Korea embraces medical tourism

Cheaper prices and fast scheduling lure foreign visitors to Korea for cosmetic 

surgery and infertility treatments

26 September, 2011

Get the newest nose, hairline and eye creases, at a Korean clinic near you.

Craving a Korean actor's nose? Or is your high hairline getting you down?

Korea is the new destination of choice for medical tourism, Joong-ang Daily reported.

More and more foreign visitors are flying to Korea for surgical treatments, and it seems that the reasons for this new version of the Korean Wave may be a matter of cost rather than that of quality. 

"I thought about getting my eyes and nose done either in Thailand or New Zealand, but Korea seemed like the safest place for plastic surgery and the price was also affordable," Jack Ng, a 21-year-old New Zealander told the daily. Ng's surgery was apparently one third the cost of getting a procedure done down under. 

His parents are in for a rude shock upon his return to New Zealand, as he didn't tell them that he was coming to Korea to makeover his face. 

By the numbers

Here's a look at Korean medical tourism, according to the Joong-Ang Daily. 

US$10,000: How much medical tourist Ng paid for a two-week-long "surgery vacation" to Seoul, including airfare, accommodations and the cost of the medical procedures to make him "look like a Korean actor."

7,901: Number of foreign visitors who came to Korea for medical procedures in 2007.

81,789: Number of foreign visitors who came to Korea for medical procedures in 2010.

32.4: Percentage of the 2010 medical tourists who were from the United States.

19.4: Percentage of the 2010 medical tourists from China.

16.8: Percentage of the 2010 medical tourists from Japan.

Revenue surge 

₩817.4 billion (US$703 million): Revenues from treating foreign patients in 2010.

400,000: Number of medical tourists the Korean government wants to entice to Korea by 2015.

1 million: Number of medical tourists the Korean government wants to entice to Korea by 2020.

₩5 million (US$4,185): How much fertility treatment costs at Seoul Rachel Fertility Center, one sixth of the average cost in the United States.

Two weeks: How long patients usually stay at the Lotte City Hotel (where the Seoul Rachel Fertility Center is located) while undergoing external fertilization. 

40: Percentage success rate of infertility treatments at Korean hospitals. 

Cosmetic surgery and infertility treatments are the most sought-after, and other popular choices by foreign tourists include dentistry, cancer-related procedures, laser eye surgery and skincare. 

CNN

Snail Secrets...

http://www.snailcream.com.sg/#secrets

Top Facts about Snails

Snail moving on tiny leaves Photography:

Snails are very slow moving creatures and most people find them to be boring. However, there are some very interesting facts about them that can help you to see them in a new light. They aren’t brainless creatures as many people think.

Many species of snails actually hibernate during the colder months of the year. They cover their bodies with a thin layer of mucus which prevents them from drying out. Sometimes snails are also able to hibernate in the summer to survive if they are faced with a severe drought. They live off of the stored up fat during this time of year. This process is one of the many reasons why they have been able to survive for more than 60 million years.

The life span for snails depends on their habitat and the species. Some of them only live for about 5 years. However, others in the wild are believed to be at least 25 years old. Many researchers believe the life span of snails is decreasing due to humans destroying their habitat and due to pollution.

The largest land snail recorded weighed only 2 pounds and was 15 inches long. It was discovered in 1976. Others are extremely small being only a few centimeters long when they are adults and weighing just a couple of ounces.

As snails move they leave behind slime. This slime is like a powerful form of suction for them. This is why they are even able to move upside down, around corners, and other comical situations. It is a myth that this type of slime is going to make humans ill. Many people worry that snails being in their garden will ruin the foods grown there and make them unfit for consumption but that is all false.

"Snails are considered to be one of the slowest creatures though on the entire Earth"

Garden snails are the fastest species and they can move about 55 yards per hour. While they don’t move fast, they do move at a very steady pace. They are believed to be one of the slowest creatures though on the entire Earth.

If you watch their movements they take on strange routes. For example instead of moving in a straight line they will complete a circle pattern. It is this type of behavior that has given them a stereotype as not being very intelligent. It isn’t really known why they do this though.

"Snails will die if they consume either salt or sugar"

They have the reproductive organs of both males and females which categorizes them as hermaphrodites. However, the myth that they can create offspring on their own is false. They must mate with another and then both of them will have the ability to lay eggs.

Snails don’t see very well so they have to rely upon their good sense of smell to help them find their prey. They also aren’t able to hear.

They are nocturnal animals which means most of their movements take place at night.

Snails range in size from 30 centimeters to 15 inches in length.

Snails don’t like the brightness of sunlight which is why you will find them out more on cloudy days. If you keep on in an aquarium you want to make sure that too much sunlight doesn’t filter into the room. This can cause the snail to stop eating and to spend most of its time inside of the shell.

Snails will die if they consume either salt or sugar. Make sure you don’t offer these types of items to them when you see them or when you have one in captivity because their bodies can process these items.

The Giant African Land Snail is known to eat more than 500 different types of plants.

Snails are very strong and can lift up to 10 times their own body weight in a vertical position.

