News
18/08/2022
If you cut your finger, providing it's only a minor wound, one of the first things you'll reach for is an adhesive bandage. These simple yet effective medical dressings are found in most households around the world. But they have a couple of pitfalls: sometimes, they don't stick very well and oftentimes it hurts when they are removed. Now, researchers from Pennsylvania are looking to change this by developing an adhesive bandage that sticks well to skin – even hairy areas – and causes little pain when it is removed. To solve the problem, the researchers turned to the main ingredient in school glue. The problem with existing adhesive bandages is the ones that stick hard and fast are usually difficult to remove and can cause pain – especially if they are placed on sensitive skin. Other adhesive bandages are easier to remove but don't have the sticking power required to keep a wound closed, allowing to heal. Outlining their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, Lehigh University, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia say their new bandage has been developed using vinyl alcohol – a primary ingredient in the glue – and boric acid, a common and naturally occurring compound frequently used in antiseptics. The result is an adhesive bandage that can effectively hold wound closed, yet can be painlessly removed by soaking it in water for just 30 seconds. *Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash
12/08/2021
Since Monday, anyone wanting to visit a restaurant, bar or other attraction/venue in France has to use a QR code-based digital health pass. The passes are designed to prove a person has either been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or tested negative for the coronavirus in the previous 72 hours. Now, vaccinated travelers to France from outside the European Union have a way to obtain the digital health passes and visit popular tourist sites, including iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, travel across the country by train, or enjoy a coffee and croissant at a Paris cafe. US travelers already in France or planning to arrive by Sunday can apply for a French health pass by submitting a copy of their CDC vaccine card, valid passport, and airline tickets to French officials via email. Visitors from the US, Canada and the rest of the world have bespoke email addresses. Visitors to France will need to have been fully vaccinated with either Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, or AstraZeneca vaccines. The French government is currently accepting applications from travelers who are 18 and older, and are already in Europe or plan to arrive by August 15. Right now, it is unclear how the process may change for visitors planning trips further ahead. *Image by Phil Riley from Pixabay
01/06/2021
Nearly three years after it was cancelled, the night train service from Paris to Nice has returned, part of a broader push by the French Government to promote more environmentally friendly means of transportation. First introduced in the late 1800s, the Paris-Nice night train, colloquially known as ‘Le Train Bleu’, was a luxury sleeper service, internationally famed for its list of wealthy and famous passengers. However, during the 1980s, when high-speed TGV trains proliferated and cut the travel time from Paris to Nice from 20 hours down to just five, the era of luxury night trains to the French Riviera was effectively ended. While Le Train Bleu would continue its service for a few more decades, it ceased to exist under than name in 2003. Then, in Dece3mber 2017, it was discontinued completely due to the French Government withdrawing its funding. But now it’s back. Under the French Government’s pandemic plans to encourage more eco-friendly transport as part of its broader economic relaunch packages, the sleeper service from Paris to Nice is back. The first Paris-Nice night train departed Paris Austerlitz station at 20:52 on May 20 and arrived in Nice at 09:11 on May 21. To highlight just how much attention the sleeper service re-launch attracted, French Prime Minister Jean Castex was among the passengers, At a time when France is striving hard to bring down its carbon emissions, night trains are also more "virtuous" than cars or planes, as Castex's office told AFP. The night train will run daily between Paris and Nice in both directions. And while it takes twice as long as the TGV to complete the nearly 1,088-kilometre (675-mile) voyage, it’s a lot more affordable. Paris-Nice TGV tickets usually cost well over 100 euros one-way. Night train prices start from just 29 euros. *Image: Le Train Bleu in the Gare de Lyon, Paris, courtesy of Gryffindor and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
12/03/2020
We often hear about the health risks of second-hand smoke, or passive smoking, but now a new study reveals that third-hand smoke can be dangerous too. Third-hand smoke is the term used to describe tobacco contaminants that stick to walls, carpet, bedding and other surfaces, leading to a room smelling like an ashtray. However, research by Yale University has revealed that third-hand smoke actually clings to a smoker’s body and clothes as well, allowing it to be released into environments where smoking has never occurred. While this might not sound like too big a deal, the worrying revelation from the study is that non-smokers in such environments can be impacted. In fact, the study says chemical exposure in a movie theatre could be the equivalent of being exposed to between one and 10 cigarettes of second-hand smoke by the end of the movie. Speaking about the findings of the research, Drew Gentner, study authord and an associate professor of chemical and environmental engineering at Yale University, said: “People are substantial carriers of third-hand smoke contaminants to other environments. So, the idea that someone is protected from the potential health effects of cigarette smoke because they're not directly exposed to second-hand smoke is not the case.”
01/08/2019
New research suggests that tickling the ear with a small electric current could help rebalance the body’s nervous system in people over-55 and help them age more healthily. The therapy works by stimulating the vagus nerve, the longest of the nerves that connect the brain with other parts of the body such as the heart, lungs and gut. The vagus nerve is usually difficult to access and usually requires surgical intervention so that electric stimuli can be delivered. However, one small branch of the vagus nerve reaches a part of the outer ear and that’s where the researchers from the Universities of Leeds and Glasgow — both in the United Kingdom – stimulated it from. Patients who received the electric stimuli for 15 minutes a day over a 14-day period noted improvements in body, sleep and mood. As we age, our body’s nervous system gradually becomes out of balance and the sympathetic branch begins to dominate. This makes us more prone to diseases, such as hypertension and heart problems, as well as anxiety and depression. The researchers found that the electric ear tickling therapy – named so because that’s how it feels – helped rebalance the body’s nervous system by increasing parasympathetic activity and decreasing sympathetic activity. People with the greatest imbalance at the start of the trial showed the biggest improvement at the end.
