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Explore every episode of the podcast Health Check

Dive into the complete episode list for Health Check. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
S1E126: The difference between Asian and Caucasian skin06 Aug 202400:32:54

How effective are your skincare products?

Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

We all want to look as young and as healthy as possible, and one way to do so is to have healthy skin. But, as we age, our skin becomes thinner, less elastic and more dry and sensitive. There’s also a difference between Asian and Caucasian skin, but most dermatological research has focused on Caucasian populations.

How can we then delay the skin ageing process? 

To find out more, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to an expert on ageing skin - Professor Rachel Watson - who had spent 30 years in the United Kingdom studying what exactly changes in the skin as we age and how the environment accelerates skin ageing.

She has come to Singapore to study Asian skin, and has just started a new research project looking at Asian skin ageing and the possible interventions that can be used to improve skin health and prevent skin diseases.

Prof Watson is the executive director of the Skin Research Institute of Singapore and the A*STAR Skin Research Labs.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:04 Difference between Asian and Caucasian skin

6:48 Prof Watson’s new four-year study on ageing in Asian skin.

17:38 Ingredients to look out for in your skincare products

22:29 Protect the health of all your skin, and not just the skin on your face 

31:20 The myth of collagen drinks

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Amirul Karim and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow Health Check Podcast here every month and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 

The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u

COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

---

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

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S1E117: The promise of digital medicine15 Nov 202300:26:58

Learn about digital therapeutics.

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Traditional healthcare is based on doctor and hospital visits, and it can take a long time to obtain appointments to see a healthcare professional. What if one day, an individual can be prescribed a digital therapy for their depression or other health issues remotely? He or she would not have to take any medications. 

In this Health Check podcast episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to ​Professor Dean Ho, the director of the Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM) at the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the head of the NUS biomedical engineering department, to find out more about digital therapeutics or DTx. 

He’s just written a book on DTx with two other researchers Mr Yoann Sapanel and Dr Agata Blasiak from the institute titled Medicine Without Meds: Revolutionising Healthcare With Digital Solutions.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:12 What is DTx?

9:24 Challenges of DTx?

10:57 How can DTx further personalise care? 

23:05 Prof Ho’s experiments

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim & Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E35: Why Singapore's Covid-19 circuit breaker measures cannot be lifted so early: Health Check Ep 3522 Apr 202000:14:07

Health Check Ep 35: Why Singapore's Covid-19 circuit breaker measures cannot be lifted so early

14:06 mins

Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times. For the latest state of Singapore's health in its Covid-19 fight, ST senior correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang.

He is the infectious diseases programme leader at the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.

Singapore has extended its circuit breaker period to June 1, and has seen its coronavirus cases shoot past the 10,000-mark as of April 22, after recording about 500 in March.

He talks us through the following points:

1. What is the extent of the spread in the foreign worker dormitories? How does that ratio compare with the spread in the local community? (1:42)

2. Singapore could continue to see a high number of cases emerging from the dormitories for the next few weeks, but is there a silver lining? (2:45)

3. Why it is important to control the outbreak in the migrant worker communities before there are considerations to lift circuit breaker restrictions (5:13)

4. What is the difference between asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases? (8:31)

5. When is the viral load highest? (9:13)

6. What's the difference between a PCR test and a serology test? Why we cannot just use any serology test available out there (11.32)

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E34: "I had hallucinations" - Discharged coronavirus patient Ben who spent 13 days in ICU: Health Check Ep 3431 Mar 202000:15:11

Health Check Ep 34: "I had hallucinations," said discharged coronavirus patient, who spent 13 days in ICU

15:10 mins

Synopsis: This is a fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays by The Straits Times. We usually bring you tips and expert advice but in this episode, ST senior correspondent Joyce Teo spoke with Ben, 55, who had tested positive for Covid-19 at Alexandra Hospital on March 5 and developed severe disease. She asked him about his early symptoms and his ICU experience.

When Ben sought help at the hospital that day, he was given high amounts of oxygen via an oxygen mask, even though he said he wasn't panting or gasping for breath. Little did he know that on that same day, his condition would worsen so much that he had to be put on life support. Ben spent 13 days in ICU and was discharged on March 21.  

Click here to read the full story.

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Penelope Lee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E33: Proper community behaviour can best manage coronavirus spread in countries: Health Check Ep 3324 Mar 202000:06:01

Health Check Ep 33: Proper community behaviour can best manage coronavirus spread in countries

6:01 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with expert guests.

In this episode, ST senior correspondent Joyce Teo hosts infectious diseases specialist Professor Dale Fisher, group director of medicine at the National University Health System and chair of the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. 

He was part of a joint World Health Organization-China mission to study the coronavirus threat and containment efforts earlier this year.

Professor Fisher answers the following questions:

1. Can the coronavirus be contained to prevent health services from being overwhelmed? Lessons from China? (1:12)

2. Covid-19 is a community-transmitted disease. Can every single person, regardless of which industry they work in, take action to prevent the coronavirus spread? (2:28)

3. Advice for the vulnerable: The elderly and children (3:33)

4. Do no underestimate each person's role in helping their countries manage this community-transmitted disease (4:50)

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E32: How to encourage pregnant women to exercise more: Health Check Ep 3211 Mar 202000:13:50

Health Check Ep 32: How to encourage pregnant women to exercise more

13:25 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with expert guests.

In this episode, ST senior correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Serene Thain, an associate consultant from the Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine at KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

The first guidelines on physical activity and exercise for pregnant women were released earlier in January in a bid to curb the high rate of gestational diabetes here.

This episode is aimed at popular misconceptions about exercising during pregnancy. Mothers-in law, do have a listen too!

Dr Thain answers the following questions:

1. Why pregnant women should aim for a target of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercises (divide the time into daily slots or at least three times a week) (3:05)

2. How to avoid hypoglycaemia, which is dangerous for pregnant women (5:40)

3. Danger signs pregnant women should notice while exercising (8:40)

4. Should women lie flat on their backs in prolonged yoga sessions, especially after the fourth month of pregnancy? (11:05)

5. Post-pregnancy exercising guidelines (12:00)

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E31: Breaking common misconceptions about exercise: Health Check Ep 3101 Mar 202000:15:17

Health Check Ep 31: Breaking common misconceptions about exercise

17:25 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with expert guests.

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Dinesh Sirisena, who is a consultant at the sports medicine department of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

This episode is aimed at popular misconceptions about exercise. 

