Better Health 34 ENG

Associate Professor
Dr. Somsak Chaovisitsaree
Medical Director and Contributing Editor
Welcome to the twelfth year of BETTER Health, the magazine for patients and
friends of Bumrungrad International Hospital. In this issue, you will
find a variety of new features presented in a new, more relaxed design
that is easier to read. A new feature is the Bumrungrad patient stories – which is
meant to inspire many – and articles on nutrition, exercise, and new technologies
to help you live a healthy life.
In this issue we focus on heart health and the treatment options for patients
with aortic valve stenosis, followed by the new studies on heart and bone diseases
in our Health Briefs column. And if you want to know whether aging patients can
have bypass surgery, the Q & A column has the answer.
As always, if you have any suggestions or comments about our magazine, we
encourage you to e-mail us at betterhealth@bumrungrad.com. We look forward to
hearing from you and wish you health and happiness.
Contents
8 Special
Scoop
Thai hospital, world standard
4
Aortic Valve Stenosis
TAVI: an alternative treatment
10 The Case
A Pro Golfer’s Journey
Because success is not coincidental
14 Sports Medicine
Marathons require a fit body
18 Staying Healthy
Technologies for healthy living
20 M.D. Focus
Get to know our doctors
22 The Nutrition Experts
Foods for a healthy heart
26 Health Briefs
28 Q & A
30 Bumrungrad News
Better Health magazine is published by Bumrungrad Hospital Public Company Limited and is produced for
Bumrungrad Hospital Public Company Limited by Native Media Limited, 10/162 The Trendy Buiding, 20fl., Room 2001C,
Soi Sukhumvit 13 (Saengchan), Khlongtoey-nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110. Tel: +66 (0) 2168 7624 Fax: +66 (0) 2168 7625.
www.nativemedia.co.th
No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Bumrungrad Hospital Public Company Limited.
2016 by Bumrungrad Hospital Public Company Limited. All rights reserved.
Publication of advertisements or sponsorships shall not constitute an endorsement by Bumrungrad Hospital
Public Company Limited of the products or services promoted, of the company or organization, nor of the claims made.
Contact Bumrungrad Hospital
Telephone: 66 (0) 2667 1000
Facsimile: 66 (0) 2667 2525
Out-patient
appointment: 66 (0) 2667 1555
Website: www.bumrungrad.com

+++++ Aortic Valve Stenosis
Aortic Valve Disease
an alternative
treatment
TAVI:
These days, patients with high-risk
aortic heart valve disease, particularly
the elderly, can regain a better quality of
life with more choices than ever before.
The heart’s valves ensure that blood flows
in the appropriate direction, either carrying
venous blood to the lungs for aeration
or oxygen-rich arterial blood to all parts
of the body.
Heart valve malfunctions affect blood flow and
may lead to life-threatening conditions. Aortic stenosis
is a silent threat that does not show symptoms until
the heart valve becomes damaged, which leads
to blood congestion in the heart chambers, followed
by heart failure and sudden death.
Aortic heart valve disease
The human heart has four valves – essentially
tissue flaps attached to the heart walls. They separate
the heart’s chambers and connect to the major
blood vessels leaving the heart.
“We divide valvular heart diseases into two broad
types: valvular stenosis and valvular insufficiency,”
4

says Dr. Wattanaphol Phipathananunth,
Cardiologist “In valvular stenosis the
aortic valve that separates the left
ventricle and the body’s main blood
delivery artery (aorta), does not fully
open, which then restricts blood flow
to the aorta.”
Dr. Wattanaphol compares the aortic
valve to a water valve functioning
between a pump and main discharge
pipe: when the water valve is closed or
partially opened, water cannot flow out
freely. Similarly, if doctors can’t fix the
heart’s valve, they must replace it.
Aortic stenosis has three levels of
severity: mild, moderate, and severe.
For severe stenosis, the valve is barely
open, requiring valvular replacement.
Untreated, valvular stenosis could
result in death within two to five years
after diagnosis.
Causes and symptoms
Aortic stenosis commonly afflicts
the elderly during the body’s natural
degeneration. The aortic valve calcifies,
which causes it to thicken and narrow.
A hallmark symptom is fatigue and
exhaustion from everyday activities.
Some patients may faint, have tight chest
pains, chest oppression, and pulmonary
edema making them unable to lay flat.
“Patients come to us with general heart
disease symptoms of fatigue and exhaustion,
but we are unable to pinpoint
the specific problem without a detailed
diagnosis,” says Dr. Wattanaphol.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis requires assessing the
patient’s medical history, a general
physical examination, and specific
cardiac examination (usually an electrocardiogram
(EKG) and an echocardiogram)
to evaluate the level of valvular
stenosis. For levels one or two, a valvular
replacement is not required. But in
severe aortic stenosis, the physician will
consider valvular replacement for
treatment.
Treatment methods
There are two treatment methods for
an aortic stenosis.
“ If the medical team
considers open heart
surgery too risky, we
recommend TAVI to
reduce complications”
Dr. Wattanaphol Phipathananunth
5

+ Surgical aortic valve replacement
is the standard treatment, which
entails open-heart surgery to remove
the old valve and surgically implant
a new one.
+ But in Transcatheter Aortic Valve
Implantation (TAVI), the physician
inserts a prosthetic heart valve
through the femoral artery in the
groin or through a small cut on the
left side of the chest to get to the apex
(tip) of the heart. When the catheter
gets in the correct position at the
aortic valve, the surgeon releases the
new folded-up valve in the delivery
system to roll out and replace the
degenerated valve.
Surgery is not the solution for all
Although surgery is a highly effective
standard treatment for aortic valvular
stenosis, not all patients are able to
receive it. This major surgery requires
general anesthesia, use of a heart-lung
machine, and may take up to three to four
hours. Some patients may not be able
to withstand such an intense surgery,
especially the elderly, or those who have
previously had open chest operations,
and those with several underlying
diseases. The surgical mortality rate is
substantially high for these patients.
“If the medical team considers open
heart surgery too risky, we recommend
TAVI to reduce complications. This
6
method takes about an hour, and the
patient receives a small cut from
the incision, enabling quick hospital
recovery of only five to seven days. The
standard surgical method may require
two to three months of recovery,”
says Dr. Wattanaphol.
Suitable candidates for TAVI
+ Patients with severe aortic stenosis
+ Elderly patients, especially those
over 80 years of age
+ Patients with underlying conditions
such as lung disease, aortic atherosclerosis,
or who have previously
received cardiac surgery
Preparing the patient for TAVI
TAVI requires preparation, expertise,
and collaboration among medical
professionals such as cardiologists,
cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists,
ultrasound physicians, skilled nurses,
and physical therapists. The TAVI team
at Bumrungrad has been internationally
trained and can explain the treatment
options and procedures to patients
and their relatives.
Above all, Bumrungrad International
Hospital values the quality and
standards of patient care. Our medical
team provides patients with thorough
and rigorous care, including diagnosis,
meeting with families before and after
the treatment, and close follow-ups, to
ensure that our patients receive the
best care in regaining health.
+ Patients with high surgical risk,
as determined by the attending
physician who assesses appropriateness
using standard riskfactor
analysis
+ Patients estimated to live longer
than one year, and who do not have
advanced cancer