14/05/2019
Charcoal-based toothpastes - which claim to help whiten teeth - could actually increase the risk of tooth decay and staining, a review published in the British Dental Journal has found. According to the review, charcoal-based toothpastes often contain little or no fluoride to help protect teeth and the claims they make about whitening are not supported by any evidence. Furthermore, excessive brushing with them can actually do more harm than good because they are often more abrasive than regular toothpastes and can cause damage to tooth enamel and gums. The authors of the paper say people should stick to brushing with a regular fluoride toothpaste and consult their dentist about teeth bleaching/whitening. Speaking about the review, Prof Damien Walmsley, from the British Dental Association, said: “Charcoal-based toothpastes offer no silver bullets for anyone seeking a perfect smile, and come with real risks attached. “So don't believe the hype. Anyone concerned about staining or discoloured teeth that can't be shifted by a change in diet, or improvements to their oral hygiene, should see their dentist.” The bottom line, according to study co-author Dr Joseph Greenwall-Cohen, from the University of Manchester Dental School, is that charcoal-based toothpastes do not provide “a low cost, quick-fix, tooth-whitening option.”
19/04/2019
The Pasteur Clinic has achieved a 1st in Europe The Pasteur Clinic of Toulouse announces having achieved a European first in the field of cardiology thanks to the robotic pathway. Dr. Jean Fajadet thus performed the first coronary angioplasty in Europe under the assistance of a robot. In the case of narrowing or occlusion of the arteries, created by deposits of atheromatous plaques, the cardiologist may recommend coronary angioplasty. This procedure consists of positioning a small balloon in the artery at the level of the narrowing or occlusion and inflating it to dilate the stenosis and crush the atheromatous plaque and thus obtain a normal flow in the coronary artery. In general, the following is stent placement, a mini-spring, which prevents the artery to reseal. The Pasteur Clinic has been performing this intervention for more than 30 years in interventional cardiology, percutaneously under local anesthesia. With the acquisition of the robot (CorPath GRX System® Corindus®), the cardiologist can perform his act via joysticks. The robot is guided from a control room. It allows a great precision of the gesture and the absence of X-ray exposure for the personnel. The Pasteur Clinic has also invested in a 4th generation da Vinci xi surgical robot for several specialties (urology, gynecology, digestive, thoracic surgery, etc.). Source: La Depeche
03/01/2019
The New Year is here and for many that means attempting to stick to one or a bunch of resolutions. Eating more healthily, doing more exercise and quitting smoking will be at the top of the list for many people. If one of your goals for 2019 is eating more healthily, perhaps you should consider following a Mediterranean diet. While it varies depending on where you go, a Mediterranean diet, in a nutshell, is one that incorporates all of the healthy eating habits of people who live in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including France, Greece, Italy and Spain - so more vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, nuts, grains, cereals, fish, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil. And less meat and dairy foods. As well as being linked with better health, including a healthier heart, a Mediterranean diet also promotes healthy brain aging, according to new research. A recent study involving 116 healthy adults aged 65–75 years, conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, found that participants who ate a Mediterranean diet performed better in memory, general intelligence, and executive function tests. “Our study suggests that diet and nutrition moderate the association between network efficiency and cognitive performance,” said Aron Barbey, a psychology professor at The University of Illinois.
14/11/2017
Wounds that occur during daylight hours heal faster than wounds that occur after dark, a new study has found. The research discovered that burns sustained at night took, on average, 28 days to heal, while burns that occurred during the day only took 17 days. In fact, the team from the UK's MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, which carried out the research, said the healing difference between daytime burns and night time burns was astounding. Publishing the findings of their research in Science Translational Medicine, the team of scientists said the difference in healing times was down to the way the human body clock ticks inside nearly every human cell over a 24-hour period. Specifically, fibroblasts, which are the body’s first responders that immediately head to a wound, are primed and ready to go during the daytime. However, at night, they lose this ability. It’s thought the research could lead to improvements in surgical procedures in the future. For example, drugs that reset a patient’s body clock could provide additional benefits during night-time procedures. Dr John O'Neill, one of the researchers, likened the way in which fibroblasts work to a running race: "It is like the 100m. The sprinter down on the blocks, poised and ready to go, is always going to beat the guy going from a standing start,” he said.
14/07/2017
A new type of heart scan that analyses the fat and inflammation around the heart’s arteries could more accurately predict who will have a heart attack. The new way of scanning, developed by a team at the University of Oxford, identifies potential ticking time bomb arteries, allowing high-risk patients to receive intensive treatment and reduce their risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Most of us know inflammation as the red, swollen, sore feeling you experience after cutting your skin. However, the same occurs in all the tissues in the body, including inside the heart. Inflammation on the inside of blood vessels is linked to the build-up of unstable plaques, which can break apart and block a coronary artery, starving the heart of oxygen – resulting in a heart attack. "The holy grail in cardiology is the ability to pick up inflammation in coronary arteries, it's been a challenge for the past 50 years," said Prof Charalambos Antoniades, one of the Oxford researchers. Prof Metin Avkiran, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Discovering which plaques are likely to rupture, so people can be treated before such a devastating event strikes, is a major objective of current research. "If the technique lives up to its promise in larger trials in patients, it could lead to more effective treatment to avoid a potentially fatal heart attack or stroke."
04/07/2017
Researchers from Oxford University have discovered a potential “goldmine” for new drugs in one of the unlikeliest places – ticks. They found that proteins contained in the parasites’ saliva are excellent at stopping inflammation of the heart, which can cause myocarditis and lead to heart failure. Ticks are remarkably good at biting and feeding without being detected. This allows them to stay attached to animals and humans for up to 10 days while they feed on their blood. The reason tick bites don’t cause any pain or inflammation is because proteins in their saliva neutralise chemicals called chemokines in the host. It’s now thought that ticks could be used to help treat other conditions, such as stroke and arthritis. Prof Shoumo Bhattacharya, BHF professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Oxford, who led the research, said: "Myocarditis is a devastating disease, for which there are currently very few treatments. "With this latest research, we hope to be able to take inspiration from the tick's anti-inflammatory strategy and design a life-saving therapy for this dangerous heart condition.” Traditionally, tick saliva was obtained by milking the tiny parasites using tubes. Nowadays, though, tick saliva proteins can be grown in yeast from synthetic genes, which allows large amounts to be produced. It should be noted that all of the current research has only been carried out in a laboratory, so it will be several years before any trials are conducted with humans.
