Bangkok--6 Jul--Reader’s Digest poll What Ails and Worries Thais and Asians? In an exclusive Reader’s Digest poll, about 24,000 urbanites responded and the findings reveal that Asians are confused and scaredabout their health. Reader’s Digest, in association with Nielsen Media Research, concluded its first Asian Health Survey across 7 Asian cities — HongKong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines. The survey is one of the most comprehensive of its kind and it attracted some 24,000 respondents from across the region. Urbanitesin these markets were asked a total of 26 questions pertaining to their health and ailments, use of medicine and remedies, their views onhospital care and overseas medical care and more. “I was amazed by the sheer size of the response from the survey, indicating that good health and information on how to get it areforemost on most people’s minds,” says Jim Plouffe, editor-in-chief of Reader’s Digest Asia. “What we found was that urban Asians are quiteconfused and, frankly scared about their health. This became the basis of Reader’s Digest’s first Asian Health Forum at which we hope toaddress these fears and attempt to find solutions.” The forum was held at Hilton Hotel, Singapore with a selection of top health professionals from across the region on 29th and 30thJune 2007. The top-line findings of the Reader’s Digest Asia Health Survey were: Urbanites across Asia are concerned about their health but are confused about what they should be worried about and where to turnto for answers. Across Asia, close to 50% of all the respondents surveyed revealed they are in the pink of health, with 40% of them rating theirhealth as average and below. Only 5.8% responded they are in excellent health. Over 30% of the respondents from the region indicated overseas destinations for treatment. USA is the top destination with 80%.Singapore is second choice, with 44% it is the top Asian destination for medical care. Followed by Europe at 38%. 90% respondents cited medical expertise/ good reputation are top consideration. This is followed by recuperation services (23%),testimonials from friends (22%), cost (17%) and shorter waiting time (17%). Top Overseas destinations for medical care:United States 80% Singapore 44% Europe 38% China 18% Hong Kong 13% Thailand 11% Malaysia 7% India 6% Philippines 6% Indonesia 1% Percentage of respondents who would consider going there for medical treatment, excluding respondents from the country. 41% of Asians surveyed indicated that they do not have medical insurance. Feel stressed? You are not alone. 30% of Asians suffered from stress. Filipinos are the most stressed in Asia with 43%. Theregional average is 30%. Thais seem less prone to stress, at 25% it is one of the least stressed. The least stressed are folks from Indiawith 22%. 25% seldom or never go for body medical checks. 60% are affected by high blood pressure, the top ailment in Asia. Asia’s Top Ailments and Concerns:Affected Concerned about High Blood Pressure 60% High Blood Pressure 65% High Cholesterol 44% High Cholesterol 62% Sight Problem 40% Diabetes 61% Weight problems 40% Cancer 46% Diabetes 37% Weight Problem 46% Percentage of respondents with a household member affected by the condition,and who are “concerned quite a lot about it” Respondents are most concerned about high blood pressure at 65%. This is followed by high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer and weightproblem. Respiratory problems are the top reason (81%) of consulting the doctor. The survey also highlighted a gender difference between the sexes. Across Asia, in every market, men are confident of their healththan women. What the Thais Think: The Thai respondents are supportive of their local healthcare. 34.8% picked Thailand for countries considered for medicalprocedures, the second highest in comparison with other countries. Singapore is the most supportive with 36.3%. A high percentage (60.5%) of Thai respondents revealed that they suffered from backache and muscle pain compared to their Asiancounterparts. The highest number came from the Philippines at 67.4%. The regional average is around 57%. 48.2% of Thais responded that they are in good health, while 44.7% revealed they are of average health. Only 3.3% responded thatthey are in excellent health. 67.9% responded well that they “know quite a lot” about awareness of health conditions and treatments available. While 31.6%revealed they “know a little”. High blood pressure is the top ailment for Thais. Followed by high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes. What ails and worries the Thais:Condition Affected Concerned High Blood Pressure 54% 66.7% High Cholesterol 46.4% 70.6% Weight Problems/ Obesity 39.9% 49.3% Diabetes 35.9% 64.1% Arthritis 33.1% 37.4% Sight Problems 31.4% 39.8% Insomnia/ Sleep Problems 29.4% 24.8% Osteoporosis 15.9% 40.7% Erectile Dysfunction/ Impotence 12.4% 17.1% Hepatitis 7.8% 32.1% Percentage of respondents with a household member affected by the condition, and who are “concerned quite a lot about it” “So many factors contribute to diabetes: obesity, age and the migration of food habits from eastern diets to western diets whichcontain more salt, oil and less fibre. Food is a significant factor. We’re also taking less exercise. We have become sedentary,” says Dr.Mayura Tetkasetkol, a doctor specialising in diabetes at the Bangkok Pattaya Hopsital. Notes to editors about the survey: The Reader’s Digest Asian Health Survey was conducted in Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. The survey focuses on people’s personal opinions about their general health and wellbeing. Methodology: via mail questionnaire survey. Respondents were drawn from Reader’s Digest subscriber database across Asia. A total of 24,710 questionnaires were analysed. Fieldwork was carried out during August 2006. The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. is a global publisher and direct marketer of books, magazines and home entertainmentproducts that inform, enrich, entertain and inspire people of all ages and cultures around the world. The company publishes 77 magazines,including its flagship magazine, Reader’s Digest, Asia’s and the world’s biggest selling magazine and is published in 50 editions and 21languages. The company is privately held by Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. RDA's headquarters are located near Pleasantville, New York. RDAsia’s corporate website is www.rdasia.com. For media enquiries, please contact: [email protected] Tel. 02-262-2091