Dr Dinesh answers the following questions:

1. Doing crunches: Does that really give you a "flat tummy"? (0:35)

2. Is it true that a person needs to work out every day, to lose weight? (2:33)

3. Is it good to avoid eating before you exercise, to help you lose weight faster? (4:36)

4. Body mass index: Is there a trend to move away from only BMIs as a sole gauge, and consider too, body composition and body fat percentages? The bioimpedance machine at Admiralty Medical Centre can calculate your body fat percentage, and that is more accurate than BMI. (7:59)

5. If you have injured a part of your body, for example, your knee or ankle, should you lay off exercise completely? (12:33)

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E30: How to practise intermittent fasting safely and lose some weight: Health Check Ep 3011 Feb 202000:11:05

Health Check Ep 30: How to practise intermittent fasting safely to lose some weight

11:05 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health.

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Ms Alvernia Chua, a senior dietitian with National Healthcare Group Polyclinics.

She will clear up the air about a popular weight loss approach called intermittent fasting. What are the different methods? What are the misconceptions?

There are different methods, such as fasting for 16 hours and eating within an eight-hour window, or fasting on alternate days or for an entire day in a week.

  1. What reduces weight is total amount of calories consumed in a day (1:25)
  2. Find out why those with diabetes should view intermittent fasting methods with caution (3:18)
  3. Which groups of people - including breastfeeding mothers - should not try intermittent fasting (4:35)
  4. What is the 16:8 intermittent fasting method? (6:10)
  5. Side effects of intermittent fasting methods (9:20)

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E29: Virologist Prof Wang Linfa offers hand hygiene tips to counter novel coronavirus threat: Health Check Ep 2904 Feb 202000:12:18

Health Check Ep 29: Virologist Prof Wang Linfa offers hand hygiene tips to counter novel coronavirus threat

12:17 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health.

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo calls Professor Wang Linfa.

He is the director of the emerging infectious disease programme at Duke-NUS Medical School. He is also a virologist who was part of the World Health Organization Emergency Committee on the novel coronavirus outbreak.

We ask him the latest updates on the novel coronavirus, and what we can do to protect ourselves.

Professor Wang tells us:

  1. How to be aware and maintain hand hygiene when using lifts and public toilets, because contact transmission for the novel coronavirus is potent (1:17)
  2. Droplet transmission threat for coronaviruses: What should you do to protect yourself better when using taxis or private hire cars for example? (4:23)
  3. Is faecal transmission possible with the novel coronavirus? (6:35)
  4. Tips for older people and those with existing conditions (7:19)
  5. One good tip on using a ballpoint pen and its cap to press lift buttons and reduce your skin's exposure to possible coronaviruses (9:41)

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Penelope Lee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E28: How to practise better hygiene in wake of coronavirus: Health Check Ep 2828 Jan 202000:12:28

Health Check Ep 28: How to practise better hygiene in wake of Wuhan coronavirus

12:27 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health.

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis talk about how we can all start practising better hygiene in the wake of the mysterious novel coronavirus - 2019-nCov - that originated in Wuhan.

Should we all wear masks now? (0:52)

Is it true that flipping surgical masks inside out is the right thing to do? (2:24)

Is there an art to washing and sanitising hands properly? How to choose proper hand sanitisers? (4:00)

What are the symptoms and the incubation period of the Wuhan coronavirus? (6:54)

Health authorities say that it generally requires prolonged exposure to the infected person for you to catch the bug. How is prolonged exposure defined? (8:52)

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Penelope Lee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E27: Can you exercise when you are sick?: Health Check Ep 2714 Jan 202000:17:25

Health Check Ep 27: Can you exercise when you are sick?

17:25 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with expert guests.

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Dinesh Sirisena, who is a consultant at the sports medicine department of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

This episode is aimed at those wondering if they should exercise when they are sick.

Dr Dinesh answers the following questions:

1. If you have just a sore throat, and your airways are clear, can light exercise, or even a simple walk in the neighbourhood, help? (3:25)

2. How those with chronic fatigue syndrome can benefit from some form of exercise? (4:35)

3. Can you work out if you have taken medication? For example, codeine-based medications or antibiotics? (6:45)

4. Should you participate in an event such as a marathon if you are unwell just before the event starts? (12:05)

5. What is a good checklist to go through before you exercise? (15:05)
 
Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

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S1E26: Youth mental health: What to expect when seeking help?: Health Check Ep 2631 Dec 201900:15:00

Health Check Ep 26: Youth mental health: What to expect when seeking help?

14:59 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up common misconceptions on health with medical experts.

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Lee Yi Ping, team leader and senior youth support worker for the Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT) - which has been helping and supporting young people with mental health concerns since 2009.

This episode is aimed at youth mental health trends in Singapore today and what it's like making the first move to seek help at CHAT - which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2019. CHAT is a national outreach and mental health check programme under the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), that is aimed at youth aged 16-30, including young working adults, and has an actual space at *Scape, 2 Orchard Link.

Ms Lee answers the following questions:

1. What is it like going to CHAT for the first time?

2. What do you do if you want to seek help at CHAT?

3. How a young man finally got help for his depression?

4. What are the qualifications of the youth support workers at CHAT?

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E116: Take charge of your menopause01 Nov 202300:36:16

Find out more about menopause and what you can do about it.

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Menopause is a natural part of aging but the time leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, affects each woman differently.

Associate Professor Rukshini Puvanendran, the head and senior consultant of Family Medicine Service, and the co-lead of KK Menopause Centre at ​KKH, said that while many people are aware of menopause, they do not fully understand it​. There are also many misconceptions surrounding menopause, with the most common being that hormone replacement therapy ​or HRT is harmful.

Still, menopause is a stage of life that also marks a new beginning for women.  ​In the west, there's even a new trend in the travel industry - menopause retreats. Women are embracing their menopausal transition and willing to pay for vacations that combine spa treatments with fitness or yoga sessions and advice on how to deal with symptoms like hot flushes.

​​In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to ​Assoc Prof Rukshini to find out​ more about how menopause affects women, how safe HRT is as well as other ways of managing the symptoms.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:07 When do women in Singapore experience menopause

2:20 How does it affect the body?

6:46 What other issues should menopausal women be aware of?

13:36 When should women seek help for the symptoms they experience?

19:33 Misconceptions of hormone replacement therapy

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim & Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

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S1E25: How to spot mental health issues if you are aged 16-30: Health Check Ep 2518 Dec 201900:15:04

Health Check Ep 25: How to spot mental health issues if you are aged 16-30

15:02 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up some common misconceptions on health.

