Latest news with #SingaporeHeartFoundation
AsiaOne
12-08-2025
- Health
- AsiaOne
More than just a bad habit: How Kpods affect youths' physical and mental health, Lifestyle News
Small, discreet and easily attainable — vapes continue to be used among youths in Singapore despite being illegal. And behind the sweet-scented smokes and fruity flavours of these devices, a public health concern is rapidly growing as instances of people, particularly youths, smoking a particular type of vape called Kpods continue to surface in public. But what exactly are Kpods — and how are they different from traditional vapes and cigarettes? According to an article by the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF), Kpods are vape cartridges filled with synthetic drugs such as cannabinoids, ketamine, methamphetamine and medical sedatives, and because these substances are mixed in unregulated combinations, users never really know what they are putting in their body. Are youths more vulnerable? Singapore saw indications that young people here were using Kpods in April, after a 13-year-old girl was caught behaving erratically and vaping outside the State Courts. With more reports of youths behaving erratically in public and racking up debts after using Kpods, it leads to the question — why are teenagers and young adults so much more vulnerable to the temptations of this vice? Speaking with AsiaOne, Dr Lambert Low, senior consultant for the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) and chief of department of addiction medicine at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), explained that it could be due to several reasons, including the "sensation of novelty" due to the variety of flavours and sleek design, as well as peer and social media influence. "The mixing of vapes with pharmaceutical drugs entices youths to experiment, not knowing the harms they risk," he added. One of the main substances of concern in Kpods is etomidate. For those who aren't familiar, etomidate — which is currently classified as a regulated poison under the Poisons Act in Singapore — is commonly used as an anaesthetic to induce sedation for surgery. On July 30, Coordinating Minister for National Security & Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs will be classifying the drug as a Class C drug. Health implications of using Kpods While etomidate is often used in surgical procedures, it doesn't mean that it's safe for inhalation. When it's used in professional medical settings, it's a "strictly-controlled dose-dependent relationship", and given by a trained anaesthetist who knows the body's response and side effects of the poison, therefore they're able to prevent them from developing, Dr Steve Yang, respiratory physician from Mount Elizabeth Hospital, told AsiaOne. But in Kpods, the concentration of etomidate is often unknown and unregulated — and it's also inhaled directly rather than injected like in medical settings. According to Dr Yang, when the poison is inhaled, the onset of action (length of time it takes for a medicine to take effect) is "totally unpredictable" but "definitely rapid and uncontrolled". "When it's inhaled, you don't know the side effects, you continue inhaling uncontrolled, the concentration is unknown, the absorption is unknown, that's when it becomes dangerous," the physician explained. According to SHF's website, many of the other synthetic drugs found in Kpods can also damage cardiovascular health. Ketamine and etomidate can lead to increased heart rate and raised blood pressure, cause memory loss and even breathing problems. Methamphetamine, which is a powerful stimulant, can lead to serious issues like heart failure, stroke and mental health problems, while synthetic cannabinoids can overstimulate the nervous system — causing heart palpitations, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. In some cases, they may also trigger potentially fatal consequences like heart attacks or sudden cardiac arrest, according to SHF. Repeated long-term use of the drug-laced vape may lead to issues like scarring of the heart muscle, long-term irregular heart rhythms, early-onset heart disease and a heightened risk of heart attacks. Dr Yang echoes this, stating that the uncontrolled substances in Kpods including etomidate can cause serious health consequences such as: Increased heart rate Raised blood pressure Heart failure Stroke Heart palpitations Chest pain Irregular heart rhythm Heart attack Sudden cardiac death In terms of lung health, some immediate health effects of Kpods include: coughing, breathlessness, wheezing and asthmatic attacks. Kpods, being a type of vape, can also induce EVALI (E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury), explained Dr Yang, stating that Vitamin E is also often added into these devices, which triggers an inflammatory response in the lungs, causing the user to develop lung inflammation. "They can't even breathe, and people have died