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Check your health before it’s too late
Find out that you have a health problem before it is too
late to cure it. In essence, this was the message to the Pattaya City Expats
Club on Sunday, August 18, from Gavin Waddell, International Marketing
Executive from Phyathai Hospital Sriracha.
MC Roy Albiston opens the
18th of August meeting of Pattaya City Expats Club at the Amari’s Tavern by
the Sea, by welcoming new members and visitors.
He spoke on the importance of physical checkups and what
all those tests are telling the doctors and us about our body’s condition.
He also brought along a nurse to do blood pressure checks for those that
wanted them; an important check that should be done periodically as high
blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” as there are no symptoms and
over time it can cause conditions that may prove fatal.
One test in any basic physical examinations is the chest X-ray. Gavin noted
it is used to diagnose conditions affecting the chest, heart, lungs, and
nearby structures. It can aide in identifying many conditions such as
Pneumonia and congestive heart failure. The Electrocardiogram (commonly
referred to as an EKG or ECG) is another common test. It measures electrical
waves from the heart. A doctor can identify abnormalities in the graphic
presentation of these waves which may indicate the need for more tests such
as an exercise stress test to determine if you have a serious heart
condition.
PCEC were fortunate to have
Gavin Waddell, International Marketing Executive from Phyathai Hospital
Sriracha (also a PCEC member) stand in for the scheduled doctor who was
unable to attend due to an urgent operation. Gavin spoke of the importance
of regular checkups, and the conditions that can be diagnosed with checkups.
Here he discusses the role of the ECG in diagnosis.
Another test is the ultrasound of the whole abdomen.
Gavin pointed out its advantages including it is non-invasive and no advance
preparation is usually needed. Doctors can learn a lot about the condition
of important organs such as the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and abdominal
tissue. Gavin did note that ultrasound waves do not travel through air or
gas, thus it is not very useful for examining the colon or bowels. Another
test, the colonoscopy, is used to examine these organs and is usually
obtained separate from the basic checkup.
He mentioned that the urine examination is important as there are hundreds
of compounds that can be found in urine and it can tell the doctor a lot
about your current condition. By checking the color, clarity, and odor of
the urine, it can disclose many things about your body. A multitude of
things affect urine color, including fluid balance, diet, medicines, and
diseases. How dark or light the color indicate how much water is in it, thus
evidencing whether you are dehydrated. Further, urine is normally clear.
Bacteria and blood along with other things can make urine look cloudy; thus
indicating infection or other condition in need of treatment. Also, urine
does not smell very strong. Some diseases cause a change in the odor of
urine. For example, an infection with E. coli bacteria can cause a bad odor,
while diabetes or starvation can cause a sweet, fruity odor.
Gavin described the chest
X-ray, ECG, ultrasound and blood tests, and their role in early detection of
abnormalities. He talked about the cells of the blood and their functions,
in this case platelets and their function in clotting the blood when
bleeding occurs.
Another important test is a blood test referred to as a
CBC (complete blood count). Gavin explained how the blood is made up of red
blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. He described what each of
these do in the body and how higher or lower than normal count can lead to
diagnosis of infection, anemia, and other conditions. He then described two
other blood tests that are important. One is for cholesterol and
triglycerides and the other is for kidney function. The first of these can
tell the doctor if you are at high risk for heart artery disease such as
build up of plaque that can block blood flow to the heart; thus indicating a
need for change in diet or medication to reduce the risk.
The BUN test is a kidney function test. BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen.
Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. Gavin explained that
this test can be done to measure the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.
Higher-than-normal levels may be due to congestive heart failure, excessive
protein levels in the gastrointestinal tract, gastrointestinal bleeding,
heart attack, kidney failure, shock, and urinary tract obstruction.
Lower-than-normal levels may be due to liver failure, low protein diet,
malnutrition, and over-hydration.
A Creatinine blood test is another means of checking for liver function.
Creatinine is a breakdown product of Creatinine Phosphate in muscle, and is
usually produced at a fairly constant rate by the body. Creatinine is
removed from the body entirely by the kidneys. If kidney function is
abnormal, Creatinine levels will increase in the blood because less
Creatinine is released through your urine. As with the BUN test, higher or
lower than normal levels can indicate a number of adverse health conditions.
In conclusion, Gavin wanted to reiterate the importance of physical
checkups. They can often identify conditions that can be treated before they
become so severe they are untreatable or more difficult to treat.