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Lee Yi Ping, team leader and senior youth support worker for the Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT) - which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2019.

This episode is aimed at youth mental health trends in Singapore today and what it's like making the first move to seek help at CHAT.

CHAT is a national outreach and mental health check programme under the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), that is aimed at youth aged 16-30, including young working adults, and has an actual space at *Scape, 2 Orchard Link.

 Ms Lee answers the following questions: 

1. Why parents, educators or even work supervisors should listen to this podcast as well, to identify who might need support (3:04)

2. What are the main stress triggers for young people? (5:06)

3. What is the difference between seeing a free and confidential help service like CHAT, and seeing a medical professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist? (8:00) 

4. Why mood disorders and psychosis-related issues form a large part of the conditions young people report to CHAT (11:57) 

5. When you should notice warning signs and seek help (13:08)

HELPLINES

Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours)

Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

Tinkle Friend (for primary school-aged children): 1800-274-4788

Care Corner Counselling Hotline (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

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The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E24: Are smart devices bad for infants? - Health Check Ep 2403 Dec 201900:11:51

Health Check Ep 24: Are smart devices bad for infants?

11:50 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up some common misconceptions on health. In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Mae Wong, a senior consultant at the department of child development at KK Women's and Children's Hospital. 

This episode is aimed at the impact of early screen exposure on children's behaviour. A study here has shown that children as young as 18 months and below who get their first screen time in front of electronic devices, and even computers and the television, may experience more disrupted sleep as well as emotional and behavioural difficulties.  The study was published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics earlier this year.

She answers the following questions: 

1. Why parents need to be aware of having screens or mobile devices in the same bedroom as their infant children (1:58)

2. Spotting symptoms like hyperactivity, poor attention, increased temper tantrums and parental/caregiver management strategies in Singapore (4:01)

3. Tips on setting clear house rules like time, and working in a variety of interactive activities (5:33)

4. For children with neuro-developmental disorders, their parents surveyed revealed an average screen time exposure of four hours a day (6:53) 

5. How grandparents and domestic helpers should also pick tips up from parents on managing their young children and not using mobile devices as simple babysitting tools (9:33) 

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E23: Why you shouldn't demand antibiotics for your flu: Health Check Ep 2319 Nov 201900:12:43

Health Check Ep 23: Why you shouldn't demand antibiotics for your flu

12:43 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up some common misconceptions on health. In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang - the head of the infectious diseases programme and the co-director of the Leadership Institute for Global Health Transformation at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. He tells us more about antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance and what to know and do about it.

He answers the following questions: 

1. The difference between antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic resistance

2. Is there the same urgent "climate change" mentality when it comes to the problem of recognising antibiotic resistance?

3. Costly effects of drug-resistant bacteria in human medicine

4. Antibiotics being used as growth promoters in animal farming, and does it affect kampung chicken?

5. If you have a bacterial infection as opposed to a viral infection, what should you do?

Prof Hsu has also worked on a graphic novel with award-winning Singaporean cartoonist Sonny Liew and Epigram Books. Called The Antibiotic Tales, it aims to explain antimicrobial resistance - the ability of microbes to evolve and resist the drugs used to kill them - to the lay reader.

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E22: Why women need to watch out for heart disease: Health Check Ep 2205 Nov 201900:14:44

Health Check Ep 22: Why women need to watch out for heart disease 

14:43 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and clears up some common misconceptions on health. In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Dr Low Ting Ting, a consultant at the Department of Cardiology at the National University Heart Centre, Singapore. Dr Low, who is also the programme director of its Women’s Heart Health Programme, tells you why taking the “bikini medicine" approach to women's health is wrong. 

She answers the following questions: 

1. What is the number one killer of women? 

2. What is cardiovascular disease, and what exactly is heart disease? 

3. How to tell if the chest pain and other discomfort that you  are experiencing are signs of heart disease? 

4. Why heart disease is missed or misdiagnosed? 

5. How does ageing affect your risk of this disease? 

6. How to prevent heart disease? 

Produced by: Joyce Teo 

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

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Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E21: How to treat and prevent kidney stones: Health Check Ep 2122 Oct 201900:13:47

Health Check Ep 21: How to treat and prevent kidney stones

13:47 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks misconceptions with medical experts.

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis invite urologist Dr Tan Yung Khan from UroHealth Medical Clinic to debunk misconceptions about kidney stones.

He answers the following questions:

1. Should I cut my calcium intake to prevent kidney stones?

2. Is it true that drinking beer helps to keep kidney stones away?

3. What does sweating and hot yoga have to do with kidney stones?

4. Should I wait to pass them out or get them treated?

5. How do I prevent kidney stones and how much water should I drink?

6. How does a high Vitamin C intake affect my risk of kidney stones?

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E20: Sex and other addictions - how to deal with them: Health Check Ep 2009 Oct 201900:13:46

Health Check Ep 20: Sex and other addictions - how to deal with them and why people get addicted

13:46 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests. 

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Munidasa Winslow, a well-known addictions expert and the founder of Promises Healthcare.

He gives you the lowdown on addictions and answers the following questions:

1. What are the different types of addictions?

2. Is sex addiction a big problem here and when does it become serious? 

3. Who are the ones who are more prone to addictions? 

4. How can you tell if you have an addiction problem?

5. How to deal with withdrawal cravings and what can you do about your addiction?

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

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S1E19: How to cope with ADHD: Health Check Ep 1925 Sep 201900:14:43

Health Check Ep 19: How to cope with ADHD

14:42 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests. 

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Munidasa Winslow, a well-known addictions expert and the founder of Promises Healthcare.

He reveals how he found out he has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition characterised by inattention, impulsive behaviour and/or hyperactivity, in adulthood.

He also touches on the following points:

1. The quirks and challenges of ADHD

2. Debunking myths claiming that ADHD is not a real disorder

3. How you can cope with ADHD

4. One way his family copes with his ADHD

5. Why ADHD is a super power

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

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#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

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S1E18: What to know about gut health, and your poo: Health Check Ep 1810 Sep 201900:11:17

Health Check Ep 18: What to know about gut health, and your poo

11.17 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests. 

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Lai Jiunn Herng from Lai Endoscopy and Colorectal Surgery at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre. 