from it. So with Kpods and whatever chemicals they put inside these Kpods which you do not know, those can cause damage to your lungs and that might lead to permanent damage," said the physician, warning that "even with treatment, you might not recover" because the "lungs have been permanently scarred". The substances used in Kpods are also known to cause kidney damage. With chronic use, especially for youths, Kpods can also lead to irreversible long-term damage to the organs as their developing organs are more susceptible. "For kids, because they are still young, they believe that they can take all these insults to their system over time, but what happens is that they still have developing organs, developing brain tissue, as well as heart," Dr Yang stated, explaining that once an issue develops, they would have to "live with the long-term effects" of all the organ damage caused by etomidate. A significant problem of etomidate, highlighted Dr Yang, is a suppression of stress hormone (cortisol) release. According to the physician, the use of etomidate can cause "a bit of adrenal suppression". This means that you won't release as much cortisol as you need when you're in a situation of stress. "So when there are stress situations like infection, we need to have all these cortisol to raise our blood pressure, raise our heart rate as a counter to these stressful situations. If you lack this response, what happens is that your blood pressure drops, and your heart rate cannot compensate when you need to," he said, explaining that this then sends the person into something called "significant shock", a critical condition caused by a sudden drop in blood flow throughout the body. "This can increase mortality rate when you are in a stressful situation," Dr Yang continued, citing stressful workplace situations, infections and losing fluids due to blood loss as examples. IMH's Dr Low seconds this, saying that Kpods is "not merely an addiction issue" and can cause "serious health impact" such as adrenal insufficiency. Long-term use of Kpods And what happens if you don't quit? Speaking on the continued use of Kpods into possibly adulthood, Dr Yang said: "You're basically perpetuating the damage to your organs." The physician also explained that with the chronic use of Kpods, a higher dose would be required to receive the "same kick", and with that comes higher doses of all the illegal drugs in the vape, which can cause increased risk of damage to organs. On top of causing the damage to the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys and gastrointestinal health, it can also distress the nervous system, causing tremors and repeated seizures. "These will actually in the long-term impact your function in society as you grow older," said the physician. Mental health impact Beyond being detrimental to physical health, using Kpods can also take a toll on the mental health of young users. "If you develop psychiatric issues, you develop things like social withdrawal, behavioural changes that will affect performances in school or workplace, and that will be a problem as you grow into adulthood, because societies are now fast-moving. People who stay ahead are likely to remain ahead. And if you start off at a disadvantage [due to Kpods], then the disadvantage will build up and basically escalate over time, and you end up being left behind," cautioned Dr Yang. But how would Kpods affect mental health in youths? Dr Low highlighted that brain development in youths "continue well into the mid-20s". "During this process, any form of drug abuse can harm their brain development and mental health, or even predispose them to developing an addiction," he explained, nothing however that the specific risks of etomidate exposure on adolescent brains require further research. "Research literature also showed that some individuals might experience psychiatric symptoms such as aggression and agitation, rapid shifts in mood and even suicidal ideation," the senior consultant warned. While the hypothesis that Kpod usage can lead to further abuse of other drugs has not been scientifically tested, Dr Low stated: "From a clinical perspective, there is a possibility that early substance experimentation may predispose individuals to other drug abuse." Dr Yang also explained that when inhaled, the illegal substances used in Kpods "enter the blood brain barrier" and go "straight into the brain", which can cause paranoia, hallucinations and anxiety. Signs of using Kpods To help those struggling with Kpods manage their addiction, it's important to be able to identify some signs that indicate that someone might be using it. According to Dr Low, some telltale signs include: Appearing unsteady or sleepy Issues with motor coordination Changes in sleeping patterns (sleeping too much or too little) Changes in eating habits Often requests or demands for money from parents Hiding in rooms Avoiding family functions or interactions with friends