July 29th, 2010 | No Comments »

by Denise

Obesity is technically defined as someone who weighs roughly about 50 pounds or more than a healthy weight range based on height. Nearly one in three Americans are overweight, leading to a drastic increase in medical conditions related to obesity – diabetes, joint pain, hypertension, breathing difficulties and limited mobility.

High quality medical care is available to Americans in such destinations as Mexico, Argentina, India and Singapore. The Joint Commission International, ensuring quality and excellence in education, training and procedures offered around the world accredits medical facilities in foreign countries.

 Receiving procedures like gastric bypass, gastroplasty, lap banding or stomach stapling in foreign countries take advantage of high quality, low cost yet quality standard medical procedures. The Antiobesity Center in Cancun, Mexico is an accredited and competitive medical facility that offers a blend of classic luxury and 21st-century state-of-the-art medical equipment and medical training.

The Sanoviv Medical Institute in Rosarito, Mexico offers patients affordable medical care with advanced technology, high-tech facilities and compassionate and understanding staff to patients seeking a variety of bariatric surgeries.  The 365mc’s Obesity Clinic and Bariatric Surgery Center in Seoul, South Korea offers that countries number one rated obesity clinic for the best in weight-loss surgical procedures, high quality care and customer oriented medical services.

Bariatric or obesity surgeries in the U.S. can cost between $17,000 and $30,000. Those traveling to global destinations may enjoy savings of tens of thousands of dollars in such locations as Mexico, South America and India. Accredited, state-of-the-art equipment and technology are making global obesity surgeries popular, common, and affordable in the 21st century.


July 28th, 2010 | No Comments »

by Denise

In recent years, medical tourism in Panama has grown nearly 20% every year as consumers seek quality yet affordable health care outside domestic borders. Panama City, Panama’s capital, is one of Central America’s most technologically advanced, modern and cosmopolitan cities in Latin America and offers amenities, accommodations, dining and entertainment options for travelers of all ages and interests.

Health and medical tourism in Panama in facilities and healthcare providers and clinics like Ageless Wonders Panama offer world-class and high-tech medical treatments in a multitude of fields including but not limited to cosmetic and plastic surgery, vision care, dental services, and dermatological services.

Medical treatment in Panama, affordable surgery in Panama City and doctors and surgeons in Panama City, one of the largest in the country, offer superlative and highly experienced treatments, procedures and surgeries. Health tourism in Central and South American destinations continues to rise as people seek effective quality care at affordable prices.

Panama is considered one of the most favorite medical tourist destinations in Latin America, where North American consumers can save at least 50% or more on the cost of equal medical care and procedures in the United States.

Healthcare providers in Panama, including physicians and surgeons, are often trained in the United States and utilize the same techniques and procedures and medications as those found in the United States. In addition to the tropical attraction of Panama for medical tourists, visitors may benefit from the fact that the majority of medical providers in Panama are bilingual, board-certified, and utilize the same technology and equipment found throughout the United States and Europe.


July 27th, 2010 | No Comments »

by Denise

Located in Croatia, Terme Selce, an increasingly popular and renowned sports injury and rehabilitation facility located in Croatia, provides support and rehab to sports enthusiasts, amateur and professional athletes around the world.

For innovative medical approaches and rehabilitation for a variety of sports injuries, conditions, and physical therapy treatments and methodologies, Terme Selce offers over ten years of experience and expertise to the field. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that combines internal medicine, orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, Terme Selce adheres to high standards in care and service with proven results in sports medicine, bringing patients back on multiple occasions to benefit from their expertise.

Medical providers such as PlacidWay, a medical tourism and resource portal based in Denver, Colorado, gives those searching for international health care options the chance to find world-class physical therapy or sports injury clinics and doctors in all parts of the globe, including Croatia.

Terme Selce offers a variety of services in health and sport related services including:

  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Sports injuries and sports medicine
  • Cardiovascular disease prevention
  • Osteoporosis and other bone degenerative rehabilitation

Specialty Facilities at Terme Selce offer:

  • Neurologists
  • Internists
  • Cardiologists
  • Orthopedic professionals in pediatric and adult programs and therapies

Diagnostics provided at the facility include but are not limited to:

  • Muscular strength and endurance tests
  • Ultrasound
  • Doppler
  • Electrocardiograms
  • Ergometry

Services provided at Terme Selce focus on sports such as football, skiing, tennis, and martial arts, all monitored and designed by Dr. Brozicevic and her experienced and certified team.


July 25th, 2010 | No Comments »

by Denise

Robotic surgical technologies have introduced the highly acclaimed and sought-after Da Vinci robotic surgery equipment, a combination of computerized medical technology and robotics designed to mimic and translate the hand movements of a surgeon through robotic arms and instruments to create extremely precise and fine surgical movements that enhance breakthrough surgical capabilities. Da Vinci robotic surgery is utilized in:

  • Cardiovascular surgery
  • Gynecology
  • Endocrine surgery
  • Urology
  • General surgery

It’s the latest development in robotic surgery that utilizes various forms of robotic equipment, including robotic-assisted laparoscopic, endoscopic, and thoracoscopy surgical procedures. Robotic surgery combines computer assisted technologies with fine surgical tools to provide enhanced access to various body areas, often utilizing special scopes and equipment controlled by surgeons via a monitor and hand attachments in the operating room.

