Dr. Dominique Garcia — Photo courtesy of Hanoi French Hospital Viet Nam News By Dr. Dominique Garcia* What is otitis media with effusion (OME)? OME is a chronic collection of non-infected fluid in the middle ear. The middle ear is an air cavity closed to the outside by the eardrum and ventilated through the eustachian tube connecting the ear to the upper part of the back of the throat, which leads up into the nose. The tube helps to equalise the pressure between the air around you and the middle ear, and to drain fluids. If it gets blocked, fluids cannot drain and may accumulate behind the eardrum. OME is more common in children between 6 months and 3 years old but can also occur in younger schoolchildren. It usually resolves itself within 1 to 2 months. However, especially with a long cold season as in Hanoi, fluid may persist for longer and cause temporary hearing impairment. Signs and symptoms are neither acute nor dramatic, and OME is often overlooked. What … [Read more...] about Otitis media with effusion
Allergies 7 month old
DHA supplements during pregnancy don’t raise kids’ IQ
Children of women who took DHA supplements during pregnancy are no smarter than peers whose mothers didn’t take the supplements, a recent study concludes. In the third follow-up of children born during a trial of DHA supplementation in pregnancy, there were no significant differences in IQ or other cognitive processes at age 7 – the same result researchers found in earlier rounds of testing. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, an important nutrient for the brain, and is needed for development during pregnancy, said lead study author Jacqueline Gould, of the Child Nutrition Research Center at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute in Adelaide. “The main source of DHA for the growing baby is the mother’s diet. However, the exact amount of DHA that needs to be eaten by the mother is unknown,” Gould told Reuters Health in an email. “DHA-rich fish oil supplements have been marketed by manufacturers as beneficial … [Read more...] about DHA supplements during pregnancy don’t raise kids’ IQ
Social News 14/5
Thua Thien-Hue hosts int'l seminar on odonto-stomatology An international scientific seminar on odonto - stomatology is taking place in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, attracting over 200 leading doctors and dentists at home and abroad. Speaking at the opening of the event on May 12, Chairman of the Vietnam Odonto-Stomatology Association (VOSA) Trinh Dinh Hai said the seminar provides a platform for participants to learn about the latest expertise and technological advances, thereby improving health care quality. Rector of the Nippon Dental University of Japan Akira Hamura presented the latest report on Xylitol's breakthrough impacts on tooth decay prevention. Participants also discussed new dentistry materials, technologies used in pathological and aesthetic dentistry, and new treatment techniques. On the sidelines of the event, an exhibition of dentistry materials and utensils was opened, displaying prestigious brands in the field. The VOSA and the Lotte Xylitol company … [Read more...] about Social News 14/5
Social News 25/2
Hoi An to try out first bus route The city of Hoi An will begin the first trial of a public bus route connecting major destinations; An Bang and Cua Dai beach, the old quarter and Tra Que vegetable garden, on February 26-27. It's the first bus route to be operated in the inner city. The city's Action Centre said the bus route will start from Nguyen Hue street, near Hoi An market and pass streets including Hai Ba Trung, Tran Hung Dao, Lac Long Quan and Cua Dai. The centre said eight 16-seat vans will be used in the first trial of the route with free tickets available at tourism information desks, hotels, resorts and home-stays. Buses will run every 15 minutes from 8am till 9pm every day. The second trial will take place in September and next February before officially launching in 2017. The public bus route is sponsored by the Japan Fund for Global environment. The city also hopes to become the first environmentally friendly city in Viet Nam by boosting the use of bicycles. A Car Free … [Read more...] about Social News 25/2
Rural living standards still very low in VN
Rural living standards still very low in VN A survey released on Wednesday reveals a large and persistent gap in development outcomes between residents living in mountainous and lowland regions. The survey was produced after more than 3,700 households in 12 cities and provinces nationwide were polled last year. Called Viet Nam Access to Resources Household Survey, it has been conducted every two years since 2002. The latest one shows that income for most rural households continues to come from farming and livestock, especially in the north and central highlands. In addition, members of small ethnic groups have much lower access to essential goods, such as safe drinking water and high quality housing. At the same time, richer households are much less likely to own agricultural land for any of their income. According to the Institute of Policy and Development Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD), farming is still relevant to how households earn income and … [Read more...] about Rural living standards still very low in VN
Social Headlines for December 3