It is believed that there are at least 200,000 species of mollusks out there including snails. 

Many of them haven’t been found and classified yet.

Secrets to Drewy Skin!!!

Beauty is a Holistic Approach! 

Beauty Guru...

Beauty Guru:

Chamomile Extract contains active Flavonoid and Essential Oil 


compounds, which are particularly advantageous in the care of 


sensitive skin. Anti-inflammatory properties-due to the inhibition 


of histamine release, anti-free radical action and inhibition of 


the super oxide radical synthesis is key. In addition, these 


compounds show remarkable vasodilator action, augmenting blood flow 


to the skin and soothing of irritation.








My Favourite Facemask: 

Custom-blended Hydrating Miracle Mask ( 55mL )

● Unique mild formula and contains natural ingredients of Hypericum Perforatum Extract help to soothe sensitive skin ● Rich in Calendula and Chamomile Extract that smooth sensitive skin ● Rich in Sodium Hyalurorate, Carrageenan and Cucumber Extract that promote rich hydration, shelter skin from moisture loss and replenish vital moisture to skin cells instantly ● Deeply moistens and enhances skin elasticity ● For all skin types, ideal for dry, very dehydrated skin and eye areas When I had pimples:  P.D.T AC-Dressing Ampoule Mask  Ingredients: Centella Asiatica, Triclosan, Salicylic Acid Effect: Effective Relief for Acne or Problem Skin. Soothing & Sebum Control  Cf. "P.D.T"  - Pure Derma Therapy - Dermatologist use to sooth trouble of acne skin We Can testified the powerful effect!!!  When I need to boost up my uneven tone!  I.P.L Whielux Ampoule Mask  Ingredients: Vitamin C-AA2G, Arbutin, Mulberry Bark Effect: Lightening of Pigmentation, Brighten, moisturize, Revitalize the Skin  Cf. "I.P.L"  - Intense Perfection Light - Dermatologist use to brighten the skin  My Favourite Moisturizer:

Custom-blended Conditioning Cream ( 35mL )

● Contains Green Tea Extract, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, balances skin tone ● Contains Seaweed Extract, uplifts skin elasticity and radiance, restores vitality ● Deep hydration and replenishment, leaves skin soft and silky ● Wild Rose Produce has relaxing effect, reduces the appearance of miniscule ● For combination skin

When it Thirsts:  Vitamin B5 Serum

Key Ingredients:

Vitamin B5, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Seaweed Extract

Also known as Pantohenic Acid, it is one of the eight water -soluble B vitamins. Studies in test tubes have shown that Vitamin B5 may accelerate skin repair such as recovery from wounds. Vitamin B5 also delivers an abundant amount of micronutrients to relieve skins in distress.

Functions: 

                                                                           Generates cell growth and promotes tissue repair, resulting in healthy looking skin. 

Provides deep hydration function, retains and replenishes skin moisture.   

          

Improves skin firmness and radiant complexion. 

Skin becomes more cushioned, plumped, reduces fine lines and provide age-delaying effect. 

Protects against dehydrated skin, recaptures skin elasticity, leaving it ultra supple and smooth.

Directions for Use:

• After cleansing, use fingertips to apply 2-3 drops to the face and neck area in the morning and at night.
• Avoid direct contact with eyes.

My Favourite Cleanser:

Custom-blended Cleansing Milk ( 175g )

 

●	Rich in Sweet Almond Oil, cleanses skin without damaging the skin's natural productive layer

●	Gently cleanses skins, leaves skin a light and relaxing feel

●	Removes all traces of light make-up, refreshing after use

●	For dry and combination skin types

Beauty Guru:

                                            Linden Flower Extract is an Antioxidants, Plant ExtractsMajor active constituents in linden are flavonoids and glycosides. Flavonoids are potent antioxidants and glycosides are monosaccharides that have water-binding properties 

(Source: Healthnotes Review of Complementary and Integrative Medicine,www.healthwell.com/healthnotes/Herb/).

Skincare Guru

Skincare: Azulene

Azulene oil is a beauty product derived from flowers in the Asteraceae family, and most commonly distilled from German chamomile flowers. It is used to moisturize and soothe irritated skin and remove sticky residue, particularly after hair removal procedures such as waxing and shaving. The oil is noted for its sweet smell and blue color — the name azulenecomes from the Spanish word azul, which means blue. Many azulene oils also contain other natural ingredients that help to soothe the skin, such as vitamin E and aloe vera.

The oil can be either poured or sprayed out of a bottle. It can also be found in creams, lotions, and hair removal waxes. Many waxing kits come with a bottle of the oil for after-treatment care.

Azulene oil can be used to treat irritation or as a daily skin conditioner. Some of the specific problems azulene oil treats include red bumps, razor burn, and ingrown hair. Though it is primarily marketed to women, men can also use the oil as an aftershave lotion. There are also some azulene oil products which claim they can be used for slowing the growth of new hair. It is also less commonly used to moisturize areas of the body that get particularly dry, such as around the eyes, cuticles, elbows, and heels.

