MC Roger
Fox introduces fellow member Gavin Waddel, International Marketing Executive
for Phayathai Sriracha Hospital, to introduce the guest speaker Dr. Montien
Sirisuntornlak for his talk on osteoporosis.
Master of Ceremonies Roger Fox welcomed everyone to the
regular Sunday meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club on Sunday, January
16, 2011 at Amari Resort’s Tavern by the Sea. After the usual opening
announcements, he called on Club member Gavin Waddell, International
Marketing Executive for Phayathai Sriracha Hospital, to introduce the guest
speaker, Dr. Montien Sirisuntornlak. Dr. Montien is an Orthopedic Specialist
from the Hospital. Gavin also announced that members of the hospital staff
were present and giving free bone density checks.
Dr.
Montien explains the causes of osteoporosis, diagnosis and risk factors, and
how to treat it. Phayathai Sriracha Hospital supplemented Dr Montien’s talk
with free bone density checks for PCEC members.
Dr. Montien began by mentioning that he had previously
spoken to the Club about hip replacement surgery. Today, he said, he would
be talking about bone disease that affects the aged; women in particular.
The disease is called Osteoporosis, which is a bone disease that can
increase the risk of fracture.
Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone density which makes
the bones weak. Dr. Montien displayed a picture of a normal bone compared to
one with osteoporosis. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can break
from a relatively minor injury that normally would not cause a break. The
most common area for fracture are the spine, hips, ribs, and wrists. It can
be present without any symptoms; thus remaining undiagnosed until there is a
bone fracture.
Dr. Montien said that some of the risk factors are: being
a female, especially after menopause; family history of broken bones;
personal history of bone fracture as an adult; smoking; excessive alcohol
consumption; diet low in calcium; having a small body frame; and poor
nutrition.
‘And the
winner is’ ... Expat Club member Pat enjoys the prospect of a meal at one of
Hawaii Bob’s retinue of fine but more economical restaurants, as part of the
‘Frugal Freddy’ Monday dinners.
Osteoporosis is caused by loss of bone mass faster than
it can be created. He mentioned that the methods for diagnosing Osteoporosis
are through x-ray, bone density scan, urine or blood examination, and bone
biopsy. People who should have bone density testing are postmenopausal women
below age 65 who have risk factors; all women aged 65 or older; and anyone
with a personal history of bone fracture.
The primary treatment of osteoporosis is the prevention
of bone fractures by reducing bone loss or by increasing bone density and
strength. Prevention methods include lifestyle changes such as quitting
smoking, curtailing excessive alcohol drinking, exercising regularly, and
eating a balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D.
Dr. Montien mentioned there are medications to stop bone
loss and increase strength. The current medication of choice is
bisphosphonates. This can help reduce the risk of both spinal and hip
fractures, including people with previous bone breaks. Some others are
calcitonin and selective estrogen-receptor modulators (SERMs). SERMs are
similar, but not identical, to estrogen; thus they provide the bone benefits
of estrogen without increasing the risks for breast cancer.
After Dr. Montien answered several questions from the
audience, Roger Fox updated everyone on upcoming events and called on Judith
Edmonds to conduct the always informative and sometimes humorous Open Forum,
where questions about living in Thailand and Pattaya in particular are asked
and answered.
In her
introductory speech, Rungthip Suksrikarn, president of the Lions Club of
Pattaya-Pratamnak named the beneficiaries of this unique charity fund raiser.
Manoon Makpol
More than 100 actors and musicians took the stage January 15
for a Thai Cultural Show organized by the Lions Club of Pattaya-Pratamnak and
the Pattaya Cultural Council.
The noon show at the Tiffany Theater showcased Ramayana
accompanied by rare traditional poetic singing, various forms of ancient dances
including the long drum dance from the four regions of Thailand.
Famous comedians Yong and Nong Chernyim kept the audience in
stitches during the intermissions.
Proceeds from the show will go toward the Lions’ charity
efforts, including its Thai encyclopedia distribution, drinking water,
scholarship cataract operations projects.
Former Tourism and Sports Minister Sonthaya Kunplome presided
over the event which was also attended by Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and former
Chonburi MP Chanyuth Hengtrakul.
Mayor
Itthiphol Kunplome thanks the organizers for their dedication to helping the
underprivileged.
Former
Tourism and Sports Minister Sonthaya Kunplome thanks Alisa Phanthusak, Assistant
MD of Tiffany’s Show for her generous cooperation in making the show possible.
The
traditional dances were exquisite and very colourful.
Theerapat Theerakunpaisal shows off his masterpieces.
Pratchaya Kerdthong
Paintings from more than 40 artists went on display at a
new Pattaya art gallery offering such a wide range of prices, everyone can
afford to add some art to their lives.
Pictory Home, on Thappraya Soi 17, opened the doors on
its 17th nationwide showroom with a grand reception
January 17. Manager Theerapat Theerakunpaisal welcomed guests and friends
with snacks and Pictory’s opening selection of artworks, many of which found
new homes.
The attractively decorated gallery stocks art priced from
99 baht, including a lovely frame, to paintings costing many thousands of
baht. For more information, contact 089-488-6522.
Tony
Malhotra and Paul Strachan of Pattaya Mail Media group congratulate Antoine
on the grand opening and wish him all the success in this new venture.
