ISSUE 39
MAY/JUN 2012
WASHY
WASHY!
Why clean
hands are
vital in the
fight against
infections
FOR
MEN
ONLY
Spotlight on
male-specific
cancers
SMOKE-FREE
AND HAPPY
Want to quit smoking? Read how
Jack and Selene Sim, Mirza Malik and
Kelly Quek did it, and how their lives
have improved after doing so
L I V I N G W I T H L U P U S C Y C L I N G F O R F I T N E S S B R E A K FA S T B E N E F I T S
Adding Years Of Healthy Life
39
I S S U E
MAY-JUN 2012
CONTENTS
10
regulars
Stubbing out and
staying healthy
03
04
32
43
50
60
EDITOR’S NOTE
NEWSROOM
LIFE IN MY DAY
ASK THE EXPERTS
SPOTLIGHT
NHG DIRECTORY
features
10
22
18
22
26
18
COVER STORY
UP IN SMOKE
Find out how giving up cigarettes
can lead to major health benefits
almost immediately.
LUPUS ILLUMINATED
Gain insights into this chronic
inflammatory disease and find out
what sufferers can do to manage it.
MALE CANCERS:
WHAT EVERY MAN
SHOULD KNOW
We shine the spotlight on prostate, testes
and penile cancers and look at strategies
for coping with the physical and
psychological aspects of these conditions.
GIVE HAND
HYGIENE THE
THUMBS-UP
Proper hand hygiene is the key to keeping
you safe from infections and illnesses.
39
I S S U E
Adding Years Of Healthy Life
MAY-JUN 2012
CONTENTS
lifestyle
32
Managing patients’
skin concerns is all
in a day’s work for
Dr Steven Thng
Pedal your way to
tip-top shape
34
46
Stimulate your senses
at some of Singapore’s
exciting art spaces
28
34
TORMENTED BY
YOUR OWN BODY
How to recognise the signs of Body
Dysmorphic Disorder and where you
can go to seek help for this potentially
serious mental condition.
ARTISTICALLY
INCLINED
Besides providing a great opportunity
to learn and relax, a visit to the
museum or the theatre may improve
your health as well.
40
How breakfast serves
as the perfect fuel for
mind and body
37
40
46
TIES THAT BIND
Three senior couples share their secrets to
a happy and healthy marriage.
MAKE THE RIDE MOVE
Ready to take to the roads on two wheels?
Learn how cycling is a great cardiovascular
exercise and how to do it safely.
BREAKFAST
WITH BENEFITS
Find out how to start the day right with a
hearty breakfast.
(EDITOR’S NOTE)
TAKE
COVER IMAGE: KELVIN CHIA
STYLIST: JASMINE LOW
HAIR & MAKEUP: AIE ZHOU
CLOTHES: GAP, MARKS & SPENCER
National Healthcare Group
EDITORIAL
Wong Fong Tze, Lim Phay-Ling, William Ng, Diana
Ong, Crystal Matara K, Vera Soo, Christopher Lam,
Sunanthar Lu, Audrey Wong
L I F E W I S E A D V I S O RY PA N E L
Professor Chng Hiok Hee, Dr Alex Su,
Professor Roy Chan
MediaCorp Pte Ltd
EDITORIAL & DESIGN
Senior Editor
Editor
Assistant Editors
Writer
Senior Designers
Designer
Chief Photographer
Executive Photographer
Senior Photographer
Photographers
Agatha Koh Brazil
Ronald Rajan
Jolene Limuco
Mirza Malik
Gene Khor
Isabelle Yeoh
Frances Sim
Neo Aik Sing
Marcus Tay
Patricia Fong
Steve Zhu
Ealbert Ho
Kelvin Chia
Roy Lim
Hong Chee Yan
CONTRIBUTORS
Rosnah Ahmad, Sherene Kang, Noelle Lee,
Evelyn Mak, Laine Ng, Stephanie Peng,
Nirmala Sivanathan, Melody Tan
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Account Manager
C I R C U L AT I O N
Michele Kho
Assistant Vice President
Jennifer Ng
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Jessie Sng
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Every care has been taken in the production of this magazine, but
National Healthcare Group (NHG), the publisher, editor and employees
assume no responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies or omission
arising thereof. Opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers
are not necessarily those of NHG, the publisher or the editor.
The information produced is for reference and educational purposes
only. As each person’s medical condition is unique, you should not
rely on the information contained in this magazine as a substitute
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If you are concerned about your health or that of your child,
please consult your family physician or healthcare professional.
Copyright © is held by the publishers. All rights reser ved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Printed in Singapore by Times Printers, www.timesprinters.com.
MICA (P) 033/11/2011.
CHARGE
OF YOUR LIFE
When someone quits smoking, scientific
research has shown that his or her body
begins to repair itself in just a matter of
weeks after the final cigarette, and the risks
of developing the myriad smoking-related chronic
illnesses begin to diminish. In addition, being able to stop
smoking restores confidence and boosts self-esteem as the four individuals
on this month’s cover will attest to (page 10).
As the former smoker regains control of his/her life, so too can another
individual: the cancer patient. The fact that cancer kills leaves anyone
diagnosed with cancer feeling defeated and helpless. But here’s another
fact: early detection and the right treatment can greatly improve a cancer
patient’s chances of recovery, and therefore, survival. This is particularly
important when it comes to male-specific cancers. That is because men
on the whole are often reluctant to acknowledge that they might have a
problem, either due to ‘macho’ notions or the fact that guys tend to be less
in tune with their bodies than women are. We speak to the experts on how
these cancers affect sufferers and the courses of prevention, treatment and
management (page 22).
While the dangers of cancer are clear-cut, not all bodily disorders are
easily diagnosed. Take for example, Body Dysmorphic Disorder: this insidious
mental condition can turn you against your own body. What starts as an
obsession with physical perfection then spins out of control and leads to
endless visits to a plastic surgeon. We investigate this condition and what
can be done to help sufferers (page 28).
But while it is good to make major lifestyle changes to safeguard yourself
against serious physical and mental afflictions, taking charge of your health
actually starts with basic everyday practices. Keeping your hands clean, for
one, is an easy and often neglected method of preventing diseases such
as the flu. This month’s feature (page 26) gives you some useful tips on
washing your hands and keeping infections to a minimum. So, stop making
excuses and start taking charge of your health today — it is your call, but
you would be pleasantly surprised what a little vigilance can accomplish
in the long run.
THE EDITORIAL TEAM
v
(newsroom)
SN I PPETS OF I N FO FROM TH E H EALTHCARE WORLD + CALEN DAR OF EVENTS & FORUMS
SNIPPETS OF INFO FROM THE HEALTHCARE WORLD + CALENDAR OF EVENTS & FORUMS
MUSIC FOR
HEALING
KEEP THE COFFEE
BREWING
Keeping caffeine levels in
the blood constantly topped
up can help reduce the risk
of Alzheimer’s Disease later
in life. And the best way to
do this? Drinking coffee
regularly, with some studies
suggesting three cups a day.
Researchers at the
University of Florida found
that elderly volunteers with
the highest levels of caffeine
in their bloodstream were
less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s. The study was conducted over a
period of four years on 124 men and women aged between 65 and 88
years. The researchers believe that caffeine triggers a chain reaction
in the brain that prevents the damage done by Alzheimer’s.
“This case-control study provides the first direct evidence that
caffeine intake is associated with a reduced risk, or delayed onset, of
dementia,” said the researchers, whose findings are published in the
Journal of Alzheimer’s.
smell yourself thin
I
t is well known that listening to music
is beneficial to our well-being — for
instance, it is used clinically to reduce
anxiety after heart attacks and ease the pain
and nausea during bone marrow transplant
procedures. A new study by Japanese researchers
now even suggests that listening to music may
reduce instances of organ rejection in heart
transplant operations.
The team led by Dr Masanori Niimi from
Teikyo University in Tokyo found that opera and
classical music both increased the chances of
successful heart transplants in mice. However,
monotonous, single frequency New Age music
did not produce similar results.
Though the link between music and reduced
rejection rates is still not clear, the researchers
have singled out the source of this lower rate of
rejection to the spleen. They found that levels of
some immune cells produced by the spleen were
changed by listening to opera or classical music.
Looking for a new way to cut down your food intake? Here’s a tip — go for
food with strong aromas. A study done by the Wageningen University in
the Netherlands found a link between strong smells and smaller bites. In
the study, scientists used a custard-like dessert that had been modified to
give off a variety of scents. It was found that the stronger the smell, the
smaller the bite taken by participants.
The scientists believe that manipulating food aromas could result in a
five to 10 per cent decrease in food intake per bite. Combining rich aromas
with portion control could fool the body into thinking it is full, with a
smaller amount of food ingested.
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
calendar
may / jun
POP SOME POPCORN INTO YOUR DIET
If you’re not getting enough antioxidants, try eating popcorn.
According to scientists at the University of Scranton in
Pennsylvania in the United States, unseasoned popcorn contains
plenty of antioxidants that may protect cells from damage
caused by free radicals.
The study found popcorn to contain up to 300mg of
polyphenols, an antioxidant known to lower cholesterol levels
and help prevent certain types of cancers.
Dr Joe Vinson, who led the study, said popcorn is 100 per
cent unprocessed whole grain and one serving can supply people with 70 per
cent of their necessary daily intake of whole grains and antioxidants.
They also found that the crunchy hulls of the popcorn — those irritating
pieces that stick in your teeth — have the highest concentration of antioxidants
and fibre.
“No matter which way you pop it, popcorn is higher in antioxidants than
any other snack. It has less fat. It has fewer calories.” he added.
But a word of caution: not all types of popcorn are healthy. While air-popped
popcorn should be included in a healthy diet, go easy on the butter, oil and salt.
These turn the healthy whole grain into a high-fat, high-calorie snack. And
popcorn also doesn’t contain the vital vitamins and nutrients found in fruit
and vegetables. So, don’t ignore your greens just yet.
DATE
10 May 2012
VENUE
Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Level 1
Y
10am – 5pm
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
is an autoimmune disease that
occurs when a person’s immune
system attacks his or her own tissues
and organs. Symptoms of SLE can
range from a mild skin problem to
inflammation that may affect the
joints, kidneys and blood cells, heart,
brain and lungs. With treatment, people
diagnosed with lupus can now lead
normal, healthy lives.
Come and join us at this exhibition
to find out more about this disease,
how it is treated and where you can
seek help.
CALMING EFFECTS
oga can help improve the quality of life
for caregivers, especially those who are
taking care of dementia patients. This
is according to a study conducted by scientists at
the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and
Human Behavior in the United States.
“Chronic stress places caregivers at a higher
risk of developing depression. On average, the
incidence and prevalence of clinical depression
in family dementia caregivers approaches 50 per
cent. Caregivers are also twice as likely to report
high levels of emotional distress,” noted Dr Helen
Lavretsky, a professor of psychiatry at the university.
A study conducted by Dr Lavretsky’s team
showed that yoga can improve cognitive function
and lower depression levels of caregivers.
During the study, 49 family caregivers, aged
between 45 and 91, were divided into two groups. The meditation group was taught a
brief, 12-minute yogic practice, which was performed every day at the same time for 12
weeks. The other group was asked to relax in a quiet place with their eyes closed while
listening to instrumental music on a relaxation CD, also for 12 minutes every day at the
same time for eight weeks.
At the end of the study, the researchers found that the meditation group showed
significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms and greater improvement in mental
health and cognitive functioning, compared with the relaxation group.
The study, published in the International Journal of Geriatic Psychiatry, suggests that “a
simple, low-cost yoga programme can enhance coping and quality of life for the caregivers”.
2012
World Lupus Day Exhibition
and DVD Screening
TIME
Care for the Elderly Course
DATE
30 May 2012
VENUE
Primary Care Academy,
Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic
Level 3, 2 Teck Whye Lane,
Singapore 688846
TIME
FEE
5
10am – 4pm
$117.70 (inclusive of GST)
Primary Care Academy offers a training
programme conducted by experienced
registered nurses to equip you and
your caregiver with the skills for caring
for the elderly. If you are a caregiver or
employer of a caregiver, this training
programme will enhance your ability
and improve your skills in providing
excellent care to your loved ones.
Caregiver’s Training Grant available for
eligible care givers.
To be eligible for the grant, the caregiver
must:
` Be looking after a Person Needing
Care (PNC), who is a Singapore
Citizen or Singapore Permanent
Resident.
` Be the main caregiver of the PNC;
he/she could be a family member or
foreign domestic worker.
PLEASE CALL 6496 6682/ 6496 6683 TO REGISTER.
(newsroom)
on the slow lane
SNIPPETS OF INFO FROM THE HEALTHCARE WORLD + CALENDAR OF EVENTS & FORUMS
I
f you think that tai chi is too slow to be an
effective exercise, think again. Researchers
f ro m t h e H o n g Ko n g Po l y t e c h n i c
University have found that practicing tai chi
regularly helps improve cardiovascular function
and muscular strength. The study conducted in
April 2012 found that experienced practitioners
of the exercise had improved expansion and
contraction of arteries, called artery compliance.
The proper expansion and contraction of the
arteries is an important indication of heart
health. The study also found that tai chi
increased muscle strength.
The study involved 65 subjects aged between
65 and 78. About half of them were recruited
from tai chi clubs in Hong Kong and had been
practicing the traditional Chinese exercise for
90 minutes a week for three years. The other
half of the subjects had no such experience.
Measurements from the study found that
subjects from the tai chi group showed that
both large and small artery compliance was 40
to 44 per cent higher than the control group.
Dr William Tsang, the leading researcher
of this study, said that the improvement in
arterial compliance could have resulted from
a combination of aerobic training, stretching,
mental concentration and calm meditation
when one practices tai chi.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
= BETTER RECOVERY
Breast cancer patients who know how to relax may boost their
immune systems and block the growth of tumours.
Dr Michael H. Antoni, a researcher from the University of
Miami in the United States, noted that breast cancer diagnosis
and treatment can produce a great deal of stress for patients.
“If stress affects the immune system in a negative way,
then their recovery could be slowed down and those patients
taking longer to recover may be at risk for poorer health
outcomes,” he said.
“Conversely, if stress management intervention can reduce
the impact of stress on the immune system, then recovery may
be hastened.”
The study conducted by Dr Antoni and his colleagues
showed that proper stress-reduction techniques can alter
genetic processes that promote cancer growth at the molecular
level and may increase a patient’s survival odds.
His team had developed a 10-week programme to
help breast cancer patients reduce tension and stress.
The programme combines relaxation and deep breathing
techniques with cognitive behaviour therapy.
After 12 months, researchers identified genetic changes
in the immune systems of women who underwent the
stress-reduction programme. Some of the genetic changes
“signal the production of molecules associated with a healthy
immune response”, Dr Antoni said. At the same time, “genes
responsible for the production of substances involved in
cancer progression were down-regulated,” he added.
A new therapy using headphones may offer hope to people suffering
from tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ears.
Known as Acoustic Co-ordinated Reset (CR) Neuromodulation,
the treatment is designed to ‘reset’ auditory nerve cells in the brain.
A preliminary trial of the treatment has shown to reduce tinnitus
symptoms in three-quarters of test subjects in Germany. Tinnitus,
an incurable condition, causes ringing, buzzing, roaring and other
noises in the ears. The condition can lead to a loss of sleep, depression
and anxiety. Most treatments currently rely on helping patients to
manage and cope with the symptoms.
During the treatment, a patient is made to wear a set of special
headphones for a few hours a day. The headphones emit a series of
tones tuned according to the characteristic frequency of the patient’s
tinnitus. This is said to disrupt the rhythmic firing patterns of tinnituscreating auditory nerve cell.
get a earful of this
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER
needle point
Taking a stroll down memory lane may be bad for your health — if your memories
are negative ones.
“When people are negative about past events in their life, they also have a
pessimistic or fatalistic attitude towards current events. This generates greater
problems in their relationships and these people present worse quality of life
indicators,” said Mr Cristian Oyanadel, a researcher at the University of Granada
in Spain.
In his study, it was found that negative people are limited physically at work,
more sensitive to pain and more likely to fall ill than people who are positive.
His study involved surveying 50 men and women about their feelings about
the past and future as well as the quality of their physical and mental health.
They were asked, among other things, how often they think about things they
should have done differently, whether they worry about not getting things done
on time and whether they live life a day at a time. An analysis of the answers
revealed that those who dwelled on bad things that had happened to them
tended to be in worse health.
Conversely, the study found that those who enjoy the here and now while
making time to learn from the past are healthier and happier.
T
TAKE A STAND
he next time you rush for a seat on the MRT, here’s some food for thought:
standing up could lead to a longer life. On the other hand, the more time
you spend sitting down, the greater your risk of dying early, even if you
exercise regularly.
According to a
study done by the
Baker IDI Heart and
Diabetes Institute
in New South Wales
in Australia, sitting
can be bad for health
because when you
are seated there is
an absence of muscle
contractions. These
contractions are
important in enabling
the body to clear blood
glucose and fats from
the blood stream.
A separate study
that involved 220,000 Australian residents found that adults who sat for more than
11 hours a day had a 40 per cent increased risk of dying within three years compared
with those who sat for fewer than four hours a day.
People who sat for eight to 11 hours a day increased their risk of dying by 15 per
cent, according to the study which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
“Doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day is still important but it’s
just as critical for people to reduce their sitting time,” said Dr Hidde Van Der Ploeg
from Sydney University, the lead author of the study.
P
atients suffering from
depression may benefit
from electroacupuncture,
where small electric
currents are used to boost the effect
of acupuncture needles. Researchers
in Hong Kong used electroacupuncture
to stimulate seven spots on the heads
of 73 participants, who had suffered
several bouts of depression in the
past seven years. The treatment was
given in addition to the medication the
participants were already taking.
Patients who were administered
electroacupuncture nine times over three
weeks were later found to be happier
than those who only had needles inserted
superficially into their heads.
“When the acupoints are stimulated,
some brain centres responsible for
producing serotonin are stimulated,”
said one of the researchers, Mr Roger
Ng, a consultant at the Department of
Psychiatry at Kowloon Hospital.
An imbalance in serotonin levels
is believed to be linked to depression.
The illness is expected to rival heart
disease as the highest disease burden
in the world by 2020, the World Health
Organization has said.
7
(newsroom)
SNIPPETS OF INFO FROM THE HEALTHCARE WORLD + CALENDAR OF EVENTS & FORUMS
A SHOT AT CREATIVITY
Getting tipsy may boost your creativity. Men who get
moderately drunk on vodka cranberry cocktails did better
on tests of inspired thinking, said Psychology graduate
student Andrew Jarosz and his colleagues at the University
of Illinois in Chicago.
