1. health and fitness

18
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 7
2014
health care
Keeping abreast of
health care
The countdown to the long awaited introduction of a National Health
Scheme and the impact of the economic crisis on ordinary people
as well as on the Health Ministry’s
budget has once again catapulted
health care into the spotlight.
Yet despite the belt-tightening
and the gripes about waiting lists at
state hospitals, Cyprus still boasts
excellent health care – adequate
not only to cater for residents but to
give substance to Cyprus’ push to
establish itself as a regional medical centre.
The introduction, in stages, of a
National Health Scheme, is certain
to absorb much of the media atten-
tion and bring changes to medical
services locally.
At the same time, the campaign
to attract medical tourism continues based on the package of experienced and highly qualified doctors, modern medical centres with
ER facilities, cost-effective prices,
convenient geographic location
and fine weather.
Services range from check-ups
to cosmetic surgery, cardiac care,
dental procedures and infertility
treatment.
Almost all medical treatments
including surgery, angioplasty and
coronary stenting (primary PCI) -with the exception of very special-
ised procedures which are only 5%
of all treatments and are extremely
rare -- can now be done in Cyprus.
This also means fewer patients
now have to go abroad for treatment, while the creation of medical
schools has given added momentum to an already well-established
health sector.
Residents not only have a choice
of excellent medical care, but a number of options for medical insurance
– perhaps the most prudent way to
ensure the best possible healthcare
for you and your loved ones.
Virgil once said: “The greatest
wealth is health.” Don’t miss out.
SALARIES, INCLUDING SHIFT ALLOWANCES, OF PERMANENT STAFF ABSORBING HALF THE BUDGET
Austerity hits Health
Ministry budget
T
he Health Ministry faces another tough year in 2015, as Troika-enforced austerity measures
continue to bite.
For 2015, the budget will be marginally up by 0.9% over 2014, but under the
bailout agreement, the Ministry has to
make do with 10% less for the threeyear period of 2014 to 2016.
Health Minister Philippos Patsalis said that the budget for 2015 was
€535 million, marginally more than the
€530.5m of 2014. It is expected to remain at the 2015 levels in 2016.
The breakdown shows salaries, including shift allowances, of permanent
staff absorbing half the money (€264.69
million or 49.2% of the total.
Temporary workers who are paid
by the hour account for an additional
€52.47m or 8.78%.
The Health Ministry plans to spend
€95m or 17.74% of its budget on medicine and €10m or 1.87% on patients requiring treatment abroad.
Another €12m or 2.24% goes on
treatment here, and €38.1m or 7.12%
for the purchase of disposables and other items.
The ministry will also contribute
€28.8m or 5.38% of its budget to the anti narcotics council, the oncology centre, the institute of neurology and other
institutions.
Other expenses include the purchase
of medical, lab and IT supplies (€14.8m
or 2.76% of the total budget) and operating costs (€72.47m or 13.53%).
The minister said that the budget includes €24m in overtime, shift and oncall pay, adding that a constant effort is
underway to curb spending.
With a view to curbing public health
expenditure, effectively managing pub-
lic hospitals and successfully introducing the national health scheme, work is
underway to make hospitals and medical centres autonomous.
This is part of the restructuring process so as to offer effective management
and develop into modern healthcare
centres employing distinguished medical staff, in line with international models.
In view of the curtailed budget, the
ministry is promoting e-medicine by
expanding a comprehensive health information system at the public hospitals at a cost of €4.5m.
Expansion of the IT system will lead
to an upgrade of the health services offered, help cut bureaucracy and formulate a health policy on precise statistics,
he added.
“Unfortunately, the Health Ministry’s budget must remain within the
ceilings set by the bailout agreement
and stands at €535m,” he said.
With a budget slashed by 10% in comparison to pre-bailout days, the ministry had to deal with the challenges of
the economic crisis, he added.
These challenges are the long waiting lists and the insecurity this creates
among citizens, the various operational
problems at public hospitals that must
cater for 85% of referrals, even though
they have 55% of the total number of
hospital beds and the problems facing
the private sector.
“The Health Ministry is focusing
on increasing productivity, effectiveness and flexibility of public hospitals
so that they too can deal with these difficulties,” he said.
“At the same time, the ministry is
serving citizens, such as in the case of
waiting lists where services are bought
from the private sector,” he added.
health care
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 7
2014
19
NHS legislation moves closer
By Athena Karsera
L
egislation connected to the
long-awaited National Health
Scheme (NHS) is due to be
voted in before the end of this month.
The most recent estimates have
placed the first phase of a comprehensive NHS in Cyprus due to begin operating on July 1 next year with Health
Minister Philippos Patsalis over recent months repeatedly calling for
FIRST PHASE OF A COMPREHENSIVE
NHS IN CYPRUS DUE TO BEGIN
OPERATING ON JULY 1
the vote to take place as soon as possible, indicating this would be before
the end of November.
Cyprus NHS’ first phase, providing primary medical care, will be followed by a second phase incorporating medications and specialist doctors from February 1, 2016.
The third and final phase is set to
begin on July 1, 2016.
Patsalis late in October said Cyprus’ NHS had not been included in
his ministry’s budget for next year,
with a supplementary budget to be
added when the cost had been calculated. The Cabinet has already approved proposed legislation aiming at
reforming the health sector, including
a roadmap for the required preparation.
The roadmap outlines all the
changes to the existing system as well
as “the approximately 200 actions
which through a precise timetable
will over the next three years radically change the health system and
through which the NHS will be implemented.”
According to Patsalis, the Cabinet also, within the framework of the
road map, approved the creation of
a basic implementation team within
the Health Ministry as well as a wider team responsible for implementing
restructuring at other services.
Patsalis has over recent months
several times noted that implementation of the new system as soon as
possible was crucial because the current health sector was ailing and almost beyond saving as more and more
cash-strapped citizens turned to state
hospitals for treatment.
According to the ministry’s proposed legislation, Cyprus’ six state
hospitals, Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca,
Famagusta, Paphos and Makarios
Hospital will be re-classifed as ‘General District Hospitals’ while urban
and rural health centres would come
under the jurisdiction of their respective district hospitals.
The district hospitals would be
managed by boards of directors, appointed by Cabinet for a five-year
term with a strong representation of
government officials.
The organisations will have the responsibility to independently secure
and manage their revenues and expenses and will submit annual budgets to Cabinet for approval while the
state budget would cover any deficits
in the first three years of their operation with their finances being re-evaluated in the third year.
In line with the legislation, this autonomy must be afforded before the
implementation of the NHS, so state
hospitals become competitive, financially viable and able to provide health
care based on a modern administrative model.
Following the success of a pilot
programme, all state hospitals and
medical centres are also set to digi-
talise many of their practices.
Electronic systems will be installed
for use at all state hospitals and medical centres through which all the
medical services would be managed.
These, according to Patsalis, include electronic files, electronic prescription writing, electronic illustration of test results—like the MRI and
clinical tests amongst others.
Electronic systems have already
been used on a pilot basis at Famagusta and Nicosia General Hospitals and,
according to the minister, been “highly successful with very good functionality and significant savings.”
Cabinet-approved legislation for
the purpose includes provisions for the
purchase and operation of electronic
systems at all the public health centres through the method of monthly
outsourcing – the contracting out of a
business process to a third-party.
Staying healthy with private health insurance
The full implementation of Cyprus’
long-anticipated National Health
Scheme (NHS) remains years off but,
even then, private health insurance
companies expect to continue to fulfil
an important role in the local healthcare sector.
Experts are confident the future
of insurance companies does not depend on the NHS’s implementation
for a number of reasons.
These include the companies’ already expanding their activities in
all sectors of commercial activity and
private life.
Also, the current financial climate
has had a negative affect on chronic public health sector problems as
overburdened hospitals struggle to
deal with ever more patients. Health
insurance provides the opportunity
to turn to the private sector if you’re
confronted with long waiting lists or
choose a procedure not currently offered by state medical centres. Insurance also gives patients the benefit of
being able to seek treatment from a
doctor and clinic they already know
and trust.
Health insurance is also a must for
many other reasons, including taking
into consideration how a family budget could easily be obliterated if even
one of its members became seriously
ill.
