Taiwan wins Excellence Awards at WCIT

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  • 台灣國旗
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  Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Therapy for Improving Dry Eye Issues

  Dry eye syndrome affects patients with symptoms such as dryness, fatigue, foreign body sensation, and blurred vision, significantly impacting their quality of life. If left untreated, it can lead to corneal damage and even vision problems. This issue is particularly severe for patients with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the lacrimal and salivary glands, causing symptoms like dry eyes and dry mouth. Statistics show that over 80% of patients experience these symptoms, with women aged 45 to 55 being the most affected.Dr. Zhang Qingmao, director of the Chinese Medicine Department at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and his research team have been actively exploring integrated treatments combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine to help patients. Their clinical studies on dry eye syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome have yielded promising results. A randomized double-blind trial of a traditional Chinese medicine formula called "SS-1" demonstrated significant improvement in tear secretion. Additionally, a clinical trial using the herbal tea blend "Chun Yu Qing Hua Yin" showed that the formula reduced patients' dependency on artificial tears, alleviated dry eye symptoms, and improved sleep quality.Use Artificial Tears to Relieve Discomfort (Image Courtesy of Heho Health)In October 2024, the team's research was published in the official journal of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology, the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, affirming the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in treating dry eye syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome. The team further conducted an acupuncture therapy trial on 100 patients with dry eye syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome, targeting Fengchi (GB20) and Zanzhu (BL2) acupoints. Results showed that tear secretion significantly increased after each 15-minute session, with symptoms effectively relieved. After eight weeks of treatment, the effects stabilized, and patients almost stopped relying on artificial tears, with daily usage dropping from 9.36 times to 0.37 times. This greatly improved their quality of life.Dr. Zhang emphasized that integrating Chinese and Western medicine has achieved groundbreaking progress in the treatment of chronic diseases. He encouraged patients not to give up on treatment, highlighting the complementary strengths of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. Under rigorous scientific frameworks, combining these approaches can bring enhanced therapeutic effects and improved quality of life for patients with dry eye syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome. Dr. Zhang stated that the team will continue to conduct related research to bring new hope for dry eye syndrome treatments.Dry Eye Syndrome May Also Be Due to 'Oil Deficiency'! Overusing Artificial Tears Can Lead to Dependency (Image Courtesy of Heho Health)This article is authorized for use by Heho Health.

  2024-12-22 09:05
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  • 台灣國旗
  • 越南國旗
  • 泰國國旗
  • 印尼國旗
  • 菲律賓國旗

  Itchy Skin at Night? Experts Reveal 8 Main Causes and How to Improve It!

  Have you ever felt an unbearable itch on your skin in the dead of night, keeping you from falling asleep? This frustrating condition not only disrupts your rest but can also significantly affect your sleep quality. Why does this itchiness seem to appear at night? Experts have identified eight possible reasons. Let’s explore these causes and learn how to tackle this nuisance effectively!Why Does It Itch More at Night?Impact of the Body's Circadian Rhythm Our body has an internal biological clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles. At night, core body temperature rises, increasing blood flow to the skin, which can intensify the sensation of itchiness.Compromised Skin Barrier The rise in body temperature at night can cause moisture loss, weakening the integrity of the skin barrier. This makes it easier for external irritants to penetrate, triggering itchiness.Hidden Crawlers While it sounds unsettling, dust mites and other insects that are more active at night could be culprits. Their droppings or skin contact may lead to discomfort and itching.Psychological Factors Research shows that psychological stress and anxiety can exacerbate itching, particularly at night, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep.Hormonal Changes Women undergoing pregnancy or menopause often experience skin itching due to hormonal fluctuations, though this typically improves over time.Polycythemia Vera This blood disorder, which causes the blood to thicken, may lead to itching after showers and can be accompanied by symptoms like headaches and fatigue.Indicators of Certain Cancers Although it sounds alarming, studies suggest that skin itching can sometimes be associated with certain cancers, particularly those affecting the liver or skin. Seek medical evaluation if concerned.Liver Issues Liver diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis often present early symptoms of skin itching, along with joint pain and fatigue.Why do you feel itchier at night? (Image/Source: Women's Health)How to Relieve Nighttime ItchingTake Antihistamines: These medications can effectively relieve itching. First-generation antihistamines, which cause drowsiness, are especially suitable for nighttime use.Keep Skin Moisturized: Use hydrating body washes and fragrance-free moisturizers to protect the skin barrier and reduce itching.Use a Humidifier: Running a humidifier while sleeping helps maintain air moisture and prevents skin dryness.Avoid Over-Exfoliation: Excessive exfoliation can damage the skin barrier. Moderate exfoliation is key.Seek Professional Medical Advice: If the itching persists, consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.How to relieve nighttime skin itchiness? (Image/Source: Women's Health)Nighttime skin itching is common, but understanding its underlying causes and solutions can help you manage it better. By adopting good habits and proper care, you can sleep peacefully and enjoy a restful night!Source: Women's Health

