Empower yourself with health tips and insights

With World Lung Cancer Day observed on 1 August, it’s a good time to reflect on ways to support lung health. In Singapore, many people live with allergies or asthma, about 3.9% of adults have been diagnosed with asthma². Maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, and staying active also help keep your lungs strong. Regular cardio exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, can significantly improve lung capacity³.

You might have “normal” LDL cholesterol and feel fine—but dangerous plaque could already be building in your arteries. The PESA (Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis) study, imaged over 4,100 healthy adults aged 40–54. Shockingly, nearly 50% showed early atherosclerotic plaque despite having LDL levels deemed “normal” and no conventional risk factors (1).

With more time spent in front of screens than ever before, it’s no surprise that many of us experience tired or uncomfortable eyes by the end of the day. While eye strain can stem from several causes such as poor lighting, prolonged reading, or even dry air, one stands out in today’s digital age.

Melanoma, while less common than other skin cancers, is the most dangerous and potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer.

Women often juggle the demands of work, family, and personal commitments, and their health can sometimes take a backseat. However, prioritising preventive care and regular check-ups can improve quality of life, support healthy ageing, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions.

Discover how iodine-rich foods can support your thyroid health and make a big impact on your overall wellbeing.

Shingles is more than just a rash—it can leave lasting scars. Read how you can protect your skin before it’s too late.

Discover gentle skincare tips and what to avoid for a smoother recovery.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s number one killer, causing over 17.9 million deaths per year.

Picky eating is common amongst children and can develop for various reasons at an early age. Some children are more naturally sensitive to different taste, smell, and textures.

In conjunction with World Atopic Eczema Day, we have prepared this special article to provide our readers with a deeper understanding of eczema.

Mooncakes are traditional pastries eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival and their ingredients and nutritional content vary depending on the type and filling. The traditional mooncake ingredients include flour, sugar, vegetable oil, egg yolks (sweetened for the filling), lotus seed paste (most common), red bean poste, nuts such as walnuts or almonds and seeds such as sesame or pumpkin seeds. Some modern mooncakes may contain additional ingredients such as fruits (pineapple, strawberry), chocolate, nuts (pecan, hazelnuts), spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) and alternative sweeteners (honey, maple syrup).

In recent weeks, Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) has been drawing attention as a significant public health concern.

Durian season is upon us once again from now to September! Whether you’re a fan of this ‘King of Fruits’ or someone who’s yet to be convinced, let’s explore the nutritional value of this fruit.

Dr Misa Noda, Paediatrician at HMI Medical Centre will share what constitutes normal growth and how to ensure your child is growing healthily.

While acne is a common skin condition affecting individuals of all ages, understanding the causes and dispelling common myths are essential steps to effectively manage this condition. Dr Kok Wai Leong provides more insights in the following article.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, many dads tend to overlook certain aspects of their well-being. Let’s shed light on some of these crucial men’s health areas that often fly under the radar.

While occasional sleep disruptions are normal, persistent sleep deprivation can lead to poor health, both physically and mentally if left untreated.

I often get asked by patients whether there is a link between stress and skin health – the short answer is a resounding yes.

Key things to expect when you undergo a heart screening. Know how it starts, the common tests involved, and when to get a screening.

Temperatures have been soaring in Singapore, coupled with the humidity in our tropical climate. This weather can wreak havoc on your skin causing a rise in symptoms.

Read on to see how recent advancements are transforming care and offering renewed hope for those living with atopic dermatitis.

Embarking on a journey towards weight loss often involves a combination of reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity.

Warts are growths on the skin, typically caused by viral infections that enter via small cracks or cuts in the skin.

If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is crucial to understand that it is not the end of the road. Dealing with CKD requires proactive measures.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that primarily affects the lungs. Caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, TB can lead to severe complications if left untreated.

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our lives, and the lack of it can impact our well-being negatively, potentially leading to serious mental health issues.

Cervical cancer ranks as the 10th most prevalent occurring cancer among women in Singapore1, but it can be effectively treated promptly if detected early.

Nail disorders can affect individuals of all ages, resulting in noticeable changes to the nails. In some cases, they may serve as potential indicators of underlying health issues as well.

“What do you mean I need a colonoscopy?” If the mere thought of it sends shivers down your spine, you’re not alone.

Skin cancer is a growing concern for many individuals, and understanding its various types, risk factors, and the importance of early detection is crucial.

Checking on your blood cholesterol levels can play a vital role in identifying possible health concerns in their early stages, allowing you to take proactive measures to manage them before they worsen.

Eating well and exercising often aren’t the only steps to take for a healthy lifestyle. One crucial thing that often gets overlooked? Frequent health screenings.

Our blood pressure is one of the most fundamental vital signs which can provide a snapshot of possible underlying health problems.