Sudden, intuitive insights into tricky word-association
problems occurred more frequently when men were
intoxicated but not legally drunk, Mr Jarosz’s team
discovered. Sober men took a more deliberative approach to
this task.
Their study
involved 20 social
drinkers watching an
ani
animated
movie while
eating a snack. Volunteers
dra enough of a vodka
then drank
cranberry cocktail to reach an
average peak blood alcohol level
of 0.075 per cent,
c
just below the
current 0.08 percent
per
cutoff for legal
intoxication in the United States.
Another 20 social drinkers watched the
same movie without eating
or drinking.
ea
Men in both groups then completed a
problem-solving task. On average,
creative problem-solvin
intoxication solved about
participants at peak into
correctly, versus approximately
nine problems correctly
sober crowd.
six winners from the sob
The scientists sugges
suggest that alcohol’s
well-known effect in impairing
imp
executive
function may be helpful for these types of
creative problems.
“Sometimes a reduce
reduced ability to
control one’s attention can have positive
se
implications for select
cognitive tasks,”
they write in the Consciousness
and Cogniti
Cognition journal.
let’s patch up
It’s about as thick as a strand of human hair, can check a
patient’s vital signs and transmits the data to a computer
or mobile phone. And you can’t even feel it on your skin.
Such tiny ‘electronic skin’ patches, which are being
developed by scientists in the United States, will come in
handy for people with conditions that need regular monitoring,
such as diabetes and heart disease.
The patches will also help healthy people to detect early
signs of illnesses, the scientists said.
smoke signals
Secondhand smoke affects girls more negatively than
boys in early childhood — especially those children
with allergic conditions.
Children with allergies under two years of age,
who are exposed to high levels of second-hand smoke,
are at greater risk for decreased lung function at age
seven than other children.
Also, lung function among girls was six times
worse than in boys who were exposed to similar
levels of second-hand smoke, according to a study
by the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
in the United States. The study covered nearly 500
children in the Greater Cincinnati area.
“Our study shows that the timing of allergic
sensitisation is crucial because children who are
sensitised by age two are more likely to suffer the
greatest lung deficits during childhood as a result of
second-hand smoke exposure,” said Ms Kelly Brunst,
first author of the study which was published in the
journal Pediatric Allergy and Immunology.
Previous studies have also linked second-hand
smoke exposure during childhood to respiratory
illness and decreased lung function.
The patches are made of a silicon membrane that stretches
and moves with the body. Sensors embedded within the patches
can measure heart rates and temperatures, and monitor whether
injured muscles are healing.
“The technology can be used to monitor brain, heart or muscle
activity in a completely non-invasive way, while a patient is at home,”
said Professor John Rogers, from the University of Illinois. His team
is developing the skin patches and they hope to make the first
patches, aimed at athletes, available in the market later this year.
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
A
MAKING THE CUT
study done by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the
United States has found that circumcision before a male’s first sexual intercourse
may help protect against prostate cancer. This is because circumcision can
prevent infection and inflammation that may lead to prostate cancer.
For the study, scientists analysed information from 3,399 men — 1,754 subjects with
existing prostate cancer and 1,645 subjects without. Men who had been circumcised
before their first sexual intercourse were 15 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer
than uncircumcised men. Sexually-transmitted infections may lead to prostate cancer
by causing inflammation that creates a hospitable environment for cancer cells.
Circumcision may protect against sexually-transmitted diseases — and therefore
prostate cancers — by toughening the inner foreskin and by removing the moist space
under the foreskin that may help germs survive.
Lead author of the study, Dr Jonathan Wright says, “These data are in line with
infectious or inflammatory pathways which may be involved in the risk of prostate
cancer in some men.”
KEEPING A COOL HEAD
it’s about
thyme
G
oing natural may be
the way to go if you are
looking for a cure for
your acne. According
to scientists at Leeds Metropolitan
University in the United Kingdom,
the herb could be more effective at
treating acne than prescription creams.
Researchers who tested the effect of
thyme, marigold and myrrh tinctures
on Propionibacterium acnes — the
bacterium that causes acne — found
that thyme was the most effective of
the three. They also found that thyme
had a greater antibacterial effect than
benzoyl peroxide, which is found in most
anti-acne skin care products.
Leading researcher of the study
Dr Margarita Gomez-Escalada said
that this study is significant to
acne sufferers who experience skin
sensitivity when using treatments
that contain benzoyl peroxide. These
treatments lead to side effects such as
burning sensation and skin irritation,
she said, “Herbal preparations are less
harsh on the skin due to their antiinflammatory properties while our results
suggest they can just be as, if not more,
effective than chemical treatments.”
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES, CORBIS IMAGES & ISTOCKPHOTO
Keeping your hands cool while working out may help you stick to your exercise
regime. This is according to a study done by the researchers at Stanford University
in California.
In the 12-week study, 24 women between the ages of 30 and 45 years-old with
body mass indexes ranging from 30 to 34.9 were surveyed. Half exercised with
their hands in a cylinder containing water at 16˚C, while the other half used the
same device with water at 37˚C. The goal was to increase running duration on a
treadmill up to 45-minute stretches at 80 per cent of their maximum heart rates.
Lead researcher Dr Stacy Sims observed, “The control group dropped out quite
early. The women in who had the cooling device continued to participate and didn’t
have an issue with attrition because they didn’t feel uncomfortable exercising.”
At the end of the study, the women who
kept their hands cool while exercising took off
an average of five minutes of the total time to
walk about 2.4 kms also dropped almost 7.6 cm
off their waists and had a lower resting blood
pressure and greater exercise heart rate.
The devices cooled the palms of the hand and
circulated blood, thus removing heat from the body.
The cooling device may not be made
commercially available, but Dr Sims said that
holding a bottle of cold water may be a good
way to cool palms and help you feel cooler and
less fatigued while working out.
This is especially beneficial for obese women
who often complain about sweating and getting
tired because they are walking around with extra
insulation.
“If you can slow the rate that internal
temperature rises and cools in someone who is
obese, then they don’t store as much heat and
don’t feel as uncomfortable.” said Dr Sims.
9
10
lifewise | may - jun 2012
s t u b
i t
o u t
A
UP IN SMOKE
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
by nirmala sivanathan in consultation with dr audrey tan, senior consultant, health
promotion, corporate development, national healthcare group and ms navneet kaur,
health promotion consultant, national healthcare group polyclinics
A
ll over the world, tobacco companies and smokers are
increasingly on the losing end of a war on tobacco as
stringent smoking restrictions are put in place in public
areas such as pubs, clubs and hotels.
Tobacco companies have been forced to cut back
on advertising and to place highly-visible and graphic
warning labels on cigarette packs. And starting December
2012, Australia will be the first country to require that all
tobacco companies remove all colours, imagery, corporate
logos and trademarks on their cigarette packs. In effect,
all cigarettes will be sold in plain packs.
Singapore too, has been at the forefront of this
global war on tobacco. Thanks to strong national
health policies, extensive public education campaigns
and prohibitive laws, Singapore has one of the lowest
rates of smoking in the world. Soon, smoking in all
public places will be prohibited except in designated
smoking areas. Yet figures seem to indicate that the
number of smokers might be on the rise.
The 2010 National Health Survey reported that the
prevalence of adults smoking in Singapore rose from
12.6 per cent in 2004 to 14.3 per cent in 2010. What’s
more, the same survey found that smoking rose most
sharply among young Singaporeans aged 18 to 29, from
12.3 per cent in 2004 to 16.3 per cent in 2010 — a 33
per cent increase in just six years. The Health Sciences
Authority also revealed that almost 7,000 youngsters
under the age of 18 were caught smoking in 2010, higher
than in previous years. This could be because of peer
pressure, rebellion against authority or — more likely
— simply due to the fact that they are not bothered by
the health risks.
But why should anyone care? After all, smoking is
legal and a personal choice. However, implications of
smoking are staggering. The Center for Disease Control
and Prevention in the United States reports that smoking
increases the risks of coronary heart disease and stroke
Hardcore smokers — who think that there’s
no point in kicking the habit because the
damage has already been done — should
think again. Giving up smoking results
in major and almost immediate health
benefits, doctors say.
by two to four times. The risks for developing lung cancer
in men increases 23 times, and in women by 13 times,
and death from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD) by 12 to 13 times.
What’s more, passive smokers may suffer the same
health risks as smokers. According to Ms Navneet Kaur,
Health Promotion Consultant at the National Healthcare
Group Polyclinics, the risks for passive smokers can range
from irritation to the eyes, runny noses, sore throats and
headaches to more serious risks of lung cancer, heart and
lung disease.
simply deadly
What makes cigarettes so deadly? The clue is in the contents
— a single stick contains more than 4,000 chemicals
including toxic substances such as nicotine, ammonia,
arsenic and insecticides as well as various cancer-causing
substances.
Ms Kaur says that the immediate physical effects of
burning and inhaling these chemicals include changes
to blood vessels, increased blood pressure and a lowered
resistance to infection. The cilia lining, which acts as a filter
for the lungs, is also damaged, allowing more mucus, dirt
and germs to accumulate. “This is what causes common
smoker afflictions such as coughs, colds, earaches and sore
throats,” she says.
In the long run, Ms Kaur says that smoking can lead to,
or aggravate pre-existing conditions such as heart disease
and stroke, cancer, lung disease, infertility and pregnancyrelated complications.
About 40 per cent of deaths due to heart disease before
the age of 65 are related to smoking. Smokers are also more
than twice as likely to meet with sudden cardiac arrests
compared to non-smokers. “Smoking causes fatty deposits
to build up in the blood vessels, leaving them narrow or
blocked. This leads to heart disease or stroke,” explains
Ms Kaur.
11
12
lifewise | may - jun 2012
s t u b
i t
o u t
A chronic condition that can develop from smoking is
COPD, a condition that includes chronic bronchitis and
emphysema, which makes breathing difficult. COPD is
the sixth largest cause of death in Singapore.
Other than these, smoking can also lead to lung,
cervical, breast, mouth, throat, larynx, oesophagus and
stomach cancer. In fact, 90 per cent of all lung cancer
cases in Singaporean males occur among smokers.
fertility affected
Smoking increases the risk of infertility in both men and
women. Male smokers are 50 per cent more likely to suffer
from impotence or erectile dysfunction. Smoking also
lowers the sperm count, reduces the volume of ejaculation,
distorts sperm shape and impairs sperm mobility. As for
women, smoking may lead to decreased egg counts due
to the destruction of eggs in the ovaries.
Ms Kaur adds, “Women smokers also experience early
menopause compared to non-smokers.”
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
W H AT YO U N E E D TO
KNOW ABOUT NICOTINE
Nicotine is a psychoactive substance or what is more
commonly known as a mood-altering drug. Classified
to be as addictive as heroin or cocaine, nicotine is a key
chemical in tobacco and is what makes smoking addictive.
Dr Audrey Tan, Senior Consultant of Health
Promotion, Corporate Development at the National
Healthcare Group explains that nicotine stimulates
receptors in the brain, releasing hormones and
neurotransmitters.
“Inhaling nicotine results in positive and rewarding
effects experienced by the smoker,” Dr Tan says. Through
several pathways, the smoker is, on one hand, more
vigilant, alert and can concentrate better, and on the
other hand, able to feel calm and relaxed.
“This is what many smokers refer to as ‘benefits’ of
smoking...they feel it helps them cope with stress and
pain better,” Dr Tan says.
As nicotine leaves the smoker’s body, a smoker
will start experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as
irritability, frustration and anxiety. What’s more, as a
smoker’s body gets used to a steady supply of nicotine
over time, he or she will start requiring higher doses of
nicotine to experience the same so-called ‘benefits’.
What’s more, inhaling cigarette smoke during
pregnancy — either directly or through passive smoking—
increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm
delivery and low birth weight. The smoke inhaled also
prevents as much as 25 per cent of oxygen from reaching
the placenta.
Smoking can lead to unpleasant secondary side effects
such as bad breath, stained teeth and yellow nails. Longterm smoking can also contribute to premature ageing,
a poor complexion and loose teeth.
And if you think that only smokers are at the most
risk of falling ill, think again. It is the passive smokers
who get the short end of the deal as the smoke breathed
in by them can contain up to three times more tar and
nicotine, five times more carbon monoxide, and 50 times
more cancer-causing chemicals than the smoke inhaled
directly from a cigarette. This is because secondhand
smoke contains both what the smoker is exhaling out
and what is burning off the tip of the cigarette.
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
13
up in smoke
breaking the habit
The good news, according to the Health Promotion
Board (HPB), is that quitting the habit has major and
immediate health benefits for all, regardless of age or
whether a smoker is already suffering from high blood
pressure, difficulty breathing or experiencing lung and
heart conditions.
For a start, doctors say that a smoker’s chances of
having a heart attack goes down within just 48 hours
of his or her last cigarette. Within three days, breathing
becomes easier and your energy levels will increase. In a
month, shortness of breath, coughing, sinus congestion
and fatigue decrease. Within three months, blood
circulation improves, blood pressure returns to normal,
and the lung capacity increases. For men, the sperm count
returns to normal. In five years, the risk of getting many
types of cancers, stroke and chronic lung disease is also
dramatically reduced.
Unfortunately, as most people who have picked
up smoking discover, it’s just not that easy to kick the
habit. Only a lucky few are able to simply set a date and
go cold turkey.
For others, the journey to becoming smoke-free is a
much more arduous one. Counsellors at HPB say that if
you feel that you are not ready to quit cold turkey, you
should try cutting down on the number of cigarettes you
smoke each day. This gradual reduction will slowly wean
your body off its dependence on nicotine and will make
your quit attempt easier.
a smoker’s chances of having
a heart attack goes down within
just 48 hours of his or her
last cigarette.
H E L P I S O N T H E WAY
PHOTOS: NHGP, CORBIS & GETTY IMAGES
Smokers looking for help to quit can sign up for the
Smoking Cessation Programme offered by National
Healthcare Group Polyclinics. Conducted by certified Quit
Smoking Consultants, the programme offers personal
counselling sessions for patients of all ages. The counsellor
will assess the needs of the
smoker, suggest appropriate
strategies for quitting,
provide motivational supportt
and recommend nicotine
replacement therapy (NRT)
where necessary.
If you or your family
members are ready to
quit smoking, make an
appointment for the
Smoking Cessation
Programme by calling
6355 3000 or visit
www.nhgp.com.sg.
You can also explore other
er alternative
strategies such as hypnosis, ayurveda and Traditional
Chinese Medicine to help you quit smoking. The efficacy of
these methods varies from individual to individual.
14
lifewise | may - jun 2012
s t u b
i t
o u t
C L EAR I N G TH E
SMOKESCREEN
The step from making the decision to quit smoking to actually kicking the habit
can be a difficult one — from the physical effects of nicotine withdrawal to
overcoming the psychological barrier in facing down the addiction. Five ex-smokers
gave cigarettes
g
the boot.
tell Lifewise how theyy finallyy g
JACK SI
SIM,
M, 57
operations
operat
ions manager
ma
married
marrie
ed for 29 years
smoke-free
smoke-free for eight months
“I have al
always
lways been very active — I play squash and
badminto
on twice a week
w
badminton
and I go for yoga classes once
a week to
oo. So it was
wa a surprise to me when I started
too.
feeling constrictions
co
onstrictions in my chest while playing football
last August.
Augu
ust. I tried to ignore the constrictions and go
on with the
t game but
bu it just didn’t feel right. So I came
home, too
ok a shower and went to the hospital. The doctor
took
told me th
hat I had aactually experienced a major heart
that
attack, an
nd that I nee
and
needed to undergo a quadruple bypass.
Two days later, I was transferred to the hospital where I
underwen
nt the oper
underwent
operation.
To telll you the truth,
t
I had no choice but to quit
cold turke
ey since I w
turkey
was in bed for two days before the
operation
n, and five d
operation,
days after, with tubes attached to me.
Of course
e, I could h
course,
have chosen to start smoking again
when I was
waas discharg
discharged, but I decided to stick with not
smoking. The craving
cravin for nicotine is gone now but it is
the habit of
o lighting up
u at certain times, like after dinner,
which is hard
h
to bea
beat.
Even sso, I know I’m
I quitting for good because I never
want to ex
xperience a heart attack again. My wife Selene
experience
quit smok
king when I stopped smoking. I didn’t ask her
smoking
to quit. Sh
he quit out of her own free will but I’m happy
She
she did it
it..
I first p
picked up smoking
sm
when I was 14 and had been
smoking aabout 20 sticks
st
a day for the past 40 years. But
I never ex
xperienced any major health problems, maybe
experienced
because of
o all the sports
sp
I play. As long as I could play
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
15
up in smoke
sports and be faster and stronger than most people I
never had any real motivation to quit.
But the heart attack was a real wake-up call. Since
then, I’ve also started trying to eat healthier and cut
down on fatty food. My children — a girl and two boys
aged 27, 22 and 20 respectively — are also encouraging
me to stop drinking.”
i know i’m quitting for good
because i never want to
experience a heart attack again.
my wife selene quit smoking
when i stopped smoking. i didn’t
ask her to quit. she quit out
of her own free will but i’m
happy she did it.
SELENE SIM, 54
housewife
jack’s wife
smoke-free for eight months
“When Jack had his heart attack, I was truly frightened.
I knew then that I too had to quit smoking, because if I
carried on, it would be harder for him to keep away from
cigarettes. So I decided to stop. Luckily — and maybe
because my habit had always been a very light one — I
did not suffer from any cravings despite going cold turkey.
We did try to quit smoking once before, a long time
ago. But at that time, I didn’t feel like it was a must that I
quit so it didn’t stick. I didn’t know how harmful smoking
was. And you must be fully committed towards quitting if
you really want to kick the habit.
In the past, when my children nagged at me to stop
smoking, I would tell them that it was one of my few
luxuries. I started smoking when I was 18 but my habit
was never as heavy as my husband’s. I have always only
smoked about five or six cigarettes a day. I never chainsmoked either. But I’m glad I have quit now. I did it for Jack.”
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16
lifewise | may - jun 2012
s t u b
i t
o u t
PHOTOS: KELVIN CHIA ALL CLOTHING FROM GAP STYLING: JASMINE LOW HAIR & MAKE-UP: AIE ZHOU
KELVIN LIM, 19
ite student waiting for his results
smoke-free for one month
“I first picked up smoking when I was in secondary school.
All my friends were doing it and I just went along with
them. Soon, I was smoking up to 10 sticks a day. Around
this time, I started visiting the doctor a lot more because
I kept coming down with runny nose and coughs.
It was during one of these visits to the polyclinic when
the doctor suggested that my frequent illnesses might
be caused by smoking. She recommended that I sign up
with the polyclinic’s Smoking Cessation Programme and
get help in kicking the habit.
