Everywhere you go this week you will hear the word “earthquake” mentioned more than several times. General banter such as “did you feel it? Where were you?” “Isn’t it terrible?….what if it happened again?…stronger..” etc. Well? What if? Are you ready? The entire archipelago that is Indonesia sits on a major fault line, that […]
Read moreCategory: Paradise… In Sickness & In Health
DIABETES…..THE MODERN EPIDEMIC
Diabetes……Think you’re not at risk? Read on! I was shocked when I read the WHO report on current global trends in diabetes. Diabetes is now the world’s fastest growing disease. Alarmingly, about 50 percent of people with diabetes are not aware they have it. Recent studies have shown that some people suffer from diabetes […]
Read moreBREAST CANCER – To Chemo or Not To Chemo?
Recent studies have shown that many women who have been diagnosed with the most common form of breast cancer may not actually need chemotherapy. Thousands of women with the most common form of early breast cancer may be spared chemotherapy under a new “precision medicine” approach, according to a landmark study. Researchers estimate that more […]
Read moreOUTSMARTING JETLAG
It’s the end of the school year, as well as the summer (or winter) holidays…depending on where you call home, so long flights and holidays are on the cards. There is nothing worse than flying half way across the globe only to find you are flat on your back for the fist few days of […]
Read moreDOWN SYNDROME….It’s Just an Extra Gene Right?
What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability and other physical and learning challenges. The disorder is also known as ‘trisomy 21’ as it is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. Unfortunately the local name for this is “anak idiot”. Inside the cells of […]
Read moreJAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS
I have been contacted by many parents on the Island regarding the current Japanese Encephalitis vaccine program being offered at all schools here. It is unclear why this program has been offered, as despite contacting several doctors at Sanglah and in general practice, no one has heard of any current cases of the disease. […]
Read moreTHE BIG “C” – Cancer Screening
In our last edition we discussed the increasing rates of cancer and which kinds of cancer were at the top of the hit parade. Now lets look at how cancer screening and early detection can improve the outcomes of many of these cancers. Skin Cancer While regular screening is not recommended for all people, […]
Read moreTHE BIG “C” – Cancer…..Who’s Next?
It is becoming more and more likely that you or someone that you know will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in the future. The rate of cancer cases has increased drastically over the past decade. Research suggests that there were 17.5 million cancer cases worldwide in 2015 and 8.7 million deaths. This is […]
Read moreDIPTHERIA
I have had several parents contact me with concerns about the current Diptheria outbreak here in Indonesia. Schools are also sending home letters with warnings about this disease. But should you be worried? What is Diptheria? Diphtheria is a life-threatening communicable disease that spreads through air containing Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacteria attack the upper […]
Read moreWHY DO I FEEL SO TIRED?
With the holiday season upon us we all need to be on top of our game. There is nothing worse than having a plethora of things to do, and not being able to muster up enough energy to get past breakfast. Here are some of the more common medical causes of ongoing fatigue that […]
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