Health Check

Afleveringen

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  S1E151: What your blood pressure reading misses 13.07.2026 21min

  Discover why standard clinical checks might miss critical heart risks, and the vital role of fat loss over weight loss. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. For millions of people worldwide living with hypertension, keeping blood pressure numbers in the normal zone is the ultimate goal. But what if that peace of mind is an illusion? Recent findings from the REMODEL study at the National Heart Centre Singapore suggests that the true danger to your heart might be completely invisible to standard clinical checks.  The study, published as a letter in the journal MedCom in February 2026, found that nearly 30 per cent of health complications related to high blood pressure occur in patients whose blood pressure appears perfectly normal on paper. In this episode, Joyce Teo speaks to the study’s senior author, Associate Professor Calvin Chin, to find out about the importance of fat loss over mere weight loss and why a normal blood pressure reading may not always tell you the full story. He is a senior consultant in cardiology from the National Heart Centre Singapore and the deputy director of the National Heart Research Institute Singapore. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:43 Your blood pressure reading does not tell you the full story 4:11 High-risk individuals have a higher amount of visceral fat 7:30 Know your waist-hip ratio 12:08 How hard should you exercise?  13:46 Is it safe to exercise at maximum intensity all the time? 16:32 He discovered the importance of core strength the hard way Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN  Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E150: Palliative care is for living, not just dying: Talk about it sooner 08.06.2026 39min

  Your guide to a kinder end-of-life journey in the ICU. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Tan Tock Seng Hospital and National University Hospital recently launched a new initiative called A Kinder ICU that is supported by a 3.93 million grant from the Lien Foundation. The aim is to integrate palliative care into standard ICU treatment.  In this episode, Joyce Teo finds out more about  the initiative and the nature of palliative care from her two guests. They discuss how palliative care has evolved and how it provides essential support to patients who are critically ill and their families.  The conversation also explores the importance of reflecting on the desired quality of life as one approaches the end of their journey. The two guests are Assistant Professor Neo Han Yee, a senior consultant and head of the palliative medicine department at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and Ms Charmaine Sim, an advanced practice nurse at the medical intensive care unit at the National University Hospital. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:26 Palliative care 10-20 years ago vs now 5:28 Feeling conflicted seeing a family member in the ICU 9:27 There is an art to palliative care 10:23 Life presents you with unexpected crises  14:10 Medical staff will also feel distressed if they are imposing pain on patients   21:12 Helping the family of a man who fell critically ill just before he was about to return home 23:40 Is it fair to keep trying to save his life? 25:03 The doctor is legally authorised to withdraw life support when life-sustaining efforts are futile, but there’s a need to help the family hold that grief 29:30 Filial piety is a virtue but it can also create a sense of guilt  34:26 What is the minimum quality of life you want to live by? 35:43 You cannot assume that you will pass away in your sleep… Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN  Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E149: Slow ageing with exercise and diet: Geriatrician's tips 11.05.2026 28min

  We are living longer, but are we living healthier? Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Singapore is one of the fastest-ageing nations in the world. By 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above. There are also more Singaporeans living past 100 today.  We are living longer, but are we living healthier? And, what does "ageing well" actually look like in our concrete jungle?  In this episode, host Joyce Teo hosts a senior geriatrician to talk about the unique landscape of ageing in Singapore, how to tell if someone is ageing faster than before and what one can do to "age healthier". She is Adjunct Assistant Professor Noorhazlina Ali, a senior consultant and the head of the department of geriatric medicine at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). She’s also a dementia specialist. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:39 Tell-tale signs that you’re ageing faster than others 4:45 Hear about the chair-to-stand test 6:32 How to tell if your memory issues are not part of normal ageing 10:18 Sarcopenia can happen as early as age 40 12:54 Make sure your protein intake is sufficient  16:32 Dr Noorhazlina’s grandfather kept fit with long walks past 90 18:06 Determining the intensity of your elderly workouts 20:07 Are you too old to learn new things?  22:13 Dr Noorhazlina’s personal strategies Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E148: Health insurance riders: Buy one, downgrade or drop It? 13.04.2026 30min