Under the programme, I had to go for counselling
once a week with a counsellor who gave me tips on how
to quit. I found that what worked for me was not going
cold turkey, but gradually cutting down the amount I
smoked, from week to week.
But my effort to quit smoking has not been smooth
sailing all the way. My friends are smokers and it’s hard
not to feel tempted to light up in social situations when
I see others smoking and having a good time. My friends
who are smokers have also questioned me about my
‘sudden’ decision to quit. I just tell them: ‘It’s to save
money lah!’
It helps that my girlfriend of one year is supportive
of my wish to kick the habit. She says she hates the smell
of smoke on me — and that helps me to resist the urge
to light up again.
In the one month of going smoke-free, I’ve already
felt my health picking up. I no longer have as many sore
throats and colds as I used to have. I also really want
to encourage my dad — who is in his 40s and who has
been smoking for as long as I remember — to cut down
on his smoking too.
KELLY QUEK, 27 (RIGHT)
corporate affairs executive
smoke-free for three years
“When I was 17, I worked as a waitress in a nightclub. It
was here that I was influenced by friends and colleagues to
pick up smoking. At the peak of my habit, I was smoking
up to a packet a day.
I decided to quit smoking in my mid-20s when I
realised just how much money I was wasting on cigarettes
that I could be spending on other things instead. I was
also tired of smelling of smoke all the time and I didn’t
want my family to suffer from the effects of second-hand
smoke either.
So I just set a date and stopped smoking completely
after that. It was a hard habit to break as it was one
that had been cultivated over many years. Sometimes
when you are bored, all you want to do is light up a
cigarette, you know?
In order not to give in to that temptation, I tried
to keep myself occupied. I would distract myself by
going out to meet friends, going for runs or cycling,
or by finishing up any work I had...basically anything
to keep me busy.
I also tried nicotine gum to cut down on the
cravings. It worked for awhile but I found that I had to
keep chewing the gum to suppress the urge to smoke.
So I eventually weaned myself off that too.
My family and friends were very happy to hear of
my decision to quit and were very supportive. Even
my friends who are smokers are supportive. They try
not to smoke around me, and even if they do, they
tell not to join them. They tell me that they wish they
have the same determination to q
quit.
Since I quit smoking, my stamina for sports has
i
improved.
d I no longer
l
gett the
the
frequent sore throats or
occasional chest pains thatt
I used to suffer from.
For people who aree
thinking about kicking
ng
the habit like I did,, I
would say this: ju
u st
just
make a firm decision
decisiion
to quit and act on
n
it. It will reduce
unnecessary
suffering in
the long run.”
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
up in smoke
MIRZA MALIK, 37
magazine editor
smoke-free for three years
“Even after working for several years in a health
magazine, I was able to ignore the countless research
papers I had read on the dangers of smoking. What I
was not able to ignore was the nagging feeling that I was
being a hypocrite. Here I was writing and editing stories
n
promoting healthy living while I had been putting my own
ngg
health at risk, every day for 17 years. I started smoking
ds
during my polytechnic days. The majority of the friends
he
that I made at the time were smokers, and I gained the
d
impression that it was somehow ‘cool’ to smoke — and
d.
that it made me an accepted member of the ‘in’ crowd.
I did not experience any health complications due too
my smoking habit as a teenager and young adult, so I
ce
continued to smoke throughout my National Service
and my early working life.
ott
My greatest frustration with smoking was just not
d.
being able to stop. I had tried a dozen times and failed.
It left me demoralised and stunted in confidence to be
9,
enslaved by this habit. Just before I quit for good in 2009,
y.
I was smoking more than a pack of 20 cigarettes a day.
I was burning away over $400 a month, which meant I
passed up on many of the things that I wanted.
as
During a four-day leadership training camp, I was
t,
offered a chance to stop smoking. I thought, why not,
es
since I wanted this. Throughout the days, my camp mates
ekept applauding and congratulating me for going smokeas
free. That helped to ease the anxiety I was feeling. It was
n
concentrated moral support and it worked: that’s when
I believed that I could stop for good.
After the camp, I told all my family and friends that I
had stopped smoking, and that I wanted their support to
n
keep me on track. They cheered me on willingly and even
my smoker friends obliged. Having people backing me
ayy
helped to keep me accountable, and every subsequent day
having people backing me
helped to keep me accountable,
and every subsequent day
that i managed to go smokefree boosted my confidence
and diminished any desire to
return to cigarettes.
that I managed to go smoke-free boosted my confidence
and diminished any desire to return to cigarettes.
Since quitting smoking, I’ve devoted more time to
physical exercise, such as kettlebell training, running
and yoga without tiring out as quickly as I used to. The
time I need to recover from these exertions is also now
reduced. This means that I’m able to enjoy my hobbies,
reap the benefits and keep up with fitter and younger
peers — definite incentives to kick the habit.”
17
18
lifewise | may - jun 2012
a m u l t i f a c e t e d m a l a d y
LU P U S
ILLUMINATED
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE
Actor-host Nick Cannon was recently hospitalised
for it. But what exactly is lupus, and why should this
condition be cause for concern?
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
I
by nirmala sivanathan in consultation with dr lian tsui yee, senior consultant,
department of rheumatology, allergy and immunology, tan tock seng hospital
n January this year, singer Mariah Carey tweeted
that she and her husband, actor-host Nick Cannon,
had cut short a Christmas vacation as he was in
hospital suffering from what she called “mild
kidney failure”. He was soon discharged, but
in February was hospitalised again for pain in
his chest and right arm. Th is time, his doctors
found that he had blood clots in his lungs and an
enlarged ventricle in his heart.
In the wake of such attention-grabbing
headlines, Cannon himself spoke to the media
and revealed that his series of health woes were
actually the result of a lupus-type autoimmune
disorder that affects his kidneys.
His condition is by no means unique. Lupus —
also known as Systemic lupus erythematosus or
SLE for short — is a chronic inflammatory disease
that can range from mild to life-threatening. It
affects nearly 33 in every 100,000 Singaporeans.
It runs in families, affects women more than men,
and certain ethnic groups — such as Asians and
Afro-Africans — are at a higher risk of developing
it than others.
But what exactly is lupus? Dr Lian Tsui
Yee, Senior Consultant at the Department of
Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology at Tan
Tock Seng Hospital explains it as an “autoimmune
disease that causes a person’s immune system to
go awry”.
Under normal circumstances, the immune
system of a person protects his or her body by
fighting off “foreign” invaders such as viruses,
bacteria and parasites. In the case of a person
suffering from lupus, his or her immune system
stops recognising the body’s own organs and
attacks them thinking they are foreign. The
organ systems that can be affected include the
joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, lungs
and intestines.
Dr Lian adds, “While it is not infectious, the
exact cause of lupus remains unknown. A person
who develops lupus probably inherits the risk from
one or both parents. Some people might go through
their lives without ever developing the disease but
others will do so when exposed to triggers such
as infection, overexposure to sunlight, pregnancy
and surgery.” While the disease is manageable with
medication and lifestyle modifications, it remains
— to date — incurable.
no two cases are alike
W hat is particularly tricky in the case of
lupus is that it can be difficult to diagnose,
as the symptoms are varied, non-specific and
depend on which of the body’s organs are affected.
These symptoms can also come on suddenly or
gradually, may be mild or severe, and can be either
temporary or permanent. Generally, the signs and
symptoms of lupus are:
 Fever, fatigue and weight loss
 Joint pain, stiffness and/or swelling
 Butterfly-shaped rash over the cheeks and nose
bridge, and which worsens upon exposure to
the sun
 Chest pain when breathing in and/or shortness
of breath
 Swelling of the eyelids, feet and legs
 Reduced urination
 Hair loss, mouth ulcers and easy bruising
TH E DI FFERENT
TYPES OF LU PUS
Besides Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is
the most common form of lupus, there are three other
main types of lupus.
 Drug-induced lupus erythematosus — caused by
certain drugs. Treatment is focused on identifying
and stopping intake of the drug.
Neonatal lupus erythematosus — occurs in
about 2 per cent of babies born to mothers with
certain antibodies and might result in serious
complications such as heart block. This is why
pregnant patients with lupus require close
monitoring during their pregnancy.
 Discoid lupus erythematosus —
affecting only the skin, this form of
lupus is marked by rashes on the
face, ears, scalp and other parts of the
body. It can occur by itself or as part
of systemic lupus erythematosus.
19
20
lifewise | may - jun 2012
a m u l t i f a c e t e d m a l a d y
M A N AGI NG
LU PUS
It’s not preventable and it’s not curable — but the good
news is that lupus can be controlled and most patients
do continue to lead normal lives with proper lifestyle
modifications. Here’s what one can do to manage lupus:
#1
Take care of yourself.
Get adequate rest and sleep. Regular exercise will
also help you keep your joints flexible as well as prevent
heart disease and strokes (but take care not to overexercise if you are having a flare-up).
#2
Avoid the sun.
#3
Eat well.
As sunlight can trigger a flare-up of lupus rash or
lupus itself, it is best to stay out of the sun between 10am
and 4pm. You should also wear protective clothing and
sunscreen if you are going to be out in the sun.
In general, no special diet is
required for lupus patients. Simply
stick to a well-balanced diet that
is low in fat and high in fruits,
vegetables and whole grains.
It should also contain only a
moderate amount of meat, poultry
or fish. You should also take care that
at
any meat you eat is thoroughly cooked.
ked
#4
Learn all you can.
#5
Connect with others.
Take the time to sit down and chat with your
doctor about the disease, the medication you need to
take and what kind of progress you can expect. You can
also read up on the disease on reliable websites
such as www.lupus.org, www.rheumatology.org.au and
www.arthritisresearchuk.org
Family and friends are very important in helping
one cope with lupus. You can also connect with others
who have lupus through local support groups and
organisations such as the Lupus Association of Singapore.
while it is not infectious,
the exact cause of lupus remains
unknown. a person who develops
lupus probably inherits the risk
from one or both parents.
Patients might also suffer from headaches, memory
loss, drowsiness, psychosis, strokes, paralysis, fits, muscle
weakness and/or may lapse into a coma if it is the nervous
system that has been affected. If not treated, lupus can
lead to potentially fatal complications.
“If you suspect that you might have lupus, you should
see your doctor,” advises Dr Lian. She adds that there is
no one test to detect lupus but the doctor will be able to
m
make
a preliminary diagnosis by looking at your medical
hi
history
and conducting a clinical examination. He or she
m
might
then send you for medical investigations such as
full blood count, antibody test, urine examination and
kidney function test to confirm and assess the severity
of your lupus.
ttreating lupus
“W
“While
lupus is not curable, it can be treated and managed
wi
with the right medication. There is no standard treatment
for lupus as it really depends on a patient’s individual
symptoms and the extent to which his or her organs are
affected,” says Dr Lian, “The primary objective in all cases
is to control the disease before permanent damage occurs.”
Some of the drugs used to control lupus include
antimalarial drugs (in mild cases or for those with skin
complications or joint pain), immunosuppressants and
non-steroidal anti-infl ammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such
as diclofenac and ibuprofen.
In more severe cases, drugs such as corticosteroids
might also be prescribed. These drugs counter the
inflammation caused by lupus quickly and can help ward off
serious complications with potentially fatal consequences
such as kidney failure. However, these drugs may have
serious side effects ranging from easy bruising, weight gain
and an increased risk of infection to high blood pressure,
diabetes and osteoporosis.
This is why most doctors treating lupus generally
begin with a careful discussion weighing the pros and
cons of taking such drugs. To help reduce side effects,
the rheumatologist will prescribe the lowest dose which
would control the disease in the long term. The dosage
can be further reduced — with care — as the patient
gets better.
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
21
lupus illuminated
L I VI NG
WITH
LU PUS
When housewife Nancy Chin, 62, was diagnosed with
systemic and discoid lupus in 1982, she was thankful.
Thankful because she finally had a name for the pain she
suffered from. Prior to the diagnosis, she had suffered
from flu-like symptoms, migraines and body aches. She
lost half her hair, saw her weight drop by 15kg and — as
her condition worsened — took to her bed for three
and a half months. At her worst, she wasn’t even able to
manage basic tasks such as brushing her teeth or going
to the toilet without help from her husband.
The diagnosis helped her come to terms with these
symptoms and also helped her gain the understanding
of her family members, who had previously dismissed her
fatigue as laziness.
“I tried to find out as much as possible about the
disease by asking my doctors,” Nancy says. “It took six
years of medication and learning how to modify my
lifestyle before I was finally pain-free,” she recalls.
“When my condition improved, I continued to visit
some of the other lupus patients I had gotten to know.
Some of our doctors then suggested that we start a
support group and I liked the idea because it meant that
we would not have to suffer alone,” she says.
With this encouragement, Nancy founded the Lupus
Association of Singapore in 1985. Today, the Association
has more than 500 members and holds a support group
meeting at Tan Tock Seng Hospital once or twice a week.
The Association also conducts “empowerment talks” as
well as road shows at schools, offices and shopping
malls to educate both the public and patients about
the disease.
This effort to educate the public, Nancy says, is
something that is close to her heart as she was a firsthand victim of the misinformation that lupus patients
are subject to. Besides having family members chastise
her for being lazy, she was stigmatised by people who
mistook lupus, a non-infectious autoimmune disease,
for HIV, which is an immunodeficiency virus. She also
experienced people who shunned her when her discoid
lupus rash — which looks like skin lesions — flared up.
It also helps to educate patients as it is important
for them to realise that this disease does not “condemn”
them to ill-health for the rest of their lives. With the right
treatment, Nancy — who is still on steroids to control the
disease — regained her hair, put on weight and is able to
lead a normal life. “I can even dance now!” she says.
Lupus patient Nancy
Chin (right) started
the Lupus Association
of Singapore to help
other lupus sufferers
cope with the disease.
PHOTOS: ISTOCKPHOTO, CORBIS, TPG IMAGES & EALBERT HO
22
lifewise | may - jun 2012
a g u y t h i n g
MALE CANCERS:
WHAT EVERY MAN
SHOULD KNOW
While cancer is thought of as a universal disease, some forms
of this disease target only males, and their impact is not just
physical but psychological and emotional as well.
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
23
by melody tan in consultation
ation wit
with
h dr
dr chon
cchong
hong
g kian
kian ta
tai
tai,
i,
consultant, department of urology,
rollogy, tan tock sseng
eng ho
hospi
hospital
spital
ta
Mr Tan Tai Jong’s diagnosis
of prostate cancer in 2009
prompted him to join the
Prostate Cancer Support
Group as a volunteer
ollywood actor Robert De Niro’s father died of prostate
cancer at the age of 71. This perhaps prompted the
actor who has starred in shows such as The Godfather
Part 2, Goodfellas and Meet the Parents to go for regular
medical check-ups. De Niro told reporters in the United
States that he was diagnosed with early-stage prostate
cancer in 2003 but did not want to disclose details about
his treatment.
Former South African President and Nobel Peace
Prize recepient Nelson Mandela was also diagnosed
with early-stage prostate cancer in 2001. He has since
made a full recovery after undergoing seven weeks
of radiotherapy.
Many of us have heard about prostate cancer but how
prevalent is it? According to the most recent Singapore
Cancer Registry Report (2006 to 2010), prostate cancer is
the third most common form of cancer among Singaporean
men after colo-rectal and lung cancers. Prostate cancer
occurs when the prostate gland — located between the
bladder and the urethra — develops a malignant tumour.
Men aged 50 and above are at higher risk.
The symptoms for this affl iction are not obvious
even at a late stage. According to Dr Chong Kian Tai,
a consultant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s (TTSH)
Department of Urology, a majority of prostate cancer
patients show no symptoms.
“A minority may experience blood in the urine or
symptoms such as difficulty urinating or a slow urine
stream,” he adds.
prostate cancer: genes may play a part
Diagnosis of prostate cancer consists of testing the
levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the patient’s
blood. An elevated PSA level may indicate the incidence
of prostate cancer. Dr Chong however cautions that high
PSA levels may also be caused by an infection or enlarged
prostate, which does not necessarily mean cancer. The
only way to confirm prostate cancer is through a prostate
biopsy done by a urology specialist.
“Genetics also play a role in prostate cancer. For men
who receive prostate cancer diagnoses, I usually ask if
they have middle-aged sons. I would recommend the
sons to undergo PSA testing,” he adds.
One patient at TTSH, Tan Tai Jong, 69, did not have
any of the symptoms that are sometimes associated
with prostate cancer. But he decided to screen for the
dieases during a routine check-up with his general
practitioner to ease his mind. His father and uncle both
had prostate cancer and he was aware of its genetic risks.
Mr Tan was diagnosed with locally-advanced
prostate cancer in May 2009. The father of two
daughters aged 38 and 39 says, “When I tested for
prostate cancer, the tumour, although advanced, was
still ‘localised’ around the prostate gland, and the
doctors opted to treat me with radiation and hormone
therapies as these treatments were non-invasive and
they had a possibility of higher success. It is important
for every patient to discuss their treatment with their
urologist and cancer specialist, as there are different
treatment options for every case of prostate cancer.”
Other treatment options for prostate cancer include
surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery may include the
traditional open technique, or the latest da Vinci robotic
surgery. Robotic prostatectomy is the most common
robotic procedure done at TTSH.
Mr Tan underwent 25 sessions of IntensityModulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), which is a form
of high-precision, high-dose external beam radiotherapy
— starting in August 2009. From the end of June in
2009 to June 2011, he received hormone injections
spaced three months apart. He also underwent Brachy
Therapy, a high-dose form of internal radiation in
October 2009. He is now in remission and undergoes
PSA testing every four to six months as part of the
monitoring process.
24
lifewise | may - jun 2012
a g u y t h i n g
Following his brush with cancer, Mr Tan is celebrating
his new lease of life. He practices tai chi and enjoys weekend
outings to parks, reservoirs and the seaside with his loved
ones. He is also a volunteer with TTSH’s Prostate Cancer
Support Group, which was formed in August 2011. Mr Tan
has some advice for other men who are battling prostate
cancer: “Look on the bright side of a situation and have
a sense of humour. Don’t be a cancer survivor — be a
cancer conqueror!”
testes cancer: targeting the young
Another kind of male-specific cancer is testes cancer.
According to the National Cancer Centre of Singapore,
it is the most common cancer for men aged as young as
16 to the early 30s. In fact, about one to two per cent of
all tumours in men are testes cancer.
Professional cyclist and Tour de France winner Lance
Armstrong was diagnosed with testes cancer that had
spread to his lungs and brain in 1996, at the age of 26.