Uncertainty regarding the duration of medical care and the possibility of patients’ financial situation
shifting at any given moment due to
the crisis -meaning they may not otherwise be able to afford private treatment - are further reasons for obtaining health insurance.
Experts also note private health insurance companies continue to thrive
around the world, including in countries with their own NHS.
Health schemes in Cyprus vary
from one company to another, depending on individual agreements.
However, they are typically divided
into two categories, namely in-hospital care, where patients are compensated for treatment they receive in
a hospital or clinic and plans which
combine in and out-patient treatment, which in addition to covering
hospital stays also compensate those
insured for out-patient care such as
doctor visits and medication.
health care
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 7
2014
20
YGIA Polyclinic
YGIA Polyclinic is a 152-bed Private Hospital, serving the
needs of every patient. YGIA Polyclinic was established
in 1983 and commenced its operations in 1987. It is the
largest and one of the best equipped private hospitals,
in Cyprus, situated in the heart of Limassol.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the leader in the healthcare sector as a reliable provider of high quality health care
services.
Our Mission
Is the provision of high quality healthcare services
by implementing current comprehensive clinical protocols. The epicentre of our mission is the fulfillment of
mankind’s need for quality of life.
Our Values
∏Respect
∏Ethics
∏Compassionate Care
∏Teamwork
∏Quality
YGIA Polyclinic has extended the number of its operating theatres to 12, established and extended the capabilities of its Clinical Laboratory Department, Radiology
Department (X-Ray, MRI, CT, Ultrasound), produced a
multi-dynamic Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Obstetrics &
Gynaecology, Pediatrics and Oncology (Chemotherapy)
Departments. Furthermore, since 2012, a state-of-theart Cardio-Vascular Catheterisations Centre has been
established at the hospital offering the only 24-hour
acute PCI service in Cyprus. Moreover, the hospital has
a range of fully equipped ambulances working 24 hours
in order to be able to best respond to emergencies.
Our Hospital is currently cooperating with more
than 200 doctors with different specialties. In addition,
YGIA Polyclinic employs 430 medical, nursing and administrative staff making us one of Cyprus’ largest employers.
Our Hospital’s top priority is the health and wellbeing of our patients, staff and associate physicians. For
this reason, our Hospital implements the following:
∏International Accreditation Standards according
to CHKS
∏ISO 9001:2008
∏OHSAS 18001:2007.
YGIA Polyclinic now ranks among the finest international Hospitals that implement quality programmes
Accreditation - Certification
YGIA Polyclinic is undergoing a period of rapid development due to the new conditions in
the private healthcare philosophy and competition. Assurance of prestigious values are
based on the highly trained and experienced nursing, administrative staff and partner
physicians, offering high quality medical and nursing care to our patients.
The Accreditation and Certification that our Hospital has obtained by following the
numerous quality management systems, has enabled us to systematically examine
and improve issues related to the quality of our Hospital, as well as the services that
consistently meet the requirements of our patients. In this way YGIA Polyclinic has
once again outshined its competition as it is the only versatile Hospital in Cyprus to be
accredited.
In this modern era we live in, quality in the healthcare sector is of a great significance and
concerns whatever contributes to the operation of the Hospital such as administration
staff, nurses, doctors, equipment, facilities, etc. All of these factors play an active role
in the proper, effective and efficient operation of our Hospital for the provision of high
quality healthcare services. For this purpose the application of these standards at YGIA
Polyclinic are permanent tools for the continuous improvement of the health services
provided.
and operates within a framework of sound and safe procedures with a focus on patient care.
Moreover, Ygia Polyclinic, after a long process, has
concluded a five-year contract with the British Ministry of Defence to provide healthcare services to the
population of the British Bases in Cyprus after the decision to close down their hospital in Akrotiri. This honours our Hospital since the British Authorities have
trusted in the long term the healthcare of their staff in
a Cyprus Hospital after studies and audits.
YGIA Polyclinic is also cooperating with the following universities for training medical and nursing students, using the Hospital’s infrastructure.
∏University of Nicosia, Medical School / St. George’s
School of Medicine, London
∏Nursing School, Limassol
∏European University of Nicosia.
∏Frederick University
∏Cyprus University of Technology for research purposes.
Our highly trained and dedicated staff works as a
team, creating individualised treatment plans aimed
at effectively addressing behavioral health needs and
improving the quality of life for our patients and their
families. Our clinical team comprises of a wide spectrum of medical specialties such us:
•Allergy
•Bariatric Surgery
•Cardiology
•Dermatology
•Diabetology
•Ear - Nose - Throat (E.N.T) Surgery
•Gastroenterology •General Surgery •Internal Medicine
•Maxillofacial Surgery
•Microbiology
•Microsurgical Restoration
•Nephrology
•Neurology
•Neurosurgery
•Obstetrics – Gynaecology
•Oncology
•Ophthalmology
•Orthopaedics
•Paediatric Surgery
•Paediatrics
•Plastic Surgery
•Psychiatry
•Pulmonology
•Respiratory Medicine
•Rheumatology
•Thoracic Surgery
•Urology
•Vascular Surgery
All of our staff is dedicated to providing compassionate and quality care for every YGIA Polyclinic Hospital patient
and his or her family.
Finally, “Ygia” Polyclinic in order to provide the best and most up-to-date treatments, continuously invests in new
medical technologies and constant training of the staff in order to serve the patients in the best possible way.
health care
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 7
2014
21
Services provided
Oncology Department
YGIA Polyclinic would like to inform you that within the
Hospital we have developed a Medical Oncology Department under the supervision of Dr George Astras, Medical
Oncology Consultant, offering the following:
• Personalised Oncology and Individualised Treatments
• Chemotherapy and Targeted treatment services
• Reliable Cancer Information Services
• Consultations and Second Opinion Services
• Palliative Care Services
• Psychological Support
• Private Chemotherapy area
• 24 hour Support and advice
We are the first in Cyprus to use an Electronic Prescribing System to ensure the safe handling and administration
of Chemotherapy.
M.R.I - CT Department
Our hospital’s M.R.I and CT scan Department is one
of the most up-to-date and well equipped in Cyprus. The
Department has been fully renovated and equipped with
the latest technology M.R.I and CT scan (CT 64 slices,
MRI 1.5 Tesla exite technology) capable of handling a
full range of examinations based on international protocols. In this way we offer immediate and accurate results, thus achieving better patient service. Moreover,
the highly trained staff of the Department comprises of
highly trained radiologists doctors and radiographers.
The head of the department is Dr. Cleanthis Ioannides.
Each year the department conducts more than 10,000
examinations.
The department offers the full spectrum of diagnostic
and interventional examinations performed with the most
recent CT and MRI international protocols for dose protection and accurate diagnosis including:
∂Neuro- spinal imaging
∂Body imaging (Head and neck, chest, abdomen-pelvis,
liver imaging, urogenital system, oncological imagingstaging)
∂Cardiac Imaging (coronary angiography, cardiac MRI)
∂Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System with CT guided interventions (injections, arthrographies, bone tumour ablation, biopsies)
∂MR-CT angiographies (whole body, carotids, cranial
angiography, peripheral angiography, pulmonary angiography)
∂Breast MRI and MR guided breast interventions (biopsies and lesion localization with clip or wire)
∂Interventional radiology (biopsies, injections, aspirations, drainages, tumour ablation)
∂Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
∂Spectroscopy
X-Ray Department
Ygia Polyclinic’s Radiology Department has been operating for 25 years with highly experienced radiologists and
medical radiographers. Our Hospital’s Radiology Department has modern and constantly upgraded equipment,
thus providing the best quality services to our patients. Furthermore, the exams are digitized which leads to faster and
more accurate patient results. Every year the Department
conducts over 23,000 diagnostic tests. The head of the department is Dr. Annie Philippou Papoutsou.
