Health Check: Recent Episodes
The Straits Times
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times and expert guests help you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Podcaster: Joyce Teo
Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis & The Straits Times, SPH Media Trust.
Discover why standard clinical checks might miss critical heart risks, and the vital role of fat loss over weight loss.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
For millions of people worldwide living with hypertension, keeping blood pressure numbers in the normal zone is the ultimate goal. But what if that peace of mind is an illusion? Recent findings from the REMODEL study at the National Heart Centre Singapore suggests that the true danger to your heart might be completely invisible to standard clinical checks.
The study, published as a letter in the journal MedCom in February 2026, found that nearly 30 per cent of health complications related to high blood pressure occur in patients whose blood pressure appears perfectly normal on paper.
In this episode, Joyce Teo speaks to the study’s senior author, Associate Professor Calvin Chin, to find out about the importance of fat loss over mere weight loss and why a normal blood pressure reading may not always tell you the full story. He is a senior consultant in cardiology from the National Heart Centre Singapore and the deputy director of the National Heart Research Institute Singapore.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:43 Your blood pressure reading does not tell you the full story
4:11 High-risk individuals have a higher amount of visceral fat
7:30 Know your waist-hip ratio
12:08 How hard should you exercise?
13:46 Is it safe to exercise at maximum intensity all the time?
16:32 He discovered the importance of core strength the hard way
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube:https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
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Your guide to a kinder end-of-life journey in the ICU.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Tan Tock Seng Hospital and National University Hospital recently launched a new initiative called A Kinder ICU that is supported by a 3.93 million grant from the Lien Foundation. The aim is to integrate palliative care into standard ICU treatment.
In this episode, Joyce Teo finds out more about the initiative and the nature of palliative care from her two guests. They discuss how palliative care has evolved and how it provides essential support to patients who are critically ill and their families.
The conversation also explores the importance of reflecting on the desired quality of life as one approaches the end of their journey.
The two guests are Assistant Professor Neo Han Yee, a senior consultant and head of the palliative medicine department at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and Ms Charmaine Sim, an advanced practice nurse at the medical intensive care unit at the National University Hospital.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:26 Palliative care 10-20 years ago vs now
5:28 Feeling conflicted seeing a family member in the ICU
9:27 There is an art to palliative care
10:23 Life presents you with unexpected crises
14:10 Medical staff will also feel distressed if they are imposing pain on patients
21:12 Helping the family of a man who fell critically ill just before he was about to return home
23:40 Is it fair to keep trying to save his life?
25:03 The doctor is legally authorised to withdraw life support when life-sustaining efforts are futile, but there’s a need to help the family hold that grief
29:30 Filial piety is a virtue but it can also create a sense of guilt
34:26 What is the minimum quality of life you want to live by?
35:43 You cannot assume that you will pass away in your sleep…
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube:https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are living longer, but are we living healthier?
Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Singapore is one of the fastest-ageing nations in the world. By 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above. There are also more Singaporeans living past 100 today. We are living longer, but are we living healthier? And, what does "ageing well" actually look like in our concrete jungle?
In this episode, host Joyce Teo hosts a senior geriatrician to talk about the unique landscape of ageing in Singapore, how to tell if someone is ageing faster than before and what one can do to "age healthier".
She is Adjunct Assistant Professor Noorhazlina Ali, a senior consultant and the head of the department of geriatric medicine at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). She’s also a dementia specialist.
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:39 Tell-tale signs that you’re ageing faster than others
4:45 Hear about the chair-to-stand test
6:32 How to tell if your memory issues are not part of normal ageing
10:18 Sarcopenia can happen as early as age 40
12:54 Make sure your protein intake is sufficient
16:32 Dr Noorhazlina’s grandfather kept fit with long walks past 90
18:06 Determining the intensity of your elderly workouts
20:07 Are you too old to learn new things?
22:13 Dr Noorhazlina’s personal strategies
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube:https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Navigating Singapore’s evolving health insurance landscape.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
The rules for Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders changed on Apr 1, 2026. New mandates from the Ministry of Health mean that riders that offer nearly full coverage can no longer be sold. They have been replaced by plans that require higher out-of-pocket costs in exchange for lower premiums. These new riders promote greater accountability in controlling escalating healthcare expenses.
If you have an existing IP rider, you might wonder if you should "grandfather" your current plan, switch to a new one to save on premiums, or perhaps do without one?
If you are just starting your healthcare journey, you need to understand why MOH is removing deductible coverage and doubling the co-payment cap from $3,000 to $6,000.
In this episode, host Joyce Teo engages with a private sector surgeon and a health economist to discuss the new landscape of health insurance, how to think about your future healthcare needs, and the crucial role of personal responsibility.
The guests are Dr. Tan Yia Swam, a breast surgeon and former president of the Singapore Medical Association, and Dr. Akshar Saxena, an Assistant Professor of Economics at Nanyang Technological University.
In the podcast, Dr Tan also addresses a common misconception that private sector doctors frequently overcharge.
Highlights (click/tap above):
8:05 Knowing the difference between an elective surgery and an emergency one.
10:40 Addressing the public perception that some doctors overcharge patients…
15:20 On the importance of personal responsibility…
23:07 Dr Akshar on the impact of the Apr 1 changes on legacy riders
24:18 Dr Tan’s perspective on preparing for her future medical needs.
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube:https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clearing the air on what different types of psychologists do.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
The Ministry of Health has announced that five key psychological subdisciplines will be registered under the Allied Health Professions Act, with details expected to be out in early 2027. This move aims to enhance the safety and public trust associated with psychological services and the profession as a whole.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to two council members of the Singapore Psychological Society to find out more about the different roles of psychologists.
They delve into how a clinical psychologist and an educational psychologist may help a client, what one can do to determine if a potential psychologist is the right person to help you, and why registration is important.
The guests are Mr Adrian Toh and Dr Cassandra Neo. Adrian is a clinical psychologist in private practice while Cassandra is a psychologist who works at a public hospital and is trained in educational psychology.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:35 What do psychologists do?
4:10 How might a clinical psychologist and an educational psychologist collaborate to help a primary school student who is not doing well in school?
16:30 Ahead of the registration of psychologists, what can you do to find the right psychologist?
19:55 The different types of psychologists
22:46 How do psychologists qualify for the Singapore Register of Psychologists?
25:19 Why registration is important; reports of potentially harming behaviours of psychologists
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube:https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Resting too much can weaken muscles, worsening joint pain in the long run, says an expert.
Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Problems affecting bones, joints, muscles, and tendons are the leading contributor of disability among all ages worldwide.
These problems arising from musculoskeletal disorders comprise diverse conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, which may result in pain and loss of function.
The disorders, which include conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, low back pain, and other degenerative conditions, are especially common in older adults.
However, they are not an inevitable part of aging.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to surgeon-scientist, Assistant Professor Bryan Tan to find out more about what one can do to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
They touched on strength training, what one can do about exercise after a flare of knee osteoarthritis, and not waiting till there is no pain to resume exercising.
Prof Tan is an orthopaedic surgeon at Woodlands Hospital, and the co-chair of the musculoskeletal integrated care work group at NHG Health.
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:48 What are musculoskeletal conditions?
6:55 It’s never too late to build your muscles and bones
8:45 The more you don’t use your muscles, the weaker they will become
18:21 Hyrox or not, everyone should be engaging in physical activity
20:27 How to get back to your exercise routine after a flare of your knee osteoarthritis?
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube:https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The science of getting unstuck from OCD in four days.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is often misunderstood. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is frequently misunderstood. Although the term is often used casually, it is a potentially severe disorder that can drastically disrupt a person's life.
However, it is highly treatable. Yet, many people remain undiagnosed and untreated for years.
To learn more about OCD, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to two psychologists who specialise in the treatment of OCD for a two-part series on what the disorder is about and how the Bergen approach treats OCD in just four days?
They are Dr Jackki Yim, Principal Clinical Psychologist & Deputy Head of Anxiety Service, Department of Mood & Anxiety at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and Ms Tammie Kwek, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Department of Mood & Anxiety, IMH.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:56 How is OCD treated?
6:00 What does the Bergen treatment entail?
11:00 Is it for everyone suffering from OCD?
14:05 What is the “homework” that patients have to do?
21:52 How should families accommodate a family member living with OCD?
Listen to OCD Part 1: The hidden reality and a new way out - https://str.sg/yBjG
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube:https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
OCD is more than a quirk.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is often misunderstood. Although the term OCD is often used casually, it is a potentially severe disorder that can drastically disrupt a person's life.
However, it is highly treatable. Yet, many people remain undiagnosed and untreated for years.
To learn more about OCD, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to two psychologists who specialise in the treatment of OCD for a two-part series on what the disorder is about and how a new treatment can help.
They are Dr Jackki Yim, Principal Clinical Psychologist & Deputy Head of Anxiety Service, Department of Mood & Anxiety at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and Ms Tammie Kwek, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Department of Mood & Anxiety, IMH.
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:37 Clearing misunderstandings about OCD
5:46 An example of OCD
11:19 How can parents respond to their children who have OCD?
Listen to OCD Part 2: 4-day treatment and the Bergen approach - https://str.sg/hZaB
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube:https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A psychiatrist's guide to your child's emotional well-being.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Many parents spend time teaching their kids essential skills like reading or spelling but they often forget to teach them a key skill that will determine their success, their relationships, and their overall happiness. That is emotional regulation.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Dr Ong Say How, a child and adolescent psychiatrist. He’s the chairperson of creative services and youth committee at SAMH and a senior consultant psychiatrist at the Institute of Mental Health.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:49 What exactly is emotional regulation?
6:40 Signs that a child might be struggling emotionally
11:14 It’s ok to tell your children that you’re concerned about them
15:00 Screen time limits can help with a child’s ability to handle boredom and regulate mood
20:51 Parents must be role models
22:24 What parents can do to repair the damage after losing their cool?
24:13 You don’t have to shield your child from negative feelings
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Boys who slept nine hours or more every night had a lower obesity risk and less dangerous fat.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
A recent A*Star study found that boys who slept at least nine hours every night had a 51 per cent lower obesity risk and less abdominal fat.
Abdominal fat, particularly fat around internal organs, is more strongly linked to metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease than overall body weight.
Published in the journal Obesity (Oct 2025), the study used MRI imaging to examine how sleep habits relate to fat distribution in 10-year-olds in Singapore.
In this episode, host and ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more from the study’s authors Dr Cai Shirong and Dr Navin Michael, about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can increase the risk of obesity and overweight in children.
Dr Cai And Dr Navin are principal scientists from the A*Star Institute for Human Development and Potential.
Highlights (click/tap above):
4:48 Does catching up on sleep during the weekend reduce the risk of obesity?
7:07 Why was there a weaker association between sleep deprivation and obesity in girls?
8:00 Prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents
15:45 Why do we prefer burgers over salad when we are sleep deprived?
17:38 Sleep can help regulate cognition in children
19:43 Examples of caffeinated beverages consumed by children
Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grief is a painful, individual emotional and physical response to a significant loss. But it can be managed.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Grief is a painful, individual emotional and physical response to a significant loss.
Death, divorce, the loss of a home or a job, fast declining health are among the major events that people grieve.
To learn more about coping with grief, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Lin Jing, a counsellor from the Singapore Association for Mental Health.
SAMH is one of the few social service agencies focusing on mental health here that operates a general helpline for the public at 1800-283-7019
They also discuss what is grief counselling about.
If your grief feels like it's too much to bear, please reach out for help. We have included more helplines below.
Highlights (click/tap above):
9:00 When should you consider grief counselling?
12:45 When guilt is thrown into the picture
23:00 Understanding cognitive behaviourial therapy, grief counselling and grief therapy
29:10 Building a life around the loss of a child…
32:00 Appearing strong and unaffected by grief, when you are crumbling inside
Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
Helplines
Mental well-being
- National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp)
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
- Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
- Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
- The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm)
- Tinkle Friend (for primary school-age children): 1800-2744-788
Counselling
- Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
- Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
- Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
- We Care Community Services: 3165-8017
- Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293
- Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990
Online resources
- mindline.sg/fsmh
- eC2.sg
- chat.mentalhealth.sg
- carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
- limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You can appear lean but have insufficient muscle mass and too much body fat.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
A local paper has found that 1 in 4 young women, despite having a normal weight, had low muscle mass, weak bones and high body fat. This increases their future risks for not only osteoporosis and muscle loss but metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to the paper’s authors to find out more.
Lead author Dr Mya Thway Tint is a principal scientist at the A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP) and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Dean's Office, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
Professor Johan Eriksson is the Executive Director of A*STAR IHDP and highly knowledgeable about the S-PRESTO study, or the Singapore Preconception Study of Long-Term Maternal and Child Outcomes cohort study, which the paper is part of.
He was previously a professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, and the chief physician at Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:50 Having a normal BMI and low bone density
5:03 You have to exercise to grow bone
10:29 Using bioimpedance or bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure body composition
13:53 What is considered an unhealthy body fat percentage level?
19:56 What can we do to improve our bone health?
Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn how to manage bothersome symptoms that typically emerge in the four to five years before a woman's final menstruation.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Perimenopause is the stage before menopause that many women here do not talk about, largely due to stigma or a lack of awareness.
The transition phase in perimenopause ends in menopause, which marks the end of a woman's natural fertility. This affects not just her reproductive organs but her entire body, adding to the confusion in distinguishing between ageing or illness.
In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Associate Professor Rukshini Puvanendran, the co-director of the KK Menopause Centre, to counter the misinformation out there.
Prof Ruskhini is also the head and a senior consultant at the Family Medicine Service at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH).
Highlights (click/tap above):
2.28 Symptoms of perimenopause
7.23 Older women can still have hot flushes
11.03 Some women develop an awareness of their heartbeat
18:39 What can women do about their symptoms?
30:08 The four symptoms of menopause that doctors won't argue about
31:59 Oestrogen cream to treat vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence
Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Caregiving for persons with mental health conditions is for the long-haul.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Caregivers Alliance Limited is an organisation that focuses on supporting caregivers of persons with mental health conditions as well as those who have developed mental health challenges due to caregiving.
It has a small outpost at the Institute of Mental Health, where families can seek caregiver support.
In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Ms Evelyn Chng, who is based at the outpost, about the cases that she has seen there, the mental health burden of caregiving, and what caregivers can do about it.
She heads CAL’s Community Outreach Team or Crest programme. Crest, which acts as a mental health first-stop touchpoint, was developed by the Agency for Integrated Care and the Ministry of Health.
Ms Chng also talks about the challenges of caring for her adult son, who is living with obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:15 Who are these caregivers who stop by the CAL counter at IMH?
10:15 Recent twists in Evelyn’s caregiving journey
14:40 How Evelyn takes care of herself
17:36 A strict father rebuilds his bond with son who was being treated for depression
24:40 A piece of advice for caregivers of persons with mental health conditions
Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week.
Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers
Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST’s app, which has a dedicated podcast player section.
Trailer narrated by: Podcast editor Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Elsa Goh
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u
Headstart On Record: https://str.sg/wB2m
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Wheel Insights: https://str.sg/iTtE
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Special edition series:
Green Trails (4 eps): https://str.sg/bMyx
This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025 on April 23, organised by the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra).
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2024 in April, and third place for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2024, both organised by Wan-Ifra.
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
This series also won The Best Podcast/Digital Audio Project category at the 2022 Digital Media Awards Asia, organised by Wan-Ifra.
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#stpodcasttr
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Community care for your mental health needs.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Seeking mental health help at a centre near you is gradually becoming easier in Singapore as the country focuses its efforts on making this happen. But, it will take time for things to improve.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Timothy Singham to find out more about what one can do to navigate the system. He is a senior Clinical Psychologist and Manager at Viriya Psychological Services at Viriya Community Services
Dr Singham also talked about a client who managed his agoraphobia with therapy given in a community setting instead of in the hospital. Agoraphobia is a disorder characterized by symptoms of anxiety in situations where the person perceives their environment to be unsafe with no easy way to escape.
Highlights (click/tap above):
0:07 He sought help for his agoraphobia at a community care agency
4:16 What is a clinical psychologist?
12:35 Can therapy harm us?
19:38 Where to go for help in the community care sector?
31:49 An anxiety tip we can all use
Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim & Natasha Liew
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can young people build up their mental health and cope with societal pressures while adulting?
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
We all know that adulting is not easy, but why is adulting hitting the mental health of young people so much these days?ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo explores this with two guests in this episode.
They are:
Ms Lee Yi Ping, the programme lead and principal Case Manager at Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health in Singapore. This service by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) serves as a first-stop touchpoint for young people seeking mental health support.
Mr Delane Lim, the founder and executive director of the charity Character & Leadership Academy, which runs youth development, mental wellness, and suicide prevention programmes for young people. Mr Lim himself contemplated suicide at 25 and he knows just how tough adulting can be.
They discuss what one can do to manage the challenges that adulting brings, whether it is related to identity, work or relationships.
Ms Lee and Mr Lim also share their own experiences.
This episode was recorded live - and filmed in front of a live audience - at The Projector at Golden Mile Tower, as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:35 Is adulting harder today than it was in the past?
5:45 Managing the pressure of "having it all" by a certain age
10:55 Delane’s brush with suicide at 25
16:28 Yi Ping on feeling burnout
19:13 Navigating social media safely
22:20 Advice to their younger selves
Check out ST's new series No Health Without Mental Health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A safe alternative to clinician-administered tests, the self-test for HPV can help prevent cervical cancer.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
HPV or the human papillomavirus is a common virus that is sexually transmitted, and while most HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infections with high-risk types can lead to cervical cancer.
In March 2025, the Society for Colposcopy & Cervical Pathology of Singapore (SCCPS) published an updated set of cervical cancer screening guidelines. The guidelines now recommend HPV self-sampling as an option to traditional cervical cancer screening methods.
In Singapore, cervical cancer is currently the 11th most common cancer in women, with 309 new cases and 172 deaths in 2023, according to data from the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Information Centre on HPV and Cancer.
However, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively, said the World Health Organisation (WHO).
It aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030, with the following strategy:
- Vaccinate 90 per cent of girls with preventive HPV vaccines by age 15;
- Screen 70 per cent of women with a high-performance test like HPV DNA screening by age 35, and again by age 45;
- Treat 90 per cent of women who have precancerous cells in the cervix or cervical cancer.
In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Felicia Chin, an obstetrician and gynaecological oncologist at Gynae Onco Partners about HPV DNA self-testing, what it entails, and who should screen for cervical cancer. Until late last year, Dr Chin was a senior consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She sits on the SCCPS committee.
Highlights (click/tap above)
1:54 Explaining the various tests for cervical cancers
3:14 Guidelines for cervical cancer screening in Singapore
4:32 How does HPV self-sampling work?
5:23 Difference between a self-test and a pap smear
13:42 Cervical cancer symptoms
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim & Eden Soh
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Combating loneliness with a mindfulness trainer.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Loneliness – that social pain of not feeling connected, is widespread. Inadequate social connections or social isolation is also a growing problem today.
Social isolation and loneliness have significant, yet often overlooked, consequences for our health and longevity. The health risks are comparable to smoking daily, excessive drinking and obesity, said the World Health Organisation.
Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with anxiety, depression, suicide, dementia, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, said WHO.
Why do we feel lonely? Can we stop feeling lonely? What can we do about it? In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out why we feel lonely and gets tips on how the young and old can combat loneliness from a mindfulness trainer.
She is Adjunct Associate Professor Angie Chew, the founder and chief executive of the Brahm Centre, a mental health charity dedicated to promoting happier and healthier living.
Highlights (click/tap above)
1:18 Why do we feel lonely?
3:45 Letting go of judgement to free our minds
5:55 Feeling lonely in the corporate world?
7:10 Combating loneliness in old age
8:39 What can parents do to help their children cope with loneliness?
12:00 Loneliness in young adults
Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can excessive screen use cause your child to be easily distracted?
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Too much screen use can lead to a child having issues with sustained attention. Tasks like homework may become a challenge to complete.
Indeed, as more evidence emerges on the impact of excessive screen time on a child’s cognitive development and executive functioning, the authorities have updated its screen use guidance. It comes under a new health promotion strategy called Grow Well SG, which is currently aimed at supporting families of children up to the age of 12.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo invites a clinician scientist specialising in developmental and behavioural paediatrics to discuss the impact and the rationale behind the changes.
