Author: Saba Kash

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, is prevalent in Singapore’s tropical climate.  High temperatures and humidity lead to blocked sweat ducts, causing inflammation and discomfort. Preventive measures and treatments can ensure comfort and maintain skin health despite the heat. Understanding Heat Rash in Singapore Heat rash in Singapore is a common issue due to consistently high temperatures and humidity levels. The condition manifests as small, itchy red bumps, often accompanied by a prickling or stinging sensation. It typically affects areas where sweat accumulates, such as the neck, chest, back, and skin folds. Tropical climates significantly increase the…

Singapore is witnessing a significant rise in COVID-19 infections, with the Ministry of Health (MOH) closely monitoring the situation.  The estimated number of COVID-19 cases in the week of 5 to 11 May 2024 surged to 25,900. This is nearly double the 13,700 cases reported the previous week. This alarming increase has raised concerns about the COVID-19 rising in Singapore. It has prompted renewed calls for public vigilance and vaccination. Rising Hospitalisations and ICU Cases Hospitalisations have also seen a noticeable uptick. The average daily COVID-19 hospitalisations rising to about 250 from 181 the week before. Intensive Care Unit (ICU)…

Bird’s nest soup has long been touted for its purported health benefits. But does this traditional delicacy live up to the hype? Bird’s nest soup, a renowned delicacy in traditional Chinese cuisine, uses nests made by swiftlets. These nests consist mainly of the bird’s saliva, which solidifies upon exposure to air. People have consumed bird’s nest soup for centuries, believing it offers numerous health benefits. But how much of this belief is myth, and how much is supported by scientific evidence? Key Benefits and Nutritional Value Bird’s nest soup contains an impressive array of macronutrients and micronutrients. It is particularly…

Humidity plays a significant role in asthma management and symptom severity. Learn how varying humidity levels can affect asthma and strategies to cope. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, affects millions worldwide. Its symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, can be triggered by various environmental factors. One such factor is humidity. Understanding the relationship between humidity and asthma can help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively. How Humidity Affects Asthma Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. Both high and low humidity levels can exacerbate asthma symptoms, albeit in different ways. High Humidity High humidity can…

Health authorities have suspended the food business operations of Edge @ Pan Pacific Hotel after six gastroenteritis incidents affected 16 diners. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) are investigating multiple cases of gastroenteritis linked to food consumed at Edge @ Pan Pacific Hotel. Between 2 and 18 May 2024, 16 people fell ill after dining at the hotel’s restaurant. The affected individuals experienced gastroenteritis symptoms, prompting the authorities to take swift action. Initial Feedback and Immediate Measures The first signs of trouble came when diners reported symptoms of gastroenteritis. The management of Edge @ Pan…

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood and oversimplified as a mere obsession with cleanliness.  However, OCD is a complex mental health condition that goes far beyond this narrow stereotype. This article aims to shed light on the true nature of OCD, debunk common myths, and provide insights into its various manifestations. What is OCD? OCD is characterised by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to alleviate the distress caused by these obsessions. While cleanliness and orderliness are common themes, they are not the only manifestations of OCD. Other types include checking, hoarding, intrusive thoughts,…

How to Report Child Abuse in Singapore A recent case in Singapore, where a 15-year-old girl lived in a cramped hawker stall for 11 months, highlights the urgency of recognising and reporting child abuse. Neighbours noticed her reclusive behaviour, poor hygiene, and inadequate living conditions, which indicated severe neglect. Recognising such signs of distress in children is crucial for timely intervention. Immediate Actions to Take When encountering a child in distress, immediate action is crucial. In the case of the girl living in the hawker stall, authorities were alerted during routine checks. If you find a child in a similar…

Water is essential for human survival, but the temperature at which it is consumed has sparked considerable debate.  In many cultures, particularly in Southeast Asia, there is a belief that warm water is healthier than cold water. This article examines whether drinking cold water is less healthy than drinking warm water, considering scientific evidence and cultural perspectives from the region. The Benefits of Warm Water Digestive Health Warm water is often recommended for its potential benefits on digestion. Drinking warm water can help to stimulate the digestive tract and improve bowel movements. Research has shown that warm water can aid…

The Science Behind Baby Talk: Infant Language Development Research has shown that baby talk can play a crucial role in infant language development. Studies suggest that infants are more attentive to and better able to process IDS than ADS. The exaggerated sounds and rhythms of baby talk capture infants’ attention more effectively and help them distinguish between different phonetic elements of speech. According to one study, IDS can enhance phonetic learning in infants as young as 7 months old. Benefits of Baby Talk One of the key benefits of baby talk is its ability to help infants discern phonetic differences.…

Cocoa Extract Supplement May Benefit Cognition Among Older Adults with Lower Diet Quality Researchers have found new evidence on the effectiveness of cocoa flavanol supplements for cognition. In a randomised controlled clinical older adults with unhealthy diets who took daily cocoa extract supplements experienced cognitive benefits. However, participants who already had healthy dietary patterns did not see these cognitive benefits. Insights into the Cognitive Benefits of Cocoa Extract Cocoa extract has shown potential protective effects on cognition, although previous randomised clinical trials in older adults have produced inconsistent results. The Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) suggests that taking…