SEOUL, South Korea — A collaborative research team from Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital has established a significant link between ultrafine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and increased cardiovascular risks in cancer survivors, with distinct differences before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Published in *Atmospheric Pollution Research*, this study is the first to compare the short-term effects of PM2.5 exposure on cardiovascular outcomes in this vulnerable population across these periods.Using data from South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service,
Seoul, South Korea — A research team at Yonsei University’s Severance Hospital has identified a critical subset of regulatory T cells that underpins the success of immunotherapy for atopic dermatitis, according to a study published on June 13 in *Science Translational Medicine*. These cells inhibit pathogenic immune responses, reducing chronic skin inflammation.Atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, arises when allergens, such as house dust mites, penetrate a compromised skin barrier, activating pathogenic T cells. Subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT), involvi
By YonseiSarang Hospital As summer heat intensifies, many individuals, particularly those with knee osteoarthritis, face heightened joint pain. For middle-aged and older adults, the rainy season’s humidity and high temperatures can worsen discomfort. Lower atmospheric pressure elevates relative pressure within joints, exacerbating pain. Knee osteoarthritis, a prevalent degenerative disease, arises when cartilage in the knee joint progressively wears away, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Primarily affecting older adults due to age-related cartilage deterioration, it is also influenced b
By Hojun Hwang, DVM, Prime Animal Medical CenterAs temperatures rise, pet owners are increasingly focused on safeguarding their companions’ health during the sweltering summer months. Dogs and cats, covered in fur, have body temperatures 1–2°C higher than humans and lack well-developed sweat glands, making them particularly vulnerable to hot and humid conditions. Here’s what pet owners need to know to ensure their furry friends thrive in the heat.Maintaining Optimal Indoor ConditionsMany households with dogs or cats rely on air conditioning to keep their pets comfortable. It’s common for
[Physician's Column] By Dr. Taedong Jang, Director of the Joint Center at Seoul Ace HospitalWhen you reach to change clothes in the morning and your arm won’t lift, or a sudden pain strikes as you move it backward, it’s tempting to dismiss the discomfort as simple muscle soreness. But persistent pain that restricts movement may point to a condition known as frozen shoulder. Though commonly associated with those in their 50s—hence the name—it’s increasingly seen in people in their 40s and those over 60, driven by factors like stress and poor posture.Medically termed adhesive capsulitis, fr
[Physician's Column] By Seunghoon Lee, MD, First Eye ClinicThe global increase in preterm births is driving a troubling trend in ophthalmology clinics: a surge in premature infants requiring urgent eye care. Born before 37 weeks of gestation, these infants face elevated risks for ocular disorders such as strabismus, cataracts, and corneal anomalies. Yet, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains the most common and severe threat to their vision.In full-term infants, retinal blood vessels complete their development by birth. In contrast, preterm infants are born with immature vasculature, render
GWANGJU, South Korea — At the HORIZON 2025 ZEISS Asia-Pacific Ophthalmology Symposium, held June 7-8 at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, Dr. Jin Woo Ro, director of Kangnam The Light Eye Center in Gwangju, introduced a novel approach to managing complications from SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) refractive surgery. His presentation, delivered to an international audience of leading ophthalmologists, detailed clinical outcomes of secondary SMILE procedures to address intraoperative complications.The symposium, organized by German optical systems manufacturer Carl Zeiss AG,
[Physician's Column] By Dr. Ji Woong An, Director of Seoul Maison Dental ClinicRecent advancements in dental implant technology, particularly the innovative "navigation implant" technique, are making dental implant procedures safer and more precise for elderly patients and those with chronic illnesses. This digital-based approach minimizes incision size, reduces infection risks, pain, and recovery time, expanding treatment options for patients previously considered high-risk for such procedures.Dental implants are a widely adopted solution for replacing missing teeth. The procedure involves pl
[Physician's Column] By Dr. Kang Sang-woo, Director of BALMER’S Oriental Medicine Clinic, Ilsan BranchILSAN KOREA-The oppressive heat and humidity of summer can intensify hair loss by compromising scalp health. Intense ultraviolet radiation, soaring temperatures, and high humidity foster conditions where sweat and sebum accumulate on the scalp, clogging hair follicles and triggering inflammation. As a result, hospitals see a surge in patients with seborrheic dermatitis during this season.Seborrheic dermatitis, marked by excessive sebum production, manifests in two forms: oily and dry. The oil
Individuals infected with COVID-19 face a 62% higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those not infected, according to a large-scale study of national healthcare data from South Korea and Japan. The findings were published in the online edition of Circulation, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association.Led by Professor Dong-Gun Yeon at Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, the research analyzed medical records from 7.96 million individuals in South Korea and 1.26 million in Japan, making it one of the most comprehensive studies on the long-term cardiovascu
