but the key message here is that because you live in a different country, there are different risks and requirements.“One thing I always recommend to parents when they get a vaccination, is to make sure they get a stamp, not just write the date”, says Dr. Halevy. “Just writing the date, anybody can do that, so it’s not proof that a child got a vaccination. If they have a clinic stamp, I always recommend that they take their phone, take a picture of the book, and save it online. Expats tend to move from one country to the next, and they have a tendency to lose the vaccination records. It’s very important not only when you’re a kid, but when you’re an adult and you emigrate to another country or go to college or university, they always require an immunization record. A vaccination you get today, you might need proof of it ten, twenty years from now.”With different needs for different expat families who need to be mindful of the fact that they’ll need to be immunized against two different exposure conditions – those of here and those back home – parents can still elect to vaccinate at local clinics and ask directly for vaccinations that are not prescribed at the national level.The doctors’ own clinic, Family Medical Practice, follows a very similar schedule to the national recommendation. “We took the recommendation of the Center for Disease Control in the U.S., and we took the schedule in Canada, the WHO recommendations, and we created a standardized vaccination schedule”, says Dr. Halevy. “We took the vaccinations recommended specifically in Vietnam, such as typhoid, meningococcal, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis A, and we added that to ours. So what you get here is very comprehensive.”“We put a lot of emphasis on vaccinations”, he says, “because as paediatricians, preventative medicine is the major pillar of pediatrics. We emphasize vaccinations, regular checkups, developmental checkups – because when you detect problems earlier you can treat them earlier, and this will have better outcomes.”Q&A:Should foreigners be going overseas for the Pentaxim vaccination?It’s not necessary. Availability in Vietnam is now good – for the time being.Can I get vaccines not listed on the national schedule in Vietnam?Check with your doctor for the availability of non-scheduled and updated vaccines.I don’t know which vaccinations my child has received abroad so far.Check your national schedule and call home if there is any doubt. The presence of some antibodies can be detected in a blood test. If there is a serious suspicion that your child has not been properly vaccinated, a booster or fresh series of vaccinations may be administered – this is not harmful.Can my child be vaccinated for all eventualities?Some vaccines (such as for yellow fever, unnecessary unless you plan to take your child to West Africa) are available at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (190 Ben Ham Tu, D5). Do ask your doctor for the optional rabies vaccine if you plan to travel to areas such as Bali, where it is endemic.Should I just skip the vaccinations and wait until we get home?In 2014, after many parents elected to avoid the MMR vaccine, hundreds of children died from catching this highly virulent disease. Vaccinations save lives." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 556, "title": "“My beloved doctors” painting contest by FMP Hanoi", "slug": "my-beloved-doctors-painting-contest-by-fmp-hanoi", "slug_en": "my-beloved-doctors-painting-contest-by-fmp-hanoi", "slug_vi": "fmp-hà-nội-phát-động-cuộc-thi-vẽ-tranh-thiếu-nhi-bác-sĩ-em-yêu", "slug_ko": "my-beloved-doctors-fmp-hanoi-주관-사생-대회", "slug_ja": "ぼくわたしの大好きなお医者さん-fmp子どもの絵コンテスト2019開催", "overview_image": { "id": 205, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Air_competition.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Air_competition.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-01-13", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 1, "name": "News", "slug": "news" }, "tags": "", "summary": "FMP Hanoi together with Art tree kicks off this year painting contest “My beloved doctors” in Hanoi.\r\nEntry period from 15.04.2019 through 21.07.2019. Results announcement and awards ceremony will be held at the end of August with total 22 prizes.\r\n12 most outstanding entries will be published in 2020 calendar by FMP Hanoi.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 1025, 35 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "FMP Hanoi together with Art tree kicks off this year painting contest “My beloved doctors” in Hanoi.<ul><li>Entry period from 15.04.2019 through 21.07.2019. Results announcement and awards ceremony will be held at the end of August with total 22 prizes.</li><li>12 most outstanding entries will be published in 2020 calendar by FMP Hanoi.</li></ul>Hanoi, 13/4/2019. Family Medical Practice Hanoi in collaboration with Art Tree introduces “My beloved doctors”, the first painting contest by FMP in Hanoi. This contest hopes to encourage children and youth to share their art talents, express the love for life and most of all, get their creativity and imagination flowing. This contest is also part of FMP celebration for Children’s day 1St of June 2019.Artistic creation is one of those activities that foster a child’s intellectual and motor skills development. From small “scribble-scrabble” to complex sketches, drawing helps a child learn perseverance and motivation to complete a work. Additionally, colors can enhance children’s feelings about the world around them. Through art they can express their thoughts and visualization of their own world with freedom and creativity.Entry to painting contest by FMP Vietnam 2015<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Air_competition_1.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />" }, { "type": "multi_column_text", "value": [ "Theme", "My Beloved Doctor" ] }, { "type": "multi_column_text", "value": [ "Organizers", "FMP + ART TREE" ] }, { "type": "multi_column_text", "value": [ "Eligibility", "This contest is open to all children aged under 12 (birthday from 31.12.2007 onwards) who is a customer of FMP Hanoi. There are 3 age categories: Under 6 years old, 6-10 years old, and 11-12 years old." ] }, { "type": "multi_column_text", "value": [ "Number of entries", "The author may submit up to 02 entries." ] }, { "type": "multi_column_text", "value": [ "Advice", "Drawing and painting entries shall demonstrate author’s impressions about: – A doctor or medical staff that he/she loves – A familiar or trusted medical center. – Anything that makes contestant feel connected with his/her beloved doctor or medical staff – Imagination of the doctor or medical staff that contestant wishes to become in the future" ] }, { "type": "multi_column_text", "value": [ "Material specification:", "Any means of drawing or painting on paper (pencils, crayons, water color, ink color, acrylics, powder color…)" ] }, { "type": "multi_column_text", "value": [ "Size:", "A3 (29,7cm x 42cm) or A4 (21cm x 29,7cm)" ] }, { "type": "multi_column_text", "value": [ "Entry period", "15/4/2019- 21/7/2019" ] }, { "type": "multi_column_text", "value": [ "Award ceremony and exhibition", "End of August 2019" ] }, { "type": "text", "value": "<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Air_competition_2.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />Entry to painting contest by FMP Vietnam 2015Total prize value up to 50 mil dong including:<ul><li>01 First prize: One color set (US Art Supply 46-Piece) + 3.000.000 VNĐ scholarship at ART TREE + Certificate</li><li>02 Second prizes: One color set (Darice – Studio )+ 2.000.000 VNĐ scholarship at ART TREE + Certificate</li><li>03 Third prizes:One color set (126-Piece) Deluxe Mega Wood Box+ 1.000.000 VNĐ scholarship at ART TREE</li><li>06 Fourth prizes: First Aid Kit Standard +600.000 VNĐ scholarship at ART TREE</li><li>10 runner-up prizes: Gifts from FMP & ART TREE (calculated by total likes, shares on of entries on Facebook FMP)</li><li>Entries won the First, Second, Third and Fourth prizes will be selected to be published in FMP’s 2020 calendar. All of prized entries will be displayed in exhibition at FMP.</li></ul>Requirements:<ul><li>Eligible entries must be original artworks with author’s signature. Backside of the artwork shall indicate details:</li><li>Name of the painting, author’s name, address and contact information (contacts of parents or guardians)</li></ul>Entries can be submitted at FMP Hanoi or by postal service to:Marketing department, 4th floor, FMP Hanoi, Diplomatic compound, 298I Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi.Please specify on envelope with: “My beloved doctor” painting contestSelection criteria:Contestants are categorized by age:Under 6, 6-10 years old, 11-12 years old.<ul><li>1st, 2nd, 3rdand 4th prizes: based on 10-point scale assessment – average point by judges from FMP and ART TREE</li><li>Runner-up prizes: selected based on number of votes (total likes, shareon FMP Facebook)</li></ul>Rules and regulations:<ul><li>All entries’ copyrights will automatically belong to FMP Hanoi.</li><li>FMP Hanoi reserve future usage of all entries with authors’ credits for full-scoop PR and publicity.</li><li>Final winners are assessed and determined by the judges.</li><li>Original artworks will not be returned.</li><li>Organizers shall not be held responsible for any incorrect, inaccurate personal information and artwork’s content submitted by author.</li><li>The organizer FMP Hanoi reserves the rights to all final and conclusive decisions about the contest including results and prizes.</li></ul>————————————–Family Medical Practice Hanoi is the first 100% foreign owned clinic in Vietnam with 25 years of experience providing quality healthcare by our team of international physicians and the latest in medical equipment and diagnostic tools. It is among our top priorities to offer high standard services and treatment for customers of all ages, for you to lead a healthier and happier life. Founded in 1994, FMP has been involved with and initiated various social responsibility activities. It has always been our mission to contribute and give back to the society with our precept “Your health. Our care”. Art Studio ART TREE – a member of the UNESCO Center for Fine-Arts, is a pioneer in the field of fine art training that incorporates soft skills with European-based teaching methods. ART TREE is also one of the first art centers to offer painting courses for both children and adults with the motto of providing leading teaching methods, giving students the opportunity to have a wonderful experience in every lesson.Follow our contest at: <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/FamilyMedicalPracticeHanoi/?ref=settings\">https://www.facebook.com/FamilyMedicalPracticeHanoi</a>Organizers,FMP – ART TREE" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 552, "title": "Important Notice: Please present your ID/Passport before using our medical services", "slug": "title", "slug_en": "title", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 199, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/ID_Passport.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/ID_Passport.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-01-13", "category": { "id": 1, "name": "Announcement board", "slug": "announcement" }, "subcategory": { "id": 1, "name": "News", "slug": "news" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Dear Valued customers,\r\nAs required by the Ministry of Health, from now on, every patient must present his/her ID/Passport at every single visit before using the medical services at Family Medical Practice Hanoi.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 1021, 31 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Dear Valued customers, As required by the Ministry of Health, from now on, every patient must present his/her ID/Passport at every single visit before using the medical services at Family Medical Practice Hanoi. For children, the parent/Legal Guardian/CAREGIVER please provide us his/her ID/Passport together with your ID/Passport. If parent/Legal Guardian/CAREGIVER authorizes another person to accompany his/her child to FMP Hanoi for medical examinations and/or treatment, please provide us parent’s ID/Passport and the authorized companion’s ID/Passport beside consent letter. Please follow this requirement but feel free to ask any questions. Best regards, Family Medical Practice Hanoi" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1065, "title": "Coronavirus_Fact vs Fiction", "slug": "coronavirus_fact-vs-fiction", "slug_en": "coronavirus_fact-vs-fiction", "slug_vi": "coronavirus_fact-vs-fiction", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 675, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/shutterstock_289132154.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/shutterstock_289132154.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2020-01-04", "category": { "id": 6, "name": "FMP on COVID-19", "slug": "updatesoncovid19" }, "subcategory": { "id": 25, "name": "FMP services_COVID-19", "slug": "fmpservicesCOVID-19" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 939, 928, 748 ], "content": [ { "type": "table", "value": { "data": [ [ "Fiction", "Fact" ], [ "COVID-19 is currently the DEADLIEST DISEASE in the world", "COVID-19 is a MILD ILLNESS IN MOST CASES. *The ordinary ﬂu kills more people every single year than COVID-19 does." ], [ "COVID-19 is a DEATH SENTENCE.", "THE MORTALITY RATE OF COVID-19 IS VERY LOW. Almost all those who \nhave died are older age groups with pre-existing chronic health conditions." ], [ "Only SPECIAL MEDICAL-GRADE MASKS CAN PROTECT me from the disease.", "The best protection available is to KEEP WASHING YOUR HANDS. Masks may be somewhat effective in decreasing the risk of spreading the disease. If you need to SNEEZE, BRING YOUR ELBOW IN FRONT OF YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH to avoid germs spreading through the air." ], [ "ONLINE ARTICLES ARE THE BEST SOURCE\n of information about coronavirus.", "Many inaccurate articles about the virus have been posted online. Take information directly from TRUSTWORTHY SOURCES such as the WHO and CDC." ] ], "cell": [], "first_row_is_table_header": true, "first_col_is_header": false, "table_caption": "Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) " } }, { "type": "text", "value": "*Source: CDC" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 953, "title": "6 Biggest Sunscreen Mistakes", "slug": "6-biggest-sunscreen-mistakes", "slug_en": "6-biggest-sunscreen-mistakes", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 494, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/cm08095289_l.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/cm08095289_l.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-12-27", "category": { "id": 5, "name": "Blogs", "slug": "blogs" }, "subcategory": { "id": 18, "name": "Dermatology", "slug": "dermatology" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Correctly applying a high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin is the best way to prevent sun damage.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 432, 431, 430, 429, 428 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Correctly applying a high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin is the best way to prevent sun damage. However, most of us have burned or tanned when we thought we were protected. Here is a list of mistakes that people often experience using sunscreen:Using expired sunscreenSunscreen is classified by the FDA as a drug, and has a shelf life. Throw out old sunscreen that has expired or been stored at temperature or climate extremes, as the formula and active chemicals may have broken down.Not putting enough sunscreen onThe protection factor of sunscreens is dependent on the dose of product you apply. Not enough sunscreen means that SPF 50 sunscreen is not giving you SPF 50 protection.Adults need to apply 1 oz of product to their skin when wearing a bathing suit. The face and front of the neck needs an average of a 5-cent-piece amount.Not reapplying every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or rubbing product off.Sunscreen comes off, so you need to reapply it. It breaks down as it blocks UV rays. Each ray blocked degrades chemical filters, because that’s how these filters work.When relying on sunscreen to protect your skin, you need to reapply every 2 hours while in the sun or when it’s washed or rubbed off your skin.Only wearing sunscreen on sunny days or for midday sun exposure.Clouds don’t block enough UV rays to help prevent sun damage. Also, UVA is out all day—sun-up to sundown, this ray is out and ready to damage your skin. It can cause skin thinning, wrinkling, sun spots, and skin cancer.Get in the habit of putting sunscreen on exposed skin every morning.Depending on the sunscreen in your makeup or moisturizer to give you protection.The amount of sunscreen product you apply is important and directly correlates with SPF protection. Read the UV active ingredient filters. Are they zinc oxide? The UV filters in makeup and moisturizer are chemical filters that expire and provide poor protection in the first place.What you want for sun protection is products that have SPF, 30+ and broad spectrum. Use a real SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen applied in the correct amount. Separate your moisturizing step and makeup step from your sunscreen step.Depending entirely on sunscreen for sun protection.Sunscreen is a lot of work. An adult in a bathing suit, applying 1 oz every 2 hours goes through a 4 oz tube during a full day outside. It’s impractical, and it’s a lot of product. Use multiple strategies to protect your skin.Wear sun protective clothing. If you are in and out of the sun on an average day, your regular clothing may be adequate." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 955, "title": "HIV and the skin", "slug": "hiv-and-skin", "slug_en": "hiv-and-skin", "slug_vi": "hiv-and-skin", "slug_ko": "hiv-and-skin", "slug_ja": "hiv-and-skin", "overview_image": { "id": 496, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/46509144172_de8dc81940_b.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/46509144172_de8dc81940_b.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-12-26", "category": { "id": 5, "name": "Blogs", "slug": "blogs" }, "subcategory": { "id": 18, "name": "Dermatology", "slug": "dermatology" }, "tags": "", "summary": "What is this early connection between HIV and the skin? There is a very common skin ailment that may be the first hint that an otherwise healthy young patient is HIV positive. This ailment is shingles.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 442, 441, 440, 439, 438 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "People are often shocked to learn that several times per year, I have to give a patient the news that they are HIV positive. This is true even if that patient feels healthy, and has no skin signs of HIV. What is this early connection between HIV and the skin? There is a very common skin ailment that may be the first hint that an otherwise healthy young patient is HIV positive. This ailment is shingles.Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you were exposed to this chickenpox virus, or even if you had the chickenpox vaccine (which is a weakened version of the live virus), you may get shingles decades later. In order to get shingles, you must have had chickenpox first, or the vaccine. But chickenpox can be so mild in children, that some people who get shingles do not even recall ever having had chicken pox.The risk of getting shingles increases as you age, especially after age 50. Part of the reason for this is that your immune system weakens as you age. But early HIV also weakens the immune system. This is why if shingles occurs in a relatively young person, especially with certain risk factors, it can be an indicator for HIV. This is because the HIV virus weakens the immune system in all patients, regardless of age.I recently saw a male patient in his early 30's whom I diagnosed with shingles. Because of his young age, I ordered a blood test for HIV. Most of the time, the HIV test is negative in patients with shingles. In addition, the patient insisted there was no way he could have contracted HIV. I explained to the patient that although he was probably right, my policy is to always be thorough, and rule out every possibility, no matter how unlikely.The test did come back positive, and I had to give the patient the unfortunate news. Although the news brings on a mix of emotions, the early diagnosis greatly improves the effectiveness of treatment, as well as overall prognosis. The patient later admitted that he did have a risk factor that he was embarrassed to disclose, even to me, his physician of more than 10 years.Although most patients want to be honest and thorough, reasons such as lifestyle, infidelity, etc. can cause the patient to omit items in their history, thinking it won't make a difference in their diagnosis. An experienced physician will always go beyond what the patient says, to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together.Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and the health of our skin is often a prime indicator of our overall health." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 956, "title": "How to Check your Moles for Signs of Skin Cancer", "slug": "how-check-your-moles-signs-skin-cancer", "slug_en": "how-check-your-moles-signs-skin-cancer", "slug_vi": "how-check-your-moles-signs-skin-cancer", "slug_ko": "how-check-your-moles-signs-skin-cancer", "slug_ja": "how-check-your-moles-signs-skin-cancer", "overview_image": { "id": 497, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/pc004102517_l.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/pc004102517_l.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-12-26", "category": { "id": 5, "name": "Blogs", "slug": "blogs" }, "subcategory": { "id": 18, "name": "Dermatology", "slug": "dermatology" }, "tags": "", "summary": "It’s important to be vigilant about any changes to moles and spots on your skin.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 446, 445, 444, 443, 447 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Most people start to see moles appear in childhood and early teenage years. Unfortunately, the more moles you have, the greater your chances of getting cancer. If found early enough, however, they can be treated successfully. For this reason, it’s important to be vigilant about any changes to moles and spots on your skin.Moles should be observed carefully for any signs of change. Most moles on your skin will look similar, so look for any moles that stand out as different to the others. If you do identify any changes, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer, just that you need to follow it up with a visit to your GP. Along with moles, pay attention to birthmarks, beauty marks and any brown spots that may have changed. If a new mole appears after the age of 25, ask your GP to have a look at it.Here are some things to look out for when checking your skin:<ul><li>New moles</li><li>Moles that have increased in size</li><li>The outline of a mole has become etched</li><li>A change in color from brown to black or varied in color</li><li>Raised spot or one with a lump within it</li><li>A surface that becomes rough, scaly or ulcerated</li><li>Moles that itch or tingle</li><li>A mole that weeps or bleeds</li></ul>There are three main types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.Melanoma is the least common but most dangerous. It can start in an existing or new mole or spot and change over months. If left unnoticed and not treated in the early days, the cancer can move to the internal organs and can cause death.The Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are more common than melanoma. They are slow growing cancers but should still be treated early to ensure they don’t spread and reduce the damage they can cause.Monthly self-checks will allow you to notice changes in your skin and pick up any cancerous or precancerous spots. Follow these steps to complete a thorough skin self-check:<ol><li>Look in the mirror and check all of your face and neck, paying close attention to nose, lips, mouth and ears.</li><li>Check your scalp using a hair dryer and a hand mirror to inspect under your hair.</li><li>Check backs of hands and palms, including between fingers and under your nails</li><li>Undress completely and stand in front of a full-length mirror.</li><li>Check arms including elbows and underarms in a mirror.</li><li>Next, check chest and torso.</li><li>Turn your back to the full-length mirror and use a hand-held mirror to look over the length of your body.</li><li>Sit down to check the front and sides of each leg from thigh to shin then feet, including your soles, between the toes and under toenails.</li></ol>Remember to make an appointment at your nearest Family Medical Practice medical center if any of your spots are suspicious looking or you aren’t sure of anything." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 197, "title": "The Lifesavers of Saigon", "slug": "lifesavers-saigon", "slug_en": "lifesavers-saigon", "slug_vi": "lifesavers-saigon", "slug_ko": "lifesavers-saigon", "slug_ja": "lifesavers-saigon", "overview_image": { "id": 131, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/newsfeed_2.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/newsfeed_2.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-12-26", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 1, "name": "News", "slug": "news" }, "tags": "lifesavers, saigon", "summary": "Family Medical Practice is proud to announce that the film ‘The Lifesavers of Saigon’, featuring *9999—the only... /...internationally accredited... amublance service in Vietnam—has made the official selection for the Oregon Documentary Festival.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 9, 8, 6 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Family Medical Practice is proud to announce that the film ‘The Lifesavers of Saigon’, featuring *9999—the only... /...internationally accredited... amublance service in Vietnam—has made the official selection for the Oregon Documentary Festival." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 719, "title": "Health Talk on Stress Management", "slug": "health-talk-stress-management", "slug_en": "health-talk-stress-management", "slug_vi": "health-talk-stress-management", "slug_ko": "health-talk-stress-management", "slug_ja": "health-talk-stress-management", "overview_image": { "id": 326, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Health_talk_on_stress_management_in_Danang_events.png", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Health_talk_on_stress_managem.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-12-10", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 8, "name": "Health Talks", "slug": "health-talks" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Providing community talks, Family Medical Practice hopes that all employees and their families can gain more awareness of stress’ effects and develop healthy habits to fight it.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 865 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Health talk on Stress Management in DanangOn December 08-09, Family Medical Practice successfully conducted talks on Stress Management for employees of Pullman Beach Resort in Danang.Two groups of more than 100 staff of the resort were explained about what the signs and symptoms of stress are and how stress leads to different ill effects on one’s health - both body and mind by the speaker - Dr. Christopher, also Medical Director. The doctor explained how stress increases the risks of conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, depression and obesity. In addition, the participants were showed the ways to deal and manage stress such as positive self-talk, emergency stress stoppers, social support and pleasure finding from relatives and friends as well as daily relaxation.It’s rightly said, “worrying won’t stop the bad things from happening, it just stops you from enjoying the good”. Therefore, by providing these talks, Family Medical Practice hopes that all employees and their family’s members can gain more awareness of stress’ effects and develop healthy hahits to fight it." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 899, "title": "SIMBA session weekly", "slug": "simba-session-weekly", "slug_en": "simba-session-weekly", "slug_vi": "simba-session-weekly", "slug_ko": "simba-session-weekly", "slug_ja": "simba-session-weekly", "overview_image": { "id": 437, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/SIMBA_session_weekly_2.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/SIMBA_session_weekly_2.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-11-28", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 5, "name": "SIMBA", "slug": "simba" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 160 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Our Japanese SIMBA group held a very special session this week with a tour at our D2 medical center and emergency ambulance service.7 Japanese mums and 10 children between 0–5 years old joined yesterday’s tour of the new facilities. The mothers learned more about our recently expanded D2 Medical Center and enjoyed the opportunity to meet and exchange information.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/SIMBA_session_weekly.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />The group visited several parts of the medical center, including the alarm center where emergency calls are handled; the operating theater where our orthopedic procedures are performed; and the dermatology room which houses our new scar treatment clinic. They also toured our inpatient rooms—one mother commented that they looked like hotel suites—as well as our rooms for psychiatric and physiotherapy treatments, and our salt room, which is currently under preparation to offer halotherapy treatments for patients with respiratory problems such as asthma.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/SIMBA_session_weekly_3.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" /><ul><li>The SIMBA mothers were also introduced to our in-house laboratory, which enables our clinic to provide rapid test results with minimal waiting time, and our endoscopy room under Japanese gastroenterologist Dr. Masato, which features one of the most advanced endoscopes in the country.</li><li>While the mothers appreciated visiting the pharmacy and vaccination rooms, where nurses explained the available medication and how vaccines are stored safely, the children loved the pediatric consultation room with all the colorful fish decorations. The ambulances were an exciting feature of the tour as our emergency staff were able to explain the high-tech facilities on board and stress the importance of our *9999 emergency service.</li><li>Although the small children had been scared of going to the doctor in the past—usually frightened of taking vaccinations—they were delighted to get to know the medical center better.</li><li>After the tour, the mothers spent some time taking tea and coffee (and the favorite cakes that have become staples at our regular meetings!) while the children played together. One of the mothers had previously been a long-term patient at FMP and mentioned how supportive FMP, especially the Japanese team, have been—and said that she and her husband are very grateful.</li><li>In other news of interest to our Japanese community, FMP has hired a new Japanese gynecologist—who will be a great addition to our current team of physicians. Our new doctor is fluent in English as well as Japanese and so will be able to provide services to women from throughout our community.</li></ul>Clinic and ambulance tours for mums and children are a wonderful way to explore the facilities at Family Medical Practice. For more information about future tours, please contact our marketing team on (028) 3822 7848.-- Family Medical Practice Vietnam: <a href=\"https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vietnammedicalpractice.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3LUR8Y9CNY8cf1l_mfylOT6y8xds2qhDUQvHs5l6tqx63AyJeU4vS9F1g&h=AT1IG28hjMZFVeQLG2MpSYNoCUx1ZV-gaA7VJBQmPcA9w96zEDStm0ArmkUBHsyVQvK8vrOI0moIJlO-WiLNOozi3E659Qe4c7iBiD5yM5VhpFk2Hys2ExTtsRmzukKRcuh9YxWIisozu4MafjuRpdFIHJ1hTXUtLcfIeABWnXZS--qXyClYXCsYK-s87D7R0KB6RjGRBitZRW-tf00bCf-wGnA6ZB9X8PwTdet-M0_jxY7dBtHYr9ZxnbTFTYHCLZXxpzRmERk0j9iDFL2boAQFbweOdg7ynEFNtHO6wxEk1smIUg0d2xgdwNlLpJMv_PJRLgDFA70VvJEXuIIe-gBU_ZArj5LHu30vx4AnvktqW_8btOCLTZYN1EMq9JI3p8qZAFjYcdyFbt9W5czvnl_em-wIVsx6LE2TSlM1c4bxuVz5bJnQLr0PP8nOlxmMogtxPqhu5GmISBVa0CRt2MtPcsPyUkNmvhXz5y1PlSBCluDEq-CHWq87V-7a-rOyQVtQY29smvnIPp0STaATdG8UiE01QJlkldWMnsASQsURPEaxbg1nfRQoxPyvleeNuC1FiEkDY6a0bbVaifwD2xfMCBEUPxhW1vcBOtx0KS3UXuzj_g0_tY9ibpCi5_NH_KVBsZc\">https://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/</a>" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 823, "title": "First aid workshop at Imperia An Phu residency- District 2", "slug": "first-aid-workshop-imperia-phu-residency-district-2", "slug_en": "first-aid-workshop-imperia-phu-residency-district-2", "slug_vi": "first-aid-workshop-imperia-phu-residency-district-2", "slug_ko": "first-aid-workshop-imperia-phu-residency-district-2", "slug_ja": "first-aid-workshop-imperia-phu-residency-district-2", "overview_image": { "id": 354, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/First_aid_workshop__Imperia_An_Phu_residency_D2_Nov_28th_2019_4.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/First_aid_workshop__Imperia_A.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-11-28", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 9, "name": "First Aid Courses", "slug": "first-aid-courses" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 133 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "45 local residents from Imperia An Phu took part in an FMP first aid workshop to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in helping to save lives. The workshop was convened in Vietnamese by FMP nurse Thanh Sang.<a href=\"http://example.com/documents/5/First_aid_workshop__Imperia_An_Phu_residency_D2_Nov_28th_2019_3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">First aid workshop @ Imperia An Phu residency D2</a>A range of the Imperia’s residents showed up to participate, including several more senior members who joined the event with their families, as well as six children younger than 10 years old. The group raised many questions—such as, in the case of a broken rib cage, do we still perform CPR? How is CPR performed on an infant? Should it be used in a drowning case? And should we use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation with strangers if we are concerned about the potential to transmit disease?👶 Issues related to choking were also discussed in the course, such as what to do if you start choking when alone, what to do if a baby chokes on milk during breastfeeding, and how choking happens in children and infants. One participant asked if it’s more important to call emergency services before performing the Heimlich maneuver, or if it’s only necessary to call if this intervention fails.🚑 Our team introduced the *9999 ambulance response number to residents and encouraged all present to place a free call to the hotline if any emergency arises. The course participants were informed that anyone can call this number for medical advice or assistance from anywhere in Vietnam.<a href=\"http://example.com/documents/6/First_aid_workshop__Imperia_An_Phu_residency_D2_Nov_28th_2019_2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">First aid workshop @ Imperia An Phu residency D2</a>🗓 A second workshop is scheduled to be held at the Imperia on May 25th for Korean residents. As the talk will be presented in English with the assistance of a Korean translator, all members of the community are encouraged to attend the session." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 739, "title": "Child Abuse Talk by Dr. Jane and Dr. Miguel", "slug": "child-abuse-talk-dr-jane-and-dr-miguel", "slug_en": "child-abuse-talk-dr-jane-and-dr-miguel", "slug_vi": "child-abuse-talk-dr-jane-and-dr-miguel", "slug_ko": "child-abuse-talk-dr-jane-and-dr-miguel", "slug_ja": "child-abuse-talk-dr-jane-and-dr-miguel", "overview_image": { "id": 337, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Dr_Jane__Dr_Miguel_on_CHILD_ABUSE_3.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Dr_Jane__Dr_Miguel_on_CHILD_A.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-11-26", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 8, "name": "Health Talks", "slug": "health-talks" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 50 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "On November 26, two FMP physicians presented talks on CHILD ABUSE as part of Amcham’s Child Protection and Safeguarding symposium, a special event focusing on the need to protect children from all forms of abuse.The event was held at New World hotel and introduced by veteran educator Dr. Dennis Larkin, who works with international school boards in providing board governance training, strategic planning and child protection training and programs.Dr. Larkin opened the discussion by questioning what prevents people from dealing with the issue of child abuse, including concerns about reputation, cultural differences, and having insufficient systems in place, as well as not wanting to break up a family or send a perpetrator to jail. He said that it is critical to take abuse personally, commenting “there is nothing more personal than the abuse of a child”. He also stressed the importance of institutions—especially schools—having a “systemic and systematic way to deal with child protection” and proactively creating a policy to deal with cases before they arise.FMP psychiatrist Dr. Miguel de Seixas’s presentation discussed the need for caution and careful consideration on the part of medical practitioners in assessing abuse cases. He noted that child mistreatment can include acts of omission (not providing appropriate care) and commission (perpetrating acts of abuse either intentionally or unintentionally). He also noted that the negative effects of child abuse can depend on a child’s vulnerability as well as resilience, and that not all cases can be treated the same way. He did emphasize that most instances of abuse in childhood predict at least one adverse health outcome that can occur as late as adulthood.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Dr_Jane__Dr_Miguel_on_CHILD_ABUSE_1.png\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />Our infectious disease specialist Dr. Jane Shadwell-Li discussed signs of child abuse that doctors usually encounter and reminded attendees that a doctor’s response to child abuse is complicated by the fact that symptoms are not only physical and emotional, but also evidence of a crime. She noted that doctors need to consider certain red flags when assessing a potential case of child abuse, such as severe trauma with no explanation (or an implausible explanation) given by the caregiver, or if serious injuries are attributed to pets, other children, or the result of activities the child is too young to perform. She presented statistics showing that injuries to the torso, ear and neck in children less than four years old are highly indicative of abuse, as are bruises with identifiable shapes.Dr. Jane’s presentation ended with a strong key message reminding educators and those caring for children that a fear of mistakenly suspecting sexual abuse should not be a reason to stay silent. If you suspect abuse or neglect, don’t wait for someone else to speak up – your report could save a child’s life. Children cannot stop child abuse – only you can.Dr Jane also shared information concerning the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Home Affairs’ new policy on the prevention and handling of child abuse cases, which includes new hotlines for victims and their families. HCMC callers suspecting abuse can dial 1900.54.55.59 or 1800.90.59 to speak with a counselor who can take action to protect the child." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 959, "title": "Types of Fish You Should Never Eat + Safer Seafood Options", "slug": "types-fish-you-should-never-eat-safer-seafood-options", "slug_en": "types-fish-you-should-never-eat-safer-seafood-options", "slug_vi": "types-fish-you-should-never-eat-safer-seafood-options", "slug_ko": "types-fish-you-should-never-eat-safer-seafood-options", "slug_ja": "types-fish-you-should-never-eat-safer-seafood-options", "overview_image": { "id": 500, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/yaytg407218_l.