2025.09.25 17:05
[Physician's Column] By Seungjun Choi, MD, Director of Seoul Vascular Surgery, Gwangju BranchVaricose veins, a common venous disorder, cannot be permanently cured with a single treatment. Even after interventions like surgery or laser therapy to remove or close affected veins, recurrence remains a significant concern. Research shows that 20% to 30% of patients experience a return of varicose veins within five years, highlighting the chronic nature of this condition.The causes of recurrence are multifaceted. New problems may develop in previously unaffected veins, or treated veins may re-expand2025.09.25 17:02
SEOUL, South Korea — Celltrion, a leading South Korean biopharmaceutical company, announced on September 25, 2025, that it has received approval from Health Canada for its biosimilar Stoboclo-Osenvelt, a denosumab-based treatment for bone-related conditions. The approval marks a significant step in expanding the company’s footprint in the North American market.Stoboclo-Osenvelt is a biosimilar referencing Prolia and Xgeva: it is marketed as Stoboclo for postmenopausal osteoporosis, and as Osenvelt for preventing bone metastases and treating giant cell tumors of bone in cancer patients. Healt2025.09.22 16:19
[Physician's Column] By Jeong Hoon Do, Director of Wellson HospitalOn a clear, sunny day, enjoying sports like tennis, swimming, or golf can feel invigorating—until a sharp pain shoots through your shoulder as you raise your arm. If lifting your arm between 60 and 120 degrees sharp pain, or if nighttime discomfort prevents you from lying on the affected side, the problem may be more than simple muscle soreness. You could be dealing with a rotator cuff tear.The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that envelop the shoulder, enabling you to lift and rotate your arm. Damage to even one of th2025.09.22 16:18
As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps through South Korea, the streets are alive with a growing number of runners. Running’s appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility, requiring minimal equipment. Estimates suggest that about 10 million South Koreans—roughly one-fifth of the population—run regularly, making it one of the country’s most popular outdoor activities.However, clinicians caution that the risk of ankle and calf injuries is rising as the sport’s popularity surges.Ankles: The Most Common Early Injuries in RunnersDr. Young Lee, an orthopedic surgeon at Ewha Womans University Mokd2025.09.22 16:15
[Physician's Column] By Lee Won-woo, Hae Arim Hanui Clinic, Daejeon-Sejong Branch“I thought he would grow out of it. I even assumed he simply lacked interest in studying,” said Kim, a 39-year-old mother from Sejong, reflecting with regret about her 10-year-old son. “But now they say his behavior indicates ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). And with symptoms of vocal and motor tic disorders appearing together, I realize I’ve been too inattentive to him all this time.”The number of children seeking treatment for ADHD and tic disorders at specialized clinics and traditional Kor2025.09.22 16:10
[Physician's Column] By Dongki Lee, MD, Ulsan Doctor Vein ClinicVaricose veins, a progressive vascular condition caused by impaired vein valve function, often worsen over time if left untreated. This dysfunction leads to blood pooling in the lower legs, resulting in visible bulging veins and symptoms such as leg fatigue, pain, swelling, and a sensation of heaviness. In severe cases, complications like skin discoloration, inflammation, or ulcers may develop, underscoring the importance of early intervention.Treatment for varicose veins varies depending on the stage of the condition. In its earl2025.09.22 16:09
A brain aneurysm is a potentially life-threatening condition where a weakened section of a brain artery bulges outward, forming a sac-like structure. Often silent, these aneurysms can go undetected due to a lack of symptoms, but if they rupture, the consequences can be catastrophic. A ruptured aneurysm can cause a subarachnoid hemorrhage—a severe form of brain bleeding—that is fatal in about 30% of cases. Even among survivors, roughly half face lifelong neurological damage.Brain aneurysms typically develop at arterial junctions, where blood flow splits and exerts concentrated pressure, weake2025.09.22 15:55
South Korea continues to grapple with the highest suicide rate among OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) nations. According to 2024 data from Statistics Korea, the suicide mortality rate stands at 28.3 per 100,000 people—more than double the OECD average. The prevalence of depression among adults, estimated at 8%, underscores the scale of psychological distress in the population.When the Morning Commute Feels Overwhelming, It May Not Just Be FatigueFor many South Korean workers, the daily grind—often characterized by long hours, typically from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or lon2025.09.22 15:53
Over the past decade, South Korea has seen a sharp rise in heart attack cases, with the number of hospitalized patients increasing by nearly 50%, according to a recent analysis of data from the country’s Disease Control and Prevention Agency. In 2012, 23,505 individuals were admitted for myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. By 2022, that figure had climbed to 34,969, signaling a troubling trend in cardiovascular health.The age distribution of patients has also shifted toward younger groups. In 2022, patients in their 60s accounted for the largest share of cases at 24.9%, f2025.09.22 15:51
[Physician's Column] By Jun-su Park, Director of Plusmi Dermatology ClinicEnlarged pores can make skin appear rough and uneven, diminishing its natural radiance. Once pores stretch, they rarely return to their original size, making consistent care essential to prevent further damage. Accumulated debris and blackheads within pores create a vicious cycle, exacerbating their expansion. To maintain healthy pores, carefully reviewing and adjusting daily habits is essential.First, avoid frequent exposure to high heat. Regular visits to saunas or washing the face with hot water can overstretch pores.2025.09.22 15:49
A new study from Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine in South Korea found that herbal medicine may significantly reduce both the incidence and severity of radiation-induced esophagitis (RIE), a common complication of radiation therapy for thoracic cancers such as lung, esophageal, and breast cancer. Published in the international journal Integrative Cancer Therapies (Impact Factor: 3.077), the research highlights the potential of traditional Korean herbal treatments to complement conventional care, offering hope for improved quality of life among cancer patients undergoing radiation.Radiation-i2025.09.22 15:47
A new study reveals that survival rates for patients with advanced cancer can more than double depending on the quality of palliative care they receive, while depressive symptoms decrease significantly. This groundbreaking research is the first to demonstrate that it is not merely the availability of palliative care, but its quality, that profoundly influences patients' lives and outcomes.Patients with progressive cancer face not only treatment challenges but also pain, depression, anxiety, and other issues. While early palliative care is intended to provide support, efforts until now have la2025.09.22 15:44
HWASUN, South Korea — In recognition of September as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Gwangju-Jeonnam Regional Cancer Center at Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital held a public lecture at Yeomi Hall, welcoming patients, their families, and local residents. The event was designed to foster open dialogue, offering insights into the latest treatments, practical prevention strategies, and a Q&A session with medical professionals.The lecture addressed three key topics: colorectal cancer prevention and screening, presented by Professor Je Seong Kim (gastroenterology); treatment appro