Author: Saba Kash

Despite global campaigns to wipe out polio, this deadly virus is still making a comeback in some parts of the world. Southeast Asia has managed to stay mostly polio-free, but the risk of resurgence remains ever-present as polio eradication efforts face challenges globally. With wild poliovirus still circulating in places like Afghanistan and Pakistan, no region can afford to let its guard down. What is Polio? Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious virus that mainly affects children under the age of 5. While most cases show no symptoms, the virus can attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. According…

1 in 28 Singaporeans struggle with OCD, but it’s more than just an urge to be neat.  We spoke to Dr Jared Ng, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director at Connections MindHealth, to learn more about OCD in Singapore and its impact.  According to Dr Ng, Singapore is the OCD capital of the world. Here’s the truth behind this misunderstood disorder. What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves recurring, intrusive thoughts known as obsessions, paired with repetitive behaviours or mental rituals called compulsions. These behaviours are performed in an attempt to ease the distress triggered by the obsessions. While…

A large-scale study involving nearly 2 million participants has found a clear link between processed meat consumption and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, particularly among Asians.  The research, published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, indicates that consuming 50 grams of processed meat daily – about two slices of ham – is associated with a 15% higher risk of developing diabetes.    “Our research provides the most comprehensive evidence to date of an association between eating processed meat and unprocessed red meat and a higher future risk of type 2 diabetes.” Professor Nita Forouhi, the lead…

Recent data from Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health (IMH) WiSE study indicated that dementia rates among Singapore’s elderly have decreased to 8.8% from 10% in 2013, largely due to better education and stroke prevention. Professor Chong Siow Ann notes that government initiatives have played a key role in this positive trend. Nevertheless, as Singapore ages, creating a dementia-friendly society is crucial for ongoing support in dementia care.

Social media isn’t just shaping our teens; it’s challenging their self-worth.  Parents play a crucial role in helping them build genuine self-worth amid the noise of likes, filters, and comparisons. In today’s digital world, teens often feel pressured to project an image of perfection online, equating their self-worth with likes and followers. However, research indicates that adolescents who engage in honest self-presentation on social media tend to experience higher self-esteem. A study found that teens who share authentic aspects of their lives, rather than carefully curated content, feel more connected and validated by their online communities. In an interview with…

When a Child Constantly Says They’re Hungry, Parents May Worry.  Hearing your child constantly say they’re hungry can be perplexing and concerning. While it’s normal for growing children to need more energy, persistent hunger might make you wonder if something more is going on. Understanding the psychological and nutritional factors behind a child’s frequent hunger can help parents ensure their child is eating appropriately and not just out of habit or emotion.  Tools to Assess Why Your Child Constantly Feels Hungry Parents now have access to validated tools that can help assess whether a child’s constant hunger is due to true…

Essential Facts About Monkeypox and How to Stay Safe Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease recently declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its rapid spread in various regions. As cases surge, particularly in Africa, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reporting over 15,000 cases and more than 500 deaths, understanding its transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures is critical for public health. This article provides essential information on monkeypox, including its history, how it spreads, and what to watch out for. History of Monkeypox Monkeypox was first identified in 1958 among laboratory monkeys,…

New diagnostic tools are being explored to address the gaps in endometriosis diagnosis. Researchers are focusing on non-invasive methods and emerging technologies that could change endometriosis diagnosis, potentially reducing the burden of this chronic disease. The Challenge of Endometriosis Diagnosis Endometriosis, a chronic and often debilitating condition, affects around 190 million women worldwide. Despite its prevalence, endometriosis diagnosis remains a challenge.  The average time to diagnose the disease is seven years after symptoms first appear. Common symptoms include severe abdominal pain and cramping before, during, and after menstruation. Delayed endometriosis diagnosis can lead to chronic pain, infertility, and reduced quality…

Singapore’s Nutri-Grade labels, which have successfully guided healthier beverage choices, are now set to tackle salt, sauces, and instant noodles.  This expansion targets high-sodium and high-fat products to curb chronic diseases and empower consumers to make smarter, healthier choices. Singapore’s Nutri-Grade labels, initially introduced to regulate sugary drinks, are now extending to salt, sauces, and instant noodles. These products significantly contribute to high sodium and fat intake, which are key risk factors for hypertension and heart disease. Nutri-Grade Labels Now Target Salt and Sauces The Nutri-Grade labelling system, first introduced in December 2022, was initially applied to pre-packaged and freshly…

The “Eight Glasses of Water a Day” Rule Isn’t for Everyone We’ve all heard it before: drink eight glasses of water a day to stay healthy. This simple guideline has become part of wellness advice, repeated by health gurus, fitness apps, and even medical professionals.  But is this advice more myth than fact? Recent research challenges the deeply ingrained “eight glasses of water a day” myth, suggesting this popular rule is neither as essential nor as accurate as many believe. Where Did the “Eight Glasses of Water a Day” Myth Come From? The “eight glasses of water a day” myth…