Health Check

1. S1E152: How old are you biologically, and what are you doing about it?

   04.09.202654 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 152Als Nächstes

   Discover the science of aging and learn about the latest geroscience research aimed at shifting the focus from mere lifespan to healthspan. Synopsis: Once a month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of …

   Shownotes

   Discover the science of aging and learn about the latest geroscience research aimed at shifting the focus from mere lifespan to healthspan.

   Synopsis: Once a month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

   In the latest Health Check podcast, we examine the burgeoning science of healthspan—the period of life spent in good health, free from chronic disease—shifting the focus beyond mere lifespan. Part of The Straits Times' “The New Age” series, this episode explores ageing not as an inevitable decline, but as a complex biological network.

   Host Joyce Teo sits down with Dr Brian Kennedy, director of the Center for Healthy Longevity at the National University Health System, about cutting-edge research in geroscience and the shift from reactive sick care to proactive healthcare.

   Brian is a distinguished professor of biochemistry and physiology at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore. 

   Highlights (click/tap above):

   1:33 Exploring ageing clocks, geroscience, and longevity

   7:57 Our bodies maintain an internal homeostasis for health. When does this equilibrium break down? 

   9:08 Brian Kennedy's transition from lab models to human trials in Singapore and Singapore's global standing

   13:36 Study showed that the Japanese are healthier in Japan than in another country that they have moved to

   15:27 Will a low carb, high protein diet help me age better? 

   18:15 You got to do medicine before you do longevity medicine

   23:23 Is there evidence that hyperbaric oxygen chambers work?

   24:19 How do you choose the right ageing supplements?

   30:31 We need to empower people to make more of their own health decisions

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

   Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

   Produced and edited by: Natasha Liew

   Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

   Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

   Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

   Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

   Feedback to: [email protected]

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

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   Kapitel (10)

   1. 0:00How old are you biologically, and what are you doing about it?
   2. 1:33Ageing clocks, geroscience, and longevity
   3. 7:57When does our health equilibrium break down?
   4. 9:08Lab models to human trials in Singapore
   5. 13:36Japanese are healthier in Japan than abroad
   6. 15:27Will low carb, high protein diet help ageing?
   7. 18:15Doing medicine before doing longevity medicine
   8. 23:23Does hyperbaric oxygen chambers work?
   9. 24:19Choosing the right ageing supplements
   10. 30:31Empower people to improve their health more

2. S1E151: What your blood pressure reading misses

   13.07.202621 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 151Als Nächstes

   Discover why standard clinical checks might miss critical heart risks, and the vital role of fat loss over weight loss. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of …

   Shownotes

   Discover why standard clinical checks might miss critical heart risks, and the vital role of fat loss over weight loss.

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

   For millions of people worldwide living with hypertension, keeping blood pressure numbers in the normal zone is the ultimate goal. But what if that peace of mind is an illusion? Recent findings from the REMODEL study at the National Heart Centre Singapore suggests that the true danger to your heart might be completely invisible to standard clinical checks. 

   The study, published as a letter in the journal MedCom in February 2026, found that nearly 30 per cent of health complications related to high blood pressure occur in patients whose blood pressure appears perfectly normal on paper.

   In this episode, Joyce Teo speaks to the study’s senior author, Associate Professor Calvin Chin, to find out about the importance of fat loss over mere weight loss and why a normal blood pressure reading may not always tell you the full story. He is a senior consultant in cardiology from the National Heart Centre Singapore and the deputy director of the National Heart Research Institute Singapore.

   Highlights (click/tap above):

   1:43 Your blood pressure reading does not tell you the full story

   4:11 High-risk individuals have a higher amount of visceral fat

   7:30 Know your waist-hip ratio

   12:08 How hard should you exercise? 

   13:46 Is it safe to exercise at maximum intensity all the time?

   16:32 He discovered the importance of core strength the hard way

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

   Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

   Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

   Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

   Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

   Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

   Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

   Feedback to: [email protected]

   ---

   Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

   Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

   The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

   ---

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

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   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   Kapitel (7)

   1. 0:00What your blood pressure reading misses
   2. 1:43Blood pressure tells only part of the story
   3. 4:11High-risk people have more visceral fat
   4. 7:30Know your waist-hip ratio
   5. 12:08How hard should you exercise?
   6. 13:46Is maximum intensity exercise always safe?
   7. 16:32He found out why core strength matters

3. S1E150: Palliative care is for living, not just dying: Talk about it sooner

   08.06.202640 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 150Als Nächstes

   Your guide to a kinder end-of-life journey in the ICU. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Tan Tock Seng Hospital and National …

   Shownotes

   Your guide to a kinder end-of-life journey in the ICU.

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

   Tan Tock Seng Hospital and National University Hospital recently launched a new initiative called A Kinder ICU that is supported by a 3.93 million grant from the Lien Foundation. The aim is to integrate palliative care into standard ICU treatment. 

   In this episode, Joyce Teo finds out more about  the initiative and the nature of palliative care from her two guests. They discuss how palliative care has evolved and how it provides essential support to patients who are critically ill and their families. 

   The conversation also explores the importance of reflecting on the desired quality of life as one approaches the end of their journey.

   The two guests are Assistant Professor Neo Han Yee, a senior consultant and head of the palliative medicine department at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and Ms Charmaine Sim, an advanced practice nurse at the medical intensive care unit at the National University Hospital.

   Highlights (click/tap above):

   2:26 Palliative care 10-20 years ago vs now

   5:28 Feeling conflicted seeing a family member in the ICU

   9:27 There is an art to palliative care

   10:23 Life presents you with unexpected crises 

   14:10 Medical staff will also feel distressed if they are imposing pain on patients  

   21:12 Helping the family of a man who fell critically ill just before he was about to return home

   23:40 Is it fair to keep trying to save his life?

   25:03 The doctor is legally authorised to withdraw life support when life-sustaining efforts are futile, but there’s a need to help the family hold that grief

   29:30 Filial piety is a virtue but it can also create a sense of guilt 

   34:26 What is the minimum quality of life you want to live by?

