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PCEC meeting addresses delicate subject
The regular Sunday meeting of the Pattaya City Expats
Club got underway at the Amari’s Henry J. Beans Restaurant on Sunday, May
17, when, after the usual announcements, master of ceremonies (emcee) Les
Edmonds called on Gavin Waddell.
Gavin, who is a member of the Club, is also with the International Relations
Department at Phyathai Hospital in Sriracha. Gavin had brought a nurse from
the hospital who was providing free blood pressure checks in the back
alcove. Gavin first noted that the hospital was having several promotions in
May and a listing was being handed out. He then introduced Dr. Krisada
Pojanasuwanchai, M.D., noting that his specialty was general surgery and
that he had been with Phyathai Hospital in Sriracha for four years. Dr.
Krisada would be discussing what to many is a painful and embarrassing
subject; namely the curse of hemorrhoids.
 PCEC
member Gavin Waddell from the International Department at Phyathai Sriracha
Hospital introduces Dr. Krisada Pojanasuwanchai, M.D.
Dr. Krisada indicated that hemorrhoids are a common ailment and, if sporadic
and not severe, they do not call for any special medical treatment. However,
some people do suffer severe cases, which is cause for medical intervention.
He said he would discuss the definition, clinical presentation (symptoms),
classification, etiology (cause), risk factors, and treatment.
Hemorrhoids are cushions of sub-mucosal tissue containing vessel and smooth
muscle fiber that are located in the anal canal and are a normal part of the
anorectal anatomy. They are thought to function as part of the continence
mechanism and aid in complete closure of the anal canal.
There are two types, internal and external. Both can be present at the same
time. External hemorrhoids protrude from the anal canal (thrombosis -
swollen and inflamed veins). Internal hemorrhoids are inside the rectum.
They usually don’t cause discomfort, but straining or irritation when
passing stool can injure them and cause them to bleed. Occasionally,
straining can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anal opening. This is
known as a protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid and can cause pain and
irritation.
 PCEC
member Sermsak takes advantage of the free blood pressure checks kindly
provided by Phyathai Sriracha Hospital.
Dr. Krisada described the classification of internal hemorrhoids from Grade
I through IV. Grade I is a bulge into the anal canal. Grade II is a
prolapsed (slipped out of place) through the anus, but they reduce
spontaneously. Grade III is a prolapsed that must be reduced manually. Grade
IV is a prolapsed that cannot be reduced at risk of strangulation.
Hemorrhoids can be caused by chronic constipation (straining to pass stool)
or diarrhea; overuse of rectal enema; taking too much time to pass stool or
having difficulty passing stool because of pregnancy; cirrhosis produced
congestion of hemorrhoid; old age relaxing pelvic floor muscle; or a family
history (no other specific cause).
Treatment can be through non-operative management or through medical
therapy. Non-operative is usually effective with Grade I or II hemorrhoids.
This consists of eating a high fiber diet, intake of more fluids, taking a
stool softener, not using laxatives, and avoidance of straining to pass
stool.
Another procedure for Grade II internal hemorrhoids that are bleeding is
rubber band ligation. It is usually an outpatient treatment where a small
band is applied to the base of the hemorrhoid, stopping the blood supply to
the mass causing it to shrivel and die within a short period during normal
bowel movements. This procedure involves less pain than surgical treatments.
Dr. Krisak noted that complications can be urinary retention, infection,
bleeding, mild pain, and fever.
Sclerotherapy is another procedure that can be used for Grade I and II
hemorrhoids. A medicine is injected into the hemorrhoid, which makes it
shrink. A possible complication is infection. Infrared coagulation can also
be used to cauterize the affected tissues.
In Grade III or IV hemorrhoids, hemorrhoidectomy may be required. Using
slides to show the devices used, Dr. Krisada explained the surgical
procedures to remove hemorrhoids. One method is a stapled hemorrhoidectomy,
which is used in Grade III or uncomplicated Grade IV cases. This procedure
is usually painless, has a short operative time and hospital stay, and has a
rapid recovery time.
