How to deal with exposure to formaldehyde

Recent reports indicate that high formaldehyde levels in home furnishings have caused illness in Singapore, with 19 cases linked to renovation works since 2020. Formaldehyde, a gas used in furniture and textiles, can harm health through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. While Singapore has non-mandatory guidelines, the Government plans to ban formaldehyde in interior paints by 2026. 

Dr Jonathan Tang, a clinical toxicologist at both the Urgent Care Centre of Alexandra Hospital and the emergency medicine department of National University Hospital, highlighted that children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to formaldehyde exposure, which can cause lung disease and cancer with long-term contact. Other toxic substances like asbestos and PBDEs also pose risks, with asbestos banned since 1989 and PBDEs still found in some consumer goods.

Breaking barriers: How a nurse rose through the ranks to become Alexandra Hospital's new deputy CEO

Dementia in women: Why being female puts you at higher risk of getting this debilitating illness

​Dementia is more common in women than men. Dr Jennifer Hung, an Associate Consultant from the Division of Neurology at National University Hospital, said that dementia affects various cognitive functions beyond mere forgetfulness, including judgment, comprehension, visuospatial awareness, learning capacity and language. According to Dr Rana Aroos, a Consultant in the Division of Geriatric Medicine at Alexandra Hospital, women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.

国大设立新研究中心 要建筑环境更亲乐龄 (NUS launches new research centre to create a more age-friendly environment)

​A/Prof Emi Kiyota, who holds joint appointments at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and NUS College of Design and Engineering (CDE), will be the Director of the newly launched Centre for Environment and Ageing Well at NUS CDE. One of the centre’s projects aims to improve pedestrian links between Alexandra Hospital, Queenstown MRT station, and the Mei Ling/Stirling area, to support ageing-in-place and enhance residents' well-being.

jelasBERITA: Mengapa kaum hawa berdepan risiko lebih tinggi alami demensia? (clearNEWS: Why do women face a higher risk of dementia?)

​Dr Rana Aroos, Consultant from the Division of Geriatric Medicine at Alexandra Hospital, outlined the early signs of dementia and said women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Dr Jennifer Hung, Associate Consultant, Division of Neurology, National University Hospital, said Alzheimer’s disease tends to affect those above 60 years and accounts for 60 to 70 per cent of dementia cases. As women generally live longer than men, they are hence more likely to reach an age where the risk of dementia is higher.

甲醛是健康公敌 (Formaldehyde is public health enemy)

In a comprehensive examination of the health risks associated with renovation materials, particularly formaldehyde, experts including Dr Jonathan Tang, Consultant and Clinical Toxicologist, Alexandra Hospital Urgent Care Centre and Emergency Medicine Department, National University Hospital, highlighted potential dangers. 

Formaldehyde, a widely used chemical in the construction and manufacturing industries, could cause a range of health issues, from minor irritations to severe respiratory and digestive tract damage, depending on concentration and exposure levels. There is heightened risk to children and the elderly due to their physiological characteristics and pre-existing health conditions. 

Dr Tang noted that the majority of formaldehyde-induced poisoning cases involve mild irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and those affected should immediately remove themselves from exposure, and symptoms would resolve in time. However, members of public should consult healthcare professionals if formaldehyde has been inhaled in high concentration or ingested.

Heard of ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS? What does Stage 0 breast cancer mean and how is it treated?

Singaporean singer Joanna Dong recently went public with the news that she was being treated for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or Stage 0 breast cancer, which later turned out to be Stage 1 breast cancer. 

Dr Celene Ng, who heads the breast surgery division at Alexandra Hospital, said DCIS is the earliest detectable stage of breast cancer – it accounts for 25 to 30 per cent of breast cancer in Singapore women.

Dr Samuel Ow, Senior Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, said a diagnosis of DCIS is equivalent to a diagnosis of breast cancer, hence prevention of DCIS is essentially the same as prevention of breast cancer. He added that if left untreated, 25 to 60 per cent of DCIS can become invasive breast cancer. 

Apa maknanya hidap barah payudara tahap 0 atau DCIS? (What does it mean to have stage 0 breast cancer or DCIS?)

Singaporean singer Joanna Dong recently went public with the news that she was being treated for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or Stage 0 breast cancer, which later turned out to be Stage 1 breast cancer. 

Dr Celene Ng, Senior Consultant, Division of General Surgery (Breast Surgery), Alexandra Hospital, said DCIS accounts for 25 to 30 per cent of breast cancer in Singapore women.

