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Hip Surgery Abroad Is It The Right Choice For Me?}

Hip Surgery Abroad – is it the Right Choice for Me?

by

Pamela Maunsell

It might seem strange but hundreds of people are opting to have their hip surgery abroad. As hip replacements in Malta, Poland and India become more common place lets look at the reasons why.

Whats the Benefit?

The benefits in terms of costs and short waiting lists have been well publicised but many would-be patients are now realising that quality is another real incentive in having hip surgery overseas.

Financial: it comes as quite a shock to many insured patients to find that they are inadequately covered and that their insurance company expects them to cough up a significant contribution towards the costs. Usually this realisation only comes at the time surgery is needed and when it is too late to do anything about.

For those without insurance the option of paying privately may simply be impossible.

Waiting lists: although waiting lists are usually associated with government provided health care, private providers are not exempt from keeping people hanging about; another real shock for people whove paid their contributions regularly and expect to be given the care they need when they need it.

Quality: how much say do you have over who does your surgery in your own country or which hospital you have it in? You may have a wonderful government funded consultant but will he be doing the operation himself? Having insurance doesnt mean you can pick and chose who operates on you either. The surgeon will need to meet the insurance companys specifications in terms of costs as well as qualifications. The only way to guarantee getting the surgeon of your choice in your home country is to pay for the procedure yourself hugely expensive.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxqj1BcBpIg[/youtube]

If you chose to be operated on abroad you can decide who you want to operate on you and where.

Many of the surgeons working with medical tourists have trained in the UK or USA.

Costs and Timing

The cost of surgery overseas is significantly cheaper than in countries like the UK (about 8,000) or the USA (a whacking $40,000). Countries like Bulgaria, Tunisia and Poland are all offering a hip replacement for around 3,000 / $4,500

Of course you need to factor in additional costs like flights and accommodations and a post-surgery stay in the country as you wont be able to fly immediately. On the plus side you can use this additional time for recuperation, physiotherapy and a short holiday. The savings on physiotherapy alone should be significant; and how much nicer to do your exercises in the sunshine?

Depending on the type of procedure you have your hospital stay could be anything from 2 days to 1 week (rarely longer) and you will need a minimum of 10 days post op before flying – to reduce the risk of a deep vein thrombosis. Obviously the further you fly to your hospital the longer you need to give yourself to recuperate before the return trip. The type of surgery you have will also be a factor.

Where to Travel

As medical tourism becomes more established the list of countries offering orthopaedic surgery grows. Top quality hip replacements are currently available in Poland, Malta, Belgium, Tunisia, Norway, South Africa, Mexico and Hungary. India is also a highly viable option with some first class orthopaedic surgeons.

If the thought of making all the travel and accommodation arrangements seems daunting then the good news is that once youve found a service provider for your hip replacement they will be happy to help with everything else. Clinics have found that providing a tailored made package for their patients eases a lot of the stress and anxiety associated with travelling abroad for surgery. A good package will include transportation, transfers, accommodation and follow up treatment such as physiotherapy.

Choosing a Hip Surgery Provider

Research is essential. Get onto the web and start checking out credentials. What qualifications does the surgeon have? With which bodies is the hospital or clinic registered? Ask questions about their infection rates, MRSA rates, and revision rates. How long will they expect you to stay in country post-op? Can they offer physiotherapy? Dont be shy make sure you ask all your questions before you sign on the dotted line.

It is always worth Googling the clinics name to look for reviews by former patients.

Some clinics are now associated with health care centres in the UK and the USA and it may be possible to have an initial interview and assessment with a company representative near your home.

Medical Tourism: the Future

Medical tourism is a growing market mainly fuelled by growing concerns about future funding of health care both in the UK and the USA

In response to this demand a number of specialised medical tourist agencies are now available to help you. Travel and medical insurance providers are also responding to this new market and offering cover on overseas operations something Id strongly advise you looked into.

Is it Right for Me?

Hip surgery abroad is not going to be the best solution for everyone but if you have any worries about accessing a high quality hip replacement in your own country and within your own time frame, then it is certainly worth having a look at the overseas market.

Pamela Maunsell had her first hip replaced in 2009. She is currently waiting to hear which joint her consultant is going to tackle next!

After the op Pamela set up a one-stop information site for everything to do with hip replacement surgery called www.hip-replacement-and-recovery.com

For more information on hip surgery abroadArticle Source: Hip Surgery Abroad – is it the Right Choice for Me?