In severe Grade IV cases, surgery to excise and remove hemorrhoids may be
necessary. This procedure can result in patients suffering severe pain
during recovery. Dr. Krisada then took time to answer several questions from
the audience before turning the program back over to Emcee Les.
Emcee Les then updated everyone on upcoming events in and around Pattaya. He
called on Richard Silverberg, filling in for Hawaii Bob Sutterfield, to
conduct the ever popular and often humorous open forum, giving everyone an
opportunity to ask and answer questions about living in Pattaya and
Thailand.
Japanese hair stylists
visit Father Ray Foundation
Derek Franklin
Schwarzkopf International, the hair care product makers, in
collaboration with the Father Ray Foundation recently welcomed eight top hair
stylists from Japan to the Redemptorist Vocational School for People with
Disabilities.
 Many
of the male students wanted the same style as the person cutting their hair.
Each year Schwarzkopf invites a group of its best clients, salon owners and
stylists who use their products to visit a foreign country on a working holiday
to perform community service. This year the chosen country was Thailand and on
the morning of Tuesday, May 19, the hairdressers traveled from Bangkok and spent
the whole morning cutting, trimming and styling the students’ hair.
With the stylists having such fashionable hairstyles themselves many of the male
students wanted the same style as the person cutting their hair, and they got
exactly what they asked for. Once finished the look on their faces when they saw
their reflection in the mirror told everyone that they were pleased.
The young female students were a bit more particular when explaining what they
wanted; not too much cut off, not too much left on, and like their male
colleagues they were also happy with the results.
The students are very grateful for their new hairstyles, and a little surprised
that anyone would fly all the way from Japan just to cut their hair.
After completing more than sixty haircuts the stylists joined the students for
lunch where they received a small gift as a mark of gratitude.
Once finished the look on their
faces when they saw
their reflection in the mirror says it all.
Charity Club distributes certificates of appreciation to worthy sponsors
Christian Boden
It’s been a busy week for Malcolm and Christina Boden handing out
certificates of appreciation to worthy sponsors of the Charity Club of Pattaya.
 Malcolm
Boden (left) presents a certificate of appreciation to Keith and Koy, owners of
the Caddy Shack.
First stop was when Malcolm Boden of the Charity Club of Pattaya presented a
certificate of appreciation to Keith and Koy, owners of the Caddy Shack. Keith
and Koy have held various events to raise funds for the Club. To date they have
raised 196,920 baht for the club.
Next, Christina presented a certificate of appreciation to Meik Ruppert, M.D. of
Tryba Windows, Shutters and Doors, outside the UPVC windows and doors that he
put in at the home of Malcolm and Christina!
This is the first year that Tryba has been a Platinum Sponsor for the Charity
Club and we hope that in these troubled times it won’t be the last.
 Christina
hands over a certificate of appreciation to Meik Ruppert, M.D. of Tryba Windows
The next trip for Christina was down to 2nd Road to the offices of Northern Thai
Realty to hand over a certificate of appreciation to John Seymour, M.D. of
Northern Thai Realty. This is the third year John and Northern Thai have been a
sponsor.
The next get together to be hosted by the Charity Club of Pattaya will the
Club’s 5th birthday on Wednesday 1st July at the adopted home of the club the
Queen Victoria Inn on Soi 6 from 7 p.m.
For more information, contact Christina 0821094453, Malcolm on 0895454185, or
email charityclubofpattaya @yahoo.com
Christina presents a certificate
of appreciation
to John Seymour, M.D of Northern Thai Realty.
Silk fashion show calls for designers
Sawittree Namwiwatsuk
The planned “Silk Road Collection 2010” at the Pattaya International
Fashion Festival 2009 is calling for new fashion and textile designers to get
creative and enter its design competition.
Visut Valla, executive director
of Love Media, (left), Mayor Itthipol Khunplome and Somkid Tonsaipetch,
assistant manager of Zign Hotel, announce the Pattaya International Fashion
Festival 2009.
