Episoder

  • Get started on moderate intensity physical activity to stay healthy.

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

    Singapore wants to be a healthier nation, and everyone needs to play their part by leading healthier lifestyles. This would only benefit the individual, but not everyone exercises regularly.

    And, if you have watched the popular Netflix documentary series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, which are spots where people tend to live to around 100, you will know that the world’s longest-lived people do not exercise. They don’t go running in the stadium, nor do they go for a workout in the gym.

    So, just how much of it is necessary when it comes to doing it for health, weight management or weight loss? What’s the minimum amount of exercise that you can do to obtain any health benefits?

    In this Health Check podcast episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Clinical Assistant Professor Ivy Lim, a Senior Consultant and the Chief of the Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine at Changi General Hospital to find out more.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    2:01 Do we really need to exercise?

    4:35 Pairing exercise and diet will lead to greater weight loss than solely relying on diet

    8:09 Is it okay to focus on resistance training and not cardiovascular exercise like running?

    9:52 Can you get rid of your belly fat by doing a lot of sit-ups?

    12:04 Will brisk walking and stair climbing cause you to have knee problems?

    15:53 Sprint training snacks at CGH: Doing less but at a higher intensity

    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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Wearable tech can help us monitor our heart.

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

    Today, we can easily find heart rate monitors in wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. As Singapore shifts the centre of gravity in healthcare from acute hospitals to the community with its preventive care strategy Healthier SG, such wearable technology will likely become more popular as they enable us to take charge of our health.

    In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Clin Assoc Prof Ching Chi Keong, a Senior Consultant at the National Heart Centre Singapore about how one can make use of these devices and just how accurate they are.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    1:55 How do ECG readings taken with a smart watch compare with a traditional ECG done in a medical setting? How accurate are they?

    3:41 Interpreting ECG readings on your phone and what it means to have a sinus rhythm

    11:09 When should you seek medical help?

    14:35 Which group of people should use wearable devices to monitor their heart rate?

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

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Manglende episoder?

    Klik her for at forny feed.

  • An ADHD diagnosis can help you make sense of your life.

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

    The awareness of ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, a common neurodevelopmental condition is growing around the world and more people have been diagnosed with it. Yet, many do not know that they have it while others may not have a good understanding of the condition, in order to thrive with it.

    ADHD is characterised by inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behaviour. It can greatly affect one’s life, but it can also be turned into a superpower if it is managed correctly.

    In this Health Check podcast episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Moonlake Lee, the founder of Unlocking ADHD, the first site in Singapore that aims to help individuals with ADHD and their families live life to the fullest, to find out more.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    2:31 Moonlake’s journey as an ADHDer and how her diagnosis has helped her

    6:12 On the growing awareness of ADHD in Singapore

    21:25 How to tell if you have ADHD?

    28:43 Deciding whether to put your child on ADHD medication

    Helplines

    MENTAL WELL-BEING
    • Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
    • Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
    • Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
    • Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
    • Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
    • Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
    • Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

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

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

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

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • It is always good to start having end-of life conversations early.

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

    There are some conditions that are difficult to treat, others possibly pointless to treat. Doctors know the limits of medical care and they can advise against further treatment, if the care is deemed futile.

    In this episode, we will hear about the difficult decisions that some doctors and some families have to contend with, in their work and life.

    Dr Shirlynn Ho is a senior consultant and deputy head of the division of Supportive & Palliative Care at the National Cancer Centre Singapore. She’s also the assistant secretary of the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network, which works with the Lien Collaborative for Palliative Care in Singapore.

    Dr Tan Yia Swam is a breast surgeon, with her own practice at Mount Alvernia Hospital. She was the past president of the Singapore Medical Association and a former Nominated MP.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    1:23 What is Advanced Medical Directive?

    4:33 A difficult decision made by doctors

    6:35 Advice on Advance Care Planning

    15:16 How people in the region view death

    Produced by: Joyce Teo ([email protected]), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim and Eden Soh

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • It is always good to start having end-of life conversations early.