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Numerous home pregnancy tests recalled after false negative results reported

Monday, March 27, 2017

A number of at-home pregnancy tests were recalled in Australia last week after customers and clinics concluded false negative results were received. A market-wide investigation made by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) concluded that five commercially available products displayed false negative results. A further nine products were taken off the shelf after the suppliers chose to withdraw local sales rather than provide information to the TGA.

The One Step hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) urine pregnancy test came to the attention of the TGA after a family planning clinic reported three cases of false negative readings of the test. After further analysis, the TGA discovered the pregnancy tests were incapable of detecting the presence of the (hCG) hormone, an early indicator of pregnancy. Of the twenty-seven products analysed, twenty-two were deemed accurate and reliable. The TGA said in a media release on Wednesday that the five products that failed the test were “subjected to a range of regulatory actions”.

Erin Turner, head of policy at the consumer advocacy group Choice said the results are “astounding”. “Anyone who has bought a test that is affected by the recalls should approach the retailer for a refund and, importantly, see a doctor for further medical advice,” said Turner. “Whatever result you’re hoping for, it’s essential that pregnancy tests are accurate and trustworthy.”

While five products were named, the TGA have yet to announce the names of the other nine products taken off the shelves.

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Media reports exaggerate cell phone risks again

Monday, September 22, 2008

Several mainstream news outlets have misstated and overstated a possible link between cellular phone use and decreased fertility in men. A single experiment, which has not yet been published in any peer reviewed journal or replicated by other scientists, observed an average decrease in sperm motility and an increase in free radicals among laboratory sperm samples that were exposed to radiation similar to the radiation produced by cellular phone use.

Dr. Ashok Agarwal of the Cleveland Clinic estimates the overall health impact of cellular phones as “very safe” and reassured a Cable News Network reporter that the research was too premature to advise lifestyle changes for the public. “Our study has not provided proof that you should stop putting cell phones in your pocket. There are many things that need to be proven before we get to that stage.” He noted that his own cell phone was in his trouser pocket while he was giving the interview. Dr. Agarwal is the lead researcher for the study and Director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic.

Cell phone industry spokesman Joe Farren agreed with Dr. Agarwal’s assessment about the devices’ overall safety: “The weight of the published scientific evidence, in addition to the opinion of global health organizations, shows that there is no link between wireless usage and adverse health effects.”

The controlled experiment used sperm samples from thirty-two donors: twenty-three healthy men and nine men who had fertility problems. Sperm were then exposed to radiation for one hour at 850 megahertz, the most common frequency for cell phones in the United States. Dr. Agarwal’s study raises a possible concern that cell phones kept on belts or trouser pockets and used in conjunction with wireless bluetooth earpieces “could cause harmful effects due to the proximity of the phones and the exposure that they are causing to the gonads.” He also noted that follow-up research is needed to determine whether the body’s skin and other tissue affords protection from the potential damage.

Several news sources ran misleading reports that overstated the risk.

The Los Angeles Times asserted a fallacious causal relationship that Dr. Agarwhal had not drawn and ignored his opinions that cellular phones are safe and no change in phone use is necessary. Instead, the piece opened by ordering men to stop keeping cell phones in their pockets:

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“Attention male cellphone users of reproductive age: Take that phone out of your pocket. Information published today suggests that the radio-frequency energy released by cellphones decreases sperm quality in men.”

Ciol News ran a similar account:

“Beware men! Do you have the habit of keeping your mobile phone in the pockets of your trousers while talking on hand-free? Or do clip the mobile to your belt while talking? If so you are doing that at the cost of your fertility, warns a recent study.”

Mobile Magazine went a step further, also alluding to previous media exaggerations about cellular phone dangers:

“Oh no! It seems that mobile phones are getting even more problematic than ever. After getting linked to everything from migraines to cancer, it seems that the radiation from cell phones is now being connected to stupid sperm. Yes, I’m talking about the little swimmers that lead into a conversation about the birds and the bees.”

Mobile Magazine also ended in a misleading manner with “I wonder if it’s healthier to put your phone in your shirt pocket instead,” failing to mention that Dr. Agarwal had addressed that concern and had called it an unnecessary precaution.

Not all news sources overplayed the findings. CNN and United Press International ran balanced reports that did not suggest dangers or precautions beyond the lead researcher’s conclusions.

 This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.
This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.
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Sarasota doctor heading to prison

Thursday, October 5, 2006

Former Sarasota dermatologist Michael Rosin is heading to prison to serve a 22-year prison sentence for defrauding Medicare by performing unnecessary surgeries on elderly Sarasota, Florida patients.

