The current coronavirus crisis has injected new urgency into a longstanding issue: Taiwan’s exclusion from the World Health Organization and its annual World Health Assembly. Pressure from Beijing designed to isolate Taiwan within the global community has kept Taiwan from participating in scores of international organizations, including all those affiliated with the United Nations. But…
The current definition limits the health benefits that can be claimed. As consumers look for ways to maintain or improve their health, the dietary supplements market in most parts of the world has been growing rapidly in recent years. Taiwan remains a major exception because of the stringent regulations governing this sector. The size of…
The Apple Watch was recently cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medical device, a landmark for a wearable device aimed at consumers. Able to monitor heart rates and perform electrocardiograms (EKG), the Apple Watch is the latest example of advances in the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and…
To succeed, the Taiwan government’s plan must overcome fiscal, talent, and cultural challenges. In April this year, Taiwan passed the threshold to officially become an aged society, with more than 14% of the population older than 65. That trend is set to accelerate over the next decade. By 2026, 21% of the population will be…
Fresh consideration of the profession’s status is currently under way. Special to Topics Online Taiwan continues to be one of the very few jurisdictions in the world where the profession of chiropractic lacks legal recognition. Its doctors of chiropractic – educated and licensed in the United States and other advanced countries – exist in Taiwan…
Lack of exercise and poor diet are among the main reasons for the prevalence. Last year my family and I moved into an apartment building with a small gym. There are treadmills, an elliptical trainer, an exercise bike, and dumbbell sets – enough equipment for a full workout. It’s almost like having a private gym…
Is overconsumption of refined sugar causing health problems in Taiwan? The refrigerators in Taiwan’s 24-hour convenience stores are brimming with sugary drinks, and not just the sodas and energy drinks sold globally. There are also dozens of Taiwan’s own brands of sucrose-laden fruit juice, tea, coffee, dairy, and soy beverages. Nearly every one of these…
Despite Taiwan’s success in treating hepatitis, the prevalence of liver illnesses continues to rise. Taiwan has made great strides treating liver disease, especially the inflammatory condition hepatitis, which is usually caused by viral infections but may also result from alcohol or drug abuse or autoimmune diseases. If left untreated, hepatitis may permanently damage the liver,…
An ongoing study suggests environmental factors in Taiwan are contributing to a rising number of cases in otherwise healthy non-smokers. After four doctors at National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) had suddenly collapsed on the job during the previous two years – with one of them failing to recover – the hospital in the second half…
Taiwan has played a role in two recent developments related to advancing the cause of women’s health and well-being. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, more commonly known as SLE or lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects women. More than 90% of its sufferers are female, making the disease very much a women’s issue. This…