Our Hospital’s Radiology Department offers the following tests:
∂Fluoroscopy examinations
∂Plain X-Rays
∂Ultrasounds -Biopsy with Ultrasound Guidance
∂Mammograms - Stereotactic Breast Biopsies
∂Osteoporosis
∂Panoramic & Cephalometric Examinations
Clinical Laboratory
Ygia Polyclinic’s Clinical Laboratory plays a key role in
the effective operation of the Hospital. Our goal is to provide
Ophthalmology Centre
YGIA Polyclinic is proud to announce the creation of a state of the art
Ophthalmology Centre which will be fully equipped with the latest Laser
equipment from Alcon, The Laser Wavelight Refractive Suite (A. Potamitis Medicare Ltd), that specialises in correcting myopia, hyperopia and
astigmatism.
The Laser Wavelight Refractive suite is from Germany and it is consists
of FS200 Femtosecond Laser and EX 500 Excimer Laser.
It is considered to be the most modern facility Laser. It is the fastest Laser
that currently exists in the global market and needs just 1.4 seconds to
high quality service and reliability. The Laboratory has a
full range of modern equipment, highly trained technicians,
and computer systems that allow the continuous monitoring and management of the execution of the tests. The head
of the department is Dr. Ersi Pieri. Each year the Laboratory conducts 135,000 tests. Ygia Polyclinic’s Clinical Laboratory operates 24 hours a day including weekends and public
holidays, in order to provide patients with better service.
Our Clinical Laboratory offers the following tests:
∂Haematological Tests
∂Biochemical Tests
∂Immunological Tests
∂Hormonal Tests
∂Microbiological Tests
Cardiac Catheterisations Centre (Cath Lab)
A Cardiac Catheterisations Centre is operating 24 hours
a day to deal with scheduled as well as emergency cases. In
charge of the department is Dr Majid Kalani. Cath Lab has
been equipped with state of the art equipment and trained
personnel ready to deal with a wide range of cardiac diseases including acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).
The Centre offers diagnostic and therapeutic services
including:
∂Diagnostic Coronary Angiography
∂Coronary Angioplasty, including 24/7 primary PCI service for patients with acute heart attack. Coronary Angioplasty is a procedure used to open narrow or blocked
coronary (heart) arteries by using balloon and stent.
∂Diagnosis of structural heart disease, including diseases of the heart valves, by right heart catheterisation,
trans-thoracic and trans-esophageal echocardiography (ultrasound).
∂Pericardiocentesis, aspiration of fluid from the pericardium (the sac enveloping the heart).
∂Insertion of pacemaker.
∂Intra aortic balloon pump for patients with cardiogenic
shock and severe heart failure.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Our Intensive Care Unit has a capacity of fully equipped
rooms for treating all cases arriving at the department.
The department has an advanced telemetry technology
which allows continuous patient monitoring, as well as
ventilators, gas analysers, mobile cardiographs and portable x-ray equipment. The Department in conjunction
with qualified and well-trained medical and nursing staff
is ready to deal with any type of emergency. The head of
the department is Dr. Efrosini Demetriadou. The Department is supported by the Ygia Polyclinic’s Clinical Laboratory and Radiology Departments, making it one of the best
Intensive Care Units in Cyprus.
correct one grade of myopia. It has the fastest and most accurate tracker
(Eye Tracker) with a reaction time of 2 msec (millisecond). Furthermore
it has the ability to monitor all aspects of eye movements and repositions the shots Laser accordance with the tiniest movements of the eye.
It is approved by the American Health Agency FDA, for the treatment of
myopia up to 14 degrees.
The FS200 Femtosecond Laser and EX 500 Excimer Laser is the new
generation equipment for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, maximizing the operations safety and reliability.
Peadiatric Department
The hospital has a Peadiatric Ward where children
are treated in a comfortable and pleasant environment. The department is housed at the Hospital’s
second floor. The head of the Paediatric Department
is Dr. Elena Sotiriou, who supports the department
along with the help of our cooperating paediatricians.
The Department also includes a play area for children. All rooms are fully equipped and include amenities such as games, television and Internet connection. A parent or a guardian can accompany / remain
with the child during his / her stay. The Department
features child safety precautions, such as controlled
access, protective covers for electrical outlets, controlled openings in windows and locks protecting the
cupboards.
Gynaecology & Obstetrics Department
The Gynecology & Obstetrics Department is housed on
the fourth floor of our hospital. The Department has 28
beds. The department has 2 fully equipped operating rooms.
Our highly trained medical and paramedical / nursing staff
is always on hand to serve our patients. Annually there are
1000 births at YGIA Polyclinic’s Gynaecology & Obstetrics
Department.
Casualty Department
The Casualty Department provides a 24 hour service,
365 days a year to take better care of all emergencies.
In conjunction with the trained doctors and nurses, and
the highly and specialised emergency equipment, the Department provides rapid assessment and management
of all the emergency and critical cases. At the Department simple incidents are also considered that do not require hospitalisation. The department collaborates with
all specialty physicians, who are on-call in order to handle all types of cases at any time. The head of the Department is Dr. George Economou. The department every
year treats more than 14,000 cases. The department has
fully equipped ambulances for the immediate transportation of patients to our casualty Department or other
facilities, as required.
Surgical Department
Our hospital has 9 operating rooms fully renovated and equipped to handle all types of surgical cases.
The nursing staff is trained appropriately for all invasive cases. The department works with all the surgical
specialties and operates 24 hours a day, not only for
scheduled but also for emergency operations. About
9000 surgeries are performed annually at “YGIA” Polyclinic.
21 Nafpliou Street, 3025 Limassol, Cyprus, P.O. Box 56174, 3305 Limassol, Cyprus, National Line: 77.77.77.90, Tel.: +357-25.88.46.00 , Fax: +357-25.35.38.90, email: [email protected], www.ygiapolyclinic.com
22 health care
Treasuring your health in Cyprus
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 7
2014
T
ravellers have
been coming to
Cyprus to be
treated by Cypriot doctors since 9500 BC including Apollodoros of
Kition, Synesis the Cypriot – who was mentioned by Aristotle – as
was Apollonios of Kition,
who was also known as
the Cypriot Hippocrates.
Standards remain
Wellness in
Cyprus
A NUMBER OF CLINICAL
LABORATORIES OFFER
A VAST RANGE OF
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
high today so, next time
you need some health
care, think about combining it with a holiday in Cyprus. The island has experienced and highly qualified doctors trained in
Europe or the USA, and
modern medical centres
with ER facilities, all at
cost effective prices.
Add to that a destination that is convenient to
get to from both Europe
and the Middle East, a
healthy climate and Mediterranean diet and what
more do you want?
In Cyprus you can have
all your medical needs
met and medical standards are high. From annual checkups, cosmetic
or reconstructive surgery,
physiotherapy, kidney dialysis, cardiac care, dental and surgical procedures to infertility treatment, the island offers
health care holidays in a
cheaper clime.
And then there’s the
convenience factor. In
Cyprus it is quite possible
for you to book an operation the day after you arrive.
Same day appoint-
ments are the norm and
you could see an astounding range of specialists either in a single centre or
within a short drive away
from each other.
Distances on the island are small and everything is near at hand.
Nor will you have to wait
too long for the results of
your tests. A considerable
number of clinical laboratories offer a vast range of
diagnostic tests both rou-
tine and specialised with
speedy results.
And afterwards you
can look forward to recuperating in beautiful
serene surroundings or
touring the country and
enjoying its many attractions and endless possibilities for activities.
So whether you are
contemplating a checkup or a major procedure,
Cyprus is the best balm
for you.
Cyprus has also in recent years emerged
as one of the Mediterranean’s leading spa
destinations thanks to the world-class facilities available at the island’s resorts.
Here, pampering has been raised to an art
form and spa services and rejuvenating
treatments—either as part of a package
or a la carte, add a wonderful dimension
to any holiday.
Current facilities offer spa experience
that can last from a few hours at an urban
day spa to a few weeks at a health resort
where a whole range of treatment, exercise and special diet are on the menu.
Wellness holidays can take place at wonderfully preserved historical spaces, or at
state-of-the-art well-being centres.
The spars provide holistic wellness using
the broadest range of popular techniques
for the mind, body and soul including mineral spas, which make use of the natural
qualities of thermal springs with healing
properties, as well as hydrotherapy centres where the properties of water are
used for therapeutic purposes.
The island also offers thalassotherapy
centres where use is made of the natural
properties of sea water and its products
including mud and seaweed.