He tells you what you need to know about gut health, and answers the following questions: 

1. Why do we have to look into the toilet bowl before we flush?

2. Should we take cultured milk drinks or probiotic supplements to boost our gut health?

3. Which type of fibre-rich foods is best, if we want to reduce our risk of colorectal cancer?

4. Why should we bother about our poo?

5. Will spending time on the toilet bowl harm our health?

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E17: When we should be worried about colorectal cancer: Health Check Ep 1728 Aug 201900:09:44

Health Check Ep 17: When we should be worried about colorectal cancer

9:44 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests. 

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Lai Jiunn Herng from Lai Endoscopy and Colorectal Surgery at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre.

They discuss the symptoms of colorectal cancer,  the No. 1 cancer here in Singapore.

They ask him the following questions:
- Does bleeding in our stools mean we may have cancer?
- What types of abdominal pain are cause for concern?
- Should we be worried about unusual toilet habits?
- What can we do to reduce our risk of colorectal cancer?

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

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S1E16: How to get your hawker food fix without risking a heart attack: Health Check Ep 1614 Aug 201900:15:50

Health Check Ep 16: How to get your hawker food fix without risking a heart attack

15:50 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests. 
 
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Michael Lim, the medical director of MWH Heart, Stroke & Cancer Centre, who's also the honorary president of the Asian Society of Cardiology. 

He tells us:
- how to get our hawker food fix without increasing the risk of a heart attack (1:59 mins)
- what to take note of when it comes to high-cholesterol foods (2:57)
- which food products with trans fat we should avoid (6:38)
- which supplements to avoid (9:04)
- if taking fish oils will help to prevent a heart attack or stroke (11:12)

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

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Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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S1E115: Should you tell your boss that you have a mental health condition?18 Oct 202300:40:05

Find out more about the possible support that companies can give to people with mental health conditions.

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Content warning: This podcast discusses suicidal feelings.

Having a mental health condition can make work life pretty challenging sometimes, so should you tell your bosses about it? How should you go about doing that and what can companies do to support their employees who have mental health challenges.

In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to two guests. 

Min Hui is a suicide survivor and a volunteer at mental health charity Resillience Collective (RC). 

She talks about her mental health journey and how it has been like for her to be open about her mental health conditions at work. 

Nicholas Lee is the executive director of RC. He shares his personal mental health story, what he has done for staff with mental health conditions and offers suggestions on what companies can do to support their employees recovering from mental health conditions. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:56 Minhui’s mental health journey and how she let a suicidal thought pass. 

4:24 What happened after Minhui told her bosses about her mental health conditions

8:41 How Minhui’s superior supported her after an unpleasant work episode

15:32 Nick’s pragmatic approach to his mental health condition 

24:25 Involving HR when it comes to supporting mental health persons in recovery

30:50 Should you disclose your mental health conditions at the job interview?

Helplines

MENTAL WELL-BEING

  • Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
  • Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours)
    •  Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
    •  Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
  • Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 
  • Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 
  • Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

COUNSELLING

  • TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
  • TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555
  • Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
  • Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366

ONLINE RESOURCES

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

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---

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Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

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---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

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S1E15: Forget about raising your good cholesterol? - Health Check Ep 1531 Jul 201900:19:13

Health Check Ep 15: Forget about raising your good cholesterol?

19:12 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests. 
 
In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Dr Michael Lim, the medical director of MWH Heart, Stroke & Cancer Centre, who's also the honorary president of the Asian Society of Cardiology. 

They ask him for tips on how to change lifestyles to prevent cardiovascular disease, like heart attacks or strokes. 

Dr Lim answers the following questions: 

1. Why is it hard for us to get a heart attack or stroke, when these conditions are common? (0:40 mins)

2. What is the simplest and cheapest way to prevent a heart attack? Drink enough water (4:04)

3. Why is good cholesterol obsolete today? (5:18)

4. Diabetes is a key risk factor, and Singapore is waging war against it. What else can we do to address this risk? (10:10)

5. Why it is better to have more and smaller meals daily (11:40)

6. How do we monitor our blood pressure levels, and what to look out for when doing so? (12:37)

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E14: Student burnout - How parents can spot it: Health Check Ep 1416 Jul 201900:11:01

Health Check Ep 14: Student burnout - How parents can spot it

11:01 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

In this episode, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis asked Dr Lim Boon Leng, a psychiatrist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, to share more on student burnout.

Burnout is a condition that was classified - by the World Health Organisation in late May 2019 - as an occupational phenomenon and not a medical condition. However, burnout is not a condition that is specific to the workplace.

Students can get burnout too.

Dr Lim answers the following questions:
What are the early signs and symptoms of student burnout to watch out for?
How serious is student burnout?
What happens if your child is experiencing burnout?
If your child is burnt out, should you keep him from school?
What causes student burnout and what can parents do?

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E13: Burnout - what types are there and how to spot it: Health Check Ep 1303 Jul 201900:10:13

Health Check Ep 13: Burnout - what types are there and how to spot it

10:12 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

In this episode, correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis ask Dr Lim Boon Leng, a psychiatrist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, to share more on burnout.

It is a condition that was classified - by the World Health Organisation in late May 2019 - as an occupational phenomenon and not a medical condition.

Dr Lim answers the following questions:

1. What exactly is burnout and how serious can it get? (1:25)

2. What are other kinds of burnout, like parental or caregiver burnout? (3:22)

3. After hearing about Luis' own burnout experience, Dr Lim shares why it is important to heed early warning signs seriously (4:55)

4. What are the red flags to look out? (5:52)

5. How about student burnout and what are the signs of stress to look out for in children? (8:42)

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

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---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E12: Fact-checking common myths about colorectal cancer: Health Check Ep 1204 Jun 201900:09:55

Health Check Ep 12: Fact-checking common myths about colorectal cancer

9:54 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

ST correspondent Joyce Teo (right) and health reporter Rei Kurohi (left) interview Professor Francis Seow-Choen (pictured centre), a colorectal surgeon from Concord International Hospital.

He lays out the facts about colorectal cancer, which is the number one cancer in Singapore, and answers the following questions:

  1. What is colorectal cancer? (0:33)
  2. What are the biggest misconceptions about this cancer and why? (0:48)
  3. What role does sugar intake play? Can vegans and vegetarians get colorectal cancer? (2:37)
  4. What about environmental factors causing colorectal cancer? (5:50)
  5. When should we start going for screening and how often? (6:55)

Professor Seow-Choen also says that family history and genes determine the first cause of colorectal cancer. But 80% of all patients also do not have any family history, so environmental factors and ageing come into play next.