It is reported that he had a large testicular tumour and
had to undergo surgery to remove his affected testicle
and chemotherapy.
While the reasons for this condition has yet to be found,
one major risk factor is undescended testes at birth.
According to Dr Chong, the testes are supposed to
descend from the abdominal cavity so that they hang
outside the body, in order to be at a cooler temperature
for producing sperm. “It is speculated that for boys with
undescended testes, the higher body heat experienced
by the testes might cause an increased likelihood for
malignant changes,” says Dr Chong.
He urges men who fi nd lumps, swelling or uneven
hard areas on their testes to seek medical advice, even
if the lumps are not painful.
“Many young men will only see a doctor if the lump
hurts, or they think that having larger testes is macho.
But it is important to catch the cancer early as testes
cancer is one of the most treatable cancers in the world,
with a five-year cure rate of more than 95 per cent, even
if it has spread to the regional lymph nodes.”
Treatment for testes cancer fi rst involves removing
the affected testes in order to learn which of the many
different cells within the testes has become cancerous.
Depending on the stage of cancer, the next step may
involve more surgery, radiotherapy to the abdominal
cavity or chemotherapy, depending on whether it has
spread elsewhere in the body.
penile cancer: a rare affliction
The rarest among male-specific cancers, penile cancer,
accounts for less than 0.5 per cent of cancer diagnoses
among Singaporean men. Th is is according to a survey
titled Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, published
by the World Health Organization in 2010. Circumcised
men are at lower risk for penile cancer, which mainly
occurs in men above 50 years-old.
“One theory for the cause of penile cancer is that smegma
accumulating under the foreskin over time may contain
more cancer-causing components. Another theory is that
the Human Papilloma Virus, which causes cervical cancer in
women, may work its way under the foreskin as well, which
causes cancer,” says Dr Chong. Smegma is a foul-smelling,
sticky yellowish substance that collects in moist areas on
the penis.
Dr Chong advises men who find lesions or bumps on
their penises that bleed or do not go away even after taking
antibiotics, to see a doctor. If they delay in seeking help,
the resulting treatment can be drastic. “If the tumour is
caught early, we can shave off the lesion at the tip of the
penis and save the remaining part. In advanced cases, the
entire penis must be removed. Radiotherapy is an option,
but it is not as effective as surgery,” he says.
cancer and male fertility
Dr Chong
explaining
male cancer
treatments
involved in
a patient
So how do male-specific cancers affect fertility in men?
Dr Chong recommends that patients discuss their future
reproductive plans with their doctors before undergoing
treatment for male-specific cancers. If they plan to have
children after treatment, certain steps must be undertaken.
Patients who have their prostate removed will not
be able to have children naturally and will need to bank
their sperm before surgery. Dr Chong explains that for
some cases, doctors will extract sperms directly from
the testes and store it in the sperm bank.
As for testes cancer patients, he says that patients who
receive systemic chemotherapy or undergo radiotherapy
may need to bank their sperms. Dr Chong adds, “The
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
25
male cancers: what every man should know
CHECKING FOR SIGNS
Prostate
While some symptoms for prostate cancer may not be
apparent, it is important to discuss with your doctor
whether blood prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is
necessary for you.
Testes
it is recommended that patients
discuss their future reproductive
plans with their doctors before
undergoing treatment for malespecific cancers. if they plan to have
children after treatment, certain
steps must be undertaken.
same goes for penile cancer patients, whom doctors
may need to extract sperms from their testes. This is
because they may have difficulty having sexual intercourse
successfully with a shortened penis.”
coping strategies
Penis
Signs of cancer can also develop anywhere on the penis
but it is most commonly found under the foreskin or if
there are reddish lesions on the glans of the penis. The
glans penis is the bulbous structure at the end of the
penis. Look out for any growths or sores on the penis
that do not heal within a month. It may look like an ulcer
or blister and may not be painful. Please see a doctor too
if you notice a foul-smelling discharge or a change in
colour of the penis or foreskin.
are no longer men,” he explains. Hence, it is important
to discuss the issue before surgery, so as to clarify the
patient’s expectations regarding the treatment’s effects
and his health. Dr Chong adds, “As doctors, we often have
to explain to patients that we cannot make their penises
grow back to their original length.”
“In cases where the entire penis has been removed,
what we can do is to reroute the urinary tract and create an
opening between the testes and the rectum for urinating,
like that of a woman’s. From then on, the patient will have
to sit down to urinate.”
One way patients can cope with the affliction is to seek
emotional support from family and friends.
Says Dr Chong, “At the prostate cancer support group,
we have volunteers who speak to new patients. They are
willing to take calls and talk to them about prostate cancer.
The patients recognise that they are not alone and there
are many others who have similar issues. In our TTSH
Prostate Cancer Support Group, we believe cancer can be
conquered with mutual care, friendly support, sharing of
knowledge and maintaining a positive outlook to life.”
PHOTOS: EALBERT HO & CORBIS
While good hygiene, safer sex and circumcision may reduce
penile cancer, there are no documented ways to guard
against testes cancer.
When it comes to prostate cancer, however, Dr Chong
recommends eating cooked or processed tomatoes, which
contain lycopene, a phytochemical that has been shown in
various studies to lower the risk of such a cancer. Lycopene
is only produced by processing (such as canning) or cooking
tomatoes. It is also found in watermelon.
“The SELECT clinical trial in America, which was
published recently, showed an increase in prostate
cancer after taking additional vitamin E and selenium
supplements. It is important to discuss your supplement
intake with your doctor.”
For those who are diagnosed with cancer, Dr Chong
— who is one of the founders of the TTSH Prostate
Cancer Support Group — says that mental health is just
as important as seeking treatment.
“Men who have undergone surgical removal of the
penis due to penile cancer sometimes feel that they
To check for testes cancer, use your hands to roll each
testicle between your fingers. You should be able to
feel the epididymis — it feels like a soft, rope-like tube
located at the top of the back part of each testicle. At the
same time, feel for lumps along the front or sides. These
lumps can be as small as a grain of rice. Other than selfexaminations, if you notice any swelling or changes in
size of a testicle at any time, inform your doctor.
26
lifewise | may - jun 2012
a
c l e a n
s t a r t
GIVE
HAND HYGIENE
THE THUMBS-UP
K
All of us come into contact with hundreds of thousands
of germs a day, so practising good hand hygiene is vital to
keeping infections and illnesses at bay.
eeping your hands clean is a basic tenet of good
hygiene. Unfortunately it is one that is often
overlooked by many people.
When SARS hit Singapore in 2003, followed by
H1N1 in 2009, the importance of hand hygiene
came under the spotlight.
Last year, Singapore’s population density was
tagged at 7,257 people per sq km — up from
5,900 per sq km in 2000. Such increasingly close
proximity between people naturally means it’s
even easier for germs to be transmitted.
The World Health Organization launched an
international campaign in 2009 to stress the
importance of hand hygiene. Called SAVE LIVES:
Clean Your Hands, the campaign was aimed at
healthcare professionals but regular folks can adopt
the same practices — such as spending 40 to 60
seconds washing and drying the hands thoroughly.
going viral
Bacteria and viruses are everywhere — from toilet
seats, faucets, doorknobs and laptops to food and,
yes, on our faces. Most of the time, germs are
spread unconsciously. We sneeze or cough into
our hands, then pick up our phones; we use ATMs
and shake other people’s hands. Not surprisingly,
all kinds of micro-bugs can be found on our hands
— anything from E. Coli (bacteria found in the
intestine and faeces) to influenza. In fact, about 80
per cent of infectious diseases are passed directly
or indirectly by human contact.
According to Dr Brenda Ang, Senior Consultant
at the Department of Infectious Diseases at Tan
Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), some of the most
common diseases transmitted by unwashed
hands include viruses from the common cold,
influenza, ‘superbug’ MRSA (Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (vancomycinresistant enterococci). The MRSA is a type of
staph bacteria that may cause infections that
may affect the heart, blood or bones. Infections
caused by VRE, on the other hand, can cause
unrinary tract and gastrointestinal infections or
an infection of the heart valve (endocarditis). These
bacteria are normally found in the bowels and
may be dangerous if they are transmitted to the
bloodstream. VRE may also be introduced into an
open wound, causing a wound infection.
“Diseases are transmitted easily via unclean
hands because germs survive for many hours, if
not days, if they are not washed away or killed,”
says Dr Ang.
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
by stephanie peng in consultation with dr brenda ang, senior consultant,
department of infectious diseases, tan tock seng hospital
wash and dry
Considering that we pick up all sorts
of microscopic critters on the surfaces
that we touch, it is important to wash
our hands the right way. Make sure you
wash your hands regularly — especially
before meals and after visiting the toilet.
Dr Ang says, “Washing alone with
water without antiseptics can get rid of
germs by friction. But this will require
very vigorous and thorough washing,
which takes time.” She suggests
washing hands with hospital-approved
antiseptic soaps, which usually contain
chlorhexidene, a chemical antiseptic
known to kill the germs associated with
fungi and viruses.
To wash your hands the proper
way, Dr Ang recommends the 7-Step
Handwashing Technique. This technique
is used by TTSH medical staff and
patients to keep hands clean and can
be easily adopted for everyday practice.
W hen faced with the choice
between using a hand dryer or paper
towel, opt for the latter to dry your
hands. A study conducted by the
University of Westminster in London
in 2008 has shown that paper towels
are the most hygienic way of drying
hands. Rubbing hands under a warm
hand dryer actually introduces more
bacteria to the surface of the skin. Both
options are of course better, however,
than not drying your hands at all as
wet hands increase the ease by which
bacteria can be transmitted.
Explains Dr Ang, “Wet hands tend
to get macerated (where the skin gets
softened due to prolonged exposure
to moisture) and are more likely to get
skin problems; and wet hands can still
harbour germs.”
If water and soap are not available,
then a good alternative is to use an
alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Dr Ang
says that these sanitisers — especially
those with moisturisers — are actually
less drying than washing with soap and
water. Hand sanitisers that contain
SEVEN STEPS TO
CLEAN HANDS
1
Rub palms together.
60 per cent or more alcohol not only
remove germs, but are more effective
at killing germs.
starting young
2 Rub the back of both hands.
3
Interlace fingers and rub
hands together.
4 Interlock fingers and rub
the back of fingers with
both hands.
5 Rub thumb in a rotating
manner followed by the
area between index finger
and thumb for both hands.
6 Rub fingertips on palm for
both hands.
7 Rub both wrists in a
rotating manner. Rinse and
dry thoroughly.
The developing immune systems in
children make them more susceptible
to particular diseases, such as Hand
Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD).
This condition is caused by intestinal
viruses that may be spread via saliva,
mucus and faeces. In extreme cases,
HFMD can lead to swelling of the brain
and polio-like paralysis.
By inculcating good hygiene in
children, the chances of them falling
ill are reduced. Parents should remind
their children to clean their hands
properly after they have used the toilet,
and before and after meals.
UNEXPECTED
HOTSPOTS
` There are 3,300 microbes
per 6.5 sq cm on a computer
keyboard — 60 per cent
more than on a toilet seat.
Microbes are bacterium that
cause diseases.
` Mobile phones have 18 times
more bacteria than a toilet
flush handle. Harmful bacteria
found on handsets include
salmonella and E. Coli (both
causes of food poisoning) as
well as faecal matter.
` According to a recent study
done by Queen Mary University
in London, there are 17,400
germs found on a toilet seat.
` Steering wheels contain about
41,600 germs.
` There are about 25,000
germs per 6.5 sq cm on an
office phone.
27
28
lifewise | may - jun 2012
w e l l n e s s
TORMENTED
L
BY YOUR
OWN BODY
Plastic surgery is no longer only for celebrities or the very
rich. But at what point does the obsession with correcting
your body or face become a mental disorder? Find out
how Body Dysmorphic Disorder can turn you against your
own body, without you even realising it.
ike many children, Mal*, who is now in her mid-30s,
was a motivated student who strove hard not to
disappoint her parents. But unknown to many, Mal,
now an executive in the technology industry, suffered
from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) for 17 years
of her life.
Mal’s obsessive preoccupation with her legs was
first sparked by a friend’s comment — when she was
13 — that her body looked fine except for her ‘fat’ legs.
Unable to reconcile herself to this perceived physical
imperfection, Mal began to shun skirts, only putting
them on for school as part of her uniform. “I felt
disgusted about having to wear skirts,” says Mal. “I also
couldn’t stop staring at my legs when I passed reflective
surfaces and I wondered why I couldn’t stop obsessing
about them.”
In university, her friends teased her about her
‘no-skirt policy’. The comments continued when
she started working as her colleagues could not
understand why she avoided wearing skirts. But
despite the obsession with her legs, Mal’s deep shame
about her obsession and fear of being exposed led
her to keep her problem to herself.
“I didn’t even tell my family about what was
troubling me because it was very embarrassing to
speak of something that seemed so vain and absurd,”
she recalls.
Gradually, Mal began to isolate herself from social
situations that required her to wear clothes that would
bare her legs. “I even turned down an invitation to be the
bridesmaid at a good friend’s wedding because I had to
wear a knee-length dress for the ceremony,” she recalls.
Then Mal decided to do something drastic. In 2006,
she met a man whom she thought she would settle down
with. Buoyed by the prospect of a serious relationship,
she decided to go for liposuction. “I was not interested
in having supermodel-thin legs, I just wanted to be a
‘normal’ person who would not feel ashamed in front
of the person I really liked,” says Mal, who saw plastic
surgery as a remedy for her ‘ugly’ legs.
But surgery did not satisfy Mal, despite the fact that
it brought her closer to her goal of having slimmer legs.
She says, “Even when my legs looked physically slimmer
after my surgery, the mere thought of exposing my legs
in public still terrified me. The fear did not go away.”
It was only when she was presented with the option
of calf reduction — surgery to partially paralyse certain
calf muscles that could potentially mean she would be
unable to ever run again — that Mal began to question
if she had gone too far.
Reality hit hard when her budding relationship with
her boyfriend came to an abrupt end — and all because
of her evasive behaviour about her disorder. “I had lost
the most important person to me. I wondered what else
I could end up losing.” At this point, she decided to seek
help for what she realised was a mental, rather than
physical, disorder. She was aware that if she did not seek
help, she would probably end up taking her own life.
At 30, Mal began to attend psychotherapy sessions
with a psychologist in 2007. “Vocalising the mental
disorder helped me to face it. It also helped that there was
someone to acknowledge that I had a problem,” she says.
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
29
by sherene kang in consultation with mr daryl chow,
senior psychologist, institute of mental health
PHOTO: CORBIS
30
lifewise | may - jun 2012
w e l l n e s s
After a year of psychiatric treatment, Mal has completely
recovered from BDD. She has become very comfortable with
wearing skirts and says she no longer has issues with her
self-esteem. In fact, the spritely individual gives herself a
nine out of ten in terms of self-image.
“Having overcome my biggest fear gives me great
confidence and strength to move on with my life now. Most
importantly, I am no longer tormented by the obsessive
thoughts about my legs,” she says.
PHOTOS: ROY LIM & ISTOCKPHOTO
in search of normalcy
Mal’s case is not the most extreme of BDD incidences.
In 2008, newspapers around the world reported that a
South Korean woman injected cooking oil into her face
after doctors refused to carry out further plastic surgery
procedures on her. After countless plastic surgeries and
self-administered injections, Hang Mioku’s face swelled
to double its original size. She was said to be addicted to
plastic surgery and was eventually persuaded to undergo
an operation to remove the foreign substances from her
face and neck. After several procedures to remove the
swelling, the size of Hang’s face was reduced but it remains
disfigured and scarred.
There were also reports of American Sarah Burge who
spent US$500,000 (about S$630,000) on plastic surgery to
look like a human Barbie doll, and an Englishwoman who
underwent 51 cosmetic surgery procedures to look like an
Egyptian goddess. Closer to home, Filipino Herbert Chavez
underwent multiple plastic surgery operations to look like
Superman actor Christopher Reeves. It was reported that
some of the cosmetic procedures he underwent included
chin augmentation, rhinoplasty, silicone injections in his
lips, as well as thigh implants to make his legs look more
muscular.
In a world obsessed with physical beauty, there are
many people whose quest to attain the ‘perfect’ body
has taken them to extremes — often with dangerous
results that range from eating disorders and psychological
problems to an addiction to cosmetic procedures, all of
which can in turn lead to death or disfi gurement. And
although some of these individuals do come forward to
seek help, there may be those who fall through the cracks
and will never receive the right medical attention.
Mr Daryl Chow, Senior Psychologist from the Institute
of Mental Health (IMH), says that this is especially so for
females even though the prevalence of the disorder may
appear to be equal for both genders. He worked on Mal’s
case when she sought help at IMH in 2007. He explains
that the symptoms for females with BDD “might be
interpreted as ‘normal’ concerns in our culture, which
places an emphasis on female beauty and bodily perfection”.
Former Body
Dysmorphic Disorder
patient Mal now feels
comfortable showing
her legs in skirts.
In Singapore, the incidence of BDD remains uncertain.
But, as a general indication of its incidence, the Australian
Psychological Society estimates that one per cent of
Australia’s population is affected by BDD while prevalence
rates in the United States are between 0.7 to 2.4 per cent.
The reason for this rather vague figure is due to the fact that
this illness is still very much cached in secrecy and shame,
and these statistics may prove to be an underestimation
of the actual figures. As Mr Chow explains, BDD cases are
“often under-reported as persons affected would see it as
a physical defect rather than a psychological problem”.
imagined flaws
BDD is a chronic mental illness that causes the patient
to be concerned with a minor or imagined flaw in his or
her appearance. BDD sufferers are not merely concerned
about their physical appearance. Rather, they want to look
and feel normal. According to Mr Chow, the illness is not
inclined to any particular age group although symptoms
typically emerge during adolescence.
“The mind further amplifies what it focuses on, creating
a feedback loop,” explains Mr Chow.
While BDD may present symptoms that are similar
to that of other mental disorders such as Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Mr Chow explains that it is
clinically distinct from the latter due to its compulsive and
impulsive features. “OCD typically has a compulsive and
guilt element without impulsivity,” he says. Impulsivity
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
31
tormented by your own body
body dysmorphic disorder sufferers
are not merely concerned about
their physical appearance. rather,
they want to look and feel normal.
refers to a behaviour that lacks adequate consideration.
Due to the compulsive nature of BDD, sufferers tend
to be “significantly distressed, and the condition affects
one’s social, occupational and daily functioning,” describes
Mr Chow.
The victim may engage in painstaking grooming
rituals, such as incessant hair removal and applying heavy
makeup. In extreme cases, the sufferer may even undergo
unnecessary cosmetic interventions with little satisfaction
with the results, like in Mal’s case.