  Navigating Singapore’s evolving health insurance landscape. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. The rules for Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders changed on Apr 1, 2026. New mandates from the Ministry of Health mean that riders that offer nearly full coverage can no longer be sold. They have been  replaced by plans that require higher out-of-pocket costs in exchange for lower premiums. These new riders promote greater accountability in controlling escalating healthcare expenses.  If you have an existing IP rider, you might wonder if  you should "grandfather" your current plan, switch to a new one to save on premiums, or perhaps do without one? If you are just starting your healthcare journey, you need to understand why MOH is removing deductible coverage and doubling the co-payment cap from $3,000 to $6,000. In this episode, host Joyce Teo engages with a private sector surgeon and a health economist to discuss the new landscape of health insurance,  how to think about your future healthcare needs, and the crucial role of personal responsibility. The guests are Dr. Tan Yia Swam, a breast surgeon and former president of the Singapore Medical Association, and Dr. Akshar Saxena, an Assistant Professor of Economics at Nanyang Technological University. In the podcast, Dr Tan also addresses a common misconception that private sector doctors frequently overcharge. Highlights (click/tap above): 8:05 Knowing the difference between an elective surgery and an emergency one.  10:40 Addressing the public perception that some doctors overcharge patients… 15:20 On the importance of personal responsibility… 23:07  Dr Akshar on the impact of the Apr 1 changes on legacy riders 24:18 Dr Tan’s perspective on preparing for her future medical needs. Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN  Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E147: Is your psychologist actually qualified? How to check in Singapore 09.03.2026 33min

  Clearing the air on what different types of psychologists do. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. The Ministry of Health has announced that five key psychological subdisciplines will be registered under the Allied Health Professions Act, with details expected to be out in early 2027.  This move aims to enhance the safety and public trust associated with psychological services and the profession as a whole. In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to two council members of the Singapore Psychological Society to find out more about the different roles of psychologists.  They delve into how a clinical psychologist and an educational psychologist may help a client, what one can do to determine if a potential psychologist is the right person to help you, and why registration is important.  The guests are Mr Adrian Toh and Dr Cassandra Neo. Adrian is a clinical psychologist in private practice while Cassandra is a psychologist who works at a public hospital and  is trained in educational psychology. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:35 What do psychologists do?  4:10 How might a clinical psychologist and an educational psychologist collaborate to help a primary school student who is not doing well in school? 16:30 Ahead of the registration of psychologists, what can you do to find the right psychologist? 19:55 The different types of psychologists 22:46 How do psychologists qualify for the Singapore Register of Psychologists? 25:19 Why registration is important; reports of potentially harming behaviours of psychologists Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN  Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E146: Is it safe to exercise with joint pain? An orthopaedic surgeon explains 09.02.2026 25min

  Resting too much can weaken muscles, worsening joint pain in the long run, says an expert. Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Problems affecting bones, joints, muscles, and tendons are the leading contributor of disability among all ages worldwide.  These problems arising from musculoskeletal disorders comprise diverse conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, which may result in pain and loss of function.   The disorders, which include conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, low back pain, and other degenerative conditions, are especially common in older adults.  However, they are not an inevitable part of aging.  In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to surgeon-scientist, Assistant Professor Bryan Tan to find out more about what one can do to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. They touched on strength training, what one can do about exercise after a flare of knee osteoarthritis, and not waiting till there is no pain to resume exercising. Prof Tan is an orthopaedic surgeon at Woodlands Hospital, and the co-chair of the musculoskeletal integrated care work group at NHG Health. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:48 What are musculoskeletal conditions?  6:55 It’s never too late to build your muscles and bones 8:45 The more you don’t use your muscles, the weaker they will become  18:21 Hyrox or not, everyone should be engaging in physical activity 20:27 How to get back to your exercise routine after a flare of your knee osteoarthritis? Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN  Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E145: OCD (Pt 2): 4-day treatment and the Bergen approach 12.01.2026 26min

  The science of getting unstuck from OCD in four days. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is often misunderstood. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is frequently misunderstood. Although the term is often used casually, it is a potentially severe disorder that can drastically disrupt a person's life. However, it is highly treatable. Yet, many people remain undiagnosed and untreated for years. To learn more about OCD, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to two psychologists who specialise in the treatment of OCD for a two-part series on what the disorder is about and how the Bergen approach treats OCD in just four days? They are  Dr Jackki Yim, Principal Clinical Psychologist & Deputy Head of Anxiety Service, Department of Mood & Anxiety at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and Ms Tammie Kwek, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Department of Mood & Anxiety, IMH. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:56 How is OCD treated?  6:00 What does the Bergen treatment entail? 11:00 Is it for everyone suffering from OCD? 14:05 What is the “homework” that patients have to do? 21:52 How should families accommodate a family member living with OCD? Listen to OCD Part 1: The hidden reality and a new way out - https://str.sg/yBjG Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN  Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E144: OCD (Pt 1): The hidden reality and a new way out 06.01.2026 13min