After Gavin’s presentation Master of Ceremonies Roy Albiston brought
everyone up to date on upcoming events, then called on Tony Heron to conduct
the interesting and informative open forum where questioned are asked and
answered about Expat living in Thailand.
To learn more about the Pattaya City Expats Club activities or other issues
affecting Expat living in Thailand, visit the Club’s website at:
www.pattayacityexpatsclub.com.
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Central Festival presents awards
to 10 community role models
Gerry Rasmus (right) was awarded
with Pattaya’s Greatest Expat Contributor 2013 for his work on Pattaya
environmental issues over the past seven years.
Warunya Thongrod
Central Festival Pattaya Beach lauded local athletes, politicians and
celebrities for their work in the community as the beachfront mall opened its
summer Grand Festival.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Central Festival General Manager hosted the Aug. 17
“Pattaya’s Greatest Contributors” awards to 10 individuals who either work or
live in Pattaya.
“During the entire four years Central Festival Pattaya Beach has been open, the
mall has been very well received and reputed as the best and largest department
store in the eastern region,” Kasin said, kicking off the two-day festival
featuring a concert, fashion show and promotions.
Among the award recipients was Itthiphol himself, lauded by Kasin for his
service during his more than four years in office.
Other politicians handed prizes were MP Poramet Ngampichet,
who was dubbed the “most attractive male,” and Pheu Thai party members and
Education Ministry secretary Chanyuth Hengtrakul, who was given the “warmest
family” award.
The “Greatest Expat Contributor” award when to Gerry T. Rasmus, head of the
Pollution Solution Group, for his work on Pattaya environmental issues over the
past seven years.
Athletes who hail from or work in Pattaya were also heralded, with teen
windsurfing star Siriporn Kaewduang-ngam, the winner of the Youth Olympics,
Asian Beach Games and SEA Games, winning “most athletic female.” Prem
Bussarakhamwong, MD of Fairtex Sport Club & Hotel won the “most athletic male”
prize.
Representatives from Pattaya’s two big transvestite cabarets
got the nods for “best fashionista,” with Alisa Phanthusak, assistant managing
director for Tiffany Show named the female winner and Phawin Phettrakul, general
manager for the Alcazar Show, taking the male honors.
The “most charming” award was given to Bundarik Kusolvitya, president of Thai
Hotels Association Eastern Region, while the “best artist” award was presented
to Mintra Morales, winner of the third season of FanTV’s talent show “Kwa Mike.”
“I have to congratulate the administrators of Central Festival and those who
have received awards since this mall, apart from bringing happiness to Pattaya
citizens, has sponsored and cooperated with the public through sponsoring
tourism and creative activities, bringing life to the society conducted every
year,” Itthiphol said.
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German celebrity becomes honorary member of Rotary
(L to R) Rotary District 3340
Past Gov. Peter Malhotra (left) pins the honorary Rotary badge on Reiner
Calmund’s jacket, as Club President Dr. Otmar Deter looks on.
Elfi Seitz
German television star and author Reiner Calmund has been named an
honorary member of the Rotary Club of Phoenix-Pattaya for his charity work with
children in Thailand and his home country.
Otmar Deter, president of the Phoenix club, the only German-language Rotary
chapter in Asia, and Rotarian Juergen Schlag proposed the membership despite the
former football manager’s busy schedule.
Calmund visits Pattaya three times a year and he and his third wife, Sylvia,
this year adopted a girl from the Pattaya Orphanage.
Reiner Calmund proudly displays the
honorary membership certificate.
The Phoenix club celebrated the appointment Aug. 13 with
German Ambassador Rolf Schulze attending, along with Radchada Chomjinda, head of
the Thai unit of the Human Help Network. Calmund is a board member with HHN
Germany. Also in attendance was Sharron Purtell, sister of orphanage founder
Father Ray Brennan.
Rotary District 3340 Past Gov. Pratheep Malhotra welcomed Calmund to the circle
of Rotarians, explaining some of the principles of the Rotary Club.
Young dancers from the Pattaya
Orphanage congratulate Rotary Phoenix-Pattaya’s newest honorary member, Reiner
Calmund.
Calmund’s friend, Jürgen Schlag, took the stage for a
testimonial and Rotarian Heiko Klimanschewsky called Calmund to the stage to
answer questions about his life.