On May 16 at Zign Hotel Pattaya, Mayor Itthipol Khunplome, Visut Valla,
executive director of Love Media Co., Ltd., and Somkid Tonsaipetch, assistant
manager of the hotel gave details of the fashion show. It is scheduled to take
place on Saturday June 6, at the Zign Hotel.
Visut said they hope to create a new image, lift up the Thai fashion industry,
support Thai designers to create unique designs to meet international standard
and introduce Pattaya as a fashion city.
The concept will be ‘Silk Road Collection 2010’ where all patterns are unique,
combining creative ideas from local designers with local techniques, such as
tie-dye, with all fabrics supported by Thanakij Thai Fabric.
 A
model struts the catwalk in the latest silks designs.
It is a great chance for young designers to show their creativity and potential.
Designers aged 18-25 are invited to submit their contribution to Love Media.
All designed materials must be wearable. The design winner will receive 100,000
baht and have the opportunity to meet famous Thai designers.
Visut said the show will take place at Zign Hotel Pattaya. The catwalk will be
decorated with modern graphic patterns and silk to make a silk road runway with
decorative themes of seashore and butterflies to suggest freedom in Thai silk
design.
Mayor Itthipol said the fashion show is a cooperation between the city and the
private sector. It will help to introduce Pattaya as a fashion center city,
promote Thai fabrics and designers internationally and boost tourism.
To apply to enter the competition, please contact Love Media, 335/30 Plus Park
Avenue, Nonthaburi Road, T. Thasai, A. Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, telephone 0 2968
7184 9.
Great turnout for PILC monthly coffee morning
The special presentation of
shoeboxes filled with stationary
items for school was a great opportunity for the children to meet
the ladies who contributed to this wonderful scheme.
Kavita Lamba
Once again, the ladies of Pattaya International Ladies Club met for
their monthly coffee morning at Moore Bar & Grill. There was a great turnout,
with over eighty ladies who turned up to enjoy the wonderful selection of
sandwiches and pastries and catch up with friends.
 On
behalf of PILC members, Gillian Thom (right) bids a fond farewell to newsletter
editor Sam Wilson.
There was a special presentation of shoeboxes filled with stationary items for
school. The project started in January with the aim to fill two hundred brightly
decorated boxes ready for school and distribute to needy students for when they
return to school in May. To date one hundred and ten boxes have been filled with
necessary items and distributed to children from Kate’s project, Baan Jing Jai
and the Street Kids Independent Living Centre. This was a great opportunity for
the children to meet the ladies who contributed to this wonderful scheme.
Gillian Thom, president of PILC, made a few announcements about the upcoming
dates for welfare activities such as the monthly visit to the Garunyawet
Disabled Ladies Home and the Garage Sale at Phu Luang. Sadly, she was given the
task of bidding newsletter editor, Sam Wilson, farewell on behalf of the
members.
The club also welcomed four new members. For anyone wanting to join the group or
who would like more information about PILC, please contact President Gillian
Thom on 081 762 6003 or email pilc262@ yahoo.com.
The club welcomed four new
members.
Ladies leave Golden Cliff House with arms filled with red roses
The dancing abilities ranged from
beginners to expert level.
Kavita Lamba
Baile de la Rosa made yet another appearance in Thailand on Saturday May
16. Nick Verbeek, of Salsa Amante, devised the concept of Baile de la Rosa,
otherwise known as the Dance of the Roses, in Holland over twelve years ago.
 The
room was filled with the fragrance of roses.
This event was held at Golden Cliff House, where once again guests were treated
to a rather delicious rum laced fruit punch and Spanish style tapas. The ladies
left the event with their arms filled with red roses.
The dancing abilities ranged from beginners to expert level, with even a couple
of guests from abroad, and featured salsa, meringue and bachata. The guests were
given a break from the dancing to enjoy an Argentinean tango demonstration.
The room was filled with the aromas of food, different dance styles and the
fragrance of the roses. For those of you who missed out, don’t worry, Baile de
la Rosa will back in June. Check out the website www.salsaamante. com for
details. See you on the dance floor!
The guests were given a break from
the dancing
to enjoy an Argentinean tango demonstration.
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