Author: Gerald Ng

This research exemplifies Duke-NUS’s collaborative spirit, combining expertise across disciplines to push the boundaries of medical science. Professor Patrick Tan, Senior Vice-Dean for Research at Duke-NUS, said: “This is a sterling example of how different research programmes within the School come together to tap their various expertise to advance medical knowledge and improve patients’ lives. The team’s valuable insights may one day translate into a new treatment option to control tumour growth or even offer a cure for cancer.”

With mega music stars like Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran holding concerts in Southeast Asia, there is one medical condition to note.  In the aftermath of an electrifying concert, many individuals find themselves grappling with an unexpected guest: post-concert depression (PCD).  This phenomenon, often overlooked, can cast a shadow over the joy and exhilaration experienced during live music events, leaving fans feeling empty, sad, and disconnected once the lights go out and the music fades. Dr Lim Boon Leng, a psychiatrist at the Centre for Psychological Wellness, provides his clinical insights.  The Highs and Lows of Live…

As Taylor Swift’s electrifying ‘Eras Tour’ captivates audiences in Singapore, there’s growing concern over the risk of hearing loss associated with attending high-volume live concerts.  Swift’s performances, celebrated for their dynamic sound and powerful vocals, prompt crucial questions about the auditory implications for fans. Clinical audiologists Nituna Kanodia from Lynne Lim Ear Nose Throat & Hearing Centre and Hearing Partner’s Jennifer Lee answered whether regularly attending live concerts can cause hearing loss, and they both agreed that frequent concert attendance can lead to long-term hearing loss. The Swift Phenomenon Taylor Swift’s recent shows at the Singapore National Stadium highlighted her…

In an exclusive interview at the Perdana Leadership Foundation, the venerable Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, at the ripe age of 98, shared insights into his illustrious career, the secret to a long, fulfilling life, and his views on the evolving landscape of medicine and social media in Malaysia. Dr. Mahathir, synonymous with Malaysia’s transformation over the last four decades, began the day with his routine, embodying the discipline he credits for his longevity. “The most important thing is not to grow fat,” he quipped, sharing wisdom from his mother about stopping when food tastes nice to avoid overeating. He remembers his mum saying, “When the food tastes nice, the tendency is to eat too much.”

This initiative arrives at a critical juncture as Singapore’s healthcare sector faces challenges in retaining nurses and allied healthcare professionals (AHPs). Recent statistics reveal a slight uptick in the attrition rates of AHPs in the public sector, from 8.9% in 2018 to 11.6% in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for effective retention strategies.

In response, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has engaged in concerted efforts to enhance the attractiveness of healthcare careers, including significant salary enhancements for AHPs in 2023 and comprehensive support for salary improvements within the community care sector since 2021. These measures, coupled with the ANGEL scheme, underscore Singapore’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability and resilience of its healthcare workforce.

Raquel Rodriguez, a formidable WWE Superstar, recently spotlighted her Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) battle. This condition significantly impacted her career and lifestyle, yet showcased her unwavering determination and resilience by wrestling during a flare-up at Elimination Chamber last weekend.

Registered distributors of all dental products in Malaysia are subject to stringent inspection by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and supporting authorities to ensure their quality. Dr Mahendran raised concerns regarding dental practitioners who subscribe to online vendors and distributors to purchase medical devices and dental appliances. He added that the lower prices allowed dentists to provide cheaper services besides promoting offer packages, gifts, and discounts. Dr Mahendran also stated that many private practitioners use unethical advertisements on social media offering discounts, packages, and freebies. According to the Private Healthcare and Facilities and Services Act 2018, these advertisements are prohibited.  

Improper food handling, inadequate cooking, and unhygienic conditions can lead to serious infections such as salmonella, E. coli, and cholera.

Despite its economic prowess, South Korea grapples with one of the leanest doctor-to-patient ratios among leading economies. The government’s remedy? To boost medical school admissions. However, this prescription has not gone well with the current cadre of doctors, who foresee a future where heightened competition thins their earnings.

Research on magnesium glycinate points to several potential health benefits that support some of the claims made by its proponents. For instance, magnesium is well-known for its ability to improve sleep quality, particularly in individuals with insomnia. Its calming effect on the nervous system can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Consequently, that promotes a more restful night’s sleep.

Moreover, magnesium plays a pivotal role in muscle function. Therefore, its supplementation can be beneficial in preventing cramps and spasms, a boon for athletes and physically active individuals. The combination of magnesium with glycine in magnesium glycinate may also have a synergistic effect. This is because glycine itself is recognised for its calming properties and may enhance magnesium’s positive effects on sleep and anxiety.