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/yaytg407218_l.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-11-20", "category": { "id": 5, "name": "Blogs", "slug": "blogs" }, "subcategory": { "id": 19, "name": "Healthy Living", "slug": "healthy-living" }, "tags": "", "summary": "The best fish options are ones that come from sustainable fisheries, are lower in contaminants and high in omega 3 fatty acids.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 462, 461, 460, 459, 458 ], "content": [ { "type": "video", "value": "https://draxe.com/nutrition/fish-you-should-never-eat/" }, { "type": "text", "value": "It’s vitally important to get ample omega-3 fatty acids, and certain FISH may serve as potent sources. But due to things like fossil fuel emissions, heavy metals like mercury are winding up in the water and building up in our fish.Some fish have been so overfished that they are on the brink of collapse—and losing them could impact the ocean ecosystem in a way that could lead to a cascading effect, impacting so many other species we rely on for nutrition, too.Let’s take a look at fish you should never eat:<ul><li>Tilapia contains very low levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and, perhaps worse, very high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. That means the natural fish oil benefits found in this fish are not likely adequately boosting your omega 3s. The low omega-3/high omega-6 ratio is a potentially dangerous food for people living with heart disease, arthritis, asthma and other allergic and autoimmune disease symptoms who are vulnerable to an exaggerated inflammatory response.</li><li>People are recommended not to eat some species as they are at the verge of extinction. Those species include: Atlantic cod, Beluga sturgeon, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, and Atlantic Flatfish.</li><li>Not only has Chilean seabass overfishing left this species in serious trouble, this type of fish is also considered not safe to eat due to elevated mercury levels. Harvesting this fish from Chile is plagued by poor management and by bycatch problems.</li><li>Mercury is also the main concern when it comes to avoiding swordfish. This large, predatory fish contains such elevated levels that women and children are recommended not to eat it.</li><li>The dangers of farmed fish, particularly farmed salmon, are enough to make your stomach turn. Most salmon marketed as “Atlantic” salmon is farmed, meaning fish are raised in conditions that have been shown to be ridden with pesticides, feces, bacteria and parasites.</li><li>A 2016 study found 70 to 80 percent of pangasius samples were contaminated by vibriobacteria—the microbes behind most cases of shellfish poisoning. Raw or undercooked pangasius, the authors warned, could pose a hazard to consumers.</li></ul>Here are some ways to make smarter seafood choices:<ul><li>The best fish options are ones that come from sustainable fisheries, are lower in contaminants and high in omega 3 fatty acids.</li><li>You can obtain the EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acid benefits found in fish by consuming a phytoplankton supplement. In fact, certain fish are high in omega-3s because they eat phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are rich in amino acids, antioxidants, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.</li></ul>When you do eat fish, it’s safe to stick with wild-caught Alaskan salmon, Pacific sardines and Atlantic mackerel." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 960, "title": "8 Awesome Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate", "slug": "8-awesome-health-benefits-dark-chocolate", "slug_en": "8-awesome-health-benefits-dark-chocolate", "slug_vi": "8-awesome-health-benefits-dark-chocolate", "slug_ko": "8-awesome-health-benefits-dark-chocolate", "slug_ja": "8-awesome-health-benefits-dark-chocolate", "overview_image": { "id": 501, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/tip014d17010654_l.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/tip014d17010654_l.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-11-20", "category": { "id": 5, "name": "Blogs", "slug": "blogs" }, "subcategory": { "id": 19, "name": "Healthy Living", "slug": "healthy-living" }, "tags": "", "summary": "One of the benefits of dark chocolate is its free radical fighting ability. One of dark chocolate’s most impressive attributes is its high antioxidant content.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 467, 466, 465, 464, 463 ], "content": [ { "type": "video", "value": "https://draxe.com/nutrition/benefits-of-dark-chocolate/" }, { "type": "text", "value": "It’s important to realize that not all chocolate is created equal, not even close. The potential health benefits of processed, highly sweetened chocolate are slim to none, but the health benefits of dark chocolate are numerous and quite impressive.One of the benefits of dark chocolate is its free radical fighting ability. One of dark chocolate’s most impressive attributes is its high antioxidant content. Two groups of antioxidants prevalent in dark chocolate are flavonoids and polyphenols. Dark chocolate’s cocoa has actually been shown to have the highest content of polyphenols and flavonoids, even greater than wine and tea.Dark chocolate flavanols can also help make blood platelets less sticky and able to clot, which reduces the risk of blood clots and stroke. The results showed that flavonoid-rich dark chocolate intake significantly improved heart circulation in healthy adults.The cocoa butter found in dark chocolate contains equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Palmitic acid in dark chocolate can increase cholesterol levels, but thankfully it only makes up about a small portion of the fat in dark chocolate—plus dark chocolate has a lot of great plant nutrients that make up for palmitic acid.Previous research showed that “acute as well as chronic ingestion of flavanol-rich cocoa is associated with increased blood flow to cerebral gray matter and it has been suggested that cocoa flavanols may be beneficial in conditions with reduced cerebral blood flow, including dementia and stroke.”The researchers found that not only did dark chocolate lowers the blood pressure of the hypertensive diabetics, but it also decreased fasting blood sugar.The dark chocolates, cocoa powder and cocoa beverage in the study all contained natural or non-alkalized cocoa. This is important to note since the alkalinization of cocoa has been shown to destroy healthy polyphenolic compounds. It was also revealed that dark chocolate’s antioxidant capacity was higher than all of the super fruit juices except pomegranate.Researchers found the contrast sensitivity and visual acuity were higher two hours after eating dark chocolate bar compared to eating milk chocolate. The study, however, concludes the duration of these effects and their real-world implications require further testing.Another benefit of dark chocolate is its potential as a cancer-fighting food. A recent review of studies on the cancer protective properties of cocoa concluded that the evidence is limited but suggestive.Dark chocolate is good for you as long as you choose the right product. Dark chocolate has been shown to improve so many common and chronic health problems. With all of its natural and health-promoting components, dark chocolate is an antioxidant powerhouse and a superfood that’s truly a joy to eat. It’s been shown to boost heart and brain health, along with fight disease—just some of the many benefits of dark chocolate." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 849, "title": "Influenza Vaccination 2019", "slug": "influenza-vaccination-2019", "slug_en": "influenza-vaccination-2019", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 392, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Influenza_Vaccination_2019_promotion.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Influenza_Vaccination_2019_pr.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-11-01", "category": { "id": 1, "name": "Announcement board", "slug": "announcement" }, "subcategory": { "id": 11, "name": "Promotions", "slug": "promotions" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 146 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Get your flu vaccination now to help protect yourself and those around you.Special price from now until 31 December 2019: 360.000VND per shot.For more information, please contact your nearest Family Medical Practice medical center. Tel: (028) 3822 7848Email: hcmc@vietnammedicalpractice.com" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 963, "title": "Exercise at your desk", "slug": "exercise-your-desk", "slug_en": "exercise-your-desk", "slug_vi": "exercise-your-desk", "slug_ko": "exercise-your-desk", "slug_ja": "exercise-your-desk", "overview_image": { "id": 794, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/shutterstock_226122967-1.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/shutterstock_226122967-1.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-10-20", "category": { "id": 5, "name": "Blogs", "slug": "blogs" }, "subcategory": { "id": 19, "name": "Healthy Living", "slug": "healthy-living" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Small amounts of exercise throughout the day is more beneficial than one long session once per day.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 482, 481, 480, 479, 478 ], "content": [ { "type": "video", "value": "https://blog.hif.com.au/fitness/exercise-session-at-your-desk" }, { "type": "text", "value": "Corporate life requires us to sit at a desk all day, limiting our opportunities to exercise. Sitting down for the majority of your working day can cause long and short term health problems. Sitting for hours at time means you aren’t using your legs and glute muscles, which you need to be strong and stay stable on your feet and avoid injuries. Your hips flexors can also shorten, and your spine can degenerate prematurely. You are also likely to gain weight and are at risk of metabolic syndrome.Small amounts of exercise throughout the day is more beneficial than one long session once per day. During the day, you can do some exercise without leaving your desk.Stand Up to WorkStand up desks have become popular in workplaces in recent years. One hour standing will burn 50 calories more than sitting. Just a few hours of standing every day will add up to 750 calories per year.You can choose a flexible desk that can switch from standing to sitting during the day. In this way, your legs can rest when you’ve had enough standing. If you aren’t into standing, try replacing your office chair with an exercise ball. Your core muscles will be improved as you keep your balance on the ball.Exercises at your DeskKeep your body active during the day by doing a few exercises at your desk. Some of the exercises are so subtle that colleagues won't even know you are doing them. Others aren’t, but don’t let that stop you. Encourage your workmates to join you in a quick exercise session. If you want to get serious, you can all keep a yoga mat under your desk which you can roll out and find your zen.Shoulder blade squeezesSqueeze your shoulder blades as if you're holding a small object between them for 10 seconds before releasing and repeating.Shoulder ShrugsRaise your shoulders and hold for 5 seconds before releasing.Chair SquatsKeep your arms out in front of you, lower yourself onto your chair before quickly standing again.Tricep Desk DipsStand with your back to your desk and place both hands at shoulder width length around the desk edge. Bend your arms then straighten keeping tension on your triceps muscles.Ab SqueezesKeep a daily workout on your chair by taking a deep breath, tighten your abdominal muscles and hold for 5–10 seconds.Leg ExtensionsSit in your chair, extend one leg to a horizontal position, hold for a few seconds before lowering back to the starting position.Move around the officeFind reasons to leave your desk occasionally. Go and see a colleague at their desk rather than picking up the phone or sending an email. Take the stairs rather than the lift or escalator whenever possible.Among work sessions, reward your productivity with a quick walk around the block to get your blood circulating and heart pumping." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 851, "title": "Sleep problem at BVIS international school", "slug": "sleep-problem-bvis-international-school", "slug_en": "sleep-problem-bvis-international-school", "slug_vi": "sleep-problem-bvis-international-school", "slug_ko": "sleep-problem-bvis-international-school", "slug_ja": "sleep-problem-bvis-international-school", "overview_image": { "id": 395, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Sleep_problem_BVIS_international_school__Oct_16.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Sleep_problem_BVIS_internatio.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-10-16", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 8, "name": "Health Talks", "slug": "health-talks" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 148 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Last week Family Medical Practice’s head pediatrician Dr. Jonathan Halevy addressed a group of 40 parents at BVIS international school on the topic of sleep problems and how to develop healthy sleep patterns.Dr. Jonathan emphasized the importance of sleep, which can assist and support brain function and development, and explained what happens when a person lacks sleep.There is a high prevalence of sleep disorders throughout childhood and adolescence. 25–50% of preschoolers and up to 40% of adolescents experience problems with sleep. About 30% of children diagnosed with ADHD may actually suffer from a sleep disorder.Dr. Jonathan also explained about the circle of sleep, which includes four stages: essentially stages 1–2 are forms of light sleep, while stages 3–4 are deep sleep and REM sleep when dreaming usually occurs.During the talk, Dr. Jonathan explained about sleeping hours and the problems of each age, including newborns, infants, toddlers, preschool, school-aged and adolescent children. In order to have a good sleep, he kept reminding everybody to establish a solid bedtime routine, with no screen before bed and no caffeine in the evening.For more information, please check out Dr. Jonathan’s article Counting Sheep in Oi Vietnam here: <a href=\"http://oivietnam.com/2017/05/counting-sleep/?fbclid=IwAR2biGLkU5uBNxXTuq3XEoQagPyh6gj-ecQnQk42faUOXdUPOdCCAcwMijo\">http://oivietnam.com/2017/05/counting-sleep/</a>" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 832, "title": "Constipation in Children Talk at British International School", "slug": "constipation-british-international-school-bis", "slug_en": "constipation-british-international-school-bis", "slug_vi": "constipation-british-international-school-bis", "slug_ko": "constipation-british-international-school-bis", "slug_ja": "constipation-british-international-school-bis", "overview_image": { "id": 462, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Constipation__BIS_school_DF0FyW4.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Constipation__BIS_school_DF0F.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-10-11", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 8, "name": "Health Talks", "slug": "health-talks" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 139 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Last week, Family Medical Practice’s pediatrician Dr. Nguyen Huu Linh held a talk for BIS parents on constipation, a common condition that is always of great concern to parents.Based on years of his own experience in treating pediatric patients, Dr. Huu Linh explained to parents about the signs they should look for if their children get constipation—from the frequency of their going to the toilet and the time they spend in there.The doctor also encouraged the parents to have their children diagnosed and receive correct and timely treatment to avoid further complications.After the talk, parents raised a lot of questions about their children and were happy to hear the answers provided by Dr. Huu Linh.To make an appointment with Dr. Huu Linh, please visit reception at our District 2 medical center." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 825, "title": "First Aid Demo at Indonesian Consulate's House", "slug": "first-aid-demo-indonesian-consulates-house", "slug_en": "first-aid-demo-indonesian-consulates-house", "slug_vi": "first-aid-demo-indonesian-consulates-house", "slug_ko": "first-aid-demo-indonesian-consulates-house", "slug_ja": "first-aid-demo-indonesian-consulates-house", "overview_image": { "id": 358, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/First_aid_demo_at_Indonesian_Consulates_House_October_10_1.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/First_aid_demo_at_Indonesian_.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75_x1vWUxo.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-10-10", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 9, "name": "First Aid Courses", "slug": "first-aid-courses" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 135 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "On October 10, ∗9999's emergency nurse Mark Javier presented an engaging workshop to the Indonesian Ladies of HCMC at the residence of the Indonesian Consul General. The workshop covered basic life support and how to perform immediate CPR to save a life in danger.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/First_aid_demo_at_Indonesian_Consulates_House_October_10_2.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />Participants took an active interest in learning about the out-of-hospital five links of the Survival Chain for adults and infants, and took turns to practice chest compression exercises on the mannequins.Following practical training, protocols on vital guidelines when calling ∗9999 for immediate emergency assistance and ambulance dispatch were provided by the ∗9999 alarm center manager Marvin Mesina. The ladies exchanged their emergency experiences in Vietnam and shared positive reviews of ∗9999's life saving services.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/First_aid_demo_at_Indonesian_Consulates_House_October_10_3.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />For more information on ∗9999’s emergency first aid workshops and courses, please contact our marketing team on (028) 3822 7848, or enquire at the reception of your nearest medical center. " } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 957, "title": "How to Get Rid of Bacne", "slug": "how-get-rid-bacne", "slug_en": "how-get-rid-bacne", "slug_vi": "how-get-rid-bacne", "slug_ko": "how-get-rid-bacne", "slug_ja": "how-get-rid-bacne", "overview_image": { "id": 498, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/cm08226449_l.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/cm08226449_l.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-09-13", "category": { "id": 5, "name": "Blogs", "slug": "blogs" }, "subcategory": { "id": 18, "name": "Dermatology", "slug": "dermatology" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Bacne (or back acne) refers to whiteheads, blackheads and cysts on the back, which can occur in both men and women—though it’s more common in men", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 452, 451, 450, 449, 448 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Bacne (or back acne) refers to whiteheads, blackheads and cysts on the back, which can occur in both men and women—though it’s more common in men. As with acne on your face, bacne is caused by hormonal changes; excess oil production and bacteria; excess dead skin cells that clog pores; and also excessive sweating and tight clothing.How can we get rid of bacne?<ol><li>Topical antibiotics: Wash your back daily with a salicylic-based body wash or gel that helps exfoliate dead skin and isn’t too drying (salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliator). You could also try a body wash or gel that contains benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria.</li><li>Avoid wearing tight workout clothing like spandex that can irritate the skin and lead to breakouts. Wear loose, breathable fabrics that are designed to whisk sweat away from your skin.