Some patients may eventually find it difficult to maintain
a job due to their time-consuming rumination about their
bodily features. Someone suffering from BDD typically
withdraws from social interaction due to “low self-worth,
extreme self-consciousness and anxious and depressed
moods,” explains Mr Chow. People with BDD also tend to
be more sensitive to rejection and criticism and possess
perfectionist tendencies. Furthermore, the gap between
the sufferer and others widens, as it is difficult for people
to empathise with them. This is because other people are
often unable to see the sufferer’s perceived ugliness.
“As Mal’s story illustrates, the depth of internal pain
can lead a sufferer to contemplate suicide, if help is not
sought. This is supported by studies that indicate that
approximately 80 per cent of individuals affected by BDD
report a history of suicide ideations, and about 27 per cent
have attempted suicide,” says Mr Chow. As such, prospective
BDD patients should seek immediate treatment.
tracing the causes
Numerous media articles ascribe mental health concerns
to possible chemical imbalances in the brain. But Mr Chow
dispels this claim to have inconsistent research evidence.
In the book Mind This Voice: The Write to Recovery published
by the Psychology department at IMH, it states that mental
health distress is often a result from “a combination of
lack of support, emotional traumas, poor relationships
with significant others while growing up, losses and
emotional wounds”.
Similarly for BDD, studies have shown that external
factors such as family and personal experiences that may
affect a person’s sense of security, rejection as well as being
unloved, are more viable causes. “The impact of traumatic
events, such as physical or emotional abuse, teasing about
appearance — as in the case of Mal — and humiliation may
also trigger the onslaught of the illness,” says Mr Chow.
In addition, the media’s implicit and explicit portrayal
of physical beauty has a subconscious effect on young
impressionable minds. “This may influence some to strive
for an unrealistic and potentially dangerous form of
ideal beauty.”
the road to recovery
While one may be sceptical about the complete recovery
of mental illnesses, Mr Chow remains positive about the
prospects for BDD patients. However, he cautions that the
road to recovery may be wrought with setbacks and challenges.
In order to better deal with these challenges and prevent
relapses, he stresses the importance of finding a mental
health professional with whom a patient can engage with.
This means there must be a relational aspect between the
patient and the mental health professional, an agreement
of goals for the therapy and a fit in the therapist’s approach
to help with the patient’s situation.
Systematic and consistent tracking of the patient’s
progress to recovery is also paramount as it gives the
patient scope to discuss improvements to the treatment
approach. Based on individual cases, anti-depressants
may also be prescribed by a psychiatrist to address
depressive symptoms.
Parents can also play a fundamental role in increasing
their children’s resilience against the onset of BDD.
Mr Chow explains that creating a caring relationship with
the child, instilling messages that will help reinforce the
child’s self-worth and providing opportunities for the
child to participate and contribute to the family will help
facilitate positive growth and development.
To counter the one-dimensional portrayal of beauty
in society, parents should also talk to their children about
the distortion of reality reflected in the media. Mr Chow
adds that placing emphasis on “beauty from within” and
learning to embrace imperfection helps children with
perfectionistic tendencies accept when they fall short of
their ideals.
WH ERE TO
GET
H ELP
If you think you may be suffering from Body Dysmorphic
Disorder, you should consult your doctor. He will be able to
refer you to the appropriate psychologist. You can also make
an appointment at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) by
calling 6389 2200 or emailing [email protected].
*Not her real name
( lifeinmyday)
32
lifewise | nov - dec 2011
man on a
mission
An interest in humanitarian work led Dr Steven Thng, 44,
Consultant Dermatologist at the National Skin Centre, to
pursue a career in his field of expertise. by melody tan
PHOTO: HONG CHEE YAN
“F
“F
rankly, I never thought about becoming a doctor. At
Temasek Junior College, I chose the triple science stream
because I wasn’t good at Mathematics. After doing my
A-levels in 1986, I wanted to study Psychology, but the
National University of Singapore (NUS) didn’t offer a
Psychology course back then. So I applied for Medicine
and graduated from NUS in 1992 with a Bachelor of
Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
After graduation, the first thing I did was to take
up a friend’s suggestion of a two-week medical mission
trip to Cambodia with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of
Charity. While there, I realised that at least 60 per cent of
the cases we saw were skin problems such as infections.
I was clueless as to how to help those sufferers, and
when I returned to Singapore I decided to brush up on
my skills by specialising in dermatology.
Going on medical missions has since become a
regular part of my life. As a first-year medical officer
at Alexandra Hospital in 1993, I used my annual leave
to go on missions to countries such as Thailand and
Indonesia. Missions open up a different practice of
medicine — they’re challenging, rewarding, and they
give you a sense of achievement. When I first started,
however, they were also costly as I often used my own
money to buy medical supplies. Around that time I met
the then-Chief Medical Officer of the Singapore Armed
Forces (SAF) at a meeting and he suggested that I join
the SAF after he learnt about my interest in going on
medical missions. This way, I could receive a salary and
go on missions as part of my work. In addition, the SAF
would pay for my specialist training in dermatology. As I
came from a low-income family, I thought that couldn’t
have been a better deal.
In 1996 I joined the Ministry of Defence (Mindef)
as a Division Medical Officer, eventually becoming
Commander of the Military Medical Institute from
2006 to 2008. After that I left to join the National
Skin Centre (NSC). During my time in the military,
the longest mission I went on was to East Timor for six
months in 1999 to 2000, to set up an emergency centre
in support of peacekeeping troops. We were among the
first few soldiers on the ground, working alongside the
Australian military. It’s really an experience to go into
a disaster zone with no water; not being able to bathe
for a month; and having to eat canned food every day.
You learn not to take things for granted.
it’s really an experience to
go into a disaster zone with
no water; not being able
to bathe for a month; and
having to eat canned food
every day. you learn not to
take things for granted.
Thng inoan
Dr Steven
issi
eping m
1999
peaceke
mor inel
ped
in EasthTi
h
e
h
e
w er er a baby.
deliv
As a dermatologist at
N
the NSC,
I have continued
to pu
pursue my interests
in medical
m
information
techn
technology and research
on p
pigmentary disorders,
both of which stemmed
from my time at
Mi
Mindef. I currently
ru
run the pigmentar y
cli
clinic at NSC, where I
m
manage patients with
d
difficult pigmentation
p
problems such as
vvitiligo — a condition
w
where a sufferer loses
brown pigmen
pigment in certain areas on
the skin that results in irregular patc
patches. Also, we recently
launched an online portal where patients can access their
records, download blood test results and diagnoses and
write emails to doctors about minor queries such as the
side effects of drugs. So far, patients’ feedback has been
good — the online portal saves time and helps them to
avoid repeated blood tests.
When I’m not working on projects, most of my time is
spent seeing patients, reading journals, doing administrative
work and designing educational programmes for younger
medical officers. From 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm, I see
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
patients. I consider this to be one of the most interesting
aspects of my job. Every patient I see teaches me something,
whether it’s with regard to a clinical condition or simply
about dealing with people.
One of my most memorable patients was a woman
who struck fear in many doctors because they found her
demands unreasonable. I was a first-year registrar in
training when I met her, but to my surprise I found that
she wasn’t that difficult. She just needed someone to listen
to her problems because of her chronic medical condition.
She has since become a good friend and no matter how
busy my clinical load is, she reminds me to be patient and
take the time to find out about people’s real needs.
After work, I spend time with my two daughters, who
are aged four and one. I read to them from the children’s
Bible and play with them. On weekends, my wife and I go
around Singapore trying food, from well-known restaurants
to hawker centres. One of our favourite dishes is Teochew
steamed pomfret at Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant, an eatery
at Sin Ming Road. And although we haven’t done it since
our older child was born, we also enjoy diving. One day
when the kids are grown, we’d like to dive in Tahiti.
Looking back, if I hadn’t become a doctor, I would never
have had the chance to travel the world to do mission work.
It may sound clichéd, but going to disaster zones and third
world countries has taught me to be contented with what I
have — my loving, supportive wife and children, and a job
where I can help people. I can’t ask for anything more.
33
( lifespaces)
Designed to look like a lotus,
the exterior of the ArtScience
Museum combines technology,
design and art in one venue.
ARTISTICALLY INCLINED
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MARINA BAY SANDS
T
A trip to the museum (or the theatre for that matter)
doesn’t just make for a relaxing day out — it can be
good for your health as well. by noelle lee
hirteen years ago, The New York Times claimed that
Singapore’s arts scene was about to go “from invisible
to explosive”. It was right on the mark. In June that
year, the inaugural Singapore Arts Festival was
launched. Fast forward to 2010, and arts activities
numbered around 34,000 annually with ticketed
attendance at arts events estimated at 1.4 million —
nearly double that of a decade ago.
And it’s a good thing too that Singaporeans are
more interested in the arts. According to a study
conducted by the Norwegian University of Science and
Technology in May 2011 on 50,000 people, participants
who enjoyed concerts or dance performances were
found to be more satisfied with their health than
those who did not. In fact, the more arts and cultural
events they attended, the better the participants rated
their health, anxiety and depression levels as well as
general life satisfaction.
It has also been found that watching plays, listening
to a favourite piece of music and looking at art help to
stimulate dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is
a feel-good chemical which in turn activates oxytocin
(also known as the ‘love hormone’) and endorphins,
which signal pleasurable emotions. Research done by
the London School of Economics in November 2011
has even found that arts-related activities occupied
numbers three to six of the top six happiness-inducing
activities — after sex and exercise as the top activities
that make people happy. The activities in the study
included watching theatre and dance performances,
attending concerts, visiting museums and engaging
in arts and crafts.
The design of arts spaces may also affect our
moods and the architects of many of the world’s iconic
exhibition venues have taken this into account when
designing them. The National Museum of Singapore,
for one has been renovated in 2003 in contemporary
fashion. An addition was the Glass Passage linking
the building’s rotunda dome with its concourse, which
allows plenty of natural light to enter the space.
Daylight exposure has been linked by many studies
to be beneficial for health. A study done in 2006 by
Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department
of Architecture found that exposure to natural light
improves productivity in the workplace as well as help
in the regulation of our circadian rhythms, which
balances the internal body clock.
With all these benefits, keeping happy and healthy
could be as simple as a regular visit to the theatre,
concert hall or museum. So why not treat yourself
to a beneficial day out at one of the many arts and
cultural spaces around Singapore?
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
art muse
Situated at the base of the triptych-like Marina Bay Sands
towers, the flower-shaped ArtScience Museum is Singapore’s
latest exhibition venue.
Housing 21 galleries, the ArtScience Museum totals
4,650 square metres of exhibition space across three floors.
Its lotus-inspired design incorporates unique skylights for
natural and sustainable illumination of the artworks and the
structure’s dramatic curved interior walls. While enjoying
the exhibitions, visitors can also relax and soak in views
of the Singapore River and surrounding business district
through two specially-constructed bay windows.
On current display is the Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal
exhibition — the largest collection of the Pop Artist’s
masterpieces to be shown in Singapore. Warhol’s colourful
legacy from his early artistic years to his final works in the
1980s comes to life at this show that ends on 12 August.
The ArtScience Museum is at Marina Bay Sands,
10 Bayfront Avenue, Tel: 6688 8826,
www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Museum/Whats-On
ode to spring
Since opening its doors in 2002, The Esplanade has become a
global architectural icon. The outer shells of the concert hall
and the theatre have even been affectionately nicknamed
by locals as ‘The Durian’ due to the triangular sunshades
covering the domes of the structures. And like most fruits,
the real goodness is inside.
Comprising a majestic concert hall, a 2,000-seater theatre
and numerous recital and theatre studios, among others,
the Esplanade’s performance spaces feature state-of-theart acoustics amid intimate settings for a truly immersive
audience experience.
In May, the Esplanade will be the venue for various
Singapore Arts Festival programmes, including the stage
adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.
Music lovers should watch out for The Rite of Spring,
a concert by Orchestra of the Music Makers playing Igor
Stravinsky’s score for the ballet of the same name, in June.
The Esplanade is at 1 Esplanade Drive, Tel: 6828 8377,
www.esplanade.com
Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal
exhibition at ArtScience Museum
The Esplanade
Housed in the former St Joseph’s Institution, the Singapore
Art Museum (SAM) houses the national art collection of
Singapore. It also holds over 7,000 permanent pieces of
modern and contemporary art from Southeast Asia.
Following the school’s relocation in 1992, the beautiful
campus, with its classical columns and distinctive semicircular wings, was gazetted a national monument. The SAM
now comprises 18 spacious climate-controlled galleries, each
with reinforced concrete floors and insulated lightweight
walls to enhance the visitor experience. The Glass Hall
features brightly-coloured glass artworks and a sheer glass
wall, offering views of the palm-lined fountain courtyard.
This year, the museum is presenting nature-inspired
works at its Art Garden from 18 May to 12 August. It is held
in conjunction with the inaugural Children’s Season 2012.
Singapore Art Museum is at 71 Bras Basah Road,
Tel: 6332 3222, www.singaporeartmuseum.sg.
PHOTOS: IMAGE COURTESY OF THE SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD
urban eden
Bronze sculpture Diners at the
Singapore Art Museum
35
( lifespaces)
The National Museum of Singapore’s
exterior was lit up for the 2011
Singapore Night Festival
PHOTO: IMAGE COURTESY OF THE SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD, TAN TOCK SENG HOSPITAL
behind the seams
Dating back to 1849, The National Museum of Singapore
started out as a section at the library at the former Singapore
Institution (now known as Raffles Institution). It underwent
a renovation in 2003 and reopened its doors three years
later. This designated National Monument of Singapore
boasts an architecture that combines a seamless extension
of modernist glass and steel to complement its original
neo-classical domed building. On top of doubling its existing
capacity, the building’s 19th-century architecture is given
pride of place with a Glass Passage that bathes the gallery
in natural light.
The museum hosts major art events such as the
Singapore Biennale and the annual Singapore Night
Festival (renamed Voyage Night Festival this year) where
the museum stages performances and special exhibitions
in and around the venue.
Currently, the National Museum of Singapore is staging
In the Mood for Cheongsam: Modernity and Singapore Women,
an exhibition that explores the changing roles of Singapore
women through the evolution of the cheongsam. The
exhibition ends on 27 June.
The National Museum of Singapore is at
93 Stamford Road, Tel: 6332 3659, www.nationalmuseum.sg
ART THERAPY
For patients at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), interacting
with art and culture doesn’t just help with stress relief;
it could also be instrumental in their recovery.
Launched in 2006, The Art of Healing programme at
TTSH aims to harness the soothing properties of art to
complement modern medicine used in treatment. Patients
are encouraged to participate in and enjoy activities such
as art exhibitions and musical performances, in the hope
that these will reduce anxiety, lift spirits and distract them
from their ailments. This, in turn, could aid recovery and
lead to a shorter hospital stay.
Research on the subject has been highly positive —
a March 2012 study presented in Copenhagen, Denmark,
revealed that out of 192 stroke survivors, those who
interacted with music, theatre or paintings as a regular
part of their former lifestyle were in better health than
those who reported otherwise. These patients were more
energetic, found it easier to walk and felt happier and less
anxious or depressed. More importantly, introducing art
as part of the recovery process could also help improve
patients’ quality of life.
The Art of Healing programme has been a welcome
relief for many patients at TTSH, one of whom is retiree
Linda Tan. The 72 year-old is recovering from a back
operation and looks forward to the weekly activities,
“Music helps me relax and takes my mind off the pain. It
lifts my spirits and puts me in a more positive frame of
mind, which I think helps the recovery process,” she says.
For more details on The Art of Healing,
visit www.ttsh.com.sg/ArtofHealing.
( silverglow)
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
37
TIES THAT BIND
Three senior couples reveal how their long-lasting
relationships have proven to be the key to a
happier — and healthier — life. by sherene kang
senior
couple
1
blessed union
PHOTO: SHERENE KANG
Shrouded by memories of the struggles
their parents went through during
the Japanese Occupation, 73 yearold Kusta Bin Molki and 68 year-old
Aminah Bte Harun now live each day
by counting their blessings.
Aminah explains, “We saw how our
parents lived through the war and the diffi culties they
had to overcome. This made us learn to appreciate the
things we have in our lives, such as our family.”
One of the many joys in the couple's lives is their closeknit family which keep them active, both mentally and
physically. Married for 49 years, the couple’s extended
family includes six children — the eldest is 47 and the
youngest is 40 — 16 grandchildren and a great grandchild.
In their senior years, Kusta — a retired helmsman
— and his wife have taken on a new role as caregivers to
their grandchildren.
“We take them to and from school every day. As
grandparents, we also try to impart basic values, like
respect for elders and religious beliefs to them,” shares
Aminah. In turn, Kusta admits that he and his wife have
become closer through the common activity of nurturing
their grandchildren.
One would think that it was love at first sight for
these kindred spirits, who then decided to take their
relationship further by getting married. But Kusta
discloses that they were matchmade by relatives. The
first time they saw each other was on their wedding day.
Neither of them left a lasting first impression on the
other. “I simply wanted to abide by my parents’ wishes
and so I married Aminah with little expectations,”
confesses Kusta. Aminah, on the other hand, vividly
recalls that she felt uncertain if Kusta was the right
one for her because she was about to settle down with
a stranger.
As the couple stayed together, they grew fond of
each other. “It helps that neither of us are stubborn.
Our arguments rarely last longer than a day and we
always give each other some time to cool off before we
revisit the issue,” shares Aminah.
Aminah was diagnosed with diabetes eight years ago
and this has impaired her mobility. As such, Kusta often
has to push her around their Tampines neighbourhood
in her wheelchair. He also accompanies her to the nearby
clinic for her monthly check-ups and reminds her to
eat healthy.
From strangers to lovers, the couple continues to
look forward to a life of growing old together. What
is their advice to a lasting relationship? Kusta says,
“Couples should not sweat the small things.”
( silverglow)
two's company
For 61 year-old quality control specialist
senior
couple
Shiang Kok Meng and 60 year-old
finance executive Irene Tan, age is not
an indication of one’s youthfulness,
they are merely digits. Now that their
23 year-old daughter, Qin Pei, has grown
up, the adventurous duo, who have been
married for 27 years, have made travelling their priority.
In 2010 the couple hiked up Mount Kinabalu in Sabah.
“We went with our extended family and we were the oldest
couple in the group. The rest of our relatives were much
younger and fitter,” explains Irene. In preparation for the
task, the couple trained by climbing Bukit Timah Hill four
times a week for two and a half months prior to the trip.
On the climb itself, the couple’s strategy was to be each
other’s pacers every step of the way. Irene recalls, “Kok Meng
was very encouraging and he assured me that he would hike
at my pace.” After a seven-hour ascent, the couple successfully
reached the 3,272-metre mark together.
