AIA Company Profile

Fakta bukan Auta.

Fakta Kanser Payudara

• Kanser payudara paling ramai dikalangan kaum cina, kemudian kaum india dan terakhir kaum melayu.
• Kanser payudara menyumbang 31% daripada jumlah kes kanser wanita yang didiagnosis pada tahun 2003.
• Seorang perempuan di Malaysia mempunyai kebarangkalian 1 per 19 menghidap kanser payudara dalam hayat mereka.
• Lebih daripada separuh daripada wanita yang didiagnosis dengan kanser berumur kurang daripada 50 tahun.

AIA AFG Takaful

KUALA LUMPUR: Alliance Financial Group Bhd's subsidiary Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd has entered into an agreement with American International Assurance Bhd (AIA) to set up a joint-venture company, AIA AFG Takaful Bhd. Alliance Bank had a 30% stake in the joint venture to carry out family takaful business while AIA had 70%, Alliance Financial said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia. It said the joint-venture company would be formed with an authorised capital of RM200mil and paid-up capital of RM100mil. The family takaful business is expected to begin operation in the first quarter of 2011. - Bernama ---------------------------------------------------------------- Produk-produk: 6th January 2011:

• A-Prima (Whole Life)
• A-Mas (Investment-linked)
• A-Medik (Medical)

March 2011:

• A-Excel (Endowment)

----------------------------------------------------------------- Bagaimana untuk menjadi agen AIA AFG Takaful Bhd?

1. Minimim lulus 5 kertas SPM termasuk Bahasa Malaysia
2. Lulus Peperiksaan Asas Takaful (TBE)
3. Berdaftar dengan Persatuan Takaful Malaysia
4. Agen baru boleh mendaftar dengan AIA AFG Takaful Bhd (AATB) dengan:

• Kepada yang ingin menjual konvensional dan takaful - daftar dengan AIA dan AATB.
• Kepada yang ingin jual Takaful sahaja - daftar dengan AATB sahaja.

Kepada agen-agen dari Uniasia, Manulife, MCIS, atau AXA, Jika anda berminat untuk mempelbagaikan plan anda, anda boleh join kami di AIA untuk menjual plan2 takaful.

AIA New Year Kick-Off Invitation

Medical Card @ AIA Excel Care Plus

Medical cards and medical insurances are necessary because all services cannot be offered by a government hospital. Government hospitals can offer emergency and essential medical care but usually there is a long waiting list. Possession of a medical card will be able to give you more choices.

A medical card can help you prepare for these costly expenses and ensures comprehensive coverage in medical, surgical and hospital costs, ambulance fees and other related medical charges.

Things to Look Out For When Buying Medical Cards

Exclusions Many medical cards do not pay for many chronic diseases in the first year and many cards do not pay for pre-existing medical conditions. Most cards only provide in-patient services and exclude outpatient services.

Guaranteed Renewal Some medical cards are yearly renewable, while others normally offer guaranteed renewal up to a lifetime limit.

Co-Insurance Some medical cards also practise co-insurance, meaning that you'll have to pay a certain amount of the medical fees, normally at 10% - 20% of the total medical fees incurred, while the balance will be paid by the insurance company.

Cashless There are also some medical cards which are cashless medical cards. As a policyholder of this kind of cashless medical cards, just present the card at any participating hospital to facilitate your hospital admission. You do not need to worry about preparing and submitting claims as all expenses under the medical card will be paid directly to the hospitals. However, this kind of medical cards are becoming less available due to misuse and very high claim rate.

Participating Hospitals Depending on the insurance companies, the number of participating hospitals varies. Choosing a medical card with more participating hospitals benefits you better, as you will have more choices in time of emergency.

/yk

Make government hospitals comply with private standards

Daryl Goon, the Present of the Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia says Make government hospitals comply with private standards

THE Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia views with concern the report by the Auditor-General of shoddy repairs and upgrading work carried out in government clinics. Some of the shortcomings described include shoddy work that would render the facilities available physically unsafe for patients. There are also examples of defects that would clearly undermine patients’ privacy and dignity. It is perhaps time for the Government to take steps to extend the provisions of the Private Healthcare Facilities & Services Act 1998 (ACT 586), and its regulations, to government clinics and hospitals. This legislation and its regulations set out statutorily what are essentially the minimum acceptable standards to be expected from private healthcare facilities, which include hospitals, medical clinics and dental clinics. One simply cannot countenance double standards in healthcare – patients are patients. All patients (whether in government or private hospitals) are entitled to expect those minimum standards that have been thought fit to be imposed on private healthcare facilities. There may be practical problems to overcome, so it need not happen overnight.