or becoming increasingly isolated from friends and family Drop in school or work performance Becoming easily agitated when being checked on Losing interest in their favourite or regular activities He also added that individuals who are actively intoxicated on Kpods typically experience symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, weakness, dizziness and falls. Some individuals may also develop involuntary muscular movements, such as myoclonus (sudden and brief involuntary muscle twitches or spasms). Explained Dr Low: "Research literature also showed that some individuals might experience psychiatric symptoms such as aggression and agitation, rapid shifts in moods and even suicidal ideation." How to encourage quitting properly While experts say that identifying the early warning signs of addiction and encouraging youths to quit Kpods is crucial and pressing, it's also important to approach the topic properly to ensure that those at-risk are receptive to receiving help. And while there isn't a specific treatment for Kpod addiction as of now, Dr Low suggests that counselling is useful. "We build a relationship with the individual, work on their motivation using motivational interviewing and try to encourage and work with them to stop using," he explained, stating that this includes identifying what's fuelling their use, identifying their triggers and cravings, addressing underlying mental health issues, looking at relationship issues with family and partners, and looking at dysfunctional coping mechanisms and replacing the unhealthy ones. He also stated that some individuals may also have other behavioural issues that need to be addressed "whether it's social, relationship or psychological", and psychiatric medication may also be required if the individual develops or suffers from co-morbid (other simultaneously existing) psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety. As for what can be done at home, Dr Low advised that parents can play a vital role by creating a safe space for their children to share openly about their struggles. "Take time to understand the underlying factors driving their behaviour, whether it's academic pressure, social influences or emotional difficulties," advised Dr Low. According to the senior consultant, some "essential support strategies" include: Maintaining consistent, honest dialogues that build trust Validating their feelings while being clear about the risks of vaping Guiding them towards professional help and counselling services when needed Focusing on their inherent strengths and abilities to make positive changes Fostering an environment that supports their recovery journey For the ones providing support, Dr Low also emphasised that "it's equally important to maintain their own wellbeing by connecting with support networks and seeking guidance when needed." For those trying to quit or to support someone in quitting substances including Kpods, there are resources available such as the National Mindline at 1771 (24 hours) or 6669-1771 (WhatsApp). The Health Promotion Board also has an I Quit Programme to support those trying to quit smoking and vaping by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000. The sign-up form and more information can be found on HealthHub's website. SINGAPORE HELPLINES Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800 Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928 Shan You Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 6741-0078 Fei Yue's Online Counselling Service: Tinkle Friend (for primary school children): 1800-2744-788 [[nid:720127]]
Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Actor-host Marcus Chin bleeds in mouth during live broadcast of charity show
Marcus Chin was seen bleeding in the mouth during a live charity show on June 29. PHOTO: ENTERTAINMENT - MEDIACORP/YOUTUBE SINGAPORE – Local veteran actor-host-DJ Marcus Chin shocked some viewers after he was seen bleeding in the mouth during a live charity show on June 29. The 71-year-old, who had a heart attack in October 2024, was the opening speaker of the Singapore Heart Foundation 55th anniversary Charity Show: Resilient Hearts 2025. However, blood was seen on his teeth and at the corners of his mouth while he was delivering his speech. Chin, who underwent two operations after the heart attack, said in an interview on June 30 that he had been taking two antiplatelet drugs since the heart surgery. He told Chinese-language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao that he believed the bleeding was a side effect of the drugs. 'After taking the medicine, my gums would bleed from time to time, sometimes once or twice a week, especially when I was under a lot of pressure,' he said. 'I was the first one to appear at the beginning of the live show and had to memorise the script, so I felt a little stressed.' Chin said he realised he had bled only after he was asked about it by his relatives, friends and colleagues. 