  OCD is more than a quirk. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is often misunderstood. Although the term OCD is often used casually, it is a potentially severe disorder that can drastically disrupt a person's life.  However, it is highly treatable. Yet, many people remain undiagnosed and untreated for years. To learn more about OCD, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to two psychologists who specialise in the treatment of OCD for a two-part series on what the disorder is about and how a new treatment can help. They are  Dr Jackki Yim, Principal Clinical Psychologist & Deputy Head of Anxiety Service, Department of Mood & Anxiety at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and Ms Tammie Kwek, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Department of Mood & Anxiety, IMH. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:37 Clearing misunderstandings about OCD  5:46 An example of OCD  11:19 How can parents respond to their children who have OCD? Listen to OCD Part 2: 4-day treatment and the Bergen approach - https://str.sg/hZaB Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN  Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E143: Helping children understand and manage their emotions 02.12.2025 29min

  A psychiatrist's guide to your child's emotional well-being. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Many parents spend time teaching their kids essential skills like reading or spelling but they often forget to teach them a key skill that will determine their success, their relationships, and their overall happiness. That is emotional regulation.  In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Dr Ong Say How, a child and adolescent psychiatrist. He’s the chairperson of creative services and youth committee at SAMH and a senior consultant psychiatrist at the Institute of Mental Health.  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:49 What exactly is emotional regulation?  6:40 Signs that a child might be struggling emotionally  11:14 It’s ok to tell your children that you’re concerned about them 15:00 Screen time limits can help with a child’s ability to handle boredom and regulate mood 20:51 Parents must be role models 22:24 What parents can do to repair the damage after losing their cool?  24:13 You don’t have to shield your child from negative feelings  Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E142: Boys with nine hours of sleep are less likely to grow fat 04.11.2025 23min

  Boys who slept nine hours or more every night had a lower obesity risk and less dangerous fat. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. A recent A*Star study found that boys who slept at least nine hours every night had a 51 per cent lower obesity risk and less abdominal fat.  Abdominal fat, particularly fat around internal organs, is more strongly linked to metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease than overall body weight. Published in the journal Obesity (Oct 2025), the study used MRI imaging to examine how sleep habits relate to fat distribution in 10-year-olds in Singapore.  In this episode, host and ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more from the study’s authors Dr Cai Shirong and Dr Navin Michael, about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can increase the risk of obesity and overweight in children. Dr Cai And Dr Navin are principal scientists from the A*Star Institute for Human Development and Potential.  Highlights (click/tap above): 4:48 Does catching up on sleep during the weekend reduce the risk of obesity? 7:07 Why was there a weaker association between sleep deprivation and obesity in girls? 8:00 Prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents 15:45  Why do we prefer burgers over salad when we are sleep deprived?  17:38 Sleep can help regulate cognition in children 19:43 Examples of caffeinated beverages consumed by children Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E141: Grieving matters: How to cope with the loss of a loved one 30.09.2025 38min

  Grief is a painful, individual emotional and physical response to a significant loss. But it can be managed.  Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Grief is a painful, individual emotional and physical response to a significant loss.Death, divorce, the loss of a home or a job, fast declining health are among the major events that people grieve. To learn more about coping with grief, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Lin Jing, a counsellor from the Singapore Association for Mental Health. SAMH is one of the few social service agencies focusing on mental health here that operates a general helpline for the public at 1800-283-7019 They also discuss what is grief counselling about.  If your grief feels like it's too much to bear, please reach out for help. We have included more helplines below. Highlights (click/tap above): 9:00 When should you consider grief counselling? 12:45 When guilt is thrown into the picture 23:00 Understanding cognitive behaviourial therapy, grief counselling and grief therapy 29:10 Building a life around the loss of a child… 32:00 Appearing strong and unaffected by grief, when you are crumbling inside Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Helplines Mental well-being National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1  Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Tinkle Friend (for primary school-age children): 1800-2744-788 Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources mindline.sg/fsmh eC2.sg chat.mentalhealth.sg carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25) limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25) --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E140: Health risks in young 'healthy-weight' women 02.09.2025 25min

  You can appear lean but have insufficient muscle mass and too much body fat. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. A local paper has found that 1 in 4 young women, despite having a normal weight, had low muscle mass, weak bones and high body fat. This increases their future risks for not only osteoporosis and muscle loss but metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity. ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to the paper’s authors to find out more. Lead author Dr Mya Thway Tint is a principal scientist at the A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP) and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Dean's Office, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.  Professor Johan Eriksson is the Executive Director of A*STAR IHDP and highly knowledgeable about the S-PRESTO study, or  the Singapore Preconception Study of Long-Term Maternal and Child Outcomes cohort study, which the paper is part of. He was previously a professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, and the chief physician at Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland.  Highlights (click/tap above): 2:50 Having a normal BMI and low bone density 5:03 You have to exercise to grow bone  10:29 Using bioimpedance or bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure body composition 13:53 What is considered an unhealthy body fat percentage level? 19:56 What can we do to improve our bone health? Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E139: How to cope with perimenopause and menopause 05.08.2025 36min