As warmer weather encourages outdoor activities like hiking, walking, and golf, the incidence of osteoarthritis—a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive articular cartilage loss, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced range of motion—increases. This condition predominantly affects middle-aged and older adults, and without timely intervention, it can severely impair mobility and quality of life.For early to mid-stage osteoarthritis with mild symptoms, treatments such as stromal vascular fraction (SVF) injections, derived from autologous adipose tissue, or platelet-rich pl
In South Korea, the 40-50 age group is defying visible signs of aging with remarkable determination. On YouTube, celebrities who rose to fame two decades ago recreate their peak-era looks, embracing Y2K fashion and makeup in nostalgic content. Their seemingly ageless appearances have become objects of fascination and envy among viewers.This pursuit of youth is no longer exclusive to celebrities. Ordinary individuals are adopting rigorous routines, including regular exercise, nutritional supplements, and elaborate skincare regimens, to maintain a youthful appearance. For many in their 40s and 5
In a significant shift, gum disease has surpassed the common cold as the leading reason for outpatient visits. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service’s “2024 Outpatient Frequent Disease Statistics,” approximately 19.5 million people sought treatment for gum disease, compared with 17.6 million for colds. Notably, individuals in their 30s and 40s accounted for over 30% of gum disease cases, indicating that periodontal disease, once associated with older adults, is increasingly affecting younger generations.A major concern is the tendency to ignore early symptoms such
For millions, the daily ritual of a morning coffee paired with dietary supplements is a cornerstone of their routine. However, this common practice may reduce the effectiveness of supplements, as coffee’s compounds can interfere with nutrient absorption.Caffeine, a primary component of coffee, can significantly impair the body’s ability to absorb key nutrients, including iron, calcium, B vitamins, vitamin D, and probiotics. This interference arises from multiple mechanisms in the digestive system.Tannins in coffee bind to minerals like iron, forming complexes that are excreted rather than ab
[Physician's Column] By Dr. Kim Byoung Seon, Director, GRAND BS Eye ClinicBUSAN, South Korea — Emergency rooms are seeing a surge in patients with serious retinal conditions, prompting eye specialists to stress the critical importance of the golden hour for retinal emergency surgeries. Conditions such as retinal detachment and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated within hours of onset, highlighting the need for heightened public awareness.The retina, a delicate layer of neural tissue lining the inner wall of the eye, captures light and convert
HUE, Vietnam — The Korea Smart Medical Device Industry Promotion Foundation, in collaboration with Jeonbuk National University Hospital and Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, successfully conducted a training program for Vietnamese medical professionals on South Korean medical devices on October 29-30, 2024, in Hue, Vietnam. The initiative aimed to showcase the excellence of South Korean medical technology and lay the groundwork for future market expansion in Vietnam.Organized as part of the “Seongnam City Regional Medical Device Education and Training Support Center” project
SEOUL, South Korea — Researchers at Yonsei University College of Medicine have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model that predicts atrial fibrillation (AF) by analyzing blood protein data, offering a novel tool for early detection of this common cardiac arrhythmia.The approach, requiring only a small blood sample, enables identification of individuals at risk for AF before symptoms manifest. The study was led by Professors Boyoung Joung, Daehoon Kim, and Hanjin Park from the Division of Cardiology, alongside Assistant Professor Pil-sung Yang from the Department of Biomedical Science
Hair loss is no longer confined to middle-aged men. Stress, environmental factors, and unhealthy lifestyle habits are increasingly causing hair thinning among younger individuals. Seasonal transitions, in particular, exacerbate hair fall and scalp sensitivity, heightening concerns about hair loss.While many seek products and treatments to prevent hair loss, a critical factor is often overlooked: diet. Mario Ortiz, a Spanish nutritionist with hundreds of thousands of TikTok followers, emphasizes, “Healthy hair begins with a good diet.” He advocates for a balanced intake of nutrients, with pro
Social media has transformed emotional sharing into a daily ritual. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook serve as digital diaries where users broadcast their feelings—joy, anger, heartbreak, or triumph—in real time. Others respond instantly, creating a relentless cycle of emotional exchange that operates 24/7. This constant exposure to human sentiment is taking a toll. Mental health experts warn that the incessant documentation and consumption of emotions is leaving users emotionally drained and psychologically vulnerable. A Growing Mental Health ConcernThe phenomenon extends beyo
Hypertension often progresses silently, without noticeable symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, or kidney failure. In South Korea, the prevalence of hypertension has been steadily rising, with increasing cases among individuals in their 20s and 30s. Management becomes especially critical after age 40.While medication is commonly used to lower blood pressure, small changes in daily habits can significantly aid in controlling hypertension. This article explores practical lifestyle adjustments that can be implemented immediat