She is Dr Evelyn Law, an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore, who is part of the research team for the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes birth cohort study (Gusto). This Gusto study has been going on for 14 years and had contributed to the evidence behind the various guidance in Grow Well SG.
Dr Law, a senior consultant at the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, is also a member of the expert group that led the development of the screen use guidance in children.
Highlights (click/tap above)
2:35 What is executive function, and can frequent use of digital devices cause a child to be easily distracted?
7:46 What’s the difference between having executive function deficits and a condition like ADHD?
11:46 What’s the difference between recreational and educational screen use?
16:01 Is there a gaming addiction problem in Singapore?
21:41 What’s the rationale behind restricting access to social media services for children below 13?
Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Research on the serious brain disorder paves the way to new treatments.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Schizophrenia is a serious and chronic brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others.
Some people may associate the disorder with just hallucinations or delusions, but it is more than that. Those with the illness can experience cognitive and motivational problems that have no pharmaceutical solution, though other strategies, like therapy, may help.
Schizophrenia affects one in 116 people in Singapore, and is the most common disorder seen at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). With treatment, many people with schizophrenia can go on to lead fulfilling lives.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to psychiatrist Jimmy Lee about the complexity of schizophrenia and the research that is being done to help individuals who have this illness.
Associate Professor Jimmy Lee is a senior consultant at IMH’s Department of Psychosis. He has been conducting research to help advance the understanding of schizophrenia for more than 15 years.
This podcast is part of the No Health Without Mental Health series. It is a special year-long series that The Straits Times started in October 2024 to normalise conversations about mental health so that people can get timely support.
Highlights (click/tap above)
3:18 It’s not a disease of multiple personalities
5:45 So how do people know that they have schizophrenia?
12:56 What’s happening on the research front?
14:43 What are the possible causes of schizophrenia?
19:28 IMH brain stimulation trial aims to improve schizophrenia symptoms
22:53 Will newer drugs for schizophrenia emerge soon?
Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finding meaning and purpose in life.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In this New Year’s day episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Adj Assoc Prof Angie Chew about the importance of spirituality in our lives. They also discuss how to harness this source of strength to improve our mental health and find meaning, purpose, and happiness in life.
Prof Chew is the Founder, CEO and Mindfulness Principal of Brahm Centre, a mental health charity dedicated to promoting happier and healthier living.
This podcast is part of the No Health Without Mental Health series. It is a special year-long series that The Straits Times started in October 2024 to normalise conversations about mental health so that people can get timely support. The December package on combating holiday blues was released on Dec 16.
Highlights (click/tap above)
2:24 What is spirituality?
6:08 Coping with irrational fears and jealousy
10:23 Creating a distance between you and your thoughts
14:57 Parents predicting that their children won’t do well in school
18:25 What if spirituality becomes a source of stress for you?
22:32 It’s time to forgive someone
Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hypertension is a silent killer; check it before it’s too late.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Do you know if you have high blood pressure or what's also known as hypertension? According to the National Population Health Survey 2022, about one in three Singaporeans aged 18 to 74 has hypertension. This condition puts them at risk of heart disease and stroke. However, a significant proportion remains unaware because the symptoms become obvious only when the condition is severe.
Hypertension is present when a person’s blood pressure is at 140/90 mmHg or higher. But a slightly lower reading doesn't reduce the risk. In August 2024, the European Society of Cardiology, an influential society among cardiologists, introduced a new high blood pressure or BP category of 120-139. This implies that even readings in this range are not 'normal' as doctors once thought.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Assoc Prof Chin Chee Tang, a cardiologist from the National Heart Centre Singapore, about the new category and what to make of it. They also discuss renal denervation, a procedure that the same society said may be considered for some patients with uncontrolled, drug-resistant high blood pressure.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:19 Should I be worried about a new category of hypertension?
5:30 How do I manage my blood pressure?
11:39 Monitoring the impact of salt reduction on your blood pressure
13:32 Can high blood pressure be lowered to normal levels?
19:39 Is renal denervation the right procedure for resistant hypertension?
Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where is Singapore dementia research headed?
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
This episode is on a topic that affects millions worldwide: dementia. We will explore the differences between how dementia presents in Asian versus Caucasian populations, and what this means when it comes to early intervention and future treatments.
Professor Nagaendran Kandiah, director of the Dementia Research Centre (Singapore) at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at Nanyang Technological University is our guest. He also talks to Joyce Teo about Lecanemab and Donanemab, two drugs that can slow down Alzheimer’s disease by treating the root cause. Donanemab, for instance, has been approved, but not recommended for the National Health Service in England.
Highlights (click/tap above)
1:05 Differences in the way dementia shows up in Asians and Caucasians
6:01 A blood test to pick up dementia
11:59 Lecanemab and Donanemab, two drugs that have been approved elsewhere for those with Alzheimer’s disease
18:50 What can you do to lower your risk of vascular dementia?
Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is no health without mental health.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Mental health is a national priority in Singapore. While the recent 2023 National Population Health Survey showed that there was an improvement in the mental health of the general population between 2022 and 2023, younger adults aged 18 to 29 remained more affected than other age groups, with about 26 per cent of them reporting poor mental health.
We, at ST, want to normalise conversations about mental health so that people can get timely support. This is super important because there is no health without mental health.
This is why we’re starting a year-long Mental Health Series, which will feature a package of stories focusing on mental health every month.
We will talk to people with mental health conditions about the challenges they face, and what they do to manage their conditions.
We will also look at the evolving mental health landscape here, and tell you what is changing.
In this podcast, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to two guests about their help seeking journey.
They are her colleague Lee Li Ying, who’s a correspondent at ST and Yusri Shaggy Sapari, a freelance filmmaker.
Highlights (click/tap above)
4:35 Li Ying’s first visit to a psychiatrist
9:13 Shaggy’s help-seeking journey via the polyclinic route
13:06 What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a counsellor?
18:13 Tips for those thinking of seeking help
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to choose a healthier salt and cooking oil.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Singapore is planning to introduce Nutri-Grade labelling for salt, sauces and seasonings, instant noodles and cooking oil.
These are labels that will allow consumers to tell at a glance how healthy they are. The products will be graded A to D – with D being the least healthy choice, having the highest levels of sodium and/or saturated fat, among other possible nutrients.
The mandatory Nutri-Grade label has been successfully used on pre-packaged and freshly prepared beverages. Drinks that exceed a threshold of sweetness are graded C and D, and there are also prohibitions on advertising such beverages that are grade D.
Still, it would appear easier for someone to cut down on sugary drinks, or even eliminate them, than it is to significantly reduce the intake of sodium and saturated fats as savoury foods can form a big part of our diets.
Will this new labelling requirement truly benefit us, and what should we watch out for, when it comes to maintaining healthier diets in the meantime?
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more from the president of the Singapore Nutrition Dietetics Association, Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran.
She is the deputy director of Industry Partnerships and the head of the Glycemic Index Research Unit at the School of Applied Science at Temasek Polytechnic.
Highlights (click/tap above)
2:29 The taste test: what’s the difference between potassium salt and table salt?
3:08 Watch out for hidden sodium
6:59 Salty tolerance for the elderly is much higher
10:39 What exactly are saturated fats?
13:17 How to pick out a healthier cooking oil?
15:13 Is there any truth to the claim that coconut oil is actually good for health?
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Here's a sneak peek into our rebranded podcast channel.
Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.
Our previous Money and Career podcast channel is now rebranded HeadSTart on Record, taking on a fresher and sharper approach on how to chase your aspirations and grow your money.
Hosts Sue-Ann Tan and Tay Hong Yi will speak with guests on how to navigate jobs and finances in a daunting, complex world.
Hong Yi has been covering manpower and talent topics for ST, with a focus on careers, the job market and workforce trends.
Sue-Ann will look at how to invest your money and the delicate balancing act between saving and living. Sept 2 Monday sees her first episode dropping across our audio platforms and the ST app.
Stay tuned for more episodes on chewy topics like how far would you go for your pay cheque and how you can invest from age 18.
Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa
Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X
Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz
Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/D6vT
Get business/career tips in ST's HeadSTart newsletter: str.sg/headstart-nl
Produced by: Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg), Tay Hong Yi (hytay@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Amirul Karim
Edited by: Amirul Karim
Follow HeadSTart On Record Podcast channel here:
Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3
Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Get ST's app (with a dedicated podcast player section):
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#moneycareer #stpodcasttr
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How effective are your skincare products?
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
We all want to look as young and as healthy as possible, and one way to do so is to have healthy skin. But, as we age, our skin becomes thinner, less elastic and more dry and sensitive. There’s also a difference between Asian and Caucasian skin, but most dermatological research has focused on Caucasian populations.
How can we then delay the skin ageing process?
To find out more, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to ageing skin expert Professor Rachel Watson, who had spent 30 years in the United Kingdom studying what exactly changes in the skin as we age and how the environment accelerates skin ageing.
She has come to Singapore to study Asian skin, and has just started a new research project looking at Asian skin ageing and the possible interventions that can be used to improve skin health and prevent skin diseases.
Prof Watson is the executive director of the Skin Research Institute of Singapore and the A*STAR Skin Research Labs.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:04 Difference between Asian and Caucasian skin
6:48 Prof Watson’s new four-year study on ageing in Asian skin.
17:38 Ingredients to look out for in your skincare products
22:29 Protect the health of all your skin, and not just the skin on your face
31:20 The myth of collagen drinks
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Amirul Karim and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here every month and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Excessive screen time can lead to speech delays, autism-like symptoms in children.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
My 18-month-old loves viewing videos on my phone; why is he not talking?
Screen time can help children develop social, creative, communication and other skills, but very young children, especially those below 18 months of age, are not ready for it. They should not be getting any screen time, unless it is for video chatting.
Find out how excessive screen time can affect them, and how too much time spent on digital devices can lead to a myriad of issues in children above 18 months of age. For instance, children here are getting myopia from a younger age, from spending too much time indoors on near work and too little time outdoors in the daylight.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with her two guest experts - Dr Yvonne Ling, an eye surgeon specialising in adult squints and paediatric ophthalmology, from the Singapore National Eye Centre and Dr Christelle Tan, a consultant at the Department of Child Development at KK Womens’ and Children’s Hospital (KKH) to find out more. Dr Ling also sees young patients with various eye issues, including myopia, at KKH.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:06 Why is myopia something to watch out for?
5:18 What is the best sport that children can do to stave off myopia?
8:17 Why is my 18-month-old baby not talking?
10:07 Case of 3-year-boy who spent hours on video games
11:50 Should I be worried about the autism-like symptoms in my child?
26:16 What parents can do to protect their children from the effects of too much screen time?
32:24 How to prepare for a myopia check? What parents can do to protect their children from the effects of too much screen time?
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here every month and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE
#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
#healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vape users inhale not just harmful chemicals, but toxic metals into their lungs.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
E-cigarettes or vapes can contain less chemicals than cigarettes, but did you know that the former can expose users to toxic metals?
Is vaping safer than smoking and just how harmful is vaping? Find out these and more in the latest Health Check episode with ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo, as she dives into the topic with two experts from Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
They are Adj Asst/Prof Clive Tan, Public Health Specialist and Senior Consultant, Department of Preventive & Population Medicine and Adj Asso/Prof Puah Ser Hon, Head and Senior Consultant from the Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine.
With vaping on the rise here, despite it being illegal, they also talked about the help available to a vape user who wants to quit the habit, and what can be done about the vaping problem here.
In Singapore, simply purchasing, using or owning an electronic vapouriser or vape can attract fines of up to $2,000 per offence. Yet, vaping is on the rise here. The purchase, use or possession of vapes jumped 58 per cent to about 7,900 cases in 2023, from about 5,000 cases in 2022, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:33 Are vapes safer than cigarettes?
8:17 Inhaling chemicals and toxic metals
20:35 Considering an amnesty for vape users
27:42 You can get the help that you need to quit vaping
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here every month and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
The Usual Place: https://str.sg/5nfm
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
IMH trial to study efficacy of personalised transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression.
Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Researchers from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore are studying a new personalised treatment for resistant depression.
It is the personalised version of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate and reset the specific part of the brain that regulates mood.
A clinical trial that aims to study its efficacy is currently being conducted at IMH. It pairs TMS with the algorithm of each patient’s functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify a precise spot on the head where magnetic stimulation can be applied to achieve better outcomes.
In this Health Check podcast episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to two experts involved in the trial. Dr Tor Phern Chern is a Senior Consultant at the Mood & Anxiety department and Head of Neurostimulation Service, at IMH and Associate Professor Thomas Yeo is from the Centre for Sleep and Cognition at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:28 How does TMS work?
8:47 Using a tape measure to ascertain the target area
10:34 What is depression?
23:29 Using Professor Yeo's algorithm to find an individual treatment target
25:52 What is the trial about?
29:27 Envisioning a future of TMS treatments
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here every month and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
The Usual Place: https://str.sg/5nfm
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Get started on moderate intensity physical activity to stay healthy.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Singapore wants to be a healthier nation, and everyone needs to play their part by leading healthier lifestyles. This would only benefit the individual, but not everyone exercises regularly.
And, if you have watched the popular Netflix documentary series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, which are spots where people tend to live to around 100, you will know that the world’s longest-lived people do not exercise. They don’t go running in the stadium, nor do they go for a workout in the gym.
So, just how much of it is necessary when it comes to doing it for health, weight management or weight loss? What’s the minimum amount of exercise that you can do to obtain any health benefits?
In this Health Check podcast episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Clinical Assistant Professor Ivy Lim, a Senior Consultant and the Chief of the Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine at Changi General Hospital to find out more.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:01 Do we really need to exercise?
4:35 Pairing exercise and diet will lead to greater weight loss than solely relying on diet
8:09 Is it okay to focus on resistance training and not cardiovascular exercise like running?
9:52 Can you get rid of your belly fat by doing a lot of sit-ups?
12:04 Will brisk walking and stair climbing cause you to have knee problems?
15:53 Sprint training snacks at CGH: Doing less but at a higher intensity
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here every month and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
The Usual Place: https://str.sg/5nfm
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wearable tech can help us monitor our heart.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Today, we can easily find heart rate monitors in wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. As Singapore shifts the centre of gravity in healthcare from acute hospitals to the community with its preventive care strategy Healthier SG, such wearable technology will likely become more popular as they enable us to take charge of our health.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Clin Assoc Prof Ching Chi Keong, a Senior Consultant at the National Heart Centre Singapore about how one can make use of these devices and just how accurate they are.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:55 How do ECG readings taken with a smart watch compare with a traditional ECG done in a medical setting? How accurate are they?
3:41 Interpreting ECG readings on your phone and what it means to have a sinus rhythm
11:09 When should you seek medical help?
14:35 Which group of people should use wearable devices to monitor their heart rate?
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An ADHD diagnosis can help you make sense of your life.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
The awareness of ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, a common neurodevelopmental condition is growing around the world and more people have been diagnosed with it. Yet, many do not know that they have it while others may not have a good understanding of the condition, in order to thrive with it.
ADHD is characterised by inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behaviour. It can greatly affect one’s life, but it can also be turned into a superpower if it is managed correctly.
In this Health Check podcast episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Moonlake Lee, the founder of Unlocking ADHD, the first site in Singapore that aims to help individuals with ADHD and their families live life to the fullest, to find out more.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:31 Moonlake’s journey as an ADHDer and how her diagnosis has helped her
6:12 On the growing awareness of ADHD in Singapore
21:25 How to tell if you have ADHD?
28:43 Deciding whether to put your child on ADHD medication
Helplines
MENTAL WELL-BEING
• Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
• Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
• Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
• Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
• Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
• Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
COUNSELLING
• TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
• TOUCH Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
• Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
• Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
ONLINE RESOURCES
• moht.com.sg/mindline-sg
• eC2.sg
• tinklefriend.sg
• chat.mentalhealth.sg
• carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
• limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is always good to start having end-of life conversations early.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
There are some conditions that are difficult to treat, others possibly pointless to treat. Doctors know the limits of medical care and they can advise against further treatment, if the care is deemed futile.
In this episode, we will hear about the difficult decisions that some doctors and some families have to contend with, in their work and life.
Dr Shirlynn Ho is a senior consultant and deputy head of the division of Supportive ＆ Palliative Care at the National Cancer Centre Singapore. She’s also the assistant secretary of the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network, which works with the Lien Collaborative for Palliative Care in Singapore.
Dr Tan Yia Swam is a breast surgeon, with her own practice at Mount Alvernia Hospital. She was the past president of the Singapore Medical Association and a former Nominated MP.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:23 What is Advanced Medical Directive?
4:33 A difficult decision made by doctors
6:35 Advice on Advance Care Planning
15:16 How people in the region view death
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is always good to start having end-of life conversations early.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
End-of-life planning is never easy. A better way could be to start the process early by planning for the life you want to lead and leave behind.
After all, death is a part of life, and it may be helpful to start thinking about it years before, said a palliative care doctor and a surgeon who does not shy away from talking about death and dying well with her patients.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to two guests. They discuss the importance of end-of-life planning and palliative care, and how talking about death can help us come to terms with this reality.
Dr Tan Yia Swam is a breast surgeon with her own practice at Mount Alvernia Hospital. She was a former Nominated MP and the past president of the Singapore Medical Association.
Dr Shirlynn Ho is the deputy head and senior consultant of the Division of Supportive ＆ Palliative Care at National Cancer Centre Singapore.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:08 Broaching the topic of palliative care
6:30 Why is there a rising urgency for palliative care?
10:41 Story about a dying patient
13:32 How do medical professionals convey information to families?
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Learn about digital therapeutics.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Traditional healthcare is based on doctor and hospital visits, and it can take a long time to obtain appointments to see a healthcare professional. What if one day, an individual can be prescribed a digital therapy for their depression or other health issues remotely? He or she would not have to take any medications.
In this Health Check podcast episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Professor Dean Ho, the director of the Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM) at the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the head of the NUS biomedical engineering department, to find out more about digital therapeutics or DTx.
He’s just written a book on DTx with two other researchers Mr Yoann Sapanel and Dr Agata Blasiak from the institute titled Medicine Without Meds: Revolutionising Healthcare With Digital Solutions.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:12 What is DTx?
9:24 Challenges of DTx?
10:57 How can DTx further personalise care?
23:05 Prof Ho’s experiments
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim & Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Find out more about menopause and what you can do about it.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Menopause is a natural part of aging but the time leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, affects each woman differently.
Associate Professor Rukshini Puvanendran, the head and senior consultant of Family Medicine Service, and the co-lead of KK Menopause Centre at KKH, said that while many people are aware of menopause, they do not fully understand it. There are also many misconceptions surrounding menopause, with the most common being that hormone replacement therapy or HRT is harmful.
Still, menopause is a stage of life that also marks a new beginning for women. In the west, there's even a new trend in the travel industry - menopause retreats. Women are embracing their menopausal transition and willing to pay for vacations that combine spa treatments with fitness or yoga sessions and advice on how to deal with symptoms like hot flushes.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Assoc Prof Rukshini to find out more about how menopause affects women, how safe HRT is as well as other ways of managing the symptoms.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:07 When do women in Singapore experience menopause
2:20 How does it affect the body?
6:46 What other issues should menopausal women be aware of?
13:36 When should women seek help for the symptoms they experience?
19:33 Misconceptions of hormone replacement therapy
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim & Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
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Find out more about the possible support that companies can give to people with mental health conditions.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Content warning: This podcast discusses suicidal feelings.
Having a mental health condition can make work life pretty challenging sometimes, so should you tell your bosses about it? How should you go about doing that and what can companies do to support their employees who have mental health challenges.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to two guests.
Min Hui is a suicide survivor and a volunteer at mental health charity Resillience Collective (RC).
She talks about her mental health journey and how it has been like for her to be open about her mental health conditions at work.
Nicholas Lee is the executive director of RC. He shares his personal mental health story, what he has done for staff with mental health conditions and offers suggestions on what companies can do to support their employees recovering from mental health conditions.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:56 Minhui’s mental health journey and how she let a suicidal thought pass.
4:24 What happened after Minhui told her bosses about her mental health conditions
8:41 How Minhui’s superior supported her after an unpleasant work episode
15:32 Nick’s pragmatic approach to his mental health condition
24:25 Involving HR when it comes to supporting mental health persons in recovery
30:50 Should you disclose your mental health conditions at the job interview?
Helplines
MENTAL WELL-BEING
- Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours)
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
• Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 - Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
- Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
- Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
COUNSELLING
- TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
- TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555
- Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
- Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
ONLINE RESOURCES
- mindline.sg
- eC2.sg
- tinklefriend.sg
- chat.mentalhealth.sg
• carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25) - limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
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Each follow on the audio apps below and a rating really helps us! Happy listening!