/medi

Hospital swasta hanya kaut untung 10 peratus

KUALA LUMPUR: Hospital swasta hanya memperoleh keuntungan 10 peratus daripada kos yang dikenakan kepada setiap pesakit berdasarkan jenis rawatan, manakala selebihnya digunakan untuk membiayai kos ubat-ubatan, peralatan, tenaga pakar dan penyelenggaraan kemudahan. Seorang pegawai kanan sebuah pusat pakar perubatan yang enggan namanya disiarkan memberitahu, caj tinggi yang dikenakan hospital swasta dianggap berbaloi kerana mutu perkhidmatan dan kemudahan rawatan disediakan adalah terbaik, bersesuaian dengan kos perlu dibayar pesakit. Selain itu, hospital swasta juga tidak mendapat bantuan kerajaan sebaliknya beroperasi melalui hasil pelaburan dan pinjaman daripada bank bagi mengimbangi keperluan perubatan rakyat.

“Bidang perubatan kini menjadi satu cabang perniagaan. Bagi mendapatkan rawatan terbaik dengan kemudahan selesa dan dirawat menggunakan peralatan perubatan berteknologi tinggi, pesakit perlu bayar lebih. “Keadaan ini menyebabkan rakyat beranggapan hospital swasta mengaut keuntungan lebih tetapi ia sebenarnya tidak kerana pihak hospital juga perlu membayar lebih untuk kos penyelenggaraan peralatan rawatan, pinjaman bank dan kos tenaga kerja yang semakin meningkat setiap tahun,” katanya kepada Berita Harian. Beliau berkata, caj rawatan setiap hospital swasta berbeza mengikut jenis rawatan, kepakaran dan kemudahan yang tawarkan selain menepati garis panduan Majlis Perubatan Malaysia (MMC). “Wujud perbezaan dari segi caj rawatan hospital swasta kerana tidak semua menggunakan peralatan, kemudahan, tenaga pakar dan premis sama. Walaupun caj tinggi, pesakit masih mempunyai hak untuk mendapatkan penjelasan pengurusan hospital, ”katanya. Katanya, banyak hospital swasta akan gulung tikar ekoran terpaksa menanggung beban pembiayaan kewangan tinggi sekiranya kerajaan melaksanakan cadangan mengkaji kos rawatan yang dikenakan ke atas pesakit yang jauh lebih rendah berbanding kos semasa. “Kita tidak boleh bandingkan perkhidmatan atau kos yang perlu dibayar pelanggan di hospital kerajaan dengan swasta tetapi kita boleh samakan konsepnya dengan harga secawan kopi di warung dengan restoran terkemuka,” katanya. /bharian

Hampir pengsan bil hospital RM23,000

Kakitangan swasta kecewa tak dimaklum caj melebihi jumlah maksimum ditanggung insurans KUALA LUMPUR: Seorang kakitangan swasta dari Kluang, Johor, hampir pengsan apabila melihat bil perubatannya mencecah RM23,000 selepas 12 hari dimasukkan ke sebuah pusat perubatan swasta di Batu Pahat kerana batuk selama dua minggu. Roslan Husin, 46, mendakwa pakar di hospital swasta itu bagaimanapun gagal mengesan punca penyakitnya sejak dia ditahan di wad hospital itu 4 Febuari tahun lalu, selain mendakwa caj ubat dikenakan berjumlah RM9,852 mahal dan melampau.

