AHMC Healthcare Inc. and Taipei Medical University co-hosted the “Taiwan Healthcare Seminar” on June 12 at the Culture Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles.
Experts from Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital, and Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital shared practical insights on heart health, sarcopenia, lung care, precision medicine, and international care.
Former Taiwan Health Minister and AHMC Healthcare Co-CEO Dr. Wen-Ta Chiu also shared six lifestyle medicine pillars for preventing chronic disease, helping connect Southern California residents with Taiwan’s high-quality healthcare.
Heart Care Risk Control
Opening the seminar, Dr. Ju-Chi Liu, Vice Superintendent of Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, said cardiovascular disease is not limited to older adults.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and smoking can raise risks at any age.
He noted that the American Heart Association now includes sleep as a key heart-health measure, urging the public to manage the “three highs,” exercise regularly, follow a Mediterranean diet, and maintain good sleep.
AHMC Healthcare Vice President Matthew Lin said stroke rates are higher in the Chinese community, making fast treatment essential.
At the first signs of stroke, patients should seek immediate care to identify the cause and begin treatment quickly.
For clot-related strokes, imaging and minimally invasive treatment can help reopen the vessel and reduce brain damage.
He said AHMC Healthcare has strong experience in stroke emergency care, rapid diagnosis, and team-based treatment, helping patients lower the risk of disability.
Muscle Strength Fall Prevention
Dr. Tsan-Hon Liou, Superintendent of Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital, said slower walking, frequent falls, trouble climbing stairs, or difficulty opening a bottle may be warning signs of sarcopenia—not just normal aging.
He stressed that sarcopenia can affect swallowing, mobility, and independence.
Since there is no specific medication, prevention depends on enough protein, vitamin D, and sufficiently intense exercise.
Lung Screening Cancer Prevention
Dr. Zhen-Yuan Jiang, Vice Superintendent for Research and Development at Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital, said lung health is closely linked to heart function, with major risks including pneumonia, tuberculosis, COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer.
Precision Care Global Access
Dr. Sung-Hui Tseng, Dean of Academic Affairs at Taipei Medical University, spoke on “Cross-Border Health Care: Precision Medicine and International Medical Services,” highlighting recent advances in proton therapy, robotic rehabilitation, and cell therapy across the TMU hospital system.
She said precision medicine combines genetic testing, imaging, AI, clinical expertise, and personalized treatment to help doctors make earlier and more accurate decisions, improving outcomes while reducing side effects.
Lifestyle Medicine Healthy Longevity
AHMC Healthcare Co-CEO Dr. Wen-Ta Chiu said lifestyle medicine is key to preventing chronic disease, noting that WHO data show a large share of deaths are linked to chronic conditions closely tied to daily habits.
Health, he stressed, should begin with prevention through diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
Citing the world’s five Blue Zones, Dr. Chiu said longevity is shaped not only by genetics, but by lifelong choices.
He outlined six pillars of health: healthy eating, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and addictive substances.
The seminar offered the latest medical and health insights, sparked lively Q&A, and drew strong applause for the speakers’ expert presentations, bringing the event to a successful close.
Editor’s Note:
How can we prevent chronic disease, protect heart and lungs, preserve muscle strength, and seek precise, timely care when illness strikes?
Starting next week, Culture Express will launch a special health column featuring highlights from each Taiwan Healthcare Seminar presentation, bringing readers the most practical insights from every speaker.