13/04/2017
There are all sorts of diets out there, but a certain type in particular could be a "ticking time bomb" for young people's bone health, according to a leading charity in the UK. Dairy-free diets, which see the amount of dairy consumed significantly reduced or cut out completely, says the National Osteoporosis Society, are putting people's health at risk. That's because milk and other dairy products are important sources of calcium, which boosts bone strength. A survey by the charity found that a fifth of under-25s are cutting out or reducing dairy in their diet. Furthermore, its findings suggest many young people are seeking and following dietary advice they find online. While some of this advice can be good, the charity warns that some individuals are restricting what they eat too much. Prof Susan Lanham-New, head of nutritional sciences at the University of Surrey and clinical advisor to the National Osteoporosis Society, said: "Diet in early adulthood is so important because by the time we get into our late 20s it is too late to reverse the damage caused by poor diet and nutrient deficiencies and the opportunity to build strong bones has passed." In the UK, the Department of Health recommends 700mg of calcium a day for adults and pregnant women, but that increases to 1,000mg a day for boys and girls between 11 and 18. Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the human body and helps to regulate metabolism, promote healthy bones and teeth, controls muscle contraction and blood clotting, and transmits information via the nervous system.
06/04/2017
The slogan for British yeast extract Marmite is 'You either love it or hate it'. And while many people in America may not have even heard of it, a new study will come as good news for lovers of the popular food stuff. A by-product of beer brewing, Marmite is a sticky, almost black coloured food paste with a very distinctive, powerful, salty flavour. People in the UK usually eat it in sandwiches or on toast. According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of York in the UK, Marmite could help boost brain function. The study found that participants who ate one teaspoon of Marmite every day displayed a reduced response to visual stimuli - an indicator of increased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Simply put, GABA "clams" the human brain and helps restore the optimal balance of neuronal activity required for healthy brain functioning. Low GABA levels have previously been linked with anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and autism. That's why researchers have been looking at ways to increase GABA levels in the brain. Speaking about the findings of the research, Senior author Dr. Daniel Baker, of the Department of Psychology at York, said: "Since we've found a connection between diet and specific brain processes involving GABA, this research paves the way for further studies looking into how diet could be used as a potential route to understanding this neurotransmitter." The study serves as a great reminder of how diet has the ability to alter brain processes.
05/01/2017
The New Year is here and for many of you that will mean a new exercise regime designed to get you into shape and improve your overall health. For some people, though, sticking to a disciplined program of physical exercise is one of the hardest resolutions they can make because a lack of motivation gets in the way. But now new research sheds some light on why many people, despite understanding the benefits of regular exercise, find it hard in practice to stay physically active. Researchers from the Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), led by Alexxai V. Kravitz, focused on why obese animals also have a hard time carrying out physical activity. They found that a dysfunction in obese rodents' dopamine systems might help explain why. Mice fed on a high-fat diet started gaining significantly more weight than mice fed on a normal diet. They were also observed to have fewer movements; spend less time moving; and were slower when they did move, compared with the lean mice. Most interesting of all was that the overweight mice's changes in movements did not correlate with body weight gain. Instead, the researchers found that a deficit in striatal D2R explained the obese mice's lack of activity. "In many cases, willpower is invoked as a way to modify behavior. But if we don't understand the underlying physical basis for that behavior, it is difficult to say that willpower alone can solve it," said Kravitz.
04/07/2016
Frequently Asked Questions (GENERAL) · Why should I come to France for an operation? W.H.O ranked the French health system no. 1 in the world. In France you can find elite doctors who are some of the best at their practice, for an affordable rate: Experienced and world-renowned surgeons Clinics carefully selected for their state-of-the-art technologies and the best level of care and safety Highly-personalised services Complete and appropriate medical treatment An excellent recovery environment Short waiting times: 7 weeks on average (as of validation of your file) The best value for money In addition there is the fact that France is the most visited country in the world. Why not use your recovery period to spend time with your family to discover France and all its richness: culture, food, architecture, etc. · Why should I put my trust in France-Surgery as opposed to than another facilitator? France-Surgery has more than 20 years of expertise in the French and international medical industry. These decades of experience allows us to keep contact with the best professionals and select only the most suitable health professionals, for the most precise medical or surgical treatments. We have received the Award for Best Medical Travel Agency in London, April 2015 and are the only certified medical facilitators in France. At France-Surgery all your requests will be dealt with professionally for your peace of mind and that of your loved ones. We subscribe to the rules of best practice enforced for medical tourism, including the selection of partners accredited by the French Department of Health: Clinics and Hospitals offering the highest level of security, evaluated and accredited by the French National Authority for Health (HAS), Elite surgeons and doctors are members of the French Medical Association (Ordre National des Médecins). They participate in scientific development of their specific medical fields which are subject of scientific publications both in France and abroad. France-Surgery is an all-inclusive, one-stop service, our services include: Personalized information and professional advice to help you in making your decision Administrative procedure support Negotiation of preferential rates with clinics and partners Putting you in direct contact with the clinic and the specialist Support and assistance throughout your stay (clinic and post-operative care) from collection on arrival and drop-off Management of transfers, visits, accommodation, catering for patients and their loved ones Do all the doctors within France-Surgery’s network work on the same campus? France-Surgery’s extended medical network spans 120 clinics and hospitals all over France. France-Surgery will put you in direct contact with any of our 1500 recommended specialists and surgeons. It is the patient who usually gets to choose which French city would please them most. All hospitals within our network are renowned for their excellence. Partners within our network are in located dynamic cities that also have a wealth of culture and activity - including, Toulon, Bordeaux, Monaco, Béziers, Paris, Lyon, Toulouse and Marseille. What types of license and credentials do your doctors have? Our team is composed of several reputable physicians and healthcare professionals with over 20 years of experience in the French medical sector. Aside from the obligatory and rigorously strict national qualifications, France Surgery recommended surgeons and doctors are elite members of the French Medical Association (Ordre National des Médecins). They participate in scientific development of their specific medical fields, which are the subject of scientific publications both in France and abroad. Many of our doctors teach their peers at hospitals around the globe (eg. In USA, India, the UK) the newest techniques which have been developed within their specific field. What training and licensing do French nurses, pharmacists, imaging technicians and lab technicians receive? French nurses, pharmacists, imaging technicians and lab technicians of go through rigorous, high quality training in order to pass examinations so as to obtain licenses to practice in France. Nurses are re-certified every few years. Furthermore, intensive care nurses must receive higher training in specialized areas. What is the rate of infection in France? Out of the millions of patients treated at French hospitals each year, the rate of infection is less than 7%. This very low rate is because there is an extremely strict and thorough national infection control programme, which is re-evaluated every 4 years; in order to reduce hospital acquired infections in France. Under French law, clinics and hospitals have to collect data for this 4 yearly evaluation, data that includes (but is not limited to): - Yearly consumption