Produced by: Joyce Teo, Rei Kurohi and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

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Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E11: How to use the Fast method to recognise a stroke and react quickly: Health Check Ep 1121 May 201900:09:11

Health Check Ep 11: How to use the Fast method to recognise a stroke and react quickly

9:11 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

Our guest for this episode is Dr Shekhawat Ravindra Singh (pictured left), an associate consultant at the Department of Neurology at the National Neuroscience Institute. He tells us how to recognise a stroke, also known as a brain attack, as well as how to prevent one.

He answers the following questions:

  1. Why do people still turn up late for treatment of suspected strokes? (0:57)
  2. What are the symptoms? What are the dos and don'ts? (1:10)
  3. What treatment can you expect at the emergency department after? (3:10)
  4. Can strokes be prevented? Smoking is a major factor for young victims aged 25 onwards (4:50)
  5. Rare causes of strokes (5:40)

For family members or even strangers who run into potential stroke victims, learn the Fast test.

F stands for Face: Smile and see if one side of the face droops.

A stands for Arms: Raise both arms. Does one arm
drop down?

S stands for Speech: Say a short phrase and check for slurred or strange speech.

T stands for Time: If the answer to any of these is yes, call 995 in Singapore right away and seek emergency help.

Do share this podcast via the channels below with your friends and loved ones.

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

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---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

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S1E10: Can schools and parents help boost the cognition and well-being of sleep-deprived Singaporean teenagers? : Health Check Ep 1007 May 201900:09:53

Health Check Ep 10: Can schools and parents help boost the cognition and well-being of sleep-deprived Singaporean teenagers? 

9:30 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

To discuss why teenagers and students need to sleep more and how insufficient sleep affects them, ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Prof Michael Chee, the director of the Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience at the Duke-NUS Medical School who is a prominent sleep expert. 

He answers the following questions:

  1. What can be done to help teenagers - inundated with homework, curricular activities, enrichment classes and tuition after school - sleep more?
  2. Most Singaporean adolescents sleep an average of 6.5 hours a night on the weekdays. What is a good amount of nocturnal sleep for teenagers? Is seven to eight hours a good achievable target for upper secondary school teenagers?
  3. Could shorter sleep increase the risk of diabetes among young Singaporeans?
  4. How can students manage better sleep strategy during intense examination periods? 

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

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---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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S1E9: Why sleep habits need to be formed when young: Health Check Ep 923 Apr 201900:09:30

Health Check Ep 9: Why sleep habits need to be formed when young

9:30 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host Prof Michael Chee, the director of the Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience at the Duke-NUS Medical School, a prominent sleep expert who wants to change how we think about sleep. He was asked the following questions:

1. Are we sleeping more than our neighbours in the region? What’s the evidence?

2. We all know we should prioritise sleep but many of us don't get a full night's sleep. Can we make up for the lack of sleep on weekends, or by taking afternoon naps?

3. Why do we need to have sufficient sleep?

4. What causes insomnia and is it normal for the elderly to have poor sleep?

5. Should offices have sleep pods?

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E8: Can munching on half a plate of mushrooms a week slow mental decline? Health Check Ep 809 Apr 201900:09:47

Health Check Ep 8: Can munching on half a plate of mushrooms a week slow mental decline?

9:46 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

ST correspondent Joyce Teo and podcasting head Ernest Luis host two experts from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore to discuss the results of the six-year study they had conducted on more than 600 Singaporeans aged 60 and above, to see the relation between consuming mushrooms and mental decline.

The study's principal investigator, Assistant Professor Feng Lei, who is from NUS' Department of Psychological Medicine, and Dr Irwin Cheah - a senior research fellow at the NUS Department of Biochemistry - are asked the following questions:

1. Can consuming more than two portions (300g or half a plate) of mushrooms each week, reduce the risk of having mild cognitive impairment?

2. It can help with Alzheimer's, but how about Parkinson's disease? 

3. The study focused on six types of mushrooms commonly eaten in Singapore. How about others like portobello? 

Mushrooms contain high levels of a compound known as ergothioneine. The compound acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent, and can protect brain cells from damage.

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E7: Should you limit your child's screen time?: Health Check Ep 719 Mar 201900:08:05

Health Check Ep 7: Should you limit your child's screen time?

8:04 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said in January 2019, that it would not recommend any age-appropriate time limits because there is not enough evidence that screen time harms a child's health at any age. Instead, it recommends that families negotiate screen time limits with their children based on their needs.

However, the college did recommend that children refrain from using digital devices in the hour before bedtime because of evidence that they can harm sleep. (1:20)

Dr Ong Say How, a senior consultant and chief of the department of developmental psychiatry at the Institute of Mental Health, said problems arise when screen time displaces physical activity and face-to-face social interaction as well as affects sleep and school performance.

Should you as a parent, be concerned when excessive screen time for your child displaces face-to-face social engagement and physical activity? (1:37)

Should a child below 18 months of age should not be exposed to any screen time at all, even if they are watching educational videos on mobile phones. (2:45)

Key recommendations on screen time from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health:

Families can ask these four key questions as a guide:

1. Is screen time in your household controlled?

2. Does screen use interfere with what your family wants to do?

3. Does screen use interfere with sleep?

4. Are you able to control snacking during screen time?

Key recommendations on screen time from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

1. For children younger than 18 months, avoid the use of screen media other than video-chatting.

2. Parents of children aged 18 to 24 months who want to introduce digital media should choose high-quality programming and watch it with their children to help them understand what they are seeing.

3. For those aged two to five, limit screen use to one hour a day of high-quality programmes. Parents should watch the programmes with children to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them. (3:40)

Video games: Is that considered good or bad screen time? (5:00)

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

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---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

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Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E6: Health Check Ep 6: Can soursop or ketogenic diets be used to treat and control cancer?04 Mar 201900:11:21

Health Check Ep 6: Can soursop or ketogenic diets be used to treat and control cancer?

11:20 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

Dr Wong Seng Weng - medical director and consultant medical oncologist at The Cancer Centre - answers the following questions about alternative therapies to treat cancer.

Can soursop be used to treat cancer? Also, is there potential harm from taking large quantities of soursop or soursop extracts that are made from the fruit, leaves, roots or bark?

Dr Wong explains how some of the substances found in soursop can cross over from the bloodstream into the brain and cause nerve damage.

How about using a ketogenic or keto diet to control cancer?

A keto diet is essentially a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. This is certainly not the normal diet here, as a typical diet in the Asian community consists of nearly 60 per cent carbohydrates.