On Rosin’s 56th birthday, in front of his family, Judge William Castagna sentinced him to 22 years in federal prison. The judge also ordered Rosin to pay $3.7 Million to the government, $3.6 Million to the medicare trust fund and $48,866 to patients.

More than 865 elderly Sarasota area residents had multiple surgeries performed by Rosin when biopsies showed of no signs of cancer, or could not be read. Rosin was convicted of diagnosing cancer on almost everyone who entered his office. Biopsy slides were found to have bubble gum or foam on it instead of skin samples.

Former patients of Rosin testified at the trial that his surgeries left them disfigured. The $46,866 awarded to the patients will help to repay them for the costs associated with the unnecessary surgeries.

Throughout the trial Rosin maintained that he was innocent. He blamed his office staff for the unreadible slides and the slides with the gum and foam on them. Rosin said his biggest mistake was giving his office staff too much access to the lab.

Rosin’s attorney said that the doctor will appeal his convection. Rosin tried many different defenses including that he was not competent to assist in his own defense.

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Weight Loss Or Fat Loss Important Differences To Lose Weight And Fat Healthily

By Chris Chew

Some people used the term ‘weight loss’ while others call it ‘fat loss’ whilst many use the terms weight loss and fat loss interchangeably. Do they mean the same thing? To many people, they do mean the same thing. But the terms may be entirely different in meaning. You must know the difference if you want to lose weight or lose fat effectively and healthily.

When you step onto your bathroom scale every morning, what you will be reading from the scale is weight loss and not fat loss. Bath room scales are never accurate in determining fat loss.

Why? Because it measures your overall weight and not your body fat per se. If you weigh yourself in the morning before breakfast after your bowel movement, you will probably get your lowest reading of the day because your body is dehydrated through hours of non fluid replenishment when you were sleeping and after emptying your bowels, more water and wastes are flushed away so much so that you are you are lighter. After a night of sleep and not eating anything, your carbohydrate store is running low and therefore you are even lighter without the stored carbohydrate known as glycogen. What happened then? You just loss weight not loss fat! Your body fat is still there while the weight of other substances such as glycogen, wastes, water etc are depleted.

Now go weigh yourself again after dinner when you are fully replenished through meals and consumption of water and it may surprised you that you may probably weigh 2kg or more heavier and that is at least 4.4 pounds! You just gained weight and may even gained fat! Now you can see that it is such a misnomer when people think weight loss and fat loss are the same thing.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn5BeflRi_E[/youtube]

Why must you know the difference? Because for most of us, especially those who are on the fat side want to lose fat and not necessarily want to lose weight. Getting the drift?

Now for the more important part. Mere weight loss may cause you to lose muscle and in turn, make you gain body fat later. Yes, it is ironical. That is because the more muscle mass you have, the more you burn fat efficiently because muscle is an active tissue and it requires calories to function. Body fat just sit there doing nothing and thus do not burn calories on its own. So the less muscle mass you have, the less calories your body will burn. The fewer calories your body burn, the more calories ended up being stored as body fat! Therefore it is important to lose fat but not merely lose weight which may include the loss of muscle tissues.

How is it that a person may lose muscle on a weight loss program? Well for starters, we commonly hear about people going on this diet and that diet. Most diets demand a severe restriction of food or calorie intake. Your body will then signal to your mind that you are in a starvation mode and the body is designed to store fat for the impending famine and will use up your muscle for energy in your daily activities.

Some diets advocate a severe cut in carbohydrate. Carbohydrate is your body’s first source of energy. When your body is depleted of carbohydrate, it turns to your protein (muscles) and body fat indiscriminately for energy. Now to make matters worse, because of the restricted carbohydrate consumed, there will be fewer carbohydrate calories to be used as energy calories and that again will signal the onset of starvation mode again. The vicious cycle of your body cannibalizing its own muscle is set in motion again. The same applies to people on slimming pills or salon fat loss programs.

So some people say ok, Chris, I see your point, so I will just do plenty of cardio exercises to lose weight. Another grave mistake. Have you ever wondered why marathon runners, those who run many kilometers often and are doing cardio exercises almost everyday are so skinny with no muscle tone? Because your body is a wonderful machine. It is designed to adapt. When you run or skip or swim long enough, it will say, look, I better get lighter so that I can take the stress better and improve the endurance. Guess what? Your muscles are heavier than fats and what will your body shed more when it wants to get lighter? Muscle or fat? Your body will shed both but more muscles than fats.