   35:43 You cannot assume that you will pass away in your sleep…

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

   Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

   Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

   Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

   Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

   Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

   Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

   Feedback to: [email protected]

   ---

   Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

   Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

   The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

   ---

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

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   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   Kapitel (12)

   1. 0:00Palliative care is for living, not just dying: Talk about it sooner
   2. 2:26Palliative care 10-20 years ago vs now
   3. 5:28Struggling seeing family in the ICU
   4. 9:27There is an art to palliative care
   5. 10:23Life presents you with unexpected crises
   6. 14:10Medical staff feel distressed causing pain
   7. 21:12Supporting family after sudden illness
   8. 23:40Is it fair to keep trying to save his life?
   9. 25:03Supporting grief after life support ends
   10. 29:30Filial piety can also create guilt
   11. 34:26What quality of life is enough for you?
   12. 35:43You may not pass away in your sleep

4. S1E149: Slow ageing with exercise and diet: Geriatrician's tips

   11.05.202628 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 149Als Nächstes

   We are living longer, but are we living healthier? Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Singapore is one of the fastest-ageing nations in the world …

   Shownotes

   We are living longer, but are we living healthier?

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

   Singapore is one of the fastest-ageing nations in the world. By 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above. There are also more Singaporeans living past 100 today.  We are living longer, but are we living healthier? And, what does "ageing well" actually look like in our concrete jungle? 

   In this episode, host Joyce Teo hosts a senior geriatrician to talk about the unique landscape of ageing in Singapore, how to tell if someone is ageing faster than before and what one can do to "age healthier".

   She is Adjunct Assistant Professor Noorhazlina Ali, a senior consultant and the head of the department of geriatric medicine at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). She’s also a dementia specialist.

   Highlights (click/tap above):

   3:39 Tell-tale signs that you’re ageing faster than others

   4:45 Hear about the chair-to-stand test

   6:32 How to tell if your memory issues are not part of normal ageing

   10:18 Sarcopenia can happen as early as age 40

   12:54 Make sure your protein intake is sufficient 

   16:32 Dr Noorhazlina’s grandfather kept fit with long walks past 90

   18:06 Determining the intensity of your elderly workouts

   20:07 Are you too old to learn new things? 

   22:13 Dr Noorhazlina’s personal strategies

   Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

   Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

   Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

   Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

   Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

   Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

   Feedback to: [email protected]

   ---

   Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

   Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

   The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

   ---

   Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

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   #healthcheck

   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   Kapitel (10)

   1. 0:00Slow ageing with exercise and diet: Geriatrician's tips
   2. 3:39Signs you’re ageing faster than others
   3. 4:45Hear about the chair-to-stand test
   4. 6:32Signs of memory issues
   5. 10:18Sarcopenia can happen as early as age 40
   6. 12:54Ensuring sufficient protein intake
   7. 16:32Example of a doctor's own grandfather
   8. 18:06Determining workout intensity for elders
   9. 20:07Too old to learn new things?
   10. 22:13Dr Noorhazlina’s personal strategies

5. S1E148: Health insurance riders: Buy one, downgrade or drop It?

   13.04.202631 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 148Als Nächstes

   Navigating Singapore’s evolving health insurance landscape. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. The rules for Integrated …

   Shownotes

   Navigating Singapore’s evolving health insurance landscape.

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

   The rules for Integrated Shield Plan (IP) riders changed on Apr 1, 2026. New mandates from the Ministry of Health mean that riders that offer nearly full coverage can no longer be sold. They have been  replaced by plans that require higher out-of-pocket costs in exchange for lower premiums. These new riders promote greater accountability in controlling escalating healthcare expenses. 

   If you have an existing IP rider, you might wonder if  you should "grandfather" your current plan, switch to a new one to save on premiums, or perhaps do without one?

   If you are just starting your healthcare journey, you need to understand why MOH is removing deductible coverage and doubling the co-payment cap from $3,000 to $6,000.

   In this episode, host Joyce Teo engages with a private sector surgeon and a health economist to discuss the new landscape of health insurance,  how to think about your future healthcare needs, and the crucial role of personal responsibility.

   The guests are Dr. Tan Yia Swam, a breast surgeon and former president of the Singapore Medical Association, and Dr. Akshar Saxena, an Assistant Professor of Economics at Nanyang Technological University.

   In the podcast, Dr Tan also addresses a common misconception that private sector doctors frequently overcharge.

   Highlights (click/tap above):

   8:05 Knowing the difference between an elective surgery and an emergency one. 

   10:40 Addressing the public perception that some doctors overcharge patients…

   15:20 On the importance of personal responsibility…

   23:07  Dr Akshar on the impact of the Apr 1 changes on legacy riders

   24:18 Dr Tan’s perspective on preparing for her future medical needs.

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

   Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

   Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

   Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

   Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

   Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

   Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

   Feedback to: [email protected]

   ---

   Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

   Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

   The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

   ---

   Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

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   #healthcheck

   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   Kapitel (6)

   1. 0:00Health insurance riders: Buy one, downgrade or drop It?
   2. 8:05Knowing elective vs. emergency surgery
   3. 10:40Tackling the view that some doctors overcharge
   4. 15:20On the importance of personal responsibility
   5. 23:07Dr Akshar on Apr 1 legacy rider changes
   6. 24:18Dr Tan on preparing for future medical needs

6. S1E147: Is your psychologist actually qualified? How to check in Singapore

   09.03.202634 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 147Als Nächstes

   Clearing the air on what different types of psychologists do. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. The Ministry of Health has …

   Shownotes

   Clearing the air on what different types of psychologists do.

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

   The Ministry of Health has announced that five key psychological subdisciplines will be registered under the Allied Health Professions Act, with details expected to be out in early 2027.  This move aims to enhance the safety and public trust associated with psychological services and the profession as a whole.

   In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to two council members of the Singapore Psychological Society to find out more about the different roles of psychologists. 

   They delve into how a clinical psychologist and an educational psychologist may help a client, what one can do to determine if a potential psychologist is the right person to help you, and why registration is important. 

   The guests are Mr Adrian Toh and Dr Cassandra Neo. Adrian is a clinical psychologist in private practice while Cassandra is a psychologist who works at a public hospital and  is trained in educational psychology.

   Highlights (click/tap above):

   2:35 What do psychologists do? 

   4:10 How might a clinical psychologist and an educational psychologist collaborate to help a primary school student who is not doing well in school?

   16:30 Ahead of the registration of psychologists, what can you do to find the right psychologist?

   19:55 The different types of psychologists

   22:46 How do psychologists qualify for the Singapore Register of Psychologists?

   25:19 Why registration is important; reports of potentially harming behaviours of psychologists

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

   Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

   Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

   Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

   Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

   Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

   Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

   Feedback to: [email protected]

   ---

   Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

   Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

   The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

   ---

   Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

   ---

   #healthcheck

   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   Kapitel (7)

   1. 0:00Is your psychologist actually qualified? How to check in Singapore
   2. 2:34What do psychologists do?
   3. 4:10How can different psychologists help kids?
   4. 16:30How to find the right psychologist?
   5. 19:55What do different types of psychologists do?
   6. 22:46Qualifications needed to get on the SRP
   7. 25:19Why psychologist registration matters

7. S1E146: Is it safe to exercise with joint pain? An orthopaedic surgeon explains

   09.02.202626 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 146Als Nächstes

   Resting too much can weaken muscles, worsening joint pain in the long run, says an expert. Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Problems affecting …

   Shownotes

   Resting too much can weaken muscles, worsening joint pain in the long run, says an expert.