Lebih menyedihkan, dia mendakwa kakitangan pusat perubatan swasta itu hanya memberitahu kos perubatannya melebihi jumlah maksimum perlindungan insuransnya iaitu RM15,000 selepas 11 hari ditahan di wad. “Saya terkejut, marah dan hampir pengsan apabila diberitahu bil perubatan saya melebihi RM15,000 yang ditanggung syarikat insurans. Saya persoalkan kenapa hanya diberitahu selepas ia lebih daripada jumlah itu, kenapa tak beritahu awal,” katanya ketika dihubungi Berita Minggu. Roslan berkata, dia pergi ke hospital swasta setelah dinasihatkan oleh doktor klinik panel syarikatnya kerana mereka gagal mengesan punca batuk dialaminya. “Mereka periksa saya macam biasa, tidak buat apa-apa kecuali membuat imbasan x-ray dan masukkan wayar dalam hidung. Pakar di situ kata saya menghidap asma tetapi saya tak percaya, saya cuma batuk-batuk. Kemudian mereka datang dan beritahu bil perubatan saya mencecah RM23,000 menyebabkan saya terkejut,” katanya. Dia tidak berpuas hati dengan caj yang dikenakan namun, pihak hospital yang gagal mengesan punca penyakit tetap memintanya tinggal di wad selama dua hari lagi. “Saya tolak permintaan mereka menyebabkan doktor pusat perubatan pakar itu menulis surat untuk merujuk saya ke Hospital Kluang, tetapi doktor hospital kerajaan beritahu pada saya, kalau pakar pun tidak dapat kesan apa punca penyakit saya, tak guna untuk saya dimasukkan ke hospital kerajaan,” katanya. Katanya, selepas keluar dari hospital swasta itu dia mencuba kaedah perubatan tradisional dan penyakitnya kini sembuh. Isnin lalu, Berita Harian melaporkan 26 peratus daripada individu yang gagal membayar balik pinjaman bank dan kad kredit kerana menanggung beban hutang membiayai kos perubatan tinggi di hospital swasta.

/bharian

Healthcare financing scheme long overdue

IMPLEMENTING the National Healthcare Financing Scheme (NHFS) would be one way of ensuring the public gets affordable healthcare without having to incur huge debts, said Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah.

"We have always maintained that healthcare is the government's responsibility. "The implementation of the scheme is long overdue and we urge the government to act on it with urgency as our aging population is increasing and people are going bankrupt because of rising healthcare costs."

Fomca has been receiving an average of 50 complaints a month about exorbitant fees imposed by private hospitals.

"Many patients complained that they had to fork out between RM5,000 and RM12,000 in medical fees for simple ailments and procedures at these hospitals. "When we complained to the Ministry of Health, we were told that these are the rates approved by the Malaysian Medical Council.

"They said consumers are free to choose but sometimes, people don't have a choice during an emergency and are forced to go to the nearest private hospital for treatment." Implementing the NHFS will allow the public to seek treatment at public or private hospitals without worrying about the cost factor, he said. "The NHFS would also help regulate the fees charged by private hospitals as they would have to comply with the approved rates."

The proposed NHFS has yet to see the light of day since it was first mooted 26 years ago under the Fourth Malaysia Plan (1981-1985). This was despite the Health Ministry conducting various feasibility studies on the proposal over the years. In March this year, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was quoted as saying that it would take another year before the scheme could be implemented. He attributed the delay to various quarters that would be affected once the scheme came into force. Sha'ani says all medication dispensed from clinics and hospitals should be itemised to prevent profiteering. "Under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, all transactions require a receipt to be issued if the customer asks for it. "However, the legacy practice of stating only the lump-sum charge for treatments has denied consumers information on the price of each medicine prescribed." He said if hospitals and clinics were compelled to provide an itemised bill, it would curb profiteering. Sha'ani added that many consumers who bought medical insurance were also left in the lurch when they discovered that their policies had limited medical coverage. "People pay high premiums believing that it will cover them during emergencies. But when they get admitted for a more serious condition like a heart attack, they are shocked to learn that their medical insurance does not cover the hospital costs." He said health insurance companies should educate their policyholders on what is covered and how much the coverage is worth, to avoid putting them in a quandary.

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/28credit2/Article#ixzz16bDxk4NI

Waist-deep in medical debt

WHEN his 65-year-old mother was diagnosed with cancer last year, 32-year-old executive Ray* (not his real name) had to rely on his credit cards to settle the bill at a private hospital.

The hospital admissions and chemotherapy sessions alone cost him a whopping RM250,000. Having settled part of the payment with his savings, Ray used his credit cards to pay the rest of the bill.

He is aware that he could have taken his mother to a government hospital for treatment and paid only a fraction of the cost. But he was not willing to put her through the long waiting period at public hospitals.

"I wanted my mum to have the best medical care she could get, so, I took her to a well-known oncologist at an established private hospital even though I knew their fees were beyond my means." Ray has no regrets taking his mother to the private hospital as her condition has improved and she is now in remission.

"Though I am finding it a struggle to settle my credit card bills for the treatment, somehow I have to manage. I have been working overtime and trying to run a small business on the side to make ends meet," says the father of two, who admits that almost one-third of his salary goes to settling the credit card debt. Reeling from a couple of "bad experiences at government hospitals", Sharen* (not her real name) took her father out of one and admitted him into a private medical centre when he was diagnosed with a serious lung disease. The medical bills escalated as Sharen's father had to be frequently admitted over the next three years as his health deteriorated because of complications.