'We had rehearsals for two days before the show and everything was fine, but it happened during the live broadcast, which really annoyed me,' he said. Chin praised the cameraman for reacting swiftly after blood was seen in his mouth. 'The camera was supposed to take a close-up of my face, but the lens was quickly pulled away after blood was seen,' he said. Marcus Chin had a heart attack in October 2024 and underwent two operations. PHOTO: KING KONG MEDIA PRODUCTIONS Chin said that his attending cardiologist advised him to seek treatment from a dentist to alleviate the situation. In addition to bleeding gums, his teeth would feel sore from time to time after taking the medicine. 'It is now very tough for me to sing,' he said. 'It is difficult to sing high notes, especially when my gums are sore.' Chin said that he has always been very careful with his diet, but added that he has no time to exercise due to his work schedule. He is a co-host on Love 972's radio programme The Breakfast Quartet, which has been nominated for Best Radio Programme at the Star Awards 2025 on July 6. He is also a nominee for Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes. 'Before I was hospitalised for the heart attack, I controlled my diet, such as by eating durian occasionally and char kway teow only once in a long while,' he said. 'I'm also the type of patient who takes his medication regularly.' Chin said he would focus on looking after his health while pursuing his career in the future. 'I just suffered a heart attack less than one year ago,' he said. 'Maybe I really need to slow down, relax and not be too busy.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Singapore Heart Foundation charity show will feature performances from Kenny Bee, Tay Ying, Elvin Ng and more
The Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) Charity Show is making its return after a 20-year hiatus in celebration of its 55th anniversary. The Singapore Heart Foundation 55th Anniversary Charity Show will broadcast live on Ch 8 on Jun 29, from 7pm to 10pm, with a simulcast on mewatch. Hosted by Kym Ng and Guo Liang, the show will feature musical headliners – Taiwanese singer Chen Lei and Hong Kong's Kenny Bee. Local celebrities will also be performing, including Zoe Tay, Tay Ying, Elvin Ng, Marcus Chin, Carrie Wong, Shaun Chen, Denise Camilla Tan and the "Little Bride" Ivory Chia from drama series Emerald Hill. Also making a a special appearance is goalkeeper Hassan Sunny. 'As a professional athlete, I understand how important it is to take care of our heart and how that affects our overall health,' he said in a statement. 'I'm honoured to be able to play my part to build a heart-healthier Singapore." With this year's theme, Resilient Hearts, the charity show will honour cardiac patients, caregivers, volunteers and partners who have demonstrated unwavering resilience and supported SHF's mission through the years. The show will also share empowering stories from clients of the SHF Heart Wellness Centre and recipients of the Heart Support Fund beneficiaries, while raising funds to support SHF's programmes and initiatives. Here's how to donate to SHF: From now until Jul 5, call the hotline 6321 8655 or leave a message through WhatsApp at the same number to pledge a donation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Celebrity Agency (@the_celebrityagency)
AsiaOne
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Paige Chua to perform piano publicly for first time at Singapore Heart Foundation charity show, Entertainment News
Local actress Paige Chua is probably used to receiving applause but at the upcoming Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) 55th Anniversary Charity Show on June 29, getting it would "definitely going to be quite stressful" for her. In an interview on Tuesday (June 3) at a press conference for the event, the 43-year-old told AsiaOne that she would be playing the piano live for an audience for the first time. Her performance piece Harmony Four will also feature local actor Chen Hanwei and young brothers Newton and Newman Tong. Paige is quite the talent herself when it comes to music, as she can play the dizi (Chinese flute), guzheng (Chinese zither) and the piano. She has also performed music live at other events before, serenading River Hongbao 2025 in February with the dizi . However, for the piano, she thinks it'll require a steep curve in confidence. She explained: "For the piano, it's an instrument I go to when I need to de-stress — it's always in a very cosy, personal and intimate environment in my room. No one has seen and sat by my side and watched me play because when there are people, I'll get nervous and I can't really relax." Paige's journey with the piano began at five when her parents pushed her to learn the craft. She elaborated: "I started with classical piano but it was so hard that I dropped it. And when I picked up the piano again when I was 14, I went