Recuperating after surgery on a sandy
beach with sipping local drinks and receiving a full-body massage is an attractive and affordable option in Cyprus. Corporate pampering: Corporate pampering
is certainly an option for all executives,
whether as a corporate spa gift for an employee or client, a relaxing spa treat is appreciated all the year round.
RENOWNED CYPRUS HOSPITALS ARE EQUIPPED TO HANDLE ALL PHASEs OF HEART DISEASE AND MORE
Available medical treatments
Elective surgery: There are as
many different kinds of elective
procedures available as there are
bones in the body. They can include fertility treatments, cardiovascular treatments, gynaecological surgery, musculoskeletal surgery, and more.
Cardiology: Renowned Cyprus hospitals are equipped to handle all
phased of heart disease from the
elementary to the latest clinical
procedures such as interventional
cardiac catheterisation, coronary
angiography, and coronary angioplasty with stent implantation
(PTCA), imppantation of pacemakers, implantable defibrillators (ICD) and CRT/D and catheterisation through radial artery
as well as non-invasive interventions.
Non-invasive intervention includes stress echo, 3D echo, myocardial scintigraphy and Cardiac
CT and Cardiac MRI.
Orthopaedic surgery: A number of
orthopaedic procedures are available such as hip and knee replacement, bone transportation, spine
surgery and limb sparing surgery,
all kinds of musculoskeletal problems ranging from arthritis to
sports injuries, to complex broken
bones, bone tumours and childhood conditions like scoliosis, can
be treated most effectively.
Dentistry: State-of-the-art dental surgeries equipped with cutting edge technologies, fibre optic instruments, soft laser for the
healing of the mucous membrane,
panorama X-rays and conscious
sedation equipment, offer the full
range of services including aesthetic dentistry, orthodontics,
paediatric, peridontology and implantology.
Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery: The
patient’s motivation, to look and
feel better, is directly related to
their sense of self-esteem. Available treatments include laser peel
or facelift, breast argumentation,
external ultrasound lipolysis and
hair replacement, to mention a
few, all aimed at improving one’s
appearance and generating a new
sense of confidence.
Eye surgery: Specialist centres in
Cyprus provide treatments for a
wide range of eye disorders. Highly trained ophthalmic specialists
deal with the full range of eye diseases including laser vision correction, cataract, glaucoma and
cornea treatment.
Advanced Reproductive Technology: Specialist clinics provide the
most up to date fertility techniques with high levels of success.
Treatments include conventional
IVF treatments, pre-implantation genetic screening and egg donation.
Climatotherapy Treatments: Scientifically positioned centres make
full use of the advantages of the
island’s climate for therapeutic
purposes.
For example, children’s asthma is treated at centres whereby a dry climate, protected from
northern winds, is considered ideal. The island of Aphrodite, with
over 300 days of sunshine proudly
offers its bright climate to alleviate any symptoms resulting from
a lack of sunshine visitors may experience in their home countries.
50
ON THE
COUCH
health
Q&A
By Fiona Caine
Columnist and trained counsellor Fiona Caine offers her
perspective on family dramas, emotional issues and dysfunctional
relationships.
Am I gay?
Q
I’ve been married for nearly 20 years to a
nice man who is generous and kind but, to be
honest, not very exciting. He and I have very
little in common and I can’t really understand why
we ever got together in the first place. My problem is
not with him, though, it’s with a woman in my yoga
class who excites me far more than my husband ever
has.
I’ve never had a relationship with a woman but I’m
really beginning to wonder if I’m becoming a lesbian.
I think it’s far too soon to be putting labels on
yourself, you’ve not been attracted to women
in general, but just one woman.
You would really need to explore your feelings more
fully before making a decision, because almost everyone has the capacity to feel like you do.
A strong feeling for another person, regardless of
their gender, doesn’t define your sexuality.
Your marriage sounds as if it’s down but it may not
yet be over and your husband still deserves a chance.
If you were able to work at the relationship, perhaps it could still be revived - you loved him once
and perhaps you could again if you were prepared
to work at it.
Can I suggest you need to examine your feelings
very closely to decide whether they are the result of
marital boredom or a genuine change in your sexual
orientation? A few sessions with a counsellor could
probably help you decide.
A
Can my affair work out?
Q
I’ve been seeing a married man and I feel bad
about it because my ex-husband cheated on
me so I know what it’s like to be on the receiving
end.
We’ve been seeing each other for nearly a year now
and my new man says he will leave his family when
the time is right.
He’s got problems with a sick wife and a son who’s
playing up at school, so I suggested perhaps we
should stop seeing each other until he’s free.
He said he couldn’t cope with not seeing me because
I’m all that’s holding him together.
Our time together is only snatched moments but I
hate it when he has to go.
None the less, do you think there’s any hope for us?
A
A ‘sick wife’ and ‘children with problems’ are
old cliches for men conducting affairs, so do
you know for yourself that his wife is ill and
his son has problems?
By telling you he can’t cope without you he is making you feel sorry for him and frankly, I don’t think
that’s fair.
If he really cared about you, he’d be giving you freedom to decide for yourself.
Maybe your ex-husband made things work with the
person he cheated on you with, but I’m afraid such
happy endings aren’t always the case.
I fear that these
snatched moments
are all you can expect and, as you’re
clearly not happy
with that, I think
you’ve rather answered your own
question.
If you’d rather
be with someone
who is free and able
to give you the sort
of relationship you
want, then you need
to end this affair - as
soon as possible.
lifestyle
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 7
2014
Stress: less flight
Abi Jackson highlights some of the signs signalling we’ve reached our limit
By Abi Jackson (PA)
S
tress, in many ways, is our
friend. It’s part of our programming, that automatic
fight or flight response that helps
us dash for cover when we spot
danger, or knuckle down to get jobs
done. It’s all thanks to that surge of
hormones - including adrenaline
and cortisol - our bodies produce
when the brain registers it’s time
for action.
But there are also times when
stress is bad. When we’re screeching, jaw clenched, that somebody
is really “stressing us out”, for instance, or yelling at everybody to
get the heck out of the kitchen as
we’re juggling what feels like five
billion trays in the oven and, any
minute now - never mind the gravy - we’re going to boil over.
That’s stress when it’s being a
bit of a pain in the proverbial, but
that’s still very normal, and actually, quite helpful for getting stuff
done. Once that irksome person’s
backed off, or the grub’s on the
table, your arteries are no longer
bulging.
So when is stress a health concern?
We’ve all seen the headlines; it’s
the modern epidemic, costing industries billions. Some 91 million
working days are lost annually to
mental ill-health, and half of these
are related to stress and anxiety.
Work isn’t the only factor;
events and circumstances in
somebody’s personal life, and other health conditions, for example,
can also contribute.
And while certain things - like
house moves, redundancy and
exams - are recognised as being
‘stressful’, there’s no way of measuring how much stress they’ll
cause and how this might affect
one person from the next.
Stress is really a problem when
it becomes a constant. When those
adrenaline and cortisol surges are
happening so frequently, and calm
is not being adequately restored
between ‘triggers’, that you eventually end up being in a constant
fight-or-flight state.
As a result, it can seem like your
“stressed out” threshold gets lower and lower, and little demands
become increasingly challenging.
It can manifest physically too,
suppressing the immune system
and wreaking havoc with your
sleep and digestive system. Research suggests it can even affect
memory function, and make us
more sensitive to physical pain.
“Stress affects everyone differently, and what’s stressful for one
person may not be for another,”
says Emma Mamo, head of workplace well-being at mental health
charity Mind. “However, there are
some common symptoms to look
out for.”
Mood and character
changes
When struggling with stress,
it’s usual to feel you’ve lost your pa-
tience,
and find yourself being irritable
and snappy. “Long-term stress
can increase irritability, aggression and anxiety,” says Mamo. “It
can lead to depression, poor concentration, and someone experiencing stress at work, for example,
may struggle with seemingly simple tasks, including motivation,
punctuality and decision-making.
They may behave differently - for
example, a colleague who’s normally outgoing and chatty might
become quiet and withdrawn.”