2
we try to work out our busy
schedules in order to find time to
see the world together
PHOTO: ROY LIM
— shiang kok meng —
After their adventure to the top of Mount Kinabalu, the
couple took another trip that year to Langkawi. This time,
they went snorkelling. Although Irene did not know how
to swim, with Kok Meng guiding her, she dived into the
challenge enthusiastically.
Irene says that her most unforgettable experience was
the couple’s trip to the Whistler Mountains in Canada three
years ago. There, the couple had their first attempt at skiing.
The refreshing experience not only allowed Kok Meng and
Irene to gain a new skill, they were also able to identify new
strengths about each other.
“My wife is always game to try new things,” says Kok
Meng admiringly. And for Irene, it is the patience and
encouragement that her husband gives her that keeps her
venturesome spirit alive.
When not travelling, the couple keep active by taking
leisurely walks together. Irene explains, “I have become
more health-conscious after my surgery last year to remove
cancerous cells from my uterus.” So far, they have ventured
beyond their Choa Chu Kang home to MacRitchie Reservoir,
Kent Ridge Park and even to the new Punggol Waterway Park.
Most couples would attest that some alone time is good
for a relationship. However, Kok Meng and Irene believe
that experiencing new things together helps to keep their
bond strong.
“We try to work out our busy schedules in order to find
time to see the world together,” Kok Meng says. Moreover,
Irene adds, “These new challenges keep us going as a couple
and it helps to boost our fitness.”
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
senior
couple
3
little things that matter
we don’t harbour anger towards
each other. sometimes saying sorry
eases all the pain and other times, a
period of silence will help the other
party to forgive and forget.
— lionel zuzarte —
Catherine with her daily tasks, especially when she feels tired.
But emotional support is what helps the couple cope with
their medical conditions. “It’s comforting to know that the
other person is concerned about you,” says Lionel.
Without any external help to clean their house, the couple,
who are retired teachers, makes it a point to take turns with
the household chores. “We always go grocery shopping
together. It’s just something that we never thought of doing
separately,” explains Catherine.
For special occasions like birthdays, New Year, Easter
and Christmas, Lionel and Catherine invite their loved ones
over for a feast. “At these occasions, we often have close to
30 to 40 people in the house,” shares Lionel. “It’s always
nice to share the joy of these occasions with loved ones,”
Catherine adds.
So what is the secret to the couple’s long and fulfilling
marriage? Lionel, who married Catherine 49 years ago, shares,
“We don’t harbour anger towards each other. Sometimes
saying sorry eases all the pain and other times, a period of
silence will help the other party to forgive and forget.”
PHOTOS: SHERENE KANG
Lionel and Catherine Zuzarte’s home
in Telok Kurau is telling of a life built
together. The cosy two-storey terrace
house is filled to the brim with lush
potted plants and antique furniture —
features that reflect the couple’s hobbies.
Catherine, 72, is fond of gardening and
spends a few hours a day tending to her ferns. She has even
managed to rope in her 75 year-old husband to help her. “It’s
her love and my interference,” Lionel jokes about their daily
ritual. Without fail, the retired couple reminds each other to
water the seven varieties of ferns in their garden every day.
Lionel devotes his free time to carpentry. His penchant
to restore second-hand furniture started when he first
moved into their home in 1963. Though his wife does not
share the same interest, she supports his passion by giving
him ideas and helping to clean up when he is done with
his ‘masterpieces’.
The parents of three children — aged, 46, 44 and 42
— Lionel and Catherine are thankful to be able to live
independently now that all their children have moved out.
However, growing old has not been without its complications.
Both Lionel and Catherine were diagnosed with high blood
pressure 10 years ago. In 2010, Lionel underwent knee
replacement surgery and now uses a walking stick to aid in
his mobility. That same year, Catherine, discovered that she
had osteoporosis. To cope with these health conditions, the
couple act as each other’s walking aids and daily Post-It notes.
Catherine maintains a calendar of all the couple’s doctor
appointments to keep track. At the same time, Lionel assists
39
( sports)
40
lifewise | mar - apr 2012
Cycling is rewarding
for both the mind
and body
M AK E TH E
PHOTO: EALBERT HO
RI DE MOVE
Hopping on a bicycle is a great way to better health and
a slimmer body — and Singapore is a great place for
keeping fit via the two-wheeled route.
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
41
by evelyn mak in consultation with dr jason chia,
head of sports medicine and surgery clinic, tan tock seng hospital
F
rom a kiddy two-wheeler when he was in primary school to
cycling trips to exotic overseas locations, Shawn Lum’s love
affair with biking has spanned most of his life.
These days, the 40 year-old engineer rides about three
to four times a week, covering anywhere from 30 to 100km
per ride, depending on how much time he has on his hands.
“How could you not love cycling? I enjoy the sense of
freedom when I’m on a bicycle, the feeling of the wind on
my face and the sun on my skin.” Shawn says. “I like finding
places off the beaten track to explore in Singapore, and I’ve
travelled to Bali, Ipoh and Desaru, which are scenic yet
challenging rides to take. I also visited Vietnam last year,
riding from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat.” Shawn and his
cycling companions took four days to complete this 200km
cycling trip with rest stops in between.
For 33 year-old Athena Han, long-distance cycling not
only takes physical strength and endurance but mental
strength as well. The gymnastics coach explains, “You need
to be able to psych yourself up to face challenges while you’re
riding — I find you often have to explore how much further
you can push yourself. That sense of power and the high that
comes after a good ride is addictive.”
on the ride track
Whether you want to lose weight and get into shape or are
looking for a challenging sport to take up, cycling is a great
option. Besides the fact that it is physically rewarding, being
on the road and exploring hidden places is also a wonderful
way to de-stress.
According to Dr Jason Chia, Head of Sports Medicine
and Surgery Clinic at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, cycling targets
major muscle groups in the trunks and lower limbs, and
strengthens these muscles as you ride.
Dr Chia also suggests that cycling is a sport that is suited
for most people, regardless of their present state of health
or fitness. “The advantage of cycling is that it is relatively
low in impact… given enough time and conditioning, this
is a form of exercise that most people can take up,” he says.
Cycling is especially great for people who have problems with
their hip and knee joints, as most of the time, there are no
sharp shocks to the joints unlike other sporting activities
such as soccer and waterskiing.
Cycling is also a great aerobic workout which can help
you shed those extra kilos. Depending on your weight and
exertion level, 30 minutes of recreational cycling at 8km/h
G O O D CYC L I N G H A B ITS
KEEP THESE POINTS IN MIND TO STAY SAFE AND
HEALTHY WHILE BUILDING UP YOUR FITNESS LEVEL.
do your homework
Do some research before each bicycle trip — especially
if you are planning to ride distances of 10km and above.
Ensure that your equipment (bicycle, safety gear) is in
good condition; check the route you’re supposed to take
so you don’t lose your way; and take note that you’ll be
cycling in the right weather.
start off easy
Although cycling places relatively less stress on your
body as compared to other sporting activities, it is still
a physical activity that you need to prepare yourself for.
If you haven’t been physically active for a while, start
slowly with a route that is easy on the body before
progressing to more challenging routes.
“Increase your training volume gradually, and make
sure that you have enough recovery time and are not
sore when you start on your next ride,” Dr Jason Chia
advises. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions,
always check with your doctor before embarking on
your first ride.
prepare yourself physically
A common problem faced by cyclists is back and neck
pain, caused by the body being in a crouched position
for a long period of time. The hamstring, calves and back
muscles also have to work doubly hard during rides.
Dr Chia suggests that cyclists stretch the core muscles
that will be used during a ride before they start.
“It is important to stretch out the hamstring, erector
spinae and gluteal muscles. The muscles on the back of
the neck also work to keep the neck extended — these
and the trapezius tend to be tight or develop knots,
so they need to be stretched. Core strengthening is
also important as it is inefficient for the legs to power
the pedals if the hips can’t be stabilised,” he says. The
trapezius is the muscle that extends from the base of
the neck to the middle of the back.
( sports)
42
lifewise | mar - apr 2012
can burn over 75 calories, while biking at higher speeds can
burn up to 600 calories per half hour. In comparison, jogging
at 8km/h for 30 minutes burns about 216 calories although
it is a much higher-impact exercise. Cycling also gives your
heart and lungs a good workout and improves your stamina.
Women who are worried about looking too muscular will also
be glad to know that cycling improves muscle tone at the
waist, thighs and buttocks without adding bulk to the body.
Cycling is an exercise that can be easily integrated
into your daily life. Start off with a quick jaunt round the
neighbourhood as a beginner, sticking to areas where you are
familiar with road and traffic conditions. Once you become a
more confident cyclist, venture further to cycling routes like
H IT TH E
the Ketam Bike Trail on Pulau Ubin or the Eastern Coastal
Park Connector, both great places to enjoy lovely scenery
while riding your bike. You can even choose to make your
bicycle a mode of transportation — for example, you can
bike to the neighbourhood hawker centre to buy dinner or
even ride all the way to the office.
So long as these rules are followed, cycling enthusiast
Athena believes that it is a sport that everyone can enjoy.
“It’s a very versatile sport. It’s relatively low-impact if you
cycle on the roads, gentler on the joints, and forgiving on
individuals with old sports injuries or ageing joints. No
matter your age, health or fitness range, cycling is a great
sport for everyone!”
ROUTE!
In February, NParks announced that it will soon link up the
coastal areas in the east, and hilly areas in the northern
and western parts of Singapore. While the date for the
launch of The Round Island Route has not been announced,,
nature lovers can look forward to cycling around the island
on this 150km track. Currently, there is no lack of scenic
cycling routes in Singapore. Here are five popular routes for
cycling enthusiasts to get close to nature.
#1
western adventure
park connector network
Distance: 20km
Eight parks are connected on this route — Zhenghua Park,
Bukit Timah Nature Park, Hillview Park Connector and Bukit
Batok Nature Park are among the green spaces you’ll pass on
this cycling trail. This route is particularly good for nature
lovers as you will see the Butterfly Garden at Pangsua Park
Connector and perhaps encounter migratory birds at Dairy
Farm Nature Park en route.
#2
north eastern riverine loop
#3
east coast park
PHOTO: EALBERT HO
Distance: 26km
At this scenic trail along Singapore’s north eastern region,
cyclists can visit the new Punggol Waterway Park before
biking towards the bird sanctuary at Lorong Halus Wetland.
Keen bird watchers could be able to identify native and
migratory birds that have made the area around Punggol
Promenade their home.
Distance: 15km
This coastal park extends from Bedok Jetty to Fort Road and
covers a stretch of coast measuring 15km. To get here, cyclists
can access it from the Eastern Coastal Park Connector that
links it up with Changi Coastal Road. This family-friendly park
offers activities such as fishing, dining and water sports such
as kayaking if you are looking to do more than just cycle.
Cyclists at
Bedok Res
ervoir Pa
rk
#4
ulu sembawang park connector
connect
ctor
or
and mandai park connector
#5
ketam bike park
Distance: 7km
Part of the larger Northern Explorer Park Connector, this
stretch of cycling track is particularly picturesque, especially
along Mandai Road adjacent to Mandai Lake. At this quiet
stretch of road, you can get up close with some of the local
flora and fauna, or even take a break and walk around
Mandai Agro Park or Mandai Orchid Garden .
Distance: 10km
Located at Pulau Ubin, this route includes both cycling tracks
and mountain bike trails, catering to weekend cyclists and
competitive cyclists alike. The trail takes cyclists through a
rainforest, past swamps and to the jetty at Chek Jawa. The
park even has a Freeride Skills Park that consists of manmade obstacles for seasoned cyclists to train for technically
challenging terrains at overseas cycling events.
a s k
Q1 Healthy in
the Red?
I’ve heard that red yeast can help reduce cholesterol levels.
What is the reason for this, if it is true?
Red yeast is the product of rice fermented with monascus
purpureus yeast. Sometimes it is used as a food colouring in
dishes such as Peking duck or red yeast chicken. It is said that the
active ingredient in
red yeast is similar to
that of statin drugs
used to reduce high
cholesterol. Statin
lowers cholesterol by
inhibiting an enzyme
c a l l e d H M G - Co A
reductase, which in
turn plays a role in
the production of
cholesterol in the
l i ve r. Yo u s h o u l d
consult your doctor if
you want to take red
yeast supplements
for a prolonged
period as cer tain
side effects such as
nausea, dizziness
and heartburn may
develop over time.
ms dora ng
head acupuncturist | complementary integrative medicine
| tan tock seng hospital
Q2 Clean Results
At my recent mammogram, the technician told me that
I should not have used any deodorant/antiperspirant or
talcum powder before the examination as these may have
affected the results. This is my third mammogram and
the first time I have heard of such a requirement. Why
is this so?
This instruction is to ensure that there are no residuals on the
skin because some of the residuals might create a shadow on the
mammogram and be falsely interpreted as an abnormality. This
t h e
e x p e r t s
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
occurrence is not common but since it is easy to avoid deodorants
or antiperspirants or talcum powder for one day, it would be a
good idea not to use these during your mammogram.
dr juliana chen
director and consultant | breast clinic | department of
general surgery | tan tock seng hospital
Q3 The Facts
On Fats
I often see palm oil listed as an ingredient in a variety of
foodstuffs, especially those made in Malaysia and Taiwan,
from biscuits to breakfast beverages. A hawker also told
me that he prefers to use palm oil to fry goreng pisang
(banana fritters) and keropok (crackers) as the oil makes the
food crispier. Is palm oil considered a trans fat? If palm oil
hardens one’s arteries and is bad for our health, why isn’t
it banned?
There are four major dietary fats in the food we eat, namely,
saturated fat, trans fat, monounsaturated fat (MUFA) and
polyunsaturated fat (PUFA). Diets high in saturated fat and
trans fats raise blood LDL (bad cholesterol) levels which in turn
increase the risk of developing heart disease. In contrast, MUFA
and PUFA can help to increase HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels as
well as reduce LDL and triglyceride levels, which may lower the
risk of developing heart disease when consumed in moderation.
Saturated fat is found mostly in animal sources and some
vegetable fats. Some of the sources are fatty meat, poultry skin,
lard, ghee, coconut milk and oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, fullfat dairy products (cheese, yogurt, full cream milk) and butter.
Trans fat is different from saturated fat. It is formed when
vegetable oil undergoes a process called hydrogenation. In this
process, the oil is hardened for use in commercial deep-frying and
processed products (e.g. pastries, cakes, cookies, potato chips).
43
44
lifewise | may - jun 2012
a s k
t h e
Foods that are high in trans fat often contain high amounts of
saturated fats as well.
MUFA is found in canola oil, olive oil, peanut oil, sunflower
oil, avocados and many nuts and seeds. Oily fish (salmon, tuna,
mackerel, sardines) are good sources of PUFA.
A healthy diet should replace saturated fat and trans fats with
MUFA and PUFA. However, it is essential to note that although
these are healthier alternatives, it is recommended to use them
minimally in cooking. Deep-fried foods add excessive calories
and fats into the diet. Limit deep frying to once a week. Consider
healthier cooking methods such as grilling, broiling, roasting,
steaming or boiling.
However, remember that the effect any food has on our health
is rarely due to fat content alone. Therefore, having a healthy and
balanced diet with more vegetables, fruits and wholegrains is
essential to help maintain our overall well-being.
e x p e r t s
Q5 Anxiety Issues
ms rachel ling
dietitian | tan tock seng hospital
Q4 It’s All Gone
Blurry
PHOTOS: CORBIS & GETTY IMAGES
I have to wear toric contact lenses because of high
astigmatism. Currently I buy monthly disposable ones
off the shelf. While my sight is generally clear when I
wear them, the vision in my right eye does get blurry
occasionally. Could this be due to the poor fitting of the
contact lens? Should I customise a pair of toric lenses to
improve the vision?
Intermittent blurring of vision
when wearing contact lenses
can be due to dry eyes, allergies,
decentration of the contact lens
or — in this case — rotation of
the toric contact lens. An eye
examination is necessary to
determine the cause before the
appropriate treatment advice can
be given to you. This aside, buying
contact lenses off the shelves is
not encouraged. You should have
your eyes checked regularly by a
qualified eyecare practitioner to
obtain the correct lens prescription and for detecting problems
that may arise from contact lens wear.
clinical associate professor heng wee jin
deputy director | head cornea and refractive surgery
service | national healthcare group eye institute |
tan tock seng hospital
My 30 year-old son has been getting panic attacks recently.
During each episode, he complains that he has trouble
breathing and his chest hurts. I understand that he is
undergoing some stress at work because his employer
is downsizing. Should we be concerned about these
episodes? Are they symptoms of a more serious problem?
Panic attacks are fairly common and are due to the normal “fight
and flight” response of the human body when in stress. This is
characterised by difficulty in breathing, chest tightness or chest
pain, an accelerated heart rate, hot or cold flashes, sweating,
nausea and dizziness or light-headedness. Some people may
feel a choking sensation, fear an impending heart attack or fear
that they are going to lose control. Each episode peaks within
a few minutes and usually subsides within 15 to 30 minutes.
Your son may benefit from stress management and
problem-solving skills. Family and friends can help by giving him
appropriate support. If his chest pains worsens, he should see a
doctor immediately to rule out a more serious heart condition.If
he is experiencing significant mood disturbances, he may wish to
consult a psychiatrist. Medication can be used to control mood
disturbances and to prevent his condition from worsening.
dr leong jern-yi
consultant | department of community psychiatry |
institute of mental health
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
45
Q6 Stroke Risks
My 70 year-old father had a mild stroke recently. Although he
has recovered, I am worried that I may be at risk of having one
as well. I am a man in my early 40s. What kinds of precautions
should I take?
Stroke risk is higher in males, smokers and people who are 40 yearsold and above. Those who are obese, have high blood pressure, high
blood cholesterol and diabetes are also predisposed to this disease.
You can’t control risk factors such as age and gender but you can
change or treat other risk factors to lower your risk of stroke. Go for
a health screening to check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels
and blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, high blood
cholesterol and diabetes, make sure they are controlled by taking
your medication if prescribed and keep to your appointments with
your doctor. At the same time, you should eat healthy. A diet high in
sugar, salt and fat is not recommended. Instead, go for foods that
are high in fibre. You should also maintain a healthy lifestyle by
exercising regularly — aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity
exercise a week — and quit smoking if you are a smoker.
ms maznah bte marmin
senior stroke case manager | tan tock seng hospital
a s k
Q7 Protection
Against HPV
I am a single woman in my late 20s and I am sexually
active. One of my friends contracted Human Papilloma
Virus (HPV) recently and it got me thinking that I should
protect myself against this virus. I heard that those who
have contracted the virus may exhibit no symptoms
and that it can go undetected and may lead to cervical
cancer in women. How is HPV transmitted? What kind
of precautions should I take against contracting it? Are
there vaccines against this virus? How regularly should
I go for a Pap smear to check for HPV and other sexually
transmitted diseases?