of antiseptic hand-wash products for 1000 hospital days, - Incidence rates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, - Incidence rates of surgical site infections, - Monitoring antibiotic consumption. This information is then required by law to be made available to the public. The objective is to constantly strengthen and monitor infection control and to improve the quality of care provided in health care institutions. How do the international patients communicate with doctors and medical staff? English is widely spoken by most of the doctors within our network. The France Surgery team can also provide French - English (and vice versa) interpretation both linguistically and of documents in situations where it is necessary. How do I begin / make an appointment? If you are interested in our offer you can contact France-Surgery directly at (+33) 953 02 03 09 to make an appointment or email us to request a free quotation. You can also visit our website at www.france-surgery.com where you can then create your medical file in a secure area. This is where where we invite you to specify your pathology and you can upload your medical history and fill in the pre-diagnostic questionnaire intended for the surgeon or doctor on this highly secure eHealth platform. Then you will be invited to pay the €50 administrative charges, which will be directly credited to your travel account. The eHealth platform secure area will allow: You to transmit your medical file directly to your doctor The surgeon or doctor can contact you directly You can discuss with your doctor or surgeon, the diagnosis and the organization of your future treatment. When you fly back home, you have the ability to send X-rays or other examination documents, for a more thorough post-surgery follow-up. The definitive cost of your treatment will be determined by the healthcare team, after the analysis of your medical file and the first meeting by telephone or videoconference. How would you recommend the most suitable doctor? If you request it, we can make a recommendation for you based on your pathology, the medical information you provide us, your desired city, and the appointment date. Otherwise we will send you profiles of doctors of which you can choose. · How do I organize my stay? Once your medical file has been validated, the France-Surgery team will take over, through your secure area, to assist you in organizing your trip: administrative assistance, travel bookings, etc. Our team will contact you to discuss the organization of your travel as well as for the persons accompanying you, and will make proposals corresponding to your wishes and your budget. All your tickets, vouchers, reservations, information, etc. will be sent via this area. Does France-Surgery make accommodations for the patient’s family members or friends etc.? Should you and your loved ones consider staying at a near-by hotel, France-Surgery would be happy to help you with reservations at hotels near to your clinic. Generally (for a small fee) one relative may accompany a patient in the single rooms at the hospital. * It is highly recommend that patients travel with a family member or loved one with whom they are comfortable sharing a high level of privacy. * Are there fun activities we may participate in outside of the hospital stays and appointments? Based on the type of surgery you have received, your interests and your doctor’s prescription, France-Surgery can help you and your accompanying loved ones find cultural activities (festivals, museums etc) that are available in the city of your surgery. Other wise, each city in France has its own official website. For suggestions of activities happening in your city at the time of your surgery, you may also visit your cities website (eg. Cannes.com), Which will detail the calendar of events happening in that specific city all year. · How is the post-operative follow-up organized? After your procedure and during the recovery period in France, your surgeon may wish to see you again (once or twice) for post-operative consultations. During this time, a nurse will provide necessary care, e.g. changing dressings, medications, etc. directly at the hotel where you may be recovering. When you return home, your surgeon will remain in contact with you by telephone if necessary, and may even contact your general practitioner to make sure your recovery is going well. Two new check-ups by your French surgeon will take place at the 2-month mark and at the 6-month mark, by exchanging of X-rays/Images and other examinations through your secure area on the France-Surgery’s eHealth platform (login to your account at france-surgery.com) Should the recovery be unsatisfactory, the surgeon will indicate to you the procedure to follow, and will consider a possible return for another procedure. In this case, all healthcare costs (consultation and procedure by the surgeon as well as the recovery stay) will be at the expense of the surgeon and clinic. Transport expenses remain the responsibility of the patient. Do you have a pick-up service and drop off service for the airport? Yes! Based on the patient plan you have selected, France-Surgery can pick you up at the airport, and at the end of your trip ensure your safe and timely arrival at the airport for your flight. Please provide us with your flight arrival time and patient information, prior to your travel date. Additional service charges may apply. Where is France-Surgery located and what is nearby? Our offices are located in Toulouse (south-west) France, which has the affectionate nickname ‘la ville rose’ (the pink city) due to the architecture made of pinkish bricks. Toulouse is conveniently located just a few hours drive from Spain and our international airport provides easy direct access to many major cities including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels and Munich. Toulouse is a stop on the trans-European network of trains, so you can also easily hop on the train for a more scenic trip to any of these cities. Within walking distance of Toulouse city-centre are many of the most popular hotels, embassies, restaurants and major shopping destinations. For map information click here. Does France-Surgery offer cost estimates? Yes, simply to click the "free quote" icon and fill in the questionnaire at www.france-surgery.com to request a quote and inquire about treatment costs. The total in-patient and out-patient cost estimate includes surgical fees, doctor’s fees, lab tests, medicine, and room fees. It also includes (based on the patient plan you have selected) the assistance of France-Surgery. We assist patients with issues such as translation services (both documents and linguistic), transportation logistics, hotel stays, arranging post-surgery follow-ups by nurses at your hotel, post-surgery comfort packs to help with long flights home, guarantees that you can stay in touch with your French doctor even after you arrive back to your home country. Can my medical costs be covered? It all depends on the health system of your country. If you are from a country within the European Union, after your treatment stay, you will be given an invoice in English. When you return home, this invoice must be sent to the health care received abroad form that has been duly filled in – this form is available from your health insurance fund – which you send to your insurance company to obtain reimbursement for the health care. France-Surgery International tel. no.: +33 953 02 03 09 E-mail: contact@france-for-health-surgery.com · Can I pay in several installments? To make your trip easier, France-Surgery allows payment in 3 installments at no additional charge. · What are the administrative procedures to follow? For EU citizens – http://europa.eu/index_fr.htm For non-EU citizens – http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/ We can also support you in the entire administrative process. What happens should I decide to cancel my procedure? You have the right to change your mind! If you decide to cancel or postpone your trip, you have up to 15 days in relation to your arrival date, to modify or cancel without charge. After this 15-day period, 100% of the paid amounts will be retained due to late cancellation. What is the legal recourse to take should something happen during my medical treatment? France Surgery is a medical facilitator; we assist with medical travel and accommodation plans. We furnish information about the best health specialists, hospitals and clinics for specific pathologies and conditions. We do not provide medical services ourselves. Although we use a reasonable level of skill and professionalism in choosing our medical network, France Surgery cannot be held responsible for any errors of the doctors, hospitals / clinics (third parties). In case of medical misconduct by any member of a medical team, the patient is directed to contact the third parties directly. By law all French doctors and clinics have to publicly list the details of their insurance (the number etc should be attached to all invoices). Should something happen during surgery, patients should make note of the insurance contact details of the medical professional or institution. Disclaimer: In terms of liability the medical facilitator (France Surgery) is not legally responsible for the actions of the medical staff.