+++++ Special Scoop
Thai Hospital,
World Standard
Bumrungrad plays an
important role in the growth
of Thailand’s healthcare
industry with the creation of
The Collaboration of Expertise,
and providing our services
at the highest quality and
safety standards.
During the past 10 years, Thailand’s government and private sector
have achieved great success in making the Kingdom a world-class
medical hub. Recent stock market estimates predict that private hospital
businesses will expand more than 10 to 15 percent, and that the number
of foreign patients traveling to Thailand for treatment will also increase at an
average of 10 percent per annum.*
What has enabled Thailand’s healthcare industry to flourish so robustly for
the past two decades? Dr. Num Tanthuwanit, Bumrungrad’s Chief Executive
Officer, answered that question on TNN24 news network’s “Business Watch”
at the end of 2015. Better Health provides a summary of the interview.
TNN24: What is the overall state of Thailand’s healthcare industry?
Dr. Num: I’d like to point out that Thailand’s standards in healthcare and
medical services are very high. That’s because our modern healthcare system
has been developing since the era of King Rama 5. With ongoing developments,
Thai people have had the good fortune to access high quality healthcare
throughout this period. Today, Thailand’s excellent medical teams, using the
latest technology, are delivering outstanding outcomes for patients at a cost
much lower compared to hospitals
of the same quality in other countries.
That’s why increasing numbers of
foreigners seek treatment at our hospital
every year.
Improvement and expansion of new
services occur not just in the private
sector. Many government hospitals have
developed their strategies in the same
direction, providing more options for
both Thai and foreign patients who seek
high quality treatment in modern
facilities.
At Bumrungrad, we have roughly 1.1
million patients annually from over
190 countries worldwide, with an equal
proportion of Thai and foreign patients.
Most of these foreigners come from
Thailand’s neighboring countries.
8
* Source: Kasikorn Research Center

“ What impresses people
worldwide about
Bumrungrad is our
recognized medical
services of the highest
quality and safety
standards.”
Dr. Num Tanthuwanit
TNN24: What’s Bumrungrad’s
strategy in standing out amongst
the competition?
Dr. Num: First, it’s our expertise
in medical treatment; Bumrungrad
has over 1,200 expert doctors in 55
specialties, and more than 30 specialist
centers with expertise in very complicated
cases. And the more patients
we welcome from every corner of
the world, the more experience our
physicians earn from giving them
individualized treatment.
Second, it’s the collaboration between
our teams. Taking care of a patient
requires all associated physicians in
various specialties to join colleagues
from other fields, such as pharmacists,
nutritionists, physical therapists, and
nurses, as they systematically plan
treatments to deliver inclusive and
effective outcomes.
What impresses people worldwide
about Bumrungrad is our recognized
medical services of the highest quality
and safety standards. Indeed, Bumrungrad
was the first hospital in Asia to receive
accreditation from the US-based Joint
Commission International (JCI) in 2003,
and has received reaccreditation every
three years since. How Bumrungrad
played a vital role in preventing the
spread of MERS in the kingdom last
year speaks volumes of our commitment
toworld-class safety and service
standards.
Thailand’s cultural tradition of
politeness and etiquette makes a great
impression on patients. We are so proud
that today Thailand has over fifty
JCI-accredited hospitals, both in the
government and private sectors, which
proves that healthcare in Thailand is
at a high standard. Apart from that,
Thai hospitals’ service-minded tradition
of caregiving is an advantage over
competing countries that are trying to
establish themselves as international
medical hubs.
TNN24: Bumrungrad recently
launched a new TVC campaign, “The
Collaboration of Expertise”; why did
you choose this approach and what
are its unique marketing strategies?
Dr. Num: The TVC spot, “The Collaboration
of Expertise,” represents our
organizational culture and values,
which we have cultivated for over thirtyfive
years. It brings everything together
and makes the patient the center of
attention. The campaign illustrates how
Bumrungrad offers the best medical
services through its orchestration of
expertise in treating patients, systematic
collaboration, modern technology, and
service mindedness.
I want to emphasize the great
importance we place on selecting the
latest and best technology to serve
patients. Bumrungrad is the first private
hospital to have a Simulation Training
Center, which uses simulation mannequins
to train staff in over sixty different
scenarios. Physicians or physician
trainers use a computer program to
aid our personnel in enhancing their
professional skills in safe and efficient
patient care.
Furthermore, we are one of only five
hospitals in the world, and the only
hospital outside the USA, to use a new
intelligent data processing system
to plan patients’ individual cancer
treatments – the IBM Watson for
Oncology system, developed by the
world’s leading cancer center, Memorial
Sloan-Kettering. IBM Watson uses
artificial intelligence to analyze large
amounts of clinical information to
create guideline summaries that match
patients to treatments. This cognitive
computing tool is said to play an
important part in the future of medicine.
TNN24: Where is the hospital
business heading in the future?
Dr. Num: I believe that health tourism
is a promising market with good
prospects for continual growth. International
competition increases, but
Thailand holds strong advantages in
many aspects. Bumrungrad’s operational
plan from now on focuses on expanding
facilities in the hospital: more medical
exam rooms and more beds to serve
increasing numbers of both Thai and
foreign patients. Aside from that, we
concentrate on finding more qualified
overseas physicians with expertise in
different fields to come work in Thailand.
We’ll also bring in new medical
technology, such as robotic assistance
in prostate and kidney surgery, and
cerebrovascular diagnosis and
treatment-assisting tools with better
accuracy and efficiency.
Ultimately, all of our improvements
and innovations originate from our
commitment to keeping our patients
at the heart of all we do.
9