Anyway, why would you want to lose weight only to become a smaller you with the same body shape without any muscle tone? Why would you want to be on a weight loss program that eats your muscles and lower your fat burning rate so much so that when you are off the program, the fats come piling back on again?

Therefore, while you are on a lose weight program, you must also be on a build muscle program. That will mean a combination of correct dietary habit, cardio exercises and weightlifting exercises to maintain muscle preservation and a fat loss result.

From now on tell people you are on a fat loss program and not a weight loss program. That you are on a correct eating habit instead of just simply dieting.

With the distinction clearly in mind, you will then know how to lose fat effectively, preserve and grow your muscles and at the same time losing weight on your bathroom scale. That would be an ideal way to achieve your weight loss objective because you will lose body fat instead of muscle and mere body wastes.

About the Author: Chris Chew is a fitness personal trainer of fashion models, male pageant winners and actors. More free fitness tips at :-

Free Fitness TipsLose fat build muscles fast

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=26943&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

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Ontario Votes 2007: Interview with Progressive Conservative candidate Pam Hundal, Bramalea—Gore—Malton

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Pam Hundal is running for the Progressive Conservatives in the Ontario provincial election, in the Bramalea—Gore—Malton riding.

Wikinews’ Nick Moreau requested an interview regarding her values, her experience, and her campaign. In response, Hundal’s campaign office did not send replies to the questions asked, but a general statement. Moreau has excerpted parts of her statement, placing them as answers to related questions. However, a great number of questions have been skipped in the process.

Stay tuned for further interviews; every candidate from every party is eligible, and will be contacted. Expect interviews from Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, New Democratic Party members, Ontario Greens, as well as members from the Family Coalition, Freedom, Communist, Libertarian, and Confederation of Regions parties, as well as independents.

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14,000-acre Southern California ‘Crown Fire’ at 82% containment, evacuation orders lifted

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Antelope Valley, California — The Crown Fire that has burned through 13,980 acres in the High Desert of Southern California since 2:32 pm (2232 UTC) Thursday was at 82% containment Saturday evening, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

On Friday high winds caused the fire to jump the California Aqueduct and spread into the city of Palmdale. Over 2,000 residents of Leona Valley, Ana Verde, and Rancho Vista were given mandatory evacuation orders. The sky was blanketed with thick orange pyrocumulus clouds and falling ash, making the air hard to breathe.

State Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger arrived in Palmdale on Friday to survey the burned areas. “We were very fortunate to not have fires for quite some time because the air temperature was cool and we didn’t have the experiencing of dry weather and all the winds and so on, but all of a sudden the fire season kicked in as if, ‘Here we are,'” Schwarzenegger said during a press conference. “But we are ready and we have luckily distributed resources all over the state of California, so we are ready at any given time.”

The fire has so far destroyed one house and three mobile homes, damaging the roof of another and burning car garages, horse stables, and other outbuildings. Most of the more seriously threatened homes were constructed recently from fire-proof materials, with walls coated in stucco, and fire-resistant plants in the yards. Although some roads are still closed to all traffic, all existing evacuation orders were lifted late Friday night and 500 residents of Rancho Vista were told to “shelter in place” until further notice. Despite the absence of mandatory evacuation orders, over 2,000 houses, 60 commercial buildings, and 100 outbuildings are still under threat.

Throughout the night, fire crews have been battling the wildfire, assisted by cooler temperatures and lighter-than-expected winds which have enabled them to establish containment lines. “Crews went out [Friday] night and did some great work trying to complete more lines and also trying to take care of what we call ‘cat eyes’ which are embers within the perimeter of the fire, so there will be much more work being done there today,” said LACFD Captain Roland Sprewell. “But of course we’re not going to rest on our laurels today…we’re going to be vigilantly watching the winds, especially in the ridge and down in the valleys.”

At the height of the fire, 1,700 firefighters from all over California were battling the flames, although as of 12:00 pm Saturday afternoon, it has been reduced to around 1,350 personnel. 16 fire camp crew have also assisted. 250 fire engines and four bulldozers have been used. In the air, 4 Boeing 747 supertankers, 1 McDonnell Douglas DC-10 tanker, and 6 modified Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters known as “Firehawks” have been dropping water and red Phos-Chek slurry. The Los Angeles Sheriffs Department also increased its presence in the Antelope Valley by bringing in response teams from stations outside the AV. This afternoon, the deployment has been scaled back to three teams as the fire stabilizes and further evacuation orders become unlikely.