17/03/2016
Mention the words 'cold turkey' to anyone who's trying to give up smoking and they'll likely tell you that a gradual approach, which includes nicotine patches, gum and/or mouth spray, is the best way to go. But a new study has now added support to the camp that believes quitting smoking is more successful if you stop altogether (cold turkey) and don't try doing it gradually over a period of time. For the research, which was funded by the British Heart Foundation, 700 long-term heavy smokers in England - who wanted to kick the habit - were split into two groups. Half were told to pick a day when they would give up smoking entirely and the other half were told to quit smoking gradually. The researchers found that after six months, the 15.5% of the gradual-cessation group had managed to abstain from cigarettes, compared to 22% of the cold turkey group. Lead researcher Dr Nicola Lindson-Hawley, from Oxford University, said: "The difference in quit attempts seemed to arise because people struggled to cut down. It provided them with an extra thing to do, which may have put them off quitting altogether." Advice from the NHS says that people who want to give up smoking should pick a convenient date to quit and stick to it. Furthermore, the NHS says that sticking to the "not a drag" rule can also really help.
12/11/2015
A sudden change in a person’s sense of humour, especially when they become increasingly perceptive to dark or twisted humour, could be an early warning sign of dementia, according to a new study. The results of the study, which was conducted by researchers at University College London, were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and show that a person’s sense of humour can be a good indicator of their mental health. Friend and family of the study subjects were asked to rate their friend or relative’s reaction to different kinds of comedy. Slapstick comedy, such as Mr. Bean, satirical comedy, such as Yes Minister and absurdist comedy, such as Monty Python, were all used for the study, as well as “inappropriate humour”. Dr Camilla Clark, who headed up the team responsible for the research, recruited 48 patients who had previously been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The team found that dementia patients had a preference for slapstick humour, when compared against 21 healthy people of similar age. Almost all of the patients’ friends and family said they had noticed a change in the patient’s humour over the nine years prior to them being diagnosed. Most notable were preferences for dark humour and inappropriate laughing at tragic events. “These were marked changes – completely inappropriate humour well beyond the realms of even distasteful humour. For example, one man laughed when his wife badly scalded herself,” said Dr Clark. Dr Simon Ridley, from Alzheimer’s Research UK, said changes in behaviour should be investigated by an individual’s GP. “While memory loss is often the first thing that springs to mind when we hear the word dementia, this study highlights the importance of looking at the myriad different symptoms that impact on daily life and relationships", he said.
25/06/2015
Trans fat has long had a bad reputation for playing havoc with your cholesterol because it raises your LDL (the bad stuff) and lowers your HDL (the good stuff). But now a new study has revealed that it could also have a detrimental effect on your memory. The study found that young men who ate high levels of trans fats scored poorly on a simple memory test compared to their peers who consumed lower levels. More specifically, the young men with high daily trans fat intakes remembered 12 to 21 fewer words. Lead study author Dr. Beatrice Golomb, a professor of family and preventive medicine at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, said: "It's a pretty sizeable relationship. This adds to a body of evidence that trans fats are not something that people should be sticking in their mouth." Coincidentally, Dr. Golomb’s study appeared the day after the US Food and Drug Administration announced that partially-hydrogenated oils – one of the primary sources of trans fats – would be phased out over a three-year period. "The purpose of food is to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly," said Golomb. "This actually does the opposite. It subverts cellular and organ function." It’s important to note, however, that the study did not find a direct link between trans fats and memory, but instead shows a potential association. Additional reading: The 22 Worst Foods for Trans Fat Photo credit: Live Trading News
13/04/2015
We’ve got some fantastic news for museum fans and art lovers alike today because the Musée du Louvre in Paris – the world’s most visited art museum – has just announced that it will be introducing a flat 15-euro fee, which will give visitors full access to both its permanent collections and temporary exhibits and create “better synergy” between all its components. The Louvre drew a staggering 9.26 million visitors in 2014 alone and the museum believes that figure could reach an astonishing 12 million by 2025. More surprising is the fact that 70 percent of its visitors are foreign tourists who come especially to see some of the world’s most famous masterpieces such as the Vénus de Milo and, of course, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. In contrast, domestic visitors tend to skip the permanent collections and instead favour the temporary exhibits. In an official press release last week, the Museum said: “"For the past 18 months, the Louvre has been working on trying to create better balance and stronger links between the permanent collections and the temporary exhibits.” At present, visitors to the Louvre pay 12 euros for the permanent collections, 13 euros for entrance to a temporary exhibit and 16 euros for a combined ticket. The new 15-euro flat fee will take effect on July 1 and brings the Louvre more in line with other famous art museums across the world. To find out how you can undergo a world-class medical procedure here in France and experience the majesty of the Louvre as part of your recovery, contact us today. Photo credit: Dennis Jarvis
17/11/2014
When people think of Napoleon it’s often his choice of distinctive headwear that sticks out in their minds and a recent Paris auction sale of one of his famous two-pointed hats will serve to further cement that association. On Sunday, a South Korean collector purchased a black beaver felt ‘bicorne’ hat which was reportedly donned by the French Emperor in 1800 at the Battle of Marengo. The hat sale is part of a larger collection being sold off by the Monaco royal family to fund restoration work at the Palais de Monaco – something which they believe will enhance France’s cultural heritage. French auctioneers Osenat had placed an expected selling price of between 300,000 and 400,000 euros. However, experts had estimated that the historical hat would fetch far more and the eventual $2.2 million price tag (after associated fees) shows that they were right on the money. The reason for the astronomical price is that there are only thought to be 19 Napoleon hats left in existence from the 120 or so hats that the famous emperor is thought to have worn throughout his military career. Bicorne hats were not uncommon and many military officers wore them at the time. Napoleon, however, became known for wearing his sideways in an apparent attempt to make himself more visible on the battlefield. The recent sale shows just how collectible some French historical items are and the international appeal they command. France is a country steeped in rich history, which you can discover more about if you choose to undergo a medical procedure with us.