"It was tough as the bills were quite high because my father had an uncommon ailment and medication was expensive. "And there were always new procedures that the doctors needed to do to stop the disease from progressing so fast." The total bill came up to almost RM70,000. As her EPF savings was not enough to cover the cost of the treatments, Sharen turned to her credit cards to settle the balance. "I was paying almost RM2,000 a month to settle the amount with the credit card companies. I had some difficulty repaying the amount recently, so I took out a personal loan from a bank to settle part of the amount. Now, I am servicing two loans," she said. "It's true when they say that everything you touch in a private hospital costs money. You even pay for the tissues and cardboard spittoons." Ray and Sharen are among a growing number of Malaysians who have found themselves waist-deep in debt because of the increasing cost of private healthcare. According to the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK), the high cost of private healthcare contributed to the bulk of credit card debts and non-performing loans (NPL) as of last October. In an interview early this week, AKPK chief executive officer Mohamed Akwal Sultan said of the RM4.8 billion debts and NPL it was currently handling, 26 per cent was because of bills incurred for medical treatment at private hospitals. He said most of those who had been referred to the agency for debt management claimed that although it was beyond their means, they preferred to seek treatment at private hospitals because of the better quality of care and treatment. In light of claims that private hospitals are charging exorbitant fees and forcing patients to undergo "unnecessary" procedures, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has instructed Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican to meet with private hospital owners to discuss ways to curb the rising cost of private healthcare. Liow was reported to have said that the government would review the professional fees for doctors by year-end and later review private hospital charges. He said the ministry would also look at the kind of medication being dispensed by private hospitals and consumables such as tissues. The Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia declined to comment pending the meeting with Health Ministry officials.

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/28credit/Article#ixzz16bCbDMeL

Bosses, staff may choose to pay premium.

MALACCA: The premium for the health insurance for foreign workers may be borne by either the employers or their workers, except for workers in certain sectors.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said the government would leave the decision to the employers and their employees. However, for workers in some sectors, including domestic helpers and those employed in agriculture-related work, the employers would have to pick up the tab.

Dr Subramaniam said the Health Ministry made the decision to impose health insurance on foreign workers because of the high cost incurred by the government when they failed to settle their medical bills at public hospitals.

He was speaking after launching the Azam 1Malaysia special work placement programme at the Menara Persekutuan in Ayer Keroh here yesterday. The two-day programme, which was also being conducted in nine other states, was aimed at helping unemployed locals find jobs.

Dr Subramaniam said more than 700 companies were taking part in the programme and they had more than 35,000 job vacancies. "I have been informed that more than 2,800 participants have found employment."

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/18fess/Article#ixzz16bB6Peq5

