There is a lot of talk concerning medical tourism, but not many know that going abroad for medical care is a fast-rising source of tourism dollars for many countries in several continents . Medical tourism not only refers to traveling to another country to obtain medical care. It can also mean doctors traveling to other countries. In this case the doctors would go to third world countries with few resources to give health care where needed. Medical tourism is becoming very popular with people going for cosmetic surgery. As we all know, plastic procedure is very expensive in most large cities, especially throughout the United States, and going abroad has become one of the best ways to cut back on surgical fees.

Years ago medical tourism usually meant patients traveling to the United States or Europe from other countries to get the best care. Now this trend is changing. The standards of health care in smaller countries have increased and are now comparable to those in Europe and the United States. In fact there are new techniques that have been done successfully in these other countries that are just now being implemented in the United States. This has happened in many fields like hip and also plastic surgery. Central and South America’s surgeons and procedures are sought throughout the international community.

Like in any country, it is best to discuss all of the possible things that can happen before having any procedure done. It is wise to make arrangements beforehand. Take into consideration that you will need after care once the procedure is done. Rushing back to your country is not a great idea, since some time to heal is necessary before traveling.

In this fragile economy jobs are sometimes difficult to get. As the employment competition heats up, job seekers want to look their best. Even though it is not fair, sometimes an older worker might not be considered because he may have a tired appearance. Never mind that the older worker is full of energy and usually works harder than most younger ones. Unfortunately, plastic surgery still remains very expensive, even for the most common procedures. Medical tourism gives persons a chance to get plastic surgery. Fortunately with the medical advancements it is not necessary to get inferior service. On the contrary, internationally sought after doctors and hospitals are readily available.

Researchers say it appears that a food additive found in many processed foods may accelerate lung cancer growth, and increase the food additives in people predisposed to the disease.

Evidence is accumulating that excessive intake of food additives known as inorganic phosphates, which are put into some meats, cheeses and bakery products to keep them moist, may play a significant role in the aggressiveness and development of lung cancer.

Researchers at the Seoul National University in South Korea conducted the study using mice with lung tumors.  Two groups of mice were fed diets containing either 0.5 percent or one percent phosphate, levels roughly equivalent to normal amounts consumed in a human diet.

John Heffner, past president of the American Thoracic Society, says the mice that consumed food laced with the higher amount of the additive had the more aggressive tumors.

“And, they concluded that high dietary phosphate appeared to promote the development and the progression of cancer,” said John Heffner. “And, also, they looked at some of the molecular signaling that was going on that promote tumor development, and found alterations in the high phosphate animals.”

Scientists say the consumption of foods with additives such as inorganic phosphates has been growing steadily, and future studies may be needed to determine safe levels.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths around the world.

The study by South Korean researchers was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Source: VOA