Dr Wong advises us if this keto diet is a viable alternative therapy to treat cancer.

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

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---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E1: Hear our podcasts on The Straits Times' app, besides Apple Podcasts & Spotify09 Oct 202300:02:25

Each follow on the audio apps below and a rating really helps us! Happy listening!

Synopsis: A brand new feature is within The Straits Times app, which you can download from the Apple app store or the Google Play store. For those of you who already have it, the latest version update now has a dedicated Podcast Section, where you can listen to our latest incoming show episodes and check out back episodes too.

You can also choose to follow our podcast RSS feeds, or the shows on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

If you have a smart home speaker like the Google Home or Nest device, or your Android phone, just say: “Hey Google, play me (name of any of the shows below) or The Straits Times Podcasts.”

Get The Straits Times app from

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

Produced & edited by: Ernest Luis (ernest@sph.com.sg) & Teo Tong Kai

Follow ST Podcasts:

Channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukK

Spotify: https://str.sg/wukH

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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

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The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u

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Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

---

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

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

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S1E5: Health Check Ep 5: Can coffee or a piping hot cup of tea increase your risk of cancer?19 Feb 201900:10:01

Health Check Season 1: Can coffee or a piping hot cup of tea increase your risk of cancer?

10:01 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Wednesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

Dr Wong Seng Weng - medical director and consultant medical oncologist at The Cancer Centre - answers the following questions.

Can drinking coffee increase the risk of getting cancer? What's a safe amount of coffee to drink daily? Four cups? Or is that considered too many?

To help prevent an increased risk of oesophageal cancer, how long should you let that piping hot beverage cool before you drink it?

Produced by: Joyce Teo and Ernest Luis

Edited by: Adam Azlee

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E4: Health Check EP 4: Clearing the top 3 myths about gestational diabetes during pregnancy27 Jul 201800:08:53

Health Check Ep 4

8:40 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Tuesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

This episode debunks three myths on gestational diabetes, and looks at how expectant mothers here and their spouses should take this topic more seriously, including those planning a family.  

Co-hosts Joyce Teo, a correspondent with The Straits Times, and head of podcasting Ernest Luis, tackle the myths with Dr Ben Ng, an endocrinologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.

He explains that gestational diabetes is a condition where your blood sugars are abnormal during the course of pregnancy, which is caused by physiological changes and stress during the term.

What is the risk factor of someone developing diabetes after gestational diabetes?  

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

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---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E3: Health Check EP 3: Exercise tips for newly-diagnosed diabetics02 Jul 201800:09:57

Health Check

Episode 3

Duration: 10 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Tuesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

This episode targets newly-diagnosed diabetics. How they can work in an exercise routine and balance it with their new condition, or even if they had been very active marathoners previously for example.

Host Ernest Luis, together with The Straits Times' correspondent Joyce Teo and assistant news editor Poon Chian Hui, discuss various tips with Dr Fadzil Hamzah, a Senior Staff Registrar with the Changi Sports Medicine Centre at Changi General Hospital, and a visiting clinician at the Singapore Sports Institute. 

He is also the Director of Community Programmes for Exercise Is Medicine Singapore (EIMS).

Produced by: Ernest Luis, Joyce Teo and Poon Chian Hui

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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S1E2: Health Check EP 2: Health Check - How to control blood sugar levels when eating out and tweak your favourite kaya toast breakfast set25 Jun 201800:11:10

Health Check

Episode 2

Duration: 11 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Tuesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

This episode targets diabetics and the general public as well, if they want to avoid diabetes. Get practical dieting tips especially if you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes.

How do you navigate when eating out or at hawker centres? How do you keep your portions controlled, to avoid blood glucose levels shooting up? What vegetables should you go for?

When it comes to one of Singapore's favourite breakfast sets - the kaya toast meal and its accompanying drink - what can you tweak, to make it a healthier set?

Join Ernest Luis, head of podcasting, and Linette Lai, a health correspondent with The Straits Times, as they host Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran, head of the Glycaemic Index Research Unit at Temasek Polytechnic, and vice-president of Diabetes Singapore.

Produced by: Ernest Luis and Linette Lai

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

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S1E1: Health Check EP1: Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on the war against diabetes, his love for chicken rice and his 3Rs for eating healthily18 Jun 201800:12:01

Health Check

Episode 1

Duration: 12 mins

Synopsis: In this fortnightly podcast series on Tuesdays, The Straits Times guides you to healthier living and debunks the myths with expert guests.

How has Singapore's war against diabetes panned out so far? Has public awareness increased? Have commercial outlets responded favourably? What more can be done to better engage Singaporeans and help them make more informed decisions on the ground?

Join ST's senior health correspondent Salma Khalik as she hosts Singapore's Health Minister Gan Kim Yong. They dissect national numbers and the various key aspects of this war against diabetes. They also discuss the kinds of sugar tax measures that might be considered.

Mr Gan also reveals his own love for chicken rice and his own personal "3Rs" strategy on how to adapt and choose healthier options when eating out. He also reveals a favourite new sporting pastime, to keep fit.

Produced by: Salma Khalik and Ernest Luis

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

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Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover ST's special edition podcasts:

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia: https://str.sg/wuZ2

Stop Scams: https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid: https://str.sg/wuJa

Invisible Asia: https://str.sg/wuZn

---

Discover more ST podcast series:

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

Bookmark This!: https://str.sg/JWas

Lunch With Sumiko: https://str.sg/J6hQ

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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S1E114: Feeling safe in a monthly peer support group03 Oct 202300:22:23

Find out what these 'circles' of resilience are.

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Peer support groups are a regular gathering of persons with lived experiences of mental health conditions. They have come together to support one another, and the mental health support they offer is what you can only get from someone who has been where you are. 

To learn more about peer support groups and the help they offer, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts two participants from a monthly peer support group at a local mental health charity Resilience Collective (RC).

They are Min, a 25-year-old aspiring nurse and counsellor, and Teo Guoxiang, a 35-year-old assistant manager with the Programmes Team at RC, whom Min addresses as GX. Hear about their personal stories, what it takes to join a peer support group and how joining such a group - which RC calls Circles of Resilience - has helped them.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:05 What is  a 'Resilience Collective'?; Why Min joined a peer support group

9:29 The agreement you have to sign upon becoming a member of a peer support group

12:17 How GX joined Resilience Collection (RC) and eventually became a staff member

16:54 How the peer support group helped Min and GX

20:36 Things to be aware of before joining a peer support group; the difference it has made

Helplines

MENTAL WELL-BEING
•  Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
•  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
•  Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
•  Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
•  Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

COUNSELLING
•  TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
•  TOUCH Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
•  Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
•  Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366

ONLINE RESOURCES
•  moht.com.sg/mindline-sg
•  eC2.sg
•  tinklefriend.sg
•  chat.mentalhealth.sg
•  carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
•  limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E113: Is personalised health based on genetics?20 Sep 202300:26:59

Our guest is overseeing Singapore's three-phase National Precision Medicine programme.