+++++ The Case
Netipong “James” Srithong was just six years old when he went
golfing with his father for the first time. He started training
seriously for competitive golf at age twelve and qualified to join
Thailand’s national golf team at age seventeen. Because of his athletic
gift and determination, James always scored high. When he became
a member of the national team, he practiced even harder and dreamed of
one day becoming a professional golfer.
But eight months before going to Myanmar for the SEA Games, James
slipped and fell. He suffered a severe arm injury, breaking it in several
places. “It was as if my dream collapsed right in front of me,” he says.
Because success
is not coincidental
Netipong Srithong
chooses only the best
Golf is his life
“My father is a judge, and he likes playing golf,” James recalls. “I
always went with him to the course. At first, it was just for fun. Then,
I competed in tournaments and met lots of other golfers with whom I
became friends with. When my game got better, I entered more and more
tournaments. I got into the national team when I was in eleventh grade.”
“I practiced a lot during that time,” James recalls. “I was barely at
school because I attended golf training camp every month. We got up
early, went running at 7 am, and practiced driving until evening to
prepare ourselves for the SEA Games in Indonesia.”
This national athlete’s life seemed to run smoothly. James practiced
nonstop, even when he started college at the Faculty of Law, Thammasart
University. “I dreamed of becoming a successful professional golfer,” he says.
“I wanted to play on the European Tour like Thongchai Jaidee and
Kiradech Apibanrat, who both played on the national team before going pro.”
When your dream seems to fade, “give up” or “move on”?
Around the end of 2013, James was scheduled to attend a tournament
at the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar. But in April that year, he suffered
a huge setback. “I went to Nakhon Sri Thammarat with my family to
make merit,” recalls James. “I wasn’t careful and slipped and fell down
some high steps. My elbow hit the ground extremely hard. At first, my
arm was numb, and I couldn’t move it. I wasn’t sure if I had broken it
until my father took me to the hospital. But I didn’t have the operation
10

ight then because my situation as an
athlete golfer was extremely sensitive
and we wanted to make sure our next
move was the right one. My father’s
friend, who is a doctor, recommended
that I go to Bumrungrad International
Hospital for the operation. I flew back
to Bangkok that very day. I had fallen
at around 10 am that morning, and as
soon as I got to the hospital, at around
10 pm that night, I had my operation.
“The first thing that came to mind
when I fell was the tremendous fear
that I wouldn’t be able to practice. Being
injured would cost me so much time!
The doctor informed me of the risk that
I might not be able to move my wrist
normally after surgery, and I might not
be able to play golf as well as I used to.
My hopes of returning to play on the
national team and going professional
were gone. I was very distraught. I
could barely move my elbow, it was
very painful. But a month after the
surgery, I gradually regained wrist
movement, almost back to normal.”
Keep fighting, for yourself
and everyone around you
After his release from the hospital,
James’ treatment continued with
physical therapy once a week. The
therapist extended and bent his
shoulder and elbow to prevent them
from healing improperly in a way that
restricted his range of motion. “It was
incredibly painful, but all I was thinking
of then was that I must be patient and
that I had to recover,” James says, “not
only for myself, but also for my family,
and my country. I had a tournament at
the SEA Games in Myanmar waiting
for me. I was one of the four on-ground
players. If I didn’t recover in time, the
team would lose one of its players.”
Two months after his surgery, which
required inserting a plate into his arm,
James started practicing golf using only
his right hand, putting short distances.
He began with easy and light moves,
then to more rigorous training under the
supervision and support of his family,
coach, and friends. “I had to encourage
myself to carry on, because every time
I did physical therapy, it was painful,”
12
Not just recovered,
but a 100 percent
come back
Treating Netipong “James” Srithong
was a special case because it
entailed helping a gifted golfer
who contributed to the betterment
of Thailand. Better Health gets the
renowned athlete’s treatment details
from Dr. Wirat Kongcharoensombat,
a specialist in orthopedic surgery.
The high stakes of James’ case
James’ broken arm was what we call
a comminuted distal one-third of
shaft humerus fracture, which means
his bones had broken above his
elbow. Of most concern were the
nerves around the broken bone area.
One wrong move could be disastrous,
necessitating him to rest for years or
James says. “But I never backed down,
not even for a second. My arm swelled
up, but the doctor told me to open and
close my hand frequently to help the
blood circulate. I did everything he said.
Never once did I consider giving up.”
In December of 2013, James joined
his first post-surgery tournament. He
started at the Nomura Cup, SEA Games,
followed by the ASEAN Games in South
Korea. At the end of 2014, he had
another operation at Bumrungrad to
remove the plate. James was even more
nervous about this surgery because
he knew if he couldn’t move his arm
afterwards, his pro golf dream was over.
in the worst case, making him
permanently unable to tilt his wrist
and fingers.
Did you feel more pressure because
the patient was a promising athlete?
Not really. But I did have some
concerns because I knew he was
playing in the SEA Games, and he
wanted to go professional after that.
We couldn’t give treatment for a
merely serviceable recovery. We had
to do it fast and preserve his highlevel
golf skills. I was concerned about
how fast he could get back to playing
and whether he would regain his preaccident
capabilities. My team and I
at Bumrungrad did our best.
How was the outcome?
The patient’s discipline in following
his treatment plan helped his
recovery. Just a few months after
surgery he was able to resume his
practice schedule. We arranged a
physical therapy program that
helped him to recover as soon as
possible. Today he is one hundred
percent healthy.
But everything went well. “After the
surgery to remove the plate I had six
months to prepare for the SEA Games
in Singapore,” James says. “I hoped to
win an individual gold medal because
I had failed twice at that. I also wanted
to become a professional golfer after the
SEA Games – and I did. And that’s the
medal of which I am most proud.”
Today, 22-year-old James golfs
professionally, and has competed in
Asian tournaments before stepping up
to World tournaments. According to
James’ experience, when you choose
to “move on” with determination, all
that’s left is achieving success.

