The prostate is a male organ located below the bladder. It wraps around the urethra and is responsible for making the main components of semen. Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate, but it is a syndrome that is diagnosed by symptoms as it does not always involve bacterial infection.SymptomsThe symptoms of prostatitis include pain and urinary symptoms. The pain is mainly in the testicles, penis, perineum and the lower back, and can be associated with urination or ejaculation. Urinar

Technology Dec. 25, 2014

While the crisp air and snow-covered streets can paint a pleasant wintry picture, cold weather can also bring a number of serious health hazards, including hypothermia and frostbite.This winter has been particularly harsh in South Korea, with its average December temperature notably lower than the seasonal average. A total of 137 people were reported to have suffered from either hypothermia or frostbite from Dec. 1 to 18.Among them, 21.6 percent were placed in intensive care, while 15.5 percent

Technology Dec. 25, 2014

Ewha Womans University Mokdong HospitalCancer Center for WomenEwha Womans University cancer center for womenFounded in 2009, Ewha Womans University Cancer Center for Women in Seoul has established itself as the go-to place for women’s cancer patients at home and abroad.The institution, a special unit of Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, is known for its treatments for women’s cancers, including breast reconstruction which can be performed immediately after a mastectomy. Since its establi

Social Affairs Dec. 23, 2014

In 2012, the South Korean government established the Korea Adoption Services upon revising its adoption law, which stipulated that infants could not be put up for adoption without their births being registered.After two years as the agency’s first president, Shin On-han is even more determined to bring changes the nation’s adoption policies, as well as to improve the services for Korean overseas adoptees who wish to find their birth parents.“We believe transnational adoption should be a last res

Social Affairs Dec. 22, 2014

Kim Jun-hyung, a 32-year-old Seoulite, used to think local TV dramas were for “ajummas” ― a Korean term for middle-aged housewives ― until he accidentally watched the first episode of tvN’s “Misaeng (Incomplete Life).” “I could relate to the characters instantly because I am just as overworked as they are,” he said about the popular show, which is about the everyday lives of office workers at a competition-driven trading company. “I loved how there is no romance for some lazy chaebol character w

Television Dec. 19, 2014

ANDONG, North Gyeongsang Province ― In his beautiful old “hanok” property in a famous traditional village, there is a shrine to Lee Pang-soo’s distinguished ancestor Lee Sang-jeong. Every morning, the 64-year-old pays respect to his ancestor ― a prominent 18th century scholar ― before leaving the house. He does the same when he returns home at night. The two visits are his daily rituals and delight.“It gives me peace of mind,” Lee said. “It feels like I am being disciplined to be a better person

Culture Dec. 17, 2014

ANDONG, North Gyeongsang Province ― Scholar Lim No-jig was born in Andong, home to hundreds of “jongga” ― the prestigious households descended from distinguished Joseon-era scholars through the eldest son of each generation.“Although I wasn’t a member of a jongga family, I certainly benefited from the region’s rich culture, which is heavily influenced by Joseon’s Confucianism and ethics,” Lim said during an interview with The Korea Herald in his hometown. The scholar heads the Woodblock Research

Culture Dec. 17, 2014

For many people with irritable bowel syndrome, their symptoms don’t give a clear indication of their condition. While IBS is a common gut disorder which causes abdominal pain, bloating, and sometimes bouts of diarrhea and or constipation, those who suffer indigestion ― also known as functional dyspepsia ― may experience the same, often accompanied with nausea or heartburn.But Dr. Jeong Seong-ae at the Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital says that what worries the patients most is that such s

Technology Dec. 11, 2014

Bile is made in the liver and stored in the gall bladder. It is secreted into the duodenum as the gall bladder contracts when food is consumed, aiding in digestion. Gallstones refer to stone formations in the duct that the bile flows through. Depending on its location, it can be categorized as an intrahepatic gallstone, ductal stone or gall bladder stone. Of these, stones are most commonly found in the gall bladder.The cause of gallstonesThere are various types of gallstones, such as cholesterol

Technology Dec. 11, 2014

South Korea’s birthrate last year declined for the first time in four years, according to data released by the Health Ministry.The country’s fertility rate fell to 1.19 children per woman last year, which is equivalent to that in 2008. The rate fell even lower in 2009, which was 1.15. However, the number rose from 2010 to 2012, from 1.23 to 1.24 to 1.30. It fell back to 1.19 last year. The ministry said the nation’s fertility rate last year falls short of the replacement level ― 2.1 children per

Social Affairs Dec. 10, 2014

The controversial government poster on contraception. (Ministry of Health and Welfare)After receiving public criticism for sexist content in a poster to promote birth control published last week, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said it is discarding the materials. The ministry said it would develop new ways to promote birth control among young Koreans to boost the country’s notoriously low rate of contraceptive use. “We acknowledge that there were problems and we are going to make changes,” K

Social Affairs Dec. 9, 2014