Dengue fever has been a locally endemic virus in Singapore for many decades, with the first outbreak reported as early as 1901.

Most people don’t take skin flare-ups seriously enough. Instead, they often resort to self-diagnosing and self-medicating with over-the-counter topical creams.

Besides hospitals, patients can also visit StarMed Specialist Centre’s urgent care centre, where most patients queue for up to 15 minutes or less, for diagnosis and treatment.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common illness in Singapore that can significantly affect the quality of life of sufferers, even though it is benign.

In the quest for good skin, many turn to myriad products in the skincare aisle, or the abundance of skincare advice that makes its rounds online.

After giving birth to her second child, a woman in her early 30s found herself suffering from water retention as well as right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.

Get to know about blocked arteries and the usual treatments, plus an alternative treatment focused on lifestyle.

Accidents can happen at any time – do you know what to do in an urgent medical situation? Keep reading for expert tips from a doctor!

Mind and body wellness top our list – read on to find out what others are saying about their New Year’s resolutions. The trend of self-care has peaked in recent years and it isn’t going anywhere fast.

Pooping (passing motion/faeces/stool) is a critical part of our body’s digestive process which involves the discharge of undigested food, waste (including toxins), and other substances from the intestines.

Here are three things men can do to maximise their health, according to the experts.

Enjoy thrilling sports activities in Singapore and bag tips from an expert on how to safeguard yourself from a muscle strain or pull.

Whether you’re doubling over in pain after a meal or just experiencing waves of pain from time to time, stomachaches can be a sign of health issues. Here are the symptoms to know.

Childhood vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illnesses and deaths in children, yet there are reports of parents delaying vaccinations or are deciding not to vaccinate their children altogether.

Among the new lifestyles established during the pandemic, picking up a new exercise habit or sport is probably one of them for many Singaporeans. From spin classes to mixed martial arts, the choices are aplenty.

What do cancer of the pancreas, colon and liver have in common? Apart from the fact that they are cancers that affect the digestive system, they are also preventable if detected early.

While we can take all the necessary precautions to prevent boo-boos from happening, sometimes things just don’t go as planned. You may catch a stomach bug, or your little travel buddy may scrape his or her knee.

If you’d like to say goodbye to bloating and other tummy troubles for good, you’ll need to get your gut health in order.

The Circuit Breaker period has seen many lifestyle changes among Singaporeans. Among them, I have observed trends of home workouts and sedentary habits increased.

Whether you realise it or not, what you do – and don’t do – every day can have a huge impact on your joint health.

Up to 19 people die from cardiovascular disease every day, making it one of our leading cause of deaths in Singapore.

Since the pandemic, most of us have gotten used to a ‘new normal’. A lifestyle that confines us to our homes more than usual.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Singapore. Since the birth of our nation, the incidence has increased dramatically by more than 3-fold regardless of age and ethnicity.

Prostate cancer, he says, occurs when cells grow abnormally in the prostate. Most incidences occur after the age of 50; the average age of men diagnosed with prostate cancer is 66.

CT scans are especially useful for successfully diagnosing if you have lung cancer.

It’s a test kit that checks the appearance, concentration, and content of your urine. These measurements will be used to detect and manage a wide range of medical disorders.

Here we break down the individual parts of the urine dipstick test and tell you what those results mean.

Ergonomics is the field of science focusing on improving the work environment to optimise efficiency and comfort.

Most athletes and active runners experience ACL injury. This article lays down direct facts about this injury and the necessary treatment.

Find out how a common knee injury can impact your life, symptoms to look out for, and the necessary treatment.

Best way to avoid lower back pain? Find out all you can about lower back pain. This article explains what it is, the risks involved, symptoms and more.

Singapore has one of the highest rates of kidney failure in the world with one person diagnosed with kidney failure every five hours. Kidney disease can happen quickly as a result of severe illness and injury, but most of often develops slowly and silently until the kidneys have nearly failed.

Practice these 7 tips that can save yourself from Urinary Tract Infection. These tips focus on simple lifestyle changes you can do now that give maximum impact.

Understand how your heart valve works and what are heart murmurs through the lens of a concerned citizen.

During a health check-up, it was found that approximately 50 to 70 per cent blockage of my heart artery on the computed tomography (CT) scan. Do I need to proceed to have coronary angioplasty and stenting?

Blood pressure is required for effective blood circulation and perfusion of vital organs. High blood pressure can damage these organs leading to disease and disability. A normal resting blood pressure value taken at the clinic should be below 140/90mmHg.

A simple guide to prescribing exercise for medical purposes on patients with valvular heart disease.

It begins first with a thorough consultation and physical examination by a general physician or cardiologist to assess for the presence of risk factors the predispose to the narrowing of blood vessels, also known as atherosclerosis.