+++++ Sports Medicine
Preparing your body
for a marathon
14
“ At least one week
before the race, a
participant should
do a practice run.”
Dr. Montinee Sangtian
Marathon running is gaining
popularity worldwide. It’s
now common to see communities
in numerous countries
hold running events, including short
distances of two, three, or five kilometers,
mini-marathons (10.5 km), half
marathons (21 km), and full marathons
(international standardized distance
of 42.195 km). For those wanting a less
intense and competitive experience,
there are also numerous short-distance
walking and running events, often called
“fun runs”.
In this edition of Better Health, we
talk with Dr. Montinee Sangtian, who
has experience in organizing running
events, which include marathons and
triathlons in the USA. A specialist in
Emergency Medicine, EMS, and holding
a Disaster Medicine Fellowship Certification,
Dr. Montinee reveals how to
get your body ready for the challenges
of running a marathon for the first time.
Why a marathon?
For many runners who have long
trained and achieved personal running
records, completing a full marathon
is the ultimate test. However, this
demanding form of exercise is not
suitable for everyone.
“Marathon running is classified as
an endurance sport, requiring muscular
strength and endurance, as well as a
robust cardiovascular system, where the
runner performs repetitive movements
in the same plane of motion for an
extended period of time,” Dr. Montinee,
says. “Marathon running requires a
high and continuous amount of energy,
which is a clear distinction from shorterdistance
running or sprinting. Athletes
must specially prepare for the unique
rigors of running a marathon.”
Those considering running a
marathon must evaluate their physical
ability before they get to the starting
line. “Some people are careless about
running marathons because they think
that they can stop at any point of
exhaustion, or that they can probably
endure. However, a marathon should
be no different from swimming,
for example, where most people do not
dare participate if they are not sure
that they can make it to the finish line.
In fact, with no physical readiness or
sufficient preparation, running beyond
our physical ability is dangerous
because we may not be aware that we
have exceeded our limit and we risk
having a heart attack.”
Get ready before the race
Physicians recommend that before
you run a marathon, you get a comprehensive
annual health check-up.
Many people do not get these regular
assessments, however, when you intend
to run a race of any distance, you
should at least, initially consult a doctor
to check your physical health and get
specific advice. A check-up ensures
that you have no underlying chronic
disease or other conditions that could
jeopardize your health. These problems
include bone and joint diseases,
hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and
heart disease especially ischemic heart
disease, cardiac arrhythmia and hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy.

How long does marathon preparation take?
If your physician finds no problems that restrict running a marathon,
Dr. Montinee recommends conducting a self-assessment to determine what
category of runner you are. Typically, the levels are categorized as Beginner,
Intermediate, Advanced, and Competitive.
Run regularly
3 to 5 Days/Week
Total Running
Distance/Week
(Km./Week)
Approximate
Period for Marathon
Preparation
Beginner P 25 1 year
Intermediate P 32 6 months
Advanced P 64 4 months
Competitive P Over 80 4 months
Not even a beginner?
For a beginner, set a reasonable first
target, and then, subsequently set goals
to achieve gradual progress. If you never
exercise on a regular basis, you should
start with walking or running with
breaks for about 30 minutes daily,
three to five times a week. After sticking
to this program for a while, you can
proceed to short-distance running,
such as a Fun Run, which requires two
to three months of preparation. The
goal is to gradually increase your
running time and distance.
“At least one week before the race,
a participant should do a practice run.”
says Dr. Montinee. This rehearsal
instills confidence and prepares the
athlete for competition. Unprepared
runners increase the risk of injuries
and medical problems. As much as
possible, athletes should train under
conditions similar to what they will
encounter in the actua l race, such as
humidity, distance, and route, to
achieve a physical adaptation.
For those who seek running a
marathon, they should consult their
physician or trainer to get advice
about exercising, eating, and hydration
and sweat rate (the amount of sweat
lost in a one-hour exercise session),
and specific techniques for safety
and running efficiency.
Follow these instructions and
recommendations:
+ Choose well-organized running
events. Screen potential races for
systematic planning regarding
accurate distance, route conditions,
facilities, and safety. For example,
the event should provide first-aid
services with medical personnel and
medical equipment (such as an automated
electrical defibrillator (AED)).
+ Do not run outdoors during hot
daytime temperatures of over 35
degrees Celsius, particularly with
high relative humidity.
+ Use only your “broken-in” running
shoes that fit the foot’s shape and
sole, adequately absorb impact force,
and suit the course and road surface.
Don’t wear brand-new or untested
shoes in a race.
+ Refrain from alcohol at least 24 hours
before the race.
+ Do body warm-ups and stretches
before every run.
+ Have a meal one to two hours before
the race. In the case of a marathon
session of over two hours, doctors
recommend consuming food or
drinks with about one gram of
carbohydrate/kilogram every hour;
you may have liquid foods (e.g. gelatins)
or an energy bar to energize your
body during the race.
+ Drink enough water to prevent
dehydration. But be careful! Drinking
too much water may cause mineral
levels to drop to dangerously low
levels, leading to brain swelling.
Drink only enough water to quench
your thirst. Alternate between water
and sports drinks at 120 to 180
milliliters every 15 to 20 minutes.
+ Long, continuous endurance exercises
cause changes in the cardiac muscle,
which poses a possible risk of heart
disease. Even an experienced runner
should have regular health check-ups.
Walking or running: it’s all good
For those not yet ready or who have
health problems that preclude running,
a study published in the Journal of the
American College of Cardiology (JACC)
in 2014 found that exercise of even just
10 minutes per day is beneficial to health
and helps prolong life in comparison
to those who do not exercise at all.
“Even walking is advantageous
because the key to good exercise is to
do it continuously and regularly,” says
Dr. Montinee. “For example, a brisk walk
or jog for just 30 minutes per day, three
days per week benefits health more
than a hard run once a month. You don’t
need to overdo exercise. Just make
sure it’s suitable for your current
physical condition.”
What’s so good about running?
Apart from being a convenient
and inexpensive exercise,
running also has other
advantages:
+ Helps increase muscular strength
in several parts of the body – from
legs and arms muscles to the
cardiac muscle
+ As a weight-bearing exercise, it
helps strengthen bones
+ Decreases blood pressure and
blood lipids and regulates sugar
levels.
+ Reduces the risk of cardiovascular
and cerebrovascular diseases
+ Facilitates good metabolism and
controls weight
16

p17 Ad Blackmores

+++++ Staying Healthy
Technologies for
Healthy Living
If you think the effort it takes to
live healthy is too demanding,
Better Health has discovered
some gadgets that may make
things a bit easier for you.
2
1
Smart Scale
This smart scale records and tracks body weight and
fat for up to eight people, and organizes statistics by
day or year to track each body’s changes. You can even
connect the scale to the Internet via Wi-Fi to access
your progress without having to record any numbers.
Available in iOS, Android, and Windows.
Activity Trackers
These small wearable devices gather data on a person’s
physical activities. They monitor and record heart rate,
steps taken, and calories burned, to name a few.
3
4
GPS Watch
Designed specifically for runners, this watch measures
your heart rate with a wrist sensor that displays
data in detailed charts and graphs. It also measures
oxygen levels while running, as well as general
functions such as distance measurement.
Wellness Watch
This smart watch determines the wearer’s
fitness level and readiness for exercise.
It displays results through easy-tounderstand
infographics.
* Photos and information provided by:
Fitbit - photos 1, 2; Garmin - photo 3; and Wellograph - photo 4.
18