Synopsis: A brand new feature is within The Straits Times app, which you can download from the Apple app store or the Google Play store. For those of you who already have it, the latest version update now has a dedicated Podcast Section, where you can listen to our latest incoming show episodes and check out back episodes too.
You can also choose to follow our podcast RSS feeds, or the shows on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
If you have a smart home speaker like the Google Home or Nest device, or your Android phone, just say: “Hey Google, play me (name of any of the shows below) or The Straits Times Podcasts.”
Get The Straits Times app from
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
Produced & edited by: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) & Teo Tong Kai
Follow ST Podcasts:
Channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukK
Spotify: https://str.sg/wukH
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Discover more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7
The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB
Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX
stpodcasttr
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Find out what these 'circles' of resilience are.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Peer support groups are a regular gathering of persons with lived experiences of mental health conditions. They have come together to support one another, and the mental health support they offer is what you can only get from someone who has been where you are.
To learn more about peer support groups and the help they offer, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts two participants from a monthly peer support group at a local mental health charity Resilience Collective (RC).
They are Min, a 25-year-old aspiring nurse and counsellor, and Teo Guoxiang, a 35-year-old assistant manager with the Programmes Team at RC, whom Min addresses as GX. Hear about their personal stories, what it takes to join a peer support group and how joining such a group - which RC calls Circles of Resilience - has helped them.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:05 What is a 'Resilience Collective'?; Why Min joined a peer support group
9:29 The agreement you have to sign upon becoming a member of a peer support group
12:17 How GX joined Resilience Collection (RC) and eventually became a staff member
16:54 How the peer support group helped Min and GX
20:36 Things to be aware of before joining a peer support group; the difference it has made
Helplines
MENTAL WELL-BEING
• Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
• Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
• Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
• Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
• Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
• Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
COUNSELLING
• TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
• TOUCH Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
• Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
• Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
ONLINE RESOURCES
• moht.com.sg/mindline-sg
• eC2.sg
• tinklefriend.sg
• chat.mentalhealth.sg
• carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
• limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Our guest is overseeing Singapore's three-phase National Precision Medicine programme.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Precision medicine - sometimes known as personalised medicine or health - is an innovative approach to tailoring disease prevention and treatment that takes into account differences in people's genes, environments, and lifestyles.
Professor Patrick Tan, the executive director of Precision Health Research, Singapore (Precise), the entity set up to implement the current phase of Singapore’s three-phase National Precision Medicine programme, is our guest in this episode.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with him about what precision health is, the ground-breaking research being done in Singapore, and how the entity is working with clinicians to pilot the implementation of precision medicine programmes in the healthcare system.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:16 What is precision health?
2:58 Lessons from the SG10k study
4:43 Status of the current SG100k study
8:28 The ongoing precision health pilots
12:35 An issue raised by participants in the SG10k study
25:01 What can we expect in the future of precision health?
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Paxton Pang
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Mental health applications have grown in popularity over the years, with more employers turning to such apps to help improve their employees’ mental well-being.
They typically offer online guides and mental health information and can link users up with a counsellor or coach, if needed.
But, just how useful are these apps? Who’s using the apps? And are they safe to use? To find out more, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Oliver Suendermann, the clinical director of Intellect, a Singapore headquartered-company that has been growing speedily since it was founded in 2019. It has expanded into the region and now serves three million users.
Dr Suendermann, a permanent resident, sheds light on their users’ needs, what they offer - mostly coaches - and discusses what people can look out for before they use a mental health app.
Highlights (click/tap above):
0:38 What’s typical in a mental health app?
5:30 The Intellect mental health platform is staffed by mostly coaches, not psychologists
13:28 Three things to look out for before using a mental health app
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Paxton Pang and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The future of end-of-life options with dignity in Singapore.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Many people wish to die in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones. However, the reality is that it is not so easy to do so yet.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Ms Sim Bee Hia, the executive director of the Singapore Hospice Council, about the challenges involved.
They also discussed what the fraternity plans to do to make it easier for people to live out their lives at home.
Highlights (click/tap above):
0:49 The challenges to enable someone to die at home if they wish to
4:18 Empowering caregivers
9:42 How will it look like in the future for someone to die at home
12:11 The role that primary care doctors can play
16:17 Importance of death literacy
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Paxton Pang and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our guest shares her experience with depression and suicidal ideation and how she overcame the unhealthy thoughts.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Recent data from non-profit suicide prevention centre Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) showed that 476 suicide deaths were reported in Singapore in 2022, the highest since 2000.
Of the deaths in 2022, 125 involved those aged 10 to 29. This was 13 more than in 2021 and another high since 2000, which marks SOS’ earliest recorded data.
Suicide is complex but it is preventable. In this episode, ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Ms Sabrina Ooi, the chief executive and co-founder of Calm Collective Asia, which aims to normalise mental health conversations in Asia.
Ms Ooi is 33. She was diagnosed with depression at 24, battled suicidal thoughts and lives with bipolar disorder.
Highlights (click/tap above):
4:38 Why we need to understand why a depressed person might see suicide as a "solution"
7:33 Sabrina Ooi shares how her dad prevented her from committing suicide on another occasion
9:28 How can we help a depressed person, who may also have suicidal thoughts?
14:18 Tips for parents/caregivers: A listening ear and encouragement to seek professional medical help is better than seeking instant internal family solutions
20:08 Being diagnosed with major depression at the age of 24; why being able to talk and not fearing judgment is crucial
29:23 Can mental health conditions be managed early in the same way general health matters are treated?
Listen to our previous live recording at Temasek Shophouse that featured Sabrina Ooi as one of our guests: https://str.sg/iwkc
HELPLINES
MENTAL WELL-BEING:
- Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours)
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
• Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 - Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
- Community Health Assessment Team: 6493-6500/1
COUNSELLING:
- TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
- TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555
- Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
- Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
ONLINE RESOURCES:
- Mindline: https://str.sg/ii4C
- StayPrepared: https://str.sg/ii4y
- ec2.sg: https://str.sg/ii4F
- Tinklefriend: https://str.sg/ii4t
- Youth People’s Minds Matter: https://str.sg/ii4v
• https://str.sg/iiok (for those aged 13 to 25)
• https://str.sg/iioZ (for those aged 12 to 25)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Our guests share how they dealt with their mental ups and downs.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
ST podcasts is five years old! To celebrate our 5th anniversary, we recorded this episode live at Temasek Shophouse with three guests, and the topic was on youth mental health.
Young people are a lot more open to talking about their mental health challenges these days, but there’s still quite a lot of stigma surrounding mental health. To normalise mental health conversations, Straits Times senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to three mental health advocates.
The first guest is Singaporean national swimmer Quah Ting Wen, a three-time Olympian who recently earned the prestigious title of Best Athlete at the 2023 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held in Cambodia.
The second guest is Sherman Ho, the co-founder of Happiness initiative, a social enterprise that focuses on well-being research and runs well-being programmes in schools, for companies and in the community.
The third guest is Sabrina Ooi, the co-founder & CEO of Calm Collective Asia, an organisation with the mission to normalise mental health conversations amongst professionals in Asia, through talks, programmes and roundtables.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:16 Ting Wen on life as a professional swimmer (it is not always rosy!)
2:57 Sherman on being in the happiness business, and talking about unhappiness
4:11 Sabrina talks about her past, when she was haunted by suicidal thoughts and how its normal to not feel well mentally
9:31 How Ting Wen’s first two years of college in the United States was like
18:40 Tips on what to do when someone talks to you about their mental health
Listen to our other live recording at Temasek Shophouse for Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/iUyv
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
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Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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How to create safer, healthier online environments to protect children.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In May, the United States surgeon general Dr Vivek Murthy, who is known as the nation’s doctor, issued an advisory on social media and youth mental health to warn young people of the possible effects of excessive social media use.
Dr Murthy said that social media started only about a decade ago and there is not enough research at the moment to show that it is safe for adolescents and children.
He thus issued a call for not just families and young people, but policymakers, technology companies, and researchers to gain a better understanding of the full impact of social media use, to maximise the benefits and minimise the harms of social media platforms, and create safer, healthier online environments to protect children.
In Singapore, it is not uncommon to see upper primary school children with their own mobile phones. Some teachers use WhatsApp to communicate with their secondary school students.
In this episode, ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Ms Joanne Wong, the head of Touch Cyber Wellness, a service of Touch Community Services, about the issues that she sees in Singapore, and what parents and young people can do to protect themselves.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:29 Youth social media consumption issues in Singapore
4:41 Signs of excessive social media use
7:51 How parents can help children understand the importance of having a life outside of social media
13:15 Cyber wellness issues in Singapore
21:25 What parents can do to protect youths from social media harms
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Read more: https://str.sg/iJqa
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Find out too, why the link between the gut and brain must not be ignored.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition that causes recurrent episodes of diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain. Stress can trigger or worsen it, which is why the link between the gut and brain or what is known as the gut-brain axis must not be ignored in the treatment of complex cases, said Dr Andrew Ong, a consultant gastroenterologist at the Singapore General Hospital, who runs a weekly IBS clinic at the hospital for hard-to-treat IBS cases.
Still, when it comes to IBS, the first question that he gets from patients often concerns food. So, in part two of a two-parter on IBS, Dr Ong chats with ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo about diet and IBS.
Listen to Pt 1: Can stress trigger IBS? - https://str.sg/i3YP
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:59 Type of foods that can cause problems for those with IBS
13:31 Are mushrooms a good choice for those with IBS?
18:35 The difference between food intolerance and food allergy
20:44 Tips on keeping the gut healthy
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Read more: https://str.sg/iJqa
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
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SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Find out why stress is not the root cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), though it can trigger or worsen IBS.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Many people think that stress can cause IBS or irritable bowel syndrome, a common condition that causes recurrent episodes of diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain. But this is not true.
Stress can trigger or worsen IBS, but it is not the root cause, says Dr Andrew Ong, a consultant gastroenterologist at the Singapore General Hospital, who runs a weekly IBS clinic at the hospital for hard-to-treat IBS cases.
In this episode hosted by Straits Times senior health correspondent Joyce Teo, Dr Ong also talks about how the brain and the gut are linked, the approach he takes at the weekly clinic and how it has helped some patients.
This is the first of a two-part series with Dr Ong on gastrointestinal issues, of which IBS is the most common condition. In the next episode, Dr Ong talks to Joyce about the foods to avoid if one has IBS, and the difference between food intolerance and food allergy.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:17 The link between our gut and brain
3:09 What is irritable bowel syndrome?
8:14 Misconceptions of lactose intolerance
11:54 How does a psychologist help with treatment
17:24 Example of a patient at the weekly clinic
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Read more: https://str.sg/iJqa
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Our expert guest explains the importance of parent-child relationships to build resilience in children.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In this episode, Straits Times senior health correspondent Joyce Teo invites educational psychologist Danielle Seah to talk about what parents can do to help build resilience in children.
Ms Seah said parents need to spend the time and make the effort to connect and bond with their children. One of the most important factor for children to develop resilience is for them to have at least one stable relationship with a parent or caregiver, she said.
In the podcast, she also discussed the common mistakes that parents make, when it comes to building resilience, as well as some of the questions in a booklet titled Raising A Resilient Child, such as “why does your child suffer from emotional regulation?” and “why can’t your child control his/her behaviours?”.
Ms Seah wrote the booklet together with senior psychologist Kelly Lee, as part of the recent Youth Epidemiology and Resilience (YEAR) study conducted by the Mind Science Centre at the National University of Singapore. They are both now working in the private sector.
The free booklet, which was released last year and available online, addresses the common questions that parents have, based on the factors on the Singapore Youth Resilience Scale, which examines the resilience profiles of youths in the country.
The 10 Domains of Resilience identified under the scale are
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Emotional Regulation
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Personal Control
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Personal Confidence/Responsibility
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Flexibility
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Perseverance
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Optimisim/Positive Self-image
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Positive Coping
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Humour/Positive Thinking
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Relationships/Social Support
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Spiritually/Faith
Resilience is the ability to cope with difficult life experiences. It is a dynamic process that can change depending on the moment and situation. It is also defined by an individual’s characteristics (character, beliefs and experiences) and the context, said the Mind Science Centre.
The centre, which worked with some schools here for the YEAR study said that it is also the interaction between biology and environment that builds a student’s ability to cope with adversity and to overcome threats to healthy development.
Led by Associate Professor John Wong, the study had found that only about one in 10 parents observed signs of distress in their children, but one in three adolescents reported such symptoms. Prof Wong, the Lin Jo Yan and Yeo Boon Khim Professor in Mental Health and Neuroscience, had said that it is a timely call for parents to develop a relationship with their children when they are young.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:06 What an educational psychologist does?
4:56: Mistakes that parents often make
12:26 How does "letting go", build resilience in the child?
16:30 Tips for raising a resilient child
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Special edition series:
True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Explores a healthy keto diet, an effective way to lose weight without causing an increase in bad cholesterol levels.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Dieting is very challenging for many people. In fact, most people regain the weight they lost, after a year, but what if you need to lose some weight because of your health. Obesity is, after all, a disease that increases the risk of other health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea and others. There are also others who are keen to shed some weight to prevent obesity, become overweight, or just to shed 1-2 kg of weight.
In this episode, we will look at another way of losing weight. We speak to Dr Lim Su Lin, the chief dietitian at the National University Hospital (NUH) to find out what her healthy keto diet is about, how it is different from the traditional keto diet, and how she gets people who need to lose weight to stay on the diet.
Dr Lim held a press event recently to talk about how the diet has benefitted many trial participants, who are from the hospital. She said the healthy keto diet is an effective diet for those who are overweight or have obesity and want to lose weight safely. It also does not lead to higher bad cholesterol levels. This diet is, however, not suitable for some groups of people, including those who are pregnant, underweight or have eating disorders.
In her conversation with podcast host Joyce Teo, a Straits Times senior health correspondent, Dr Lim also discussed the type of cooking oils to go and gave examples of low-carbohydrate fruits.
Highlights (click/tap above):
0:57 Is the healthy keto diet mainly about carb reduction and healthy eating?
6:38 What makes healthy keto diet different from the rest?
11:04 Examples of healthy fats and low carb foods
13:40 Examples of low carb fruits
15:23 What are the mistakes people make when going on keto diet?
19:34 1 day sample menu of healthy keto diet
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Special edition series:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Might this miracle drug be the answer to curing obesity?
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Obesity is a huge and complex problem. It is linked to Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, back pain and so many other health issues. However, there aren’t many anti-obesity medications out there.
Wegovy is not just a new prescription drug for those with obesity or high-risk body mass index, but one that is more effective and better tolerated than the current crop of treatments.
Its active ingredient is semaglutide, which was first developed to help Type 2 diabetes patients with blood sugar control, but then found to be effective in helping them lose weight as well.
Another brand of semaglutide called Ozempic, which is a lower-dose version meant for those with Type 2 diabetes had hit the market earlier. Both Ozempic and Wegovy have gone viral on social media for their off-label use as a weight loss drug.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Khoo Chin Meng, the head and senior consultant at the National University Hospital’s Division of Endocrinology to find out more about the obesity problem and how semaglutide can help those with the chronic disease.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:22 Is the obesity problem getting worse in Singapore?
3:01 Is Ozempic the answer to the obesity problem in Singapore?
5:36 Side effects of Ozempic
7:15 Cost and accessibility of Ozempic
9:56 Do you need to take Ozempic regularly for it to be effective?
14:14 Can Wegovy replace Bariatric surgery?
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Special edition series:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Our expert guests explain how mental health charity Mindset helps recovering patients.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Gaining employment can boost the self-esteem of someone who is recovering from a mental illness and facilitate their recovery. But the discrimination against people with mental illnesses may make it difficult for them to find work. The challenges that come with their illnesses may also make it hard for them to conform to traditional work norms such as fixed working hours. But there is help from mental health charities in the community.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more about how Mindset, a mental health charity of the Jardine Matheson Group in Singapore, is helping mental health persons in recovery, find jobs as a way to reintegrate back into society. She speaks with the CEO of Mindset, Jeffery Tan and the head of Mindset, Ms Colyn Chua.
She asks them about the challenges these persons face and what employers can do to not just help them, but to raise awareness of mental health in general. She also asks Jeffery, who's also group general counsel and the chief sustainability officer of Jardine Cycle & Carriage, under the Jardine Matheson Group, if he has spoken openly about his mental health in the workplace.
Highlights (click/tap above):
3:51 What jobs are available through Mindset?
8:34 Daily challenges faced by those in mental health recovery
10:59 Employer concerns regarding hiring those in mental health recovery
15:46 Understanding different types of mental health conditions
19:27 Tackling the stigma surrounding mental health disorders
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Special edition series:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Our expert guest discusses the importance of early detection.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In Singapore, around 2,000-3,000 people have a rare disease. One of them is Hereditary Angioedema or HAE, which is a rare genetic disorder that results in recurrent unprovoked swelling of various sites of the body, including the stomach, genitals or throat.
There are about 20 HAE cases in Singapore, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital manages the largest pool of HAE patients among the public hospitals.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more about it from Dr Tan Sze-Chin, a Senior Consultant from the Department of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology at TTSH. He talks about the need for early screening and detection because acute swelling of the larynx can block the airway and result in fatal consequences. TTSH has set up a local HAE registry.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:16 Frequency of Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) attacks; what actions can individuals take to manage them?
5:45 What can you do if you are diagnosed with HAE
7:37 If you have symptoms, where should you go for help?
15:47 If you are an index case, what can you do?
18:44 Difficulties in caring for individuals with HAE
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast channels:
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Special edition series:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2
Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn
Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Find out why your brain cells can still grow at the age of 40 onwards, contrary to previous scientific notions.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Singapore has just launched an updated action plan for successful ageing to help Singaporeans live life to the fullest as they age. At the launch, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who helms the Ministerial Committee on Ageing called ageing “the most significant social development in Singapore”. It is estimated that by 2030, one in four people here will be 65 and above. More seniors will also be living alone.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Professor Kua Ee Heok, the Tan Geok Yin Professor in psychiatry and neuroscience at the National University of Singapore. He’s also the vice-chairman of the Mind Science Centre, an academic research centre at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, under the National University Health System.
They discuss what we can do about ageing and dementia.
Prof Kua has published 370 research papers and 35 books on mental health, ageing, stress, and addiction. His first novel, ‘Listening to Letter from America’ is used in a course on anthropology at Harvard University.
In the episode, Prof Kua spoke about a Jurong study and mentioned the Letter from America programme. The Jurong ageing study is a 10-year study on positive ageing and dementia prevention. It started in 2013 with the aim of preventing and alleviating symptoms of depression and dementia in the elderly residents of Jurong.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:01 Why is ageing now viewed more negatively?
7:08 The mental aspect of ageing
11:14 Debunking the ageing myth
16:02 How to age happily
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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This question is nuanced, so find out who could benefit from repeated boosters.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
It has been about three years since the Covid-19 virus was detected here, and Singapore has transitioned to living with it. Bivalent boosters are now available at all Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres, and selected Polyclinics and participating Public Health Preparedness Clinics. The urgency to get the boosters, however, seems to have waned considerably.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang, an expert on infectious diseases and the vice-dean of global health at the National University of Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, to find out more about the need to get a second booster.
Highlights (click/tap above):
0:40 Do you need a Covid booster shot?
3:49 Misconceptions of booster shot side effects
6:04 Is there a difference between the two bivalent vaccines in Singapore? Should there be a big worry about the impact of China's infections on the world?
8:52 Precautions that children should take
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought greater awareness to mental health. Young people, in particular, are more open to talking about their mental health, but if they need to find a listening ear for their stress after office hours or late on Saturday night, where can they find the support?
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more about a new after-hours support service from Chat, called Chatline. She hosts three guests in the studio. They are Ms Lee Yi Ping, a Principal Case Manager at the Institute of Mental Health and the Programme Lead for Chat, Ms Sheryl Yue, a youth volunteer at Chatline and Ms Ashley Poo, a student who’s a Chatline client.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:06 Ms Lee on Chatline, an after-office hours peer support service aimed at youth aged 13-25; how to enrol
4:56 Ashley on getting help for mental health issues
7:32 Experiences with Chatline: How is it helpful?
