International Medical Insurance News

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) infectious diseases are now prone to spreading through a population, and consequently around the world, faster than ever before. With the rapid emergence of international travel and a number of new, highly contagious, viruses and bacteria, there is the potential for a devastating epidemic of a number of illnesses throughout the global community. Since the early 1970’s, 39 new contagious diseases have been brought to light, and since 2002 the WHO has identified over 1,100 epidemics from diseases such as Cholera, Typhoid, Polio, and Avian flu (H5N1 virus).

A new study has shown that people who consume more than 12 ounces of soda every day are more likely to suffer from heart disease. The risk, which increases by nearly 50% with the regular consumption of more than one can of soda every day, is raised regardless of whether the drink is of diet or regular variety. The risk is associated with metabolic syndrome, a condition that comprises a number of health problems that arise in association with poor health choices. Metabolic syndrome is the cause of health threats like hypertension and obesity, both of which can lead to heart problems.

American children who are either underinsured, or who have no insurance, are more at risk for a number of diseases and illnesses. Why? Simply because they do not have access to the necessary vaccinations and preventative healthcare that children who have health insurance receive. A study by the Harvard Medical School cites an increase in the costs of vital medicines and recommended vaccines as the primary factor in limiting a child’s access to these treatments. 2.3 million Children in the USA do not have protection from illnesses such as meningitis, hepatitis, and other vital vaccines, and scientists are concerned that this could lead to a future health catastrophe.

With the release of Michael Moore’s new political documentary, SiCKO, America’s health care system has been under quite a bit of scrutiny. The deficiencies of national health policy and public health programs have been exposed, as well as those of private health insurance providers. On the eve of the 2008 election and likely regime change, Democratic and Republican candidates alike understand that an organized plan for health care reform can take their campaign a long way. In the following paragraphs I will
summarize the ideas proposed by three leading candidates.

A recent medical discovery that some have been heralding as a “breakthrough” is changing the scope of medical prosthetic capability. The field of facial prosthetics, for patients who had lost an eye, ear or other part of their face, has long been far behind most of the rest of medical appliances. But a new utilization of computer imagery makes prosthetics that are so real looking that it changes the face (literally) of the industry.

High Blood pressure, or hypertension, is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people around the world. A healthy individual will normally have blood pressure of below 120/80 and the optimal blood pressure for a normal health adult is 115/75; individuals who are suffering from hypertension will typically have display blood pressure above 130/85. There are many reasons for a person to suffer from hypertension, genetics, environment, insulin resistance, lifestyle, and salt sensitivity all play significant roles in the development of this condition. With so many potential causes, high blood pressure is treated in a number of different ways, and this can cause the condition to be extremely expensive.

In the modern world many people are choosing to retire to far off and exotic destinations. Some of these places offer extreme luxury, while others are chosen for the lack of impact that they have on a wallet. Whatever the reason, people are still moving to these places, and this is why.

In terms of medical technology, science fiction is becoming science reality very quickly. The developments that have happened in this field over the last 10 years are things that only authors such as Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, and Orson Scott Card could have envisioned. Looking at the past, and seeing what corporations and research teams are currently trying to do, the next 10 years of medical development could be just as exciting.

The debate on universal healthcare in the USA has seen a lot of action in the recent weeks. With the republican and democratic primaries now well under way many candidates are using this issue as a hot topic with the voters, and in turn, are splitting their parties into two camps; those for and those against universal health care. However, there has been a new development with this issue as a number of multinational corporations are stepping in and actively voicing their stance in favour of a universal healthcare service in the USA.

Selenium, a naturally occurring element that is similar in its atomic make up to sulfur, may have the ability to help provide additional support to individuals who are suffering from the HIV/AIDS virus. New studies conducted at the University of Miami showed that selenium may actually boost the function of many AIDS patient’s immune system, providing, in conjunction with antiretroviral therapies (ART), much needed support for dealing with the deadly disease.

There are a number of medical conditions that post menopausal women have to worry about, from hot flashes to osteoporosis. The list of health risks that affect women who have gone through menopause keeps getting longer, and the newest addition is none other than a barbecue. New studies have shown that women who eat more barbecued, smoked, and roasted meat have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes an individual to have lower bone mass levels than a healthy person. This lower bone mass leads to an increased likelihood of fractures and breaks, and can lead to a significantly reduced quality of life in persons who have the disease. Osteoporosis is a condition that affects more women than men, especially women who have already gone through menopause.

Coffee has played a significant role in human society since the 9th century AD when it was exported out of the Middle East. Today millions of people around the world drink coffee every day because of its social connotations, taste, and caffeine content. With strains from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, coffee has had a major impact on almost everyone in the world. However, the drink has much more to offer than many people think.

For those of you who have read the Orson Scott Card book Speaker for the Dead you will remember that one of the characters was blinded as a child and had bionic eyes, very much similar to those used by Geordie La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. A technological device that allows blind people to see or enhance a visual person’s vision has always been a mainstay in many different genres of science fiction; however the wistful imaginings of authors and script writers may soon become a reality.

Genetic defects and abnormalities can cause a number of serious conditions and diseases that have affected individuals for hundreds if not thousands of years. With mistranslated and nonsense genes at fault for a number of conditions including muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and Parkinson’s disease, curing a genetic disorder has always been virtually impossible. However, new studies of a drug called PTC124 have shown that is possible to override the genetic errors that lead to an individual displaying a genetic disorder.

Coffee and cigarettes are in, bacon and deli meats out… could the world get any stranger?

World wide medical costs are rapidly increasing. Trying to bear the burden of costly medical treatments while finding the highest quality health care available can be difficult. Many countries around the world have different levels of cost associated with their healthcare services. In an attempt to make understanding global medical costs easier we have highlighted some of the differences here.

When it comes to medical technology, historical science fiction is becoming present reality. Just looking at the state of modern medical procedures, you can see the progress that healthcare has made in the last century. In the last hundred years we have developed complex medications, joint replacement surgeries, the ability to actively see an individuals internal states without invasive surgery, and a multitude of other abilities that would have been unthinkable 50 years ago, let alone 100.

We all know that cigarettes are harmful to your health and have the ability to cause cancer, emphysema, and seriously damage cell tissue throughout a person’s body. Caffeine in high quantities also poses severe health risks if it is consumed in high quantities and can seriously affect an individual’s cardiovascular system. However, new studies have shown that both of these potentially unhealthy activities, when combined, can have the affect of offsetting and even delaying the symptoms that are associated with Parkinson’s disease (or PD).

Prostate Cancer; to all males, those two words can send shivers of fear running down their spine. In the United Kingdom about 32,000 men a year are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and about 10,000 actually die from the disease.

In life the only thing a person can do is expect the unexpected. But trying to foresee eventual calamities can’t be done. That’s why there is international heath insurance, so you can take care of yourself in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Cancer patients, your treatments could soon be available in the form of good old fashioned eggs. That’s right; scientists have developed genetically modified chickens that produce eggs containing anti-cancer proteins.