Feeling overwhelmed
Perhaps the clearest point that
you’ve reached your stress tipping point is that desperate anxiety where you simply can’t handle
any more on your plate. You feel at
bursting point, and any additional
demands sent your way - no matter how small they seem to others
- are going to tip you over the edge
or make you explode. Things you’d
normally be able to handle now
make you teary and afraid that you
can’t cope.
Excessive worrying
We’re programmed to worry - it
keeps us safe and functioning. But
when you’re suffering with stress,
it’s not unusual to find you’re suddenly worrying much more about
everything, and possibly having
more negative thoughts than usual about things that may happen in
the future, which may be a symptom of anxiety too.
Behaviour changes
Sometimes, though we may
not even be aware we’re doing it
at first, stress can make us change
our behaviours. This might be
disengaging with hobbies, avoiding socialising, losing interest in
things and neglecting physical
appearance. Sometimes people
might start drinking more, using
drugs or binge-eating, for example, too.
Sleep disturbance
“Stress makes it incredibly difficult to ‘switch off ’ our brains,
hence it is difficult to fall asleep
and stay asleep,” says Mel Wakeman from Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Health. “Our
normal sleep cycle gets disrupted, so we do not enter the essential deep phases of sleep. It’s a vicious cycle, as less sleep means we
are less able to cope with everyday
stresses.”
Exhaustion
Poor sleep inevitably leads to
feeling drained the next day, but
stress hormones can add to daytime fatigue too. “When we’re
stressed, our body is wired and
this means our metabolism’s running at a faster rate. This will have
the effect of draining our energy
stores, hence we feel tired,” adds
Wakeman.
Palpitations
“Sometimes adrenalin can trigger our heart to beat very fast. It
can be alarming and make you feel
quite odd [pounding chest, heavy
legs, light-headed],” says Wakeman. Palpitations - being suddenly
more aware of your heartbeat or
feeling your heart’s racing, pounding or fluttering in your chest and
throat - can be very frightening,
but it’s a common symptom in
stress and anxiety and, most of
the time, harmless. If you’re concerned, get it checked with your
GP.
Dizziness
Feeling light-headed and dizzy
can happen alongside palpitations,
possibly as a symptom of a panic
or anxiety attack. It can also happen on its own. “Vasovagal syncope
is most commonly associated with
emotional stress and the impact it
has on the nervous system,” notes
Nuffield Health physiologist Matthew Horsley. “Triggers include
perceived stimuli, like the sight of
blood for instance, which cause an
increase in parasympathetic drive
and subsequent drops in blood
pressure and/or heart rate, thereby momentarily disrupting blood
supply to the brain.”
Weight loss or gain
Some people gain, while others
lose weight when they’re stressed.
This may be linked with a loss of
appetite, or comfort eating, and
health
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 7
2014
more fight
51
WELL-BEING
Are you doing enough to curb
cholesterol?
By Lisa Salmon (PA)
O
ur bodies need cholesterol, and we actually produce it
naturally. However, as we all know, having too much of
it can also cause huge health problems.
Raised cholesterol can lead to fatty material building up
in artery walls, narrowing them and causing cardiovascular
problems, including heart disease and strokes.
The problem
may also be due to metabolic
factors associated with stressinduced hormonal changes.
Muscle tension
“Stress can also increase
muscle tension, most commonly experienced via contraction
of muscles in the upper limbs,
neck and around the skull,” says
Horsley. This can contribute
to an increase in general aches
and pains, as well as feeling
‘hunched’ and tight.
Headaches
Muscle tension is also a fac-
tor in headaches, as are the increased levels of stress hormones.
“These affect brain chemistry and lead to less control over
blood vessel regulation,” says
Horsley. “This leads to inflammation and the associated pain
of headaches, alongside a reduced capacity to process sensory information, such as sound
and light.”
Being run-down, or existing
health conditions worsen
“Prolonged stress is linked
with higher levels of cortisol and
we know this chemical reduces
the activity of our immune system, making it more likely we
pick up bugs,” says Wakeman.
You may find you take longer to
shake off colds and infections,
and they wipe you out more.
Plus, stress can worsen symptoms, or ‘trigger’ episodes of
pre-existing health conditions,
particularly things like irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS), psoriasis, or autoimmune diseases like
rheumatoid arthritis.
Five simple stress-busters
Stress becomes a problem
when it accumulates over
time, but there is a lot we can
do to help prevent and manage that:
• Recognise you’re stressed
- and also that you play a
key role in addressing it. It
won’t magically disappear
but sometimes, a few small
tweaks to your lifestyle and
how you approach stress
can make the world of difference. Make well-being a
priority.
• Get moving - physical activity, whether that’s swimming, the gym or short daily
walks, is one of the greatest single things we can do
for ourselves to help manage
stress.
• Eat well - to function well,
physically and mentally, we
need to support our bodies
with a balanced, nutritious
diet. Fuelling yourself well
will go a long way to supporting other efforts to de-stress.
• Rest up - we all need to recharge, so don’t feel guilty
about saying no to things
you don’t have the energy
for. If you’re struggling to
sleep, do yourself a favour
and switch off the TV/laptop/
smartphone at least 45 minutes before bed. Slow, deep
breathing will help quiet and
calm a worried mind.
• Speak up - if your workload
or circumstances at work are
contributing to your stress,
speaking with your manager
could really help. Or, speaking to your GP could be helpful. They may be able to suggest useful therapies, including CBT and counselling.
Sometimes, just having your
stress acknowledged can be
a useful turning point and
weight lifted.
The body uses cholesterol,
a fatty substance, to rebuild
its cells and to make certain
hormones, and around 80% of
it is produced naturally in the
liver.
There are two main types of
blood cholesterol: low-density
lipoproteins (LDL), the ‘bad’
type, which carries cholesterol from your liver to the cells,
and high-density lipoprotein
(HDL), the ‘good’ stuff, which
carries cholesterol away from
the cells and back to the liver
to be broken down. Too much
‘bad’ LDL cholesterol is what
can lead to narrowing of the
arteries (atherosclerosis).
Some things that put you at
increased risk can’t be changed, like your age, or having familial hypercholesterolaemia - an inherited condition in one in
500 people, that means their cholesterol levels are higher than
normal from birth.
The solution
The good news is, there are lots of things people can do to
tackle high cholesterol.
Yes, there are those cholesterol-reducing (and controversial) drugs statins, but there are also many lifestyle changes
that can help to reduce cholesterol and boost your heart health.
1. Quit smoking - chemicals found in cigarettes stops HDL
transporting fatty deposits to the liver, leading to narrowing
of the arteries.
2. Choose healthier fats - go for unsaturated fats such as
rapeseed, olive or sunflower oils and spreads rather than butter, lard or ghee.
3. Cut down on foods high in saturated fat - the cakes, biscuits, and pastries have to go.
4. Go lean - choose lean cuts of meat and remove visible fat
and skin.
5. Eat more fibre - the soluble fibre in oats, beans and fruit
and vegetables can help lower your cholesterol.
6. Get active - regular, moderate physical activity, like brisk
walking, helps to increase good HDL cholesterol.
7. Read food labels - all the information is there, you just
need to take it in and choose foods that are lower in saturated
and trans fat.
8. Lose weight - particularly by reducing and maintaining
your waist circumference.
The expert’s view
Tracy Parker, heart health dietician, says: “High cholesterol
is not something that should be taken lightly. It’s a major risk
factor for cardiovascular disease and can significantly increase
your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
“That’s why it’s vital to make every effort to keep your cholesterol levels in
check, and there
are lots of simple
steps you can take
to reduce your risk.
“If you’re worried about your
cholesterol levels,
speak to you GP for
advice.”
For more information about
cholesterol, visit
heartuk.org.uk or
www.bhf.org.uk
59
Hearing and balance disorders
identification and treatment
health care
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 7
2014
Hearing loss affects development,
communication, and quality of
life in people of all ages. Are there
effective prevention methods?
Hearing loss occurring across the
lifespan can be caused by disease,
exposure to oto-toxic factors like
medications, chemicals, and loud
sounds.
Genetic predisposition plays an
important role in developing hearing loss.
