Health Suites

On Health Suites, back in March, Indonesia's 16th richest person, Ang Tjoen Ming, personally delivered a S$100,000 cheque to a 5-year-old Malaysian boy who was suffering from leukaemia in Singapore. And it was a story that touched the hearts of many. This story of a little boy’s fight against cancer had shed light into the long and arduous journey that is casted upon patients and their families. Melissa Hyak speaks to Dr Francesca Lorraine Lim, Senior Consultant Haematologist at Singapore General Hospital to find out more about an alternative medical option for those fighting aggressive cancer called CAR-T therapy- a medical breakthrough and a first in Southeast Asia.

On Health Suites, in the past, the use of titanium implants had long been the norm. However, in the long term, these are prone to rejection by the body and can cause infection. Melissa Hyak speaks to Assistant Professor Vincent Nga, Consultant at the Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery at NUH to find out more about 3D printed bone implants that are biodegradable and serve as a scaffold for new bone to grow.

On Health Suites, over the last 3 years, bruxism has been on the rise in Singapore amidst the pandemic, with dentists seeing an influx of patients who grind their teeth. Melissa Hyak speaks to Dr. Matt Thompson, Co-Founder and Clinical Director at expatdental to find out more about bruxism and how it can be treated.

On Health Suites… Could having noisy neighbours become a public health issue? Melissa Hyak speaks to Assistant Professor Fan Yi, Department of Real Estate, NUS Business School to look into a new study on urban noise, sleep disruption and health, which found that noise from one’s neighbours can have a significant impact 

On Health Suites, studies show that 36 per cent of patients with a severe form of leaky heart valve will die within one year of diagnosis if it is not treated. But many patients, who have a high risk of complications from surgical procedures, have to leave their condition largely untreated. Melissia Hyak speaks to Associate Professor Jack Tan, Head and Senior Consultant at the Department of Cardiology at National Heart Centre Singapore to talk about how patients with leaky heart valve have more minimally invasive options to treat the condition, with two new procedures introduced.   Highlights: 00:34 What is leaky heart valve?  03:03 What constitutes as a severe condition?  07:01 What are the new procedures that are minimally invasive? 09:13 What are the potential complications of those procedures? 11:27 Is there a possibility of younger people to have a leaky heart?

On Health Suites, for one in five Singaporeans above the age of 40, poor oral health has either affected his ability to chew, swallow or speak, or put him at risk of having chewing, swallowing or speech difficulties. Yet, most do not go for a follow-up. Melissa Hyak speaks to Dr Chan Pei Yuan, Programme Lead of Oral Health Movement 8020 and Consultant at Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics Unit at National Dental Centre Singapore to look into a pilot that screens for missing teeth and highlights the need for preventive oral care. 

On Health Suites, most Covid-19 patients who continue to suffer symptoms after recovering from the disease - a condition known as long Covid - will recover naturally with time. Melissa Hyak speaks to Dr Menka Gupta, founder of NutraNourish to find out how to manage such post-Covid symptoms and how do we know we are totally clear of the virus. 

On Health Suites, when we want to lose weight, most of us go to the gym or go out for a run to try and burn off some calories, especially if we had a big meal. Melissa Hyak speaks to Dr Michael MacDonald, Senior Consultant Cardiologist from Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre to find out if exercise alone is enough for daily calorie burn.   Highlights: 00:41 - The 70-30 rule: How true is it?  3:38 - Is it possible for those who frequently go to the gym to develop high cholesterol and high blood pressure?  06:16 - What are the benefits of exercise? 07:43 - What are some tips of losing weight?  12:43 - Why do those in the older age group have a harder time to lose weight? 

On Health Suites, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. With Singapore's rapidly ageing population, osteoarthritis has become a major cause of morbidity and disability here. Melissa Hyak speaks to Associate Professor Yen Choo, Principal Investigator of Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Dr Derrick Guo Associate Consultant Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Woodlands Health to a closer look at this joint disorder and the latest efforts to come up with new treatments for patients.

On Health Suites, while many are rejoicing over the easing of travel restrictions, those with atopic dermatitis may not be too excited at the prospect of travelling, especially those with moderate to severe forms of the disease. Melissa Hyak speaks to Dr Mark Tang, Consultant Dermatologist, The Skin Specialists & Laser Clinic to find out how we can manage moderate to severe eczema while travelling.