14/08/2014
PART I. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT France SURGERY's scope of activities: Linking people living abroad with clinics or hospitals and doctors or surgeons working in France, Linking them with travel agents, airlines, hotels, restaurants, performers, all providers of concierge services Assistance in organizing the trip: administration and logistics. Prior to the signing of these the Clients acknowledge they have been informed that: France SURGERY are neither a clinic nor a hospital and neither does the company intend to practise medicine or provide any medical or paramedical service. All services offered by clinics or hospitals are their own responsibility and that of practitioners attached to them. Health Facilities provide services in accordance with their own terms and conditions. Some of these conditions may limit or exclude all or part of the responsibility of Health Facilities to their clients. In particular, these conditions may exclude any liability for death, injury or medical error. It is the responsibility of the undersigned client to become aware of possible Terms and Conditions of health facilities before committing themselves. Any document produced or any agreement made with the Health Facilities cannot be the responsibility of France SURGERY . France SURGERY is not a travel agent under the provisions of Articles L.212-1 et seq of France’s tourism regulations (Code du Tourisme) and are not intended to be. All services offered and/or services provided by service partners, are the responsibility of the latter. The conditions set forth herein apply only to clients who are non-commercial individuals and to any territory with the exception of France (including Corsica and the DROM-COM, France’s overseas territories). The parties agree that their relations will be exclusively governed by this contract, excluding any condition previously available on the site, except the legal information which will always remain in force and form an indivisible whole with the present. The present Terms of Use were updated on October 31, 2010 TITLE II. - CONVENTIONS ARTICLE 1. - DEFINITIONS 1.1. "Client" means anyone who notes, books, orders and buys a service offered on the site. 1.2."Service" means any service offered on the site. 1.3. "Site" refers to the infrastructure developed by France SURGERY according to computer formats used on the Internet, including data of various types, such as text, sound, still or moving pictures, videos, databases, intended to be visited or seen by the clients to become fully aware of the services offered. 1.4. "Internet" means various networks of servers located in various locations around the world, linked together through communication networks, and communicating using a specific protocol known as TCP/IP. ARTICLE 2. - ORDERS Orders regarding all of the services offered on the site must be placed on-line from the website of the France SURGERY platform An order will be recorded on the site only after clear identification of the client’s login and password. Orders imply that the terms and conditions have been accepted. Any dispute in this respect will come under the framework of a possible exchange and of the guaranties mentioned below. France SURGERY commit themselves to honour the orders received on the site only within the limit of availability of the services and that of their partners. ARTICLE 3. - VALIDITY OF THE ORDER Any Client of the Site who does not hold a client number will have to go through the regular registration procedure in order to obtain one. This number is totally personal. In the event of a loss or if the number is missing, France SURGERY should be informed at short notice. The client should then contact France SURGERY’s customers services and complete the appropriate form provided on the website or call the following number: + 33 953 02 03 09 (€0.49 per minute) In all cases, the online provision of a credit card number followed by the final confirmation of the order will be worth as evidence for the entire order as provided by the Loi du 13 Mars 2000 adapting the law of evidence to Information Technology and dealing with the electronic signature and will cause the sums incurred for the order to become due and payable, in the conditions laid down below under Article 5. This validation is legally valid and considered like a genuine signature and express acceptance of all operations carried out on the site. However, in case of fraudulent use of their credit card, the clients are required, upon the finding of such use, to immediately contact France SURGERY customer services by calling the following phone number: + 33 953 02 03 09 The records stored in France SURGERY computer systems under conditions of reasonable safety, will be considered as evidence of communications, orders and payments between the parties. It is expressly agreed that, except in cases of obvious error made by France SURGERY, the data stored in the information systems of the Company have probative value as to orders placed by the client. Digital or computerized data are valid evidence and, as such, are admissible under the same conditions and with the same evidential value as any document created, received or retained in writing. The filing of orders and invoices is carried out in a reliable and sustainable format in order to correspond to a faithful and sustainable copy in accordance with section 1348 of the Civil Code. ARTICLE 4. - QUOTATIONS - SERVICES 4.1. Customized Quotes Within seven days after registration by the new client, and provided that the file, including the forms to be completed have been regularly and fully filled in, France SURGERY through secure channel will forward a customized quote, which will be accompanied by a comment either during a phone interview or by phone or videoconference. Acceptance of the quotation will remain at the discretion of the clients and their responsibility. In the event that, it would not be possible to establish a custom quote, because of information supplied (including medical ones), the client will be notified within the same period of time. France SURGERY’s mission cannot get started before the quotation has been accepted, dated and signed by the client. 4.2. France SURGERY offers clients the following services: 1 "Medical Care Package" Connecting with the clinic Meeting the client on arrival at the airport or railway station and assistance throughout the stay in hospital Accompanying the client back to airport/ station. 2 "Medical Tourism Package" Connecting with the clinic Meeting the client on arrival at the airport or railway station and assistance throughout the stay in hospital Accompanying the client back to airport/ station. 