2025.08.28 15:16
[Physician's Column] By Seonhee Seok, Director, Haearim Korean Medicine Clinic, Jamsil BranchDizziness, headaches, or nausea during a crowded commute or in highly stressful situations may signal a condition known as vasovagal syncope. In 2022, about 22,000 South Koreans received medical care for vasovagal syncope, according to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). Experts note, however, that actual cases may be higher due to underdiagnosis and limited public awareness.To understand vasovagal syncope, it’s essential to grasp the role of the autonomic nervous system, which2025.08.28 15:12
Sitting or standing all day often leaves legs heavy and swollen. While many dismiss this as simple fatigue, edema may indicate underlying issues such as poor fluid regulation, excessive sodium intake, or impaired kidney or liver function. Persistent swelling can interfere with blood pressure control and glucose metabolism, underscoring the importance of proactive management.In Korea, traditional remedies like herbal teas have long been used to alleviate edema. Among them, corn silk tea and pumpkin tea stand out, cherished for centuries and now backed by scientific research for their health ben2025.08.28 15:08
[Physician's Column] By Jongdeok Park, Director of Seoul Hajeong Surgery Daejeon BranchVaricose veins occur when weakened venous valves cause blood to flow backward and pool in the leg veins. Over time, the veins dilate and thicken, leading to cosmetic concerns as well as pain and swelling. Beyond aesthetic issues, untreated varicose veins can lead to serious complications like skin ulcers or blood clots.Treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms and the extent of venous damage. In early stages, non-surgical approaches such as wearing compression stockings and adopting lifestyle ch2025.08.28 15:05
[Physician's Column] By Mankee Hwang, MD, PhD, Kibon Korean Medicine ClinicToday, obesity is recognized not just as a cosmetic concern but as a serious medical condition. Obesity is closely linked to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, making proactive management and treatment essential. Although multiple diet and treatment options are available, Western anti-obesity medications often pose significant risks of side effects. For example, certain medications have been linked to risks such as pancreatitis and thyroid cancer, underscoring the need for careful decision-making by bot2025.08.28 15:03
Laryngeal cancer, a malignant tumor affecting the larynx where the vocal cords are located, ranks among the most prevalent forms of head and neck cancer. According to data from South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, approximately 8,900 patients sought treatment for laryngeal cancer in 2022, with over 90% being male.Dr. Young-chang Lim, a professor of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at Konkuk University Hospital, emphasized the strong correlation between laryngeal cancer and lifestyle factors. “The vast majority of laryngeal cancer patients have a history of sm2025.08.28 14:58
HANOI, Vietnam — South Korean biopharmaceutical giant Celltrion is making significant inroads into Vietnam, a key emerging market in ASEAN, by expanding its portfolio of autoimmune disease and oncology treatments, the company announced.Since opening its Vietnam subsidiary in 2024, Celltrion has introduced two key biosimilars: Remsima (infliximab) in June and Herzuma (trastuzumab) in August. It has since secured a one-year supply contract with Vietnam’s largest military hospital and a two-year tender to supply Herzuma to medical institutions in the south-central region. Celltrion is also gear2025.08.28 14:53
[Physician's Column] By Chung-gu No, Director of Brain Medical CenterIn recent years, South Korea has seen a steady increase in adults seeking medical attention for tic disorders, conditions often mistaken for simple habits. Symptoms such as frequent eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, throat clearing, or lip tremors may seem harmless, but they can indicate a chronic neurological disorder linked to central nervous system dysfunction. Early recognition and proper management are critical to addressing these disorders effectively.Though commonly associated with childhood, tic disorders can persist2025.08.27 15:53
Xafty, a broad-spectrum antiviral candidate from South Korea’s Hyundaibioscience, has secured an official invitation to present its clinical findings and development roadmap at the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV) annual meeting, convened by U.S. health authorities on August 26-27 in Washington, D.C.This invitation goes beyond a routine presentation—it signals formal recognition from a U.S. health authority consortium and has drawn global attention. The RRPV program, aimed at addressing public health emergencies like pandemics, supports technology showcases, project alignment, and a2025.08.27 15:50
SEOUL, South Korea — ShinShin Pharmaceutical, a leading South Korean pharmaceutical company, announced on August 26 that it had donated essential medical supplies to support a humanitarian mission by the nonprofit MGU in Papua New Guinea. The effort was carried out under the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative, "ShinShin H2O Life."The medical outreach took place from July 20 to 26 in Kimbe, New Britain Island, a region of Papua New Guinea where healthcare infrastructure is severely limited. A team of 33 medical professionals participated, delivering care to local residents.2025.08.27 15:48
SEOUL, South Korea — A large-scale study by South Korea’s National Institute of Health (NIH), under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), has identified a sharp rise in diabetes among individuals under 30, with marked disparities across socioeconomic groups. Published in an international peer-reviewed journal, the study analyzed clinical and epidemiological data from 2008 to 2021, underscoring a public health challenge that requires urgent attention.The incidence of type 2 diabetes in people under 30 rose 2.2 times, from 27.6 to 60.5 cases per 100,000. Even more striking, i2025.08.27 15:45
Gray hair is often considered a sign of aging, but it does not result from age alone. Stress, lifestyle habits, and scalp conditions also play a substantial role, particularly in premature graying among younger individuals. As early-onset gray hair becomes increasingly common, interest in prevention and management has grown. This article explores the causes of gray hair and the foods that may help slow its progression.Why Gray Hair Appears: More Than Just AgeHair color is determined by melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes in hair follicles. With age, these cells gradually lose their abil2025.08.27 15:40
SEOUL, South Korea — All four hospitals affiliated with Hallym University Medical Center—Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, and Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital—achieved top results in the 2023 breast and liver cancer care assessments (second-cycle, first-round) conducted by South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA).The latest evaluation reflected shifts in cancer care—such as diversified treatment approaches and rising long-term survival rates—and introduced a comprehensive overhaul of its metri2025.08.27 15:38
Many people who lose weight through dieting may find their facial appearance less satisfying than expected. As facial fat decreases, features such as the cheekbones and jawline can appear more prominent, sometimes giving the face a sharper or wider appearance.How Weight Loss Affects Facial ContoursWhen subcutaneous fat decreases, facial contours become more defined. Prominent cheekbones or a sharp jawline may become more pronounced, particularly in individuals with naturally angular bone structures. Reduced skin elasticity can also make the midface appear hollow or create uneven facial contour