  Learn how to manage bothersome symptoms that typically emerge in the four to five years before a woman's final menstruation.  Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Perimenopause is the stage before menopause that many women here do not talk about, largely due to stigma or a lack of awareness.  The transition phase in perimenopause ends in menopause, which marks the end of a woman's natural fertility. This affects not just her reproductive organs but her entire body, adding to the confusion in distinguishing between ageing or illness.  In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Associate Professor Rukshini Puvanendran, the co-director of the KK Menopause Centre, to counter the misinformation out there. Prof Ruskhini is also the head and a senior consultant at the Family Medicine Service at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). Highlights (click/tap above): 2.28 Symptoms of perimenopause 7.23 Older women can still have hot flushes  11.03 Some women develop an awareness of their heartbeat  18:39 What can women do about their symptoms? 30:08 The four symptoms of menopause that doctors won't argue about 31:59 Oestrogen cream to treat vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E138: How caregivers of mental health patients can destress 01.07.2025 26min

  Caregiving for persons with mental health conditions is for the long-haul. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Caregivers Alliance Limited is an organisation that focuses on supporting caregivers of persons with mental health conditions as well as those who have developed mental health challenges due to caregiving.   It has a small outpost at the Institute of Mental Health, where families can seek caregiver support.  In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Ms Evelyn Chng, who is based at the outpost, about the cases that she has seen there, the mental health burden of caregiving, and what caregivers can do about it.  She heads CAL’s Community Outreach Team or Crest programme. Crest, which acts as a mental health first-stop touchpoint, was developed by the Agency for Integrated Care and the Ministry of Health. Ms Chng also talks about the challenges of caring for her adult son, who is living with obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:15 Who are these caregivers who stop by the CAL counter at IMH? 10:15 Recent twists in Evelyn’s caregiving journey 14:40 How Evelyn takes care of herself 17:36 A strict father rebuilds his bond with son who was being treated for depression 24:40 A piece of advice for caregivers of persons with mental health conditions Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E1: Explore The Straits Times’ podcasts 19.06.2025 3min

  Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week. Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers Almost every weekday, check out our discussions on Singapore current affairs and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career. Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST’s app, which has a dedicated podcast player section. Trailer narrated by: Podcast editor Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg); edited by: Elsa Goh --- Discover more ST podcast channels: 'All-in-one' ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Headstart On Record: https://str.sg/wB2m Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt Wheel Insights: https://str.sg/iTtE ST Podcasts website: https://www.straitstimes.com/st-podcasts (*New) The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Special edition series: Green Trails (4 eps): https://str.sg/bMyx This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025 on April 23, organised by the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra). True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2024 in April, and third place for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2024, both organised by Wan-Ifra. The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 This series also won The Best Podcast/Digital Audio Project category at the 2022 Digital Media Awards Asia, organised by Wan-Ifra. Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX #stpodcasttrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E137: Talk to someone: Mental health help in your community 04.06.2025 37min

  Community care for your mental health needs. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Seeking mental health help at a centre near you is gradually becoming easier in Singapore as the country focuses its efforts on making this happen. But, it will take time for things to improve.  In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Timothy Singham to find out more about what one can do to navigate the system. He is  a senior Clinical Psychologist and Manager at Viriya Psychological Services at Viriya Community Services Dr Singham also talked about a client who managed his agoraphobia with therapy given in a community setting instead of in the hospital. Agoraphobia is a disorder characterized by symptoms of anxiety in situations where the person perceives their environment to be unsafe with no easy way to escape. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:07 He sought help for his agoraphobia at a community care agency 4:16 What is a clinical psychologist?  12:35 Can therapy harm us?  19:38 Where to go for help in the community care sector? 31:49 An anxiety tip we can all use Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E136: Building up your adulting skill for mental health 07.05.2025 26min