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Precision medicine - sometimes known as personalised medicine or health - is an innovative approach to tailoring disease prevention and treatment that takes into account differences in people's genes, environments, and lifestyles.

Professor Patrick Tan, the executive director of Precision Health Research, Singapore (Precise), the entity set up to implement the current phase of Singapore’s three-phase National Precision Medicine programme, is our guest in this episode.

ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with him about what precision health is, the ground-breaking research being done in Singapore, and how the entity is working with clinicians to pilot the implementation of precision medicine programmes in the healthcare system.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:16 What is precision health?

2:58 Lessons from the SG10k study

4:43 Status of the current SG100k study

8:28 The ongoing precision health pilots

12:35 An issue raised by participants in the SG10k study

25:01 What can we expect in the future of precision health?

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh

Edited by: Paxton Pang

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E112: How do mental health apps work?05 Sep 202300:19:05

Gain insights into the usage of mental health apps, and whether or not to embrace them.

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Mental health applications have grown in popularity over the years, with more employers turning to such apps to help improve their employees’ mental well-being. 

They typically offer online guides and mental health information and can link users up with a counsellor or coach, if needed. 

But, just how useful are these apps? Who’s using the apps? And are they safe to use? To find out more, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Oliver Suendermann, the clinical director of Intellect, a Singapore headquartered-company that has been growing speedily since it was founded in 2019. It has expanded into the region and now serves three million users.

Dr Suendermann, a permanent resident, sheds light on their users’ needs, what they offer - mostly coaches - and discusses what people can look out for before they use a mental health app.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:38 What’s typical in a mental health app?

5:30 The Intellect mental health platform is staffed by mostly coaches, not psychologists

13:28 Three things to look out for before using a mental health app

Helplines

MENTAL WELL-BEING
•  Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
•  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
•  Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
•  Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
•  Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

COUNSELLING
•  TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
•  TOUCH Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
•  Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
•  Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366

ONLINE RESOURCES
•  moht.com.sg/mindline-sg
•  eC2.sg
•  tinklefriend.sg
•  chat.mentalhealth.sg
•  carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
•  limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Paxton Pang and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E111: How to make it easier for people to live till the end at home16 Aug 202300:21:52

The future of end-of-life options with dignity in Singapore.

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Many people wish to die in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones. However, the reality is that it is not so easy to do so yet.

In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Ms Sim Bee Hia, the executive director of the Singapore Hospice Council, about the challenges involved.

They also discussed what the fraternity plans to do to make it easier for people to live out their lives at home.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:49 The challenges to enable someone to die at home if they wish to

4:18 Empowering caregivers

9:42 How will it look like in the future for someone to die at home

12:11 The role that primary care doctors can play

16:17 Importance of death literacy

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Paxton Pang and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E110: What a suicide survivor wants you to know19 Jul 202300:39:03

Our guest shares her experience with depression and suicidal ideation and how she overcame the unhealthy thoughts.

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Recent data from non-profit suicide prevention centre Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) showed that 476 suicide deaths were reported in Singapore in 2022, the highest since 2000.

Of the deaths in 2022, 125 involved those aged 10 to 29. This was 13 more than in 2021 and another high since 2000, which marks SOS’ earliest recorded data.

Suicide is complex but it is preventable. In this episode, ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Ms Sabrina Ooi, the chief executive and co-founder of Calm Collective Asia, which aims to normalise mental health conversations in Asia.

Ms Ooi is 33. She was diagnosed with depression at 24, battled suicidal thoughts and lives with bipolar disorder. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:38 Why we need to understand why a depressed person might see suicide as a "solution"

7:33 Sabrina Ooi shares how her dad prevented her from committing suicide on another occasion

9:28 How can we help a depressed person, who may also have suicidal thoughts?

14:18 Tips for parents/caregivers: A listening ear and encouragement to seek professional medical help is better than seeking instant internal family solutions

20:08 Being diagnosed with major depression at the age of 24; why being able to talk and not fearing judgment is crucial

29:23 Can mental health conditions be managed early in the same way general health matters are treated?

Listen to our previous live recording at Temasek Shophouse that featured Sabrina Ooi as one of our guests: https://str.sg/iwkc

Helplines

MENTAL WELL-BEING
•  Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
•  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
•  Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
•  Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
•  Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

COUNSELLING
•  TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
•  TOUCH Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
•  Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
•  Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366

ONLINE RESOURCES
•  moht.com.sg/mindline-sg
•  eC2.sg
•  tinklefriend.sg
•  chat.mentalhealth.sg
•  carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
•  limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E109: Talking about youth mental health04 Jul 202300:26:29

Our guests share how they dealt with their mental ups and downs.

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

ST Podcasts is five years old! To celebrate our 5th anniversary, we recorded this episode live in front of an audience at Temasek Shophouse with three guests, and the topic was on youth mental health. 

Young people are a lot more open to talking about their mental health challenges these days, but there’s still quite a lot of stigma surrounding mental health. To normalise mental health conversations, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts three mental health advocates. 

The first guest is Singaporean national swimmer Quah Ting Wen, a three-time Olympian who recently earned the prestigious title of Best Athlete at the 2023 South-east Asian (SEA) Games held in Cambodia.

The second guest is Sherman Ho, the co-founder of Happiness initiative, a social enterprise that focuses on well-being research and runs well-being programmes in schools, for companies and in the community. 

The third guest is Sabrina Ooi, the co-founder & CEO of Calm Collective Asia, an organisation with the mission to normalise mental health conversations amongst professionals in Asia, through talks, programmes and roundtables.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:16 Ting Wen on life as a professional swimmer (it is not always rosy!)