Disease is usually treated medically, whereas exposures can be prevented or limited. In cases where
medications affecting hearing need
to be administered, the patient’s
hearing is monitored for doses to be
accordingly modified.
Occupational exposures to chemicals or noise dictate regular monitoring of workers’ hearing via occupational hearing programs, along
with measures for reducing exposure time and level. Intense sound
can cause hearing loss: famous musicians advise avoidance of noise exposure and use of hearing protectors.
Can we prevent hearing loss in
children?
Neo natal hearing loss can not
be prevented; with timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention we
can prevent communication and development aldelay.
How is Cyprus Audiology Center
contributing to prevention and
treatment of hearing loss?
We focus clinical and research activities on identification and treatment of hearing and balance disorders in all ages. Wecontributeto the
Cyprus Newborn Hearing Screening Program by providing clinical expertise, scientific knowledge,
and direct support. The program
Neonatal and Infant Hearing was
supported by the Cyprus Research
Promotion Foundation (CRPF);
we evaluated outcomes of the new-
born screening program, with impressive results. Our ongoing Preschool Hearing Screening Program
(supported by CRPF)identifies and
treats hearing loss in preschool children, provides epidemiological information, and develops screening
instruments and protocols. During
our Adult Hearing Program (supported by EU funds), in collaboration with the Cyprus Association of
Pensioners (EKYSY) we assessed
over 3000 adults and provided information on hearing and hearing loss
in older age. We also implement Occupational Hearing Conservation
programs in several companies, in
order to prevent hearing loss due to
exposure in the work environment.
How does Cyprus Audiology
Center prevail in treatment of
hearing loss?
When a person has a permanent
hearing loss that is not treatable by
medical intervention (due to age, degenerating factors, heredity, or disease), the audiologist can prescribe
and fit hearing aids and counseling
in order to restore communication
and remediate the hearing loss.
Cyprus Audiology Center is supported by the highest qualified audiologist in Cyprus. Hearing aid
fitting and use are affected by appropriate device choice, expert programming in order to provide the
most natural and tolerable sound
possible, proficient counseling of
patient and family, as well as the patient’s pre-disposition toward hearing rehabilitation.
Family counseling helps to better
understand the patient’s communi-
cation limitations and needs. Cyprus Audiology Center helps each
patient with personalized hearing
device fitting, individual counseling,
and family support.
Do you provide services for
people with balance disorders?
In collaboration with distinguished physicians we provide specialized evaluation of the vestibular
(balance) system. Improving everyday function in people with balance
problems is accomplished by special
maneuvers or systematic prescription of exercises. Cyprus Audiology
Center is very successful in treating
balance disorders.
Do you have a message for our
readers related to hearing loss?
Childhood hearing loss can be catastrophic for language and academic progress. Hearing loss in adults
is related to poor quality of life and
work, social isolation, depression,
and memory loss.
Hearing amplification technology today offers devices that are aesthetically inconspicuous and provide natural sound. Hearing aids
that are appropriately selected and
fitted adapt to various environments and help the user discriminate speech in all situations.
People with hearing loss and
For more information or for an appointment in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol,
please call 22769971, www.cyprusaudiology.com.
their families experience a distinct
improvement in their communication with appropriate scientific and
technological support in hearing
restoration.
Cyprus Audiology Center is on
their side for efficient prevention,
diagnosis, restoration, and better
quality of life. We excel with the
combination of scientific excellence,
compassionate support, and cutting
edge technology.
ATLANTIC INSURANCE
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EXECUTIVE
MAXI EXECUTIVE
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80.000
150.000
1.000.000
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40.000
75.000
200.000
Maximum per ailment/condition (entire duration of insurance)
120.000
160.000
Unlimited
Unlimited
Inpatient
Hospital Accommodation
Drugs & Dressings
Surgeon’s/Physician’s Fees
Anaesthetist's Fees
Theatre Fees
Diagnostic Examinations
full refund
Laboratory Fees
Physiotherapy
(based on usual, reasonable and customary expenses)
Parent’s Accommodation
OUTPATIENT OPERATIONS OR DAY CARE OPERATIONS
CT, MRI & PET SCAN
RADIOTHERAPY/CHEMOTHERAPY
MOTOR AMBULANCE
Outpatient (per year)
1.500
GP/Specialist’s Fees, Drugs & Dressings
2.250
3.000
5.000
Certain restrictions apply
Diagnostic Examinations
Laboratory Fees
Homenursing (up to a maximum of 10 days)
Private Health Check
150
150
200
250
Private Health Screening for Women
150
175
200
225
Allergies
150
150
200
250
5.000
7.500
10.000
15.000
Outpatient Physiotherapy (per year)
400
500
700
1.000
Pre-existing/Chronic or Recurring (per year)
175
175
200
250
Allowance for free treatment (daily up to a maximum of 60 days)
60
60
100
100
Personal Accident Insurance
10.000
10.000
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Travel Insurance
1.000
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62
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 7
2014
health care
Look at me… I am not cancer
AUDIOVISUAL EXHIBITIONINSTALLATION FEATURING
THE TRUE STORIES OF
WOMEN WITH ADVANCED
BREAST CANCER
A
groundbreaking audiovisual exhibition-installation featuring
the true stories of women with
advanced breast cancer (ABC) opens at
Famagusta Gate in Nicosia this afternoon.
Entitled ‘I am not cancer’, the exhibition is being organised in Cyprus for the
first time by Novartis Pharma Services
Inc. Cyprus’ Oncology Department in
cooperation with Europa Donna Cyprus
and with the support of the Cyprus Oncology Society, the Cyprus Anti-Cancer
Society and the Cyprus Association of
Cancer Patients and Friends.
To be inaugurated by First Lady Andri Anastasiades, the exhibition is part
of a Europe-wide ‘Here & Now’ campaign to inform and make people more
aware of ABC.
The show has already been exhibited
to great success in a number of other
countries and received widespread critical acclaim.
Through their installation, British
artists John Wynne and Tim Wain-
wright offer up a brief but penetrating
look at the physical, emotional and practical consequences on the lives of women with ABC.
Three Cypriot patients
are also participating by
sharing their
thoughts, experiences and
feelings, in an
effort to help
other women
with ABC who
may otherwise
feel isolated
and neglected
by society.
The exhibition will be
open to the
public from
4-8pm
today and from
10am-1pm
and 4-8pm tomorrow with
10-minute
screenings at
regular intervals. Entrance is free.
The exhibition is taking place under
the auspices of Health Minister Philippos Patsalis.
According to the campaign’s website:
“As recognised in international guidelines, the level of care and support available for early breast cancer (EBC) is not
available to
patients with
ABC. There
is also a growing body of
evidence that
shows there
is a high degree of unmet social and
psychological
need in ABC.”
It
also notes the
Here & Now
campaign uncovers new
insights into
the impact of
ABC, “to better understand how
barriers to
optimal patient care can
be overcome
in order to
improve the level of care and support
across Europe.”
According to official figures accompanying the exhibition, breast cancer
is the most prevalent form of cancer
in woman around the world. It mainly
affects women aged over 50 and represents an estimated 23% of new cancer
cases.
One in six women diagnosed with
breast cancer for the first time are already at an advanced stage and 6% of
these will be at a highly advanced stage.
Some 30% of women with early
breast cancer will go on to develop ABC,
when the cancer has grown and spread
beyond its original site. There is no cure.
“Success in cancer medicine mainly
consists of succeeding in preventing the
disease progressing to advance stage.
While there have been advances in the
treatment of ABC, no cure is within
sight.
“Medical treatment minimises the
symptoms, prolongs life and improves
the quality of that life. For a small minority it has become, to a limited degree, a manageable illness rather than
something acute and life-threatening in
the short or even the medium term. An
accurate diagnosis of ABC, though, remains a death sentence, however long
its execution may be suspended,” literature accompanying the exhibition notes.
In Cyprus, 590 new cases of breast
cancer were diagnosed in 2013 and 90
women lost their lives to ABC, the figures said.
Visit http://wearehereandnow.com/
for more information on the campaign.
Important Molecular
Embryology findings at UCY
I
Plaudits for
transplant
centre
President Anastasiades has praised
the success of the transplant centre at Nicosia General Hospital,
saying that it was on a par with
some of the best centres in the
world.