RM1 Billion Insurance

Tuntutan biayai kos perubatan meningkat setiap tahun KUALA LUMPUR: Syarikat insurans di negara ini membayar lebih RM1 bilion setahun kepada pemegang polisi bagi membiayai kos rawatan perubatan mereka yang meningkat setiap tahun. Statistik Bank Negara dalam Jadual Petunjuk Utama Insurans menunjukkan jumlah tuntutan insurans hayat dibayar untuk perbelanjaan perubatan mencatat peningkatan sejak empat tahun lalu daripada RM877.6 juta pada 2006 kepada RM1.05 bilion (2007), RM1.27 bilion (2008) dan RM1.45 bilion (2009). Trend peningkatan itu membuktikan kos rawatan perubatan antara aspek kritikal di kalangan masyarakat di negara ini. Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai ketika diminta mengulas perkara itu, berkata statistik itu menunjukkan tahap kesedaran rakyat terhadap perlindungan kesihatan diri dan keluarga semakin meningkat. Trend peningkatan itu membuktikan kos rawatan perubatan antara aspek kritikal di kalangan masyarakat di negara ini. Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai ketika diminta mengulas perkara itu, berkata statistik itu menunjukkan tahap kesedaran rakyat terhadap perlindungan kesihatan diri dan keluarga semakin meningkat. Katanya, kerajaan menyedari peningkatan kos perubatan terutama ubat yang meningkat sekitar 12 peratus tahun lalu sekali gus menyebabkan caj perubatan di hospital termasuk hospital swasta meningkat. Namun, katanya, itu tidak bermakna operator pusat perubatan swasta boleh mengambil kesempatan atas kenaikan itu dengan mengenakan caj terlalu tinggi untuk mengaut keuntungan singkat sehingga membebankan rakyat. “Saya sudah mengarahkan Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan, Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican supaya berbincang dengan semua pemilik hospital swasta di negara ini berhubung kos perubatan supaya kenaikan itu rasional,” katanya. Sementara itu, sumber industri berkata, tuntutan insurans bagi menanggung kos rawatan dan perubatan diramal terus meningkat sejajar dengan peningkatan jumlah penduduk dan perubahan gaya hidup masyarakat. “Peratusan peningkatan tahunan bukan kecil, tetapi meningkat dengan mendadak,” katanya. Katanya, orang ramai mengambil polisi insurans kerana mahu mendapatkan perlindungan kewangan ketika ditimpa musibah seperti sakit atau kemalangan. Isnin lalu, Berita Harian melaporkan sehingga Oktober lalu, 26 peratus kegagalan pembayaran balik pinjaman bank atau kad kredit berlaku berikutan pembiayaan kos rawatan tinggi di hospital swasta yang mendorong individu berhutang di luar kemampuan. Sebelum ini, banyak pihak termasuk seorang doktor dengan 25 tahun pengalaman, tampil mengadu caj dikenakan pusat perubatan swasta adalah terlalu mahal dan mahu pihak berwajib mengambil tindakan sewajarnya mengatasi masalah itu. Presiden Persatuan Perubatan Malaysia (MMA), Dr David KL Quek ketika dihubungi berkata, hanya bayaran kepada doktor berkhidmat di hospital swasta dikawal kerajaan menerusi Akta Perubatan namun caj lain tidak dikawal dan bergantung kepada institusi perubatan swasta terbabit. Katanya, ini menyebabkan caj rawatan, perubatan, makmal dan perkhidmatan lain berbeza antara sesebuah pusat perubatan swasta selain bergantung kepada faktor seperti lokasinya.

Insurans RM1 billion

Tuntutan biayai kos perubatan meningkat setiap tahun KUALA LUMPUR: Syarikat insurans di negara ini membayar lebih RM1 bilion setahun kepada pemegang polisi bagi membiayai kos rawatan perubatan mereka yang meningkat setiap tahun. Statistik Bank Negara dalam Jadual Petunjuk Utama Insurans menunjukkan jumlah tuntutan insurans hayat dibayar untuk perbelanjaan perubatan mencatat peningkatan sejak empat tahun lalu daripada RM877.6 juta pada 2006 kepada RM1.05 bilion (2007), RM1.27 bilion (2008) dan RM1.45 bilion (2009). Trend peningkatan itu membuktikan kos rawatan perubatan antara aspek kritikal di kalangan masyarakat di negara ini.

Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai ketika diminta mengulas perkara itu, berkata statistik itu menunjukkan tahap kesedaran rakyat terhadap perlindungan kesihatan diri dan keluarga semakin meningkat. Trend peningkatan itu membuktikan kos rawatan perubatan antara aspek kritikal di kalangan masyarakat di negara ini. Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai ketika diminta mengulas perkara itu, berkata statistik itu menunjukkan tahap kesedaran rakyat terhadap perlindungan kesihatan diri dan keluarga semakin meningkat. Katanya, kerajaan menyedari peningkatan kos perubatan terutama ubat yang meningkat sekitar 12 peratus tahun lalu sekali gus menyebabkan caj perubatan di hospital termasuk hospital swasta meningkat. Namun, katanya, itu tidak bermakna operator pusat perubatan swasta boleh mengambil kesempatan atas kenaikan itu dengan mengenakan caj terlalu tinggi untuk mengaut keuntungan singkat sehingga membebankan rakyat. “Saya sudah mengarahkan Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan, Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican supaya berbincang dengan semua pemilik hospital swasta di negara ini berhubung kos perubatan supaya kenaikan itu rasional,” katanya. Sementara itu, sumber industri berkata, tuntutan insurans bagi menanggung kos rawatan dan perubatan diramal terus meningkat sejajar dengan peningkatan jumlah penduduk dan perubahan gaya hidup masyarakat. “Peratusan peningkatan tahunan bukan kecil, tetapi meningkat dengan mendadak,” katanya. Katanya, orang ramai mengambil polisi insurans kerana mahu mendapatkan perlindungan kewangan ketika ditimpa musibah seperti sakit atau kemalangan. Isnin lalu, Berita Harian melaporkan sehingga Oktober lalu, 26 peratus kegagalan pembayaran balik pinjaman bank atau kad kredit berlaku berikutan pembiayaan kos rawatan tinggi di hospital swasta yang mendorong individu berhutang di luar kemampuan. Sebelum ini, banyak pihak termasuk seorang doktor dengan 25 tahun pengalaman, tampil mengadu caj dikenakan pusat perubatan swasta adalah terlalu mahal dan mahu pihak berwajib mengambil tindakan sewajarnya mengatasi masalah itu. Presiden Persatuan Perubatan Malaysia (MMA), Dr David KL Quek ketika dihubungi berkata, hanya bayaran kepada doktor berkhidmat di hospital swasta dikawal kerajaan menerusi Akta Perubatan namun caj lain tidak dikawal dan bergantung kepada institusi perubatan swasta terbabit. Katanya, ini menyebabkan caj rawatan, perubatan, makmal dan perkhidmatan lain berbeza antara sesebuah pusat perubatan swasta selain bergantung kepada faktor seperti lokasinya.