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

   Problems affecting bones, joints, muscles, and tendons are the leading contributor of disability among all ages worldwide. 

   These problems arising from musculoskeletal disorders comprise diverse conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, which may result in pain and loss of function.  

   The disorders, which include conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, low back pain, and other degenerative conditions, are especially common in older adults. 

   However, they are not an inevitable part of aging. 

   In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to surgeon-scientist, Assistant Professor Bryan Tan to find out more about what one can do to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

   They touched on strength training, what one can do about exercise after a flare of knee osteoarthritis, and not waiting till there is no pain to resume exercising.

   Prof Tan is an orthopaedic surgeon at Woodlands Hospital, and the co-chair of the musculoskeletal integrated care work group at NHG Health.

   Highlights (click/tap above):

   3:48 What are musculoskeletal conditions? 

   6:55 It’s never too late to build your muscles and bones

   8:45 The more you don’t use your muscles, the weaker they will become 

   18:21 Hyrox or not, everyone should be engaging in physical activity

   20:27 How to get back to your exercise routine after a flare of your knee osteoarthritis?

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

   Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

   Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

   Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

   Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

   Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

   Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

   Feedback to: [email protected]

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

   ---

   Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

   Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

   The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

   ---

   Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

   ---

   #healthcheck

   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   Kapitel (6)

   1. 0:00Is it safe to exercise with joint pain? An orthopaedic surgeon explains
   2. 3:48What are musculoskeletal conditions?
   3. 6:55It’s never too late to build muscle and bone
   4. 8:45Unused muscles grow weaker over time
   5. 18:21Hyrox or not, everyone should be active
   6. 20:27Back to exercise after osteoarthritis flare

8. S1E145: OCD (Pt 2): 4-day treatment and the Bergen approach

   12.01.202626 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 145Als Nächstes

   The science of getting unstuck from OCD in four days. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD …

   Shownotes

   The science of getting unstuck from OCD in four days.

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

   Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is often misunderstood. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is frequently misunderstood. Although the term is often used casually, it is a potentially severe disorder that can drastically disrupt a person's life.

   However, it is highly treatable. Yet, many people remain undiagnosed and untreated for years.

   To learn more about OCD, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to two psychologists who specialise in the treatment of OCD for a two-part series on what the disorder is about and how the Bergen approach treats OCD in just four days?

   They are  Dr Jackki Yim, Principal Clinical Psychologist & Deputy Head of Anxiety Service, Department of Mood & Anxiety at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and Ms Tammie Kwek, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Department of Mood & Anxiety, IMH.

   Highlights (click/tap above):

   2:56 How is OCD treated? 

   6:00 What does the Bergen treatment entail?

   11:00 Is it for everyone suffering from OCD?

   14:05 What is the “homework” that patients have to do?

   21:52 How should families accommodate a family member living with OCD?

   Listen to OCD Part 1: The hidden reality and a new way out - https://str.sg/yBjG

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

   Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

   Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

   Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

   Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

   Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

   Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

   Feedback to: [email protected]

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

   ---

   Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

   Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

   The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

   ---

   Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

   ---

   #healthcheck

   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   Kapitel (6)

   1. 0:00OCD (Pt 2): 4-day treatment and the Bergen approach
   2. 2:56How is OCD treated?
   3. 6:00What does the Bergen treatment entail?
   4. 11:00Is it for everyone suffering from OCD?
   5. 14:05What “homework” that patients should do?
   6. 21:52Families should support loved ones with OCD

9. S1E144: OCD (Pt 1): The hidden reality and a new way out

   06.01.202614 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 144Als Nächstes

   OCD is more than a quirk. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is often misunderstood …

   Shownotes

   OCD is more than a quirk.

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

   Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is often misunderstood. Although the term OCD is often used casually, it is a potentially severe disorder that can drastically disrupt a person's life. 

   However, it is highly treatable. Yet, many people remain undiagnosed and untreated for years.

   To learn more about OCD, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to two psychologists who specialise in the treatment of OCD for a two-part series on what the disorder is about and how a new treatment can help.

   They are  Dr Jackki Yim, Principal Clinical Psychologist & Deputy Head of Anxiety Service, Department of Mood & Anxiety at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and Ms Tammie Kwek, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Department of Mood & Anxiety, IMH.

   Highlights (click/tap above):

   3:37 Clearing misunderstandings about OCD 

   5:46 An example of OCD 

   11:19 How can parents respond to their children who have OCD?

   Listen to OCD Part 2: 4-day treatment and the Bergen approach - https://str.sg/hZaB

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

   Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

   Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

   Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

   Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

   Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

   Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

   Feedback to: [email protected]

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

   ---

   Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

   Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

   The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

   ---

   Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

   ---

   #healthcheck

   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

   Kapitel (4)

   1. 0:00OCD (Pt 1): The hidden reality and a new way out
   2. 3:37OCD is often misunderstood; What is OCD?
   3. 5:46She found out she has “relationship OCD”
   4. 11:19How should parents respond to kids with OCD?

10. S1E143: Helping children understand and manage their emotions

    02.12.202529 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 143Als Nächstes

    A psychiatrist's guide to your child's emotional well-being. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Many parents spend time …

    Shownotes

    A psychiatrist's guide to your child's emotional well-being.

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

    Many parents spend time teaching their kids essential skills like reading or spelling but they often forget to teach them a key skill that will determine their success, their relationships, and their overall happiness. That is emotional regulation. 

    In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Dr Ong Say How, a child and adolescent psychiatrist. He’s the chairperson of creative services and youth committee at SAMH and a senior consultant psychiatrist at the Institute of Mental Health. 

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    1:49 What exactly is emotional regulation? 

    6:40 Signs that a child might be struggling emotionally 

    11:14 It’s ok to tell your children that you’re concerned about them

    15:00 Screen time limits can help with a child’s ability to handle boredom and regulate mood

    20:51 Parents must be role models

    22:24 What parents can do to repair the damage after losing their cool? 