Three firefighters have been injured battling the fire, although all injuries are minor. One sheriff deputy was also hospitalized for smoke inhalation but has since been released.

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Princes William and Harry host the Concert for Diana

Monday, July 2, 2007

Performances by Sir Elton John and the English National Ballet featured in the Concert for Diana, held in Wembley Stadium, London on Sunday to commemorate the late Diana, Princess of Wales life on what would have been her 46th birthday.

As a result of the terror attacks in the United Kingdom on the days prior to the event, heightened security precautions were in force, with a high police presence around the venue, and bag searches taking place. Despite the security fears, over 63,000 attended the concert. It was televised to 120 countries around the world, with a potential audience of 500 million.

The concert, broadcast by the BBC, featured acts from many groups and individuals including Sir Elton John, and the English National Ballet. It was hosted by Princes William and Harry and opened and closed by Sir Elton John, who is remembered for having played a unique rendition of Candle in the Wind at the Princess’ funeral.

Performances were interspersed with tributes from various public figures including Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa. Films showing parts of Diana’s life, with testimony from those who worked with her, were also aired, publicising the Princess’ work around the world, which was to be supported by profits from the concert.

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Thirty die in car accidents during Bicentennial of Chile celebrations

Monday, September 20, 2010

Thirty people are reportedly dead according to La Nación, in the second-to-last day of the Bicentennial of Chile celebrations through all the country. There is one more death than last year’s celebrations. La Nación reports nine deaths on main roads and 21 on rural routes.

The national police issued 255 infringements for driving under the influence of alcohol, and 1,555 for speeding.

“Travel has to be well planned. They must not drive for more than two hours,” an officer told Radio Cooperativa.

A large departure of tourists from beaches or other vacation spots is expected to be at “peak hours” after 18:00 (22:00 UTC).

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Tips For Choosing Personalized Groomsmen Gifts

By Gabriel Adams

What do you give to the groomsmen in your wedding? It may seem more difficult to choose gifts for the men who will stand up in your wedding than it is buying for the bridesmaids. Personalized groomsmen gifts will be something that they will always treasure.

Perhaps you could purchase ties in colors that coordinate with your wedding colors. Each tie could have the initials of that particular groomsman embroidered on his tie. Not only would he appreciate his tie being personalized, but he would get years of use out of his gift.

Are your groomsmen all buddies of yours who share hunting or fishing trips with you every year? You could buy each one of them a Swiss army knife or a special piece of hunting or fishing gear that would be useful to him. The knives can have the name of the groomsman engraved on the blade.

Glass mugs make nice gifts for groomsmen and can have metal plagues on them engraved with their names.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-tvZIC3VWI[/youtube]

One southern wedding included all western attire. The groomsmen were all given Stetson hats which were worn in the wedding. Since wearing this type of hat was common in that area, the groomsmen really loved their gifts.

Do they all go camping? Engraved survival knives or compasses would be appropriate for them. Every camper would appreciate a really nice sleeping bag. Any camping gear would be loved by people who are into camping.

In order for it to be considered a personalized groomsman’s gift, it does not necessarily have to have the person’s name on it. The gift should be something that takes into consideration that particular person and his interests or your relationship with him.

Are you all on the same baseball team? Besides spending your weekends playing baseball, you probably all really enjoy baseball. You could get each of your groomsmen a baseball hat engraved with initials or name of the person.

If your finances would allow it, you could also buy tickets to a major league game for all your groomsmen. It will be easy for you to find each other at the game if you are all wearing your baseball hats. Make sure that the game you will all be attending is well after your honeymoon or your bride might object to this gift.

If the bridesmaids are all being given diamond stud earrings, you could get tie tacks for your groomsmen with a little diamond stud on them. That gift could get a little pricey, so you want to check with a jeweler before you plan on giving these.

Some men have given watches as their personalized groomsmen’s gifts. Watches can be engraved easily and fairly inexpensively. Nice watches can be quite expensive. You will want to check your wedding budget to see if this would be something you want to plan on giving.

Whatever you decide to give as your personalized groomsmen gifts, the men in your wedding will certainly appreciate your thoughtfulness. Any gift that keeps the individual in mind will be a great gift!

About the Author: Looking for great Personalized Groomsmen Gifts? Visit our site at http://www.myexecutivegifts.com/ to find what you need!

Source: isnare.com

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