Even if you are a president, U can still claim. ;)

Update at 5:30 p.m. -- The man who (accidentally) elbowed President Obama in the face during a pick-up basketball game today -- requiring a dozen stitches to the presidential upper lip -- has come forward.

Rey Decerega, who is the director of programs for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, issued this statement:

"I learned today the president is both a tough competitor and a good sport. I enjoyed playing basketball with him this morning. I'm sure he'll be back out on the court again soon," Decerega said.

Update at 4:40 p.m. ET: Our colleague David Jackson reports that the White House has released more information:

The elbow to Obama's lip "happened in the fifth of five games they played."

The offending player, who remains nameless, "turned into POTUS, who was playing defense, to take a shot when the elbow hit the President in the mouth."

Some of the players in today's 5 v. 5 game--"none of whom were responsible for the elbow" to the president's face--included Obama's nephew Avery Robinson, Obama's assistant Reggie Love and Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

Update at 2:45 p.m. ET: White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says the president got 12 stitches in his lip in the basketball game this morning with Reggie Love and members of his family.

Gibbs' statement said:

After being inadvertently hit with an opposing player's elbow in the lip while playing basketball with friends and family, the President received 12 stitches today administered by the White House Medical Unit.

Medical personnel used a smaller filament to close the wound than is typically used, the press office said.

That increases the number of stitches but makes a tighter stitch and results in a smaller scar. The president received a local anesthetic during the treatment.

Earlier post: Fresh from a big Thanksgiving dinner with family, friends and staff, President Obama awoke today and did what the rest of us should be doing: He got some exercise.

Given the wet weather in Washington, the choice this morning was an easy one. Rather than setting off for the golf links, Obama chose indoor basketball.

The president left the White House at 9:30 and is playing five-on-five at nearby Craig Robinson with personal assistant and ex-Duke University hoops star Reggie Love, as well as family members in town for the holiday. No word on whether that includes Oregon State University head coach Craig Robinson, the brother of first lady Michelle Obama.

(Posted by Richard Wolf)

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/11/obama-works-off-thanksgiving-turkey-ham-with-hoops/1

Thumbs up to insurance scheme

KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign workers and employers support the new ruling on medical insurance coverage for foreign workers effective next year, but they want the government to give more details on the scheme.

They also said it was a good move for the workers to be insured. Restaurant owner Amutha Mayandie agreed that it was the employers' responsibility to pay for their workers' medical expenses.

"The mandatory coverage is a good idea, because some of the workers now do not have insurance," said Amutha, who has 24 workers from India, Indonesia and Nepal working in her restaurant in Bangsar here.

But she wants the Health Ministry to give more information on the insurance as she contributes RM75 for each worker per year under the foreign workmen's compensation scheme, paid out upon a worker's death. "I do not mind paying more for medical insurance for my workers. In fact, it could ease my burden as I do not have to worry about their medical expenses," she said.

A construction manager here said some of his workers were covered under the workmen's compensation scheme. He said the company only compensated those who were badly injured during work hours and needed emergency treatment. "We will abide with the new ruling although we have to fork out more. We will contact the ministry for details," he said.