</li><li>Always shower right after exercising, or use portable salicylic or glycolic acid pads in case you’re unable to.</li><li>Use a physical exfoliator or scrub that contains little exfoliating beads once or twice a week, or get prescription strength oral or topical antibiotics from your dermatologist.</li><li>Always apply sunscreen. Choose an oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and apply to your back. Don’t use acne-fighting soaps and lotions, since they can leave your skin more vulnerable to sunburn.</li></ol>" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 872, "title": "Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support", "slug": "advanced-cardiac-life-support-and-pediatric-advanced-life-support", "slug_en": "advanced-cardiac-life-support-and-pediatric-advanced-life-support", "slug_vi": "advanced-cardiac-life-support-and-pediatric-advanced-life-support", "slug_ko": "advanced-cardiac-life-support-and-pediatric-advanced-life-support", "slug_ja": "advanced-cardiac-life-support-and-pediatric-advanced-life-support", "overview_image": { "id": 408, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/ADVANCED_CARDIAC_LIFE_SUPPORT_and_PEDIATRIC_ADVANCED_LIFE_SUPPORT_-_Septem.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/ADVANCED_CARDIAC_LIFE_SUPPORT.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-09-01", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 28, "name": "Emergency Training & Drills", "slug": "Emergencytrainingdrills" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 154 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "From the end of September up to the first week of October, all of FMP’s physicians, nurses, and emergency team members participated in ADVANCED CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT and PEDIATRIC ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT training.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/ADVANCED_CARDIAC_LIFE_SUPPORT_and_PEDIATRIC_ADVANCED_LIFE_SUPPORT_-_Sept_LzMVGWV.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />Following American Heart Association guidelines, our team of practitioners participated in bi-annual ACLS and PALS training to refresh their knowledge of emergency procedures. The guidelines themselves are updated every five years and all medical practitioners are recommended to stay up to date with current protocols. The next update is expected to be released next year.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/ADVANCED_CARDIAC_LIFE_SUPPORT_and_PEDIATRIC_ADVANCED_LIFE_SUPPORT.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />The emergency protocols are of vital importance in saving lives, and we ensure all staff and practitioners treating patients are familiar with them. It’s also important that each member of our emergency teams are well trained and abreast of their roles when responding to a crisis situation—including who is the team leader, who should manage IV insertion, medication, defibrillation, and patient airway monitoring.With all systems in place and medical staff training renewed, internationally recognized protocols can be effected immediately once an emergency is diagnosed, making emergency care at Family Medical Practice maximally effective in saving lives and restoring health.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/ADVANCED_CARDIAC_LIFE_SUPPORT_and_PEDIATRIC_ADVANCED_LIFE_SUPPORT_1.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL ∗9999 FOR ASSISTANCE." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 683, "title": "TB or Not TB", "slug": "tuberculosis-screening-hanoi", "slug_en": "tuberculosis-screening-hanoi", "slug_vi": "tb-or-not-be", "slug_ko": "tb-or-not-be", "slug_ja": "tb-or-not-be", "overview_image": { "id": 298, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/TB_Or_Not_To_Be.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/TB_Or_Not_To_Be.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-07-19", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Health education, not only in the field of tuberculosis, definitely in the field of HIV, should be mandatory in the public school system. That this is one of the keys to better understanding, and then people will not be surprised or shocked by how we deal with these treatment issues. The bottom line is that we can cure almost all patients with tuberculosis, and prevent the spread of the disease, if diagnosed in time and treated appropriately.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 784, 785, 787, 786 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "<h2>Tuberculosis (TB) is rampant.</h2>It’s everywhere. According to the WHO, tuberculosis kills more people annually than HIV/AIDS and Vietnam ranks near the top globally in TB outbreaks. A third of the world’s population has tuberculosis and when they cough or even talk, they can spread it – especially in classrooms, buses, elevators, hospital rooms; really anywhere absent of good air circulation. So what can we do besides wear a surgical mask on airplanes, buses and in crowded public places?Here to answer this question is Professor Michael “Mick” Alkan, M.D.<h2>Professor Alkan, tell us about tuberculosis.</h2>Tuberculosis is as old as mankind. Fossilized human skeletons have been found with signs of bone tuberculosis. DNA extracted from the preserved lungs of some 3000-year-old Egyptian mummies contain identifiable sequences of the tuberculosis microbe. It is a disease that hits all mammals, different variants of the bacterium, and a special thing about this bug is that it’s coated in a very special material, a polymer, which cannot be touched by anything. You can pour acid on this bacterium and it will laugh.It is a very peculiar organism. It takes for ages to grow it. It’s not one of those that multiplies very fast and then you’re overwhelmed, and that’s why the disease is sometimes difficult to diagnose, definitely difficult to treat. We know today that it’s not the bacterium that eats up the patient; it’s the patient’s attempts to handle this bacterium, which takes away all his energy. Scientists have described the terminal tuberculosis patient as “anergic”—no energy. The immune system totally gives way because it’s exhausted from fighting a futile battle against the bacterium. The bacteria are “eaten” by macrophages, members of the immune system, and the bacteria not only outlive the immune cell, they multiply inside the immune cell, so the patient ends up with dead cells and multiplying bacteria and a lot of debris. This debris is called caseation necrosis (caseation necrosis is a condition of cellular death that usually occurs in the lungs that takes on a crumbly, dull white appearance that resembles cheese).The center of this process will have dead tissue, half liquid. Around it will be the immune response and some scarring so you get a little ball where the outside is protected and the inside is havoc, and it happens in the lung because the way we are infected by tuberculosis is that we aspirate bacteria, which are in tiny little droplets so small that they float in the air for hours for us to breath in. So in the lung now is this little ball. In most people when the immune system is intact, when we are not malnourished, when we are not mentally depressed, when we enjoy good health, we can handle this. Maybe there will be a little leakage and it will be stopped in a lymph node next to the lung and we call that a primary complex—two little balls. And we can live with these two little balls to happy old age and have no further trouble (this is known as latent TB).<h2>How is TB diagnosed?</h2>Now, our methods of diagnosing TB will not be able to separate latent from rampant tuberculosis because all we can tell is that the immune system knows the bacterium. I wish we could quantify and say ‘this man is very sick’, ‘this man is just latent’—we cannot. What happens is, if the disease progresses or if for some other reason the immune system gives way, this will diminish the body’s ability to contain this little ball and then the little ball becomes bigger and bigger with more and more caseation necrosis in the middle, and this happens in the lung.The lung is made of two major components; one is a blood vessel and one is air. So this ball might burst into a blood vessel and then you get tuberculosis everywhere. We call that miliary TB. Or else the ball will burst into one of the windpipes and then you’ll have enormous amounts of coughing, sometimes with blood, full of bacteria. Now, instead of having a solid ball of cheese-like necrosis there is now a cave in the lung because air replaces this gunk, and this is called cavernous tuberculosis, one of the most contagious forms of tuberculosis. If you see that you must isolate the patient.This brings me to the picture in the developing world. In lesser developed societies we have a microclimate where the whole family sleeps in the same room, and it usually is a very small dwelling with not too much ventilation. Houses in the highlands of Papua New Guinea have no windows because it gets cold at night. And the door is barred and closed and grandma is sleeping next to the little kids and she’s coughing. Don’t ever take a public bus in Ethiopia because they close all the windows, and they smoke. The bottom line is we cannot change that, so the hallmark of preventing the spread of tuberculosis is early recognition, diagnosis, isolation and treatment.<h2>How is TB treated?</h2>Now, for the diagnostic tests we do for tuberculosis in a healthy community; let’s take the school system in Ho Chi Minh City. We have classrooms that are, in the best of cases air-conditioned and closed in, and we have students sitting there. I don’t want anybody to cough tuberculosis on the students so what will I do? I will test each of the students by injecting a component of the bacteria, completely dead, it’s called PPD, purified protein derivative of the bacterium, into the skin and come two days later and look for induration (a thickening or hardening of the skin). I’m actually looking for macrophages that came here because they have knowledge about this foreign protein because they have seen it before.If the hardness is zero to five millimeters I say this person has never seen this bacterium. The PPD test is negative. If it is more than 10 millimeters in diameter I say this person has seen mycobacterium tuberculosis. This person is sent for a chest x-ray. If the chest x-ray is normal, even if he has tuberculosis he is not infective because TB infects only by spewing out bacteria and if he doesn’t have anything on the chest x-ray I’m not doing any more work-up. That’s it. I have skipped five to ten millimeters, which is called weakly positive PPD, which is bad news. Usually the cause is that that person was immunized against tuberculosis as a baby or exposed to cousins of the bacterium, which don’t cause tuberculosis, but still his immune system recognizes a little bit. I don’t know what to do with that.Do you want to treat it with one drug for six months or with two drugs for 4 months? There are several protocols. Number one, we don’t know that the bacteria that caused this positive PPD are sensitive. If you worked in a hospital, a hospital that had people who were resistant, maybe you need second or third line drugs that this bacterium has never smelled before. And they are second and third because they are more toxic. Do I take a healthy person and make him sick with my treatment just so that in 50 years he will not develop tuberculosis? Big questions. If he is HIV positive I’m adamant, yes you must treat, if he’s just a healthy young person, maybe no.<h2>How are people with or without a BCG (the tuberculosis vaccine) affected? </h2>Unfortunately, it’s a live bacterium, so if a child is born with HIV and I give him a shot he might have what we describe as miliary TB and die. Another issue is that in the best of cases BCG renders immunity to 70 to 75% of cases, which, for a vaccine, is not good, but it’s the best we have. There’s constant argument about whether it should be given to everyone or shouldn’t. <h2>What can those living in Vietnam do to prevent the spread of this bacterium other than wearing surgical masks or staying out of places with poor ventilation?</h2>There is a very delicate balance between increasing knowledge and not causing panic. So on one hand, all that we have said is educational, is increasing knowledge, but then you might start saying, ‘I’m not going here or there because it’s too dangerous, people are coughing, what will happen to me’? So it’s a tightrope, and I think that health education, not only in the field of tuberculosis, definitely in the field of HIV, should be mandatory in the public school system. I think that this is one of the keys to better understanding, and then people will not be surprised or shocked by how we deal with these treatment issues. The bottom line is that we can cure almost all patients with tuberculosis, and prevent the spread of the disease, if diagnosed in time and treated appropriately.Family Medical Practice As the first foreign-owned multidisciplinary medical provider in Vietnam, Family Medical Practice (FMP) has consistently remained at the forefront of internationalstandard medicine since 1995. With a diverse multinational team of physicians and the latest in medical equipment and diagnostic tools, FMP offers extensive healthcare and emergency medical services nationwide to Vietnamese, expatriate, and corporate customers.Professor Michael AlkanInfectious disease specialist Professor Michael Alkan is a physician and retired Lieutenant Colonel who has undertaken countless medical missions around the world. He was instrumental in turning Beersheba‘s community hospital into a university tertiary care center with laboratories. He developed a curriculum for new medical schools in Nepal and Ecuador and upgraded the curriculum in Central Asia, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. His experience includes disaster relief work worldwide, treating patients in New York in the early days of the AIDS epidemic, opening AIDS clinics and working as an AIDS preceptor in Botswana, Nigeria, China and several other countries. Professor Alkan has been spending his summers at FMP for the past several years.Interview by Daniel Spero" } ], "meta_title": "TB or not TB", "meta_description": "Health education, not only in the field of tuberculosis, definitely in the field of HIV, should be mandatory in the public school system.", "social_title": "TB or not TB", "social_description": "Health education, not only in the field of tuberculosis, definitely in the field of HIV, should be mandatory in the public school system. That this is one of the keys to better understanding, and then people will not be surprised or shocked by how we deal with these treatment issues.", "social_image": null }, { "id": 726, "title": "Traveler's Guide: Holiday Insurance", "slug": "travelers-guide-holiday-insurance", "slug_en": "travelers-guide-holiday-insurance", "slug_vi": "travelers-guide-holiday-insurance", "slug_ko": "travelers-guide-holiday-insurance", "slug_ja": "travelers-guide-holiday-insurance", "overview_image": { "id": 336, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Travel_Insurance.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Travel_Insurance.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-07-19", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Most travellers visiting Vietnam opt to use private hospitals or clinics, as these are usually equipped with English-speaking medical staff and are able to file insurance claims for patients. However, travellers are quite often confused about how health insurance works for different medical services.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 886, 885, 884, 883, 882 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Finding a travel insurance provider with decent medical coverage that is recognised in Vietnam can be a bit like finding a needle in a hay-stack. Yet, it's possibly one of the most important part of your holiday prep to get right. To save you endlessly Googling 'the best travel insurance for Vietnam', Da Nang Medical Practice has put together a guide to the best medical insurance policies for a Vietnam holiday.Most travellers visiting Vietnam opt to use private hospitals or clinics, as these are usually equipped with English-speaking medical staff and are able to file insurance claims for patients. However, travellers are quite often confused about how health insurance works for different medical services. The following guide on how this is dealt with at Family Medical Practice and some advice on the best policies may be helpful for those who intend to travel to this beautiful country.Why Take Out Health Insurance For a Holiday in Vietnam?No matter how long you’re staying in Vietnam, medical insurance is essential, particularly when you’re travelling to a country in which rules and regulations are not the same as they may be at home. Medical insurance not only helps to protect you and your family against financial and health risks, but also brings you peace of mind as you travel, make discoveries and have exciting adventures in unfamiliar lands. Something unexpected could happen at any moment, but if you’re covered by insurance, you won’t have to pay the full cost of what could be a huge number of bills. Your insurance should cover you and your family for outpatient services, but more significantly for inpatient, evacuation and repatriation. It’s recommended that you arrange your medical insurance prior to arriving in Vietnam.Which Insurers Provide The Best Plans?It’s obvious that medical insurance is a good investment before any trip, and a travel medical plan with benefits should be based on the length of your trip, your age, your medical history and the medical and evacuation coverage limits.You may be wondering where to buy your travel insurance: comparing policies from different travel insurers is the most common way for people to choose an insurance cover customised to their needs and at the best price. Some reputable insurance companies which Family Medical Practice often processes claims to are GlobalHealth, Allianz Worldwide Care, Liberty, InterGlobal and Insmart, among others.Do All Travel Insurance Policies Offer Cashless Hospitalisation?Today, most health insurance policies offer cashless hospitalisation and route your policy through a Third Party Administrator (TPA). Family Medical Practice (FMP) has established direct billing agreements (also called Third Party Agreements) and maintained a close working partnership with a number of international and local insurance providers so that different medical services can be provided as a cashless service. This enables FMP to claim directly from the insurance company on your behalf in case of inpatient or medical evacuation services. In these cases, you will not have to pay cash upfront for your treatment. FMP’s specialist staff will take care of all the paperwork associated with the claim process.What Are The Administration & Claims Procedures?You are advised to present your personal insurance card (and if possible your table of benefits, your proof of identity and medical history record, if any) when you arrive for your first consultation before you meet the doctor. For those insurance companies that FMP has direct billing agreements with, FMP will process the billing directly. In this case, you are requested to sign a credit card guarantee form upon registration. This requires you to present a valid credit card. If any amounts are declined or excluded by your insurance company after FMP submits the claim, the specialist will notify you of any shortfall. You are asked to settle the outstanding amount within 48 hours, failing which FMP will then debit the amount to the given credit card. All payment scheme information is treated as highly confidential.In order to make a claim directly on your behalf, the specialist will communicate with your insurer and send a medical report of your current situation with any other required documents. Your insurance company will then review your benefits and send FMP a Guarantee of Payment for all the treatment fees (in most cases). If hospitalisation is approved, you may pay deductibles, coin-sure or copay, depending on your policy. In case cashless billing is not approved, you will need to pay the expenses upfront and submit the bill for reimbursement later (this is very rare).Regarding outpatient services, you will need to pay fees upfront. FMP will issue relevant papers relating to the visit including medical reports, certificate and any itemized bills. You will then submit these papers along with a copy of your passport (photo side and visa side); a copy of your insurance card; a self-claim form (if any); and your own bank account details to your insurance company for reimbursement.What do I Need If I Have An Accident Or Serious Illness?Ask the staff at the hotel where you’re staying, go to the nearest medical facility, or make a call to the FMP Danang hotline on +84 913 917 303.What Else Do I Need To Pay Attention To?It’s advisable to give a copy of your insurance plan to a family member back home who can provide information in case you lose yours or are unable to provide it. In addition, keep your insurance company and emergency contact details somewhere they can easily be found, as well as your hospital bills, so as to make any claims easier.Dr. Hazel Gallardo-Paez MD - Family Medicine, Family Medical Practice Danang" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 844, "title": "Legal and HR director Michal Jacob at HR Digital Summit hosted by UpUpApp", "slug": "legal-and-hr-director-michal-jacob-hr-digital-summit", "slug_en": "legal-and-hr-director-michal-jacob-hr-digital-summit", "slug_vi": "legal-and-hr-director-michal-jacob-hr-digital-summit", "slug_ko": "legal-and-hr-director-michal-jacob-hr-digital-summit", "slug_ja": "legal-and-hr-director-michal-jacob-hr-digital-summit", "overview_image": { "id": 370, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/FMPs_legal_and_HR_director_Michal_Jacob_UpUpApp_22_June_2.