3 Organization of sightseeing: Hotel, Restaurant and sightseeing Tour Reservations 4 Concierge services on request: "Well being A LA CARTE, make it easy" Babysitters French lessons Cooking Classes Sports club sessions Laundry Footwear repairs Hairdressing Beauty treatments Massages Provision of various everyday life accessories or items (ties, stamps hose/stockings, public transport ticket ...) Restaurant reservations 5 Administrative support services: "France SURGERY Travel Procedures Support" ARTICLE 5. – RATES - PAYMENT - CANCELLATION 5.1. RATES All prices quoted on www.france-surgery.com or in any brochures or Information can be altered at any time without previous warning, particularly when health facilities and/or Service Providers change their price-lists. Prices become final at the signature, by the client, of an agreed estimate defined in consideration of its own specific features. The prices are quoted in euros and include all taxes. They take into account the amount of VAT applicable on the date of the order, but exclude the taxes and fees not expressly referred to. The rate in force on that day will be applied. Any change of VAT rate will be reflected in the price of services. Prices will not be modified once the client’s order has been placed, except in the event the latter would claim services not included in the original estimate. Similarly, if one or more taxes or contributions were to be created or modified, this change might be reflected in the selling price of the services on France SURGERY ‘s website and sales documents. The prices for services ordered on the site along with the date of the order in question are authentic. Prices are guaranteed at the date when the order is placed. 5.2. Terms of Payment Payments can be made: On line when opening an account (registration), by credit card (Carte Bleue, e-cartebleue, Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard, American Express); by bank transfer to pay the full balance of the service. Payments will be made as follows: 40% of the sums due shall be paid to France SURGERY and the clinic at the conclusion of the contract between the parties at the date of "estimate and confirmation’s order's" validation by the client through mail or email confirmation. The remaining 60% of the amount due to France SURGERY and the clinic shall be paid not later than two weeks before the date set for starting the management of the client on the French territory "the date set for starting the management of the client on the French territory," is agreed to be understood as the date on which the client will benefit from France SURGERY's services in the said territory. 5.3. Cancellation Any cancellation by the Client of this contract will lead to the following payments: In the event of cancellation by the client more than 15 days before the date set for the management of the client on French territory, the amount paid when the contract was signed (40% of the total) will remain vested in France SURGERY and clinic. In case of cancellation by the client less than 15 days before the date set for the management of the client on the French territory, the latter shall pay all the amounts due to France SURGERY and clinic under this contract. The clients acknowledge they have been informed that in case of cancellation of their order by France SURGERY particularly because of the inaccuracy or omission of essential information they would not have provided on their health status or condition (particularly when filling the pre-diagnosis form), the current article shall apply. ARTICLE 6. - CONFIDENTIALITY France SURGERY does everything in its power to ensure the confidentiality and security of data transmitted over the web. To this end, the website uses a secure payment module of SSL type (Secure Socket Layer). ARTICLE 7. - PERSONAL DATA France SURGERY agrees to comply with all operative legal provisions relating to medical confidentiality. France SURGERY staff does not have access to the contents of pre-diagnosis questionnaires, nor to those of email correspondence with the clinic or the practitioner or any other document including medical information. The confidentiality of exchanges between the patient, physicians and surgeons is guaranteed through a system of encryption when capturing and storing data. Only solicited doctors or surgeons have access to the medical information on the patient. France SURGERY reserves the right to collect data on the client being understood however that they will remain strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties. The client is informed that such an Automatic Processing of Personal Data has been declared to the CNIL (the French Data Protection Authority) under the number of HpK0103486y on the 11th November, 2010. Pursuant to the Act of 6 January 1978, the client has a right of access, opposition, rectification of data concerning him, either directly online or by postal mail to France SURGERY, at the following address: 22 rue Saint-Joseph - 31400 TOULOUSE, FRANCE. ARTICLE 8. - LIABILITY Throughout all the stages of the ordering process and during the steps following the conclusion of the contract, France SURGERY has an obligation of means. France SURGERY commits itself to describe the services sold on its site with the greatest accuracy. The information which will be communicated to its client by France SURGERY via www.france-surgery.com, its Internet platform, come from third parties such as health establishments or Service Providers. France SURGERY cannot be held liable for any information item supplied to them by third parties. All information obtained on www.france-surgery.com, or through France SURGERY cannot in any way engage the responsibility of France SURGERY. France SURGERY, via www.france-surgery.com performs the upstream role of a negotiator and compares rates for its international clients. Under no circumstances France SURGERY, via its Internet platform intervenes in the payment of medical benefits; neither can France SURGERY be asked for any refund of sums paid to one or more health facilities or to a practitioner. Similarly, if for some reason, a health care facility or a practitioner fails to fulfill their obligations or fulfil them poorly, it would be the health care facility or practitioner that could be blamed and their the sole responsibility of, excluding all claim or legal action against France SURGERY of any kind. It is the sole responsibility of the client to obtain any permission, passport, visa or other administrative formalities as may be requested by Service Providers or national authorities to be able to complete the trip chosen by the client. France SURGERY accepts no responsibility and provides no guarantee for: Tourist services, Diagnoses, Choice of medical treatment and/or surgical procedures and their appropriateness or not, Implementation of medical treatments and/or surgery, Compliance with medical treatment and/or surgery with the commitments made by health care facilities, Security and prevention, Any other kind of service provided by the Health Facilities, practitioner or any other person associated with them or workers related to health facilities from whom the client would have required services. In no event shall France SURGERY intervene in the choice of the practitioner or health facility, such a choice being under the sole responsibility of the patient, france surgery cannot be liable for such a choice. france surgery is not responsible for any acts, errors, omissions, promise, warranty, negligence, or breach of contractual obligations from health facilities, practitioners or any other person associated with health facilities or service providers, neither is it responsible for any physical injury, death, material damage or any other resulting damage or expenses. The client acknowledges that all medical, surgical or other benefits can provide a risk. Therefore, the client declares that: It has obtained information or has been advised by France SURGERY about the need to seek the advice of an independent and qualified practitioner. France