The Florence Nightingale Hospital and the Istanbul Center for Robotic Surgery are located in the heart of Istanbul, offering treatment options for international patients from around the globe. For experienced and internationally recognized and highly respected results and adherence to global quality standards in medical care and surgery, Florence Nightingale Hospitals have proven their skill and efficacy using the da Vinci Surgical System.

Robotic surgery enables and surgeons to make more extremely precise and controlled movements than traditional open-surgical techniques and procedures. Da Vinci robotic surgery enables patients to undergo a variety of surgical procedures with less blood loss, pain, and scarring. Shorter recovery times, faster recuperation periods as well as reduced risk of infection and complications are just a few of the benefits of a robotic surgery.


July 24th, 2010 | No Comments »

by Denise

Four major valves are found in the heart (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonary) and all must be functioning properly in order to maintain adequate as well as direction of blood flow. The most commonly replaced valves in the heart or the mitral and aortic valves. Heart valve replacement surgery is a surgical procedure that replaces heart valves that have narrowed and obstructed blood flow into or out of the heart due to a multitude of factors. This type of surgery also helps to replace leaky or malfunctioning valves within the heart muscle.

Heart valve replacement procedures may be categorized under open-heart surgery, minimally invasive valve surgery and valvuloplasty. Open-heart valve replacement surgery requires the heart be exposed in an operating room. Minimally invasive heart surgery is performed through smaller incisions made on the side of the chest rather than through the sternum, most often for mitral valve repair or replacement, aortic valve repair or replacement and tricuspid valve repair or replacement

Heart valve replacement or repair in the United States costs an average of $25,000 per valve. Mitral valve replacement may cost around $14,000 to $20,000, depending on hospital or surgical center location. Many patients undergoing multiple valve replacement surgical procedures may expect to pay up to $100,000 for such services.

Medical travelers to India enjoy the same quality of service at greater savings, with single valve replacements generally costing around $9,500 and double valve replacements costing around $11,500.

PlacidWay, a major medical provider and resource, profiles  qualified, accredited and excellent cardiac surgeons and heart care facilities abroad.


July 22nd, 2010 | No Comments »

by Denise

Preventive medical treatments combining conventional and alternative medicine therapies are gaining favor, especially among American cancer patients, who must be prepared to spend tens of thousands of dollars on traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, medications or surgery.

Some alternative medical practitioners such as AMG or Advanced Medical Group in Mexico believe that a large number of cancers are preventable and take a holistic approach to care, determining the causes of many cancers. Integrative medical care combines natural cancer treatments with traditional cancer treatments when necessary. Common alternative medical therapies to cancer care include:

  • Iscadore – a plant substance that produces venom, commonly used to build a person’s resistance or desensitization through the development of anti bodies, which may be used to attack cancer cells.
  • Vitamin C – produces cytokines which control the immune system’s response, and may help slow cancer growth.
  • Laetrile -healthy cells in the body can synthesize Laetrile, but cancer cells can’t.  Laetrile infuses cancer cells with cyanide, effectively killing them.
  • Thymus Extract – the thymus is responsible for producing lymphocytes, which help find and destroy cancerous tumor cells.
  • Countries around the world are conducting clinical trials, studies and research hoping to take advantage of stem cell therapies and procedures to treat, improve quality of life and hopefully cure patients with a cancer diagnosis.

Individuals accessing reputable and reliable sources of information such as PlacidWay can find traditional and alternative treatments, procedures and therapies for cancer treatment around the globe, offering more options, affordability and access to cancer care, cancer treatments and remission.


July 21st, 2010 | No Comments »

by Denise

LASIK employs a specially designed laser instead of traditional surgical tools to perform corrective eye surgery. The most commonly performed Lasik (often spelled LASIK) include LASIK, Epi-LASIK, PRK, Wavefront LASIK and LASIK Monovision.

The laser part of the surgery refers to the process of using light amplification by stimulated emissions of radiation. This low wattage laser is used in many toys and light pointers on a daily basis, and does not caused nearly as much damage to eye tissues as traditional surgical procedures using scalpels.

Lasik eye surgery is an outpatient procedure, with minimum complications that takes less than 30 minutes to perform, which cuts back on costs. Lasik is a highly technical and effective technique that is able to eliminate significant visual impairment.

In the United States, Lasik eye surgery can run anywhere between $500-$1000 per eye.  In most cases, vision insurance does not cover the procedure in the United States. Patients traveling to foreign destinations such as MedTravel Ecuador offer the best eye/Lasik care in Ecuador, while travelers who find themselves  in Istanbul may benefit from the best eye surgeons in Turkey at locations like the Acibadem Healthcare Group.