    24:13 You don’t have to shield your child from negative feelings 

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

    Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

    ---

    Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

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    Kapitel (8)

    1. 0:00Helping children understand and manage their emotions
    2. 1:49What exactly is emotional regulation?
    3. 6:40Signs a child is struggling emotionally
    4. 11:14It’s okay to tell kids you’re concerned
    5. 15:00Screen limits aid mood and boredom control
    6. 20:51Parents must be role models
    7. 22:24What parents can do after blowing up
    8. 24:13Don’t shield kids from negative feelings

11. S1E142: Boys with nine hours of sleep are less likely to grow fat

    04.11.202523 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 142Als Nächstes

    Boys who slept nine hours or more every night had a lower obesity risk and less dangerous fat. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect …

    Shownotes

    Boys who slept nine hours or more every night had a lower obesity risk and less dangerous fat.

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

    A recent A*Star study found that boys who slept at least nine hours every night had a 51 per cent lower obesity risk and less abdominal fat. 

    Abdominal fat, particularly fat around internal organs, is more strongly linked to metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease than overall body weight.

    Published in the journal Obesity (Oct 2025), the study used MRI imaging to examine how sleep habits relate to fat distribution in 10-year-olds in Singapore. 

    In this episode, host and ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more from the study’s authors Dr Cai Shirong and Dr Navin Michael, about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can increase the risk of obesity and overweight in children.

    Dr Cai And Dr Navin are principal scientists from the A*Star Institute for Human Development and Potential. 

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    4:48 Does catching up on sleep during the weekend reduce the risk of obesity?

    7:07 Why was there a weaker association between sleep deprivation and obesity in girls?

    8:00 Prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents

    15:45  Why do we prefer burgers over salad when we are sleep deprived? 

    17:38 Sleep can help regulate cognition in children

    19:43 Examples of caffeinated beverages consumed by children

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

    Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

    ---

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

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

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    #healthcheck

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    Kapitel (7)

    1. 0:00Boys with nine hours of sleep are less likely to grow fat
    2. 4:48Can weekend sleep lower obesity risk?
    3. 7:07Why is sleep–obesity link weaker in girls?
    4. 8:00Obesity trends among kids and teens
    5. 15:45Effect of sleep deprivation on food choice
    6. 17:38Sleep can help regulate cognition in children
    7. 19:43We assume children are not consuming caffeine

12. S1E141: Grieving matters: How to cope with the loss of a loved one

    30.09.202539 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 141Als Nächstes

    Grief is a painful, individual emotional and physical response to a significant loss. But it can be managed. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health …

    Shownotes

    Grief is a painful, individual emotional and physical response to a significant loss. But it can be managed. 

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

    Grief is a painful, individual emotional and physical response to a significant loss.
    
    Death, divorce, the loss of a home or a job, fast declining health are among the major events that people grieve.

    To learn more about coping with grief, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Lin Jing, a counsellor from the Singapore Association for Mental Health.

    SAMH is one of the few social service agencies focusing on mental health here that operates a general helpline for the public at 1800-283-7019

    They also discuss what is grief counselling about. 

    If your grief feels like it's too much to bear, please reach out for help. We have included more helplines below.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    9:00 When should you consider grief counselling?

    12:45 When guilt is thrown into the picture

    23:00 Understanding cognitive behaviourial therapy, grief counselling and grief therapy

    29:10 Building a life around the loss of a child…

    32:00 Appearing strong and unaffected by grief, when you are crumbling inside

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

    Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

    ---

    Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

    ---

    Helplines

    Mental well-being

    • National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp)
    • Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
    • Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
    • Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
    • Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 
    • Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
    • The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm)
    • Tinkle Friend (for primary school-age children): 1800-2744-788

    Counselling

    • Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
    • Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
    • Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366
    • We Care Community Services: 3165-8017
    • Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293
    • Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990

    Online resources

    • mindline.sg/fsmh
    • eC2.sg
    • chat.mentalhealth.sg
    • carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
    • limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)

    ---

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (6)

    1. 0:00Grieving matters: How to cope with the loss of a loved one
    2. 9:00When should you consider grief counselling?
    3. 12:45When guilt is thrown into the picture
    4. 23:00CBT, grief counselling and grief therapy
    5. 29:10Building a life around the loss of a child…
    6. 32:00Looking strong, but hurting deep inside

13. S1E140: Health risks in young 'healthy-weight' women

    02.09.202526 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 140Als Nächstes

    You can appear lean but have insufficient muscle mass and too much body fat. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. A local paper …

    Shownotes

    You can appear lean but have insufficient muscle mass and too much body fat.

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

    A local paper has found that 1 in 4 young women, despite having a normal weight, had low muscle mass, weak bones and high body fat. This increases their future risks for not only osteoporosis and muscle loss but metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity.

    ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to the paper’s authors to find out more.

    Lead author Dr Mya Thway Tint is a principal scientist at the A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP) and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Dean's Office, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. 

    Professor Johan Eriksson is the Executive Director of A*STAR IHDP and highly knowledgeable about the S-PRESTO study, or  the Singapore Preconception Study of Long-Term Maternal and Child Outcomes cohort study, which the paper is part of.

    He was previously a professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, and the chief physician at Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland. 

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    2:50 Having a normal BMI and low bone density

    5:03 You have to exercise to grow bone 

    10:29 Using bioimpedance or bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure body composition

    13:53 What is considered an unhealthy body fat percentage level?

    19:56 What can we do to improve our bone health?

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

    Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

    ---

    Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

    ---

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (6)

    1. 0:00Health risks in young 'healthy-weight' women
    2. 2:50Having a normal BMI & low bone density
    3. 5:03You have to exercise to grow bone
    4. 10:29Bioimpedance to measure body composition
    5. 13:53Unhealthy body fat percentage level
    6. 19:56What can we do to improve bone health?

14. S1E139: How to cope with perimenopause and menopause

    05.08.202536 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 139Als Nächstes

    Learn how to manage bothersome symptoms that typically emerge in the four to five years before a woman's final menstruation. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense …

    Shownotes

    Learn how to manage bothersome symptoms that typically emerge in the four to five years before a woman's final menstruation. 

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

    Perimenopause is the stage before menopause that many women here do not talk about, largely due to stigma or a lack of awareness. 

    The transition phase in perimenopause ends in menopause, which marks the end of a woman's natural fertility. This affects not just her reproductive organs but her entire body, adding to the confusion in distinguishing between ageing or illness. 

    In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Associate Professor Rukshini Puvanendran, the co-director of the KK Menopause Centre, to counter the misinformation out there.

    Prof Ruskhini is also the head and a senior consultant at the Family Medicine Service at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH).