Official Account :

+++++ M.D. Focus
Get to know our doctors
Providing the highest standards of patient care requires
a hospital-wide commitment and professional expertise.
Meet four Bumrungrad doctors who share their thoughts on
a range of healthcare topics. Bumrungrad’s medical staff
includes over 1,300 world-class doctors of high caliber,
with outstanding professional credentials and advanced
training across the full spectrum of medical sub-specialties.
Dr. Sumroeng Neti,
Surgeon specializing in Orthopedics
Dr. Sumroeng graduated at the
top of his class with honors from the
Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital,
Mahidol University, achieving top ranks
in examinations to become a qualified
orthopedic surgeon.
Why did you choose to study
Hand and Microsurgery?
There are only two things that make
humans superior to other living beings:
first is the brain, and second are the
hands. The hands are such a vital part
of the body, yet many overlook this fact
until they face circumstances in which
they can no longer use their hands as
they once did. Hand surgery is very
complex and requires special ability.
For example, the replantation of digits
20
requires the reconnection of tiny blood
vessels – and not just anybody is capable
of doing it. I enjoy the challenge and am
thankful that I can help so many people.
In the first two years of my profession,
I replanted digits for about one hundred
patients.
What principle or philosophy
guides your work?
I devote myself to my duty as a
surgeon with sincerity and being straightforward.
Despite being a surgeon, I always
teach my students to choose surgery as
the last option, provided that there
are no better alternatives. Our working
philosophy is to cure our patients
without surgery, but if it is necessary
we need to do our best and this professional
honesty gains patients’ trust.
Along with conducting weekly
training sessions for new physicians,
Dr. Sumroeng also holds the positions
of vice-chairman of the Thai Society
for Surgery of the Hand, as well as being
a member of the committee of the
Thai Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery,
and secretary of the Thai
Society for Spinal Surgery. He was
formerly the vice president of the Royal
College of Orthopedic Surgeons of
Thailand under the Royal Patronage
of His Majesty the King.
Dr. Pitsanu Kerdsinchai,
Physician specializing in Cardiology
Dr. Pitsanu graduated from the
Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai
University, before pursuing further
education in Coronary Angioplasty and
Stenting in Belgium. He has worked with
Bumrungrad International Hospital for
over twenty years. He is considered one of
the best-skilled and most experienced
cardiologists in Thailand.
What is the greatest challenge
of being a cardiologist?
The greatest challenge in a cardiologist
is working against time. Delay in
treating emergency patients with acute
coronary syndrome runs the risk of
causing the cardiac muscles to slowly
die. Not only does a patient need to arrive
quickly at the hospital, the medical team
also needs to act fast. The hospital’s
operation rooms must be ready 24 hours
a day. In this respect, a coronary angioplasty
can be performed at Bumrungrad
within an hour of the patient’s arrival.
We can say that Bumrungrad meets
the criteria of delivering treatment at
world-class speed.
What is your work philosophy?
Successful treatment requires trust
between doctors and patients. A review
of the patient’s medical history is vital.
When the doctor knows everything
about the patient’s health, he or she can
give a more accurate diagnosis. But if
the patient has no confidence or trust
and does not provide all the necessary
information, then the physician will be
unaware of key facts, and that may lead
to misdiagnosis. Therefore, we need to
first gain the patients’ trust. Additionally,
our healthcare providers should regard
patients as if they are family, and treat
them as best as we can.

Dr. Verapan Kuansongtham,
Surgeon specializing in Spine Surgery
and Neurosurgery
Upon graduation from the Faculty
of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital,
Mahidol University, in the field of
Neurosurgery, Dr. Verapan pursued
further study in Minimally Invasive
Brain and Spine Surgery in Germany
and the United States. Subsequently,
he returned to teach at the Faculty
of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital,
Mahidol University – a position he
still holds. He is the founder of the
Spine Institute at Bumrungrad International
Hospital, providing treatment
and care to thousands of patients with
back and neck pain.
What sparked your interest
in Spine Surgery?
My personal experience of having
had back surgery due to a herniated
disc made me truly understand how
patients feel. At that time in 2007, despite
it being microscopic surgery, the size
of the incision was 7.5 centimeters.
I later learned of a spinal surgery
technique developed in Germany that
reduces the incision to only seven
millimeters. I was so impressed that
I expanded my interest from brain
surgery to minimally invasive spine
surgery as well.
Bumrungrad features a dedicated
Spine Institute, with state-of-the-art
facilities offering our patients a high
quality of care as well as conducting
research and education. Through this
collaboration of expertise, the Spine
Institute makes it possible for us to
provide the most up-to-date treatment
to our patients.
What’s it like working at
Bumrungrad?
I admire Bumrungrad for placing
importance on both teaching and
research. In conjunction with hospitals
from Germany, we’ve provided training
courses in endoscopic surgery for
surgeons from different countries
worldwide, for over eight consecutive
years. The training is held once a
year in Thailand, and twice a year
in Germany, welcoming physicians
from all over the world to join in.
Hundreds of Thai physicians have
been trained at our institute, organized
with support from Bumrungrad.
Dr. Thanyalak Chaiseri,
Physician specializing in Cardiology
For over 30 years, Dr. Thanyalak
has helped many patients with heart
diseases improve their quality of life.
After graduating in Medicine first in her
class with honors from Chulalongkorn
University, she studied Cardiac Medicine
at Ramathibodi Hospital.
What was your most
challenging case?
My most challenging case was a
patient who had cyanotic complex
congenital heart disease. Normally,
for young patients, most symptoms
could be properly controlled with
medication. But as people age, the
conditions of existing heart disease
have a cumulative effect on the function
of both the lungs and heart. This patient
also had developed thyrotoxicosis,
which caused complications and
directly affected cardiac function. There
was backflow of venous blood from
the right heart chamber through the
septal defect that caused the venous
blood to mix with the arterial blood in the
left chamber. The arterial oxygen level
dropped far below the normal range,
and that led to cyanosis and marked
exhaustion. As a result, the patient was
unable to perform any normal life
activities and was bed-ridden and fully
dependent on oxygen for support of life.
This patient was treated in our
cardiac care unit, where our full team
of specialists provided tertiary care
until the severe cardiac failure was
improved and her condition was safe
enough for surgical correction. This kind
of cardiac surgery specifically required
specialized cardiac surgeons. Happily, the
patient had a successful operation with
excellent results. The patient regained
a good quality of life and could finally
return to work, travel abroad, and live
a normal life. This outcome was beyond
the expectations of the patient and
the family prior to treatment.
What is the most impressive
treatment you have performed?
I have worked with Bumrungrad
International Hospital for over 25 years
and have successfully treated a great
number of heart-disease patients.
One was a female patient who had
severe valvular endocarditis and was
transferred to Bumrungrad from another
hospital, as her condition continually
worsened. She finally had surgery for a
prosthetic heart valve replacement, and
she regained normal heart function
and overall health. For twenty years after
her treatment, this patient had led a
life without limitations. Every time she
traveled abroad, she would buy me
agift – so often that I had to ask her to
stop. She once asked permission to hug
me, as a token of her appreciation and
said that she would never forget that it
was me who saved her life and continues
to take care of her to this day. I am truly
honored that she put her life in my
hands, and had complete trust in me.
21