over to pop piano instead because it's something you resonate a bit more with and it's more enjoyable since we regularly listen to pop songs." Although she feels her foundation isn't "super strong", Paige can read scores and hopes that it will aid her performance at the charity show. No stranger to volunteering Paige's appearance at SHF's charity show seeks to raise awareness on looking after one's health no matter what the status quo looks like. She may look as fit as a fiddle, but she revealed: "In my health checkup last year, I was told that I've got high cholesterol which really shocked me, because it can lead to heart disease. "So my purpose being on the charity show, besides sharing my talent, is also to raise awareness that even if you're seemingly healthy, you may not be — so go for health checkups and make sure that you have a healthier diet." And when asked how she's been watching her health, the fried food-lover joked: "I'll reduce my fries!" She added: "I've also been exercising. But yeah, I'm very surprised because I'm not obese so I thought it could just be genetics." Paige is no stranger to giving, having volunteered 17 years with non-profit organisation Willing Hearts. On how she joined the cause, she shared: "Back then I had just graduated and was trying to look for a purpose in life. I was trying to find a stable job. I was still modelling and dabbling in some film acting, so I had been in a salon reading a magazine and that was when I read an interview with the founder, Tony Tay. "He was sharing about why he'd started the [Willing Hearts] foundation and said, 'Especially in Singapore, you shouldn't see anyone go hungry. And even if you are someone in need of a meal, the meal should be dignified. It should be something not only filling, but delicious as well — not just food given to someone because they are needy and in need of food.' "So I thought that touched me and there was a resonance to Willing Hearts, thus I started volunteering with them. And when I started, I felt like the vibe there was very enjoyable and cheerful and I actually like the work there, so that made it very sustainable. That's why I'm still with the organisation from 2008 until now." The Singapore Heart Foundation 55th Anniversary Charity Show will air on June 29 from 7pm to 10pm on Channel 8. It will also be simulcast on Mewatch. To donate to SHF, Singapore residents can tune in to the charity show and scan the QR code on the television screen. They can also call the hotline at 6321 8655 or leave a message through WhatsApp at the same phone number from June 3 to July 5 to pledge their donation. They can also donate directly at Contributions will support SHF's mission to prevent heart disease through outreach and educational activities, provide rehabilitation for survivors and at-risk individuals, improve resuscitation efforts through training and awareness, and support needy heart patients through the Heart Support Fund. [[nid:718720]] No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
AsiaOne
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Kym Ng, Carrie Wong, Tay Ying and more to perform for Singapore Heart Foundation 55th Anniversary Charity Show, Entertainment News
The Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) Charity Show, which is making a comeback after a decade, will present star-studded performances from local and international artistes come June 29. SHF's chairman Professor Tan Huay Cheem announced at the press conference yesterday (May 3) that the theme for this year is "Resilient Hearts" and they are "thrilled" to bring this event back on television. He said: "This special live TV event pays tribute to the many individuals who embody resilience: Cardiac patients, caregivers, volunteers and partners who have all journeyed with us through the years. "Their stories are a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and this show is a celebration of their courage and commitment." The charity show will bring together performances by local artistes including Kym Ng, Guo Liang, Zoe Tay, Chen Hanwei, Marcus Chin, Shaun Chen, Paige Chua, Elvin Ng, Carrie Wong, Denise Camillia Tan, Tay Ying and Hazelle Teo as well as Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny. Taiwanese singer Chen Lei and Hong Kong singer Kenny Bee will also be present. Carrie Wong's first charity show since joining showbiz This would be the first time Carrie is participating in a charity show since she entered showbiz in 2013. The 30-year-old will be performing a dance segment titled Shield Your Heart with Elvin, Shaun, Gini Chang, Tiffany Ho and SHF volunteers. She said at the press conference: "I think this is a particularly meaningful dance because we included an important element in it and that is using umbrellas. The message that we hope to spread to everyone is that no matter what happens in our life, we can always hold an umbrella for others and give them hope. We hope that the five