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/FMPs_legal_and_HR_director_Mi.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-06-22", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 8, "name": "Health Talks", "slug": "health-talks" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 140 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Last Wednesday FMP’s legal and HR director Michal Jacob was among five guest panelists at a digital HR summit hosted by employee engagement firm UpUpApp.The goal of the summit was to bring together business leaders and HR decision makers to respond to an emerging business need to develop an effective strategy of awareness and adoption in HR—with case studies from a range of European and International companies.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/FMPs_legal_and_HR_director_Michal_Jacob_UpUpApp_22_June.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />The panelists shared ideas on how to fully integrate digital technologies as an integral component of the business process, as well as the inevitable organizational challenges that are brought about by digital revolution.There were 250 attendees at the summit, which was addressed by five speakers covering five topics, including leading a digital transformation, reimagining HR, leveraging talent management technologies, revolutionizing employee engagement and learning and development strategies." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 831, "title": "Dr. Miguel at Corporate Mental Wellness event", "slug": "dr-miguel-corporate-mental-wellness-event", "slug_en": "dr-miguel-corporate-mental-wellness-event", "slug_vi": "dr-miguel-corporate-mental-wellness-event", "slug_ko": "dr-miguel-corporate-mental-wellness-event", "slug_ja": "dr-miguel-corporate-mental-wellness-event", "overview_image": { "id": 366, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Dr._Miguel_at_Corporate_Mental_Wellness_event_2.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Dr._Miguel_at_Corporate_Menta.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-06-21", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 8, "name": "Health Talks", "slug": "health-talks" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 138 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Dr. Miguel at Corporate Mental Wellness eventThis Thursday, FMP psychiatrist Dr. Miguel de Seixas spoke at a corporate MENTAL WELLNESS event hosted by insurance provider Aetna and the American Chamber of Commerce at the Reverie Saigon.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Dr._Miguel_at_Corporate_Mental_Wellness_event_3.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />Aetna’s country manager Minh Nguyen opened the discussion noting that companies can lose millions from issues such as work-related stress and anxiety, which can affect employee morale and productivity.Dr. Miguel agreed, adding that stigmatism and lack of access to resources and information about mental health and wellness is problematic in Vietnam. This led to discussions with the other panelists on how individuals can adopt self help approaches from daily rituals such as practicing breathing techniques to setting a positive mindset. On a larger scale, companies can build cultures that allow employee development and communication through team-building workshops and access to counseling.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Dr._Miguel_at_Corporate_Mental_Wellness_event_1.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />For those suffering from stress and other symptoms of anxiety at the workplace, Dr. Miguel said that it is important to recognize that we are not isolated from our environment, and that we can influence our sense of well-being through techniques such as properly “finishing” the work day, treating your body well and keeping a positive mindset.By remembering to treat ourselves well and taking active steps to influence our surroundings at home and at work, we can move towards breaking the cycle of feeling overwhelmed by pressures that could otherwise contribute to anxiety disorders.While awareness and attitudes toward mental health in Vietnam are improving, more needs to be done to help those who suffer from depression, anxiety or other psychological disorders feel more included in society. An extra step toward tolerance could see a huge shift in perception among the wider community. This event represented an early step in raising wider awareness of these issues and reducing the stigma around mental illness.To consult with Dr. Miguel on mental health issues or to seek psychiatric support, contact reception on +8428 3822 7848" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 889, "title": "Fire Drill at British International School", "slug": "fire-drill-british-international-school", "slug_en": "fire-drill-british-international-school", "slug_vi": "fire-drill-british-international-school", "slug_ko": "fire-drill-british-international-school", "slug_ja": "fire-drill-british-international-school", "overview_image": { "id": 421, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Fire_Drill__BIS_school_June_20th_2.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Fire_Drill__BIS_school_June_2.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-06-20", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 28, "name": "Emergency Training & Drills", "slug": "Emergencytrainingdrills" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 156 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "∗9999 was on the scene this morning to support the British International School’s annual FIRE DRILL. The drill was held at 10.30 am in the school’s Thao Dien campus. As arranged for the event, a staff member dialed the ∗9999 emergency number and informed the call taker that there was a fire at the school. Our team sent an ambulance out to the scene to assist a mock casualty, providing simulated medical care as is done in a real emergency.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Fire_Drill__BIS_school_June_20th.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Fire_Drill__BIS_school_June_20th_4.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />Please note that the ∗9999 emergency number responds to calls for emergency medical assistance only, and does not provide fire rescue or extinguishing services.For more information, please call the customer service number on 093 277 6971 M–F 9am–6pm." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 824, "title": "CPR and Heimlich Maneuver Workshop", "slug": "cpr-and-heimlich-maneuver-workshop", "slug_en": "cpr-and-heimlich-maneuver-workshop", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 355, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/CPR_AND_HEIMLICH_MANEUVER_workshop_-_June_7th.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/CPR_AND_HEIMLICH_MANEUVER_wor.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-06-07", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 9, "name": "First Aid Courses", "slug": "first-aid-courses" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 134 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "More than 30 staff at Bong Sen hotel joined our CPR AND HEIMLICH MANEUVER workshop convened today (June 7) by FMP trainer/nurse Thanh Sang. Employees from various departments participated in the session as an opportunity to review and practice first aid techniques.The course participants had a number of questions for Nurse Sang, including whether or not to perform CPR on victims with hypertension, or if there is any risk of contracting any disease from the casualty.They also asked what to do if a family member has high blood pressure, and how to deal with a choking victim with a large physical frame—especially in a situation where the staff member performing the Heimlich maneuver cannot reach around a victim’s waist.The staff were introduced to the *9999 emergency response call center and ambulance service, and were given magnets and stickers to help them raise awareness of the lifesaving medical service.For more information about FMP’s first aid sessions, please contact our marketing team on (028) 3822 7848, or enquire at reception at your nearest medical center." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 821, "title": "*9999 Protocol Training Workshop", "slug": "9999-protocol-training-workshop", "slug_en": "9999-protocol-training-workshop", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 349, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/9999_PROTOCOL_TRAINING_WORKSHOP__Palace_Saigon_Hotel_June_3th_1.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/9999_PROTOCOL_TRAINING_WORKSH.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-06-03", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 9, "name": "First Aid Courses", "slug": "first-aid-courses" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 131 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "📌 Last Thursday, Family Medical Practice organized a *9999 PROTOCOL TRAINING WORKSHOP on our emergency ambulance service for the staff of the Palace Saigon hotel.👥 A total of 26 people joined the 1.5 hr session from the hotel’s front desk, room service, security, and kitchen. To support our emergency response service, course convenor Nurse Thanh Sang instructed the staff in basic first aid skills via a training session equipping them with lifesaving techniques in case of emergency. This instruction provided skills in CPR to sustain casualties in the event of cardiac arrest, as well as how to apply the Heimlich maneuver to relieve victims of choking.💬 Beyond these central first aid skills, the staff also asked questions related to drowning and what to do in case a hotel guest has a bone stuck in their throat during a meal, learning how to react in such cases.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/9999_PROTOCOL_TRAINING_WORKSHOP__Palace_Saigon_Hotel_June_3th.jpg\" class=\"format-right\" />👉 For more information about FMP’s first aid training, please contact our marketing team on (028) 3822 7848, or enquire at reception at your nearest medical center.-- Family Medical Practice Vietnam: <a href=\"https://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/?fbclid=IwAR1lMXKnI_9J_GunSwRBzUUSw4trTdWUOk9X3eJqMNYr1MpDEEIoUuc-6hk\">https://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/</a>-- Emergency Medical Response *9999: <a href=\"https://www.star9999.vn/?fbclid=IwAR0_Ojg-xhEiUb6M_jbL5lKJnHzqO3QjpYolTBbt4S2Yl2vd704e4sPocVE\">https://www.star9999.vn/</a>" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 847, "title": "Safe Sex at the Canadian International School", "slug": "safe-sex-canadian-international-school", "slug_en": "safe-sex-canadian-international-school", "slug_vi": "safe-sex-canadian-international-school", "slug_ko": "safe-sex-canadian-international-school", "slug_ja": "safe-sex-canadian-international-school", "overview_image": { "id": 379, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Safe_Sex_the_Canadian_International_School__31_May.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Safe_Sex_the_Canadian_Interna.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-05-31", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 8, "name": "Health Talks", "slug": "health-talks" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 143 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "FMP pediatrician Dr. Jonathan Halevy’s SAFE SEX presentation—a popular health talk with middle and high school students—was delivered at the Canadian International School on Thursday to an audience of around 90 teenagers from the school.Dr. Jonathan helped the students understand how to protect themselves when they become sexually active. He explained how safe sex guards against STDs, unwanted teenage pregnancies and abortion, and demonstrated how to use contraception by using eggplants, cucumber and bananas as props. The students were invited to trying unrolling condoms onto the fruit—an entertaining and appropriate way to teach these emerging adults a critical lesson in sexual health. All students were very eager to volunteer.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Safe_Sex_the_Canadian_International_School__31_May_2.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />Dr. Jonathan encouraged students to buy a box of condoms to practice in private. He said that if asked by their parents what they learned at school to say that the doctor told them to practice wearing condoms at home!The doctor also emphasized the importance of CONSENT to have sex—no one should feel forced or pressured into sex.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Safe_Sex_the_Canadian_International_School__31_May_1.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />For more information on our presentations to schools, please contact our marketing team on (028) 3822 7848, or enquire at reception at your nearest medical center.Family Medical Practice Vietnam: <a href=\"https://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/?fbclid=IwAR3aceVNo_jYNXFyGMOMfsvE3dX8Jbgs0ASkvQYxYGDxiQE3px-4OchFrkI\">https://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/</a>" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 677, "title": "Depression", "slug": "depression", "slug_en": "depression", "slug_vi": "depression", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 798, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Depression.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Depression.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-05-30", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Human suffering comes in many forms, and emotional suffering affects almost everybody at one point or another.... What prevents many people from seeking critical support or medical treatment for their mental health, however, is not knowing when their emotional state is serious enough to endanger their mental wellbeing. If you're waiting until things get dangerous, you're probably leaving it too late already.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 271 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Human suffering comes in many forms, and emotional suffering affects almost everybody at one point or another. In some cases, that suffering can be so profound and have such an overwhelming impact on everyday life that it’s vital to get help. What prevents many people from seeking critical support or medical treatment for their mental health, however, is not knowing when their emotional state is serious enough to endanger their mental wellbeing. In terms of getting help, I often say that if you're waiting until things get dangerous, you're probably leaving it too late already.There are all kinds of reasons why someone might have a low mood—and having low moods is actually part of the spectrum of normality. The difference between that and what would be called clinical depression is sometimes very difficult to distinguish. A case of serious depression will occur over a longer period of at least two weeks, and will be accompanied by other symptoms. As well as feeling generally low emotionally, someone with depression may experience a lack of energy, lost interest in regular activities, lost ability to experience pleasure, changes in sleep patterns, and changes in appetite, in concentration, and in motivation.Psychiatrists used to make a distinction between cases of depression primarily caused by internal biological factors (endogenous depression) and those primarily caused by external psychological factors (reactive depression). According to this understanding, endogenous depression would explain cases where, for no apparent reason, a person would experience one or more depressive episodes. Reactive depression would occur in reaction to some kind of tangible life event. There has, however, always been a significant overlap between these two, to the point where the validity of this distinction is now questioned. The current conceptualization of depression is essentially one of a clinical syndrome, defined by a number of features while not being bound to any specific cause, involving both biological and psychological factors.Sometimes it’s part of a normal adjustment that people do have thoughts of “ending it all” as a way of escapism. It’s still worth discussing these thoughts with somebody and trying to find a better way of managing. Most of the work on prevention of suicide that we psychiatrists engage in needs to happen early, because recovery is often about how you manage your own mental health, as opposed to treating a mental illness.People living in a foreign country are classically exposed to experiencing alienation and loneliness, which are significant risk factors to mental wellbeing. What is often difficult to adjust to in the expat experience is the lack of the familiar support networks that might exist in their own countries. This is especially true in a country like Vietnam, which does not currently have the kind of established health system that can provide a safety net for people suffering from mental illness. There's less social support, and there are very few trained therapists and professionals.Most foreign residents here have left behind friends in a different time zone on a different continent, people who could otherwise give you a good word of advice or “grab you by the neck” when you need it. This suggests that, in the absence of the normal support systems, an individual in this situation needs to be more proactive, responsible and assertive in managing their own health.When people are put in extreme circumstances where their familiar sources of support are not there, then they will be at risk of suffering from major depression, a serious mental illness that can affect multiple aspects of a person’s life and dictate the need for treatment. While this can involve medication, I am an advocate of people having some kind of a plan to manage their condition in the long term. These “wellbeing plans” should take note of what circumstances can have a positive or negative impact on your mental health; what the symptoms of depression are and what to do when they occur, when to panic and when not to panic, and who to call at each stage—including who knows about your condition and what would constitute an emergency. It’s different for every person.It has been my practice in the past to treat my patients for an acute episode, and then, when things started getting better, help them to form their own wellbeing plan, with strategies to manage going forward and carrying on with good mental health. Such a plan helps a person to manage, and that in itself greatly reduces the risk of relapses.Dr. Miguel Fernando Dinis de Seixas - Psychiatrist, Family Medical Practice Ho Chi Minh City" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 845, "title": "Immunity on Children at British International School", "slug": "immunity-children-british-international-school", "slug_en": "immunity-children-british-international-school", "slug_vi": "immunity-children-british-international-school", "slug_ko": "immunity-children-british-international-school", "slug_ja": "immunity-children-british-international-school", "overview_image": { "id": 372, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/IMMUNITY_IN_CHILDREN__BIS_school_May_30.