Category Archives: AlC Health News

Is a happy expat a healthy expat ?

Expats who are happier living abroad are potentially healthier, according to experts. Happiness has been linked to longevity and a decreased risk of certain diseases reports expathealth.org. Researchers say expats who have the opportunity to socialise are better able to … Continue reading

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Expat kids need to be educated about skin cancer

Evidence suggests that children who suffer sun damage at a young age have a higher risk of developing melanoma later in life reports Bryony Ashcroft. A group of scientists at the National CancerInstitute in Maryland found that young mice, whose … Continue reading

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Gluten-Free Globetrotting

It’s no secret that a lot of people have switched to a gluten-free diet, whether or not they have Celiac Disease. The benefits are great for many people, but there’s a question that can be a significant obstacle for gluten-free … Continue reading

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Legionnaires’ disease outbreak reported Spain

An outbreak of Legionnaires’s disease has been reported among travelers who stayed at an unidentified hotel in Calpe, Costa Blanca. Any traveler to Calpe who develops fever, cough, or trouble breathing should seek immediate medical attention   Legionnaires’ disease in … Continue reading

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Cambodia announces case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case was a 2 year-old male from Banteay Meanchey Province. He developed symptoms on 3 … Continue reading

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Silicone Implants

In March 2010, Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) silicone implants were withdrawn from the European Union (EU) market following an observed increase in implant ruptures, and confirmation of the use of substandard silicone in the manufacture of the implants by French … Continue reading

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Nigeria – security update

There have been demonstrations and rallies in a number of Nigerian towns and cities against the removal of the petrol price subsidy, which took effect on 1 January 2012. Some of these have resulted in clashes between the police and … Continue reading

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Thailand / Cambodia border – UK Government advise against all travel to the Preah Vihear and Ta Krabey/Ta Moan temple areas

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth office have advised against all travel to the Preah Vihear (Khaoi Pra Viharn in Thai) temple area and the Ta Krabey/Ta Moan temple area located on the Thai-Cambodian border due to the presence of troops in … Continue reading

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Avian influenza – Indonesia

11 January 2012 -The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced one new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The case is a 23 year-old male from Jakarta Province. He developed symptoms on 31 December 2011, … Continue reading

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New Stricter Air Pollution Standards for Beijing

In response to international criticism, with much of it coming from the United States, the Chinese government announced on Friday that it would initiate stricter air pollution standards for Beijing by the end of the month.  Residents of Beijing, foreigners … Continue reading

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Traveling to Change Your Life for the Better

One of the ways in which traveling can impact your life is to improve your overall mental health. Research has shown that keeping your brain stimulated and challenged can help ward off degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Travel presents a … Continue reading

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Avian influenza update (China)

5 January 2012 -The Ministry of Health of China has notified WHO of a human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection.‪ The case is a 39-year-old male from Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. He developed symptoms on 21 December 2011 … Continue reading

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Avian influenza – situation in Egypt update

5 January 2012 -The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of a case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.‪ The case is a 42 year-old male from Menofia Governorate. He developed symptoms on … Continue reading

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Resolve to Have a Healthy New Year: Lessons on Longevity

You don’t have to look far to find self-improvement tips, but I wanted an international perspective, so I dug back into The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner, who captures certain secrets of longevity from natives of Sardinia, Okinawa and Costa … Continue reading

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Happy New Year 2012 from ALC Health

From everyone at ALC Health, may we wish you the very best for 2012. We look forward to supporting you wherever in the world you may find yourself through our range of comprehensive international medical insurance plans www.alchealth.com. Contact your … Continue reading

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Yellow Fever in Senegal

The Ministry of Health in Senegal notified the WHO of three cases of yellow fever in Kédougou  and Saraya Health districts, near the border with Mali and Guinea Conakry on 26 October 2011. The index case was a 25 year-old … Continue reading

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Avian influenza – situation in Egypt

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of a case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.‪ The case is a 29-year-old male from Dakahlia Governorate. He developed symptoms on 8 December 2011 and … Continue reading

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Happy Christmas from ALC Health

With the festive season almost upon us, I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to everyone who has supported ALC Health throughout the past year. 2011 has seen ALC Health continue to grow and, … Continue reading

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Patients wait longest in Canada, Sweden and Norway

Wait times are the boogeyman of public health systems all over the world. They cut to the very heart of the debate over costs versus access to care. Hardly a week goes by where we don’t see a story on … Continue reading

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Chikungunya fever has been reported from Bangladesh

An outbreak of Chikungunya fever has been reported from Bangladesh. Travelers should protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying repellent and keeping themselves covered.

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Travelling to China ? Beware of unsterilised needles

An outbreak of hepatitis C infections related to unsterilized needles has been reported from eastern Anhui province. Transfusions and injections should be avoided in China if at all possible.

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Senegal reports cases of Yellow fever

Three cases of yellow fever have been reported from reported from Kedougou and Saraya Health districts, near the border with Mali and Guinea Conakry. Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Senegal.

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Hepatitis outbreak reported in Indonesia

Several outbreaks of hepatitis A have been reported from West Java, Indonesia.

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Cholera continues to hit the Dominican Republic

New cases of cholera contintue to be reported from the Dominican Republic. Travellers to the country should be sure not to drink tap water but rely on bottle water for drinking or when cleaning teeth.

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Bangladesh reports cases of Chikungunya fever

An outbreak of Chikungunya fever has been reported from Bangladesh. Travellers to the country should protect themselves from mosquito bites by applying repellent and keeping themselves covered.

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Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced one new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The case is a 29-year old female, mother of the 2 cases earlier reported from Bangli district, Bali Province. She … Continue reading

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Kuwaiti Doctors against plan for Hospitals for Expats

The Kuwaiti doctors union has rejected a plan to create separate hospitals for expats, according to a report by gulfnews.com. The doctors said separate hospitals would not only hurt Kuwait’s image abroad, but also the quality of medical care throughout the … Continue reading

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Influenza like illness reported in US State of Iowa

The United States Government has reported three cases of human infection with swine origin triple reassortant Influenza A H3N2. Between 10 and 13 November 2011, three children (aged 11 months, 2 years and 3 years) experienced onset of febrile respiratory … Continue reading

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Heart-healthy diet: it’s not East or West -it’s Raw Fruit and Vegetables

There’s been plenty of ink spilled on the virtues of oriental eating habits when compared to western dietary habits. Recently, Time Magazine raised the question, “Can Eating Fruits and Veggies Outwit Bad Heart Genes?” Tofu, leafy vegetables, low sugar and … Continue reading

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ALC Health launches NEW web site

Today, 25th November sees the launch of our new web site to celebrate the exciting underwriting partnership with AXA PPP International on the 1st December. With more content, more functionality and online claims service and support, we hope that you will … Continue reading

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