Author: Saba Kash

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…

Boosting Research for Defence Against Diseases Spread from Animals to Humans With climate change, deforestation, and cross-border animal trade increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases, Singapore is boosting research to understand the links between human, animal, and environmental health. The National Parks Board (NParks) will call for research proposals in 2024 under its new Biosurveillance Research Programme to detect and prevent future outbreaks. Increasing Risk of Zoonotic Diseases Zoonotic diseases, those transmitted from animals to humans, pose a growing threat due to climate change and habitat destruction. Factors such as urbanisation, increased human-animal interactions, and global trade of animals exacerbate…

Tan Tock Seng Hospital Strives To Make Work-Life Balance A Reality For Nurses With Unique Flexible Shift Scheduling From three routine shifts, TTSH now offers six additional variable shifts for nurses. The nature of nursing work often involves irregular hours, long shifts, and unexpected demands which hinder hospitals’ ability to attract and retain nurses. Routine work schedules can be challenging, especially as society trends towards flexible working arrangements like working from home. Yet, this structure of routine work shifts has enabled the hospital to provide round-the-clock patient care. In October 2023, Tan Tock Seng Hospital piloted its Liquid Nursing initiative…

In a decisive move to uphold food safety standards, Singapore’s SFA has cancelled the Sakura Buffet licence following significant health and safety breaches. Due to ongoing food safety violations, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has enacted the Sakura Buffet licence cancellation. This is effective from 10 May 2024. This decision follows a series of consumer complaints and regulatory inspections that highlighted critical lapses in food hygiene and safety standards. Detailed Examination of Sakura Buffet’s Violations From late March 2024, the SFA began to receive multiple reports concerning the safety of home-delivered meals catered by Sakura Buffet. Customers reported several alarming…