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    2.28 Symptoms of perimenopause

    7.23 Older women can still have hot flushes 

    11.03 Some women develop an awareness of their heartbeat 

    18:39 What can women do about their symptoms?

    30:08 The four symptoms of menopause that doctors won't argue about

    31:59 Oestrogen cream to treat vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

    Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

    ---

    Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

    Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

    ---

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (7)

    1. 0:00How to cope with perimenopause and menopause
    2. 2:28Symptoms of perimenopausal period
    3. 7:23Older women can still have hot flushes
    4. 11:03Some women become aware of their heartbeat
    5. 18:39What can women do about their symptoms?
    6. 30:08The four symptoms of menopause
    7. 31:59Oestrogen cream for vaginal dryness

15. S1E138: How caregivers of mental health patients can destress

    01.07.202526 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 138Als Nächstes

    Caregiving for persons with mental health conditions is for the long-haul. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Caregivers …

    Shownotes

    Caregiving for persons with mental health conditions is for the long-haul.

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

    Caregivers Alliance Limited is an organisation that focuses on supporting caregivers of persons with mental health conditions as well as those who have developed mental health challenges due to caregiving.  

    It has a small outpost at the Institute of Mental Health, where families can seek caregiver support. 

    In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Ms Evelyn Chng, who is based at the outpost, about the cases that she has seen there, the mental health burden of caregiving, and what caregivers can do about it. 

    She heads CAL’s Community Outreach Team or Crest programme. Crest, which acts as a mental health first-stop touchpoint, was developed by the Agency for Integrated Care and the Ministry of Health.

    Ms Chng also talks about the challenges of caring for her adult son, who is living with obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    2:15 Who are these caregivers who stop by the CAL counter at IMH?

    10:15 Recent twists in Evelyn’s caregiving journey

    14:40 How Evelyn takes care of herself

    17:36 A strict father rebuilds his bond with son who was being treated for depression

    24:40 A piece of advice for caregivers of persons with mental health conditions

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

    Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

    ---

    Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

    Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

    ---

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (6)

    1. 0:00How caregivers of mental health patients can destress
    2. 2:15Caregivers who stop by the CAL counter at IMH?
    3. 10:15Recent twists in Evelyn’s caregiving journey
    4. 14:40How Evelyn takes care of herself
    5. 17:36Strict dad reconnects with son with depression
    6. 24:40A piece of advice for caregivers

16. S1E1: Explore The Straits Times’ podcasts

    19.06.20253 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 1Als Nächstes

    Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week. Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or …

    Shownotes

    Listen to our news commentary podcasts on the go every week.

    Podcasts have become part of the global media landscape these days. The audio-on-demand format allows many listeners to often do other chores or hobbies, while hearing the shows in the background over headphones or bluetooth speakers

    Almost every weekday, check out our discussions on Singapore current affairs and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career.

    Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST’s app, which has a dedicated podcast player section.

    Trailer narrated by: Podcast editor Ernest Luis ([email protected]); edited by: Elsa Goh

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

    Headstart On Record: https://str.sg/wB2m

    Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf

    Health Check: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Wheel Insights: https://str.sg/iTtE

    ST Podcasts website: https://www.straitstimes.com/st-podcasts

    (*New) The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

    Green Trails (4 eps): https://str.sg/bMyx

    This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025 on April 23, organised by the World Association of News Publishers (Wan-Ifra).

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

    This series clinched the gold award for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2024 in April, and third place for Best Podcast at the Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2024, both organised by Wan-Ifra.

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

    This series also won The Best Podcast/Digital Audio Project category at the 2022 Digital Media Awards Asia, organised by Wan-Ifra.

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

    ---

    Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

    Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

    #stpodcasttr

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17. S1E137: Talk to someone: Mental health help in your community

    04.06.202538 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 137Als Nächstes

    Community care for your mental health needs. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Seeking mental health help at a centre near …

    Shownotes

    Community care for your mental health needs.

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

    Seeking mental health help at a centre near you is gradually becoming easier in Singapore as the country focuses its efforts on making this happen. But, it will take time for things to improve. 

    In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Timothy Singham to find out more about what one can do to navigate the system. He is  a senior Clinical Psychologist and Manager at Viriya Psychological Services at Viriya Community Services

    Dr Singham also talked about a client who managed his agoraphobia with therapy given in a community setting instead of in the hospital. Agoraphobia is a disorder characterized by symptoms of anxiety in situations where the person perceives their environment to be unsafe with no easy way to escape.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    0:07 He sought help for his agoraphobia at a community care agency

    4:16 What is a clinical psychologist? 

    12:35 Can therapy harm us? 

    19:38 Where to go for help in the community care sector?

    31:49 An anxiety tip we can all use

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim & Natasha Liew

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

    ---

    Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

    ---

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (6)

    1. 0:00Talk to someone: Mental health help in your community
    2. 0:07Help for agoraphobia at community care
    3. 4:16What is a clinical psychologist?
    4. 12:35Can therapy harm us?
    5. 19:38Where to get help in community care?
    6. 31:49An anxiety tip we can all use

18. S1E136: Building up your adulting skill for mental health

    07.05.202527 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 136Als Nächstes

    How can young people build up their mental health and cope with societal pressures while adulting? Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that …

    Shownotes

    How can young people build up their mental health and cope with societal pressures while adulting?

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

    We all know that adulting is not easy, but why is adulting hitting the mental health of young people so much these days? ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo explores this with two guests in this episode. 

    They are: 

    Ms Lee Yi Ping, the programme lead and principal Case Manager at Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health in Singapore. This service by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) serves as a first-stop touchpoint for young people seeking mental health support. 

    Mr Delane Lim, the founder and executive director of the charity Character & Leadership Academy, which runs youth development, mental wellness, and suicide prevention programmes for young people. Mr Lim himself contemplated suicide at 25 and he knows just how tough adulting can be. 

    They discuss what one can do to manage the challenges that adulting brings, whether it is related to identity, work or relationships.

    Ms Lee and Mr Lim also share their own experiences. 

    This episode was recorded live - and filmed in front of a live audience - at The Projector at Golden Mile Tower, as part of the ST Podcast Live! Sessions celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    1:35 Is adulting harder today than it was in the past? 