Affordable eye hospitals in Singapore or the best eye care in Poland offers today’s consumers the best in choice and options in eye surgery, laser eye procedures and Lasik eye procedures. The Ahalia Foundation Eye Hospital in Kerala, India and facilities like it offer affordable eye care and savings of between 30 and 70% on cost of procedures in the U.S.


July 20th, 2010 | No Comments »

by Denise

Did you know that dental implants are one of the most common dental procedures performed by dentists around the world? They’re designed to replace teeth lost due to trauma, gum disease, tooth decay, and other imperfections. Dental implants are often  used to replace single, multiple or entire tooth structures in the upper or lower jaw.

Unfortunately, dental implants in the U.S. can be expensive, with the average cost of dental implants ranging from $1,000-$5,000 per tooth. Extensive reconstructive dental implants can cost anywhere from $20,000-$100,000. The same procedures performed across borders, especially in Mexico, South America and in European countries such as Hungary, cost substantially less, with savings of up to 75%.

Cosmetic dental procedures, like dental technologies and treatments from braces to extending crowns and dental implants benefit those who have suffered tooth injury or loss due to genetics, disease processes or poor oral hygiene. Like dental implants, cosmetic dentistry in the U.S. often comes with a high price tag. Bonding may cost $300-$600 a tooth, and crowns may cost anywhere from $800-$1,000.

Dental treatment abroad offers options. Dental professionals and clinics in South America, Hungary, and Asia offer the same services for quite a bit less. For example, dental services in dental clinics like All Smiles in Bangalore, India for porcelain or metal crowns or bridges cost only $125 to $300 each, while in the U.S. the same services range from $750 to $1,200. Travelers to Argentina can save up to 70% on dental procedures, and in Europe, travelers to facilities like Dental Implants Croatia in Dubrovnik may pay roughly half such costs for implants to bleaching or teeth whitening procedures.



July 19th, 2010 | No Comments »

by Denise

Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medical treatment in the world.  It evolved thousands of years ago in India and is based on the belief that medical conditions should be treated through a blend of body, mind, and spirit, not only to prevent entries a wide variety of illnesses, but also to encourage wellness. It’s growing popularity in the United States and around the world, medical doctors and others in the healthcare field practice both complementary and alternative medicine with traditional forms of practice.

Common Ayurvedic treatments include yoga, herbal treatments and therapies, massage, meditation, cleansing and detoxification methodologies and exercise. A cleansing and detoxification treatment known as Ayurvedic Panchakarma works to get rid of harmful toxins that cause an imbalance between the mind, body and spirit. An herbal cleansing might also be suggested in order to prepare the body for the Ayurvedic process.

Individuals who undergo an Ayurvedic treatment at facilities like Ahalia Ayurvedic Hospital in India benefit from both internal cleansing and relaxation techniques that promote health, well-being and an increase of energy. Internal cleansing also helps the organs to work to their fullest capacity, reducing sluggishness and toxin buildup.

In the U.S., approximate costs for Panchakarma range about $367 a day to $645 a day for a 3 to 4-day stay within a medical spa or health retreat facility. Medical travelers to India may benefit from lower costs, which are approximately $395 for a 4-day retreat or roughly $1,600 for a complete week’s stay at the Indus Valley Ayurveda Center in Mysore, India. For the best detox programs in Ayurvedic approaches to health and wellness, go to the source. Ayurvedic treatment in India offers the best in Ayurvedic technique and benefits.


July 18th, 2010 | No Comments »

by Denise

Those traveling abroad for medical care or services may very likely already have prescriptions for a variety of medications; pain killers, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral meds or other pills for heart conditions, diabetes, anti-seizure drugs and so on. You may be heading for affordable orthopedic knee surgery in India or other medical care abroad on your medical tourism travels or be returning to your home country with medications as well.

Make sure you follow basic guidelines regarding taking medications or drugs on your person or in your carry-on bags to avoid being detained or having your costly meds tossed in the trash by border agents, security check personnel, or customs agents.

If you have a preexisting medical issue that requires you to take medications while you’re away from home traveling abroad to places around the world like Jordan, Latin America or even if you’re just traveling for dental services at facilities like Alfadent in beautiful Cancun, Mexico, get a letter from your physician or health care provider describing your condition and the medications you’re required to take for it. Information should contain the drug name (both Brand and generic if stated), the dosage and the reason for the medication.

Keep all pills and medications in their original containers, with pharmacy labels affixed.

Check with the embassy of the country you’re planning on visiting and make sure your current medications are not considered narcotic drugs in that country. You can check a listing of foreign embassies at the U.S. Department of State.

If you have allergies to medicines or foods, wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace, suggests the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Health tourism and surgery abroad are growing options for medical travel and medical care around the world, but travel safe and travel smart.


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