of us will be able to present a heartwarming performance." Carrie also told AsiaOne yesterday: "This show holds a special meaning for me, because this is the first time in my decade in the industry [that I'm participating in a charity show]. It's very unbelievable because there were multiple shows during this time, but I've never been involved... I am just looking forward to it; there's a first time for everything." She added she had initially heard from her manager that it was a "simple" dance, but she later realised "it's not so easy". Carrie also said that she and some of the artistes began training in mid-May and while they had about four rehearsals since then, they have not practised as a full team yet. Kym Ng touched by SHF beneficiary's resilience and positivity Kym, who will be hosting the show with Guo Liang, felt a sense of responsibility to deliver SHF's message through the show, which is how patients can seek help. The 57-year-old said during the press conference: "When I participated in charity shows previously, I usually perform. This is one of the few times where I get to host and I feel a great sense of responsibility. "We have quite a lot of performances by local and international artistes, volunteers and athletes. I hope that the performances will touch the hearts of audiences and encourage them to support us to donate generously and help those in need." She told AsiaOne she was touched by a beneficiary she had interviewed for the show. Kym shared that the woman, who is in her late forties, has a heart that functions at only 20 per cent. She also needs to go for kidney dialysis daily and self-inject insulin every day for her type 1 diabetes. Because of her health condition, she is unable to work, but she is also a caregiver to her husband who has mental health issues and father-in-law who had a stroke. Kym also revealed that the woman had received criticism from people around her about her health and considered suicide at one point. As she sat on the windowsill contemplating it, her husband saw her and asked her where she was going. "Her husband saved her; he told her he loved her and needed her, and she then decided to continue to live on," she added. Despite the difficulties the woman faces in her life; she persevered and holds online classes on how to be caregivers to loved ones. Kym, who is frequently involved in charity work in her personal life, said: "The woman is very positive and has a strong character. I really respect and admire her." "I think life is very precious... Humans need each other. Only when you help and care for each other that you realise life is worth it, everybody is worthy of love, and you have something to look forward to in your life." Tay Ying finds 'full circle' moment in SHF performance Tay Ying will be performing taekwondo fused with dance — two areas of her interest — with Hazelle, Denise, Germaine, Ivory Chia and taekwondo athletes in a segment named Pulse & Power. Speaking at the press conference, the 29-year-old, who is tying the knot with celebrity chef Wu Sihan this month, shared: "Taekwondo and dance were my first loves. It was my first entry into the arts industry, so it feels like a full circle moment for me." Tay Ying, who has a black belt in taekwondo, revealed that the coach who is training them for their performance now is actually her teacher from when she was nine. She had suggested the coach when the production team asked for recommendations. She also told AsiaOne yesterday that while she enjoys both taekwondo and dancing separately, this is the first time she is performing a combination of both, which she found an "interesting" experience so far. "It's a bit of code-switching, because there are certain stunts in taekwondo which will be totally different when we switch to dancing, so it's a new learning experience for me," Tay Ying shared. The Singapore Heart Foundation 55th Anniversary Charity Show will air on June 29 from 7pm to 10pm on Channel 8. It will also be simulcast on Mewatch. To donate to SHF, Singapore residents can tune in to the charity show and scan the QR code on the television screen. They can also call the hotline at 6321 8655 or leave a message through WhatsApp at the same phone number from June 3 to July 5 to pledge their donation. They can also donate directly at Contributions will support SHF's mission to prevent heart disease through outreach and educational activities, provide rehabilitation for survivors and at-risk individuals, improve resuscitation efforts through training and awareness, and support needy heart patients through the Heart Support Fund. Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800 Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928 Shan You Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 6741-0078 Fei Yue's Online Counselling Service: Tinkle Friend (for primary school children): 1800-2744-788 [[nid:718678]] No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