11:48 Sheryl on volunteering for Chatline: Lending a helping hand
15:04 Training for Chatline volunteers; on what peer support is
Enrol for Chatline:
Self-referral form: https://form.gov.sg/63043aa508b16f0013bf7b7e
Email: chatline@mentalhealth.sg
MORE HELPLINES
Samaritans of Singapore (Hotline: 1-767; CareText: WhatsApp 9151 1767) (24-hour)
Singapore Association for Mental Health (1800 283 7019)
Institute Of Mental Health: 6389-2222 (24-hour)
Silver Ribbon Singapore (6386 1928)
Tinkle Friend (7 – 12 years) (1800 2744 788)
Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Come next year, Singapore will launch its major preventive health strategy Healthier SG, which will include free cancer screening for three cancer - colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer. Are these enough? Should you pay to screen for other cancers? Should you pay for a cancer marker test?
To answer these questions and more, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Wong Seng Weng, the medical director and consultant medical oncologist of The Cancer Centre under the Singapore Medical Group.
Highlights (click/tap above):
0:57 Advice for cancer screening in Singapore
7:09 Family cancer history that might affect you
12:09 Faecal Immunochemcial Test - is it accurate?
18:05 Are the health screening packages in the market recommended?
27:36 Advice for people: when should you start screening?
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In this episode, find out how to spot stroke symptoms and what happens after a stroke patient gets to the hospital.
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is restricted. It can be due to the blockage of blood vessels (ischaemic stroke) or bleeding in the brain (haemorrhagic stroke). Data from the latest Singapore Stroke Registry Annual Report, which is for 2020, showed that stroke cases have risen to 8,846 in 2020, up from 5,890 in 2010.
Stroke is a life-threatening condition and the acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time) is used to remember the signs of a stroke. Still, this can be missed.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Professor Deidre Anne De Silva, the head and senior consultant at the Department of Neurology in the National Neuroscience Institute (Singapore General Hospital campus).
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:12 Why every minute counts; emergency treatment means calling 995 for an ambulance, not delaying
6:26 What happens when you get treated faster within 4.5 hours, or after delaying it for 24 hours
10:51 Early stroke symptoms to look out for
19:53 Prof De Silva's advice for stroke awareness and prevention; 4 out 5 strokes are actually preventable
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In this episode, we look at why you should start insuring yourself against critical illnesses when you are in your 20s or early 30s.
Cancer, heart attacks and stroke are three common critical illnesses in Singapore. We are living longer but we may be spending more time in poor health. Looking at government statistics, we can see that in Singapore, cardiovascular disease accounted for 32 per cent of all deaths in 2021. This means that almost one out of three deaths in Singapore is due to heart disease or stroke. Spotting a stroke early can help to save a life. Recovery after a stroke, however, may take a long time..
Most millennials and Gen Z are busy establishing their careers. Growing their wealth is likely to take priority over protecting their health, but this is the time to think about health insurance.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more from neurosurgeon Dr Chou Ning from Chou Neuroscience Clinic and Eddy Lim, who is the head of Propositions and Portfolio Management, at Great Eastern. This episode is brought to you by Great Eastern: https://str.sg/w9qr
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:15 Incidence of stroke among younger age groups is about 10-15% of entire stroke cohort
3:15 Among survivors of stroke, 50% would still be chronically disabled after one year
4:10 Risk of recurring stroke within the next five years
6:39 Avoiding placing financial burden on your parents; plans that can cost as low as $20 a month to cover critical illnesses
9:11 Dr Chou on a recent case of a healthy 46-year-old patient who came in with some weakness in his left hand; eventually diagnosed with a small ischaemic stroke
11:54 Tip: Consider cover critical illnesses one time, and covering recurrence with a rider for a second payout
More about Great Eastern's Great Critical Cover Series: https://str.sg/w9qV
Help cancer survivors in their rehab journey: https://str.sg/w9qC
About Great Eastern: https://str.sg/w9qy
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Organ donation usually takes place after brain death, which is when there is total and irreversible loss of brain function. A patient with brain death cannot breathe on his own, and cannot recover, but his organs may still function for some time as he is supported on a ventilator. This is when conversations on organ donations typically take place.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Associate Professor Tan Hui Ling, the Assistant Chairman of the Medical Board, Clinical Quality and Audit, and a senior consultant at the Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine department at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) to find out more about the organ donation process and address some of the concerns that people may have about it.
At TTSH, Prof Tan spearheaded a programme to train the multi-disciplinary ICU teams (doctors, nurses, medical social workers) on the management of brain death and organ donation.
She was the director of TTSH's neurological Intensive Care Unit and chair of the hospital’s Brain Death and Organ Donation Taskforce from 2010 to 2018. Prof Tan was awarded the National Healthcare Group’s Distinguished Achievement Award this year for her various contributions.
In Singapore, under the Human Organ Transplant Act, all citizens and permanent residents will be considered as organ donors, unless they opt out of it. The act allows for the kidneys, heart, liver and corneas to be donated for transplantation in the event of death.
There is also the Medical Therapy, Education and Research Act, which is a voluntary opt-in scheme that allows any individual aged 18 and above to donate his or her organs, tissues or even the whole body upon death, for transplantation, education and research.
In 2017, the National Organ Transplant Unit introduced the donor coordinator role to better support potential brain-dead donor families. This donation specialist will support the donor family and address their queries or concerns on the donation process. When the donor assessment starts, the transplant coordinator takes over.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:26 Organ donation rates in Singapore
3:41 Process of organ donations
7:04 Story about an organ donor
17:16 What can be done to speed up organ waiting time?
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Mental health stigma is what happens when a person with a mental illness is seen in a negative light. It can lead to discrimination, as a person may be treated differently because of his or her mental illness. This stigma often stems from a lack of understanding of mental illness.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Ms Porsche Poh, the executive director of Silver Ribbon (Singapore), about her work in combating mental health stigma. Silver Ribbon is a non-profit organisation that aims to combat mental health stigma through improving mental health literacy. She co-founded Silver Ribbon in 2006 with Helen Lee and Sally Choo, who were then her colleagues at the Institute of Mental Health.
Highlights (click/tap above):
4:03 Effects of mental health stigma
7:29 Work-life mental health: What can companies do to improve employee's mental health
10:47 What can be done to reduce mental health stigma in Singapore
12:02 Adversities Silver Ribbon faced
In the podcast, Porsche mentioned that there’s a Beyond The Label media guide for journalists reporting on mental health issues. This guide was launched in 2021 by Singapore’s National Council of Social Service under its Beyond The Label campaign that seeks to address the stigmas faced by persons with mental health conditions.
HELPLINES
National Care: 1800-202-6868
Samaritans Of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
Singapore Association For Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Institute Of Mental Health's Mobile Crisis Service: 6389-2222
Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928
Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 and www.tinklefriend.sg
Community Health Assessment Team: 6493-6500 and www.chat.mentalhealth.sg
TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim, Teo Tong Kai, and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Suicide is a complex phenomenon, one that is not yet fully understood. It's why the Institute of Mental Health has embarked on the first psychological autopsy in Singapore, to study to explore and analyse the risk factors for suicide.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Ms Jacqueline Pak. She is 42 and the head of corporate affairs in a boutique consultancy firm. She lost her father to suicide when she was 17. She shares the impact it has had on her life.
If you're having thoughts of suicide or know someone feeling suicidal, please reach out for help, and we have included helplines below.
To find out more about the study, you can e-mail: imhresearch@imh.com.sg
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:10 Ms Pak recalls when her dad died of suicide when she was 17
6:55 Anger, denial and guilt in her family, following his suicide; harsh reactions from friends
13:40 Challenge in getting help back then: Being told how to feel and what to do
16:50 How one doctor changed her life after she left to work in Australia at 26
23:30 Why Ms Pak is participating in the new IMH survey and what it took for her to do this interview; breaking the vicious circle of taboo
28:45 Ms Pak's tips for suicide survivors and those who have lost loved ones through suicide
HELPLINES
National Care: 1800-202-6868
Samaritans Of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
Singapore Association For Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Institute Of Mental Health's Mobile Crisis Service: 6389-2222
Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928
Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 and www.tinklefriend.sg
Community Health Assessment Team: 6493-6500 and www.chat.mentalhealth.sg
TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Fa'izah Sani and Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
A white paper on the new national preventive care strategy known as Healthier SG is out. The Ministry of Health has submitted it to Parliament and it will be debated in October 2022. The plan is to launch it in the second half of 2023, when those aged 60 and above will be invited to enrol with a primary care clinic. In the next two years following that, those aged 40-59 will be invited to do so.
With Healthier SG, the government will place greater emphasis on preventive care than on sick care. It’s a major transformation of the healthcare system, driven by capitation funding, that is aimed at helping the rapidly ageing population here to stay healthy longer.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks toassociate Professor Jeremy Lim, the director of the Leadership Institute for Global Health Transformation at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
Highlights (click/tap above):
2:20 Critical for family doctors to enrol in system; inertia the biggest enemy for public
3:13 The first cohort of 60 and above: Why drug subsidies to bring GP pricing closer to that of polyclinics will be attractive
6:53 Make better use of Healthier SG care plan, with digital tools healthhub.sg and the Healthy 365 app
9:00 Free nationally-recommended health screenings and vaccinations, including flu jabs, with co-payment benefits resulting in actual cash savings
9:39 Prof Lim on why this is “very real free money” to help individuals live healthier lives, and his personal advice once enrolment opens
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
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Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
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healthcheck
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Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
The Singapore Government is keen to boost support for palliative care to help more end-of-life patients spend their remaining time at home, if they prefer to do so. For every patient who chooses to die in the comfort of his or her own home, there has to be a caregiver willing to provide the care.
In the previous two episodes, we covered what palliative care is about, how it can help a dying person live well and what it takes to see more end-of-life patients live out their last days at home.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo discusses the practical and emotional realities of what to expect when caring for a dying person at home, with Mr Tay Jia Sen, a medical social worker at HCA Hospice, the largest home hospice care provider in Singapore.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:04 When does hospice care start? Jia Sen describes a typical hospice "home visit" assessment
6:09 Helping patients who are unable to accept death
9:25 How hospice care supports caregivers; mental preparation
14:45 End-of-life symptoms to look out for when you're caring for someone at home
19:28 What happens after the patient dies?
22:27 Advice for caregivers
Listen to Health Check Ep 89: What can be done to help more end-of-life patients fulfil their wish of dying at home?: https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/what-can-be-done-to-help-more-end-of-life-patients
Listen to Health Check Ep 88: Preparing for a good death with palliative care: https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/let-s-talk-about-palliative-care
Listen to In Your Opinion Ep 9: Let’s talk about death and end-of-life plans: https://omny.fm/shows/in-your-opinion/let-s-talk-about-death
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong
Kai & Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
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Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
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healthcheck
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Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In Singapore, deaths happen more in hospitals than in the patients' own homes, even though a Lien Foundation survey conducted back in 2014 had found that many people would prefer to die at home, surrounded by loved ones. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said recently that the governmentwants to help more people fulfil this wish by boosting palliative care support. Conversations about death and dying are difficult but crucial to understanding a person's end-of-life wishes, as well as the fact that dying is a part of life.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Clinical Associate Professor Alethea Yee, a senior consultant from the Division of Supportive & Palliative Care at the National Cancer Centre Singapore. She was the head of the division before she was seconded to Assisi Hospice to be the Clinical Director in 2018. Dr Yee is also the deputy head of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Supportive & Palliative Care Centre as well as the education director of the Lien Centre for Palliative Care at Duke-NUS.
She asks Dr Yee what can be done to make it possible for more end-of-life patients to die at home if they want to do so. They both talk about the role of day hospices as well as the challenges and some recent developments in the palliative care sector.
This is Part Two of their conversation on palliative care. In the first episode, they discuss what palliative care is about, how it can help a person live well before leaving, and the story of a patient who received the help she needed to fulfil her last wish.
Highlights (click/tap above):
0.52 What can be done to help more patients die at home if they wish to?
3:00 Mindset shift of Singapore's society
5:15 Who can benefit from hospice and daycare services?
6:29 Are people more receptive to day hospice centres?
8:05 Challenges and changes in the palliative care sector
Listen to In Your Opinion Ep 9: Let’s talk about death and end-of-life plans: https://omny.fm/shows/in-your-opinion/let-s-talk-about-death
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Penelope Lee and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
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healthcheck
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Synopsis: This podcast series is based on selected chapters from a book detailing Singapore’s experience battling the Covid-19 pandemic. The book - written by journalists of The Straits Times and edited by ST’s executive editor Sumiko Tan - is titled In This Together: Singapore's Covid-19 Story and is available in major bookstores. Details online: https://www.stbooks.sg/
In this sixth and final instalment, ST's executive editor Sumiko Tan looks at how thousands of Singaporeans celebrated the country’s 57th birthday on Aug 9, 2022 at the Marina Bay floating platform. The day before, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had said in his National Day message that Singapore was in a much better place in its fight against the coronavirus.
Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)
1:43 Spectators at the parade say life has returned to normal, as they relish being among more than 25,000 attendees
2:45 PM Lee on why Singapore is in a "much better position". This follows a key turning point on April 26, 2022
5:15 Permanent secretary Pang Kin Keong, who heads the Homefront Crisis Executive Group, on how it had been more than two long years of high alert for public servants
6:46 Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on why Singapore will not declare a "Freedom Day" from Covid yet; Omicron subvariants fail to shake confidence
11:00 When will Covid-19 end? Mr Ong on booster shots becoming part of regular life and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on "feeling the stones" as Singapore "crosses the river"
12:35 PM Lee on why unity as a nation is crucial to move beyond this "test of a generation"
Produced by: Sumiko Tan (sumiko@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Audio snippets: Courtesy of MCI SINGAPORE, PSD Singapore & GOVSG YouTube
Closing music courtesy of NDPeeps' Spotify - Lo-fi cover of Home: https://str.sg/wRhu
Follow Singapore's War On Covid podcast series here:
Channel: https://str.sg/wuJa
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Sumiko Tan's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhe
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
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stcovidbook
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Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Palliative care is in the spotlight of late, with the authorities aiming to boost support in the sector to enable more people to make the most of the time they have left. It is an approach that aims to help a person living with a life-threatening illness to cope not only with the physical symptoms, but also other concerns, such as those about the inevitability of death.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo interviews Clinical Associate Professor Alethea Yee, a senior consultant from the Division of Supportive & Palliative Care at the National Cancer Centre Singapore. She was the head of the division before she was seconded to Assisi Hospice to be the Clinical Director in 2018. Dr Yee is also the deputy Head of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Supportive & Palliative Care Centre as well as the Education Director of the Lien Centre for Palliative Care at Duke-NUS.
Highlights (click/tap above):
01:10 What is palliative care?
02:04 How is palliative care different from hospice care and end-of-life care?
04:34 How is it going to be like for someone facing the end of life without palliative care?
05:46 How to access palliative care
10:10 What comes next after a patient has been referred to palliative care?
11:39 Misconceptions of palliative care
13:14 Story of a palliative care patient fulfilling her dreams
17:21 Difference between general and specialist palliative care
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Penelope Lee and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
The Big Story: https://str.sg/wuZe
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Bone health is often not the first thing on a person’s mind when it comes to health. However, it is important to prevent weakened bones, particularly in old age, so that we can continue with our everyday activities. As we age, more bone is broken down than is replaced by new bone, and losing too much bone mass can lead to osteoporosis, a disease that causes brittle bones. When your bones are weak, a simple fall can lead to a serious fracture, which will affect quality of life.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Dr Tan Li Feng, the deputy head of geriatric medicine at Alexandra Hospital, about the importance of screening for osteoporosis. They discuss her paper on the impact of frailty, falls and cognition on osteoporosis management in the oldest old, the treatment options for osteoporosis, as well as the foods that are good for your bones.
*Bone density mineral scans are available at various places, including some polyclinics. To do the scan at the polyclinic, a referral is needed. At Alexandra Hospital, for instance, this scan costs $50-$70 for subsidised patients or $150 for private patients, Dr Tan said.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:18 How do age, frailty, and cognitive impairment link to the management of osteoporosis?
2:19 When should you get your bones screened and treated?
6:48 What can you do to prevent osteoporosis?
9:56 Treatment options for osteoporosis
12:29 Diet tips to prevent osteoporosis; vitamin D & calcium supplements recommended?
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
The Big Story: https://str.sg/wuZe
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
The Institute of Mental Health or IMH is adopting trauma-informed care throughout the organisation. It's an approach that assumes that a person is more likely than not to have experienced a traumatic event. And it seeks to not re-traumatise patients or blame them for their efforts to manage their symptoms. In trauma-informed care, you would ask "What happened to you?” instead of "What's wrong with you?"
In the second part of our series on trauma-informed care, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Ms Tracy Wee. Principal Medical Social Worker at the Institute of Mental Health. She finds out how parents can make use of the approach to help their children, who may have been bullied or experienced a traumatic event.
In the earlier episode on trauma-informed care, Joyce hosted Dr Ann-Marie Aboud Lo Castro, principal clinical psychologist at the department of developmental psychiatry and the project lead of the trauma-informed care approach at IMH. They discussed what trauma-informed care is about, the common traumatic events among children seeking help today and how the approach can benefit others.
Highlights (click/tap above):
1:34 Importance of being trauma-informed
3:16 How can parents cope with their children's mental problems?
7:30 What can parents do to support their children?
10:01 What should parents avoid doing?
16:14 Tips for parents to deal with children's trauma
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai, and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
The Big Story: https://str.sg/wuZe
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Synopsis: This podcast series is based on selected chapters from a book detailing Singapore’s experience battling the Covid-19 pandemic. The book - written by journalists of The Straits Times and edited by ST’s executive editor Sumiko Tan - is titled In This Together: Singapore's Covid-19 Story and is available in major bookstores. Details online: https://www.stbooks.sg/
In this fifth of six instalments, ST's executive editor Sumiko Tan looks back at how the government communicated its Covid 19 strategy in the first two years of the pandemic. This included bringing back the 1990s sitcom character Phua Chu Kang to persuade people to get vaccinated, and setting up a hotline call centre during the hurried switch to home recovery in late 2021 when the Delta variant raged.
Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)
01:13 Snippet from viral music video featuring actor Gurmit Singh playing Phua Chu Kang; Mr Daniel Lee, an officer from the Ministry of Communications and Information, explains how the video was meant to target those in their 40s and 50s
02:50 Mr Janadas Devan, Chief of Government Communications, on the importance of maintaining public trust
06:54 Learning and adapting: The biggest comms mistake?
08:21 In 2021, the challenge was to get the elderly vaccinated; more music video campaigns rolled out in Chinese dialects, Malay and Tamil
11:25 Ms Liaw Wy-Ning, deputy director of the Case Management Contact Centre, on setting up and manning the Covid-19 hotline during the difficult Delta variant period; dealing with widespread fear, anxiety, confusion
14:25 Minister for Communications and Information Mrs Josephine Teo in Parliament in March 2022
Produced by: Sumiko Tan (sumiko@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Follow Singapore's War On Covid podcast series here:
Channel: https://str.sg/wuJa
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wu3n
Spotify: https://str.sg/wuJy
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Sumiko Tan's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhe
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
The Big Story: https://str.sg/wuZe
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
stcovidbook
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Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) is adopting trauma-informed care throughout the organisation. It's an approach that assumes that a person is more likely than not to have experienced a traumatic event. And it seeks to not re-traumatise patients or blame them for their efforts to manage their symptoms. In trauma-informed care, you would ask "What happened to you?” instead of "What's wrong with you?"
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more about this approach from Dr Ann-Marie Aboud Lo Castro, principal clinical psychologist at the department of developmental psychiatry and the project lead of the trauma-informed care approach at IMH.
Here are some of the questions addressed in this podcast: What is trauma-informed care and how new is it? What are the common traumatic events among children seeking help at IMH? How will trauma-informed care benefit these children? What does this approach look like and can it benefit others too? (Hint: It can also be applied in workplaces)
Highlights (click/tap above):
04:39 How can we identify a traumatised child?
06:09 What is trauma play?
07:56 How does being trauma-informed help understand a traumatised child?
12:27 Tips on how to deal with a traumatised child at home
16:38 How would a child be treated?
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB
Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m
SG Extra: https://str.sg/wukR
PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas
The Big Story: https://str.sg/wuZe
Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
healthcheck
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Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Traditionally, the Institute of Mental Health or IMH has focused mainly on taking care of those who are severely ill with mental disorders. Now, it also wants to look at improving the mental health of Singaporeans by helping them manage their stress.
