2025.08.27 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 contour2025.08.27 15:34
In the field of dentistry, the guiding principle remains clear: preserve natural teeth whenever possible. Although dental implants and prosthetic technologies have advanced considerably, the unique value of natural teeth—integral parts of the human body—remains unmatched by any artificial substitute.Natural teeth are firmly anchored to the jawbone and gums, with living nerves that provide detailed sensory feedback on food texture and temperature. They also play a critical role in distributing chewing forces evenly across the jaw, supporting bone health. Dental implants, while the closest app2025.08.27 15:31
SEOUL, South Korea — The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has issued an urgent advisory, urging strict preventive measures in childcare and educational settings, as hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases have surged since May KDCA data from the 33rd week of 2025 (August 10–16) show an incidence rate of 26.7 suspected HFMD cases per 1,000 people—a sharp increase from 1.5 per 1,000 in late May (21st week). The increase is most notable among infants and children aged 0–6 years, with a rate of 36.4 per 1,000, compared to 7.1 per 1,000 for those aged 7–18 years. HFMD, an2025.08.27 15:23
SEOUL, South Korea — GC Green Cross, a major South Korean pharmaceutical firm, announced on August 27 that it had filed a Phase 3 clinical trial application with Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration for its varicella vaccine, Varicella-Z. This is the first time a South Korean drugmaker has progressed to a Phase 3 trial for a two-dose varicella vaccine regimen.The trial will enroll 474 children aged 12 months to 12 years and directly compare Varicella-Z with Merck & Co.’s Varivax, a widely used varicella vaccine. This head-to-head evaluation is designed to objectively assess the competiti2025.08.27 11:23
A research team led by Dr. Ki Hyun Cho, a professor of pediatrics at Kangwon National University Hospital in South Korea, has found that a mother’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain play a significant role in determining the composition of a newborn’s gut microbiome. Published in the January 2025 issue of Microbial Ecology, the study highlights how maternal weight influences the early microbial environment essential for infant health.The study examined meconium samples from 71 newborns collected within five days of birth at Kangwon National University Hospital a2025.08.27 11:20
SEOUL, South Korea — A team led by Professors Jun Seok Hur and Sung Ho Lee at Korea University Anam Hospital, in partnership with South Korean biotech company GeneCker Co., Ltd., has unveiled ‘MUTE-Seq,’ a pioneering liquid biopsy technology. This method achieves highly sensitive detection of trace cancer mutations in blood samples, providing a promising advance for early cancer diagnosis and monitoring.Liquid biopsy, a non-invasive method for analyzing cancer-related genetic material in blood, has long struggled to identify minute cancer mutations obscured by normal DNA signals. Conventi2025.08.27 11:13
SEOUL, South Korea — A new study from Asan Medical Center in Seoul has revealed that echocardiography, a common diagnostic tool, can do more than assess heart function—it can also predict quality of life in patients with heart failure. The research, conducted in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School, was recently published in the European Journal of Heart Failure.Led by Dr. Samineh Eisa, a cardiologist at Asan Medical Center, the research team analyzed data from 406 heart failure patients whose left ventricular ejection fraction was 40% or less. The study2025.08.25 12:26
[Physician's Column] By Juhyung Lee, MD, Blively Clinic, Gimpo BranchDry weather weakens the skin barrier and disrupts the balance of moisture and oil. This loss of hydration ultimately exacerbates common signs of skin aging, including reduced elasticity and wrinkle formation.Skin-booster treatments and other anti-aging procedures are among the most effective solutions. These treatments work to restore a healthy skin barrier, with the efficacy of skin boosters varying depending on the product and technique used.One notable option is JuveLook, a collagen-stimulating treatment that combines biod2025.08.25 12:22
As people age, even minor falls can cause severe injuries, especially for older adults with low bone density or osteoporosis. A single fracture can significantly affect not only physical health but also overall quality of life. Strong bones are essential for preventing fractures and for maintaining mobility, balance, and muscle strength, thereby reducing the risk of further musculoskeletal injuries. Below, we highlight key foods that promote bone health, enabling older adults to stay active and reduce the risk of debilitating fractures.Bone Broth (Sagol-guk)Bone broth, a traditional Korean dis2025.08.25 12:14
[Physician's Column] By Chi Young Park, Director of Saenggi Oriental Medicine Clinic, Gangnam Station BranchEczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by oozing, swelling, and crusting, often accompanied by intense itching. Although eczema most often affects the arms and legs, severe cases can spread to any area of the body.The hallmark symptom of eczema—persistent itching—can disrupt school routines in children and impair work performance in adults. Itching often worsens at night, leading many patients to scratch uncontrollably. Excessive scratching may lead to skin abrasions, b2025.08.25 12:09
Tears are often seen as a natural response to sadness or pain, but their role extends far beyond expressing emotions. Emerging research highlights the physiological and psychological benefits of crying, from stress relief to immune system support. Here’s a closer look at how tears contribute to human health. Stress Relief Through Tears Crying can significantly alleviate stress. Emotional tears are believed to help excrete stress-related hormones such as cortisol, reducing their levels in the body. According to research by biochemist Dr. William Frey, shedding tears may help remove stress-rela2025.08.25 12:03
Cabbage, long regarded as a ‘gift from the gods,’ is a cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Its benefits span digestive support, immune enhancement, and cardiovascular protection. With modern diets linked to digestive issues and chronic inflammation, cabbage emerges as a natural remedy with promising therapeutic potential. Recent studies also suggest roles in cancer prevention and slowing neurodegenerative processes, positioning it as a versatile superfood. Here’s a closer look at the science-backed benefits of cabbage.Vitamin U: A Shield for Gut HealthCabbag