Dr Samuel Ow, Senior Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, said a diagnosis of DCIS is equivalent to a diagnosis of breast cancer. He added that symptoms of DCIS can include bloody nipple discharge or skin changes, similar to signs of breast cancer.

洗肾中心可清除导管堵塞 (Dialysis centres equipped to clear catheter blockages)

​The National Kidney Foundation and Singapore General Hospital have introduced a new service that allows patients with renal failure to clear dialysis catheter blockages at dialysis centres. This enables them to resume dialysis on the same day and eliminates the need for hospital admission. This project was supported by Ministry of Health Singapore, as well as National University Hospital and other hospitals.

Two nurses take up leading positions at public hospitals

​Ms Margaret Lee, former Chief Nurse of Alexandra Hospital (AH), was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer of AH on 1 July 2024. Ms Lee’s appointment comes as AH gears up to serve more patients – by 2028, AH will be redeveloped into a 1,300-bed integrated general hospital. One of her challenges will be managing manpower requirements in the lead-up to 2028. She also spearheads a virtual nursing model to support bedside care. 

减少复杂手术副作用 国大医院AI“第三只眼”助医生开刀 (NUH’s 'third eye' powered by AI helps doctors in performing operations; reduces complications in complex surgeries)

​The Digital Twin programme, led by Dr Gao Yujia, Assistant Group Chief Technology Officer, National University Health System, aims to improve surgical outcomes by providing a virtual 3D anatomical replica of patients’ organs, thereby reducing the risk of surgery-related complications. The programme, which took over two years to develop, has been utilised in six complex liver surgeries at National University Hospital. 

老当益壮！2000名年长者参与女皇镇首届乐龄节 乐享黄金年华(2,000 senior citizens participate in Queenstown's inaugural Senior Festival)

​National University Health System including Alexandra Hospital are one of the 13 community partners for the inaugural Queenstown’s Senior Festival, held on 3 and 4 August, to provide older adults with information and tools to help them live a fulfilling life. Member of Parliament Eric Chua highlighted the festival's aim to dispel myths about ageing and retirement and mentioned services like the Active Health Lab and SG Assist for older adults.

Jururawat bertudung semasa bertugas diterima baik semua pihak (Nurses wearing headscarves while on duty well received by all parties)

​Berita Harian published a Nurses’ Day feature on the revised uniform policy in 2021, where female Muslim nurses are given the choice to wear the tudung as an add-on to their uniforms. 

Nurses’ Day 2024: Silver nursing veterans look back on a career helping others

​Nurses’ Day feature on veteran nurses who reflect on their careers in the healthcare industry in Singapore and how they continue to contribute to the profession. Nurses featured include Ms Ker Yok Tin, Senior Enrolled Nurse at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital; Ms Irene Yeo, Senior Nurse Manager at Alexandra Hospital; and Ms Zhang Meixiang, Assistant Nurse Clinician at National University Hospital.

借助科技提升专业技能：AI 虚拟病患助护士更精准找到血管 (Leveraging technology to improve nursing skills: AI virtual patient helps nurses find blood vessels more accurately)

The National University Health System (NUHS) Centre for Nursing Excellence (CoNE) held its inaugural nursing conference on 23 July, which highlighted the importance of professional development for nurses and featured innovative methods in nursing education. Second Minister for Health Masagos Zulkifli highlighted the necessity for the healthcare sector to embrace technology and continuous learning to meet the demands of an ageing population and complex medical needs.

This month, CoNE launched the Micro-learning on Demand for Enrolled & Registered Nurses programme (also known as MoDERN) across the cluster, with its pilot series of micro-learning modules focused on integrated care. It also piloted an Integrated Care Outreach for Nurses (ICON) programme at National University Polyclinics (NUP) in May this year, which involved four nurses from National University Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Alexandra Hospital and Regional Health System Office.  

Dr Catherine Koh, Group Chief Nurse, NUHS, shared that the goal is to provide seamless integrated care for patients, across the continuum of community, primary care, and acute care settings. She noted that in addition to their specialised work, holistic care requires nurses to have a deeper understanding of the care continuum. Ms Karie Choo, Chairperson of the CoNE Steering Committee and a Nurse Educator at NUP, said that the way in which the next generation of nurses learn is different, and it is important to explore new and interactive ways of engagement to address the learning needs of different generations of nurses.

• 8world, 23 July 2024
  
• 8world, video, 23 July 2024
  
• Channel 8 News, 23 July 2024