There are 100 types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and about
40 of these can infect the skin around the genitals. Low-risk HPV
types 6 and 11 cause most of the genital warts, while higher-risk
HPV types 16 and 18 can cause cancer. Not everyone who has HPV
t h e
s e x p e r t s
shows signs or symptoms.
So the best way to prevent
HPV is to practice safer sex
— use a condom and waterbased lubricant correctly and
consistently.
There are two safe and
effective HPV vaccinations
available in Singapore —
Gardasil and Cervarix. These
vaccinations do not however
treat or prevent the spread
of a type of HPV infection
that you may have already caught. They only prevent you from
catching those types you have not caught yet. It is advisable for
you to visit the DSC (Department of STI Control) Clinic to have a
detailed Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) risk assessment and
discussion on your compatibility of getting vaccinated. Even after
having the HPV vaccine, you still need to go for regular Pap smears
and go through STI screening at least once a year.
dr priya sen
senior consultant dermatologist | national skin centre |
deputy head | department of sti control |
(GOURMET)
46
lifewise | jan - feb 2012
breakfast with
benefits
Fixing and eating breakfast may seem like a waste of precious
time in the morning. But we could lose more than just time if we
were to discount the importance of this meal.
W
hen faced with the choice between taking breakfast and
catching a few more winks in the morning, many people
would sacrifice the former. In their view, getting enough
sleep is key to staying alert at work, while skipping
breakfast may not seem like a big deal. Well, perhaps they
should think again.
“By skipping breakfast, you will probably be starving
by lunch, which will cause you to lose focus as well as
your ability to think and problem-solve. This will have
a negative impact on your mental performance at work
and in school,” says Ms Alvernia Chua, a Dietitian at
Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
a solid start
PHOTOS: ISTOCKPHOTO
After eight hours of sleep, ‘breaking the fast’ is an essential
practice for both body and mind. In fact, breakfast is also
known as the meal that ‘fuels’ the brain.
“Many studies have shown that people who eat a wellbalanced breakfast have improved mental performance
such as better memory and increased concentration, both
at work and in school,” says Ms Chua.
Besides enhanced concentration and performance, a
healthy breakfast grants us sustenance to carry out the tasks
for the rest of the day too. Ms Chua explains that eating
breakfast can lead to better mood, and the meal provides
strength for one to engage in physical activities throughout
the day without feeling fatigued. This is because food —
especially carbohydrates — breaks down into glucose,
which in turn acts as a form of fuel for the body. This fuel
is especially important after eight hours’ rest, when the body
has not received food for a long stretch of time.
“Remember not only your muscles need energy, your
brain utilises glucose too,” says Ms Chua.
more is less
Before you skip breakfast in hopes of cutting down on
calories, here’s some food for thought: starving yourself
may have the opposite effect.
According to a study done on children aged 10 to 16
conducted by the University of Essex in the United Kingdom
in 2010, those who skip breakfast are twice more likely
to be obese. They also tend to participate less in physical
activities compared with those who enjoyed the meal daily.
Skipping breakfast may actually cause you to put on
weight. Ms Chua explains, “The hunger at noon will lead to
more cravings and a greater tendency to overeat through
having larger portions, and snacking later in the day. This
can put you at a higher risk of gaining extra weight.”
Eating breakfast has also been linked to weight control
and keeping in shape. Ms Chua adds that eating a healthy
breakfast could reduce hunger and help people make better
food choices as well as prevent overeating at other meals.
wake up to a wholesome meal
You have heard that famous saying, “Eat breakfast like a king,
lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.” But that does
not mean you should indulge in rich foods such as a plate
of fried noodles or kaya (coconut jam) toast at breakfast.
Starting the day right with a balanced meal makes a world
of difference.
“It is important to note the importance of having a
balanced and healthy breakfast and not one loaded with
fats and calories,” says Ms Chua. While toast with egg is
a good choices of carbohydrates and protein, she warns
against slathering your toast with kaya which is high in
saturated fat as it contains coconut milk. The same goes
for fried noodles as it is high in fat.
many studies have shown
that people who eat a
well-balanced breakfast have
improved mental performance
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
text by laine ng in consultation with ms alvernia chua, dietitian, tan tock seng hospital
Also, when enjoying the universal breakfast favourite,
eggs, you may want to limit them to four per week. This
is according to guidelines recommended by the Health
Promotion Board. For individuals with cardiovascular
diseases, it is best to consume no more than two to three
eggs weekly.
Ms Chua defines a healthy breakfast as a meal with
better choices of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates that contain
fibre — those from fruit and whole grains — are better
at satiating hunger and reducing the urge to snack. In
comparison, less healthy carbohydrates commonly found
in sugary cereals and pastries are high in calories but low
in nutritional value.
“If you want to include some sources of protein into your
breakfast, rather than having ham and bacon — which are
high in salt or fats — choose healthier options
such as canned tuna in spring water or
olive oil, low-fat cheese, low-fat milk
and eggs instead,” says Ms Chua.
A rule of thumb for breakfast and other meals as well,
would be to avoid foods high in fat, salt or sugar. However,
that is not to say we have to deprive ourselves of our
favourite breakfast meals.
“Eating in moderation and not having a high fat
breakfast every day is key,” says Ms Chua. Some examples
of healthier hawker food options she suggests for breakfast
include noodles in clear soup, porridge and plain chee
cheong fun (rice flour rolls) or one with less sauce.
If you don’t wish to compromise on what you eat for
the most important meal of the day, Ms Chua recommends
preparing your own breakfast. If you prepare this the night
before, you will have something healthy to eat first thing
in the morning. “Preparing and packing your breakfast
before going to bed will be a good way to avoid the mad
rush in the morning,” says Ms Chua.
Some quick and easy breakfast options to pack include
wholemeal bread with tuna and lettuce as well as low-fat
yogurt or milk with a piece of fruit.
47
(GOURMET)
48
lifewise | jan - feb 2012
SPICY POTATOSTUFFED PANCAKE MASAL A THOSAI
MAKES 10 PIECES
ingredients
White gram
Short grain rice
Parboiled rice
Water
Salt
illing
Oil or ghee
White gram
Dried chilli
Mustard seeds
Cumin seeds
Large onions
Green chillies
Garlic, minced
Ginger
Curry leaves
Potatoes
Turmeric powder
Salt
170 g
80 g
360 g
500 ml
tsp
2 Tbsp
1 tsp
1, cut into 2-cm pieces
tsp
tsp
2, diced
2, sliced
2 cloves
2-cm piece, minced
2 sprigs
500 g, scrubbed and boiled until
cooked, peeled and diced
2 tsp
1 tsp
method
1. Wash the white gram, rice and parboiled rice and soak
for 5 hours. Drain then combine with the 500 ml of water
and salt and blend until smooth.
2. Allow this batter to ferment overnight or for about
12 hours at room temperature (28°C). If the batter is
fermented on a relatively warm day, you may have to
reduce standing time.
3. Heat oil or ghee over medium flame and fry the white
gram until golden brown. Add the dried chilli, mustard
seeds and the cumin seeds and fry until aromatic.
4. Add in the onions, green chillies, garlic, ginger and curry
leaves. Sauté until onions soften and brown evenly; stir
continuously.
5. Add in the diced potatoes, turmeric powder and salt and
mix well. Remove from heat.
6. When the batter has fermented, heat and grease a flat
pan over medium heat. Take a ladle full of batter and
spread it thinly on the pan with the ladle. Cook for 2
minutes or until it becomes golden brown. Turn over and
cook other side.
7. Place 2 Tbsp of the prepared potato on the thosai and
fold first one side and then the other over it. Remove
from the pan and serve immediately.
NOTE
White gram, also known as gram flour, is made
from ground chickpeas. You can buy these from
most supermarkets.
Courtesy of Periplus
Editions, reprinted
from Indian Rice
and Breads by
Devagi Sanmugam
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
CHICKEN CONGEE
SERVES:6
ingredients
Oil
Garlic
Onion
Minced chicken
Chicken stock
Ginger
Ground white pepper
Fish sauce
Sugar
Uncooked long grain rice
Coriander leaves
Green onions
Lime wedges
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp
1 clove, finely chopped
1, finely chopped
300 g
2 litres
50 g, cut into thin strips
1 tsp
2 Tbsp
2 Tbsp
150 g, rinsed
to garnish, thinly sliced
to garnish, chopped
to serve
to serve
method
1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the
garlic and cook for 15–20 seconds. Add the onion and
cook for 2 minutes or until translucent. Add the chicken
and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the stock, ginger,
pepper, fish sauce, sugar and rice.
2. Bring to the boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to
medium and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve piping hot in bowls, scattered with coriander
leaves and green onions, a squeeze of lime juice and
some ground black pepper.
Courtesy of Tuttle
Publishing, reprinted
from Little Vietnam
by Nhut Huynh
49
v
( sp otli g ht )
CORPORATE NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTHCARE GROUP + CALENDAR OF EVENTS & FORUMS
making healthcare a career
CORPORATE NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTHCARE GROUP + CALENDAR OF EVENTS & FORUMS
Over 1,200 students as well as their families and friends got a taste of the diverse career
options available at the recent Healthcare — You Make a Difference Careers Fair. BY GENE KHOR
School leavers had a chance to
learn more about the various
healthcare professions, from
allied healthcare professionals
e
MediaCorp artist
Nick Shen gave a
the fair
celebrity touch to
To spread awareness of the jobs available, the
Healthcare — You Make a Difference Careers Fair
was held on 26 February this year at the *SCAPE
Warehouse. The event was jointly organised by the
Ministry of Health and the six public healthcare
clusters. These included the National Healthcare
Group (NHG), SingHealth, Alexandra Health,
Jurong Health, Eastern Health Alliance and National
University Health System. Representing these
organisations were some 50 nurses and allied health
professionals (AHPs), who were on hand to talk about
how their work has made a difference in their lives,
and those they’ve cared for. “We are heartened to
be part of this organising committee and find great
synergy in working with all the health clusters to
promote the noble professions in Nursing and Allied
Health,” said Ms Wong Fong Tze, Chair for the Joint
Committee for Nursing and Allied Health Publicity
2012, and NHG’s Chief Corporate Communications
Officer. “We want to reach out to as many youths as
possible...so that they can be better informed about
the various paths available to them when they choose
a career in healthcare.”
Over 1,200 of mostly ‘O’ and ‘A’ level graduates
turned up with family and friends. One of them
was Singapore Armed Forces Full-Time National
Serviceman Craig Chan, who was looking at
potential post-National Service careers to pursue.
“It’s amazing to see how many options I have in the
healthcare sector, as opposed to the stereotype of
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
only being either a doctor or a nurse,” said the 19 yearold. “I’m curious to know more about physiotherapy,
and what that career path has in store. My mom has
had physiotherapy because of an injury she sustained
previously, and I’d like to find out more about it so that I
can help her in the future, as well as others.”
Hosted by MediaCorp artiste Nick Shen, the fair had
a festive atmosphere to it, with candy and ice-cream
being given out, and games and quizzes held on stage.
Booths representing the different healthcare professions,
as well as those belonging to schools offering related
courses, were spread out around the auditorium. Besides
nurses, visitors could walk around easily and approach
eight types of AHPs, such as Diagnostic Radiographers,
Dietitians, Medical Social Workers, Occupational
Therapists, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Respiratory
Therapists and Speech Therapists to understand more
about their work.
learning opportunities
There to lend her support was Guest-of-Honour and
Minister of State (Health) Dr Amy Khor, who chatted
with the representatives at each booth. “With a growing
ageing population, we will need a diverse range of
healthcare professionals to serve in a variety of settings
— from hospital to intermediate and long-term care
in the community,” said Dr Khor. “To do this, we
hope to entice the youth by increasing the intake for
related courses, and also offer more scholarships and
sponsorships.”
To help answer this call, each of the six healthcare
clusters also had their own booths there, which promoted
their scholarships. NHG offers such assistance, with
National Healthcare Group nurses
were on hand to answer queries
about the profession and to share
their experiences
scholarships and sponsorships for nursing and allied
health professions. They cater to different academic
levels, from ‘N’ level certificate holders, to graduates
with bachelors degrees.
These booths also provided more information on
the opportunities that lay ahead in these fields. For
example, a nurse can branch out to other disciplines
that range from midwifery to critcal care. Within
each discipline, there are different levels to aspire
towards, like being a Nurse Clinician, Nurse Manager
or Nurse Educator.
a life’s work
Marilyn Wan is one such person who has benefited
from the many career options in her field. The Staff
Nurse (Coronary Care Unit) from TTSH graduated
with an Advanced Diploma in Nursing (Critical Care)
from NYP four years ago. She was present at the fair
to talk about her decision to make nursing her career.
It’s no coincidence that the 24 year-old also works
with her mother, Senior Nurse Manager Irene Lye, at
the same hospital.
“Hearing from my mother about the work she did
played a part in my decision in becoming a nurse,”
recalled Marilyn. “It’s a noble profession that’s also
allowed me to grow; dealing with different situations
and patients has given me confidence in interacting
with people and addressing problems. Apart from
our work experiences, it’s been good to let the youths
at this fair know about how diverse the job can be.
In this growing field, and with opportunities to
progress into related fields like management and
administration, you’ll never be without a job.”
Minister of State (Health)
Dr Amy Khor was interested
to find out more about the
job scopes of the medical
professionals
51
(spotlight)
BE DOUBLY ASSURED
CORPORATE NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTHCARE GROUP + CALENDAR OF EVENTS & FORUMS
In a joint effort to encourage women to be more aware of their health, National
Healthcare Group Diagnostics and Singapore Cancer Society are offering subsidised
rates for breast and cervical cancer screening.
According to the Singapore Cancer Registry, about
1,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each
year. From this group, some 370 women die from the
condition, making it the most common cancer among
women in Singapore. Cervical cancer, on the other
hand, claims about 85 victims annually. About 200
women are diagnosed with this condition each year.
To help women who are Singaporean or Permanent
Residents stay updated on the status of their health,
National Healthcare Group Diagnostics (NHGD)
has been collaborating with the Singapore Cancer
Society (SCS) to offer subsidised mammogram tests
and complimentary Pap smear screenings. Interested
women can approach SCS for a free Pap smear at their
premises in Enggor Street. At the same time, they will
receive a leaflet which entitles them to a $10 NHGD
mammogram subsidy. The leaflet can be used at any
of the nine National Healthcare Group Polyclinics
island-wide.
NHGD and SCS joined forces three years ago to offer
this double screening as part of their outreach efforts
to raise awareness about breast and cervical cancers. In
2009, 900 women took up the subsidised mammogram
screening with NHGD. This number increased to 2,458
in 2011. “It is encouraging to see the rise in numbers for
mammogram screening over the past three years,” says
General Manager of NHGD, Ms Lim Soh Har. “We hope
to continue this subsidy scheme so that more women will
step forward to screen for both cancers.” Furthermore,
women over the age of 50 can also use their MediSave to
pay for the mammogram, Ms Lim says.
Regular screening and early detection for both
cancers greatly increases the chances for successful
treatment. Stressing the importance of this is breast
cancer survivor Baby Lim, 57. Ms Lim went for regular
mammogram screenings in her 40s, but after 10 years
of negative results, the housewife stopped screening for
three years. Then, Ms Lim discovered a lump in her left
breast. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and
underwent a mastectomy of the affected breast as well as
chemotherapy. The mother of two says, “Perhaps if I had
continued with my yearly mammogram screening, the
cancer would have been detected early and my suffering
would be lessened. Even if the results are negative
for many years, you should still continue with regular
screening because you never know when cancer will strike.”
Women aged between 25 and 69 who are or have
been sexually active should go for a Pap smear once
every three years. Women between the ages of 40 and 49
should also go for a mammogram if they have not done
so in the past year. Women aged 50 and above should go
for a mammogram screening if they have not done so in
the past two years.
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A PAP SMEAR SCREENING AT
THE SINGAPORE CANCER SOCIETY, CALL 6221 9578 OR EMAIL
[email protected].
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A MAMMOGRAM SCREENING
AT ANY OF THE NATIONAL HEALTHCARE GROUP POLYCLINICS,
CALL 6275 6443.
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handles for a
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(spotlight)
doctor with a big heart
Helping others has been a central feature
of Adjunct Associate Professor Vijayan
Appasamy’s life for the past 25 years.
CORPORATE NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTHCARE GROUP + CALENDAR OF EVENTS & FORUMS
Though his job already involves helping people through
the performing of life-saving surgical procedures,
A/Prof Vijayan Appasamy’s concern for the well-being
of others doesn’t stop when he leaves the office. Fuelled
by a passion to serve the community, A/Prof Vijayan
has been playing an integral role in helping the lessfortunate in Singapore since he was in his early 20s.
PHOTO: EALBERT HO
public figure
Already honoured with the Public Service Medal (Pingat
Bakti Masyarakat) in 2000 and the Public Service Star
(Bintang Bakti Masyarakat) last year, the 58 year-old
father of two isn’t about to call it a day yet. Recently,
A/Prof Vijayan, who is Senior Consultant Surgeon
at Tan Tock Seng Hospital has been re-appointed by
Deputy Prime Minister, Co-ordinating Minister for
National Security and Minister of Home Affairs Teo
Chee Hean to be part of the five-person Advisory
Committee for Move On and Filming Orders at the
Ministry of Home Affairs. He has been serving on this
Committee for the past two years.
The committee ensures independent oversight over
the use of the Public Order Act by law enforcement
officers to issue move on orders and filming prohibition
orders. A/Prof Vijayan explains that the committee is
consulted when
a complaint or
appeal is made
by the public
on the use of
such powers.
The committee
advises the
Commissioner
off Police
l on whether
h h the
h powers were exercised
appropriately by the law enforcement officers.
This role is over and above A/Prof’ Vijayan’s
appointment as the Chair of the Drug Rehabilitation
Review Committee (DRC), following more than 10
years of prior involvement in the DRC. The committee
reviews cases of drug offenders undergoing treatment
and rehabilitation in the Drug Rehabilitation Centres to
determine their suitability for release, employment or
extended treatment and rehabilitation.
setting an example
A/Prof Vijayan began his involvement in community
work in the late 1980s. He served in various grassroots
organisations and undertook various initiatives to reach
out to youths and the elderly. One such initiative was the
setting up of a small neighbourhood library. The library
was set up to encourage young readers to form a reading
habit. It soon became a spot for the children and their
families to gather. A/Prof Vijayan also engaged the youths
to run the library.