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

    End-of-life planning is never easy. A better way could be to start the process early by planning for the life you want to lead and leave behind.

    After all, death is a part of life, and it may be helpful to start thinking about it years before, said a palliative care doctor and a surgeon who does not shy away from talking about death and dying well with her patients.

    In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to two guests. They discuss the importance of end-of-life planning and palliative care, and how talking about death can help us come to terms with this reality.

    Dr Tan Yia Swam is a breast surgeon with her own practice at Mount Alvernia Hospital. She was a former Nominated MP and the past president of the Singapore Medical Association.

    Dr Shirlynn Ho is the deputy head and senior consultant of the Division of Supportive & Palliative Care at National Cancer Centre Singapore.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    1:08 Broaching the topic of palliative care

    6:30 Why is there a rising urgency for palliative care?

    10:41 Story about a dying patient

    13:32 How do medical professionals convey information to families?

    Produced by: Joyce Teo ([email protected]), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim and Eden Soh

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Learn about digital therapeutics.

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

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

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

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

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    1:12 What is DTx?

    9:24 Challenges of DTx?

    10:57 How can DTx further personalise care?

    23:05 Prof Ho’s experiments

    Produced by: Joyce Teo ([email protected]), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim & Eden Soh

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    1:07 When do women in Singapore experience menopause

    2:20 How does it affect the body?

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

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

    19:33 Misconceptions of hormone replacement therapy

    Produced by: Joyce Teo ([email protected]), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim & Eden Soh

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

    Content warning: This podcast discusses suicidal feelings.

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

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

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

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

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

    Highlights (click/tap above):

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Helplines

    MENTAL WELL-BEING

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

    COUNSELLING

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

    ONLINE RESOURCES

    mindline.sgeC2.sgtinklefriend.sgchat.mentalhealth.sg
    • carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)

    Produced by: Joyce Teo ([email protected]), Ernest Luis, Amirul Karim and Eden Soh

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

    Get The Straits Times app from

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

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

    Produced & edited by: Ernest Luis & Teo Tong Kai

    Follow ST Podcasts:

    Channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/wukH

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #stpodcasttr

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Find out what these 'circles' of resilience are.

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

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

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

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

    Highlights (click/tap above):

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

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

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

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

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

    Helplines

    MENTAL WELL-BEING
    • Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
    • Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
    • Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
    • Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
    • Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
    • Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
    • Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

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

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

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

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    1:16 What is precision health?

    2:58 Lessons from the SG10k study

    4:43 Status of the current SG100k study

    8:28 The ongoing precision health pilots

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

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

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

    Edited by: Paxton Pang

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Gain insights into the usage of mental health apps, and whether or not to embrace them.

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

    Mental health applications have grown in popularity over the years, with more employers turning to such apps to help improve their employees’ mental well-being.

    They typically offer online guides and mental health information and can link users up with a counsellor or coach, if needed.

    But, just how useful are these apps? Who’s using the apps? And are they safe to use? To find out more, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks to Dr Oliver Suendermann, the clinical director of Intellect, a Singapore headquartered-company that has been growing speedily since it was founded in 2019. It has expanded into the region and now serves three million users.

    Dr Suendermann, a permanent resident, sheds light on their users’ needs, what they offer - mostly coaches - and discusses what people can look out for before they use a mental health app.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    0:38 What’s typical in a mental health app?

    5:30 The Intellect mental health platform is staffed by mostly coaches, not psychologists

    13:28 Three things to look out for before using a mental health app

    Helplines

    MENTAL WELL-BEING
    • Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
    • Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
    • Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
    • Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
    • Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
    • Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
    • Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

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

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

    Produced by: Joyce Teo ([email protected]), Ernest Luis, Paxton Pang and Eden Soh

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • The future of end-of-life options with dignity in Singapore.

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

    Many people wish to die in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones. However, the reality is that it is not so easy to do so yet.

    In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo speaks with Ms Sim Bee Hia, the executive director of the Singapore Hospice Council, about the challenges involved.