  2024-12-21 09:05
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  • 台灣國旗
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  Employment Gold Card: Q&A about Application Qualifications - Part 1

  Q: How to Apply?A: Applications can be submitted online. Please visit the application platform: Foreign Professionals Online Application Platform. After confirming your eligibility, prepare the following documents:Passport with at least six months validity remaining.A color scanned electronic file of a two-inch color photo taken within the last six months (hatless and frontal).Electronic files of supporting documents.Previous Taiwan visas or residence permits (optional).For more details on the application process, please refer to the Application Process.Q: Am I eligible?A: You must select the field of expertise, eligibility criteria, and subcategory (if applicable) under the "Field of Expertise" section. The required supporting documents will depend on your selected field.You can use the Gold Card Qualification Check to verify the field of expertise you may qualify for.Employment Gold Card Application Process (Image / Taken from the Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office website)Q: Can individuals with dual citizenship (including Taiwan) apply for the Employment Gold Card?A: Applications will not be accepted if:You are a national with household registration in Taiwan.You entered Taiwan with a Taiwan passport. Note: Those who entered Taiwan with a foreign passport must cancel their household registration at a local Household Registration Office before applying for the Gold Card.You are a near-draft-age male or draft-age male with the following conditions:Without an Overseas Compatriot Identity Certificate for military use.Without a Taiwan passport endorsed for overseas residency.Overseas Taiwanese male residing in Taiwan for over one year.Subject to military conscription under the Military Service Act and restricted from exiting Taiwan.Q: Who is not eligible to apply for the Employment Gold Card?A:Nationals of Mainland China.Individuals with dual citizenship from Hong Kong/Macau and Taiwan.Individuals who entered Taiwan using a Taiwan passport.Nationals with household registration in Taiwan.Nationals entering with a foreign passport but without completing household deregistration.Near-draft-age or draft-age males with any of the following conditions:Without an Overseas Compatriot Identity Certificate for military use.Without a Taiwan passport endorsed for overseas residency.Overseas Taiwanese male residing in Taiwan for over one year.Subject to military conscription under the Military Service Act and restricted from exiting Taiwan.Q: I am currently living in Taiwan/have a residence permit/am using a tourist visa. Can I apply for the Employment Gold Card?A: Yes. You can apply from anywhere, including Taiwan. If you hold a residence permit or tourist visa, you can still apply. The Employment Gold Card will replace your existing residence permit or tourist visa.Q: Is a high salary required to apply for the Employment Gold Card?A: No. For certain fields, one of the qualifications is a monthly salary exceeding NT$160,000, but this is only one of the categories. You can check the detailed qualifications on the Fields of Expertise page or use the Gold Card Qualification Check to verify your eligibility.Q: How is the salary exchange rate calculated for the Employment Gold Card application?A: For salaries in foreign currencies, the exchange rate used is based on the cash buying rate of the Taiwan Bank on the review date or during the employment period. Refer to the Taiwan Bank Historical Exchange Rate.If the salary's currency is not listed on the Taiwan Bank’s exchange rate table, applicants can refer to local public bank exchange rates to convert to USD first, and then use the Taiwan Bank’s USD exchange rate to convert to NTD.Q: Where can I find more information?A: Whether you wish to know about the Employment Gold Card eligibility or have other related inquiries, please refer to the following resources:Foreign Professionals Information PortalEmail: help@taiwangoldcard.twFor information on Employment Gold Card eligibility or other related questions, please visit the Foreign Professionals Attraction and Employment Act information page (Image / Taken from the Foreign Professionals Attraction and Employment Act information page website).

  2024-12-21 09:05