We all need to swim and keep afloat in the sea of stress. Is there a way to do it better? Can we avoid sinking into it and does stress lead to mental illness? What’s the difference between good and bad stress?
Does having the genes for a mental illness mean that we cannot avoid becoming mentally ill? What can be done on the population level?
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo take a deep dive into stress with the chief executive officer of Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Prof Daniel Fung.
Highlights (click/tap above):
03:30 What is allostatic overload, that refers to the cumulative burden of chronic stress and life events?
06:50 Bad stress indicators and how adverse childhood experiences are predictors
10:19 Epigenetics: Studying how your behaviour and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work
13:55 How IMH wants to help people help themselves, and manage stresses of life
16:40 Prof Fung on the 3Rs to help combat stress before it overwhelms
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wsfD
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia Embed: https://str.sg/ws76
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wnBi
Discover more ST podcast series:
In Your Opinion Podcast: https://str.sg/w7Qt
SG Extra Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/st-bt/playlists/sg-extra
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Today, there are countless distractions keeping us up at night and stopping us from having a good night's sleep. Yet, sleep is one of the three pillars of a healthy lifestyle (nutrition and exercise are the other two), and in recent years, there has been much interest in how we can sleep better. But are personal measures enough to improve sleep? This, given he erosion of work-life boundaries and the overwhelming amount of digital distractions today.
In Part 2, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo continues the conversation on sleep with Professor Michael Chee, the director of the Centre for Sleep and Cognition at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore. Prof Chee has spent close to two decades studying sleep and its impact on cognition and behaviour.
Highlights (click/tap above):
00:49 Balancing structural measures with personal commitment to improve sleep
04:10 Benefits of starting school later in Singapore; effects of sleep for students
07:38 Consequence of chronic short sleep for adults and the elderly
09:12 Tips for effective short naps; should you avoid exercise at night?
10:23 Why alcohol at night really affects sleep quality; debate on caffeinated drinks
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow our previous episodes on sleep issues here: https://str.sg/w8TE
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wsfD
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia Embed: https://str.sg/ws76
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wnBi
Discover more ST podcast series:
In Your Opinion Podcast: https://str.sg/w7Qt
SG Extra Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/st-bt/playlists/sg-extra
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: This podcast series is based on selected chapters from a book, detailing Singapore’s experience battling the Covid-19 pandemic. The book - written by journalists of The Straits Times and edited by ST’s executive editor Sumiko Tan - is titled In This Together: Singapore's Covid-19 Story and is available in major bookstores now. Details online: https://www.stbooks.sg/
In this fourth of six instalments, ST's executive editor Sumiko Tan looks back at the lessons Singapore learnt from fighting the pandemic. Two, in particular, stood out: The need to quickly adapt its policies as more was known about the coronavirus in the first half of 2020, and how being prepared helped its fight.
Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)
02:18 Two biggest lessons that Singapore's government learnt from the pandemic
04:25 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong reflects on the U-turn on wearing masks
05:03 Then-Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on the importance of changing national direction when assumptions are no longer valid
06:20 Minister Lawrence Wong says the multi-ministry task force was guided by science but had to be flexible
09:00 The big bet on buying vaccines early during the coronavirus outbreak
14:53 Lessons on how to tweak future lockdowns
15:25 Using Covid-19 as a rehearsal for the Big One that is yet to come, the dreaded Disease X
Produced by: Sumiko Tan (sumiko@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Follow Singapore's War On Covid podcast series here:
Playlist: https://str.sg/wsfD
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wsPm
Spotify: https://str.sg/wsPs
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wsyN
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Sumiko Tan's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhe
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wsfD
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia Embed: https://str.sg/ws76
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wnBi
Discover more ST podcast series:
In Your Opinion Podcast: https://str.sg/w7Qt
SG Extra Podcast: https://str.sg/wXz6
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
stcovidbook
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: This podcast series is based on selected chapters from a book, detailing Singapore’s experience battling the Covid-19 pandemic. The book - written by journalists of The Straits Times and edited by ST’s executive editor Sumiko Tan - is titled In This Together: Singapore's Covid-19 Story and is available in major bookstores now. Details online: https://www.stbooks.sg/
In this third episode of six instalments, ST's executive editor Sumiko Tan tells the exclusive story of how the decision-makers in Singapore's Covid-19 "war room" managed the pandemic and why it decided to be as transparent as they could with the public.
Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)
01:25 Singapore's then-Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on how he realised back in January 2020, that the new coronavirus outbreak was beyond the efforts of one ministry
03:53 How a high-powered group of civil servants led by permanent secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry - Mr Pang Kin Keong - worked to support the ministers
05:06 Mr Gan on why the multi-ministry task force (MTF) decided to be as transparent as possible about how it dealt with Covid-19
06:44 Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean on his role in creating a structure in how the crisis was managed
08:22 PM Lee Hsien Loong on the aim to be transparent, a chain of command, making decisions guided by data, and differing views in Cabinet
14:37 PM Lee reflects on painful national decisions, such as the closure of Changi Airport and Singapore's "circuit-breaker" lockdown in April 2020
19:50 PM Lee addresses a weary nation to explain the decision to move from a strategy of zero-Covid to living with Covid
Produced by: Sumiko Tan (sumiko@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Follow Singapore's War On Covid podcast series here:
Playlist: https://str.sg/wsfD
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wsPm
Spotify: https://str.sg/wsPs
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wsyN
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Sumiko Tan's stories: https://str.sg/Jbhe
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wsfD
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia Embed: https://str.sg/ws76
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wnBi
Discover more ST podcast series:
In Your Opinion Podcast: https://str.sg/w7Qt
SG Extra Podcast: https://str.sg/wX8w
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
stcovidbook
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
We continue the conversation on sleep in this episode. Sleep is one of the three pillars of a healthy lifestyle and there has been much interest in how we can sleep better in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up our daily routines, with so many people still working from home.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Professor Michael Chee, the director of the Centre for Sleep and Cognition at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore. Prof Chee has spent close to two decades studying sleep and its impact on cognition and behaviour.
They discuss how the pandemic has affected sleep, the lessons learned from the last two years and the relevance of sleep targets set by the US-based National Sleep Foundation (NSF).
Highlights (click/tap above):
01:05 What has Covid-19 taught us about sleep?
03:39 Sleep targets set by US NSF - how relevant is it to Singapore?
06:27 Difference between self-reported sleep and objectively measured sleep
09:24 Sleep targets and recommendations differ based on individuals
13:08 Effects of sleep habits on health
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Fa'izah Sani and Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim and Fa'izah Sani
Follow our previous episodes on sleep issues here: https://str.sg/w8TE
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wsfD
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia Embed: https://str.sg/ws76
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wnBi
Discover more ST podcast series:
In Your Opinion Podcast: https://str.sg/w7Qt
SG Extra Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/st-bt/playlists/sg-extra
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
The pandemic may have changed your sleep habits, though sleeping more does not mean that you are sleeping well. So, if you’re one of those about to return to the office and finding it hard to get a good night’s sleep, it’s time to do something about it. Or if you have been struggling to fall asleep even before the pandemic, it is never too late to seek help.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Dr Leow Leong Chai, director of the Sleep Disorders Unit, and a senior consultant at the Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine at the Singapore General Hospital, about the common sleep problems that the people in Singapore face, as well as the treatments available. He also sheds light on the spooky episodes that some people have experienced in their sleep, when they felt trapped in their bodies.
In the next episode out on May 4, Joyce Teo invites a prominent sleep researcher here to talk about customising sleep. He is Professor Michael Chee, director of the Centre for Sleep and Cognition as well as the Clinical Imaging Research Centre MR Operations at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
Highlights (click/tap above):
00:56 Common sleep myths
05:41 What is sleep paralysis and what to do if you're in one?
09:33 New sleep treatments available
13:40 Different severity and types of sleep problems
20:17 Self-treatment and when to seek help
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Fa'izah Sani and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh
Follow our previous episodes on sleep issues here: https://str.sg/w8TE
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Follow ST Podcasts channel:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWVR
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU
Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Websites: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wsfD
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia Embed: https://str.sg/ws76
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wnBi
Discover more ST podcast series:
In Your Opinion Podcast: https://str.sg/w7Qt
SG Extra Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/st-bt/playlists/sg-extra
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Earlier this month, Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) said during the debate on its budget that an inter-agency team is developing a 10-minute digital drawing test to help encourage people to seek help early for dementia. It analyses how people draw certain shapes and symbols and is expected to be ready in 2024.
Seeking help early can help improve the quality of life of someone with dementia - a general term for the cognitive and behavioural symptoms, such as memory loss and an impaired ability to reason, that are typically caused by brain diseases. As the population ages, the number of people living with dementia is expected to rise.
The question is how would we know if we have dementia and when should we seek help? Is forgetfulness the key early symptom to look out for? Is there any way to arrest the changes that dementia brings?
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Dr Simon Ting, Senior Consultant, Department of Neurology, at the National Neuroscience Institute in Singapore.
Highlights (click/tap above):
01:04 Family members and caregivers important in spotting the tell-tale signs of dementia in patients
03:41 Tests that are usually done to check for dementia
06:13 Why would someone come in early to get tested for dementia?
13:27 Supplements that can help with dementia
14:25 Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is one of the conditions that can get mistaken for dementia
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Fa'izah Sani and Eden Soh
Edited by: Eden Soh and Fa'izah Sani
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion Podcast: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: This podcast series is based on selected chapters from a book, detailing Singapore’s experience battling the Covid-19 pandemic. The book - written by journalists of The Straits Times and edited by ST’s executive editor Sumiko Tan - is titled In This Together: Singapore's Covid-19 Story and is available in major bookstores now. Details online: https://www.stbooks.sg/
In this second episode of six instalments, ST's health correspondent Timothy Goh tells the story of how Singapore secretly and quickly despatched individuals and teams overseas from late January 2020, to procure masks and other essential items in the early days of the pandemic.
He reveals how Singapore managed to bring home full-scaled mask-production capabilities on the quiet.
Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)
01:25 Mr Jayakumar Manickam: Managing logistics for ST Logistics in Singapore one day, flying to India secretly the next day to secure a large shipment of masks in India for the Singapore Government
06:20 Mr Chan Chun Sing, who was Minister for Trade and Industry till May 2021, on the calculations for managing Singapore's existing stockpile of masks
07:15 Panic-buying; modern-day mask piracy even on the tarmac in various countries
08:25 Mr Gabriel Lim, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, on the "Wild Wild West-styled" global mask-buying frenzy
08:55 How Singapore quietly made plans to manufacture its own surgical masks with ST Engineering bringing back its machines, stuck in Taiwan, after an export ban on masks there
10:00 ST Engineering’s Gareth Tang on overseeing the operation
15:15 Catching up with ST Logistics’ Lian Yong De in 2022, on the made-in-Singapore mask industry, and Mr Gabriel Lim, on Singapore's capabilities in the face of the possible next big virus variant
In This Together: Singapore's Covid-19 Story retails for $28 (with GST) at major bookstores. It is also available on the Straits Times Press website: https://www.stbooks.sg/
Episode 3 will be out next on April 18, and you can find out the inner workings of Singapore’s Covid-19 War Room.
Listen to Ep 1 on how 24 people saved one life: https://str.sg/wsfD
Produced by: Timothy Goh (timgoh@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Follow Singapore's War On Covid podcast series here:
Playlist: https://str.sg/wsfD
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wsPm
Spotify: https://str.sg/wsPs
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wsyN
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Timothy Goh's stories: https://str.sg/wnaH
Follow ST Podcasts channel:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWVR
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU
Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Websites: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Discover ST's special edition podcasts:
Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wsfD
The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia Embed: https://str.sg/ws76
Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wnBi
Discover more ST podcast series:
In Your Opinion Podcast: https://str.sg/w7Qt
SG Extra Podcast: https://omny.fm/shows/st-bt/playlists/sg-extra
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
stcovidbook
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Last week (March 9), Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced that the country is working towards a model where each resident will see one regular general practitioner or polyclinic doctor for all his or her care needs. The doctor will work out a personalised care plan to help nip diseases in the bud and keep him or her out of the hospital as much as possible.
With this Healthier SG strategy, GPs will become the anchor of Singapore’s healthcare system as the country makes the shift from hospital-centric care to a more sustainable way of preventive care.
From next year (2023), each resident will be invited to enrol with a primary care doctor such as a GP to work out a personalised care plan. The details still need to be worked out. The Government said it will consult stakeholders on this strategy, and provide more details in a white paper in the second half of the year.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Adjunct Associate Professor Tan Tze Lee, a family physician and the president of the College of Family Physicians, Singapore, to find out more about how this new strategy will affect the residents here.
Highlights (click/tap above):
01:19 How will enrolling with a family physician affect residents?
05:38 Do existing patients who see the polyclinics or hospitals have to switch to this new plan?
09:02 What difference does this make if I am already going for regular check-ups?
14:10 How long will it take before we see results from this new scheme?
15:41 What would be the key challenge with this programme?
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Fa'izah Sani and Teo Tong Kai
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
In Your Opinion Podcast: https://str.sg/w7Qt
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: This podcast series is based on selected chapters from a book, detailing Singapore’s experience battling the Covid-19 pandemic. The book - written by journalists of The Straits Times and edited by ST’s executive editor Sumiko Tan - is titled In This Together: Singapore's Covid-19 Story and is available in major bookstores now. Details online: https://www.stbooks.sg/
In this first episode of six instalments, ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo tells the story of the ordeal, that Madam Irene Tan went through, after catching Covid-19 in the early days of the coronavirus outbreak in Singapore, and how, a team quickly rallied around her to save her life.
Highlights (click/tap above): (Headphones recommended)
01:25 Retired tutor Irene Tan's cautious way of life in February 2020
05:40 Likely exposure from weekly singing classes, where she took her mask off to sing
07:30 The ventilator experience that scarred Madam Tan
11:25 Having her life supported by a machine
12:35 Madam Tan recounts praying to God, before eventually pulling through
14:00 Madam Tan's fighting spirit despite low blood oxygen saturation levels
15:15 Dr Chia Po Ying, 33, a consultant at S'pore's National Centre for Infectious Diseases and one of her doctors, looks back on treatment advances two years on in February 2022
16:00 Madam Tan on her way of life now in 2022
In This Together: Singapore's Covid-19 Story retails for $28 (with GST) at major bookstores. It is also available on the Straits Times Press website: https://www.stbooks.sg/
Listen to Episode 2 on how Singapore joined a global hunt for masks: https://str.sg/wsfD
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Follow Singapore's War On Covid podcast series here:
Playlist: https://str.sg/wsfD
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wsPm
Spotify: https://str.sg/wsPs
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wsyN
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Follow ST Podcasts:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWVR
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Lu4rPP
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PwZCYU
Google podcasts: http://str.sg/googlestbt
stcovidbook
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
A Covid-19 infection confers natural immunity but the question is how long will it last. Israel has given some people a fourth dose, which is the second booster shot.
In Singapore, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung had said that the question of whether further booster shots are necessary is still a matter of debate among scientists studying the coronavirus, and that there are no active plans to administer a second booster. But will we eventually need one?
In our previous episode, Prof Teo Yik Ying, the dean of the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said Covid would inevitably catch up with all of us at some time. In this mini episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo asks him about the probability of us needing a second booster dose.
Highlights (click/tap above):
00:58 Probability of Singapore needing a second booster shot
02:13 Second booster shot more likely for those with weakened immune systems
03:10 Joyce's personal experience with Covid-19
Listen to Ep 77 ft Prof Teo: Why we are all going to eventually catch Covid-19: https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/health-check-ep-77
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, and Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Fa'izah Sani
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Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Singapore is in the midst of an Omicron surge, and restrictions such as a maximum group size of five at restaurants remain. People are tired of worrying about Covid-19. Now that the Omicron variant has turned out to be less worrisome than thought, when can we stop talking about Covid-19? How are we going to live with it? What does endemic Covid-19 mean?
In this episode, Joyce Teo, a senior health correspondent with The Straits Times, speaks with Professor Teo Yik Ying, the dean of the NUS Saw Swee Hock of Public Health. Prof Teo trained as a mathematician at Imperial College, London, and did his masters and PhD in statistics at Oxford University in the UK.
Highlights (click/tap above):
01:06 Covid-19 is a less dangerous disease now
03:47 We are all going to catch Covid-19
05:01 The future of masks and social distancing
08:37 Daily case numbers can be ignored
15:17 Mild symptoms can feel awful too
Listen to Ep 78: 4th Covid shot: Will we need to get it one day? https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/do-we-need-a-fourth-covid-shot-health-check
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Teo Tong Kai & Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Teo Tong Kai and Fa'izah Sani
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Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
If you’re raising a child with special needs, such as physical, cognitive, behavioural challenges, you are not alone. You deserve the time to look after yourselves and there is comfort to be found from families who have children with special needs.
In this episode, Joyce Teo, a senior health correspondent with The Straits Times, speaks with Dr Lim Hong Huay, an epidemiologist and developmental paediatrician who has two children with ADHD and mild autism, about how parents of special needs children can avoid burnout. She also talks about how friends and family can help parents of special needs children and what the public should (and should not) do when they encounter a parent having a challenging episode with a special needs child.
Dr Lim founded CaringSG in 2020, when many special education schools and early intervention programmes had to stop their services and families were stuck at home. That worsened the exhaustion, burnout and mental health issues that some caregivers had.
Highlights (click/tap above):
02:54 How friends and family can help
10:46 How parents can avoid burnout
14:06 How the public can help
16:08 Tips for parents of special needs children
CaringSG: https://caring.sg/
SG Enable: https://www.sgenable.sg/
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Fa'izah Sani
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Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionise healthcare but it is hotly debated.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo invites Prof Joseph Sung, dean of the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at the Nanyang Technological University.
They discuss how AI can help us improve our health and change the future of healthcare, particularly in primary care at home.
Highlights (click/tap above):
00:55 What the future of AI in healthcare can look like
04:11 Trust - a major issue when it comes to technology in healthcare
07:41 The most exciting AI tool expected to be seen in Singapore
10:40 AI-related research that might disrupt healthcare
12:17 Legal aspects and liability issues that may occur when AI and machines are involved
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Fa'izah Sani
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
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Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
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Health Check Ep 74: Fight ageing with exercise
15:18 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
It's almost the end of the year, and nearly two years since the coronavirus emerged and changed the way we work, live and play. If you haven't been exercising, it's time to start. If you have been taking short walks now and then, it's time to walk a bit more on a regular basis.
This is because every step you take will help to keep you physically - and mentally - younger. Ageing is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. An ageing body is just less able to fight diseases, but if you can do something about your ageing body and brain, you may be able to delay the onset of these diseases.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Professor Andrea Maier, the co-director of the National University Health System's Centre for Healthy Longevity, who is passionate about researching functional ageing and healthy longevity. Prof Maier is also the Oon Chiew Seng Professor in Medicine and Functional Ageing at the National University of Singapore.
Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):
00:48 Reasons to exercise and how it can slow down ageing
03:15 Can exercise prevent memory loss and improve thinking skills? What exactly happens in the brain when we exercise?
07:44 Minimum exercise duration and/or the number of steps recommended in order to see its health benefits
10:01 Does the intensity of the exercise matter?
11:46 How can exercise help immune systems of the aged and help the elderly clear up the Covid-19 virus if they're infected?
*Joyce Teo will return with her next episode on Jan 19, 2022.
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
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Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
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Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
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Health Check Ep 73: What to know about antimicrobial resistance
21:28 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
The World Health Organisation has declared that antimicrobial resistance or AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. AMR occurs when some of the germs that cause infections no longer respond to the drugs designed to kill them.
Infections then become harder or impossible to treat.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Associate Prof Hsu Li Yang, who has a special interest in antibiotic resistance, about AMR. Prof Hsu is the Vice Dean of Global Health and Programme Leader of Infectious Diseases at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. And, with the worrisome Omicron spreading around the world, she also asked him how worrying the new variant is.
0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):
01:20 Why should you bother about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in a pandemic?
03:42 The use of antibiotics in chickens, and what you should know about what you find in supermarkets
10:59 Lessons from the pandemic that can be applied to the control of AMR
15:05 Why is it difficult to develop new antibiotics for drug-resistant infections?
16:35 Will the new variant Omicron break through vaccine protection against severe disease?