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/IMMUNITY_IN_CHILDREN__BIS_sch.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-05-30", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 8, "name": "Health Talks", "slug": "health-talks" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 141 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "This Wednesday our pediatrician Dr. Nguyen Huu Linh conducted a health talk on the subject of IMMUNITY IN CHILDREN for a group of mothers and children at the BIS infant campus.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/IMMUNITY_IN_CHILDREN__BIS_school_May_30_2.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />Dr. Linh introduced basic concepts on the subject, including what the immune system is, its function, and what factors can make a negative impact on immunity. He also explained how parents can improve a child’s natural immune system by using the following techniques:<ul><li>Nutrition—diversity of food types, breastfeeding for as long as possible (at least for the first six months).</li><li>Vaccination—the importance of vaccination to ensure children will be protected.</li><li>Hygiene—particularly using gentle body wash and hand hygiene when taking care of children.</li><li>Good Sleep—uninterrupted sleeping, no milk feeding after 9 pm.</li></ul><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/IMMUNITY_IN_CHILDREN__BIS_school_May_30_3.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />The mothers expressed great interest in the information shared during the presentation based on Dr. Linh’s clinical experience. They also asked several other questions beyond the immunity topic about such issues as enlarged and infected adenoids/tonsils and when to consider surgical intervention; recurrent fever and sore throats; and how mothers can help to resolve acute constipation in their children.Future topics addressed by Dr. Linh may include dietary supplements, gastroesophageal reflux, air pollution and constipation.-- Family Medical Practice Vietnam: <a href=\"https://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/?fbclid=IwAR21Zkgszqs2p3sUBmHvpZQs5T7WVjBCtceWx1LlE_HxCihPovi2BJlZ2sk\">https://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/</a>" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 893, "title": "Konnit Fast’ N’ Fun Tournament 2019 at Phu My Hung District 7", "slug": "the-konnit-fast-n-fun-tournament-2019-at-phu-my-hung-district-7", "slug_en": "the-konnit-fast-n-fun-tournament-2019-at-phu-my-hung-district-7", "slug_vi": "the-konnit-fast-n-fun-tournament-2019-at-phu-my-hung-district-7", "slug_ko": "the-konnit-fast-n-fun-tournament-2019-at-phu-my-hung-district-7", "slug_ja": "the-konnit-fast-n-fun-tournament-2019-at-phu-my-hung-district-7", "overview_image": { "id": 426, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/the_Konnit_Fast_N_Fun_Tournament_2019_Phu_My_Hung_D7_May_27_7.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/the_Konnit_Fast_N_Fun_Tournam.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75_2GOLUJN.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-05-27", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 6, "name": "Medical Stations", "slug": "medical-stations" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 157 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Yesterday, our *9999 team was pleased to see a huge turnout of young racers at the Konnit Fast’ N’ Fun Tournament 2019 in Phu My Hung. Our ambulance services were on standby for the full day event, with staff at our medical station taking care to protect the safety of the young racers on the field aged from two to five years old.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/the_Konnit_Fast_N_Fun_Tournament_2019_Phu_My_Hung_D7_May_27_7.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/the_Konnit_Fast_N_Fun_Tournament_2019_Phu_My_Hung_D7_May_27_2.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />Congratulations to the little racers who braved the heat and, more than anything, enjoyed their participation outdoors! Thankfully, medical incidents were minor and kept to a minimum, and the most important thing was that a great time was had by students and parents alike.The most exciting speed race of the day was the fast n' fun crawlin' race with the participation of a number of toddlers who exercised their newfound crawling abilities in their first ever race to the finish line. We expect to see some of these young challengers competing again at Konnit on their bikes in the years to come!<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/the_Konnit_Fast_N_Fun_Tournament_2019_Phu_My_Hung_D7_May_27_6.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />Family Medical Practice has co-operated with konnit since the first races in 2017, as well as at other sporting events for children.*9999 is the first international emergency ambulance response service styled after 911 in Vietnam. For more information, please visit <a href=\"http://www.star9999.vn/?fbclid=IwAR3aNYNPlyNPkz4Cr0xVmEwL2-3JRy9U6M0XexwOoO85T6tdHu7pmxKqFUI\">www.star9999.vn.</a><a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/konnitfastnfun?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBaLQBknVbmt4Bv1wMBm8c4rECBNCyEB0DybKpIGIC8WeyRVk_mj95MYOS8RNL3UdRx4Hv7WEWdx5gGsxM7tBtfPJZbFkOYAzB-TG4NGIxdzBCdw4iJy9hnPK9r9o-M6Bguq0FuDrr6gNfj7HD5vDurIwdM2gi1f7kjc9aIGsmOdMMWJG346s28nlyNZiT6GnSaH85r74ii4Sd-VR2OtLfYGf97cu8009vBnsA5jcYvxqu_bp4WvrxJfmXbubXtfLjv6LwINY3gWZVlF6tNHYFQSdFY5L7-677ne5B41WDlCnzny6FWLmzyCyuXG4jtsuCdub57u55DstttpEJP6vpH2kL6&__tn__=%2ANK-R\">#konnitfastnfun</a> <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/nationalchampionship?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBaLQBknVbmt4Bv1wMBm8c4rECBNCyEB0DybKpIGIC8WeyRVk_mj95MYOS8RNL3UdRx4Hv7WEWdx5gGsxM7tBtfPJZbFkOYAzB-TG4NGIxdzBCdw4iJy9hnPK9r9o-M6Bguq0FuDrr6gNfj7HD5vDurIwdM2gi1f7kjc9aIGsmOdMMWJG346s28nlyNZiT6GnSaH85r74ii4Sd-VR2OtLfYGf97cu8009vBnsA5jcYvxqu_bp4WvrxJfmXbubXtfLjv6LwINY3gWZVlF6tNHYFQSdFY5L7-677ne5B41WDlCnzny6FWLmzyCyuXG4jtsuCdub57u55DstttpEJP6vpH2kL6&__tn__=%2ANK-R\">#nationalchampionship</a> <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/konnitfastnfuncrawling?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBaLQBknVbmt4Bv1wMBm8c4rECBNCyEB0DybKpIGIC8WeyRVk_mj95MYOS8RNL3UdRx4Hv7WEWdx5gGsxM7tBtfPJZbFkOYAzB-TG4NGIxdzBCdw4iJy9hnPK9r9o-M6Bguq0FuDrr6gNfj7HD5vDurIwdM2gi1f7kjc9aIGsmOdMMWJG346s28nlyNZiT6GnSaH85r74ii4Sd-VR2OtLfYGf97cu8009vBnsA5jcYvxqu_bp4WvrxJfmXbubXtfLjv6LwINY3gWZVlF6tNHYFQSdFY5L7-677ne5B41WDlCnzny6FWLmzyCyuXG4jtsuCdub57u55DstttpEJP6vpH2kL6&__tn__=%2ANK-R\">#Konnitfastnfuncrawling</a>-- Family Medical Practice Vietnam: <a href=\"https://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/?fbclid=IwAR3a8HexbkFEVj_6QlIugjeecXDEb5ul3RpLDra6m4HmAQImpo8pnvrLovY\">https://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/</a>" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1015, "title": "Tendonitis: What Are Your Joints Telling You", "slug": "tendonitis-what-are-your-joints-telling-you", "slug_en": "tendonitis-what-are-your-joints-telling-you", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 564, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/pc004512919_l.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/pc004512919_l.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-05-18", "category": { "id": 5, "name": "Blogs", "slug": "blogs" }, "subcategory": { "id": 22, "name": "Orthopedics", "slug": "Orthopedics" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Tendonitis can occur due to repetitive movements, injury and other related conditions, such as tennis elbow.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 664, 665, 666, 667, 668 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Aching joints is a form of inflammation known as arthritis, tendonitis, or bursitis. You feel stiff after sitting or sleeping for a long period of time. Your mobility is hindered by persistent pain. Or a past injury starts flaring up again.When injured or worn out over time due to any number of factors, bones, tendons, and the protective cushion around them can become swollen and sore.Athletes are at a heightened risk of joint pain and tendonitis. Patients with tendonitis may experience localized pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. Tendonitis can occur due to repetitive movements, injury and other related conditions, such as tennis elbow.Tendonitis is commonly mistaken for arthritis. Going to the doctor for early diagnosis is crucial, as the symptoms that arise are almost identical. Our tendons are thick, cordlike, fibrous tissue structures that attach muscles to bone and help our joints move. There are hundreds of tendons throughout the body—however, certain tendons in the body are more prone to problems than others.Common treatments include resting the affected joint, physical therapy, modified activities, and taking over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. It will take several weeks for patients with tendonitis to recover, but it may vary depending on the person’s case.In case the tendonitis pain doesn’t go away, they may provide a referral to a rheumatologist, orthopedic surgeon, or physical therapist for specialized treatment. Symptoms include pain with movement and a joint that’s tender to touch.Source: <a href=\"https://www.movementortho.com/2017/09/15/tendonitis-what-are-your-joints-telling-you/\">Movement Ortho</a>" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 822, "title": "European International School Clinic Tour At FMP Dist 2", "slug": "fun-tour-d2-medical-center-european-international-school", "slug_en": "fun-tour-d2-medical-center-european-international-school", "slug_vi": null, "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 716, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Fun_Tour_D2_medical_center_European_International_School_May_17_1_1.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Fun_Tour_D2_medical_center_Eu.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75_AkrYAFD.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-05-17", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 7, "name": "Clinic Tours", "slug": "clinic-tours" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 132 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "📍 👭On May 17, FMP hosted another fun tour of our District 2 medical center for 35 international students from the European International School. In exploring the facilities and observing how our various medical professionals do their job, the students gained a new appreciation for the important work doctors do in our community.🚑 The students were divided into groups to make sure that everyone had a closer look at all the different parts of the medical center. In the emergency room, they discovered what each of the lifesaving machines are and how they work. The children had the chance to go inside the ambulance with Nurse Mark, who sounded the siren when the kids were on board so that they could hear how loud it can be. We also told them that if they witness any emergency to remember to dial the ambulance response hotline *9999. 👋 When visiting Nurse Margaux, the children were taught how and when to wash their hands. They also visited the pediatrics room, where the pediatrician showed them what an X-ray looks like when someone swallows a toy, and how the finger bones look on an X-ray film.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Fun_Tour_D2_medical_center_European_International_School_May_17_2.png\" class=\"format-left\" />🙋‍♂️ In one activity, our Dr. Agnes called for a volunteer to lie down so she could trace out the shape of their body. She asked the group if they knew what organs the body was made of and what each organ was for. When she got to the heart, one thoughtful child said that apart from it helping keeping a person alive, it allows the person to feel love.💬 At another point, our emergency doctor Dr. Sergio and gastroenterologist Dr. Masato entertained the children and asked them questions about their health. One student asked about his broken hand, while another consulted about a tooth that had fallen out. Dr. Sergio gave them tips on how not to break bones next time, and how to clean their teeth!<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Fun_Tour_D2_medical_center_European_International_School_May_17.png\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />💌 FMP welcomes school groups to visit our facilities and learn more about the medical profession in the hope of spreading awareness of the importance of health and safety in our community. For more information on booking a school group, call marketing on (028) 3822 7848.-- Family Medical Practice Vietnam: <a href=\"https://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/?fbclid=IwAR2u5RfcQVuD4M_cdVCHj7oF5PYwiznAJJJmH_vnRkxv48tO_t8E4Oiwh5o\">https://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/</a>" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 862, "title": "Substance Use Talk at Renaissance International School", "slug": "subtance-use-renaissance-international-school", "slug_en": "subtance-use-renaissance-international-school", "slug_vi": "subtance-use-renaissance-international-school", "slug_ko": "subtance-use-renaissance-international-school", "slug_ja": "subtance-use-renaissance-international-school", "overview_image": { "id": 397, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Subtance_Use_Renaissance_International_School_-_May_14th_2.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Subtance_Use_Renaissance_Inte.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-05-14", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 8, "name": "Health Talks", "slug": "health-talks" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 150 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Yesterday afternoon at Renaissance International School, FMP’s psychiatrist Dr. Miguel engaged with around 100 middle high school students, delivering a talk on the issue of substance use.The frank and open discussion challenged students’ perceptions of alcohol, tobacco and drug use. When asked, some of the students felt that certain substances are positive in bringing relief from pressure and stress—while others felt that they cause disillusionment and loss of control.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Subtance_Use_Renaissance_International_School_-_May_14th_3.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />❗️Dr. Miguel stressed the importance of being properly informed about substances before trying them, referring the students to <a href=\"https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftalktofrank.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0q1_aaTYrP47ZoTtPnxMOdex39SWXBnuUE_DlAsr-NdFJaMX_t05jIf-8&h=AT1rA6RVRvhNHpWhFiObh_tIwLzNpzyamg5r4kJJT0jzN-XJ2RjDMqahLJaz7FOGnnwOxAgDDQeBZW7OW54XTMtaV0vxKHiHipnMNKNuF3h3CgtP6IbpOGZLHwH5NUJhqMAT1_k6-dRksoXhFrK3QflzWv7u79TF9f50R0g0l4RaLt3NbTJKehqdA9jzTzGFDdPWVlvjpL72nfgrgxP6kxF_n8Lwe8dEQumf2e0Xf_16Jjkv1j3_hW2Q9yyUECeTzqnbFe48UIRgmZTViQ6FxLzr6hEe-TpwkSHFbXi1t0Is055AvnzHWmiOxMJs_SsYltIsqvm5kW5936mYmHyXhpG0gbHHewXPSDHpaaI5wPDRbXjZOp-9iumjAbhRL21xV8g0Rrt7yH3o6Auuq09OcnKKk2nwx3sRIbIXF-bKsQyKOzmsF1VQWPJ44WylsMtlfx895ZW3h542dbAKaHkkauKE4P4CdAHzEtfyj1SBIcLd8MnLU9m9zWMXe1ETnmAoPOk59hkag2TCKb1C5BDe388vGOVxxw8V24z3k6tL7xffIDHUUX-kP7xIvMDh-NPwiXh5T3dLp4np7Sais6KGw8dUUCoVMXnmiiJ0k3nR1azPeArsgzRT6ejI8CFvB4tHSEqIxkENVI3NHNzu69ArnBqlxdywF3DanQ02fI349btCl3nZ3dBdfPLsY8ayNbHcprYTA45yVLdx6Ne0U0zWjIKmMMzpFwkqL2UCDU-rTjbJybWjVw9BUrWyiCo\">talktofrank.com</a> for detailed and honest information about such drugs as heroin, happy pills, cocaine, and marijuana. On the subject of peer pressure to take drugs, he advised the students to consider why they would want to take substances or why not—because this kind of reflection can reinforce the decisions they make about drugs.Dr. Miguel added that the hardest part about talking to teenagers about drugs is that you can’t just say “don’t do drugs”; we use a different approach to let students consider how they should think for themselves and resist peer pressure. He also touched on how families and parents can play a role, especially in leading by example to show children how to deal with stress.According to statistics from a national survey of drug use and health, up to 50% of drug use by minors can be prevented by parents holding regular, serious conversations with their children.-- Dr. Miguel Fernando Dinis de Seixas is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists who has treated people with conditions such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal tendencies, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. He trained in Cambridge and London and is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Subtance_Use_Renaissance_International_School_-_May_14th_4.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 669, "title": "The Defibrillator—Treating the Leading Cause of Heart Attacks", "slug": "the-defibrillatortreating-the-leading-cause-of-heart-attacks", "slug_en": "the-defibrillatortreating-the-leading-cause-of-heart-attacks", "slug_vi": "the-defibrillatortreating-the-leading-cause-of-heart-attacks", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 648, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/The-Defibrillator-Treating-the-Leading-Cause-of-Heart-Attacks.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/The-Defibrillator-Treating-th.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-05-13", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "There is no doubt in my mind that defibrillators should be everywhere. It’s often the case that bystanders will manually pump a patient’s heart via CPR until a specialist arrives with a defibrillator; sadly, the majority of people who fall victim to cardiac events aren’t so lucky. Ambulances take time to arrive, and the people standing by may have no idea how to perform CPR properly.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 244, 243, 242 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "When a cardiac event occurs, you usually only have minutes to respond. With so little time at hand, the technique most people turn to is CPR. But is CPR really the way to get a heart beating again?The heart muscle is a pump controlled by electrical impulses, delivering oxygen-enriched blood to every system in the body. Death encroaches very quickly if the pump fails, as many of the body’s systems will shut down within minutes without oxygen.CPR is a technique to manually squeeze the blood through the arteries by putting pressure on the heart’s chambers. While this may not do anything toward fixing the pump itself, it can delay the shutdown of the rest of the body for long enough to allow a doctor to arrive in an ambulance with the equipment needed to get the heart working again.One of those pieces of equipment is called the defibrillator. Many people have seen this device in movies, where it is often used in the most dramatic cases of cardiac arrest. The defibrillator is perhaps the most critical lifesaving element in most heart attacks — because contrary to common understanding, the cause of most fatal heart failures is not that the heart has suddenly stopped beating; it’s actually rhythm trouble. It’s like a drummer who can’t keep time, and the music just can’t go on without that regular pulse.Rhythm trouble is like a storm in the heart. There’s a lot of electrical activity, but no mechanical coordination. For the heart to work effectively, there must be good synchronization between its parts to keep the blood flowing in the right direction. If the cells are contracting randomly, then the pump will fail even if there’s no blockage or damage to the muscle.To save a patient’s life, you need to stop that storm immediately, because no one can survive without circulation for very long. To beat the storm, you need to administer a powerful electric attack to overcome the chaos within the heart — so we place the defibrillator pads on the chest and blast the patient with a solid burst of energy. The desired effect is that the heart will be immediately paralyzed, just for a moment; then everything will reset, and the heart’s normal electrical activity will be resumed when things start up again.There is no doubt in my mind that defibrillators should be everywhere. It’s often the case that bystanders will manually pump a patient’s heart via CPR until a specialist arrives with a defibrillator; sadly, the majority of people who fall victim to cardiac events aren’t so lucky. Ambulances take time to arrive, and the people standing by may have no idea how to perform CPR properly.Cardiologists like myself now recommend that defibrillators be installed widely, just as fire extinguishers are often found in public buildings. Five star hotels should definitely have one—travelers nowadays tend to consider spending their week in paradise where this kind of medical equipment is available, and Vietnam is sometimes skipped on international itineraries because of the lack of such medical facilities in its resorts.The main cause of heart attacks is electrical trouble, and the main treatment is the defibrillator. They’re not difficult to use, and the audio instructions tell you exactly what to do. Anyone with a basic understanding of how to use the machine can apply the pads and follow the instructions to give the patient the best chance of recovery. Dr. Guillaume Nguyen Forton is in charge of cardiology at Family Medical Practice’s clinic in HCMC. He has had 25 years of experience in both Cardiology and intensive care units in France, and has been in Vietnam for over a decade." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 676, "title": "Hand Reconstruction", "slug": "hand-reconstruction", "slug_en": "hand-reconstruction", "slug_vi": "hand", "slug_ko": "hand", "slug_ja": "hand", "overview_image": { "id": 293, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Hand-reconstruction2.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Hand-reconstruction2.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-05-10", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "Modern hand surgery is a miracle. The techniques and procedures I am trained in today involve rebuilding bones and joints, re-implanting severed fingers, and restoring function even after the hand has been catastrophically destroyed. The hand is such an intimate part of the body, and to be able to return the use of a hand to someone who has lost it is very moving and satisfying.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 830, 829 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "Modern hand surgery is a miracle. The techniques and procedures I am trained in today involve rebuilding bones and joints, re-implanting severed fingers, and restoring function even after the hand has been catastrophically destroyed. The hand is such an intimate part of the body, and to be able to return the use of a hand to someone who has lost it is very moving and satisfying.Procedures like this emerged around the time of World War II, but in those days it required several different specialists – an orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, vascular surgeon, and finally a plastic surgeon. Later, the idea was conceived to create a super-speciality where one person could do all of those kinds of things.A Sophisticated Practice Since then, hand surgery has become a very sophisticated practice. A modern hand surgeon should be prepared to graft skin or transfer fragments of bone, as well as to perform microsurgery to sew together nerve cords with nylon threads thinner than a human hair.During the time when I was working in Spain, one of the many procedures I would perform was to reimplant amputated fingers. I would establish the bone, inserting pins into the fractures to make the connections; then I would need to reconstruct the arteries, then smaller blood vessels, and then the nerves and tendons. That’s a significant surgical procedure, but if done within the first six hours, the success rate is very high.One part of this kind of procedure is to reconnect nerves. Nerves come bundled into cables, and to rejoin a severed thread, it’s important that each nerve ending is reattached to its correct partner on the opposite side – get it right, and the nerve will grow together again. If this happens with just 30% of the reattached nerves, we can consider the procedure a success. The nerves will grow back into the muscle at a rate of 1 mm per day – too late, and the muscle will atrophy and no longer work.The Future of Hand Surgery Some exciting discoveries are now being made in the use of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) that are likely to shape the future of hand surgery. PRP is nothing new – it’s a blood extract that has been used as a kind of surgical glue within the body since 1972. Recently we have started to use PRP as part of the treatment to repair tendons and ligaments, something that will revolutionize the way we reconstruct the tissues of the body.Blood platelets enriched with stem cells contain a lot of growth factor. It can already be used to repair bones, and now we’re starting to use it to repair cartilage, which is something that we’ve never been able to do before. These days, all indications show that when you use this form of PRP, it can help to create new cartilage when put in the right place.Transplants and Prosthetics In Spain, we’ve now had several hand transplants from one donor to another patient. Hand transplantation is not easy. You have to go through a psychological process and serious counselling before you are considered eligible. The reason is that the hand is such an important part of your body, so if a patient starts to feel the new hands are not their own, they may end up with a sense of horror and want them removed.Of course, if you cannot save the hand or the patient is not eligible for a transplant, we can fit a prosthesis. There are a range of options, from non-functional cosmetic hands that attach like a glove (they remain fixed to the arm by vacuum suction or by a strap) to biomechanical hands that look real. These have now advanced to the point where they can be controlled with the mind through sensors positioned over the severed nerves that can detect electrical signals from the brain.Bike Accidents In our community here in Ho Chi Minh City, serious fractures and orthopedic traumas are rare. Probably the most common injuries I see here are clavicle and ankle bone fractures from bike accidents. The majority of these are breaks in the middle of the bone that leave the ligaments intact, usually managed by fitting a cast to let the bone heal. It’s just a pity that it’s almost impossible to protect against breaks in a bike accident, because when you fall, some part of you is going to land on something hard.Bone is living tissue, it changes every day. So take care of your living skeleton, and drive safely.Dr. Carlos Eduardo Tata Rojas - Orthopedics" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 734, "title": "Managing Cardiac Events", "slug": "managing-cardiac-events", "slug_en": "managing-cardiac-events", "slug_vi": "managing-cardiac-events", "slug_ko": "managing-cardiac-events", "slug_ja": "managing-cardiac-events", "overview_image": { "id": 800, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Managing-cardiac-events.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Managing-cardiac-events.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-04-16", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "There are so many things that can go wrong with the cardiovascular system, leading to a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiac emergency.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 241, 240, 239 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "There are so many things that can go wrong with the cardiovascular system, leading to a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiac emergency. As a cardiologist, I think it’s important to keep the information we share with the public as simple as possible—because when a cardiac event occurs, you usually only have minutes to respond, so there’s no need to waste time trying to figure out if a victim is suffering from a “myocardial infarction” (heart attack) or a “pulmonary embolism” (the clotting of blood vessels in the lung). It’s best to leave such technical details to the doctors, whereas the most urgent issue for the bystander is to call the *9999 emergency number* and perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). If a patient experiences an intense gathering pain in the chest that feels like a blockage or a heavy pressure within the ribcage, time is the critical factor, and it’s important to stick to the basics.What many people don’t understand about CPR is that it’s not exactly a treatment for cardiac arrest in itself. The heart muscle is a pump controlled by electrical impulses, delivering oxygen-enriched blood to every system in the body. Death encroaches very quickly if the pump fails, as many of the body’s systems will shut down within minutes without oxygen. CPR is a technique to manually squeeze the blood through the arteries by putting pressure on the heart’s chambers. While this may not do anything toward fixing the pump itself, it can delay the shutdown of the rest of the body for long enough to allow a doctor to arrive in an ambulance with the equipment to get the heart working again.One of those pieces of equipment is called the defibrillator. Many people have seen this device in movies, where it is often used in the most dramatic cases of cardiac arrest. What isn’t well known is that the defibrillator is perhaps the most critical lifesaving element in most heart attacks—because contrary to common understanding, the cause of most fatal heart failures is not that the heart has suddenly stopped beating; it’s actually rhythm trouble. It’s like a drummer who can’t keep time, and the music just can’t go on without that regular pulse.We call this ventricular arrhythmia—a total electrical storm in the heart. There’s a lot of electrical activity, but no mechanical coordination. For the heart to work effectively, there must be good synchronization between its parts to keep the blood flowing in the right direction. If the cells are going crazy and contracting randomly, then the pump will fail even if there’s no blockage or damage to the muscle.To save a patient’s life, you need to stop that storm immediately, because no one can survive without circulation for very long. To beat the storm, you need to administer a powerful electrical attack to overcome the chaos within the heart—so we place the defibrillator pads on the chest and blast the patient with a solid burst of energy. The desired effect is that the heart will be immediately paralysed, just for a moment; then everything will reset, and the heart’s normal electrical activity will be resumed as things start up again.There is no doubt in my mind that defibrillators should be everywhere. It’s often the case that bystanders will manually pump a patient’s heart via CPR until a specialist arrives with a defibrillator; sadly, the majority of people who fall victim to this situation aren’t so lucky. Ambulances may take time to arrive, and the people standing by may have no idea how to perform CPR properly.Cardiologists like myself now recommend that defibrillators be installed widely, just as fire extinguishers are often found in public buildings. They’re now found on planes and private yachts, for example. Five star hotels should definitely have one—travelers nowadays tend to consider spending their week in paradise where this kind of medical equipment is available, and Vietnam is sometimes skipped on international itineraries because of the lack of such medical facilities in its resorts.I would go further to suggest that defibrillators should be installed in public places and on any business premises. The reason why is simple—the main cause of heart attacks is electrical trouble, and the main treatment is the defibrillator. An excellent semi-automatic defibrillator can be purchased for one or two thousand dollars; they’re not difficult to use, and the audio instructions tell you exactly what to do. Anyone with a basic understanding of how to use the machine can apply the pads and follow the instructions to give the patient the best chance of recovery.Rebooting the cardiovascular system is often the answer to overcoming an emergency. Sometimes it takes a little more than that, which is why you want to have a medical professional arriving in an ambulance as soon as possible after the event occurs. Treatment can begin immediately upon ambulance arrival, and in some cases it’s even necessary for a doctor to open the arteries or perform an IV before transferring the patient to an interventional unit. This is the importance of rapid response, and the reason why you should call the medical emergency hotline as early as possible.The path to restoring true health for the heart is a process that takes a far longer time. Sometimes the heart has been damaged beyond repair, and transplantation is the only option. This is nothing simple—such a patient would have to undergo a medical evacuation, usually to their home country, to be put on the national waiting list while the search for a compatible donor gets underway. Here in Vietnam, where heart transplants are—shall we say, “less trendy”—prospects would be grim, especially for locals without the option of going overseas.When I see a patient who has recently suffered a cardiac event, I need to follow a whole diagnostic process to understand what course of treatment needs to be administered. In fact, I can establish the most likely causes of the event just by asking a few simple questions—how old are you, are you a smoker, and do you suffer from hypertension or diabetes? Following that, there are a number of tools at my disposal to narrow things down. I can perform a Doppler ultrasound to check the carotid arteries for clots from the heart or a buildup of plaque constricting the blood flow. I can run a Holter Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect rhythm trouble that could manifest in another attack. I can also perform a cardiac echo test to check for damage in the heart muscle itself and assess the extent of that damage. This, combined with a thorough physical examination, is usually enough to know what the treatment should be. I may need to perform an invasive procedure to insert a small balloon into the carotid artery to push out a blockage, or I may need to prescribe a series of medicines to dissolve clotting in the blood. Besides that, a recovering patient may need to make significant lifestyle and dietary changes to avoid further stresses on the heart and its systems—in particular regarding cholesterol intake.If all that seems like a huge rigmarole, it most certainly is. The key here, of course, is to avoid a situation where you’re at risk of a heart attack or cerebral stroke, or needing extensive medical treatment or even a transplant following a heart failure. Certainly call for help if you start to experience symptoms of an impending attack; it’s much better to get to the emergency room before you drop rather than leave yourself at the mercy of bystanders who may or may not know CPR while the clock is ticking. Before even that is a danger, make those lifestyle changes before you need them for recovery, before your life is threatened by a cardiac event. Eat better (especially cutting down on your cholesterol intake), quit smoking, and fit some exercise into your day. If you have even borderline high blood pressure, this needs to be carefully managed—high blood pressure remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Especially if you’re over 40, visit a cardiologist to have a cardiac assessment done so that you know your risk. There are so many factors that can cause cardiovascular disease, and you want to make sure to avoid them as much as possible.*In case of medical emergency, dial *9999. Callers will receive advice, rapid emergency response, and in cases such as stroke or myocardial infarction, medical treatment begins immediately upon doctor arrival.Dr. Nguyen Forton Guillaume Ngoc Kim is in charge of cardiology at Family Medical Practice’s clinic in HCMC. He has had 25 years of experience in both Cardiology and intensive care units in France, and has been in Vietnam for over a decade." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 673, "title": "Hepatitis B", "slug": "hepatitis-b", "slug_en": "hepatitis-b", "slug_vi": "hepatitis-b", "slug_ko": "hepatitis-b", "slug_ja": "hepatitis-b", "overview_image": { "id": 874, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Hepatitis-B.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Hepatitis-B.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-04-16", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "War-torn livers ravaged by hepatitis B are a serious health issue in Vietnam. Protection is not only available, but can save lives and prevent the onset of liver cancer.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 260, 259, 258, 257, 256 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "We all know what happens to a city under siege. As the enemy approaches, the defenders steel themselves to fight to the last man to protect their homes. The battle is fierce, the casualties many. No matter who wins, one thing is for certain, the city itself will sustain significant damage, and perhaps even be left in ruins. This is what happens to the liver during a hepatitis B infection. The virus — a platoon of ugly little organisms that look like lumpy soccer balls — descends on the liver’s hepatic lobules to nest inside them and multiply. Your liver’s natural defences — the heroic immune cells — leap into action, destroying the virus wherever it lurks. In many cases, your immunity prevails, but the real loser ends up being the hepatic lobule itself, which is often demolished in the fighting. If the battle is prolonged (chronic infections are incurable and will rage within your liver for the rest of your life), then the scarring from all this destroyed liver tissue builds up and transforms this soft pink organ into a mottled, hardened wasteland, impairing its ability to filter and purify your blood stream, giving rise to cirrhosis, horrid physical conditions such as bloating and discoloration, and in many cases, cancer of the liver followed by death.Hepatitis B in Vietnam Unfortunately, Vietnam is a country where hepatitis B is a massive problem. Of the three hepatitis B infection rates recognized by the WHO — low (<1.5% of the population); intermediate (<7.5%); and high (7.5% and above) — the numbers for Vietnam are off the charts. Here in the relatively wealthy city area, the infection rate is somewhere between 8 and 10%; but in the poor countryside, it’s much worse; in some parts, the level hovers around 40%. Transmission of hepatitis B usually happens differently here than it does in Western countries. Overseas, the virus is most commonly spread by sexual contact. It’s also associated with reused drug and tattoo needles, and unscreened blood transfusion (although this is now very rare). In Vietnam, as in many Asian countries, hepatitis B is an endemic condition associated with mother-to-child transmission during birth. It is also connected with hygiene-related concerns, as well as sex without protection. The infection of babies and infants is more nefarious in many ways than it is in adults. An adult’s mature immune system responds swiftly to the contraction of hepatitis B, setting off a war that drains the body of its strength and manifests in symptoms similar to influenza or dengue. An adult is likely to overcome the infection in the end and fully recover from the disease. When a small child or baby gets hepatitis B it’s a different story. There’s no battle; the virus simply enters the liver and sets up its occupation with minimal resistance, getting on quietly with the business of building its colony unnoticed from the outside. It’s only years later after the virus has invisibly laid waste to the entire liver, that symptoms start to manifest themselves, by which time it is often too late. In many cases, the only remaining options are limited to undergoing a liver transplant (which are not available in Vietnam) or simply waiting for the end.Fighting BackSo how can we fight back against hepatitis B? There is a vaccine. The Engerix B vaccine enables the body to train the immune cells to produce supersoldier antibodies capable of eradicating the invaders without sacrificing the hepatic lobules. This strategy is called active immunization. Passive immunization can be achieved where complete antibodies are delivered directly as a serum, similar to how breastfeeding mothers can pass on their own antibodies for some infections (not including hepatitis) to their babies through their milk, while their babies’ immune systems are still developing. However, once hepatitis B progresses to the chronic phase without proper treatment, there is no going back, and the only way ahead is to try to survive this infection. In such cases, the key is to discover the presence of the disease as soon as possible. Early in the years-long struggle with your immune system on the warground of your liver, the organ will largely function as normal; it is only in the very late stages that your liver won’t work at all. Early detection means that the condition can be managed, and this is usually where my role as a doctor comes in. While we can’t remove the virus from your body completely, we can prescribe medicines to prohibit it from replicating itself and taking up arms again. If you are a chronic sufferer of this disease, you can still live a normal, healthy life by routinely taking this type of medication. War-torn livers ravaged by hepatitis B are a serious health issue in Vietnam. Protection is not only available, but can save lives and prevent the onset of liver cancer. Make sure you’re up to date with your hepatitis B vaccinations and are immune to this infection, and if there is any doubt, please get tested. Late detection can be a very serious matter.Dr. Pedro L. Trigo - Internist, Family Medical Practice Ho Chi Minh City" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1201, "title": "Fire Drill at Diamond Plaza", "slug": "fire-drill-diamond-plaza", "slug_en": "fire-drill-diamond-plaza", "slug_vi": "diễn-tập-chữa-cháy-tại-diamond-plaza", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 990, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Diamond_Fire_drill_5.