2025.07.14 15:32
[Physician's Column] By Chung-gu No, Director of Brain Medical CenterTic disorders are emerging as a growing health concern among South Korean children and adolescents, with prevalence rates more than doubling over the past decade. These neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by sudden, involuntary, repetitive movements or vocalizations, known as tics, which occur beyond an individual’s conscious control.Common symptoms include eye blinking, facial grimacing, head jerking, throat clearing, and sniffing. In severe cases, individuals may exhibit both motor and vocal tics simultaneously,2025.07.14 15:25
[Physician's Column] By Lee Dong Youp, Champodonamu Hospital Once considered a condition of older adults, lumbar disc herniation is increasingly common among younger professionals. Prolonged sitting, a hallmark of modern office life, places significantly more pressure on the spine than standing. Combined with poor posture or weak core muscles, this can precipitate disc issues in individuals as young as their 20s and 30s. Early symptoms often mimic ordinary back pain, causing many to dismiss them as mere muscle strain.Medically known as lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, the condition occur2025.06.26 18:27
For centuries, Koreans have cherished a beverage as elemental as water yet imbued with remarkable health benefits: barley tea. Renowned for its nutty aroma and gentle flavor, it appeals to all ages. Despite its name, barley tea contains no tea leaves; it’s a grain infusion crafted from roasted barley, technically a “substitute tea.”This technicality does not lessen its merit. Barley tea delivers a spectrum of health benefits, from aiding diabetic patients in blood glucose control to providing detoxifying and antioxidant properties, making it a favored choice for cancer patients on strict di2025.06.26 18:17
Incheon, South Korea — Inha University Hospital has earned a distinguished place in the 2025 Asia-Pacific Best Specialty Hospitals ranking, a joint assessment by Newsweek and research firm Statista. Five of its departments were recognized for their medical expertise and reliability, marking the hospital as the only one in Incheon and northwestern Gyeonggi Province to achieve such broad acclaim.The hospital’s pulmonology department secured 8th place in Asia and 5th in South Korea, while pediatrics ranked 37th in Asia. The endocrinology department placed 44th, neurosurgery 73rd, and neurology2025.06.26 18:12
Cheongju, South Korea — Cheongju TOP Hospital’s Joint Treatment Center has appointed Dr. Kook In-cheol, a seasoned orthopedic surgeon, to enhance its specialized services and elevate patient care. Dr. Kook will begin seeing patients on November 1, offering extensive expertise in joint disorders, fractures, trauma, and sports injuries, with an emphasis on individualized treatment.Dr. Kook graduated from Hanyang University College of Medicine, completed his orthopedic residency at Hanyang University Hospital, and earned master’s and doctoral degrees in orthopedic trauma from the same institut2025.06.26 18:07
Acne, a widespread skin disorder affecting both adolescents and adults, often leaves persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring that rarely resolve without intervention. Among patients in their twenties and thirties, who are particularly attentive to their appearance, there is increasing demand for specialized treatments to address diverse skin conditions.Human Dermatology Clinic’s Seoul National University branch has introduced a comprehensive program for acne scars and discoloration. The program employs pico laser therapy to treat hyperpigmentation, fractional laser treatme2025.06.25 18:16
[Physician's Column] By Jeong-Hyun Yoo, Guseong Seoul Orthopedic ClinicParents often attribute knee pain in children and adolescents to "growing pains." These discomforts arise when the periosteum, the membrane encasing bones, stretches and stimulates surrounding nerves as bones grow faster than adjacent muscles or tendons. Typically, such pains resolve without intervention. Yet, if pain, swelling, or warmth persists despite limited activity or typical growth, it may indicate a different condition. A medical evaluation is essential to identify the cause.One frequent knee issue in adolescents i2025.06.25 18:10
[Physician's Column] By Min-gyun Na, All Line ClinicSummer's arrival brings lighter clothing and greater skin exposure, underscoring the importance of meticulous grooming. Laser hair removal has become a favored approach for facial and body treatments, delivering both aesthetic refinement and hygienic benefits.The GentleMax Pro, a leading hair removal system, has gained prominence in dermatology for its efficacy across diverse skin types and hair textures. It employs a dual-wavelength platform—Alexandrite (755 nm) and Nd:YAG (1064 nm)—enabling customized treatments. Unlike traditional method2025.06.25 18:05
[Physician's Column] By Seongryul Park, Incheon Hi HospitalShoulder pain complaints are rising as repetitive motions and poor posture become more prevalent. Among the leading causes are rotator cuff tears, a condition affecting homemakers who frequently strain their shoulders and athletes in sports like baseball or badminton that require extensive shoulder rotation. Overuse significantly elevates the risk of such tears. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, 2.446 million patients sought treatment for shoulder disorders in 2023, with 60.4% aged 50 to 60.A rotator cuff2025.06.25 16:34
[Physician's Column] By Soo Ji Jeon, M.D., Apgujeong St. Mary’s Eye ClinicAs summer draws families to water parks, beaches, splash pads, and fountains, the risk of eye infections rises. Warm, humid environments foster bacterial and viral proliferation, leading to a surge in conjunctivitis cases. Commonly known as “pink eye,” this condition requires vigilance. Below, we examine the types, symptoms, and prevention strategies for summer conjunctivitis.Swimming pools, despite chlorination, harbor contaminants like sweat, saliva, and urine, creating ideal conditions for pathogens. Without precau2025.06.25 16:28
[Physician's Column] By Koo-Hyung Jin, Nunemiso Eye CenterSEOUL, South Korea — Nunemiso Eye Center announced on June 23 that it has implemented the CLEAR Flow Suite, a next-generation digital platform for SMILE laser eye surgery, developed by Swiss medical device manufacturer ZIEMER.This adoption stems from a strategic partnership with ZIEMER, designating the Seoul-based hospital as a global pilot institution for the technology.The CLEAR Flow Suite integrates with ZIEMER’s Femto LDV Z8 laser system to automate the examination, surgical planning, and operative processes through a digital fram2025.06.25 16:22
[Physician's Column] By Dr. Jin Woo Ro, Kangnam The Light Eye Center, Gwangju, KoreaAs populations age worldwide, cataract cases are rising sharply. Many patients mistake cataracts for presbyopia or delay treatment until symptoms become severe. Ophthalmologists stress that early diagnosis and systematic management are essential for optimal outcomes.Cataracts occur when the eye’s clear lens becomes opaque, leading to blurred vision. Aging is the primary cause, but diabetes, trauma, or prolonged ultraviolet exposure can also trigger the condition. Early symptoms often include glare from bright2025.06.25 16:15
[Physician's Column] By Taeheon Lim, Director of Sorisoop Otolaryngology ClinicHearing loss, the impaired ability to perceive sound at normal levels, arises from causes beyond congenital defects, including aging, prolonged noise exposure, and infectious diseases. Patients often report muffled speech or tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears.Untreated hearing loss disrupts daily life, fostering social isolation, depression, or cognitive decline. Early diagnosis and intervention are vital to prevent these outcomes, yet the condition’s gradual onset frequently delays recognition until signif