2:57 Sherman on being in the happiness business, and talking about unhappiness

4:11 Sabrina talks about her past, when she was haunted by suicidal thoughts and how its normal to not feel well mentally

9:31 How Ting Wen’s first two years of college in the United States went

18:40 Tips on what to do when people talk to you about their mental health

Listen to our other live recording at Temasek Shophouse for Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/iUyv

Listen to Sabrina Ooi in Health Check Ep 110 - What a suicide survivor wants you to know: https://str.sg/iioq

Helplines

MENTAL WELL-BEING
•  Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
•  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
•  Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
•  Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
•  Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

COUNSELLING
•  TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
•  TOUCH Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
•  Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
•  Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366

ONLINE RESOURCES
•  moht.com.sg/mindline-sg
•  eC2.sg
•  tinklefriend.sg
•  chat.mentalhealth.sg
•  carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
•  limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Read more: https://str.sg/iwki

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E125: Why babies and toddlers do not need screen time02 Jul 202400:37:51

Excessive screen time can lead to speech delays, autism-like symptoms in children.

Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

My 18-month-old loves viewing videos on my phone; why is he not talking?

Screen time can help children develop social, creative, communication and other skills, but very young children, especially those below 18 months of age, are not ready for it. They should not be getting any screen time, unless it is for video chatting. 

Find out how excessive screen time can affect them, and how too much time spent on digital devices can lead to a myriad of issues in children above 18 months of age. For instance, children here are getting myopia from a younger age, from spending too much time indoors on near work and too little time outdoors in the daylight. 

In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with her two guest experts - Dr Yvonne Ling, an eye surgeon specialising in adult squints and paediatric ophthalmology, from the Singapore National Eye Centre and Dr Christelle Tan, a consultant at the Department of Child Development at KK Womens’ and Children’s Hospital (KKH) to find out more. Dr Ling also sees young patients with various eye issues, including myopia, at KKH.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:06 Why is myopia something to watch out for? 

5:18 What is the best sport that children can do to stave off myopia?

8:17 Why is my 18-month-old baby not talking?

10:07 Case of 3-year-boy who spent hours on video games

11:50 Should I be worried about the autism-like symptoms in my child? 

26:16 What parents can do to protect their children from the effects of too much screen time? 

32:24 How to prepare for a myopia check? What parents can do to protect their children from the effects of too much screen time? 

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg) and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Follow Health Check Podcast here every month and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 

The Usual Place: https://str.sg/wEr7u

COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

Hard Tackle: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

---

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

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

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E108: Youths can take charge of their social media use; how parents can help21 Jun 202300:29:07

How to create safer, healthier online environments to protect children.

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

In May, the United States surgeon general Dr Vivek Murthy, who is known as the nation’s doctor, issued an advisory on social media and youth mental health to warn young people of the possible effects of excessive social media use.

Dr Murthy said that social media started only about a decade ago and there is not enough research at the moment to show that it is safe for adolescents and children. 

He thus issued a call for not just families and young people, but policymakers, technology companies, and researchers to gain a better understanding of the full impact of social media use, to maximise the benefits and minimise the harms of social media platforms, and create safer, healthier online environments to protect children. 

In Singapore, it is not uncommon to see upper primary school children with their own mobile phones. Some teachers use WhatsApp to communicate with their secondary school students. 

In this episode, ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Ms Joanne Wong, the head of Touch Cyber Wellness, a service of Touch Community Services, about the issues that she sees in Singapore, and what parents and young people can do to protect themselves.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:29 Youth social media consumption issues in Singapore

4:41 Signs of excessive social media use

7:51 How parents can help children understand the importance of having a life outside of social media

13:15 Cyber wellness issues in Singapore

21:25 What parents can do to protect youths from social media harms

Helplines
MENTAL WELL-BEING
•  Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
•  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
•  Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
•  Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
•  Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)COUNSELLING
•  TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
•  TOUCH Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
•  Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
•  Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366ONLINE RESOURCES
•  mindline.sg
•  eC2.sg
•  tinklefriend.sg
•  chat.mentalhealth.sg
•  carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
•  limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Read more: https://str.sg/iJqa

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E107: What to eat or not eat if you have IBS07 Jun 202300:24:55

Find out too, why the link between the gut and brain must not be ignored.

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition that causes recurrent episodes of diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain. Stress can trigger or worsen it, which is why the link between the gut and brain or what is known as the gut-brain axis must not be ignored in the treatment of complex cases, said Dr Andrew Ong, a consultant gastroenterologist at the Singapore General Hospital, who runs a weekly IBS clinic at the hospital for hard-to-treat IBS cases. 

Still, when it comes to IBS, the first question that he gets from patients often concerns food. In part two of a two-parter on IBS, Dr Ong chats with ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo about diet and IBS. 

You will also hear about FODMAP, which stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. They are short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that are not properly absorbed in the gut. Some people with gastrointestinal issues have used a low FODMAP diet to identify the types of food that trigger their symptoms.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:59 Type of foods that can cause problems for those with IBS

13:31 Are mushrooms a good choice for those with IBS?

18:35 The difference between food intolerance and food allergy

20:44 Tips on keeping the gut healthy

Listen to Pt 1: Can stress trigger IBS? - https://str.sg/i3YP

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

Read more: https://str.sg/iJqa

Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWRX

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv 

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

---

Discover more ST podcast channels:

In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7

Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m

ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE

#PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad

Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX

Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL

---

Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

---

Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

#healthcheck

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S1E106: Can stress trigger IBS?16 May 202300:21:31

Find out why stress is not the root cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), though it can trigger or worsen IBS.

Synopsis: Every first and third Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Many people think that stress can cause IBS or irritable bowel syndrome, a common condition that causes recurrent episodes of diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain. But this is not true. 

Stress can trigger or worsen IBS, but it is not the root cause, says Dr Andrew Ong, a consultant gastroenterologist at the Singapore General Hospital, who runs a weekly IBS clinic at the hospital for hard-to-treat IBS cases. 

In this episode hosted by Straits Times senior health correspondent Joyce Teo, Dr Ong also talks about how the brain and the gut are linked, the approach he takes at the weekly clinic and how it has helped some patients. 

This is the first of a two-part series with Dr Ong on gastrointestinal issues, of which IBS is the most common condition. In the next episode, Dr Ong talks to Joyce about the foods to avoid if one has IBS, and the difference between food intolerance and food allergy.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:17 The link between our gut and brain

3:09 What is irritable bowel syndrome?

8:14 Misconceptions of lactose intolerance

11:54 How does a psychologist help with treatment

17:24 Example of a patient at the weekly clinic

Listen to Pt 2: What to eat or not eat if you have IBS - https://str.sg/i3gB

Produced by: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis and Eden Soh

Edited by: Eden Soh

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Special edition series:

True Crimes Of Asia (new): https://str.sg/i44T

The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2

Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn

Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB

Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa

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