He said that the results were impressive: 99% success in organ
transplants and 99% survival of
patients for the 95 transplant operations held in the least three
years.
Addressing an event held by the
Association of Friends of Kidney
Patients at the Presidential Palace, Anastasiades said that the dialysis unit of the hospital has been
expanded from 24 to 29 ports,
while plans are underway to create a new centre that will have 40
ports.
mportant findings with
implications for genetic diseases and cancer
have been announced by
the University of Cyprus’
Laboratory of Developmental Biology and Nanobiotechnology.
According to a UCY announcement this week, a
research team composed
of PhD candidate Nicoletta Petridou and Assistant Professor Dr Paris A.
Skourides identified novel
roles of the Focal Adhesion
Kinase (FAK) in spindle
orientation and cell division.
Their findings have been
published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.
The announcement said
the team had specifically
shown that FAK “is a crucial regulator of cell division and is required for the
proper orientation of cell
division in cultured cells
and in vertebrate tissues
and organs.”
Orientation of cell division is a very important
process both for proper development of embryonic
tissues and organs as well
as for the maintenance
of tissues and organs in
adults. Loss of the ability to
orient cell division results
in severe developmental
defects in the embryo and
is responsible for a number
of diseases in adults includ-
ing neurological disorders
like Huntington’s as well as
others like polycystic kidney disease.
“Importantly, loss of division orientation is involved in tumour progres-
sion and metastasis which
in combination with FAK’s
established role in tumorigenesis emphasises the
significance of these findings,” the UCY announcement said.
health care
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 7
2014
63
Reliability, Innovation, Accountability, Integrity
24 Years at the Forefront
Ayios Therissos Diagnostic Medical Centre has been
in operation for the past 24 years. It was established on
the 1st of September 1990 with the installation of the first
MRI in Cyprus which represented a breakthrough in the
field of medical diagnosis. In the course of time there have
been a number of changes and today Ayios Therissos is
an enviable medical diagnostic centre enjoying international reputation. It employs cutting-edge technologies in
the field of medical diagnoses and together with its experienced medical, paramedical and administrative stuff
serving as its supporting pillars, has gained the trust of the
medical community both in the public and private medical
sector, as well as, that of the patients.
The participation of the medical and paramedical stuff
in local and international conferences, as well as, the un-
dertaking of many local and international research projects, publications in international medical journals, collaboration with many international medical centres and
the organisation of medical conferences has rightly placed
our medical centre amongst the most successful and best
organised medical diagnostic centres.
Today there are two Ayios Therissos medical centres
in operation, one in Nicosia and one in Larnaca – Aradippou. In Nicosia there are two MRI systems (Philips Intera 1.5 and Achieva 3 Tesla), one 256-multislice Philips
Brilliance-iCT, one ultrasound unit and two dual head
γ-cameras. The Achieva 3.0 is the only one 3 Telsa MRI in
Cyprus which provides the leading edge in musculoskeletal and neurological examinations. Similarly, the 256-multislice CT is the only one in Cyprus and amongst the first
of its kind installed in the world. In Larnaca - Aradippou the MRI Scanner installed is Avanto 1.5 Telsa of the
higher technology (32 channels) from Siemens in Cyprus.
The variety, possibilities and expertise of Ayios Therissos
medical systems offer a personalised choice for the most
appropriate system to achieve the best diagnostic results.
Ayios Therissos has served, so far, more than 200,000 patients and has rightfully won the prominent place it deserves in medical community in Cyprus.
We cover a wide spectrum of MRI and CT examinations, including Brain (with dedicated examinations
of functional MRI, MR Perfusion and Spectroscopy), Pituitary gland, Optic & Acoustic nerves, Neck,
Whole Spine (cervical, dorsal and lumbar regions),
Whole Body (Thorax, Abdomen, Pelvis), Upper & Lower extremities with Dedicated joints (Shoulder, Wrist,
Hand, Elbow, Hips, Knee, Ankle and Foot).
There is also specialized software to cover MRI enteroclysis for investigation of inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis) and MR Mammography on the 3 Tesla magnet system for pre &
post-op analysis/investigation for breast cancer, as
well as, implants’ integrity.
Both modalities employ remote operated contrast injectors for the optimum MR and CT angiographies of
the brain & neck vessels, aorta and upper & lower extremities vessels.
The multislice CT with its specialised cardio/coronary
software performs the examination with the lowest
ionization radiation dose in a breath-hold.
The γ-camera offers diagnostic and therapeutic treatment for a wide range of organ targets.
MEDICAL STAFF
and is also a reference centre for radioisotopic synovectomy on patients suffering from arthritis.
•Dr Thyrsos Posporis MD (General Manager)
•Dr Marios Patziaris, Special Neurologist,
MD, PhD (associate)
Graduate of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki specialised in neurology in the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki and B Neurology Clinic of Aristotle University
of Thessaloniki. He received postgraduate training in
the use of ultrasounds in Neurology in Irvine Laboratory of St. Mary’s Hospital, London and in the treatment of
Acute Ischemic Stroke in Massachusetts General Hospital of Harvard’s Medical School in Boston. He has been
working at the clinical department of Cyprus Institute
of Neurology and Genetics since 1995. He has been a collaborator of Ayios Therissos medical Centre since 1996
specialised in ultrasound extra cranial and intracranial
examinations. He took part in various research projects
for the pathogenesis and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Ischemic Stroke treatment, monitoring the
epidemiological and genetic impact of thrombophilia on
population of Cyprus etc.
•Dr Eleni Eracleous, Scientific Manager, Radiologist, MD, DMRD, FRCR, PhD, ESSR
She studied at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and University of Edinburgh Medical School. After having been awarded a scholarship by
WHO (World Health Organisation) she was trained in
Radiology at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from
where she gained a diploma in Radiology and became
a member of the Royal College of Radiologists in the
UK. She holds a diploma from the European Society of
Skeleton Radiology (ESSR). She has received ongoing
postgraduate training in CT and Magnetic Tomography more specifically in Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal System at (Manchester Royal Infirmary in
the UK, Dijkzipt Hospital in Rotterdam, Holland, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in Scotland, National Hospital for Nervous Diseases in London and Massachusetts
General Hospital in Boston, USA). She has served as a
chief of the Radiology Department in Nicosia General
Hospital and today she is the scientific director of Ayios
Therissos Medical Centre. She is a founding member of
Cyprus Radiological Society where she worked as a secretary for many years and is an active member of the Radiological Society of North America and European Radiological Society (where she also served as Cyprus’ representative in the Scientific Committee). She is a member
of the editorial team of the “International Angiology”
magazine. She was responsible for the review of papers
in the scientific magazines of European Journal for Radiology and International Angiology. She has published
more than 20 scientific papers in international medical magazines including European Radiology, Pediatric
Radiology and Neuroradiology, 32 scientific conference
presentations including that of the Radiological Society
of North America and the European Congress of Radiology. She has also given more than 100 lectures as a guest
speaker in various conferences in Greece, Cyprus and
abroad. She has taken part in numerous research programmes of the centre.
•Dr Dimitra Ziaka, MD, Doctor of medicine
specialising in Radiodiagnosis with specialty
training in Ultrasound, CT and MRI and especially in coronary CT angiography.
She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Ioannina. She received her training in Radiodiagnosis in the Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens in the full spectrum of Radiology-Mammography,
CT, MRI, Ultrasound and colour Doppler, and trained
in Interventional Radiology and Angiography. She re-
Dr Thyrsos Posporis with the first MRI on 1990.
ceived her specialty certification in Radiodiagnosis in
June 2008. She has published articles in Greek and international medical journals and has taken part in postgraduate radiology seminars and conferences in Greece
and Europe. She received specialist training in CT Coronary Angiography at the Radiology Department of Kiel
University Hospital in Germany in 2009. Since September 2008 she has been working for Ayios Therissos Medical Diagnostic Centre, where her duties cover Ultrasounds, CT, and MRI, and more specifically CT Angiography.