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
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Health Check Ep 72: Don't let diabetes sneak up on you
17:10 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In this pandemic, many people may be eating more and exercising less. It's not a good combination. The prevalence of obesity in Singapore across all ages has risen from 8.6 per cent in 2017 to 10.5 per cent last year. Not only is obesity a leading risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, it is also one of the factors that can cause one to have more serious complications when infected with Covid-19.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Dr Asim Shabbir, a senior consultant and the Head of General Surgery at Alexandra Hospital, who has a special interest in bariatric and metabolic surgery.
0:00 Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):
1:03 Singapore's diabetes situation outlook in 2021, challenge of obesity and more Asians getting diabetes at a younger age
3:40 Early diagnosis as more people put on weight during this pandemic: Key interventions include being able to manage glucose levels, reducing weight to prolong normal abilities of pancreas, avoiding loss of limbs later in life
6:40 Dr Asim's dietary suggestions and advice on consuming supplements
7:39 Whether it's a good idea for people with diabetes to pop a supplement to boost their immunity or if they should get a flu jab?
10:30 Why exercising is more profound for our bodies than just seeing it as a way to burn calories; how medical interventions such as bariatric surgery can add as much as 10 years to a patient's life expectancy
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
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Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
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Health Check Ep 71: Why lifelong immunity from Covid-19 is unlikely
15:54 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Singapore is gradually opening its borders to allow for quarantine-free travel as it moves towards a new normal of living with Covid-19. However, at home, restrictions remain in place to protect the unvaccinated seniors and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.
The country is seeing very high numbers of daily Covid-19 cases, with a considerable number of people in the hospitals and about 10 or more dying from complications linked to Covid-19. Unvaccinated older adults account for most of these deaths, though some vaccinated people have also succumbed to the complications of the disease.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang, an expert on infectious diseases at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health to find out more. Are daily deaths expected in the year ahead, and will this number ever be reduced? (0:35) Endemics always see infections come and go in waves, and Covid-19 is no different (4:40) What is known about vaccinated elderly succumbing to Covid-19? (5:22) Moderation is key to maintaining the balance between staying at home and going out for social benefits (7:00) Likelihood of lifelong immunity from the first two standard Covid-19 jabs and a booster is unlikely, so yearly boosters should be expected (10:35) Views on vaccinating children with only one dose of MRNA vaccines, based on medical opinions in Europe and US (13:47)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Penelope Lee and Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
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Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
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PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
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Health Check Ep 70: Unlock your ADHD
21:49 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
It’s October, the ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) Awareness month, and ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo is going to find out more about what you can do if you have this disorder.
ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, the condition can be treated and the key symptoms have been described by some people as superpowers.
Her guest is Moonlake Lee, the founder of Unlocking ADHD, the first site in Singapore that aims to unravel the mysteries of this condition and help everyone appreciate the strengths of individuals with ADHD.
More about Unlocking ADHD: https://www.unlockingadhd.com/
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Penelope Lee and Hadyu Rahim
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
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Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
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Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
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Health Check Ep 69: Can plant stanols lower my cholesterol?
15:35 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In this episode, we look at whether plant stanols and a more natural diet can help reduce cholesterol. Plant stanol ester is a natural compound which is used as a cholesterol-lowering ingredient in functional foods and food supplements.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Helena Gylling, Professor Emerita of Clinical Nutrition and senior lecturer in Internal Medicine at the University of Helsinki in Finland. This episode is brought to you by VITAPLUS Benecol: www.benecol.com.sg
They cover the following points: What are plant stanols, that are present in plant-based foods? Do they get absorbed by the body? (1:15) How studies in plant stanols as dietary means to lower LDL cholesterol began in 1989 in Helsinki, and their safety profile (2:22) Why 2-3g of plant stanols consumed daily can lower LDL cholesterol by 9-12% (3:57) How a dietary approach with plant stanols can lower cholesterol by an additional 35%, before factoring in other lifestyle controlling measures (7:11) How to avoid being prescribed statin drugs early on in your life (10:35) Do food products fortified with plant stanols work in the same way as plant stanol supplements? (12:34) Why plant stanol products should be taken with meals for effectiveness (13:11)
More about VITAPLUS Benecol: www.benecol.com.sg
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
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Health Check Ep 68 (Pt 2): Vaccine expert on combating new Covid variants
20:02 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Prof Ooi Eng Eong from the Duke-NUS Medical School’s Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases about the current Covid-19 situation and how vaccination will lead us out of this pandemic.
In the second part of their conversation, Prof Ooi talks about the best but tricky solution to combating new variants, touches on long Covid and tells us what to note about the different vaccines used here.
Listen to Pt 1: Why bother about asymptomatic Covid-19 cases, says vaccine expert - https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/health-check-ep-68-p1-mixdown
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
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Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
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Health Check Ep 68 (Pt 1): Why bother about asymptomatic Covid-19 cases, says vaccine expert
19:05 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Prof Ooi Eng Eong from the Duke-NUS Medical School’s Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases about the current Covid-19 situation and how vaccination will lead us out of this pandemic.
He talks about the futility of reporting unlinked or even asymptomatic cases, how Covid herd immunity is a myth, and what we can learn from past dengue outbreaks, and more.
Listen to Pt 2: Vaccine expert on combating new Covid variants - https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/vaccine-expert-on-combating-new-covid-variants-hea
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
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Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
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Health Check Ep 67: How worried should vaccinated people be about Covid-19?
16:39 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
With the majority of Singapore's population fully vaccinated, how worried should the vaccinated be about Covid-19, as we learn to live with the endemic disease?
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Dr Louisa Sun, a consultant at the Infectious Diseases and Chronic Programme at Alexandra Hospital about: Risk of dying from Covid-19 if you're below 40 or older (2:24) Have the symptoms changed with the Delta variant, and how long does recovery take? (4:29) How complex is the medical phenomenon of 'long Covid' symptoms and why it is a worry for the vaccinated (10:31) Why public measures such as masking up and safe distancing can continue to protect Singaporeans against 'long Covid' symptoms such as 'brain fog' (13:00)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 66: How parents can promote good mental health in children
21:10 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Parents play an important role in promoting good mental health in their children. They are often the first to notice if a child is having problems with his or her emotions.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Ms Andrea Chan, the assistant director of Touch Mental Wellness, about the things parents can do to make sure their children are mentally healthy. She also talks about the stigma associated with mental health and how she helped a young person get the help she needs.
This is the last of a two-part series on youth mental health. In the previous episode, we touched on the stressors faced by young people in this pandemic, what parents can say to their children about the recent River Valley High School murder case, and the signs and symptoms of mental distress to watch out for.
Listen to Pt 1 - How to reach out to youth with mental health challenges: Health Check Ep 65: https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/how-to-reach-out-to-youth-with-mental-health-chall
Helplines • National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868 (8am - 12am)
COUNSELLING • TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 • TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555 • Care Corner Counselling Centre: 1800-353-5800
MENTAL WELL-BEING • Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service: eC2.sg • Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours) • Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours) • Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 • Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 • Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Fa'izah Sani, Hadyu Rahim & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 65: How to reach out to youth with mental health challenges
15:21 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
The Covid-19 crisis has impacted the mental health of many young people around the globe, including Singapore.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Ms Andrea Chan, assistant director of TOUCH Mental Wellness, about the stressors faced by young people in this pandemic, what parents can say to their children about the recent River Valley High School murder case, and the signs and symptoms of mental distress to watch out for.
This is the first of a two-part series on youth mental health. Ms Andrea Chan covers the following points: Variety of youth coming forward to seek help (0:56) How to identify who needs different levels of help (3:06) How to look out for warning signs similar to recent River Valley High School murder case (4:51) How to tell differences between mental issues and teenage angst (6:55) Parental role important in managing youth who need help, especially during post-discharge recovery (10:03)
Listen to Pt 2 - What parents can do to promote good mental health in their children?: Health Check Ep 66: https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/what-parents-can-do-to-promote-good-mental-health
Helplines • National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868 (8am - 12am)
COUNSELLING • TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 • TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555 • Care Corner Counselling Centre: 1800-353-5800
MENTAL WELL-BEING • Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service: eC2.sg • Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours) • Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours) • Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 • Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 • Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Fa'izah Sani, Hadyu Rahim & Penelope Lee
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 64: Understanding the loneliness crisis
16:29 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Loneliness is toxic. It is associated with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep issues and stress. It can also shorten your life. New research from the Duke-NUS Medical school in Singapore and Nihon University in Tokyo, Japan has found that lonely older adults can expect to live a shorter life than their peers who don’t perceive themselves as lonely. Their health would also be affected. The study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society on July 7.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo asks Assistant Professor Rahul Malhotra, lead author of the study and the head of research at the Centre for Ageing Research and Education at Duke-NUS, to tell us more about loneliness.
They discuss the following points: What is loneliness? (1:10) The extent of loneliness among the elderly here (2:50) How to tell if someone is lonely? (12:48) What can be done to help older people who are lonely? (14:15)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis & Hadyu Rahim
Edited by: Hadyu Rahim & Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 63: What is sudden cardiac arrest; how to prevent it
15:30 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Danish footballer Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest when he collapsed during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland, and had to be resuscitated. In Singapore, there have been cases of young and fit individuals who went into cardiac arrests during or after training, and then collapsed and died.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Associate Professor Ching Chi Keong, a senior consultant at the Department of Cardiology and the Director of Electrophysiology and Pacing at the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) about the serious heart condition, how it is not a heart attack, and if there's anything we can do to prevent it. Is sudden cardiac arrest preventable, and when to get assessed for risk of heart disease (4:23) Chances of sudden cardiac arrest survival (06:58) What to do when a stranger or friend collapses with suspected cardiac arrest? (7:38) The differences between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest (10:00) How to prevent sudden cardiac arrest, and chances of getting sudden cardiac arrest for those with no family history of heart disease (12:32)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Fa'izah Sani and Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 62: Making sense of the controversy surrounding US-approved drug for Alzheimer’s disease
19:27 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
There's a new drug in the United States that offers hope for patients facing the daunting prospect of not being able to remember their loved ones as their disease progresses. However, many experts are against the approval of this new drug for Alzheimer's disease.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Associate Professor Nagaendran Kandiah, a Senior Consultant and the director of the dementia programme at the National Neuroscience Institute, about the controversial drug known as Aducanumab.
Developed by US drug maker Biogen, Aducanumab is the first treatment for Alzheimer's disease to be approved in nearly 20 years and will be sold under the brand Aduhelm (it is currently not a registered product in Singapore).
It was approved even though the US Food and Drug Administration’s independent panel of experts had voted overwhelmingly against it. They said there is weak evidence that the drug can slow mental connectivity decline in patients. Three FDA advisers have resigned over this decision.
There's also the other group of people excited about having a drug that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Current treatments only target the symptoms of the disease.
The new drug Aducanumab works by removing a protein that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients. This protein is called amyloid. In theory, clearing the brain of amyloid plaques may slow the progression of the disease but the clinical benefits aren’t clear. The controversy surrounding Aducanumab, the new drug for Alzheimer's Disease and results from the trials (01:47) Why was Aducanumab approved despite the inconclusive results (05:00) Possible side effects of Aducanumab and identifying patients' eligibility for the new drug (11:48) Signs and symptoms of MCI or memory loss issues to look out for (13:34) Pro-active approach to reducing risks of memory loss (16:20)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Fa'izah Sani
Edited by: Penelope Lee and Fa'izah Sani
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 61: Why women should protect their hearts against cardiovascular disease
19:02 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
This episode tackles the often underestimated risk of cardiovascular disease in women, and how the symptoms of this disease can differ in women.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Professor Carolyn Lam, a senior consultant at the Department of Cardiology and the director of Women’s Heart Health at the National Heart Centre Singapore.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women and is responsible for 35% of deaths in women yearly. Studies have also showed that heart disease is deadlier in women than men, and can affect women at all ages, and particularly after menopause.
In the Lancet Women and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Commission published in mid-May, clinicians called for urgent action to reduce burden of cardiovascular disease in women.
This global report is curated by 17 leading expert ambassadors from 11 countries, and one of these Lancet Ambassadors for Women’s Heart Health in this prestigious study is Professor Lam herself, who is also the sole representative from Asia. Trend of heart attacks among women younger than 55 - yet it remains understudied, under-diagnosed, less recognised and treated (2:47) Global death rate from breast cancer is only a tenth of that from heart disease and stroke among women (4:17) How a woman can also suffer classic chest pains like men or atypical symptoms during a suspected cardiac arrest (9:26) Know your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels if you're nearing the age of menopause of about 50 (14:24) Differences between men and women when they complain about heart-related issues (16:01)
Read Lancet Commission paper: www.womencvdcommission.org
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 60: How to sleep right
10:42 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Dr Richard Swinburne, a sleep scientist and the Head of Sports Nutrition at the Singapore Sports Institute on sleep hygiene, how long a nap should be and how a lack of sleep can affect your health.
They discuss the following points: Develop a good sleep-wake basic routine; go to bed and wake up within 30-60 minutes of the same time each day (2:50) How having less than 6 hours of sleep a night will seriously affect long-term health (4:18) How long should an effective nap be? (6:53) What happens to your body when you wake up after a hour-long nap, and why taxi drivers should try not to drive till 30 minutes after they wake up (7:18) How good sleep nourishes the body and a person's emotional health (8:50)
Listen to Ep 59 - What you can eat to sleep better: https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/health-check-ep-59
Ep 9 - Why sleep habits need to be formed when young: https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/why-sleep-habits-need-to-be-formed-when-young-heal
Ep 10 - Can schools and parents help boost the cognition and well-being of sleep-deprived Singaporean teenagers? https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/can-schools-and-parents-help-boost-the-cognition-a
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 59: What you can eat to sleep better
14:46 mins
Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Dr Richard Swinburne, a sleep scientist and the Head of Sports Nutrition at the Singapore Sports Institute on sleep nutrition, how he flew to Texas a few years ago to help Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling to sleep better and why you need to sleep well before and after getting your Covid-19 vaccine.
They discuss the following points: You can get DNA-tested to see how sensitive you are to caffeine (1:04) Caffeine takes 4-6 hours to break down to half its strength, using a double espresso as an example (1:59) How kiwi fruit, tart cherry in natural concentrate or pill form - and omega 3 fish oils for children - can encourage good sleep (2:29) How having enough sleep can help you before and after a Covid-19 vaccination? (5:46) Helping Singapore's Olympic swim champion Joseph Schooling with the perfect performance-enhancing drug called "Zzzz" (7:24)
Listen to Ep 60 - How to sleep right: https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/how-to-sleep-right-health-check-ep-60
Ep 9 - Why sleep habits need to be formed when young: https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/why-sleep-habits-need-to-be-formed-when-young-heal
Ep 10 - Can schools and parents help boost the cognition and well-being of sleep-deprived Singaporean teenagers? https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/can-schools-and-parents-help-boost-the-cognition-a
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 58: Picking an IP insurer with a good panel of doctors
20:35 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times that aims to help you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Many private sector doctors are upset with Integrated Shield plan insurers for maintaining panels of doctors that they call “highly exclusive”. These panels are one of the measures that IP insurers have undertaken in order to reduce their costs, but doctors say that the IP sector created their own problem and should not penalise them for it.
Doctors have failed to get on the panel, even though they adhere to the fee benchmarks published by the Ministry of Health.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Dr Wong Seng Weng, the medical director and consultant medical oncologist at The Cancer Centre, who sits on several IP panels.
He shares some tips on how one can go about picking the IP insurer with a good and reasonable panel of doctors. They discuss the following points: Dr Wong's own experience of being selected for such panels (1:30) Why seeing a "non-panel" doctor could hit your pocket more now (7:00) What are correct clinical quality measures? (9:08) How can policy holders tell if the panel provided by an IP insurer is good (11:20)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee & Aleemah Basirah
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 57: All you need to know about Covid-19 clinical trials
18:31 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times that aims to help you make sense of health matters that affect you.
Clinical trials are research studies that are usually conducted with healthy volunteers to learn about a potential treatment or vaccine and its effect on humans. There are various trials conducted here, including one for a potential Covid-19 vaccine that’s being developed by Arcturus Therapeutics in the US and the Duke-NUS medical school in Singapore.
Some people have volunteered for the Phase Two vaccine trial conducted at Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s P.H Feng Research Centre.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Adjunct Associate Prof Tan Cher Heng, who runs the centre. Prof Tan is the assistant chairman of the Medical Board (Clinical Research & Innovation) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital as well as its director of clinical trials.
She asks Prof Tan to share as much as he can on the Phase Two trial, the trials on new treatments being done here, and the key things to consider for someone who’s keen on joining a trial.
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee, Aleemah Basirah and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee and Aleemah Basirah
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 56: How a mother's well-being can have a large impact on her baby
27:39 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times that aims to help you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In early March 2021, the Ministry of Health announced during the debate on its budget, that it has set up a task force to oversee the development and implementation of a five-year action plan to provide comprehensive support to women and their children, as part of its larger efforts to improve the population's health.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Professor Chong Yap Seng, the dean of the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the executive director of the Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.
They discuss what more can be done to improve maternal and child health.
Prof Chong is also an obstetrician and the lead principal investigator of the Growing Up In Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes or Gusto study, which started in 2009 to study how conditions in pregnancy and early childhood influence the health and development of women and their children here.
Its findings show that a mother's health can directly impact her child's development. Critical interventions to ensure better well-being of Singaporean mothers (2:27) Using latest scientific tests for more precise studies of Singaporean babies, from as early as the first week of life in the "Gusto" study (7:36) If mothers have depression symptoms during pregnancy, how it can be scientifically shown that their children would have a higher chance of developing mood anxiety disorders (11:40) What can such parents do to nurture corrective methods after their children are born (14:46) An obstetrician's tips for women planning pregnancy (18:50)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
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Health Check Ep 55: Getting working adults to sharetheir mental health challenges
20:34 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times that aims to help you make sense of health matters that affect you.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Daniel Chang, 38, a freelance doctor who does medical aesthetic work. He started a movement last year with counsellors, fellow doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists to let working adults - who are quietly grappling with anxiety and depression quietly - feel they are not alone.
Called Lives of SG, it offers a platform for them to share stories of their mental health struggles, and his team has done free webinars on mental health in the workplace for a few companies.
They discuss the following points: Helping professionals and ways to reach the "often-neglected" PMET segment of society with mental health struggles (1:00) Mental health survey of PMETs: Top concerns & trends (3:10) How a stressed professional or PMET can get free "mental health first aid" help from Lives of SG and be paired with the right psychologists (5:57) Dr Daniel Chang's own life story & motivation to start this pro-bono movement (10:24) Being a "high-functioning depressive", how therapy helped and his own personal tips for coping with depression (12:30)
Contact Lives of SG: https://www.livesofsg.org/
HELPLINES Samaritans Of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
Singapore Association For Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Institute Of Mental Health's Mobile Crisis Service: 6389-2222
Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928
Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 54: Understanding Singapore’s portfolio approach to vaccine procurement
9:42 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times that aims to help you make sense of health matters that affect you.
This episode looks at how Singapore zeroed in on its choice of Covid-19 vaccines - from those by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna that are based on a relatively new mRNA technology, to Sinovac’s inactivated vaccine, which uses a technology that has been around for decades. It also touches on the speed of vaccine development.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Professor Benjamin Seet, deputy group chief executive for education and research at the National Healthcare Group and a member of the expert committee on Covid-19 vaccination.
The discuss the following points: How did Singapore decide on traditional and new types of vaccine technologies for the population? (1:03) What are inactivated vaccines and mRNA vaccines? (3:52) Assessing global regulatory approvals and statistics by Singapore's authorities (5:45) Why every death supposedly talked about on social media, is not a direct result of the vaccine, and how science and stats must first be studied carefully (7:40)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 53: Covid-19 panel expert addresses vaccine side effects, concerns
11:25 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times and this episode is on the safety and common concerns in Singapore over the side effects of Covid-19 vaccines.
Global surveys have shown that a key concern for those hesitant about taking the Covid-19 vaccine, lies with the side effects that they may experience.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Associate Professor Lim Poh Lian, on the side effects that one can get from the vaccine and why you should not worry about them.
She is the head of the Traveller’s Health and Vaccination Clinic at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the director of the high-level isolation unit at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) and a member of the expert committee on Covid-19 vaccination, which makes recommendations to the government on Singapore’s vaccination strategy.
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 52: Addressing Covid-19 vaccine safety and the science behind it
20:14 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times and this episode is on the safety of Covid-19 vaccines.