Hailing from a humble background, A/Prof Vijayan
recalls walking to and from school while growing up
because he could not afford the bus fare. He says that his
family’s struggle to send him and his siblings to school
instilled in him the importance of giving back to society.
He believes that a little help can go a long way in making a
difference in people’s lives.
“Serving the community in various ways has allowed
me to interact with a wide spectrum of people. I get
a better understanding of issues in the community;
it has also given me an opportunity to appreciate our
society through different perspectives,” he says. “Most
importantly, it has allowed me to be of some help to those
in need and perhaps make a difference in their lives. As
a doctor, it has also made me better appreciate the social
dimensions of patients.”
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
THE LEE KONG CHIAN SCHOOL
OF MEDICINE : AN INSIDE LOOK
Prospective students at the LKCSoM Open House
Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s
A/Prof Chin Jing Jih, Asst
Dean at LKCSoM talking to
A-Level school leavers
Prospective students get a taste of student
life the LKCSoM Open House
Senior Vice Dean, Professor er
Martyn Partridge, tells anoth
student more about the
LKCSoM admission
The new Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCSoM)
held an Open House at the Nanyang Technological
University (NTU) on March 10 to give prospective
students an opportunity to find out more about the
MBBS degree programme jointly offered by Imperial
College London and NTU.
Staff from the National Healthcare Group (NHG)
and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) were in attendance
to enlighten potential students on student life and
life as a doctor. NHG is the principal clinical training
partner for the LKCSoM. Senior Vice Dean, Professor
Martyn Partridge gave an introduction to the school.
Visitors also had the opportunity to interact with
LKCSoM staff to ask questions about the programmes
and course structure. This was followed by a briefing on
admission processes and requirements. The Open House
also featured five question-and-answer sessions in which
prospective students asked TTSH residents everything
they would like to know about being a doctor.
A special guest at the Open House was Imperial
College London’s Dr Fernando Bello. He is a world
leader in the evaluation of hybrid simulation and
medical educational research in the use of simulation.
Dr Bello conducted several sessions on simulation to
demonstrate how this approach could help students in
administering treatment to patients.
The LKCSoM will admit its first cohort of students
in 2013.
Asst Dean, A/ Prof Tham
Kum Ying (first from right)
hosted five Q&A sessions
55
(spotlight)
MEDICAL VISIONARY
CORPORATE NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTHCARE GROUP + CALENDAR OF EVENTS & FORUMS
As the former Chief of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Medical Corps, Dr Lionel Lee, 61,
brought the corps from a fledgling organisation to a fully operational unit, overseeing
medical teams dispatched for international humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.
Dr Lee, who is now Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
(LKCSoM), shares his vision for Singapore’s newest medical school. BY NIRMALA SIVANATHAN
When and why did you decide to take up this role
at the LKCSoM?
I came on board in May 2011. I decided to take on
this challenge to become a part of the team to launch
Singapore’s newest medical school as I thought I
could contribute as someone with a medical as well
as an administrative background. My experience in
establishing new institutions such as the Defence
Medical Research Institute now known as the
Defence Medical & Environmental Research Institute
and the SAF Medical Corps would come in handy.
Are you particularly passionate about medical
education? What do you find exciting about your
new role?
I feel privileged to be a part of this new school. I
believe that we can begin to shape how medicine is
practised in the future with the training of medical
undergraduates. What is unique and exciting about
the LKCSoM is the convergence of the Nanyang
Technological University (NTU), Imperial College
London, local hospitals and the National Healthcare
Group, which is the principal clinical training partner
of the school. What’s more, at NTU, we have a
prominent business school which brings the chance to
look at medicine in terms of cost-effective healthcare.
This is a great challenge faced by our country and is
typically not something well-understood by doctors.
As a result, healthcare costs have spiralled upwards
in the past. If we can train young doctors early about
managing costs to the patient’s benefit, then that
would help us better manage the cost of medicine in
the future.
What are your key responsibilities as Chief
Operating Officer?
As COO, I have two tasks. First, it is to deliver a first-
class organisation staffed by dedicated and talented
people to support the teaching of medicine. It is a
challenge and no trivial matter to be able to recruit
very good staff both at the management and academic
levels. We have a limited pool of talent in Singapore,
so we have to find new ways of attracting talents
from overseas as well as those who would normally be
working with research institutes and such. My second
task is to ensure that the school is equipped with
state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure.
How is the LKCSoM preparing for the first intake of
students in 2013?
The priority is to ensure that the experience students
will have — in terms of the learning and teaching
environment — is something that is going to inspire
them. We are also making sure that we are ready with
our curriculum. Our colleagues have been working
day and night, together with the London team, to
get this ready well in advance of our first intake in
August 2013.
When and why did you decide to become a doctor?
I was inspired to become a doctor when I was in
primary school. My younger brother, who is eight
years younger than me, had childhood asthma and
was frequently admitted into hospital as a result.
Seeing how he and the other children in the paediatric
ward suffered made me decide to become part of
an industry dedicated to healing others. Along the
way, I went on to become an army doctor. This led
me to areas which were not considered mainstream
medicine, such as sports medicine. Then I changed
tack again, when the chance arose, and became the
head of the SAF Medical Corps. This gave me the
opportunity to become a specialist in public health,
and later, in health policy and administration.
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
What do you do in your free time?
I am all over the place! I lend my time to several
charitable organisations. I’m involved in the
hospice movement, and am on the management
boards of two schools as well as the Singapore Eye
Research Institute. I also volunteer with my church,
and all that keeps me occupied quite a bit. At the
same time, I spend a big part of the weekends with
my grandchildren — a four-year-old boy and a oneyear-old girl — so my plate is quite full!
Dr Lionel Lee hopes that the new Lee Kong
Chian School of Medicine would give students a
wholesome and comprehensive education in line
with the trend of integrated care beyond basic
medical services.
PHOTO: STEVE ZHU
Are there any lessons you learned from your time in
the army that might be applicable to your current role?
One thing I learned is to be mission-oriented and to look
at my job as a calling and a vocation. The other thing I can
say I picked up is a never-say-die attitude. This ethos is
quite essential to any start-up company or organisation.
We have to learn not to be discouraged by setbacks. The
challenge here is to focus on the direction the school is
going and at the same time, bring on board all the other
people who can contribute, and not alienate them.
57
(spotlight)
information at your fingertips
CORPORATE NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTHCARE GROUP + CALENDAR OF EVENTS & FORUMS
A new online portal developed by the National Skin Centre allows patients to retrieve
medical records and interact with their doctors — all with a click of a mouse.
Patients can now gain access to their health records
online through a new system developed by the National
Skin Centre (NSC). Called the Patient Health Portal,
the system allows NSC patients to retrieve information
such as health records, dates of visits, diagnoses,
medication histories, allergies and procedures.
This free service also allows NSC patients to send
email queries about their medications, treatments and
the procedures they have undergone directly to their
doctors. Previously, patients had to pay $78 for hard
copies of standard medical reports, and these may take
up to a month to prepare.
Leading the project is NSC consultant
dermatologist Dr Steven Thng. He said that the
introduction of the online portal allows patients to
cut down the need for follow-up appointments to
address non-urgent concerns. Some patients even
take time off work to visit the centre just to ask a few
questions. “While the portal does not replace regular
consultations, it will help patients save time and
money,” says Dr Thng.
QUICK INFORMATION
So far, about 800 patients have signed up for the
service. One of them is lecturer Adeline Lee, 30,
who used the service when it was in its pilot stage in
December 2011. Ms Lee consulted a doctor at NSC
because she had a rash and was concerned if it would
affect her future health. “The Patient Health Portal is
very effective as I received very prompt replies from
the healthcare team,” she says.
Patients who are worried about the confidentiality
of their medical records can also rest assured, as such
information are kept secure because of features such as
data encryption and multiple firewalls in the system.
Director of NSC, Professor Roy Chan, says that
the portal could be integrated into the National
Electronic Health Record (NEHR) when it is up and
running. The NEHR is a health record database that
provides one-stop medical
access to healthcare
institutions. The first
phase was rolled out
in April 2011, and it
is expected to be fully
operational by 2015.
“The development
and delivery of the portal
are in line with NSC’s desire to make healthcare more
convenient and seamless for patients,” says CEO of
National Healthcare Group, Professor Chee Yam Cheng.
“The increasing demand for quality healthcare from
a diverse and informed population means that we need
to cater not only to the silver generation but also to
the younger individuals who want information at their
fingertips,” he added.
TO REGISTER FOR ACCESS TO THE PATIENT HEALTH PORTAL,
PATIENTS CAN REGISTER FOR AN ACCOUNT AT THE NATIONAL SKIN
CENTRE’S BILLING AND APPOINTMENT COUNTERS. ONLY PATIENTS
WHO REGISTER FOR AN ACCOUNT WILL BE ABLE TO LOG INTO THE
WEBSITE, WWW.MYPORTAL.NSC.GOV.SG. THE ACCOUNT WILL BE
ACTIVATED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF REGISTRATION.
may - jun 2012 | lifewise
A TEST OF WHEEL POWER
Avid cyclist Dr Jonathan Tan sets an example as he preparess
for the upcoming Tan Tock Seng Hospital Charity Ride.
Cycling enthusiasts, mark your calendar. The second
Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) Charity Ride takes
place on 30 June in Bintan, and will cover two
distances of 75km and 150km.
Regular long-distance cyclist Dr Jonathan Tan is
looking forward to this year’s event after taking part
in the inaugural ride last year.
This year’s trail covers a hillier terrain. To train
for it, Dr Tan, a Consultant at the Department of
Anaesthesiology at TTSH, has made changes to his
bicycle to make it easier to climb hills. At the same
time, he joins a group of friends to cycle loops around
hilly areas in Singapore, such as Mount Faber, as well
as cover long distances on flat roads.
For last year’s race, Dr Tan, who was also one of
the co-leaders of the cycling committee, played an
integral part in planning the cycling route. “As a team,
we had to make sure that the ride was challenging,
enjoyable and safe for everyone. We determined the
route and cycled part of it during our recce,” he says.
“In addition, I oversaw the medical coverage plan for
the race.”
Dr Tan has been cycling regularly since 2009. He
says, “I started because a colleague commented that
I was getting fat! Cycling regularly helped me to lose
the excess weight and made me feel healthier and
more energetic.” He turns 40 this year, but does not
consider age to be a barrier to getting fit. In fact,
Dr Tan takes pride in having above-average fitness
levels for a man of his age.
In order to maintain his physical fitness and
prepare for the TTSH Charity Ride, Dr Tan cycles once
or twice a week, starting as early as 5am each time.
“It is a challenge waking up at 4.30am to start riding
at 5am. Singapore is not exactly cyclist-friendly and
my friends and I start early to avoid as much traffic as
possible.” His strategy, prior to the race in June, is to
cover increasing distances of up to 100km a session.
“Training pushes me to new physical limits but also
allows me to celebrate new achievements never
thought possible
before. Mentally,
I’ve learnt that pure
physical ability will
only get you this far
no matter how fit
you thought
you were.”
Dr Jona
than
T
year’saTn at last
Seng Han Tock
Charity ospital
Rid
Malacec in
a.
CYCLE FOR A CAUSE
If you are a keen long-distance cyclist, you can join the
other enthusiasts who have already signed up for this
challenging Bintan route. Through this ride, the TTSH
Community Charity Fund aims to raise $300,000 to
improve the lives of TTSH’s needy patients. The money
raised will go towards helping patients with the longterm medication
and treatment they
require. The fund
also helps such
patients purchase
medical necessities
and assistive
equipment such
as wheelchairs or
ventilators.
The one-time
registration fee for
cyclists is $1,300
for the 75km
distance and $1,600
for the 150km
distance. This includes a two-night stay at a five-star
hotel, two-way transfer, insurance coverage and the
official TTSH Charity Ride 2012 cycling jersey, as well
as many other perks and vouchers.
TO REGISTER OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE RIDE, PLEASE VISIT:
WWW.TTSH.COM.SG/CHARITYRIDE2012/
59
60
lifewise | may - jun 2012
d i r e c t o r y
WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU TO CONTACT OR LOCATE US.
Here are the important numbers, addresses and information on all hospitals,
polyclinics and institutions under the National Healthcare Group (NHG).
National Skin Centre
1 Mandalay Road
Tel: 6253-4455
Fax: 6253-3225
www.nsc.gov.sg
The centre has a team of trained dermatologists
to treat patients with various skin problems. To
serve patients better, there are sub-specialty
clinics for the different skin disorders. It also does
skin and laser surgery.
NHG Polyclinics
National Healthcare Group
Corporate Office
6 Commonwealth Lane
Level 6, GMTI Building
Singapore 149547
Tel: 6496-6000
Fax: 6496-6870
www.nhg.com.sg
The National Healthcare Group (NHG) was created
in 2000 as part of a national restructuring of
Singapore’s public healthcare delivery system into
two operative clusters.
As a leader in public healthcare in Singapore,
NHG is recognised at home and abroad for the
quality of its outstanding medical expertise and
state-of-the-art facilities. Care is provided through
an integrated network of primary healthcare
polyclinics, acute care hospitals, a national
specialty centre, innovative virtual specialty centre
and business divisions. Together, they bring a rich
legacy of 340 years of medical expertise to our
philosophy of patient-centric care.
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng
Tel: 6256-6011
Fax: 6252-7282
www.ttsh.com.sg
lt is the second largest acute care general hospital
in Singapore with specialty centres in Endoscopy,
Foot Care & Limb Design, Rehabilitation Medicine
and Communicable Diseases. Covering 23 clinical
specialties, its services include cardiology, geriatric
medicine, infectious diseases, rheumatology,
allergy, immunology, diagnostic radiology,
emergency, gastroenterology, medicine,
otorhinolaryngology, orthopaedic surgery and
general surgery.
Institute of Mental Health
Buangkok Green Medical Park
10 Buangkok View
Tel: 6389-2000
Fax: 6385-1050
www.imh.com.sg
General and specialised services are provided
to meet the special needs of children and
adolescents, adults and the elderly. There are
sub-speciality clinics such as the Psychogeriatric
Clinic, Autism Clinic, Children’s One-Stop PsychoEducational Services (COPES), Early Psychosis
Intervention Programme and National Addictions
Management Service (NAMS). Within corporate
settings, IMH offers a comprehensive Workplace
Emotional Health Programme. It also provides a
24-hour Psychiatric Emergency Service.
Contact centre: 6355-3000
www.nhgp.com.sg
Apart from managing medical conditions, NHG
Polyclinics also provide health education, childhood
immunisation, treatment for diabetes, health
screening, family planning service, antenatal and
postnatal care, as well as laboratory and X-ray tests.
ANG MO KIO POLYCLINIC
Blk 723 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 #01-4136
Fax: 6458-5664
BUKIT BATOK POLYCLINIC
50 Bukit Batok West Ave 3
Fax: 6566-2208
CHOA CHU KANG POLYCLINIC
2 Teck Whye Crescent #01-00
Fax: 6765-0851
CLEMENTI POLYCLINIC
Blk 451 Clementi Ave 3 #02-307
Fax: 6775-7594
HOUGANG POLYCLINIC
89 Hougang Ave 4
Fax: 6386-3783
JURONG POLYCLINIC
190 Jurong East Ave 1
Fax: 6562-0244
TOA PAYOH POLYCLINIC
2003 Toa Payoh Lor 8
Fax: 6259-4731
WOODLANDS POLYCLINIC
10 Woodlands St 31
Fax: 6367-4964
YISHUN POLYCLINIC
100 Yishun Central
Fax: 6852-1637
NHG Diagnostics (NHGD)
Call centre: 6275-6443 (6-ASK-NHGD)
Fax: 6496-6625
www.diagnostics.nhg.com.sg
NHG Diagnostics provides imaging and laboratory
services at the primary healthcare level – with 16
static diagnostics centres and a mobile fleet which
consists of Mobile X-ray container, Mammobus,
Mobile Clinic and Mobile BMD (Bone Mineral
Densitometry).
Laboratory and imaging services are available
in all nine NHG Polyclinics (NHGP), Ang Mo Kio-Thye
Hwa Kuan Hospital (AMK-THKH), Buangkok Green
Medical Park, Jurong Medical Centre, MW Medical
Centre @ The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, NUS
University Health Centre (UHC), St Luke’s Hospital
and West Point Hospital. Services include a wide
range of laboratory tests, general digital X-ray
examination, mammography, spirometry, and
both Computed tomography (CT) scans and
ultrasound at selected centres.
NHGD also provides teleradiology reporting,
integration services, as well as providing
healthcare consultancy service in setting up
full healthcare facilities with planning, design
and project management. Our service projects
are available in Dr WK Koo & Associates, Pier
Medical Centre, Radlink Diagnostics Imaging and
Singapore International Medical Centre. NHGD’s
overseas consultancy and teleradiology projects
are also found in Jakarta and Bali, Indonesia, and
Hanoi, Vietnam.
NHG College
Tel: 6478-2446
Fax: 6259-6423
www.nhg.com.sg/college
The unit aims to develop healthcare
professionals
to their maximum potential so that they are able
to provide quality, cost-effective and safe
evidence-based care to patients.
NHG Pharmacy
Tel: 6478-2478
www.pharmacy.nhg.com.sg
NHG Pharmacy runs retail pharmacies in NHG
Polyclinics, providing a range of healthcare
products, which include over-the-counter
medicines, health supplements, and surgical and
medical equipment at affordable prices.
Primary Care Academy
Tel: 6496-6681
Fax: 6496-6669
www.pca.sg
The Primary Care Academy (PCA), a member of
the National Healthcare Group (NHG), was set
up to meet the professional training needs of
primary healthcare professionals in Singapore
and the region. As a one-stop training facility
for family physicians, nurses, allied health and
ancillary professionals, PCA aims to be a
platform for sharing of expertise and capacity
building among community healthcare
leaders and practitioners in ASEAN and the
surrounding region.
Johns Hopkins Singapore
International Medical Centre
11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng
Tel: 6880-2222
Fax: 6880-2233
www.imc.jhmi.edu
Johns Hopkins Singapore International Medical
Centre (JHSIMC) is a licensed 30-bed medical
oncology facility located in Singapore. The facility,
a joint venture between the National Healthcare
Group (NHG) and Johns Hopkins Medicine
International (JHMI) is the only fully branded
Johns Hopkins facility outside of the United
States. The centre serves local and foreign
patients with the provision of inpatient and
outpatient medical oncology care, medical
intensive care, laboratory services, hospital and
retail pharmacy, general internal medicine and
health screenings.
Adding Years
of Healthy Life
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