SURGERY has not not given any advice or opinions that a reasonable person can consider as an opinion or advice of a medical nature (including, but not limited to, any risks or side effects related to surgery). Even if France SURGERY may have provided information on Health Establishments, it cannot be held responsible for the service delivery by health facilities or practitioners. The client agrees not to hold France SURGERY, its subsidiaries, officers, members, employees, agents, or representatives, liable for any direct or indirect damage (including, but not limited to, profit losses and/or damage resulting from inconvenience, delay, loss of utility, or physical or mental harm) related to or resulting from the use of information from the www.france-surgery.com website or agreements made or information obtained on www.france-surgery.com, or even not to bring proceedings in liability as he/she acknowledges using these services at his/her own risk. In all cases, France SURGERY shall not be made liable if the breach of its obligations will be attributable to an unforeseeable and insurmountable fact of a third party to the contract or to a force majeure event, as defined by the French case law; neither shall it be for any delay or failure due to a fortuitous event, because of the other party or a third party or external causes such as social conflict , intervention by civil or military authorities, natural disasters, fires, water damage, interruption of telecommunications network or power grid. Similarly, the responsibility of France SURGERY will not be engaged for any inconvenience or damage arising from the use of the Internet, including a break in service, external intrusion or presence of computer viruses. ARTICLE 9. - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY All elements of France SURGERY's website, either visual or audio, including the underlying technology, are protected by copyright, trademarks or patents. They are the exclusive property of France SURGERY. A client possessing a personal Internet site and who, for personal use, wishes to place a direct link to France SURGERY on its website, must first submit prior written authorization to the Company. In all cases, any unauthorized link must be removed on simple request by France SURGERY. ARTICLE 10. – DURATION OF THE CONTRACT The present conditions apply throughout the duration of the contractual relationship between the parties. ARTICLE 11. - GENERAL PROVISIONS 11.1. Entire Contract The parties acknowledge that the present Contract constitutes the entire agreement between them and replaces any offer, arrangement or previous agreement, written or verbal, with the exception of legal notices showing on the site and which are an indivisible whole with the present contract. 11.2. Contract Changes No subsequent document, no modification of the contract regardless of the form will not produce any effect between the parties without taking the form of an addendum signed and dated by them. 11.3. Nullity If any provision of this contract turned out to be invalid under the rule of existing law or a judicial decision having become final, it would be deemed null and void, without invalidating the contract or altering the validity of its other provisions. 11.4. Waiver The fact that either party does not claim the application of any clause in the contract or acquiesces in its breach, either permanently or temporarily, shall not be construed as a waiver by that party to the rights arising for it from that clause. 11.5. Domicile The parties elect domicile at the addresses indicated on the order form for the client and on the address appearing on the site for France SURGERY. 11.6. Applicable law and disputes The present conditions are subject to French law. The competent jurisdiction in the event of a dispute regarding the interpretation or enforcement of this contract will be the court of the location of France SURGERY’s headquarters.
13/08/2014
Stress Urinary Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine and is so common that it is a fact of life for many people. Whether it has occurred due to general aging or trauma such as pregnancy and natural birth it can be an embarrassing problem that affects day-to-day life. There are however a few tips that can help you manage the condition and get on with your life more freely. 1. Stick to scheduled times to urinate If you go to the bathroom frequently and regularly, even if you do not feel like to go, then your bladder will always be empty and empty bladders cannot leak. 2. Pelvic floor muscles exercise Clenching and unclenching your pelvic floor muscles will increase their strength and their ability to stop leaks from happening. 3. Cut down on your caffeine Drinks that contain caffeine are diuretics and will increase your chances of leaking urine. Cutting down or eliminating coffee, tea and carbonated drinks will help cut down your need to wee. 4. Don’t be in a hurry When you go to the toilet do not be in a rush. Make sure you leave enough time to completely empty your bladder by urinating, resting and relaxing and the urinating again. Photo Credit: © kokototo - Fotolia.com
13/08/2014
If you require a medical procedure and either cannot access it, or you do not wish to wait the length of time it will take in your own country, you have many options. One of the best options open to you is to visit France. Medical tourism is an increasingly popular phenomenon and France now offers a broad range of medical procedures to international visitors. Medical tourism packages are on offer for international visitors to pay for their flights, medical procedures and accommodation in a few easy to arrange steps. Firstly you receive a quote and have a chat with medical staff who have access to your medical information. Once you have confirmed your procedure and accepted the quote all you have to do is choose your accommodation and flights and wait for your tickets to arrive. France may not be the cheapest option when it comes to medical tourism, however it has been rated number one by the World Health Organisation for medical care. It offers extremely well qualified doctors and surgeons, as well as clean, safe, regulated facilities for procedures and recovery to take place. The medical treatment is not all France has to offer either. What better place to recover from your surgery than in the fantastic French climate with so many tourist attractions to choose from before heading home. Photo credit: © 4designersart - Fotolia.com
11/03/2014
France Surgery is a private health company with over 20 years’ experience in the medical sector. We know healthcare, so you are always assured of top level care, treatment and advice from our team of highly qualified medical professionals. But in these modern times we also understand that you, our patients, want to get to know us better. Find out what makes us tick and decide for yourself whether we’re the right choice for your healthcare needs. Of course we are … but we would say that! So why not stay up-to-date on all our latest news by connecting with us through one (or more) of our social media channels? And then when you do, talk to us. Send us a tweet via Twitter, a message via Facebook, Google+ or LinkedIn, or leave your comments on our YouTube channel. We’ll happily answer any questions or respond to any comments you may have. Looking forward to connecting with you soon.