    They also discussed what the fraternity plans to do to make it easier for people to live out their lives at home.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    0:49 The challenges to enable someone to die at home if they wish to

    4:18 Empowering caregivers

    9:42 How will it look like in the future for someone to die at home

    12:11 The role that primary care doctors can play

    16:17 Importance of death literacy

    Produced by: Joyce Teo ([email protected]), Ernest Luis, Paxton Pang and Eden Soh

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Our guest shares her experience with depression and suicidal ideation and how she overcame the unhealthy thoughts.

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

    Recent data from non-profit suicide prevention centre Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) showed that 476 suicide deaths were reported in Singapore in 2022, the highest since 2000.

    Of the deaths in 2022, 125 involved those aged 10 to 29. This was 13 more than in 2021 and another high since 2000, which marks SOS’ earliest recorded data.

    Suicide is complex but it is preventable. In this episode, ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to Ms Sabrina Ooi, the chief executive and co-founder of Calm Collective Asia, which aims to normalise mental health conversations in Asia.

    Ms Ooi is 33. She was diagnosed with depression at 24, battled suicidal thoughts and lives with bipolar disorder.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    4:38 Why we need to understand why a depressed person might see suicide as a "solution"

    7:33 Sabrina Ooi shares how her dad prevented her from committing suicide on another occasion

    9:28 How can we help a depressed person, who may also have suicidal thoughts?

    14:18 Tips for parents/caregivers: A listening ear and encouragement to seek professional medical help is better than seeking instant internal family solutions

    20:08 Being diagnosed with major depression at the age of 24; why being able to talk and not fearing judgment is crucial

    29:23 Can mental health conditions be managed early in the same way general health matters are treated?

    Listen to our previous live recording at Temasek Shophouse that featured Sabrina Ooi as one of our guests: https://str.sg/iwkc

    Helplines

    MENTAL WELL-BEING
    • Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
    • Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
    • Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
    • Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
    • Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
    • Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
    • Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

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

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

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

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Our guests share how they dealt with their mental ups and downs.

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

    ST Podcasts is five years old! To celebrate our 5th anniversary, we recorded this episode live in front of an audience at Temasek Shophouse with three guests, and the topic was on youth mental health.

    Young people are a lot more open to talking about their mental health challenges these days, but there’s still quite a lot of stigma surrounding mental health. To normalise mental health conversations, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts three mental health advocates.

    The first guest is Singaporean national swimmer Quah Ting Wen, a three-time Olympian who recently earned the prestigious title of Best Athlete at the 2023 South-east Asian (SEA) Games held in Cambodia.

    The second guest is Sherman Ho, the co-founder of Happiness initiative, a social enterprise that focuses on well-being research and runs well-being programmes in schools, for companies and in the community.

    The third guest is Sabrina Ooi, the co-founder & CEO of Calm Collective Asia, an organisation with the mission to normalise mental health conversations amongst professionals in Asia, through talks, programmes and roundtables.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    1:16 Ting Wen on life as a professional swimmer (it is not always rosy!)

    2:57 Sherman on being in the happiness business, and talking about unhappiness

    4:11 Sabrina talks about her past, when she was haunted by suicidal thoughts and how its normal to not feel well mentally

    9:31 How Ting Wen’s first two years of college in the United States went

    18:40 Tips on what to do when people talk to you about their mental health

    Listen to our other live recording at Temasek Shophouse for Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/iUyv

    Listen to Sabrina Ooi in Health Check Ep 110 - What a suicide survivor wants you to know: https://str.sg/iioq

    Helplines

    MENTAL WELL-BEING
    • Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
    • Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
    • Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
    • Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
    • Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
    • Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
    • Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)

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

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

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

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Read more: https://str.sg/iwki

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • How to create safer, healthier online environments to protect children.

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

    In May, the United States surgeon general Dr Vivek Murthy, who is known as the nation’s doctor, issued an advisory on social media and youth mental health to warn young people of the possible effects of excessive social media use.

    Dr Murthy said that social media started only about a decade ago and there is not enough research at the moment to show that it is safe for adolescents and children.