Food chain restaurant manager Danny T.C. said the medical insurance was a good idea. "As for now, the company pays the compensation schemes for all our foreign workers. "If the medical insurance provides better coverage than this scheme, of course, we will not mind paying a little bit more," he said. Foreign worker Lorena Donayre, 40, has been working in Malaysia for the past 15 years, said her previous employers did not pay for her medical expenses. "The Malaysian government's decision to make medical insurance compulsory for all employers will definitely benefit us," said the Filipino currently working in a boutique here. She added that the medical insurance would also allow foreign workers to save more for their families back home. Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had said on Thursday that there were more than three million foreign workers in the country employed mainly in the construction, plantation, manufacturing and services sector. Less than half were covered by the workmen's compensation scheme. He had said under the new ruling, all foreign workers must have a medical coverage with an annual premium of RM120.

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/10fwra/Article#ixzz16Vzl3Qpa

Eight H1N1 cases in past week

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin yesterday confirmed that eight cases of Influenza A(H1N1) were reported in the country between Nov 14 and 20, and urged the public to take preventive measures.

H1N1 was now categorised as endemic, she said, meaning the infection was maintained in the population without the need for external inputs. "No deaths were reported during that period, but the public should take preventive measures," she said after opening a trade exhibition in conjunction with the 9th Asian Congress on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, here.

Apart from preventive measures, the public should get the trivalent influenza vaccine at any private hospital, she advised.

Government hospitals only provided the vaccine to those in the high-risk groups, she added. -- Bernama

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/11aka/Article#ixzz16VyqNwpa

'Drugs raise sex drive, HIV cases'

SHARING of needles among addicts is the main cause of HIV infection in this country.

However, what is least known is addicts who take amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) such as syabu, ice and ecstasy pills are also indirectly exposing themselves to the deadly virus which causes AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). State Women, Family, Community Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai told the assembly yesterday that ATS drugs not only stimulated addicts, but also boosted their sex drive.

"This leads to casual sex and increases the risk of HIV infection."

Dr Robia, who was replying to Chia Song Cheng (BN-Pengkalan Rinting), said there was a declining trend of HIV-infected addicts compared with those who got infected via sexual intercourse. In 2000, 77 per cent of those infected with HIV were drug-related, 19.7 per cent were through heterosexual intercourse and 0.7 per cent through homosexual activities.

Last year, drug related HIV cases dropped to 56 per cent, but HIV-heterosexual and homosexual activities rose to 24 per cent and 3.4 per cent respectively. Dr Robia added the chances of HIV infection because of sexual activities were also high among those who suffered from sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. A total of 87,710 HIV infection cases were recorded since the virus was first detected in the country in 1986.

Johor recorded its first case in 1989 and thus far, had recorded 14,753 cases of infection; 2,038 cases of deterioration to AIDS and 1,407 deaths. Earlier, several heated exchanges took place when Rasman Ithnain (BN-Sedili) reproached state opposition leader Dr Boo Cheng Hau (DAP-Skudai) for not getting his facts right when he criticised the performance of civil servants.

Read more: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/22joh/Article#ixzz16VxZMnov

10 Ways to Avoid a Heart Attack

by Paul W Wilson

A heart attack is known as a myocardial infarction. This occurs when the heart muscle is damaged or does not receive enough oxygen. Many cardiac related problems occur due to blockages in arteries that carry purified blood away from the heart to different parts of the body. Another cause is the formation of blood clots.

Very often, it is quite difficult to differentiate between a heart attack and heartburn. The common signs of a heart attack are a tightness, pain, or discomfort in the chest. Sweating, nausea, and vomiting that are accompanied by intense pressure in the chest. A radiating and intense pain in the chest that extends from the chest to the left arm. A shortness of breath for more than a few minutes. If you have any of the above you must consult the doctor or go to the emergency rooms.

If you even think you are having a heart attack you must call for a cardiac care ambulance, and put under your tongue a sorbitrate or chew an aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin don’t take one. At the hospital care will include rapid thrombolysis, cardiac catheterization, and angioplasty. They will also administer intravenously clot busting medications.

The risk factors for a heart attack include: smoking, diabetes, high levels of cholesterol, hypertension, family history of heart diseases, atherosclerosis, lack of exercise, obesity, and fast foods.

Reduce the risks of a heart attack by:

1. Quitting smoking.

2. Eating healthy. Avoid fatty foods, excess salt, and red meats.

3. Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes.

4. Ensuring regular exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Walking is most beneficial.

5. Preventing obesity. Doing all you can to maintain weight.

6. Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle.