Schulze followed, lauding Calmund for his work with children, telling
Phoenix-Pattaya members they were lucky to have him.
Malhotra pinned the honorary Rotary badge on Calmund’s jacket and passed the
membership certificate on to him.
Children from the Pattaya Orphanage closed the evening with a dance.
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Ambassador joins Pattaya expats
to celebrate Swiss National Day
The ambassador of Switzerland, HE Christine
Schraner-Burgener (center) is welcomed by Fredi Schaub and his partner Miss Nisa
Poonchaliaw.
Elfi Seitz
Swiss Ambassador Christine Schraner-Burgener celebrated Swiss National
Day with Pattaya expats at an only-slightly delayed party at Bruno’s Restaurant
in Jomtien Beach.
Proprietor Fredi Schaub welcomed the ambassador to the Aug. 9 event to
commemorate the July 31 national day.
Both dining rooms were crammed full with guests who jostled to talk with
Schraner-Burgener and pose for photos.
Schaub welcomed guests with a few words and passed the microphone on to the
ambassador, who expressed her gratitude in being able to be amongst them on this
occasion.
The local festivities followed official National Day commemorations Aug 1 in
Bangkok where she, her husband Christoph Burgener - the ambassador for Myanmar,
Laos and Cambodia - joined Swiss embassy employees, Thai politicians,
ambassadors from other nations and business leaders for the celebration.
Schraner-Burgener toasted HM the King of Thailand and the federal councilor of
Switzerland followed by playing of each of the nations’ anthems. The Swiss
anthem was sung and yodeled by three musicians from Switzerland. Carina Walker,
the famous “Walliser Yodeling Girl” and her parents played and sang much to the
enjoyment of all the Swiss.
In three languages, the ambassador thanked guests and spoke of the tight
relationship between Thailand and Switzerland. She noted that while her official
term ends this year, she’ll continue living in the kingdom for two more years
while her husband serves in Myanmar.
In an interview with Pattaya Mail on TV, Schraner-Burgener said she always
enjoys coming to Pattaya and is eager to get updates on various Swiss clubs and
organizations.
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Amari hosts joint
chamber networking
Recently, the American Chamber of Commerce Thailand (AMCHAM Thailand) hosted a
joint Chamber Summer networking event at Amari Orchid Pattaya. The joint
chambers consisted of the Australian Chamber of Commerce Thailand (AustCham),
British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT), South African Chamber of Commerce
Thailand (SACC), and the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC) who were warmly
welcomed as a new participant to the joint Chamber events. All members were
welcomed by Brendan Daly, General Manager of Amari Orchid Pattaya. (L to R)
Brendan Daly, General Manager of Amari Orchid Pattaya; Simon Matthew, Vice
Chairman of BCCT; Karl-Heinz Heckhausen, President of GTCC; Judy A. Benn,
Executive Director of AMCHAM Thailand; Matthew Bradley, President of AMCHAM
Thailand; David R. Nardone, President & Chief Executive Officer of Hemaraj Land
and Development Public Company Limited; David Bell, Director of AustCham
Thailand; Jorg Buck, Executive Director of GTCC.
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Water 4 Life 24/7 water filters donated to Koto & Miss Gat
(L to R) Paul, Ms Gat, Gerry
(Koto), and Neo.
On Friday 16th of August ReStart Life visited Koto to deliver
Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard’s water filters to a poor family in the area. Green
Pattaya also gave Koto a water filter, an official stamp for meetings with
Pattaya City Hall and a banner.
Ms Gat, as we know her, always helps Koto clean the beaches around Jomtien with
Nit Noi. Ms Gat does not have an easy life but she always smiles. Despite her
problems, she is always happy. In contrast, we see how easy our lives are. We
can take a step back and see how happy she is with so little and so many
problems.
ReStart Life is looking for a hospital or a donor who can help Ms Gat with her
daily medical needs to make her life better. By cleaning the beaches daily, she
helps the community with no compensation.
The family with the father also takes care of some stray dogs in their small
“house”. Thanks to the Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard Water 4 Life filters,
everybody can drink clean water. ReStart Life project will be back later to see
how they are doing.
Paul and Neo, Rotary Members from RCES, presented the water filters. ReStart
Life, Green Pattaya & Water 4 Life 24/7 are Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard
projects.
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