Teetotaller? You could still have a fatty liver

An estimated 40 per cent of Singapore’s population has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Dr Eunice Tan, Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at National University Hospital (NUH), emphasised that lifestyle changes are key to treatment. Dr Lim Su Lin, Chief Dietitian & Head of Therapeutics, NUH, had developed a healthy keto diet, which she said has enabled patients to halt progression to liver fibrosis, lose weight and reverse their condition.

Dr Sara Cheo, Consultant, Gastroenterology, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, recommended patients to increase their intake of whole grains, vegetables and fruits and to avoid sweetened beverages. To reduce consumption of unhealthy food that is too sweet or contain intense flavours, she advised retraining and recalibrating taste buds to get more used to more bland-tasting food.

The story also cited comments from Dr Margaret Teng, Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital.

Healthcare costs are rising in Singapore. Is there really nothing we can do about it?

A Channel NewsAsia Insider article, produced in partnership with Ministry of Health, Singapore (MOH), featured several profiles from National University Health System (NUHS) who explained how healthcare institutions are managing rising healthcare costs. 

Why are healthcare costs rising in Singapore – Is there really nothing we can do about it?

​A Channel NewsAsia Insider video produced in partnership with Ministry of Health, Singapore (MOH) featured several profiles from National University Health System (NUHS) who explained how healthcare institutions are managing rising healthcare costs. 

过去三年 公立医院陆续调高收费 急诊科涨幅最高达34% (Public hospitals implement fee increases over the past three years: A&E records the highest increase, up to 34%)

​In the past three years, eight local public hospitals, including National University Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Alexandra Hospital under the National University Health System cluster, have increased emergency department fees by approximately 18.5 per cent to 34 per cent. Ms Wong Soo Min, Group Chief Financial Officer, National University Health System, said that charges are regularly reviewed to take into account operational costs and inflationary pressures, while maintaining quality of care. 

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 17 November 2024, 八家公立医院过去三年调高收费 急诊科费用上调高达34% (Eight public hospitals have increased their fees in the past three years, with A&E charges going up by as much as 34%)
  
• Shin Min Daily News, 17 November 2024, Page 4, 本地8公立医院调高收费 急诊费涨幅最高达34% Eight public hospitals raise fees, A&E charges increase by up to 34%
  

Singapore study to test if pairing wearable devices with health coaches can change lifestyle habits

Alexandra Hospital (AH) is piloting "Activation," a study testing whether wearable fitness devices alone can encourage lifestyle changes or if a human health coach is needed to nudge people regularly.

Led by gastroenterologist Dr Alexander Yip, the research initiative is focused on preventive health and aims to help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension by increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour. The year-long study, starting in August 2024, involves 1,700 participants aged 21 to 75 who are at risk of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. 

The Activation initiative, funded by the Ministry of Health’s Health Innovation Fund, supports the national "Healthier SG" strategy to connect individuals with their primary care providers for health development plans. Dr Yip emphasises that wearable devices alone often lack lasting impact; human coaching may foster more sustained behavioural change. Health coaches, like former nurse Carol Yap, provide tailored suggestions at strategic times to help participants think about their choices. Participants are motivated by personal health goals. 

Recruitment, with 387 participants signed up as of 9 Nov, continues at AH and seven polyclinics under the NUHS, aiming for completion by February 2025.

Alexandra Hospital launches research initiative involving 1,700 participants, to explore if digital wearable paired with health coach, is effective in promoting healthier lifestyles

​In a move to promote healthier lifestyles and tackle chronic conditions, Alexandra Hospital has launched the ACTIVATION research initiative, leveraging digital technology to enhance population health.

What can you do to prevent dementia?

Dr Jennifer Hung, Associate Consultant, Division of Neurology, National University Hospital (NUH), advised that lifestyle changes can improve brain function and reduce the risk of dementia, by incorporating regular physical and mental exercise in the daily routine of retirees. Besides having adequate sleep and paying attention to cardiovascular health, staying socially active also helps protect against cognitive decline. 

Dr Arthi Premkumar, Associate Consultant and Specialist in geriatric medicine, Alexandra Hospital, emphasised the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle through regular check-ups, managing chronic conditions like hypertension, and maintaining a balanced diet. These factors contribute to building cognitive reserves, which increase the brain’s resilience to damage. 

Alexandra Hospital Opens Singapore's First Community Health Post that operates on a Saturday

​In a move to enhance preventive health care for Singapore's ageing population, Alexandra Hospital (AH) has set up Singapore's first Community Health Post at the Queenstown Multi-Service Centre, which operates on a Saturday (CHP) to cater to the working older adults. 

This latest CHP will be the 14^th CHP in Queenstown and brings the total number of CHPs in the Western region of Singapore to 64. This move to set up one which operates on Saturdays, comes in response to the increasing number of older adults who are extending their working years and seeking to remain active, engaged, and healthy. The CHP will provide essential health services and education on selected Saturdays, catering to the needs of these working older adults.  

"This CHP should also strengthen itself to serve as a primary care path and the point of care for patients discharged from Alexandra Hospital, helping them gain confidence and empowering them to manage their chronic conditions at home. This support is crucial in reducing hospital readmissions and improving the quality of life for older adults," said Dr Jason Phua, CEO of AH.

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.