+++++ The Nutrition Experts
Foods for a
healthy heart
Although cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death
among the world’s population in recent years, it’s possible to prevent
it simply by eating the right foods in accordance with the principles of
nutrition. This issue of Better Health offers guidance on nutrition for heart
health and treatment from Bumrungrad International Hospital’s dietitian team.
Healthy principles for a healthy heart
+ Avoid foods with high fat content, especially foods with saturated fats,
trans fats, and high cholesterol.
Foods to avoid
Foods to eat
Foods with high cholesterol such as
egg yolk, certain animal organs, certain
types of seafood, whole milk, ice
cream, cheese, butter, animal fat, etc.
Lean meats
Saturated fats (eat no more than
10% or less for your daily energy
needs) such as meat products, foods
containing animal fats (sausage,
Chinese sausage), animal fat (lard),
coconut oil, and palm oil.
Fish such as mackerel, tuna, salmon,
sardines, etc. (recommended at
least two times a week, as fish oil can
reduce triglyceride levels in the blood
and help prevent heart disease).
Foods containing trans fats (artificial
fats created by adding hydrogen and
vegetable oil to make it into a solid).
These fats are often found in non-dairy
creamer, margarine, shortening, crisps,
cakes, cookies, and fried foods from
reused frying oil.
Vegetable oil (only small amounts)
such as soybean oil, sunflower oil,
sesame oil, corn oil, safflower oil, olive
oil, canola oil, peanut oil, etc.
+ Limit sodium intake by avoiding salty foods. Foods with too much sodium
can cause high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Patients with heart disease should limit their sodium intake to no more than
3,000 milligrams per day (1 teaspoon of salt = 2,000 milligrams of sodium)
and should not add extra salt to their food. Instead, you can add spices such as
lemon grass, pepper, kaffir lime leaves, or lime juice to enhance food flavor.
22

+ Increase dietary fiber by eating more
vegetables, fruits, dried beans, rice,
and various whole grains. The body
needs at least 25 grams of dietary fiber
per day. Fiber comprises of two types:
- Soluble dietary fiber found in grains
such as oat, bran, dried beans,
vegetables, and fruits. This fiber helps
reduce cholesterol levels and blood
sugar levels.
- Insoluble dietary fiber found in
grains and whole grain bread such
as coarse rice, brown rice, whole
wheat bread, nuts, and certain kinds
of vegetables and fruits. This type
of fiber absorbs water to help the
intestines and digestive system
work efficiently.
Eating a variety of foods will help
you get both kinds of fibers.
+ Avoid consuming alcohol and
sweetened beverages such as those
which increase the level of triglycerides
and excessive energy in the
blood. Keep consumption to fewer
than two standard glasses a day
(one standard glass = 285 ml. of beer,
120 ml. of wine).
+ Limit caffeinated beverages such as
tea or coffee to no more than 2 to 3
cups a day.
What are the sources of
salt in your food?
25%
comes from natural foods,
for example, 100 grams of
onions have 11 milligrams
of sodium.
50%
comes from instant foods,
such as seasoning cubes
for soups, ready-to-eat meat
products such as sausages,
Chinese sausage, and bacon.
Vitamin A (carotene) Vitamin E Vitamin C
Carrots, apricots, pumpkins,
mangoes, amaranth, spinach,
cantaloupes, peaches, broccoli,
water spinach
Soybean oil, safflower oil,
sunflower oil, almonds,
wheat germ
25%
comes from flavoring
foods, such as adding
salt, soy sauce,
and fish sauce.
+ Eat foods containing antioxidants to protect the heart and prevent heart
diseases. Food sources containing antioxidants include:
Tangerines, tomatoes,
oranges, guavas, kiwis,
pomelos, bean sprouts,
cabbage, broccoli, chilli,
limes
Did you know?
The best way to get the maximum
antioxidant effect from garlic is to eat
about five fresh cloves a day. Peel and
air them out for a while before eating.
Garlic prepared in this manner can
help diminish the risk of developing
heart disease.
Tips for dining out
When dining out, those with heart disease should
choose only heart-healthy foods:
+ Avoid deep-fried foods. Instead, choose boiled, roasted,
baked, and steamed foods, such as baked fish, grilled
skinless chicken, and stir- fried vegetables. Request no
added salt.
+ Avoid fatty foods, such as pork ribs, sausages, and
desserts containing coconut milk and cream.
+ Eat fruit instead of sweets. For dessert, choose the less
sweet options without egg yolk, milk, butter, or coconut milk.
Enjoy jelly, fruit salad, green beans in syrup, etc., but only
in moderation.
+ Drink only water, soda water, fresh fruit juice, and
low-fat milk.
+ Ask the waiter about the ingredients used in your order. If
a desired dish has certain ingredients you want to avoid,
ask to substitute or not add that particular ingredient.
For example, chicken fried rice without the egg yolk, or
fish ball noodle soup without the fried garlic oil.
23