•Dr Sofoclis Sofocleous, MD, PhD Nuclear
Doctor
He has graduated from Gottingen Medical School,
West Germany and was specialised in Nuclear Medicine at the University of Hannover, Germany having the
founder of Nuclear medicine in Europe, K-H Hundershagen as his mentor. Dr. Sofokleous is a distinguished
professor in the above university. His PhD thesis was
titled “Thyroid gland cancer, diagnosis, treatment and
prognosis.” He has also worked as health editor and director in private nuclear medicine clinic in Germany. He
is the writer of the book “Σύντομο Εγχειρίδιο Σύγχρονης
Πυρηνικής Ιατρικής” (Brief Manual of Modern Nuclear Medicine). He is a member of the publishing committee of “Greek Nuclear Medicine” magazine. He has
published various scientific works in magazines, in
Greece, Cyprus and abroad and has delivered many scientific presentations in conferences in Greece, Cyprus
and abroad. Ayios Therissos Nuclear medicine Centre,
of which he is founder and director, completed in July
2010, fourteen years of service in the field of diagnostic
and therapeutic nuclear medicine. Apart from conducting normal nuclear medicine medical tests our centre
is known for its expertise on the field of diagnosis and
treatment for thyroid gland diseases (more specifically
cancer), it has a modern nuclear cardiology laboratory
•Dr Margarita Marinou, MD, Radiologist
She graduated from the Medical School of the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece and started her
training in radiology at the University hospital of Umea
in north Sweden to continue and complete her training
at the radiology department of Sahlgrenska University
Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden. She received training
in X-rays, Fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, Ultrasound and colour doppler and contrast enhanced ultrasound, ultrasound guided biopsies, Paediatric Radiology, Mammography, Interventional Radiology and Nuclear medicine.
Then she worked at the Mammography department of
the same hospital with diagnostic and screening mammograms, breast ultrasound and MR mammography for
almost two years.
She has been to various Swedish and international
courses.
•Dr Costas Voulgaris BSc, MD, Radiologist
(EDiR)
Has received his Bachelor of Science in PreMed Biology from the University of California in Irvine, USA
on July 1994. Graduated from the Medical School of the
University of Crete, Greece on July 2000 and completed
his training in Radiology in the University Hospital of
Heraklion, Crete, Greece on February 2013 having also a
clinical background in internal medicine of two years in
the UK and two years in Greece. He has received his European Diploma in Radiology (EDiR) in Vienna, Austria
on March 2013. He has been working in Ayios Therissos
Medical Diagnostic Centre since August 2013, as a clinical radiologist with interests in ultrasound, MRI and CT.
Nicosia: 92 Spyrou Kyprianou Ave, 2033, Strovolos, Tel: 22442630, Fax: 22315922, Larnaca: Kyriakou Matsi 24, 7102, Aradippou, Larnaca,
Tel: 24-812400, Fax: 24-637400, Email: [email protected], www.ayiostherissos.com.cy
64
health care
G.A.P. Vassilopoulos was
established in 1964 and is listed
on the Cyprus Stock Exchange.
The Group operates via a network
of 2,000 offices and associates
throughout Cyprus, the United
Kingdom and now in Israel.
It employs over 1,000 highly
experienced personnel who are
supported by the latest technology.
The Group provides a complete
spectrum of insurance products
and continually expands its
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 7
2014
portfolio while representing
prestigious International
Insurance Companies.
Our Insurance Services Include
• Marine Cargo Insurance
• Property Fire and Perils
• Loss of Profits
• Burglary
• Householders combined
• Foreign Workers Medical
• Employer’s Liability
• Public Liability
• Products Liability
• Personal Accident and
Travel Insurances
• Motor
• Medical Insurance Schemes
• Yacht Insurance
• Expatriate Insurance
• Credit Insurance
• Loss of Money
• Goods in Transit
Where to best insure…
We are Lloyd’s Coverholder for a number
of Lloyd’s Syndicates, meaning that we
are authorised to enter into contracts of
insurance and/or issue insurance documentation, on behalf of the members of
a syndicate for specific class of business.
Lloyd’s is the world’s specialist insurance market where members join together to provide insurance protection worldwide.
They insure businesses from over 200
countries and territories worldwide and
are dedicated to offer excellent financial security to policy holders. Business
at Lloyd’s is still conducted face-to-face,
and the bustling Underwriting Room
is central to the smooth running of the
market.
The market structure encourages innovation, speed and better value, making it attractive to policyholders and participants alike. Immediate access to decision-makers means that answers on
whether a risk can be placed, are made
quickly, enabling the broker to provide
fast, good-value solutions.
Lloyd’s Syndicates currently enjoy
‘A’(excellent) rating from A.M. Best and
A+ (Strong) ratings from Fitch Ratings
and Standard & Poor’s
• Founded in London in 1688
• Gross Written Premiums are in excess of £25.000.000.000
• Accepts business from over 200
countries and territories worldwide
• Provides cover for over 95% of the
FTSE 100 and over 85% of Dow Jones
industrial average companies
• Vision to be the global centre for specialist insurance and reinsurance
The Catlin Insurance Group is a publicly
listed Property, Casualty Insurer and Reinsurer.
Catlin has demonstrated Underwriting Ambition through a flexible and forward-looking approach to business.
The Catlin Group has consistently
produced superior financial results and
offers its policyholders excellent financial
security.
Their underwriting philosophy is
based on three fundamental pillars: access to specialty niche markets, accurate
pricing and portfolio management.
They achieve global reach by operat-
ing offices in more than 50 cities across
six underwriting hubs: London/UK, Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Asia
Pacific and Canada.
Catlin Insurance Company (UK) Ltd
is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority of the United
Kingdom and Wales. They specialize as
property/casualty insurer and reinsurer
writing more than 30 classes of business
in 20 countries.
They work in parallel with clients and
their brokers to develop imaginative and
effective risk management solutions.
Catlin Insurance is rated‘A’ (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company and ‘A’
(Strong) by Standard & Poor’s. G.A.P
Vassilopoulos has been representing Catlin Insurance Co (UK) and Catlin Syndicate at Lloyd’s (2003) since 2005.
• Founded as a Lloyd’s underwriting
agency in 1984
• Premiums in excess of $ 5.000.000.000
• Operations in 20 countries
• A worldwide team of more than 2,400
underwriters, actuaries, claims specialists and support
IMG is a worldwide leader in providing a range of International Medical and
Health related insurance products to individuals, families and companies.
Their full-service approach to providing international medical insurance
products includes servicing vacationers,
those working or living abroad for short
or extended periods, people travelling
frequently between countries, and those
who maintain multiple countries of residence. Through a family of companies,
they can provide around-the-clock medical management services, trip cancellation programs, stop loss insurance to reduce employer risk and an internationally based service center. The company is
regulated by the UK Financial Conduct
Authority and is compliant with the EU
Insurance Mediation Directive.
IMG enjoys ratings of ‘A’ (excellent) by
A.M. Best and ‘A’- by Standard & Poor’s.
• Established in 2002
• Covering travellers and expatriates
in more than 170 countries
• Providing on-site, multi-lingual
claims administrators and customer
service representatives
• Processes tens of thousands of claims
each year
The Atradius Group provides Credit
Insurance Surety and International Debt
Collection services through 160 offices in
45 countries. The Atradius Group has
more than 85 years of experience in the
credit insurance business.
Offering credit management solutions
that protect companies from payment
risks associated with selling products
and services on credit. Atradius’ mission
is to strengthen their customers’ credit
management and support their growth
by providing them with accurate assessments of the payment default risk of their
buyers, effective collections of overdue
invoices and reliable surety protection
against a range of contractual defaults.
By insuring trade receivables against
non-payment the bad debt exposure is reduced, ensuring a more stable cash flow.
• Financial Strength Rating from
A.M. Best Company is ‘A’ (Excellent)
–September 2013
• Employs 3.300 people worldwide
• Total Premium income of more than
€1.600.000.000
• Access to credit information on 100
million companies worldwide
• More than 20.000 trade credit limit
decision daily
G.A.P. Vassilopoulos Insurance Dept. Tel: + 357-22710500, Fax: +357-22514099, [email protected],
G.A.P. Vassilopoulos Group, Tel: +357-22710000, Fax: +357-22514081, [email protected], www.gapgroup.com