Government to build more centres for lonely elderly The Ministry of Construction proposed that the Government set up centres to take care of lonely old people in 10 provinces and cities. About 1.15 per cent of Viet Nam's elderly, or 100,000 people, are unable to take care of themselves, according to the ministry. However, only 3,500 live in social centres. Minister of Construction Trinh Dinh Dung said that there were not enough such centres to house the entire nation's old people. While there are more than 400 nationwide, only 180 take care of the elderly; the others house disabled people and orphans. Moreover, Dung added, these centres look after old people's living conditions but do not pay enough attention to their spiritual lives and mental health. Under the proposal, each province and city will set up one centre that can take care of about 50 old people. The centres will be built under state, non-state or community models. State centres, funded by the state budget, care for … [Read more...] about Social Headlines for December 3
SOCIETY IN BRIEF 31/10
French city offers Vietnam marine management technology The port city of Brest in the Bretagne Region is willing to share experience and transfer modern technology to improve Vietnam's management of its coastal areas. The leaders of Brest city made this commitment during talks with Vietnamese Ambassador to France Nguyen Chi Dung, who recently paid a visit to the city. Located in the north-western part of France, about 600km from Paris, Brest is a major port city and a leading centre for marine resources research and development. It is home to renowned maritime and telecommunications universities, as well as successful companies. Since 2007 Brest has developed effective cooperation programmes with Vietnam's Hai Phong, Nha Trang and Ba Ria-Vung Tau cities, covering a wide range of topics, from climate change, marine resources development and management, and water supplies to seafood hygiene and safety, medical care and education. The French city has also shared its experience … [Read more...] about SOCIETY IN BRIEF 31/10
EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 16-31 (daily updated)
The 3rd Comics Festival Conference on comics: Thu 31 May, 9 am Festival Opening: Fri 01 Jun, 6 pm Exhibition: 01 - 08 Jun 2012 Hanoi Library 47 Ba Trieu Street, Hanoi You are invited to the 3rd Comics Festival. This is a chance for those who love comics and also a chance for everyone to enjoy fun activities to celebrate the International Children Day! On 31st May, a conference on comic books will be organized with the participation of Mr Jean Auquier - Director of Belgium Comic Center. The subject of the conference is on "The History of Comic Books"; "Literature, comic books and films"; "From the authors to the readers". The Festival will be organized from 01 - 10/06 with the opening of 2 exhibitions "From Ideas to Comic Books" (Viet Nam) and "The journey in the 9th art: comic books of Wallonie Bruxelles" Exhibition "The journey in the 9th art: comic books of Wallonie Bruxelles" showcases works of more than 40 comic writers in Belgium. They are the reflection of beauty and creative … [Read more...] about EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 16-31 (daily updated)
EVENTS SCHEDULED ON APRIL 1-15 (daily updated)
Improvisational Theatre Show with Les Xinpromptus Sat 14 Apr 2012, 8 - 10 pm Hanoi Cinematheque 22A Hai Ba Trung Str, Hanoi "Les Xinpromptus" is a French-speaking troupe practicing and performing improvisational theatre in Ho Chi MInh city since 2008. During the improvisational theatre show, 2 teams made of Xinpromptus members will play together in building short scenes following a topic given by the audience and a style that could be singing, riming, Shakespeare's or Molière's… Free admission. The show will be in French but open to any curious people!Music Night with Jordan Senior Sat 14 Apr 2012, 8 pm Hanoi Social Club 6 Hoi Vu Str, Hanoi Every so often a musician wanders into the cafe looking for a gig. Very rarely is that musician as accomplished as Jordan Senior. Playing crisp melodies with rolling, summery and urban lyrics, Jordan will take you to a place where the sun shines through your bedroom window on a lazy weekend afternoon. Polished, professional and smart - come and … [Read more...] about EVENTS SCHEDULED ON APRIL 1-15 (daily updated)
Over 6,500 Old Quarter households to be relocated
Over 6,500 Old Quarter households to be relocated Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem district People's Committee opened an exhibition at the Old Quarter Information Centre (28 Hang Buom Street) on October 8 to introduce the city’s Old Quarter relocation project. The project was approved by Hanoi authorities in January at a projected total cost of nearly VND6.5 trillion (US$305.5 million). A total of 6,550 households and 26,200 residents are to be relocated to the city’s new urban areas, including those living in historical sites, temples, schools, old mansions of special value and degraded apartments. The project’s objectives are to preserve and promote the distinctive cultural and historic values of the area and to improve the living conditions of its residents. Under the first phase of the scheme, around 1,530 houses will move to the newly-built 11.1-hectare Viet Hung residential area in Long Bien district by 2015. The remaining 5,020 households are expected to be … [Read more...] about Over 6,500 Old Quarter households to be relocated