Much has been said about the safety and effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine frontrunners but there are still many people who are hesitant about taking the vaccine, mostly because they are unsure if it is truly safe.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Prof Ooi Eng Eong from the Duke-NUS Medical School. He's the school’s principal investigator in the partnership with Arcturus Therapeutics to develop a self-replicating mRNA Covid-19 vaccine.
Prof Ooi talks about the science of the vaccine, addresses concerns about side effects (including reports of long-term effects from pandemic flu jabs), as well as discuss the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines, and how different the one being trialled here is.
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read her stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 51: How to find the right doctor
12:24 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo asks Associate Professor Jeremy Lim, the director of global health at the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, for tips on how to find the right doctor.
They discuss the factors he considers when he is asked by his family and friends to recommend a doctor.
Thank you for listening to the ST Health Check Podcast this year. Please continue to support us in the new year, as we strive to bring you more podcasts that will help boost your mind and body.
Wishing all our listeners a Happy New Year!
Listen to Pt 1 with Associate Prof Jeremy Lim on the pros and cons of online doctor reviews: https://str.sg/JRzh
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read her stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 50: Pros and cons of online doctor reviews
11:51 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times.
Today’s episode is on online doctor reviews.
Recently, the Singapore medical council (SMC) advised doctors to refrain from participating in online search engine optimisation platforms that make use of patient feedback and ratings, as these can be considered patient testimonials.
It all started when a group of doctors cried foul over not having the option to pull out of online platform DoctorxDentist (DxD) that offered reviews, in addition to health content.
The start-up had listed the names of doctors it found on the SMC directory. The Singapore Medical Association and the Health Ministry subsequently got involved.
DxD has since switched to an opt-in algorithm, and removed all the reviews on its platform. Although the DxD saga is over, the issue of online reviews is not.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Associate Professor Jeremy Lim, the director of global health at the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health on the pros and cons of online doctor reviews.
Listen to Pt 2 with Associate Prof Jeremy Lim on how to find the right doctor: https://omny.fm/shows/health-check-1/how-to-find-the-right-doctor-health-check-ep-51
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read her stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 49: Porn is not real; how to recognise an addiction
16:20 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times.
Online porn use has reportedly gone up during the Covid-19 pandemic as reported by The Economist in May. However, there's a dark side to porn. Excessive consumption of porn affects the viewer, his or her relationships and society. Viewing pornography can become a lifelong addiction.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Andrew da Roza, an addictions psychotherapist who specialises in sex addiction at Promises Healthcare.
They discuss how a predatory porn industry is out there trying to get to children, how harmful online porn addiction can be, and what you can do about it. Why parents need to buy porn-blocking and activity tracking software with the most popular version used here, being Net Nanny (3:45) Parents should know how porn can be damaging for a child's brain development (5:23) Why porn addiction is recognised in other countries as a serious mental health crisis; its impact on fear of real relationships and how scientifically, it hijacks healthy sexual development in youth (6:03) Treatment options for youth and adults and the various types of patients with varying levels of porn addiction (9:39)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 48: Why is lung cancer no.1 killer among cancers?
14:48 mins
Synopsis: Fortnightly on Wednesdays, get healthier living tips as The Straits Times chats with expert guests.
With November being Lung Cancer Awareness Month, this episode looks at how lung cancer is the no.1 killer among cancers here in Singapore and globally, and will shed light on advanced treatments as well as how to minimise your chances of getting lung cancer. This episode is brought to you by MSD.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Dr Philip Eng, a senior consultant respiratory physician who has his own clinic - the Philip Eng Respiratory & Medical Clinic at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre. He has lectured in various countries, trained many doctors in the region, and published numerous articles.
They discuss the following:
-
How can non-smokers get lung cancer? For air pollution, what is the WHO (World Health Organisation) standard for PM2.5 levels? (1:42)
-
How has lung cancer treatment evolved to today's gold standard of keyhole surgery, alongside other treatments such as stereotactic radiotherapy, safer chemotherapy drugs, immunotherapy and targeted therapy? (4:00)
4. Advice on how to protect yourself to cover the cost of such treatments: Buy good extra insurance coverage when you're young and fit (7:52)
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Innovations in lung cancer treatments such as proton beam therapy and costs of such therapies (10:10)
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Best way to decrease lung cancer risk factors and how smokers should do more effective CT lung scans instead of normal chest X-rays (12:27)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read her stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 47: You don't make a baby to save your marriage
15:45 mins
Synopsis: Fortnightly on Wednesdays, get healthier living tips as The Straits Times chats with expert guests.
As a family goes through different stages, conflicts can arise. There can also be changes in family situations that give rise to conflicts. These conflicts may be worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic, as more people stay home.
In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Assoc Prof Angie Chew, the founder and chief executive of the Brahm Centre, a mental wellness charity, on managing family conflicts. They discuss the conflicts that can occur at the start of the family life cycle, to when a couple have children and to a possible break-up.
Prof Chew also talks about the impact of unresolved conflicts on children. She was The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year 2019, and is an adjunct associate professor at the National University of Singapore, where she teaches a mindfulness-based course known as The Undefeated Mind.
In September, Prof Chew was the guest for the AskST@NLB video series, where she spoke with Teo about how people can cope with the stress of these trying times brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow Health Check Podcast series fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 46: Is there such a concept as an anti-ageing diet?
21:16 mins
Synopsis: Fortnightly on Wednesdays, get healthier living tips as The Straits Times chats with expert guests.
People are living longer, but not necessarily better if they have multiple chronic diseases.
In ageing research, scientists strive to find ways to improve healthspan - the period of life that is spent in good health. They are studying different methods, including calorie restriction and fasting.
So, is there such a concept as the best anti-ageing diet, and are there foods to eat or avoid when it comes to delaying ageing?
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts anti-ageing expert, Prof Brian Kennedy, the director of the NUHS Centre for Healthy Longevity, on how we can manage our diet in order to delay ageing.
Listen to Pt 1 of interview with Prof Brian Kennedy
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow Health Check Podcast series fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 45: How to age well and achieve a lower biological age
19:44 mins
Synopsis: Fortnightly on Wednesdays, get healthier living tips as The Straits Times chats with expert guests.
Some people seem to age very quickly, and look older than their age, while others appear to age less rapidly. When we are young, we want to look and feel older than we are. When we are older, we want to look and feel young, though this means having to keep frailty and chronic diseases at bay.
Thankfully, scientists in the anti-ageing research field are busy studying how we can delay ageing so that people can stay healthy longer, and in the process, look better too.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with anti-ageing expert, Prof Brian Kennedy - the director of the NUHS Centre for Healthy Longevity - on what we can do to achieve a lower biological age and keep ageing at bay.
Prof Kennedy calls ageing the "climate change of healthcare" as ageing is the largest risk factor for chronic illnesses like cardiovascular diseases. He adds that healthcare should be about preventive care and not just sick care.
Listen to Pt 2 of interview with Prof Kennedy on ageing well
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Penelope Lee and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow Health Check Podcast series fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 44: Understanding suicides and how to help to prevent them
13:58 mins
Synopsis: Fortnightly on Wednesdays, get healthier living tips as The Straits Times chats with expert guests.
This episode is aimed at understanding suicidal behaviour and suicide prevention.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Dr Jared Ng, a consultant with the Emergency Services at the Institute of Mental Health.
They discuss the following points: How to spot warning or behavioural signs in advance, if the majority of cases tend to be impulsive (3:35) How friends can help alert family members too by keeping track of social media posts and personality changes in chat message groups (5:00) Know the differences between the risk factors that lead to youth and elderly suicide cases (7:50) When someone tells you he or she wants to die or kill himself or herself, do not dismiss it by telling them to be positive and that things are "okay" (8:27) What are the right things to say to someone who is suicidal and what we can do to help the person? (9:07)
Listen to Pt 1 of interview with Dr Jared Ng on understanding stress in age of coronavirus
HELPLINES Samaritans Of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
Singapore Association For Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Institute Of Mental Health's Mobile Crisis Service: 6389-2222
Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928
Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 43: Understanding stress in the age of the coronavirus
12:49 mins
Synopsis: Fortnightly on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with expert guests.
The World Health Organisation has just called for a massive scaling up of investment in mental health.
Close to 1 billion people are living with a mental disorder, while 3 million people die every year from the harmful use of alcohol. One person dies every 40 seconds by suicide.
Now, with the new realities of Covid-19, more people may be experiencing increased anxiety or depression.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Dr Jared Ng, a consultant with the emergency services at the Institute of Mental Health about the recent cases he has seen.
He shares how the pandemic has affected some people more than others, and how kindness can go a long way in staving off stress and helping to maintain our mental health during the Covid-19 crisis.
Listen to Pt 2 of interview with Dr Jared Ng on understanding and preventing suicides
HELPLINES Samaritans Of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
Singapore Association For Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Institute Of Mental Health's Mobile Crisis Service: 6389-2222
Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928
Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Penelope Lee
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 42: Can a person get Covid-19 twice?
9:10 mins
Synopsis: Fortnightly on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with expert guests.
A man in Hong Kong was found to be reinfected with Covid-19 last month, less than five months after he was infected with the disease. Researchers at the University of Hong Kong said genome sequencing showed that the virus strain the man had last month was different from the one he was infected with in March.
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang, the programme leader for infectious diseases at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
They discuss the following points:
-
More serious coronaviruses like Sars or Mers, have led to longer immunity in patients but it remains to be seen if more cases of Covid re-infection emerge. Why immunity from Covid-19 might not be lifelong (1:38)
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The patient in Hong Kong didn't seem to mount an antibody response after his first infection in March (3:10)
-
Making sense of the new strains of Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 (3:52)
-
Is the new prevalent global mutant strain D614G more lethal or transmissible? (5:33)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow Health Check Podcast series fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on:
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Health Check Ep 41: The pandemic is affecting the way people with hearing loss communicate
13:13 mins
Synopsis: Fortnightly on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with expert guests.
ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Dr Ho Eu Chin, a senior consultant from the department of Otorhinolaryngology at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
He explains why mask-wearing during this Covid-19 pandemic has made communication harder for the hearing-impaired. This is worsened by the lack of facial cues.
1. More people are coming forward to seek medical advice and consider hearing aids (1:25)
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Find out about latest links between hearing loss and dementia published in The Lancet (6:36)
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Why wearing hearing aids only when you leave home, does not help you in the longer run (8:30)
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When should you seek medical advice for suspected hearing loss? (11:20)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
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Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
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Health Check Ep 40: Covid-19 airborne transmission doubts and immunity
18:23 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times.
Recently, an open letter that 239 researchers addressed to the World Health Organisation calling for it to acknowledge that the coronavirus is airborne, made headlines around the world. (0:35)
To counter any public misconceptions, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Professor Paul Tambyah, an infectious disease expert from the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, to give his take on this development. (1:20)
Professor Tambyah, who's also a senior consultant at the National University Hospital, also discusses recent findings on Covid-19 immunity. (8:40)
Lastly, he talks about his new role as president-elect of the United States-based International Society of Infectious Diseases. (15:30)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow Health Check Podcast series fortnightly on Wednesdays and rate us on:
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Health Check Ep 39: Smokers at higher risk during Covid-19 times
12:33 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times.
This episode is on smoking. We all know it is harmful. According to the World Health Organisation, research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe Covid-19 outcomes and death. Yet, many people keep on puffing. (2:00)
ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Dr Lambert Low, a consultant at the National Addictions Management Service at the Institute of Mental Health, about smoking during the Covid-19 pandemic, why people smoke (3:00), and what it takes to quit smoking. (5:50)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
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Health Check Ep 38: Stress fractures from running too much during Covid-19 pandemic?
15:41 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times guiding you to a better understanding of health issues with healthy living tips.
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we keep fit. Many people have taken to running as a form of exercise, never mind that they have never run till now or that they don't have a pair of proper running shoes.
ST senior correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Dr Tan Ken Jin, an orthopaedic surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, to find out more about the recent cases of stress fractures he has seen, how to prevent these from happening to you, as well as how inactivity can affect you.
He also talks about why you may want to consider standing up while working at home.
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis
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Health Check Ep 37: Maintaining mental well-being during Covid-19
10:07 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times. As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, healthcare workers have been roped in to help out at foreign worker dormitories as the testing of thousands of migrant workers for the coronavirus disease continues.
ST senior correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Dr Michael Yong, senior consultant and head of psychiatry at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital about his experiences at a dorm and the change in the migrant workers' mood that he has witnessed. He shares his own family experiences too, coping during the circuit breaker period.
Dr Yong, who's also the group director for psychological medicine at the National University Health System, then goes on to discuss the mental health challenges that the pandemic brings and what you can do about it.
Need help?
- National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868
- Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222
-Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
- Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6385-3714
- Agency for Integrated Care Hotline (for the elderly): 1800-650-6060
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 36: What might Singapore's new normal look like, post-Covid-19?
14:19 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times.
Singapore is now in second month of its Covid-19 circuit breaker period as people stay home in the fight against the coronavirus disease. Attention is being gradually focused on life after this period, as the country looks to ease more restrictions in the coming weeks.
With cases rising around not just here, but around the world, it is clear that life is not going to be the same for a while, even if restrictions are lifted. What might the new normal look like?
ST senior correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang, the programme leader for infectious diseases at the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
Here are the key points: Impact of Covid-19 on our work lives and how long this will last (1:19) Will kids be able to go to the zoo and playgrounds like before? (3:46) What we will be missing out on for a while (8:49) Will things change forever? (10:09) Future of travel (11:03)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
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Thank you for your support! ST and BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra: https://str.sg/Jw5T
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 35: Why Singapore's Covid-19 circuit breaker measures cannot be lifted so early
14:06 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times. For the latest state of Singapore's health in its Covid-19 fight, ST senior correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang.
He is the infectious diseases programme leader at the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
Singapore has extended its circuit breaker period to June 1, and has seen its coronavirus cases shoot past the 10,000-mark as of April 22, after recording about 500 in March.
He talks us through the following points:
1. What is the extent of the spread in the foreign worker dormitories? How does that ratio compare with the spread in the local community? (1:42)
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Singapore could continue to see a high number of cases emerging from the dormitories for the next few weeks, but is there a silver lining? (2:45)
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Why it is important to control the outbreak in the migrant worker communities before there are considerations to lift circuit breaker restrictions (5:13)
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What is the difference between asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases? (8:31)
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When is the viral load highest? (9:13)
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What's the difference between a PCR test and a serology test? Why we cannot just use any serology test available out there (11.32)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST and BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra: https://str.sg/Jw5T
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 34: "I had hallucinations," said discharged coronavirus patient, who spent 13 days in ICU
15:10 mins
Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times. We usually bring you tips and expert advice but in this episode, ST senior correspondent Joyce Teo spoke with Ben, 55, who had tested positive for Covid-19 at Alexandra Hospital on March 5 and developed severe disease. She asked him about his early symptoms and his ICU experience.
When Ben sought help at the hospital that day, he was given high amounts of oxygen via an oxygen mask, even though he said he wasn't panting or gasping for breath. Little did he know that on that same day, his condition would worsen so much that he had to be put on life support. Ben spent 13 days in ICU and was discharged on March 21.
Click here to read the full story.
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST and BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra: https://str.sg/Jw5T
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 33: Proper community behaviour can best manage coronavirus spread in countries
6:01 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with expert guests.
In this episode, ST senior correspondent Joyce Teo hosts infectious diseases specialist Professor Dale Fisher, group director of medicine at the National University Health System and chair of the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.
He was part of a joint World Health Organization-China mission to study the coronavirus threat and containment efforts earlier this year.
Professor Fisher answers the following questions:
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Can the coronavirus be contained to prevent health services from being overwhelmed? Lessons from China? (1:12)
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Covid-19 is a community-transmitted disease. Can every single person, regardless of which industry they work in, take action to prevent the coronavirus spread? (2:28)
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Advice for the vulnerable: The elderly and children (3:33)
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Do no underestimate each person's role in helping their countries manage this community-transmitted disease (4:50)
Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST and BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra: https://str.sg/Jw5T
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 32: How to encourage pregnant women to exercise more
13:25 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with expert guests.
In this episode, ST senior correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Serene Thain, an associate consultant from the Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine at KK Women's and Children's Hospital.
The first guidelines on physical activity and exercise for pregnant women were released earlier in January in a bid to curb the high rate of gestational diabetes here.
This episode is aimed at popular misconceptions about exercising during pregnancy. Mothers-in law, do have a listen too!
Dr Thain answers the following questions:
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Why pregnant women should aim for a target of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercises (divide the time into daily slots or at least three times a week) (3:05)
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How to avoid hypoglycaemia, which is dangerous for pregnant women (5:40)
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Danger signs pregnant women should notice while exercising (8:40)
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Should women lie flat on their backs in prolonged yoga sessions, especially after the fourth month of pregnancy? (11:05)
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Post-pregnancy exercising guidelines (12:00)
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST and BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra: https://str.sg/Jw5T
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 31: Breaking common misconceptions about exercise
17:25 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with expert guests.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Dinesh Sirisena, who is a consultant at the sports medicine department of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
This episode is aimed at popular misconceptions about exercise.
Dr Dinesh answers the following questions:
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Doing crunches: Does that really give you a "flat tummy"? (0:35)
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Is it true that a person needs to work out every day, to lose weight? (2:33)
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Is it good to avoid eating before you exercise, to help you lose weight faster? (4:36)
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Body mass index: Is there a trend to move away from only BMIs as a sole gauge, and consider too, body composition and body fat percentages? The bioimpedance machine at Admiralty Medical Centre can calculate your body fat percentage, and that is more accurate than BMI. (7:59)
-
If you have injured a part of your body, for example, your knee or ankle, should you lay off exercise completely? (12:33)
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST and BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra: https://str.sg/Jw5T
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 30: How to practise intermittent fasting safely to lose some weight
11:05 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Ms Alvernia Chua, a senior dietitian with National Healthcare Group Polyclinics.
She will clear up the air about a popular weight loss approach called intermittent fasting. What are the different methods? What are the misconceptions?
There are different methods, such as fasting for 16 hours and eating within an eight-hour window, or fasting on alternate days or for an entire day in a week. What reduces weight is total amount of calories consumed in a day (1:25) Find out why those with diabetes should view intermittent fasting methods with caution (3:18) Which groups of people - including breastfeeding mothers - should not try intermittent fasting (4:35) What is the 16:8 intermittent fasting method? (6:10) Side effects of intermittent fasting methods (9:20)
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST and BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra: https://str.sg/Jw5T
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 29: Virologist Prof Wang Linfa offers hand hygiene tips to counter novel coronavirus threat
12:17 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo calls Professor Wang Linfa.
He is the director of the emerging infectious disease programme at Duke-NUS Medical School. He is also a virologist who was part of the World Health Organization Emergency Committee on the novel coronavirus outbreak.
We ask him the latest updates on the novel coronavirus, and what we can do to protect ourselves.
Professor Wang tells us: How to be aware and maintain hand hygiene when using lifts and public toilets, because contact transmission for the novel coronavirus is potent (1:17) Droplet transmission threat for coronaviruses: What should you do to protect yourself better when using taxis or private hire cars for example? (4:23) Is faecal transmission possible with the novel coronavirus? (6:35) Tips for older people and those with existing conditions (7:19) One good tip on using a ballpoint pen and its cap to press lift buttons and reduce your skin's exposure to possible coronaviruses (9:41)
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST and BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra: https://str.sg/Jw5T
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 28: How to practise better hygiene in wake of Wuhan coronavirus
12:27 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis talk about how we can all start practising better hygiene in the wake of the mysterious novel coronavirus - 2019-nCov - that originated in Wuhan.
Should we all wear masks now? (0:52)
Is it true that flipping surgical masks inside out is the right thing to do? (2:24)
Is there an art to washing and sanitising hands properly? How to choose proper hand sanitisers? (4:00)
What are the symptoms and the incubation period of the Wuhan coronavirus? (6:54)
Health authorities say that it generally requires prolonged exposure to the infected person for you to catch the bug. How is prolonged exposure defined? (8:52)
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Penelope Lee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST and BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra: https://str.sg/Jw5T
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 27: Can you exercise when you are sick?
17:25 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with expert guests.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Dinesh Sirisena, who is a consultant at the sports medicine department of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
This episode is aimed at those wondering if they should exercise when they are sick.