    5:45 Managing the pressure of "having it all" by a certain age

    10:55 Delane’s brush with suicide at 25

    16:28 Yi Ping on feeling burnout 

    19:13 Navigating social media safely

    22:20 Advice to their younger selves

    Check out ST's new series No Health Without Mental Health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced by: ST Podcast Team & ST Outreach & Engagement Team

    Edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

    ---

    Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

    ---

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (7)

    1. 0:00Building up your adulting skill for mental health
    2. 1:35Is adulting harder today than in the past?
    3. 5:45Managing expectations
    4. 10:55Delane's brush with suicide at 25
    5. 16:28Yi Ping on feeling burnout
    6. 19:13Navigating social media safely
    7. 22:20Advice to their younger selves

19. S1E135: HPV self-sampling to screen for cervical cancer

    01.04.202516 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 135Als Nächstes

    A safe alternative to clinician-administered tests, the self-test for HPV can help prevent cervical cancer. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters …

    Shownotes

    A safe alternative to clinician-administered tests, the self-test for HPV can help prevent cervical cancer. 

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

    HPV or the human papillomavirus is a common virus that is sexually transmitted, and while most HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infections with high-risk types can lead to cervical cancer. 

    In March 2025, the Society for Colposcopy & Cervical Pathology of Singapore (SCCPS) published an updated set of cervical cancer screening guidelines. The guidelines now recommend HPV self-sampling as an option to traditional cervical cancer screening methods. 

    In Singapore, cervical cancer is currently the 11th most common cancer in women, with 309 new cases and 172 deaths in 2023, according to data from the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Information Centre on HPV and Cancer. 

    However, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively, said the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

    It aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030, with the following strategy:

    • Vaccinate 90 per cent of girls with preventive HPV vaccines by age 15; 
    • Screen 70 per cent of women with a high-performance test like HPV DNA screening by age 35, and again by age 45;
    • Treat 90 per cent of women who have precancerous cells in the cervix or cervical cancer.

    In this episode, senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Felicia Chin, an obstetrician and gynaecological oncologist at Gynae Onco Partners about HPV DNA self-testing, what it entails, and who should screen for cervical cancer. Until late last year, Dr Chin was a senior consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She sits on the SCCPS committee.

    Highlights (click/tap above)

    1:54 Explaining the various tests for cervical cancers

    3:14 Guidelines for cervical cancer screening in Singapore

    4:32 How does HPV self-sampling work?

    5:23 Difference between a self-test and a pap smear

    13:42 Cervical cancer symptoms 

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim & Eden Soh

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    ---

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

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

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

    ---

    Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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    #healthcheck

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    Kapitel (6)

    1. 0:00HPV self-sampling to screen for cervical cancer
    2. 1:54Is cervical cancer a problem in Singapore?
    3. 3:14Guidelines for cervical cancer screening
    4. 4:32How does HPV self-sampling work?
    5. 5:23Difference between a self-test and a pap smear
    6. 13:42Gynaecological symptoms to look out for

20. S1E134: How loneliness affects mental health

    04.03.202518 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 134Als Nächstes

    Combating loneliness with a mindfulness trainer. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Loneliness – that social pain of not …

    Shownotes

    Combating loneliness with a mindfulness trainer.

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

    Loneliness – that social pain of not feeling connected, is widespread. Inadequate social connections or social isolation is also a growing problem today.

    Social isolation and loneliness have significant, yet often overlooked, consequences for our health and longevity. The health risks are comparable to smoking daily, excessive drinking and obesity, said the World Health Organisation. 

    Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with anxiety, depression, suicide, dementia, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, said WHO. 

    Why do we feel lonely? Can we stop feeling lonely? What can we do about it? In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out why we feel lonely and gets tips on how the young and old can combat loneliness from a mindfulness trainer.

    She is Adjunct Associate Professor Angie Chew, the founder and chief executive of the Brahm Centre, a mental health charity dedicated to promoting happier and healthier living.

    Highlights (click/tap above)

    1:18  Why do we feel lonely?

    3:45 Letting go of judgement to free our minds

    5:55 Feeling lonely in the corporate world?

    7:10 Combating loneliness in old age

    8:39 What can parents do to help their children cope with loneliness?

    12:00 Loneliness in young adults

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

    ---

    Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

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    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (7)

    1. 0:00How loneliness affects mental health
    2. 1:18Why do we feel lonely?
    3. 3:45Letting go of judgement to free our minds
    4. 5:55Feeling lonely in the corporate world?
    5. 7:10Feeling lonely in old age: what should one do?
    6. 8:39What can parents do to help their children?
    7. 12:00Loneliness in young adults

21. S1E133: Can a child become constantly distracted after too much screen use?

    04.02.202532 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 133Als Nächstes

    Can excessive screen use cause your child to be easily distracted? Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Too much screen use can …

    Shownotes

    Can excessive screen use cause your child to be easily distracted?

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

    Too much screen use can lead to a child having issues with sustained attention. Tasks like homework may become a challenge to complete. 

    Indeed, as more evidence emerges on the impact of excessive screen time on a child’s cognitive development and executive functioning, the authorities have updated its screen use guidance. It comes under a new health promotion strategy called Grow Well SG, which is currently aimed at supporting families of children up to the age of 12.

    In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo invites a clinician scientist specialising in developmental and behavioural paediatrics to discuss the impact and the rationale behind the changes. 

    She is Dr Evelyn Law, an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore, who is part of the research team for the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes birth cohort study (Gusto). This Gusto study has been going on for 14 years and had contributed to the evidence behind the various guidance in Grow Well SG.

    Dr Law, a senior consultant at the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, is also a member of the expert group that led the development of the screen use guidance in children.

    Highlights (click/tap above)

    2:35 What is executive function, and can frequent use of digital devices cause a child to be easily distracted?

    7:46 What’s the difference between having executive function deficits and a condition like ADHD? 

    11:46 What’s the difference between recreational and educational screen use?

    16:01 Is there a gaming addiction problem in Singapore? 

    21:41 What’s the rationale behind restricting access to social media services for children below 13?

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

    ---

    Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

    ---

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (6)

    1. 0:00Can a child become constantly distracted after too much screen use?
    2. 2:35What is executive function?
    3. 7:46Executive function deficits vs ADHD
    4. 11:46Recreational vs educational screen use
    5. 16:00Gaming addiction problem in Singapore?
    6. 21:41Why restrict social media for kids under 13?

22. S1E132: Schizophrenia, the misunderstood condition

    19.01.202526 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 132Als Nächstes

    Research on the serious brain disorder paves the way to new treatments. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Schizophrenia is a …

    Shownotes

    Research on the serious brain disorder paves the way to new treatments.

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

    Schizophrenia is a serious and chronic brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others.

    Some people may associate the disorder with just hallucinations or delusions, but it is more than that. Those with the illness can experience cognitive and motivational problems that have no pharmaceutical solution, though other strategies, like therapy, may help.