Advertorial
Balance your hormones, balance your life.
methods for
balancing hormones
for a healthy life
Balancing our hormone levels
enables us to have a healthier
quality of life. Hormones are
the body’s naturally produced
chemicals that help organs, tissues,
and cells communicate within the
body. Vital hormones like testosterone,
melatonin, serotonin, and estrogen
control growth, aging, metabolism, and
the reproductive system.
“Even a small change in hormone
levels can directly affect our health
and overall happiness. For my patients,
I recommend regular hormone monitoring
through blood, urine, or saliva
testing,” explains Assistant Professor
Dr. Pansak Sugkraroek, Director
of Vitallife Wellness Center at
Bumrungrad International Hospital.
Dr. Pansak recommends four
methods for balancing your hormones
to have a healthy life:
1
Get a good night’s sleep
Go to bed no later than 11:30 pm
or midnight. During sleep, our
body produces the highest amount of
hormones. Turn off all communication
devices one hour before going to bed.
Electronic signals prevent us from
getting complete rest. For example,
blue light waves can trick your body
2
into thinking to that it’s day instead
of night.
Eat healthy and vary your diet
Diet has a significant impact
on hormone levels. For example,
drinking alcohol can reduce growth
hormones, which causes aging. Eat
healthy foods and vary your diet to make
3
sure you get the necessary nutrients
and vitamins.
Be active
Incorporate different types of
exercises to benefit every part
of your body. Exercise at least 200
4
minutes per week, spread over 45
minutes per session, five times a week.
Relax and recharge
Work stress or excessive use
of communication devices can
decrease hormones. Throughout the
day, take the time to meditate. Take some
deep breaths, or simply think positively
to feel more relaxed.
In some cases, a lifestyle change
is not sufficient enough for balancing
hormones. Doctors may recommend
supplemental hormones approved by
the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) or other recommended medications
and supplementary foods to
balance hormones.
“However, using natural techniques
to balance hormones is the best
method,” says Dr. Pansak. “But always
do so under expert supervision to get
the best results.”
The Vitallife Wellness Center advises patients who want to adjust their hormone levels through a
personalized health program, including diet, exercise, and mental training. The Center regularly monitors
and assesses patients on a six week or six month period, depending on the individual’s condition.
24

+++++ Health Briefs
Obesity and
type 2 diabetes harm bones
Until recently, the medical community
believed that body mass protects bones,
but new data reveals that overweight
people, including patients with type-2
diabetes, are actually at a higher risk
of bone fractures than people of
normal weight.
Researchers at the University of
Missouri had come to this conclusion
based on a study of three groups of rats.
The first consisted of obese, insulinresistant
rats that exercised on running
wheels; the second consisted of obese
rats that took no exercise; the third
consisted of a group of normal-weight
rats that remained sedentary. As the
study progressed, the bone mass of all
rats did continue to grow, however,
the sedentary rats did not accumulate
as much bone mass relative to their
accumulated body weight, such that
their bone formation declined and they
lost bone mass. Most importantly, the
obese exercising rats had stronger
bone health than those with normal
weight, but which did not exercise.
This research indicates that obesity
and type-2 diabetes have an effect on
bone quality, and that exercise can
strengthen bones, even in overweight
and diabetic people.
26
Air pollution increases
the risk of heart disease
Air pollution damages lungs, but it
also affects the heart and circulatory
system.
Harvard University researchers
had conducted a 20-year study on air
quality effects and found that terrible
air quality conditions can increase
the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and
irregular heart rhythms, particularly
in people who have or are at risk for
heart disease.
The most hazardous pollutants
appear to be the tiny particles from
vehicle exhausts, industrial factories,
and wildfires. The diameter of the
particles measure less than 2.5 micrometers.
These particles irritate lung
tissue, resulting in infections that
spread to the bloodstream and damage
the heart and blood vessels.
The study’s conclusion recommends
that heart disease patients avoid
outdoor exercise near heavy traffic
settings or industrial areas to limit
exposure to these small but highly
detrimental particles.
Osteoporosis
is preventable
Many postmenopausal women suffer
from the silent threat of osteoporosis,
which shows no signs in the early
stages and is often discovered when it’s
already too late for effective treatment.
According to research conducted
at University of Castilla-La Mancha,
Spain, published in the Journal of
Sports Sciences, effective prevention of
osteoporosis must start at an early age.
The study gathered bone density
data from 200 girls aged 9 to 13 years,
separated into groups on the basis of
age range and sports type. The objective
was to find out which sport disciplines
promote the greatest bone acquisition
in developing girls. The results showed
that adolescents who chose sports
with a high osteogenic effect, such as
basketball, handball or football, had
stronger bones in comparison to those
who chose sports with a low osteogenic
effect, such as swimming.
This finding should help parents to
plan for their children’s bone health.