Dr Dinesh answers the following questions:
-
If you have just a sore throat, and your airways are clear, can light exercise, or even a simple walk in the neighbourhood, help? (3:25)
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How those with chronic fatigue syndrome can benefit from some form of exercise? (4:35)
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Can you work out if you have taken medication? For example, codeine-based medications or antibiotics? (6:45)
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Should you participate in an event such as a marathon if you are unwell just before the event starts? (12:05)
-
What is a good checklist to go through before you exercise? (15:05) Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R
Thank you for your support! ST and BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra: https://str.sg/Jw5T
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 26: Youth mental health: What to expect when seeking help?
14:59 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with medical experts.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Lee Yi Ping, team leader and senior youth support worker for the Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT) - which has been helping and supporting young people with mental health concerns since 2009.
This episode is aimed at youth mental health trends in Singapore today and what it's like making the first move to seek help at CHAT - which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2019. CHAT is a national outreach and mental health check programme under the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), that is aimed at youth aged 16-30, including young working adults, and has an actual space at *Scape, 2 Orchard Link.
Ms Lee answers the following questions:
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What is it like going to CHAT for the first time?
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What do you do if you want to seek help at CHAT?
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How a young man finally got help for his depression?
-
What are the qualifications of the youth support workers at CHAT?
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 25: How to spot mental health issues if you are aged 16-30
15:02 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up some common misconceptions on health.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Lee Yi Ping, team leader and senior youth support worker for the Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT) - which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2019.
This episode is aimed at youth mental health trends in Singapore today and what it's like making the first move to seek help at CHAT.
CHAT is a national outreach and mental health check programme under the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), that is aimed at youth aged 16-30, including young working adults, and has an actual space at *Scape, 2 Orchard Link.
Ms Lee answers the following questions:
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Why parents, educators or even work supervisors should listen to this podcast as well, to identify who might need support (3:04)
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What are the main stress triggers for young people? (5:06)
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What is the difference between seeing a free and confidential help service like CHAT, and seeing a medical professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist? (8:00)
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Why mood disorders and psychosis-related issues form a large part of the conditions young people report to CHAT (11:57)
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When you should notice warning signs and seek help (13:08)
HELPLINES
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours)
Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Tinkle Friend (for primary school-aged children): 1800-274-4788
Care Corner Counselling Hotline (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX
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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 24: Are smart devices bad for infants?
11:50 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up some common misconceptions on health. In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Mae Wong, a senior consultant at the department of child development at KK Women's and Children's Hospital.
This episode is aimed at the impact of early screen exposure on children's behaviour. A study here has shown that children as young as 18 months and below who get their first screen time in front of electronic devices, and even computers and the television, may experience more disrupted sleep as well as emotional and behavioural difficulties. The study was published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics earlier this year.
She answers the following questions:
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Why parents need to be aware of having screens or mobile devices in the same bedroom as their infant children (1:58)
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Spotting symptoms like hyperactivity, poor attention, increased temper tantrums and parental/caregiver management strategies in Singapore (4:01)
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Tips on setting clear house rules like time, and working in a variety of interactive activities (5:33)
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For children with neuro-developmental disorders, their parents surveyed revealed an average screen time exposure of four hours a day (6:53)
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How grandparents and domestic helpers should also pick tips up from parents on managing their young children and not using mobile devices as simple babysitting tools (9:33)
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
https://str.sg/Jw5T
Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 23: Why you shouldn't demand antibiotics for your flu
12:43 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up some common misconceptions on health. In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang - the head of the infectious diseases programme and the co-director of the Leadership Institute for Global Health Transformation at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. He tells us more about antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance and what to know and do about it.
He answers the following questions:
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The difference between antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic resistance
-
Is there the same urgent "climate change" mentality when it comes to the problem of recognising antibiotic resistance?
-
Costly effects of drug-resistant bacteria in human medicine
-
Antibiotics being used as growth promoters in animal farming, and does it affect kampung chicken?
-
If you have a bacterial infection as opposed to a viral infection, what should you do?
Prof Hsu has also worked on a graphic novel with award-winning Singaporean cartoonist Sonny Liew and Epigram Books. Called The Antibiotic Tales, it aims to explain antimicrobial resistance - the ability of microbes to evolve and resist the drugs used to kill them - to the lay reader.
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 22: Why women need to watch out for heart disease
14:43 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up some common misconceptions on health. In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Dr Low Ting Ting, a consultant at the Department of Cardiology at the National University Heart Centre, Singapore. Dr Low, who is also the programme director of its Women’s Heart Health Programme, tells you why taking the “bikini medicine" approach to women's health is wrong.
She answers the following questions:
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What is the number one killer of women?
-
What is cardiovascular disease, and what exactly is heart disease?
-
How to tell if the chest pain and other discomfort that you are experiencing are signs of heart disease?
-
Why heart disease is missed or misdiagnosed?
-
How does ageing affect your risk of this disease?
-
How to prevent heart disease?
Produced by: Joyce Teo
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
Spotify: http://str.sg/oeGY
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Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
https://str.sg/Jw5T
Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 21: How to treat and prevent kidney stones
13:47 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks misconceptions with medical experts.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis invite urologist Dr Tan Yung Khan from UroHealth Medical Clinic to debunk misconceptions about kidney stones.
He answers the following questions:
1. Should I cut my calcium intake to prevent kidney stones?
2. Is it true that drinking beer helps to keep kidney stones away?
3. What does sweating and hot yoga have to do with kidney stones?
4. Should I wait to pass them out or get them treated?
5. How do I prevent kidney stones and how much water should I drink?
- How does a high Vitamin C intake affect my risk of kidney stones?
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
https://str.sg/Jw5T
Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 20: Sex and other addictions - how to deal with them and why people get addicted
13:46 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Munidasa Winslow, a well-known addictions expert and the founder of Promises Healthcare.
He gives you the lowdown on addictions and answers the following questions:
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What are the different types of addictions?
-
Is sex addiction a big problem here and when does it become serious?
-
Who are the ones who are more prone to addictions?
-
How can you tell if you have an addiction problem?
-
How to deal with withdrawal cravings and what can you do about your addiction?
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
https://str.sg/Jw5T
Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 19: How to cope with ADHD
14:42 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Munidasa Winslow, a well-known addictions expert and the founder of Promises Healthcare.
He reveals how he found out he has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition characterised by inattention, impulsive behaviour and/or hyperactivity, in adulthood.
He also touches on the following points:
1. The quirks and challenges of ADHD
-
Debunking myths claiming that ADHD is not a real disorder
-
How you can cope with ADHD
-
One way his family copes with his ADHD
-
Why ADHD is a super power
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
https://str.sg/Jw5T
Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 18: What to know about gut health, and your poo
11.17 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Lai Jiunn Herng from Lai Endoscopy and Colorectal Surgery at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre.
He tells you what you need to know about gut health, and answers the following questions:
-
Why do we have to look into the toilet bowl before we flush?
-
Should we take cultured milk drinks or probiotic supplements to boost our gut health?
-
Which type of fibre-rich foods is best, if we want to reduce our risk of colorectal cancer?
-
Why should we bother about our poo?
-
Will spending time on the toilet bowl harm our health?
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
https://str.sg/Jw5T
Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 17: When we should be worried about colorectal cancer
9:44 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Lai Jiunn Herng from Lai Endoscopy and Colorectal Surgery at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre.
They discuss the symptoms of colorectal cancer, the No. 1 cancer here in Singapore.
They ask him the following questions: - Does bleeding in our stools mean we may have cancer? - What types of abdominal pain are cause for concern? - Should we be worried about unusual toilet habits? - What can we do to reduce our risk of colorectal cancer?
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Google Podcasts: http://str.sg/oeLN
Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
https://str.sg/Jw5T
Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 16: How to get your hawker food fix without risking a heart attack
15:50 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests. In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Michael Lim, the medical director of MWH Heart, Stroke & Cancer Centre, who's also the honorary president of the Asian Society of Cardiology.
He tells us: - how to get our hawker food fix without increasing the risk of a heart attack (1:59 mins) - what to take note of when it comes to high-cholesterol foods (2:57) - which food products with trans fat we should avoid (6:38) - which supplements to avoid (9:04) - if taking fish oils will help to prevent a heart attack or stroke (11:12)
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
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Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 15: Forget about raising your good cholesterol?
19:12 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests. In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Michael Lim, the medical director of MWH Heart, Stroke & Cancer Centre, who's also the honorary president of the Asian Society of Cardiology.
They ask him for tips on how to change lifestyles to prevent cardiovascular disease, like heart attacks or strokes.
Dr Lim answers the following questions:
-
Why is it hard for us to get a heart attack or stroke, when these conditions are common? (0:40 mins)
-
What is the simplest and cheapest way to prevent a heart attack? Drink enough water (4:04)
-
Why is good cholesterol obsolete today? (5:18)
-
Diabetes is a key risk factor, and Singapore is waging war against it. What else can we do to address this risk? (10:10)
-
Why it is better to have more and smaller meals daily (11:40)
-
How do we monitor our blood pressure levels, and what to look out for when doing so? (12:37)
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Playlist: https://str.sg/Jw7R
Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
https://str.sg/Jw5T
Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 14: Student burnout - How parents can spot it
11:01 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis asked Dr Lim Boon Leng, a psychiatrist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, to share more on student burnout.
Burnout is a condition that was classified - by the World Health Organisation in late May 2019 - as an occupational phenomenon and not a medical condition. However, burnout is not a condition that is specific to the workplace.
Students can get burnout too.
Dr Lim answers the following questions: What are the early signs and symptoms of student burnout to watch out for? How serious is student burnout? What happens if your child is experiencing burnout? If your child is burnt out, should you keep him from school? What causes student burnout and what can parents do?
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
https://str.sg/Jw5T
Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 13: Burnout - what types are there and how to spot it
10:12 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
In this episode, correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis ask Dr Lim Boon Leng, a psychiatrist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, to share more on burnout.
It is a condition that was classified - by the World Health Organisation in late May 2019 - as an occupational phenomenon and not a medical condition.
Dr Lim answers the following questions:
-
What exactly is burnout and how serious can it get? (1:25)
-
What are other kinds of burnout, like parental or caregiver burnout? (3:22)
-
After hearing about Luis' own burnout experience, Dr Lim shares why it is important to heed early warning signs seriously (4:55)
-
What are the red flags to look out? (5:52)
-
How about student burnout and what are the signs of stress to look out for in children? (8:42)
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Subscribe to Health Check Podcast channel, hear the latest episodes every first and third Wednesday of the month and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Discover more ST podcast series:
Asian Insider Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa7
Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf
ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: https://str.sg/JWa2
PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad
Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas
Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ
Discover BT Podcasts: http://bt.sg/podcasts
Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
https://str.sg/Jw5T
Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 12: Fact-checking common myths about colorectal cancer
9:54 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
ST correspondent Joyce Teo (right) and health reporter Rei Kurohi (left) interview Professor Francis Seow-Choen (pictured centre), a colorectal surgeon from Concord International Hospital.
He lays out the facts about colorectal cancer, which is the number one cancer in Singapore, and answers the following questions: What is colorectal cancer? (0:33) What are the biggest misconceptions about this cancer and why? (0:48) What role does sugar intake play? Can vegans and vegetarians get colorectal cancer? (2:37) What about environmental factors causing colorectal cancer? (5:50) When should we start going for screening and how often? (6:55)
Professor Seow-Choen also says that family history and genes determine the first cause of colorectal cancer. But 80% of all patients also do not have any family history, so environmental factors and ageing come into play next.
Produced by: Joyce Teo, Rei Kurohi and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
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Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 11: How to use the Fast method to recognise a stroke and react quickly
9:11 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
Our guest for this episode is Dr Shekhawat Ravindra Singh (pictured left), an associate consultant at the Department of Neurology at the National Neuroscience Institute. He tells us how to recognise a stroke, also known as a brain attack, as well as how to prevent one.
He answers the following questions: Why do people still turn up late for treatment of suspected strokes? (0:57) What are the symptoms? What are the dos and don'ts? (1:10) What treatment can you expect at the emergency department after? (3:10) Can strokes be prevented? Smoking is a major factor for young victims aged 25 onwards (4:50) Rare causes of strokes (5:40)
For family members or even strangers who run into potential stroke victims, learn the Fast test.
F stands for Face: Smile and see if one side of the face droops.
A stands for Arms: Raise both arms. Does one arm drop down?
S stands for Speech: Say a short phrase and check for slurred or strange speech.
T stands for Time: If the answer to any of these is yes, call 995 in Singapore right away and seek emergency help.
Do share this podcast via the channels below with your friends and loved ones.
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow Health Check Podcast episodes out here every first and third Wednesday of the month:
Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg
Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN
Thank you for your support! ST & BT Podcasts picked up a silver medal for Best Digital Project to engage younger and/or millennial audiences at 2019 Asian Digital Media Awards by Wan-Ifra:
https://str.sg/Jw5T
Watch a video of Podcasts on the rise in Singapore: https://youtu.be/aGJ4cbch6eQ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Check Ep 10: Can schools and parents help boost the cognition and well-being of sleep-deprived Singaporean teenagers?
9:30 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
To discuss why teenagers and students need to sleep more and how insufficient sleep affects them, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Prof Michael Chee, the director of the Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience at the Duke-NUS Medical School who is a prominent sleep expert.
He answers the following questions: What can be done to help teenagers - inundated with homework, curricular activities, enrichment classes and tuition after school - sleep more? Most Singaporean adolescents sleep an average of 6.5 hours a night on the weekdays. What is a good amount of nocturnal sleep for teenagers? Is seven to eight hours a good achievable target for upper secondary school teenagers? Could shorter sleep increase the risk of diabetes among young Singaporeans? How can students manage better sleep strategy during intense examination periods?
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
Follow more Health Check podcasts and rate us on:
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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts
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Health Check Ep 9: Why sleep habits need to be formed when young
9:30 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Prof Michael Chee, the director of the Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience at the Duke-NUS Medical School, a prominent sleep expert who wants to change how we think about sleep. He was asked the following questions:
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Are we sleeping more than our neighbours in the region? What’s the evidence?
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We all know we should prioritise sleep but many of us don't get a full night's sleep. Can we make up for the lack of sleep on weekends, or by taking afternoon naps?
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Why do we need to have sufficient sleep?
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What causes insomnia and is it normal for the elderly to have poor sleep?
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Should offices have sleep pods?
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
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Health Check Ep 8: Can munching on half a plate of mushrooms a week slow mental decline?
9:46 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host two experts from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore to discuss the results of the six-year study they had conducted on more than 600 Singaporeans aged 60 and above, to see the relation between consuming mushrooms and mental decline.
The study's principal investigator, Assistant Professor Feng Lei, who is from NUS' Department of Psychological Medicine, and Dr Irwin Cheah - a senior research fellow at the NUS Department of Biochemistry - are asked the following questions:
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Can consuming more than two portions (300g or half a plate) of mushrooms each week, reduce the risk of having mild cognitive impairment?
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It can help with Alzheimer's, but how about Parkinson's disease?
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The study focused on six types of mushrooms commonly eaten in Singapore. How about others like portobello?
Mushrooms contain high levels of a compound known as ergothioneine. The compound acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent, and can protect brain cells from damage.
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
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Health Check Ep 7: Should you limit your child's screen time?
8:04 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said in January 2019, that it would not recommend any age-appropriate time limits because there is not enough evidence that screen time harms a child's health at any age. Instead, it recommends that families negotiate screen time limits with their children based on their needs.
However, the college did recommend that children refrain from using digital devices in the hour before bedtime because of evidence that they can harm sleep. (1:20)
Dr Ong Say How, a senior consultant and chief of the department of developmental psychiatry at the Institute of Mental Health, said problems arise when screen time displaces physical activity and face-to-face social interaction as well as affects sleep and school performance.
Should you as a parent, be concerned when excessive screen time for your child displaces face-to-face social engagement and physical activity? (1:37)
Should a child below 18 months of age should not be exposed to any screen time at all, even if they are watching educational videos on mobile phones. (2:45)
Key recommendations on screen time from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health:
Families can ask these four key questions as a guide:
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Is screen time in your household controlled?
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Does screen use interfere with what your family wants to do?
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Does screen use interfere with sleep?
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Are you able to control snacking during screen time?
Key recommendations on screen time from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
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For children younger than 18 months, avoid the use of screen media other than video-chatting.
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Parents of children aged 18 to 24 months who want to introduce digital media should choose high-quality programming and watch it with their children to help them understand what they are seeing.
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For those aged two to five, limit screen use to one hour a day of high-quality programmes. Parents should watch the programmes with children to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them. (3:40)
Video games: Is that considered good or bad screen time? (5:00)
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
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Health Check Ep 6: Can soursop or ketogenic diets be used to treat and control cancer?
11:20 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
Dr Wong Seng Weng - medical director and consultant medical oncologist at The Cancer Centre - answers the following questions about alternative therapies to treat cancer.
Can soursop be used to treat cancer? Also, is there potential harm from taking large quantities of soursop or soursop extracts that are made from the fruit, leaves, roots or bark?
Dr Wong explains how some of the substances found in soursop can cross over from the bloodstream into the brain and cause nerve damage.
How about using a ketogenic or keto diet to control cancer?
A keto diet is essentially a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. This is certainly not the normal diet here, as a typical diet in the Asian community consists of nearly 60 per cent carbohydrates.
Dr Wong advises us if this keto diet is a viable alternative therapy to treat cancer.
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
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Health Check Season 1: Can coffee or a piping hot cup of tea increase your risk of cancer?
10:01 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
Dr Wong Seng Weng - medical director and consultant medical oncologist at The Cancer Centre - answers the following questions.
Can drinking coffee increase the risk of getting cancer? What's a safe amount of coffee to drink daily? Four cups? Or is that considered too many?
To help prevent an increased risk of oesophageal cancer, how long should you let that piping hot beverage cool before you drink it?
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis
Edited by: Adam Azlee
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Health Check Ep 4
8:40 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Tuesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
This episode debunks three myths on gestational diabetes, and looks at how expectant mothers here and their spouses should take this topic more seriously, including those planning a family.
Co-hosts Joyce Teo, a correspondent with The Straits Times, and head of podcasting Ernest Luis, tackle the myths with Dr Ben Ng, an endocrinologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.
He explains that gestational diabetes is a condition where your blood sugars are abnormal during the course of pregnancy, which is caused by physiological changes and stress during the term.
What is the risk factor of someone developing diabetes after gestational diabetes?
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Health Check
Episode 3
Duration: 10 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Tuesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
This episode targets newly-diagnosed diabetics. How they can work in an exercise routine and balance it with their new condition, or even if they had been very active marathoners previously for example.
Host Ernest Luis, together with The Straits Times' correspondent Joyce Teo and assistant news editor Poon Chian Hui, discuss various tips with Dr Fadzil Hamzah, a Senior Staff Registrar with the Changi Sports Medicine Centre at Changi General Hospital, and a visiting clinician at the Singapore Sports Institute.
He is also the Director of Community Programmes for Exercise Is Medicine Singapore (EIMS).
Produced by: Ernest Luis, Joyce Teo and Poon Chian Hui
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Health Check
Episode 2
Duration: 11 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Tuesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
This episode targets diabetics and the general public as well, if they want to avoid diabetes. Get practical dieting tips especially if you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes.
How do you navigate when eating out or at hawker centres? How do you keep your portions controlled, to avoid blood glucose levels shooting up? What vegetables should you go for?
When it comes to one of Singapore's favourite breakfast sets - the kaya toast meal and its accompanying drink - what can you tweak, to make it a healthier set?
Join Ernest Luis, head of podcasting, and Linette Lai, a health correspondent with The Straits Times, as they host Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran, head of the Glycaemic Index Research Unit at Temasek Polytechnic, and vice-president of Diabetes Singapore.
Produced by: Ernest Luis and Linette Lai
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Health Check
Episode 1
Duration: 12 mins
Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Tuesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.
How has Singapore's war against diabetes panned out so far? Has public awareness increased? Have commercial outlets responded favourably? What more can be done to better engage Singaporeans and help them make more informed decisions on the ground?
Join ST's senior health correspondent Salma Khalik as she hosts Singapore's Health Minister Gan Kim Yong. They dissect national numbers and the various key aspects of this war against diabetes. They also discuss the kinds of sugar tax measures that might be considered.
Mr Gan also reveals his own love for chicken rice and his own personal "3Rs" strategy on how to adapt and choose healthier options when eating out. He also reveals a favourite new sporting pastime, to keep fit.
Produced by: Salma Khalik and Ernest Luis
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