    He thus issued a call for not just families and young people, but policymakers, technology companies, and researchers to gain a better understanding of the full impact of social media use, to maximise the benefits and minimise the harms of social media platforms, and create safer, healthier online environments to protect children.

    In Singapore, it is not uncommon to see upper primary school children with their own mobile phones. Some teachers use WhatsApp to communicate with their secondary school students.

    In this episode, ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Ms Joanne Wong, the head of Touch Cyber Wellness, a service of Touch Community Services, about the issues that she sees in Singapore, and what parents and young people can do to protect themselves.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    2:29 Youth social media consumption issues in Singapore

    4:41 Signs of excessive social media use

    7:51 How parents can help children understand the importance of having a life outside of social media

    13:15 Cyber wellness issues in Singapore

    21:25 What parents can do to protect youths from social media harms

    Helplines
    MENTAL WELL-BEING
    • Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
    • Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
    • Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
    • Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
    • Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
    • Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
    • Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)COUNSELLING
    • TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
    • TOUCH Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
    • Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
    • Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366ONLINE RESOURCES
    • mindline.sg
    • eC2.sg
    • tinklefriend.sg
    • chat.mentalhealth.sg
    • carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
    • limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)

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

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Read more: https://str.sg/iJqa

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Find out too, why the link between the gut and brain must not be ignored.

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

    IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition that causes recurrent episodes of diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain. Stress can trigger or worsen it, which is why the link between the gut and brain or what is known as the gut-brain axis must not be ignored in the treatment of complex cases, said Dr Andrew Ong, a consultant gastroenterologist at the Singapore General Hospital, who runs a weekly IBS clinic at the hospital for hard-to-treat IBS cases.

    Still, when it comes to IBS, the first question that he gets from patients often concerns food. In part two of a two-parter on IBS, Dr Ong chats with ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo about diet and IBS.

    You will also hear about FODMAP, which stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. They are short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that are not properly absorbed in the gut. Some people with gastrointestinal issues have used a low FODMAP diet to identify the types of food that trigger their symptoms.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    3:59 Type of foods that can cause problems for those with IBS

    13:31 Are mushrooms a good choice for those with IBS?

    18:35 The difference between food intolerance and food allergy

    20:44 Tips on keeping the gut healthy

    Listen to Pt 1: Can stress trigger IBS? - https://str.sg/i3YP

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

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Read more: https://str.sg/iJqa

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Find out why stress is not the root cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), though it can trigger or worsen IBS.

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

    Many people think that stress can cause IBS or irritable bowel syndrome, a common condition that causes recurrent episodes of diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain. But this is not true.

    Stress can trigger or worsen IBS, but it is not the root cause, says Dr Andrew Ong, a consultant gastroenterologist at the Singapore General Hospital, who runs a weekly IBS clinic at the hospital for hard-to-treat IBS cases.

    In this episode hosted by Straits Times senior health correspondent Joyce Teo, Dr Ong also talks about how the brain and the gut are linked, the approach he takes at the weekly clinic and how it has helped some patients.

    This is the first of a two-part series with Dr Ong on gastrointestinal issues, of which IBS is the most common condition. In the next episode, Dr Ong talks to Joyce about the foods to avoid if one has IBS, and the difference between food intolerance and food allergy.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    1:17 The link between our gut and brain

    3:09 What is irritable bowel syndrome?

    8:14 Misconceptions of lactose intolerance

    11:54 How does a psychologist help with treatment

    17:24 Example of a patient at the weekly clinic

    Listen to Pt 2: What to eat or not eat if you have IBS - https://str.sg/i3gB

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

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Read more: https://str.sg/iJqa

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Our guest explains the importance of parent-child relationships to build resilience in children.

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

    In this episode, Straits Times senior health correspondent Joyce Teo invites educational psychologist Danielle Seah to talk about what parents can do to help build resilience in children.

    Ms Seah said parents need to spend the time and make the effort to connect and bond with their children. One of the most important factor for children to develop resilience is for them to have at least one stable relationship with a parent or caregiver, she said.