+++++ Q & A
In this issue of Better Health,
Bumrungrad cardiology
and orthopedic specialists
answer questions about
cholesterol levels and
coronary thrombosis, weight
and bone mass, and how
a person’s age may impact
the decision of having
bypass surgery.
Q: Does losing weight have any effect
on bone mass loss? If so, how to avoid it?
A: Although losing weight can reduce
bone mass, the method determines
whether or not it’s a problem. If the
loss results from exercise, the beneficial
effects make up for the lost bone mass.
For example, impact exercise such as
brisk walking or running creates bone
mass and strengthens bones. Even if the
bones lose a slight amount of density,
the benefits are that body weight
decreases and muscle is built, as well as
there being relief of knee and back pain.
If the person diets to lose weight,
the body will bear a lesser load and the
bones will also reduce in mass, which is
not an expected effect. Thus, the right
way to lose weight will not have much
effect on the reduced bone mass. We
recommended exercising and reducing
weight rather than staying overweight
out of fear of reduced bone mass.
28
Dr. Sumroeng Neti,
Surgeon, specializing in Orthopedics
Q: My 87-year-old grandfather has
coronary heart disease with chest pain,
but he doesn’t feel he can handle
surgery due to his age. What risks does
such surgery pose for him?
A: There are several risk factors for
coronary bypass surgery. All surgeries
for older patients have higher risks if
they have any underlying diseases –
whether known or unknown – such as
diabetes or hypertension, and whether
the patient has had a heart attack or
heart failure. If the patient takes steroid
medications, has any infection or any
chronic lung disease, especially due to
smoking or emphysema, or needs a respirator
at all times, the risks associated
with surgery increase. Compromised renal
function or chronic renal failure requiring
kidney dialysis poses the likelihood
of a difficult post-surgery recovery.
Q: One of my relatives has a cholesterol
level of only 155, but acute myocardial
infarction appears with 90 percent
of coronary thrombosis. Why?
A: Excessive cholesterol is the primary
cause of coronary thrombosis, but many
other factors may play a part, such as
diabetes, family history of early heart
disease, smoking, and stress, among
several others. For this reason, normal
cholesterol levels do not guarantee
that someone will not get coronary
thrombosis.
To find the cause of coronary thrombosis,
a physician must review the
The anatomy of the blood vessels
significantly affects the level of difficulty
in surgery. If a blood vessel is uneven
or constricted throughout, and small in
size, surgically reconnecting them is
very difficult. The patient’s age is only
one of multiple risk factors in surgery.
Therefore, we must consider the risk
factors individually.
I performed a successful valve
replacement surgery on an 86-year-old
patient. This individual did not have
any diseases other than a stenosis. Renal
function was normal. The patient was
not a diabetic or a smoker, and did not
have lung disease. Thus, the risk was
low and post-operative recovery was
quick. This patient continues to enjoy
a long life.
Dr. Thanyalak Chaiseri,
Physician, specializing in Cardiology
patient’s medical and family history
and do a detailed physical check-up,
including laboratory tests.
Dr. Pitsanu Kerdsinchai,
Physician, specializing in Cardiology

+++++ Bumrungrad News
Bumrungrad International Hospital
hosts the 37 th International Full-
Endospine Workshop in Bangkok
Bangkok – The Bumrungrad Spine Institute,
led by Dr. Verapan Kuansongtham (4 th from
right) and Bumrungrad’s senior executives,
together with an executive team from St. Anna
Hospital, Germany, recently organized a
workshop titled “The 37 th Live Surgery and
Lecture of International Training Course for
Full – Endoscopic Operations of the Lumbar,
Thoracic and Cervical Spine”. Surgeons across
Asia actively participated in the workshop
at Bumrungrad International Hospital.
Photo: from left to right 1. Mr. Dirk Goethel - Head of Product Marketing Spine Surgery,
Richard Wolf GmbH, Knittlingen, Germany 2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somsak Chaovisitsaree -
Medical Director at Bumrungrad International 3. Mr. Dennis Brown - Corporate CEO at
Bumrungrad International 4. Prof. Dr. Sebastian Ruetten - Director of the Surgical and Pain
Therapy Center, St. Anna Hospital, Germany 5. Prof. Dr. Sinn Anuras - Group Medical Director
at Bumrungrad International 6. Dr. Verapan Kuansongtham - Director of the Bumrungrad
Spine Institute 7. Dr. Withawin Kesornsak - Spine Surgeon at Bumrungrad International
8. Ms. Jiraporn Lekdumrongsak - Chief Nursing Officer at Bumrungrad International
9. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanet Wattanawong - Spine Surgeon at Bumrungrad International
Bumrungrad International Hospital Pushes the
Boundaries of Healthcare to Excellence
Dr. Koonlawee Nademanee (2 nd from right), world-renowned cardiologist
specializing in cardiac electrophysiology, and Director of the Pacific
Rim Electrophysiology Research Institute in Los Angeles, California – as
well as an electrophysiologist at Bumrungrad International Hospital’s
Arrhythmia Center – together with an executive team of heart disease
experts from Bumrungrad International Hospital and a number of other
leading international heart institutes, joined in on the opening ceremony
for the operational conference titled “Genetic, Diagnosis and Treatment
of Brugada and Early Repolarization or (Brugada Syndrome) and Early
Repolarization”, held at Bumrungrad International.
The conference aimed to train medical staff in heart disease from
Thailand, the United States, Europe, and other Asian countries to acquire
state-of-the-art knowledge and improve medical care to achieve
consistent excellence in quality and safety.
Photo: from left to right 1. Prof. Dr. Peng-Sheng Chen - Editor-in-Chief, Heart Rhythm
Journal; Medtronic Zipes Chair in Cardiology, Director, Krannert Institute of Cardiology,
Chief, Division of Cardiology and Department of Medicine, Indiana University School
of Medicine 2. Elijah Behr MA MBBS MD FRCP, Honorary Consultant Cardiologist
and Electrophysiologist Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St. George's, University
of London, St. George's University Hospitals NHS. 3. Arthur Wilde, MD, PhD - Heart
Centre Academic Medical Centre, Director and Professor of Cardiology, and Chair
of the Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, University of Amsterdam
4. Dr. Koonlawee Nademanee, World-renowned Cardiologist and Director of the Pacific
Rim Electrophysiology Research Institute. 5. Prof. Dr. Sinn Anuras, Group Medical
Director at Bumrungrad International 6. Dr. Num Tanthuwanit, Hospital CEO at
Bumrungrad International 7. Akihiko Nogami, MD, PhD - Professor of Medicine
Cardiovascular Division, University of Tsukuba
30
724 cases,
updated in
January of 2016
Saving the lives of children with
congenital heart defects with a gift to
“Rak Jai Thai”
Since 2003, the “Rak Jai Thai” program has
provided no-cost heart surgeries to over 724
children with congenital heart disease.
Rak Jai Thai, established by Bumrungrad
International Hospital and The Bumrungrad
Hospital Foundation, in conjunction with the
Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand
under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess
Galyanivadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas
Rajanagarindra, is a charity program to provide
no-cost heart surgeries for underprivileged
Thai children. The average cost of surgery per
case is about 550,000 baht.
To support the program, please make out
donations by check or bank transfer to the
Bumrungrad Hospital Foundation (Bangkok
Bank savings account # 197-0-111157, North
Nana branch). Please fax a copy of your bank
transfer confirmation receipt to Bumrungrad’s
accounting department at 0 2667 2031. For
more information, please contact 0 2667 1398.
Additionally, you can help these children
by purchasing products at the Lahn Nam Jai
shops, operated by the Bumrungrad Hospital
Foundation. The Lahn Nam Jai shops are located
on the BI Hospital Building’s M floor and the BI
Clinic’s G floor, open daily from 9.00 to 17.00 hrs.