In this issue, we’re devoting special attention to bone and joint health. While aging plays a key role in many painful bone and joint problems, more and more younger adults are suffering a range of bone and joint ailments — often caused by unhealthy habits — that can prove harmful to quality of life.

Back pain and neck pain are two of the most common problems affecting adults of all ages. While most painful episodes are only temporary, those afflicted with chronic conditions endure long term suffering that can deal a serious blow to the quality of everyday life.

As part of this issue’s special focus on bones and joints, Better Health turned to Dr. Verapan Kuansongtham, an orthopedic surgeon and Director of Bumrungrad’s Spine Specialists Center, for an expert look at how advances in treating chronic back and neck pain are helping patients enjoy healthier, less painful lives.

Your joints need preventive health, too.
Although joint pain is an all-too-common result of the aging process and everyday wear-and-tear, it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Better Health examines the important preventive steps that can keep joints and bones in good health and free from pain year after year.

Exercise without injury.
Regular exercise and sporting activities play important roles in a healthy lifestyle. But improper techniques and lack of preparation can put even the most active people at risk for serious injuries.

Break your bad bone habits.

Painful joint and bone ailments aren’t solely a matter of getting older.  Everyday bad habits and unhealthy lifestyle choices are behind a growing number of bone problems affecting adults of all ages.

It’s time to challenge the conventional wisdom that getting older is the main cause of bone and joint problems

• Exercising when young helps bones age better.
• The dangers of sitting too long.
• Movement helps Achilles tendon healing

 

Bumrungrad welcomes new doctors.

Take an up-close look at the individual specialties and backgrounds ofsome of the recent additions to Bumrungrad’s medical team.

Providing the highest standards of patient care requires a hospital-wide commitment and  professional expertise. Bumrungrad continues to strengthen its team of over 1,200 world  class doctors by recruiting physicians of the highest caliber, offering outstanding professional credentials and advanced training across the full spectrum of medical sub-specialties.

Pain in the back and neck, and other bone and joint ailments, are pervasive problems — and the source of some interesting questions from Better Health readers.

Dr. Wasin Kulsomboon, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, helps shed light on bone and joint-related health issues.

Great Chefs 2011: A year of eco-friendly delights

Bumrungrad’s popular Great Chefs program began its 12th year with the launch of “Good Food that’s Good for the Earth.”

Give the gift of a healthy heart

Your support can do wonders for those in need. “Bumrungrad Rak Jai Thai,” a charitable program created by the Bumrungrad Hospital Foundation, in conjunction with Bumrungrad International, the Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand and Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO).

Welcome to Better Health, the magazine for patients and friends of Bumrungrad International Hospital. Every life lost to cancer is felt by many people. When you consider that cancer will claim another 11 million lives by the year 2030, it would be hard to deny that the disease is a formidable threat not to be underestimated.