    In the podcast, she also discussed the common mistakes that parents make, when it comes to building resilience, as well as some of the questions in a booklet titled Raising A Resilient Child, such as “why does your child suffer from emotional regulation?” and “why can’t your child control his/her behaviours?”.

    Ms Seah wrote the booklet together with senior psychologist Kelly Lee, as part of the recent Youth Epidemiology and Resilience (YEAR) study conducted by the Mind Science Centre at the National University of Singapore. They are both now working in the private sector.

    The free booklet, which was released last year and available online, addresses the common questions that parents have, based on the factors on the Singapore Youth Resilience Scale, which examines the resilience profiles of youths in the country.

    The 10 Domains of Resilience identified under the scale are

    1. Emotional Regulation

    2. Personal Control

    3. Personal Confidence/Responsibility

    4. Flexibility

    5. Perseverance

    6. Optimisim/Positive Self-image

    7. Positive Coping

    8. Humour/Positive Thinking

    9. Relationships/Social Support

    10. Spiritually/Faith

    Resilience is the ability to cope with difficult life experiences. It is a dynamic process that can change depending on the moment and situation. It is also defined by an individual’s characteristics (character, beliefs and experiences) and the context, said the Mind Science Centre.

    The centre, which worked with some schools here for the YEAR study said that it is also the interaction between biology and environment that builds a student’s ability to cope with adversity and to overcome threats to healthy development.

    Led by Associate Professor John Wong, the study had found that only about one in 10 parents observed signs of distress in their children, but one in three adolescents reported such symptoms. Prof Wong, the Lin Jo Yan and Yeo Boon Khim Professor in Mental Health and Neuroscience, had said that it is a timely call for parents to develop a relationship with their children when they are young.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    1:06 What an educational psychologist does?

    4:56: Mistakes that parents often make

    12:26 How does "letting go", build resilience in the child?

    16:30 Tips for raising a resilient child

    Helplines
    MENTAL WELL-BEING
    • Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
    • Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp)
    • Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
    • Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
    • Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
    • Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1
    • Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)COUNSELLING
    • TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
    • TOUCH Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555
    • Care Corner Counselling Centre: 6353-1180
    • Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366ONLINE RESOURCES
    • mindline.sg
    • eC2.sg
    • tinklefriend.sg
    • chat.mentalhealth.sg
    • carey.carecorner.org.sg (for those aged 13 to 25)
    • limitless.sg/talk (for those aged 12 to 25)

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

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Find out how the Healthy Ketogenic diet recently developed by Dr Lim Su Lin, a chief dietitian at the National University Hospital, is different from traditional keto diets.

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

    Dieting is very challenging for many people. In fact, most people regain the weight they lost, after a year, but what if you need to lose some weight because of your health? Obesity is, after all, a disease that increases the risk of other health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea and others.

    Dr Lim Su Lin, chief dietitian at the National University Hospital, held a press event recently to talk about how her Healthy Keto Diet is different from the traditional keto diet, and how it has benefitted many trial participants who are from the hospital.

    She said the healthy keto diet is an effective diet for those who are overweight or have obesity and want to lose weight safely. She said it also does not lead to higher bad cholesterol levels. This diet is, however, not suitable for some groups of people, including those who are pregnant, underweight or have eating disorders.

    ST's senior health correspondent Joyce Teo hosts Dr Lim as they also discuss the type of cooking oils to use and examples of low-carbohydrate fruits.

    Highlights (click/tap above):

    0:57 Is the healthy keto diet mainly about carb reduction and healthy eating?

    6:38 What makes healthy keto diet different from the rest?

    11:04 Examples of healthy fats, low carb foods, low carb fruits, with price consideration factored in too

    15:23 Mistakes people make when going on a keto diet?

    19:34 A 1-day sample menu of the Healthy Keto Diet

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

    Edited by: Eden Soh

    Follow Health Check Podcast here and rate us:

    Channel: https://str.sg/JWaN

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

    Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaQ

    Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6Wv

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

    Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

    Feedback to: [email protected]

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

    ---

    Discover more ST podcast channels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

    Special edition series:

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

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

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

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

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

    ---

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

    #healthcheck

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.