7. Practicing meditation.

8. Doing regular relaxation and breathing exercises.

9. Undergoing periodic cardiac evaluations.

10. Including foods that are rich in anti-oxidants in your diet.

A killer disease, according to the American Heart Association approximately 58.8 million people in the US suffer from heart diseases. And, about 950,000 Americans die of heart ailments each year. Heart diseases and death from it can be prevented by maintaining your health. Find a balance in life between work and other activities, abandon the couch for the outdoors, don’t watch sports on television play sports instead and you can hope to live a long and fulfilled life.

Be a well informed and caring citizen, read all about heart diseases and preventive care at: University of Maryland Heart Center for Preventive Cardiology -

http://www.umm.edu/heart/preventive.html;

or the American Heart Association -

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200000;

or the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion - http://www.cdc.gov/doc.do/id/0900f3ec802720b8/.

The norm prevention is better than cure could lead a whole nation towards good health and well being.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/, the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. He also freelances for the premier Web Portal site http://www.Fafoo.com

Facts About Breast Cancer

Real breast cancer statistics

Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths among women ages 40 - 55. With mammograms being such a crucial tool in diagnosing breast cancer, the breast cancer site is providing a huge service to women and will potentially be saving hundreds if not thousands of lives. 211,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. With that kind of number, it would not be surprising if everyone either knew a women with breast cancer or were diagnosed themselves with the disease at some point in their lifetime. With 13 million women over the age of 40 that have never had a mammogram, the disease is sure to become more widespread. This is why it is so important for us to support The Breast Cancer Site and its "click to donate" program.

How to Deal with Stress and Anxiety

Life can be challenging at times and everyone experiences stress and anxiety at some point in their life. Small doses of stress are expected and even healthy when it triggers motivation and problem solving. However, prolonged stress can lead to a multitude of health problems, including increased blood pressure, heart problems, body aches, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and poor mental health. Stress can be triggered by any number of events and there are different levels of intensity. Stress can affect a person mentally, physically, and spiritually. Stress can not be avoided. What is important is that you deal with it and find ways to reduce the stress and anxiety.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• STRESS BUSTER - Exercise for STRESS RELIEF

This is probably the best way to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety in your life. There is no question as to the health benefits of exercise. Here are a couple reasons it helps alleviate stress.

Exercise releases negative energy and transfers it into something productive. Chemically, exercise releases endorphins (good feelings)and decreases cortisol (stress hormones) in your body. Lastly, exercise, especially intense, acts as a distraction by keeping your mind off of whatever may be causing the stress and anxiety.

• TALK TO A SUPPORTIVE FRIEND.

If you feel stressed out, it may help to just talk about it and get another perspective. If you have a friend or family member that has the ability to make you feel better by being supportive, give that person a call. Sometimes, just talking through things out loud can relief some of the stress.

• SET PRIORITIES AND REALISTIC GOALS.

Handle one thing at a time! Many times stress is caused by having too many things on your metaphorical plate. Remove some of these ideas or tasks by either completing them or discarding them for a later time or altogether. This will help you focus on the priorities. - If it helps, make a list of things to get done in order of priority. - Set realistic goals and activities that are within your reach.

• Relax!

MEDITATE OR OTHER RELAXATION TECHNIQUES. Meditation is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. If you have racing thoughts, it may be difficult to get into the right frame of mind to meditate. Try this step if you are calm and motivated to ease your mind of all the worries in your life. Meditation will take practice. But, if you find a way to practice meditation, it could prevent future episodes of stress and anxiety.

If meditation does not work for you, try other relaxation techniques. Get a massage or take a yoga class. Even just taking a few minutes and focus on slowing down your breathing or taking some deep breaths can reduce stress.

• Music Relieves Stress - LISTEN TO MUSIC.

Sometimes, music can ease your mind. Different types of music can be helpful for different type of people. For some, loud metal relieves stress and for others calming music works. The point is to find music that puts you in a better mood and reduces stress.

Put on a MP3 player and go for a jog. If you combine this step with exercise, you will feel the stress start to melt away.

• GO FOR A WALK.

If you can not do an intense workout, go for a walk. A walk can be helpful to get the blood flowing. It also gives you time to literally walk away from the source of stress and regroup your thoughts.

• WRITE IN A JOURNAL.

As a writer, I know this is a very helpful way of reducing stress in my life. Journal writing is a great release no matter what your writing skills are. It allows you to blurt out all your feelings and thoughts and get them off your mind. Keep a private journal that is only for you to read so you can be completely honest and free with your thoughts.

Read more: How to Deal with Stress and Anxiety