Author: Saba Kash

In an emotional video message, Kate Middleton reflected on the challenges of her cancer journey and her focus on staying cancer-free post chemotherapy treatment. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and proactive healthcare.

In a trial led by NUS, artificial intelligence platform CURATE.AI personalised treatment for a rare blood cancer patient by dynamically adjusting their drug dosages based on real-time responses. This AI-guided approach improved the patient’s condition while reducing costs and side effects by delivering precisely dosed medications through an evolving personalised profile.

From 1 August 2024, Singapore’s Ministry of Health has introduced substantial subsidies for high-cost cell, tissue, and gene therapies, providing a lifeline for patients needing advanced treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy. The subsidies are aimed at making these treatments more accessible by adjusting the coverage based on household income and patient needs, with caps of up to $150,000 for citizens and $45,000 for permanent residents

While ADHD affects children of all genders, girls frequently face barriers to accurate diagnosis. This diagnostic gap persists internationally, with research finding that girls receive medical care for ADHD significantly later than boys on average.

Golden Ava International has been hit with an $8,000 fine for smuggling illegal meat from Myanmar, as Singapore tightens its grip on unauthorised food imports. A local company has been fined for an illegal meat import in Singapore, involving approximately 15 kg of assorted meat products from Myanmar. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) uncovered the illegal shipment during a routine inspection on 13 May 2023, which included chicken sausages and canned chicken. Authorities seized the meat products, intended for sale, after they failed to meet Singapore’s strict import regulations. Image: Food product seized by SFA After the investigation, authorities charged…

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…