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Straits Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Create a central health screening registry that all GPs can access
D espite years of public education and subsidised national programmes, Singapore's screening rates for cancers such as breast, cervical and colorectal cancer remain suboptimal. Screening for cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes also sees low participation, particularly among older adults. With the launch of Healthier SG, I see a timely opportunity to close these gaps. General practitioners (GPs), as each enrollee's designated primary care provider, are ideally placed to offer personalised health advice and initiate timely screening. However, many GPs lack access to consolidated screening records, and are not notified when patients are due – or overdue – for national screening. As a result, crucial opportunities are often missed during routine consultations. These visits could otherwise be used to nudge patients towards essential preventive care. To address this, I propose a central screening registry integrated with GPs' electronic medical record systems. Such a registry should flag patients due for screening, prompt GPs during visits, and enable referrals with minimal friction. It should also track whether screening invitations have been sent, tests completed, and follow-ups conducted. This would ensure better continuity and accountability across the care pathway. I also believe artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance this effort. AI tools could identify patients likely to miss screenings based on age, medical history and behavioural patterns. This would allow GPs to prioritise outreach and follow-up more effectively. Patients could also receive personalised reminders through HealthHub or SMS, reinforcing their doctor's advice. Naturally, such systems must uphold strong data protection standards and be clinically validated. Healthier SG represents a shift from reactive to proactive healthcare. But to make that vision a reality, GPs need more than responsibility – they need the right infrastructure. By combining trusted relationships in primary care with data-driven tools, we could boost screening uptake, detect diseases earlier, and ultimately reduce long-term healthcare costs to add years of healthy life to the population of Singapore. Ang Yee Gary (Dr) More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Haj pilgrims need to get meningococcal, flu and Covid-19 jabs before leaving for Mecca
Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the haj pilgrimage are also recommended to ensure they are up to date with other nationally recommended vaccinations. -- PHOTO: REUTERS SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Singapore pilgrims making the haj pilgrimage to Mecca need to get meningococcal, influenza and Covid-19 vaccinations before leaving for Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Health and the Communicable Diseases Agency, in a joint statement on May 9, said pilgrims must show proof of getting a single shot of the updated Covid-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 season or completing a primary vaccination series or laboratory-confirmed recovery from an infection in 2024. The updated advisory was issued after consulting the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, or Muis, the statement added. Pilgrims must also get the meningococcal vaccine – which protects against illnesses like meningitis, septicaemia and pneumonia – at least 10 days before departure, and the influenza jab not more than 12 months before travelling. Pilgrims must also provide proof of vaccination, the statement added. 'This is to safeguard the health of haj pilgrims throughout their journey, and better protect them from infections while overseas,' it said. Haj pilgrims were informed of the new requirements earlier, so that they would have time to arrange for the shots before the haj season starts in early June. Haj pilgrims also need to ensure they are up to date with other nationally recommended vaccinations listed in national immunisation schedules. The statement said: 'For example, elderly and medically vulnerable pilgrims should take the pneumococcal vaccine prior to their trip. 'Pilgrims should also be aware of the health situation and entry requirements in Saudi Arabia.' Those intending to travel to Saudi Arabia for the umrah – a minor pilgrimage – should adopt the same recommendations for better protection. Prospective pilgrims need to consult their healthcare provider for a travel health risk assessment, four to six weeks before travel, before purchasing a haj package from Muis-appointed travel agents. This includes advice on required or recommended vaccinations and preventive medication. The statement said: 'Pilgrims are advised to coordinate with their preferred healthcare provider on obtaining the necessary vaccinations, checking the vaccine availability at clinics, and receiving any other recommended preventive medications.' Pilgrims should also carry physical vaccination certificates and digital vaccination records via the HealthHub app for border checks in Saudi Arabia. In January, Singapore and Saudi Arabia struck a deal to allow 900 slots for Singaporeans to perform the haj pilgrimage in 2025. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Haj pilgrims need to get meningococcal, flu and Covid-19 jabs before leaving for Mecca
Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the haj pilgrimage are also recommended to ensure they are up to date with other nationally recommended vaccinations. PHOTO: REUTERS Haj pilgrims need to get meningococcal, flu and Covid-19 jabs before leaving for Mecca SINGAPORE - Singapore pilgrims making the haj pilgrimage to Mecca need to get meningococcal, influenza and Covid-19 vaccinations before leaving for Saudi Arabia. The Health Ministry and Communicable Diseases Agency, in a joint statement on May 9, said pilgrims must show proof of getting a single shot of the updated Covid-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 season or completing a primary vaccination series or laboratory-confirmed recovery from an infection in 2024. The updated advisory was issued after consulting the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore or Muis, it added. Pilgrims must also get the meningococcal vaccine - which protects against illnesses like meningitis, septicaemia or pneumonia - at least 10 days before departure, and the influenza jab not more than 12 months before travelling. Pilgrims must also provide proof of vaccination, the statement added. 'This is to safeguard the health of haj pilgrims throughout their journey, and better protect them from infections while overseas,' it said. Haj pilgrims were informed of the new requirements earlier, so that they would have time to arrange for the shots before the haj season starts in early June. Haj pilgrims also need to ensure they are up-to-date with other nationally recommended vaccinations listed in national immunisation schedules. The statement said: 'For example, elderly and medically vulnerable pilgrims should take the pneumococcal vaccine prior to their trip. Pilgrims should also be aware of the health situation and entry requirements in Saudi Arabia.' Those intending to travel to Saudi Arabia for the umrah - a minor pilgrimage - should adopt the same recommendations for better protection. Prospective pilgrims need to consult their healthcare provider for a travel health risk assessment, four to six weeks before travel, before purchasing a haj package from Muis-appointed travel agents. This includes advice on required or recommended vaccinations and preventive medications. The statement said: 'Pilgrims are advised to coordinate with their preferred healthcare provider on obtaining the necessary vaccinations, checking the vaccine availability at clinics, and receiving any other recommended preventive medications.' Pilgrims should also carry physical vaccination certificates and digital vaccination records via the HealthHub app for border checks in Saudi Arabia. In January, Singapore and Saudi Arabia struck a deal to allow 900 slots for Singaporeans to perform the haj pilgrimage in 2025. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Boots confirms five Scottish stores to undergo major change this summer
The health and beauty chain is rolling out new services to help out customers throughout each stage of their menopause journey. Boots is upping its support for women who suffer from the menopause. Alongside introducing new products, it will also include rolling out dedicated 'zones' across 150 stores. The high street firm's new Menopause Zones, which are set to be rolled out in the summer, have been organised to help customers who are experiencing symptoms at each stage of their menopause journey. These will be split out by key signs and symptoms that can include hot flushes and low energy, making it easier for women to find the correct products and support they need. Customers will also be able to access expert advice, as they will be able to speak with trained specialist pharmacists and Boots beauty advisors to help them find the right products. Among the key list of locations set to feature these new zones will be five stores across Scotland that are based in major cities and towns across Scotland. This will include branches in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Falkirk and Irvine. Alongside introducing new menopause zones into stores, Boots will also be rolling out 35 new products that will help customers who are experiencing symptoms at any stage both online and in store. This will include everything from vitamin supplements to cooling sprays, alongside products from the award-winning M-Club that has landed exclusively at Boots with a host of products to support haircare, eyecare and bedtime routines. Menopause is usually marked when a woman stops getting her periods due to lower hormonal levels. It usually affects woman aged between 45 to 55, although this can differ, with some experiencing it earlier or later. There are also a few different stages, with the perimenopause beginning when women experience irregular cycles of ovulation and menstruation that are caused by fluctuating oestrogen levels. Meanwhile, post menopause is used to describe someone who has not had a period for 12 months or more, lasting for the rest of their life. Ben Sharpe, Head of Positive Healthcare at Boots, said: "We know a significant number of our customers are going through the menopause and we want to help them improve their experience through this life stage. We continue to grow our menopause range, carefully selecting products that can really help and making them easy to find in our stores. "This is combined with the expert support accessible in our stores from our pharmacy and beauty team and the wealth of information and advice on the Boots Health Hub." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Scottish Boots stores getting a menopause zone: St Enoch Square, Glasgow Princes Street, Edinburgh Gyle Avenue, Edinburgh Fullerton Square, Irvine Falkirk Central Retail Park Boots isn't the only retailer to help out customers with the menopause, as Tesco confirmed in April it would be rolling out new dedicated aisles for those experiencing symptoms across 93 larger stores - with 10 in Scotland. Following a successful trial in over 200 branches in 2024, the initiative from the UK's largest supermarket will offer an array of items from haircare and nutrition to sexual wellness, digestive health, and skincare, providing more options for women navigating the perimenopause and menopause. Stores based in Scotland set to feature the new aisle can be found in Aberdeen, Cumbernauld, Dundee, Elgin, Glasgow, Inverness and more.
Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
More seniors should have access to Bixeps to strengthen muscles and stay active for longer
More seniors should have access to Bixeps to strengthen muscles and stay active for longer A Singapore-developed device has been approved by the regulatory authorities in Singapore and the US for medical use to improve muscle strength, increase mobility and reduce pain. This is a feather in Singapore's cap, but more importantly, the device – known as QMT – and its cheaper precursor Bixeps have implications for our ageing population, as they could provide a safe and non-invasive way for seniors to maintain their muscle strength, which could significantly cut down on falls and fractures. A 10-year study by Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing found that between 13 per cent and 25 per cent of seniors here suffer from sarcopenia, an age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. Sarcopenia not only causes weakness, but also affects a person's balance. As a result, people with sarcopenia tend to move less, which in turn leads to greater weakness, obesity, loss of independence and decreased quality of life. It also increases risk of falls and hospitalisation. HealthHub, the national health portal, states that about one-third of older adults aged 60 and above have fallen more than once, resulting in 18 per cent of women and 6 per cent of men having hip fractures. It adds: 'Falls can result in a variety of complications, ranging from fractures to long-term hospitalisation and loss of self-esteem and confidence. Because the consequences of falls are numerous and significant, falls and their resulting injuries – whether they're hip fractures or head injuries – are important health issues that cannot be overlooked.' During the debate in March on his ministry's budget, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung told Parliament that the average length of stay in hospitals 'jumped abruptly from six days to seven days post-pandemic', increasing the workload at public hospitals by 15 per cent. The reason for the increase? 'We saw many more seniors with complex conditions,' he said. Seniors are hospitalised for a range of medical conditions, from cancer to pneumonia to, yes, fractures. While not all causes of hospitalisation can be prevented, there are some that can. For instance, if seniors can maintain their strength, even if for only a few years, they would enjoy greater quality of life and reduce their need of hospital and caregiver services. In a speech at the Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis in December 2022, Mr Ong said: 'The incidence of osteoporotic fractures (in Singapore) is projected to increase by about 60 per cent, from more than 15,200 in 2017 to more than 24,000 in 2035.' If those figures hold true, more than 50 people here would suffer from such fractures every day in 2025. At that event, the direct cost of a fracture was pegged at US$6,818 (S$8,930). There are also indirect costs, such as the need for a caregiver, inability to work and personal suffering. The Government is well aware of this and has been pushing its active ageing programmes. Singapore now has 223 active ageing centres, and more are on the way. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) has an Age Strong programme to encourage better physical, nutritional and mental well-being. All these help to keep seniors here healthier than their peers in many countries around the world, and are also a reason why life expectancy here is one of the longest, at 83 years (80.7 for men and 85.2 for women). This is where the QMT and Bixeps come in to help seniors strengthen their muscles. As the QMT is considered a medical device, it requires a medical professional such as a doctor, physiotherapist or nurse to operate. Unlike Bixeps, the more advanced QMT can be placed on a bed to treat bed-bound patients, and has two settings – one that is similar to Bixeps' single setting and another that is stronger. Apart from that, Bixeps does pretty much the same thing, and has been sold here for some years as a wellness device. About 30 senior care centres here have been using Bixeps and found that it has helped their clients maintain and, in some cases, even regain muscle mass and mobility. Some users, especially those who are frail, gain about 250g to 500g of muscle mass after eight weeks on the device. This is not surprising, as a clinical trial of Bixeps conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong found that, after two 10-minute sessions a week for eight weeks, patients' ability to function improved by 20 per cent and their pain was reduced by 30 per cent. A woman using the Bixeps device under supervision. The device can provide a safe and non-invasive way for seniors to maintain their muscle strength. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The patients in the trial were also required to exercise regularly. Their outcome was compared against that for the control group, which performed a similar exercise regime, but the device they used did not emit any magnetic pulses. It was a double-blind trial – neither the participants nor the researchers knew which participant had devices that worked and which did not. The study results were published in the reputable Frontiers In Medicine journal in October 2024. What this means is this device could help many seniors here stay fit and strong. Singapore General Hospital (SGH) orthopaedic surgeon Tay Boon Keng has been putting his patients on the device for more than two years. 'After surgery, if their muscles are weak, they might fall again, so it's important to strengthen their muscles,' said Professor Tay. The grip-strength test shows the device does help give his patients stronger muscles. Although a person puts only one, or both, legs into the circular cavity of the device, the resulting effect is on the whole body, as magnetic pulses activate energy-producing mitochondria in muscle cells. This triggers a metabolic response in the cells and releases myokines, which aid the regeneration of muscles. The same response occurs during exercise. The problem is that care centres that have the device limit their use to their own clients. At SGH, patients are limited to four weeks on the device, since slots are limited. QMT Quantum Mitohormesis Device (right) and Bixeps machine from QuantumTX at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI QuantumTX, the company that produces the device, offers its use at three locations. It charges $50 per 10-minute session. It is slightly cheaper for a package of 12 or 24 sessions. The recommendation is to have between one and a maximum of three sessions a week. But even doing it once a week, which costs $50, is more than what many seniors can afford. Singapore has about 750,000 people aged 65 years and older who can benefit from using Bixeps – on average, older people lose about 1 per cent of muscle mass a year. Bixeps alone will not be enough to stop the loss of muscle mass, but it can certainly help to slow down the process. Coupled with higher protein intake and regular exercise, it could extend the active years of seniors here. The company says that about 10 per cent to 20 per cent of people do not seem to benefit from the device. Prof Tay said one of the things he likes best about Bixeps is its non-intrusive treatment. So even if it does not help, it will not harm. Perhaps HPB, the Agency for Integrated Care, Sport Singapore or even a third party such as Temasek Foundation could provide enough Bixeps devices so that the majority of seniors can get at least one session a week at a price they can afford. It makes economic sense for the country to try to keep older Singaporeans healthier for longer, as this would reduce their need for hospital and other medical services. And for seniors, it gives hope of added years of quality life. Salma Khalik has been covering health issues for over 20 years. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