    Schizophrenia affects one in 116 people in Singapore, and is the most common disorder seen at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). With treatment, many people with schizophrenia can go on to lead fulfilling lives.

    In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to psychiatrist Jimmy Lee about the complexity of schizophrenia and the research that is being done to help individuals who have this illness.

    Associate Professor Jimmy Lee is a senior consultant at IMH’s Department of Psychosis. He has been conducting research to help advance the understanding of schizophrenia for more than 15 years. 

    This podcast is part of the No Health Without Mental Health series. It is a special year-long series that The Straits Times started in October 2024 to normalise conversations about mental health so that people can get timely support. 

    Highlights (click/tap above)

    3:18 It’s not a disease of multiple personalities

    5:45 So how do people know that they have schizophrenia?

    12:56 What’s happening on the research front?

    14:43 What are the possible causes of schizophrenia?

    19:28 IMH brain stimulation trial aims to improve schizophrenia symptoms

    22:53 Will newer drugs for schizophrenia emerge soon?

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

    ---

    Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

    ---

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (7)

    1. 0:00Schizophrenia, the misunderstood condition
    2. 3:18It's not a disease of multiple personalities
    3. 5:45How do people know if they have schizophrenia?
    4. 12:56What’s happening on the research front?
    5. 14:43What are the possible causes of schizophrenia?
    6. 19:28IMH brain stimulation trial
    7. 22:53Will newer schizophrenia drugs emerge soon?

23. S1E131: Using spirituality to improve mental health

    31.12.202427 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 131Als Nächstes

    Finding meaning and purpose in life. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. In this New Year’s day episode, ST senior health …

    Shownotes

    Finding meaning and purpose in life.

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

    In this New Year’s day episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Adj Assoc Prof Angie Chew about the importance of spirituality in our lives. They also discuss how to harness this source of strength to improve our mental health and find meaning, purpose, and happiness in life. 

    Prof Chew is the Founder, CEO and Mindfulness Principal of Brahm Centre, a mental health charity dedicated to promoting happier and healthier living.

    This podcast is part of the No Health Without Mental Health series. It is a special year-long series that The Straits Times started in October 2024 to normalise conversations about mental health so that people can get timely support. The December package on combating holiday blues was released on Dec 16. 

    Highlights (click/tap above)

    2:24 What is spirituality?

    6:08 Coping with irrational fears and jealousy

    10:23 Creating a distance between you and your thoughts

    14:57 Parents predicting that their children won’t do well in school

    18:25 What if spirituality becomes a source of stress for you?

    22:32 It’s time to forgive someone

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

    ---

    Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

    Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

    ---

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (7)

    1. 0:00Using spirituality to improve mental health
    2. 2:24What is spirituality?
    3. 6:08Coping with irrational fears and jealousy
    4. 10:23Distancing yourself from your own thoughts
    5. 14:57Parents predicting children’s school struggles
    6. 18:25If spirituality becomes a source of stress
    7. 22:32It’s time to forgive someone

24. S1E130: Why a new category for high blood pressure?

    03.12.202430 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 130Als Nächstes

    Hypertension is a silent killer; check it before it’s too late. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Do you know if you have …

    Shownotes

    Hypertension is a silent killer; check it before it’s too late.

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

    Do you know if you have high blood pressure or what's also known as hypertension? According to the National Population Health Survey 2022, about one in three Singaporeans aged 18 to 74 has hypertension. This condition puts them at risk of heart disease and stroke. However, a significant proportion remains unaware because the symptoms become obvious only when the condition is severe.

    Hypertension is present when a person’s blood pressure is at 140/90 mmHg or higher. But a slightly lower reading doesn't reduce the risk. In August 2024, the European Society of Cardiology, an influential society among cardiologists, introduced a new high blood pressure or BP category of 120-139. This implies that even readings in this range are not 'normal' as doctors once thought.

    In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Assoc Prof Chin Chee Tang, a cardiologist from the National Heart Centre Singapore, about the new category and what to make of it. They also discuss renal denervation, a procedure that the same society said may be considered for some patients with uncontrolled, drug-resistant high blood pressure.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    2:19 Should I be worried about a new category of hypertension?

    5:30 How do I manage my blood pressure?

    11:39 Monitoring the impact of salt reduction on your blood pressure

    13:32 Can high blood pressure be lowered to normal levels?

    19:39 Is renal denervation the right procedure for resistant hypertension?

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

    ---

    Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

    ---

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (6)

    1. 0:00Why a new category for high blood pressure?
    2. 2:19New category of high blood pressure
    3. 5:30How to manage my blood pressure?
    4. 11:39Monitoring the impact of salt reduction
    5. 13:32Can high blood pressure be lowered?
    6. 19:39Does renal denervation help?

25. S1E129: The difference between Asian and Caucasian dementia

    05.11.202425 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 129Als Nächstes

    Where is Singapore dementia research headed? Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. This episode is on a topic that affects …

    Shownotes

    Where is Singapore dementia research headed?

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

    This episode is on a topic that affects millions worldwide: dementia. We will explore the differences between how dementia presents in Asian versus Caucasian populations, and what this means when it comes to early intervention and future treatments.

    Professor Nagaendran Kandiah, director of the Dementia Research Centre (Singapore) at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at Nanyang Technological University is our guest. He also talks to Joyce Teo about Lecanemab and Donanemab, two drugs that can slow down Alzheimer’s disease by treating the root cause. Donanemab, for instance, has been approved, but not recommended for the National Health Service in England.

    Highlights (click/tap above)

    1:05 Differences in the way dementia shows up in Asians and Caucasians

    6:01 A blood test to pick up dementia

    11:59 Lecanemab and Donanemab, two drugs that have been approved elsewhere for those with Alzheimer’s disease

    18:50 What can you do to lower your risk of vascular dementia?

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

    ---

    Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (5)

    1. 0:00The difference between Asian and Caucasian dementia
    2. 1:05Dementia varies in Asians and Caucasians
    3. 6:01A blood test to pick up dementia
    4. 11:59Two drugs for Alzheimer’s approved elsewhere
    5. 18:50Ways to lower your risk of vascular dementia

26. S1E128: Let’s talk about mental health!

    02.10.202423 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 128Als Nächstes

    There is no health without mental health. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Mental health is a national priority in …

    Shownotes

    There is no health without mental health.

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

    Mental health is a national priority in Singapore. While the recent 2023 National Population Health Survey showed that there was an improvement in the mental health of the general population between 2022 and 2023, younger adults aged 18 to 29 remained more affected than other age groups, with about 26 per cent of them reporting poor mental health.