While chamomile is the most common source of azulene oil, the product can also be derived from eucalyptus, elemi, and vetiver. Though it is usually a blue hue, some varieties may also have green, red, or violet tones. The color of the oil depends on the plant, the distillation process, and even the time of day the plants are distilled.

Azulene oils will lose clarity and darken when they are turning bad. The scent may also become unpleasant. In order to extend the life of the oil, it should be stored away from light in a cool place.

The most common side effect of using azulene oils is irritation when treated skin is exposed to sunlight. Some individuals may also have an allergic reaction to the oil, particularly if they are sensitive to any plants in the daisy family. Products with a high concentration of azulene are most likely to cause an adverse reaction.

Other forms of azulene are used in naturopathy for a wide array of illnesses. It has been used to treat ailments such as gastritis, athlete’s foot, ulcers, and vein problems. When used for medical purposes, azulene can be administered both externally and internally.

Azulene:

Azulene, named after the Spanish word for "blue," azul, is an organic compound derived from the steam distillation of chamomile; Tanacetum anuum, or blue tansy; Anthemis nobilis, or Roman chamomile; or Achillea millefolium, or yarrow. The oil obtained from this steam distillation is often found in products used topically, such as skincare products and some cosmetics. It is widely regarded as a useful ingredient for both its lustrous blue color and wide array of healing properties.

This compound dates to the 15th century, when it was derived from the steam distillation of German chamomile. It was later discovered to be present in several other plants, including yarrow and blue tansy, during the late 1800s. It was officially named in 1863 by Septimus Piesse of France, and it has been used over the centuries in various herbal remedies.

As an additive to its use in salves and ointments, azulene is thought to assist in calming a wide variety of skin irritations and conditions because of its soothing properties, anti-inflammatory effects and antibacterial properties. Azulene can be found as an ingredient in bath salts, cosmetics, shaving creams and other topicals to help prevent or soothe minor skin irritations. It is believed to assist in cell regeneration, so the oil is often found in skin care products used to combat wrinkles and skin blemishes.

Azulene is an herbal ingredient used topically, and many of its properties are thought to be derived from the chamomile plant, through which it is distilled. Chamomile is a common name used to refer to several daisy-like plants that are most well known for their ability to be used in teas. Chamomile has long been thought to be useful as a sleep aid, though some people claim that it has other useful benefits that help in the healing of a variety of other ailments. Azulene is also derived from yarrow, a flowering plant believed to have natural astringent properties, and blue tansy, another flowering plant believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

There is limited scientific data regarding the safe use of azulene or any of the related herbal plants in any product. Caution should be exercised when one uses any of the ingredients or products that contain those ingredients. Rare allergic reactions can and do occur, so a physician should be consulted before any of these products are used, especially by pregnant or nursing women or by anyone currently taking other medications.

Chamomile

Chamomile Flowers


Detailed Description

While known in Latin as Anthemis Nobilis, Chamomile actually gets its name from the Greek words kamai, which means on the ground, and melon, which is the word for an apple. When trod upon, it frequently produces a strong, pleasant aroma that wafts around those who step upon it, and reminds many of apples. For this purpose it was often put to use in the medieval periods for use in green garden paths, so that as one strolled from one place to another one would be accompanied by a lovely, sweet smell. In the past, herbalists and gardeners also saw Chamomile as a healing plant that would help those plants it grew next to flourish when otherwise they might begin to fail. It spiritual uses Chamomile was also frequently used in finding good luck with marriage proposals, gambling, prosperity and good fortune, and was even thought to aid in preventing lightning strikes.

In the world today, Chamomile is perhaps most famous as a component in tea that is not only smells lovely and is pleasantly flavorful, but is widely known for helping to soothe stomachs and ease indigestion as well as help you fall to sleep. It is also well known for being a soothing sedative that aids with pain and discomfort.

This is a 1 oz bag of whole chamomile flowers.

Atelier Gustavolins by Gustavo Lins: Women's Fashion Week 2011

One of my Favourites!!!!

Atelier Gustavolins by Gustavo Lins: Women's

Fashion Week 2011

Plastic surgeon to the stars & Singapore fashion maven Ms Georgia Lee opens 

the Atelier Gustavolins show.

Special Thanks to Word of Mouth Communications for the images.

The lineup and schedule for WFW 2011′s haute couture shows:

Day 1 (27 Oct): Maxime Simoens, Gustavo Lins

Day 2 (28 Oct): Eymeric Francois, Christopher Josse

Day 3 (29 Oct): Dominique Sirop, Alexis Mabille, Anne Valerie Hash

Day 4 (30 Oct): Stephane Rolland

As part of the exhibition launch, Alexis Mabille specially flew in to showcase his 

Spring/Summer 11/12 couture collection. Which is a pretty awesome sight for 

someone who obsesses after his collection’s pictures on Style.com at 4am. (You can 

tell my excitement here!) With a focus on an all-white showcase, Alexis’s collection 

highlighted a subtle, tasteful drama that his tailoring is best known for.

My Favourite Creation! 

My Dear Friend (Linda) with 

Dr Georgia Lee (Chic Singapore Aesthician)