  How can young people build up their mental health and cope with societal pressures while adulting? Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. We all know that adulting is not easy, but why is adulting hitting the mental health of young people so much these days? ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo explores this with two guests in this episode.  They are:  Ms Lee Yi Ping, the programme lead and principal Case Manager at Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health in Singapore. This service by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) serves as a first-stop touchpoint for young people seeking mental health support.  Mr Delane Lim, the founder and executive director of the charity Character & Leadership Academy, which runs youth development, mental wellness, and suicide prevention programmes for young people. Mr Lim himself contemplated suicide at 25 and he knows just how tough adulting can be.  They discuss what one can do to manage the challenges that adulting brings, whether it is related to identity, work or relationships. Ms Lee and Mr Lim also share their own experiences.  This episode was recorded live - and filmed in front of a live audience - at The Projector at Golden Mile Tower, as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:35 Is adulting harder today than it was in the past?  5:45 Managing the pressure of "having it all" by a certain age 10:55 Delane’s brush with suicide at 25 16:28 Yi Ping on feeling burnout  19:13 Navigating social media safely 22:20 Advice to their younger selves Check out ST's new series No Health Without Mental Health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team Edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E135: HPV self-sampling to screen for cervical cancer 01.04.2025 16min

  A safe alternative to clinician-administered tests, the self-test for HPV can help prevent cervical cancer.  Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. HPV or the human papillomavirus is a common virus that is sexually transmitted, and while most HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infections with high-risk types can lead to cervical cancer.  In March 2025, the Society for Colposcopy & Cervical Pathology of Singapore (SCCPS) published an updated set of cervical cancer screening guidelines. The guidelines now recommend HPV self-sampling as an option to traditional cervical cancer screening methods.  In Singapore, cervical cancer is currently the 11th most common cancer in women, with 309 new cases and 172 deaths in 2023, according to data from the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Information Centre on HPV and Cancer.  However, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively, said the World Health Organisation (WHO).  It aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030, with the following strategy: Vaccinate 90 per cent of girls with preventive HPV vaccines by age 15;  Screen 70 per cent of women with a high-performance test like HPV DNA screening by age 35, and again by age 45; Treat 90 per cent of women who have precancerous cells in the cervix or cervical cancer. In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Felicia Chin, an obstetrician and gynaecological oncologist at Gynae Onco Partners about HPV DNA self-testing, what it entails, and who should screen for cervical cancer. Until late last year, Dr Chin was a senior consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She sits on the SCCPS committee. Highlights (click/tap above) 1:54 Explaining the various tests for cervical cancers 3:14 Guidelines for cervical cancer screening in Singapore 4:32 How does HPV self-sampling work? 5:23 Difference between a self-test and a pap smear 13:42 Cervical cancer symptoms  Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim & Eden Soh Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E134: How loneliness affects mental health 04.03.2025 18min

  Combating loneliness with a mindfulness trainer. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Loneliness – that social pain of not feeling connected, is widespread. Inadequate social connections or social isolation is also a growing problem today. Social isolation and loneliness have significant, yet often overlooked, consequences for our health and longevity. The health risks are comparable to smoking daily, excessive drinking and obesity, said the World Health Organisation.  Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with anxiety, depression, suicide, dementia, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, said WHO.  Why do we feel lonely? Can we stop feeling lonely? What can we do about it? In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out why we feel lonely and gets tips on how the young and old can combat loneliness from a mindfulness trainer. She is Adjunct Associate Professor Angie Chew, the founder and chief executive of the Brahm Centre, a mental health charity dedicated to promoting happier and healthier living. Highlights (click/tap above) 1:18  Why do we feel lonely? 3:45 Letting go of judgement to free our minds 5:55 Feeling lonely in the corporate world? 7:10 Combating loneliness in old age 8:39 What can parents do to help their children cope with loneliness? 12:00 Loneliness in young adults Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  S1E133: Can a child become constantly distracted after too much screen use? 04.02.2025 31min

  Can excessive screen use cause your child to be easily distracted? Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Too much screen use can lead to a child having issues with sustained attention. Tasks like homework may become a challenge to complete.  Indeed, as more evidence emerges on the impact of excessive screen time on a child’s cognitive development and executive functioning, the authorities have updated its screen use guidance. It comes under a new health promotion strategy called Grow Well SG, which is currently aimed at supporting families of children up to the age of 12. In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo invites a clinician scientist specialising in developmental and behavioural paediatrics to discuss the impact and the rationale behind the changes.  She is Dr Evelyn Law, an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore, who is part of the research team for the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes birth cohort study (Gusto). This Gusto study has been going on for 14 years and had contributed to the evidence behind the various guidance in Grow Well SG. Dr Law, a senior consultant at the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, is also a member of the expert group that led the development of the screen use guidance in children. Highlights (click/tap above) 2:35 What is executive function, and can frequent use of digital devices cause a child to be easily distracted? 7:46 What’s the difference between having executive function deficits and a condition like ADHD?  11:46 What’s the difference between recreational and educational screen use? 16:01 Is there a gaming addiction problem in Singapore?  21:41 What’s the rationale behind restricting access to social media services for children below 13? Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #healthcheckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.