Aevice Health and NUHS Launches Study to Detect Lung Sound Abnormalities Using Wearable Respiratory Monitor in Paediatric Patients

MOH adds 2 charts to daily update to better reflect situation here

​Two new charts have been added to the daily COVID-19 updates that MOH issues every night. Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean of NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said that the ICU chart will provide a clearer representation of the situation in the hospitals, especially the ICUs. A/Prof Alex Cook, Vice Dean of Research, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, added that the chart also shows explicitly who is in the ICU with COVID-19 and who is desperately ill in the ICU with COVID-19.

• MSN, 26 October 2021, Two new charts to better reflect daily COVID situation added by MOH

Healthy Hearing, Hearing Ageing-New Community-based Hearing Clinic for Elderly Singaporeans

勤于照护足部 避免脚趾间受真菌感染 (Regular foot care to prevent fungal infections between the toes)

Melissa Lee (Senior Podiatrist, Podiatry, NTFGH) explained the importance of practising food hygiene to prevent fungal infections. Exercises like high intensity interval training (HIIT) are gaining popularity as people are spending more time at home due to the pandemic. She elaborated that this may give rise to overuse foot injuries such as metatarsalgia, heel pain, or result in an acute injury such as an ankle sprain. Shoes should be worn while performing HIIT exercises as they help to absorb shock and provide support. Melissa also advised against purchasing shoes online as it is always recommended to try on shoes physically to evaluate specifications like the amount of support, whether they are too wide or narrow, and assess the potential of rubbing at the heel area.

Meet Angie, the NCIS Engage Bot that Empowers Women at Risk of Hereditary Breast Cancer

多达925病例到访 过去三天出现九个冠病“黑区” (Nine places frequented by up to 925 COVID-19 cases in past three days)

​Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean of NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, commented that the public should bear in mind that COVID-19 is circulating in the community and that anyone who goes to public places will be at risk of infection, regardless of the location. Prof Teo encouraged the public to focus more on reducing the overall risk of infection and less on the location distribution of cases.

Health Matters – NCIS Pink Plank Challenge

​Dr Samuel Ow, Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute Singapore, explained the benefits of regular exercise which can help reduce one's risk of cancer. Members of the public can still join the final week of the NCIS Pink Plank Challenge by posting a 20-second video of themselves planking with a buddy on social media to help spread the word about breast cancer awareness.

Singapore-developed chatbot to provide genetic counselling

​National University Cancer Institute Singapore has launched an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot, developed with local startup Bot MD, that makes it easier for patients at risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) to learn about the condition and the role of genetic testing before their first genetic counselling session at the clinic. Dr Samuel Ow, Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute Singapore, said that while genetic testing is an important consideration in the management of breast cancer patients, there remains a lack of awareness and misconceptions around genetic testing which need to be addressed through counselling. The chatbot will enable National University Cancer Institute Singapore to reach out to patients early and provide targeted education so that they come for their consultation better informed and ready to decide on the next step.

Healthcare institutions to ensure enough staff before okaying leave

​Sunday Times reported that at National University Health System, staff are encouraged to plan ahead, and that foreign staff who can make the trip home after a long separation from their families would be given priority for overseas travel. With early and careful planning within departments, National University Health System hopes to allow as many of its staff to take local or overseas leave, so that staff can take turns to have a break while ensuring minimal disruption to service and care during this period.

研究： 量腰围比计算BMI更适合评估老年退化程度 (Study: Waistline measurement is more suitable than BMI in evaluating the degree of ageing)

​A study conducted by NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine on 754 senior citizens aged 65 and above showed that measuring waistlines is a better method to determine the degree of ageing as compared to calculating Body Mass Index. Lianhe Zaobao quoted A/Prof Reshma Merchant, Head & Senior Consultant, Division of Geriatric Medicine, National University Hospital and Department of Medicine, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, who explained that fat accumulation in the abdomen and around organs can lead to loss of muscle mass and organ failure.

New plant-based meat brands hit the market, some developed in Singapore

​In a feature on the new trend of plant-based meat, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital's Annabelle Johnson, Dietitian said that it is important to read labels to look out for the ingredients which go into these products. Alexandra Hospital's Senior Dietitian Lye Wye Li said not all meat substitutes are the same.  It is recommended that one chooses original plant-based ingredients that are naturally produced.

专家：科兴疫苗已证实安全可打三针 (Experts: Sinovac proven safe; third jab is possible)

​Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean of NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said that when making recommendations World Health Organization will consider the efficacy of the vaccine as well as its equitable distribution around the world. Prof Teo explained that is why World Health Organization's recommendation is only three doses for older adults who are at higher risk.

New plant-based meat brands hit the market, some developed in Singapore

​In a feature on the new trend of plant-based meat, NTFGH’s Dietitian Annabelle Johnson said that it is important to read labels to look out for the ingredients which go into these products. AH’s Senior Dietitian Lye Wye Li said not all meat substitutes are the same. It is recommended that one chooses original plant-based ingredients that are naturally produced.

年长者如何选配眼镜? (How should the elderly choose glasses?)

​Ms Fifiana Tan, Optometrist, Optometry, NTFGH, advised caregivers to arrange for an eye examination if they suspect that the elderly is experiencing or reporting any vision problems. If the problem is due to age-related eye diseases with or without uncorrected refractive errors, the disease should be treated and the condition stabilised before considering glasses.

How close is Singapore's healthcare system to its breaking point?

​Straits Times quoted Prof Dale Fisher and Prof Paul Tambyah, senior consultants at the Division of Infectious Diseases, National University Hospital, and Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean of NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, who shared their views about the pressure on the healthcare system, and how the easing of some curbs could reintroduce a sense of normalcy.