    We, at ST, want to normalise conversations about mental health so that people can get timely support. This is super important because there is no health without mental health.

    This is why we’re starting a year-long Mental Health Series, which will feature a package of stories focusing on mental health every month.

    We will talk to people with mental health conditions about the challenges they face, and what they do to manage their conditions.

    We will also look at the evolving mental health landscape here, and tell you what is changing.

    In this podcast, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to two guests about their help seeking journey.

    They are her colleague Lee Li Ying, who’s a correspondent at ST and Yusri Shaggy Sapari, a freelance filmmaker.

    Highlights (click/tap above)

    4:35 Li Ying’s first visit to a psychiatrist

    9:13 Shaggy’s help-seeking journey via the polyclinic route

    13:06 What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a counsellor?

    18:13 Tips for those thinking of seeking help

    Check out ST's new series, No health without mental health: https://str.sg/mentalhealthmatters

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

    ---

    Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (5)

    1. 0:00Let’s talk about mental health!
    2. 4:35Li Ying’s first visit to a psychiatrist
    3. 9:13Shaggy’s help-seeking journey by polyclinic
    4. 13:06Seeking help between different specialists
    5. 18:13Tips for those thinking of seeking help

27. S1E127: The war on salt and saturated fats

    03.09.202419 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 127Als Nächstes

    How to choose a healthier salt and cooking oil. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you. Singapore is planning to introduce …

    Shownotes

    How to choose a healthier salt and cooking oil.

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

    Singapore is planning to introduce Nutri-Grade labelling for salt, sauces and seasonings, instant noodles and cooking oil.

    These are labels that will allow consumers to tell at a glance how healthy they are. The products will be graded A to D – with D being the least healthy choice, having the highest levels of sodium and/or saturated fat, among other possible nutrients.

    The mandatory Nutri-Grade label has been successfully used on pre-packaged and freshly prepared beverages. Drinks that exceed a threshold of sweetness are graded C and D, and there are also prohibitions on advertising such beverages that are grade D.

    Still, it would appear easier for someone to cut down on sugary drinks, or even eliminate them, than it is to significantly reduce the intake of sodium and saturated fats as savoury foods can form a big part of our diets.

    Will this new labelling requirement truly benefit us, and what should we watch out for, when it comes to maintaining healthier diets in the meantime?

    ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo finds out more from the president of the Singapore Nutrition Dietetics Association, Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran.

    She is the deputy director of Industry Partnerships and the head of the Glycemic Index Research Unit at the School of Applied Science at Temasek Polytechnic.

    Highlights (click/tap above)

    2:29 The taste test: what’s the difference between potassium salt and table salt?

    3:08 Watch out for hidden sodium

    6:59 Salty tolerance for the elderly is much higher

    10:39 What exactly are saturated fats?

    13:17 How to pick out a healthier cooking oil

    15:13 Is there any truth to the claim that coconut oil is actually good for health?

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

    Host: Joyce Teo ([email protected])

    Produced and edited by: Eden Soh

    Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    ---

    Follow more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

    ---

    Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

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

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kapitel (7)

    1. 0:00The war on salt and saturated fats
    2. 2:29Difference between potassium and table salt
    3. 3:08Watch out for hidden sodium
    4. 6:59Salt tolerance for the elderly is much higher
    5. 10:39What exactly are saturated fats?
    6. 13:17How to pick out a healthier cooking oil?
    7. 15:13Is coconut oil actually good for health?

28. S1E126: The difference between Asian and Caucasian skin

    06.08.202433 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 126Als Nächstes

    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 …

    Shownotes

    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 ([email protected]), 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

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    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.

    Kapitel (6)

    1. 0:00The difference between Asian and Caucasian skin
    2. 2:04Difference between Asian and Caucasian skin
    3. 6:48Four-year study on ageing in Asian skin
    4. 17:38Ingredients to look out for
    5. 22:29Protect the health of all your skin
    6. 31:20The myth of collagen drinks

29. S1E125: Why babies and toddlers do not need screen time

    02.07.202438 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 125Als Nächstes

    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 …

    Shownotes

    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 ([email protected]) 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: [email protected]

    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.

    Kapitel (8)

    1. 0:00Why babies and toddlers do not need screen time
    2. 2:06Why is myopia something to watch out for?
    3. 5:18Best sport to do to stave off myopia
    4. 8:17Why is my 18-month-old baby not talking?
    5. 10:07Case of child who spent hours on video games
    6. 11:50Autism-like symptoms in my child?
    7. 26:16What parents can do to protect their children?
    8. 32:24How to prepare for a myopia check?

30. S1E124: Did you know that vapes can expose you to toxic metals?

    04.06.202433 Min.Staffel 1 · Folge 124Als Nächstes

    Vape users inhale not just harmful chemicals, but toxic metals into their lungs. Synopsis: Every first Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you …

    Shownotes

    Vape users inhale not just harmful chemicals, but toxic metals into their lungs.

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

    E-cigarettes or vapes can contain less chemicals than cigarettes, but did you know that the former can expose users to toxic metals?

    Is vaping safer than smoking and just how harmful is vaping? Find out these and more in the latest Health Check episode with ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo, as she dives into the topic with two experts from Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

    They are Adj Asst/Prof Clive Tan, Public Health Specialist and Senior Consultant, Department of Preventive & Population Medicine and Adj Asso/Prof Puah Ser Hon, Head and Senior Consultant from the Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine.

    With vaping on the rise here, despite it being illegal, they also talk about the help available to a vape user who wants to quit the habit, and what can be done about the vaping problem here.

    In Singapore, simply purchasing, using or owning an electronic vapouriser or vape, can attract fines of up to $2,000 per offence.

    Yet, vaping is on the rise here. The purchase, use or possession of vapes jumped 58 per cent to about 7,900 cases in 2023, from about 5,000 cases in 2022, according to data from the Ministry of Health.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    3:33 Are vapes safer than cigarettes?

    8:17 Inhaling chemicals and toxic metals

    20:35 Considering an amnesty for vape users

    27:42 You can get the help that you need to quit vaping

    Produced by: Joyce Teo ([email protected]), Ernest Luis, 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: [email protected]

    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.

    Kapitel (5)

    1. 0:00Did you know that vapes can expose you to toxic metals?
    2. 3:33Are vapes safer than cigarettes?
    3. 8:17Inhaling chemicals and toxic metals
    4. 20:35Considering an amnesty for vape users
    5. 27:42You can get the help that you need to quit

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