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Diamond_Fire_drill_5.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-04-11", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 28, "name": "Emergency Training & Drills", "slug": "Emergencytrainingdrills" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 951 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "The emergency team of *9999 has supported Diamond Plaza in one of their annual fire drills.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Diamond_Fire_drill_3.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Diamond_Fire_drill_2.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Diamond_Fire_drill_1.jpg\" class=\"format-fullwidth\" />Understanding the importance of immediate response to disasters such as traffic accidents and fire, *9999 service invests not only in the modern equipment but also in the forces of doctors, nurses and ambulance drivers.*9999 emergency doctors and nurses are well-trained and professionally respond to any emergency cases." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 686, "title": "Fighting Bacteria", "slug": "fighting-bacteria", "slug_en": "fighting-bacteria", "slug_vi": "fighting-bacteria", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 801, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Fighting_bacteria.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Fighting_bacteria.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-03-27", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "By properly adhering to the standard vaccination system, you give your child the best chance of developing a robust and healthy immunity that will serve as a lifelong protection against infection.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 291, 290, 289, 288, 287 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "<h3>Strengthening your child’s immune system</h3>Bacteria, viruses and other pathogens are all around us—it’s impossible to avoid them. Fortunately, we have a way to protect ourselves against the threat of infection in the immune system.When the human body is exposed to a threat from a pathogen, it fights back by analyzing that threat, designing antibodies, and then producing enough of them to disable the infection. It will also remember the design so that it can easily produce more antibodies later if a similar threat is encountered. We call this form of memory immunity.A child’s immune system is much weaker than an adult’s. When a child is born, his or her immunity is like a blank sheet of paper. They’ve had no exposure to pathogens, so there’s no memory of how to fight them.Usually, a child’s first exposure to bacteria is in the birth canal. This exposure contributes to the development of the child’s general health and the sensitivity of the immune system. Children delivered by C-section do not have the same exposure as those naturally-born, which could impair normal development.All babies, however, have weak immunity during the first weeks of life. At this time, they are normally protected by the antibodies they receive from the mother’s milk. That is the importance of breastfeeding: babies cannot produce their own antibodies efficiently, so they need to get them from breast milk. This is called passive immunity. Unfortunately, there are no antibodies in formula milk because antibodies are created by a very delicate and complicated process in the human body. Babies who drink formula milk cannot receive this protection.Immunization before six weeks of age for most antigens results in a weaker response and poorer immune persistence, mainly because of the immaturity of the immune system. Doctors need to wait until a baby’s immune system is strong enough to produce antibodies efficiently and fight disease. With the exception of hepatitis B, bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and OPV—which are all given at birth—the recommended age to give most vaccines is at two months, or six weeks at the earliest.When functioning properly, the immune system can identify a variety of threats including viruses, bacteria and parasites, and also distinguish them from the body’s own tissue. Children with immunodeficiency are more likely to get both recurrent and life-threatening infections, because their immune systems do not have the strength to fight. On the other hand, a child whose immune system hyper-reacts to infection will suffer from allergies, where the body’s immune system will fight uselessly against a non-threat, causing its own health complications.A child with an autoimmune disease has an immune system that fights against the body’s own tissue by mistake. For example, diabetes type 1 is an autoimmune disease where the body produces antibodies that fight its own pancreatic tissue. Other examples are Hashimoto’s, thyroiditis, and SLE. It’s clear that the immune system is very important—it plays a central role in fighting disease. To a child, developing a mature immune system is crucial to good health throughout all stages of life.Improving Child ImmunityThe immune system is sorted into two types. The first is innate immunity. This is what the body has available to it from birth. Physical barriers like skin and mucus form part of this system, protecting against non-specific pathogens. The cough reflex, skin oil, and earwax all help to expel pathogens from the body. Some kinds of cells in the body produce chemicals for innate immunity, which are called interferon and interleukin.The second is adaptive immunity. That means that when the body is exposed to a threat, it produces antibodies specific to that pathogen and then remembers those antibodies. This natural ability is what makes vaccination possible.So how can we augment this ability and improve the natural immune system?The first way is nutrition. This is very important, especially for infants of less than one year of age who rely on breast milk for their antibodies. We now recommend breastfeeding for as long as possible—at least until twelve months of age—and exclusively for at least the first six months. By seven or eight months, we need to provide babies with a variety of foods from different food groups. The protein, fat, carbohydrates and even minerals and vitamins in solid food are very important in improving the health of the immune system.Unfortunately, many parents routinely give children multivitamins and mineral supplements without seeking medical advice. This is not a good practice because with some vitamins, an overdose is toxic. Oil soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, K and E can be very dangerous in overdose, causing seizures, nausea and vomiting. Vitamin D is an exception. Babies normally produce their own vitamin D in response to direct sunlight, but as the exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight is risky, it’s better to supplement the diet with one drop containing 400 international units of vitamin D per day.Another problem is that parents sometimes overfeed their children. While good nutrition boosts the immune system, overfeeding can lead to diabetes. Obesity and gastro-oesophageal reflux are also potential consequences of overfeeding in infancy.The second way is sleeping quality. Good sleep is very important in nurturing the developing immune system, so a child should have an environment that is conducive to the quality of sleep. A newborn baby should sleep 18 hours per day, and a toddler 12–13 hours per day. A preschooler should sleep 10 hours per day. It’s important not to disturb a sleeping child which is another reason to avoid bottle feeding infant children; many parents wake their baby to feed, compromising their developing immune system.Hygiene is the third way to boost immunity—it is most important to wash hands before preparing meals, or after going to the toilet. The immune system includes the skin and its oil, so washing the hands helps to reduce the spread of pathogens. It’s also vital that very young infants avoid contact with sick people, and are not exposed to smoking in the home, chemicals (choose organic food where possible) and pollutants in the air.The last one is vaccination. Vaccines use our knowledge of the immune system to mimic infection, generate immunologic memory, and prepare the body for future infections. It’s very important to follow the vaccination schedule. The schedule is carefully planned to take into account the developing immune system. If we vaccinate too early, the baby has insufficient ability to produce antibodies. If too late, then the risk of a child being infected without the protection of immunity becomes greater.By properly adhering to the standard vaccination system, you give your child the best chance of developing a robust and healthy immunity that will serve as a lifelong protection against infection.Dr. Nguyen Huu Linh, Pediatrician, Family Medical Practice Ho Chi Minh City" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 1083, "title": "Anne Hill International School Field trip to FMP", "slug": "anne-hill-international-school-field-trip-fmp", "slug_en": "anne-hill-international-school-field-trip-fmp", "slug_vi": "anne-hill-international-school-field-trip-fmp", "slug_ko": "anne-hill-international-school-field-trip-fmp", "slug_ja": "anne-hill-international-school-field-trip-fmp", "overview_image": { "id": 718, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Anne_Hill_school_2.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/Anne_Hill_school_2.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-03-20", "category": { "id": 2, "name": "Events", "slug": "events" }, "subcategory": { "id": 7, "name": "Clinic Tours", "slug": "clinic-tours" }, "tags": "", "summary": "", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 761 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "This week our children went on a field trip to Family Medical Practice. During this field trip, we explored how medical science had improved and saved many people’s lives. We learnt the proper way of washing our hands, the functions of a medical air nebulizer, the sounds of an ambulance siren and more. We also made sure to remember the emergency number just in case when one of our family member falls in!<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Anne_Hill_school.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Anne_hill_school_3.JPG\" class=\"format-left\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/anne_hill_school_4.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />On behalf of AHI families, we would like to thank Family Medical Practice for the warm welcome and informative sessions.<img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/Anne_hill_school_1.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" /><img src=\"https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/anne_hill_school_5.jpg\" class=\"format-left\" />Learn, Grow, Play. The AHI Way." } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null }, { "id": 709, "title": "How We Waste the Asset of Antibiotics", "slug": "how-we-waste-asset-antibiotics", "slug_en": "how-we-waste-asset-antibiotics", "slug_vi": "how-we-waste-asset-antibiotics", "slug_ko": null, "slug_ja": null, "overview_image": { "id": 624, "url": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/original_images/shutterstock_273641858.jpg", "compressed": "https://media.fmp-data.bliss.build/images/shutterstock_273641858.format-jpeg.jpegquality-75.jpg" }, "post_date": "2019-03-18", "category": { "id": 3, "name": "Media & Press", "slug": "media-press" }, "subcategory": { "id": 2, "name": "Articles by our Doctors", "slug": "Articlesbyourdoctors" }, "tags": "", "summary": "The tragedy of the commons is when you have a common asset like antibiotics, individuals are acting independently according to their own self-interests, depleting the resource through their collective actions.", "related_pages_title": null, "related_pages": [], "locations": [ 345 ], "content": [ { "type": "text", "value": "In an earlier article I brought up the problem with overuse of antibiotics and how it makes it increasingly more difficult to treat common infections and in some cases where there are no antibiotics left to use (vietnamnews.vn/life-style/481171/the-antibiotic-apocalypse-and-what-you-can-do-to-prevent-it.html#SvckYvh8ha0PlXCO.97).The other day I had a patient who was diagnosed with pneumonia. The family had a relative who had been treated at a larger Vietnamese hospital and during that time caught an hospital infection and died. Our patient was treated with IV antibiotics for five days as we could not guarantee that any oral antibiotics would work due to resistance. The outcome was fine and the child survived. But it is a problem that even with the strongest IV antibiotics we don’t always know if the treatment will be effective.The tragedy of the commons is when you have a common asset like antibiotics, individuals are acting independently according to their own self-interests, depleting the resource through their collective actions. The most common examples are unregulated grazing on common land or the depletion of fisheries in the oceans.This is a good analogy for the erosion of the effect of antibiotics. Compounds with antibiotic effects have been used by organisms throughout evolution. Alexander Fleming, who first discovered penicillin, was a microbiologist. He studied bacteria, but he was so sloppy with his cultures that mold started growing and killed the bacteria. Many scientists might have seen this as a failed experiment, but Fleming saw the potential this mold, penicillin, had to save lives, and it has, but he also noticed in his experiments that bacteria developed penicillin resistance.Antibiotics are drugs that work on bacteria, different antibiotics work for different bacteria.Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. If we use antibiotics for viral infections there is a risk of adverse effects as diarrhea as many good bacteria in the gut are necessary. Unnecessary antibiotic use also selects the bacteria that have resistance genes, these are then spread and become more common with risks for treatment failure if the resistant bacteria cause infections.Although there are prescription regulations in Việt Nam, most drugs including antibiotics are available in private pharmacies. A large proportion of antibiotics used are not prescribed by a physician but bought directly from private pharmacies and used as self-medication. Also, many healthcare providers have their own clinics where they conduct examinations and sell drugs. In studies we have conducted, the majority of children had used antibiotics within the past month, mostly for viral infections.In the clinic I met many children who has been to healthcare providers and received several drugs including antibiotics, where in most cases they were not needed.How can we tell if we have a viral or bacterial infection? Viral infections generally effect many parts of the body, like a flu when you get respiratory symptoms with a runny nose, cough, fever and possibly muscle ace. Bacterial infections are usually more localized and more severe, like pneumonia which causes difficulty breathing, a cough and high fever.In many cases it is hard to know if you or your child has a viral or bacterial infection, so it is best to go to a healthcare provider. However, that might not be enough. In many cases lack of resources including staff, time, equipment and competence might still cause uncertain diagnosis with the risk of unnecessary treatment with antibiotics and other drugs. Providing good examination and diagnostics is expensive – you need well trained staff, tests and equipment. Drugs are relatively cheap – and hence many times it might be tempting to skip some diagnostics and just use antibiotics.Antibiotics are not only used on humans, but also for livestock, poultry and aqua cultures. Often they are used not for treatment of diseases but as a growth promoter. This is now banned in the EU but still common in many countries like Việt Nam. One of the antibiotics that is now the last resort for some human infections when bacteria are resistant to all other antibiotics – colistin – is used a lot for veterinary use and as growth promoter. We can now see how resistance genes formed in animal bacteria has been found in human bacteria and caused severe infections. The overlap between human and animal health is called “one health” – as what we do with animals will ultimately affect us.The overuse of antibiotics in the community, hospitals and for animals has led to a situation where we now have bacteria that are resistant to almost all antibiotics, so called “superbugs”. These are now spreading in hospitals causing infections that are very hard to treat with high rates of mortality and costs. Also, these superbugs follow discharged patients out in the community where they spread.For you as individual this might seem to be overwhelming – as with global warming – what can I do about it? The most important is to avoid self-medication with antibiotics, in case of disease go to a healthcare provider that can do through examination – then you will increase the chance to get the right diagnosis and treatment as well as avoid unnecessary antibiotic use. — Family Medical Practice*Dr. Mattias Larsson first came to Viêt Nam in 1997 conducting research on child infections and antibiotic use and resistance. In 2003 he defended his PhD and graduated from his medical training. Since then he has spent about half of his time in Sweden working as a physician in paediatrics and infectious diseases. The other half in Việt Nam and other developing countries working with medical training and research. Dr. Mattias speaks English, Swedish, German and Vietnamese as well as some Spanish. At Family Medical Practice (Hanoi ), he is participating in providing diagnostics care and treatment with the best international evidence based standards.Dr. Mattias Larsson - Pediatrician, Family Medical Practice Hanoi" } ], "meta_title": "", "meta_description": "", "social_title": "", "social_description": "", "social_image": null } ] }