Health & Living

While there is a constant focus on regaining one's post baby body, there is also a need to understand the changes that pregnancy and birth have wrought physically, mentally and psychologically. Carolyne Anthony explains more and shares some important tips on post-partum fitness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple sclerosis is the most common disabling disease of the central nervous system in young adults, an autoimmune disease that can cause pretty much any neurological symptom under the sun. It can be disabling, unpredictable and therefore immensely frightening.  Dr. Joyce Joseph explains more about the condition while Ms. Padma Panikker, elaborates on what it's like to live with it.  S...

In this wide-ranging discussion, Dr. Lim begins with dissecting the causes of bad breath before proceeding to address issues as varied as the salivary gland cancer that was the cause of death for Beastie Boy MCA, as well as how to determine if you even have bad breath and whether green tea can help.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eye injuries are a surprisingly common occurence in our country, though perhaps less so when one considers our liking of badminton and other such sports. But physical activity isn't the only thing that could cause injuries, with other things such as household chemicals, sharp edges and even tear gas coming into the picture. Dr. Kenneth Fong lays out some of the ways we can prevent eye injuries and...

For the longest time, spinal injuries have been associated with permanent damage, with wheelchairs and never being able to walk again. However, new research is starting to shine a light of hope into quadriplegics and paraplegics everywhere. Dr. Eugene Wong, consultant spine and orthopaedic surgeon, talks about the basics of spine injuries and the research being conducted into stem cells. See omnys...

For the longest time, spinal injuries have been associated with permanent damage, with wheelchairs and never being able to walk again. However, new research is starting to shine a light of hope into quadriplegics and paraplegics everywhere. Dr. Eugene Wong, consultant spine and orthopaedic surgeon, talks about the basics of spine injuries and the research being conducted into stem cells. See omnys...

Histopathology is what aids the understanding and diagnosis of a disease, at a cellular level. So what does a histopathologist do? Is it all just peering into microscopes and handling slides? Dr. Sri Ganesh Kalimuthu, a consultant histopathologist, explains the ins and outs of his day job alongside the qualifications needed to practise within this profession. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

Skin lightening has a bad reputation, associated as it is with skin bleaching and the spectre of Michael Jackson. Nevertheless, it can be done safely in the hands of a professional, for people who continue to chase their elusive dream of having fairer skin. Dr. Ruban Nathan, consultant dermatologist, explains the ins and outs of skin lightening.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

As this non-communicable disease continues to spread, the numbers of cancer cases in Asia are startling, as more than 60% of cancer cases in the world occur on this continent. Clearly, more needs to be understood and done. Professor Dr. Yip Cheng-Har, Head of the Breast Surgery Unit at UMMC and President of the Asian Pacific Organisation for Cancer Prevention, discusses the importance of epidemiol...

Studies show that Malaysia has one of the lowest maternal mortality ratios amongst Asian countries, at 31 per 100,000 live births in 2011. But there are countries that are not as fortunate, and 95% of maternal deaths each year happen in Africa and Asia. Seeing as maternal mortality often serves as a yardstick to gauge a country's health services, we discuss it with Kara Blackburn, the medical advi...

Probiotics are said to be an important way of promoting healthy gut flora and friendly bacteria, and are especially important in the first 1,500 days of a child's life. But what good do they do specifically and how do they really help in overall health? Mary Easaw, dietitian, explains more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The phrase 'maybe you were born with it' comes up in regular conversation quite often, when discussing things like intelligence, looks, criminality, even sexual preference. But what exactly is genetically pre-determined, and what isn't? Dr. Arif Anwar, our resident genetics specialist, clears things up with us.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To many families, hearing the diagnosis of autism can feel like bad news and a life sentence of hard work and confusion ahead. Yet it's ignoring the fact that there are many positives associated with this as well, including skills in mathematics and aesthetics, focus, and even computer skills. Jochebed Isaacs of the Early Autism Project Malaysia, joins us today in conjunction with Autism Awareness...

Weekend warriors, otherwise known as recreational athletes, are people who are sedentary office workers or retirees by weekday, and active thrill and sports seekers by weekend. What can be fun and exciting, can also be damaging to joints or bodies that are unprepared for this sorts of activities. Dr. Harjeet Singh, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, dishes out tips on staying healthy and in top condi...

Though we may not like thinking about it, death is an inevitable part of life. The best that can be hoped for at the end of it, is that we leave this world peacefully, with dignity and in the manner we deserve. Yet with the high costs of medicine, and life support, such aspirations can be out of reach for some people. Kasih Hospice aims to help those living with a terminal, life-threatening illnes...

At some point in our lives, two out of five of us will hear the words 'You have cancer.' Which is why it's important to know and understand the research and work that's being done to try and lift this burden from our society and the medical fraternity. CARIF, or the Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation, is Malaysia's first independent, not-for-profit cancer research centre. Professor Dr. Teo Soo...

When faced with a difficult relationship, whether it's with a friend or romantic partner, we always have the option of walking away and never looking back. But what happens when it's with someone from your own family, especially your own brother or sister whom you're supposed to support and love unconditionally? Dr. Johnben Loy shares his own take on this difficult situation, sharing his personal...

Frank Cheong is a cancer survivor who now runs ultra-marathons, both for himself and to support cancer research facilities, such as CARIF. Listen to him speak about how running a marathon can be akin to fighting cancer, and what keeps him inspired. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High-blood pressures, cancers, existing conditions - all these things can put more pressure on pregnancies, representing high risk situations. What constitutes a high risk pregnancy and how can it be managed for both mother and baby? Dr. Premitha Damodaran tackles this wide-ranging topic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find out more about the causes, symptoms and treatment for anal fistulas, which are small channels that develope between the end of the bowel, known as the anal canal or back passage, and the skin near the anus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost anyone who's had a pet to cuddle, feed and take care of will know that the comfort, loyalty and affection of a pet can be a great boon and assistance on a hard day. But what about people for whom every day is a struggle? The Dr. Dog programme is the first internationally accredited animal-assisted therapy programme in the country and is brought to us by Furry Friends Farm. Farm founder Sabr...

We usually associate fainting with heat or extreme pressure and while that can contribute to it, there are also issues such as comas, strokes and other conditions that need to be taken into account. Dr. Yong Fee Mann, consultant neurologist, helps us out with a discussion on distinguishing the different types of fainting spells, how bystanders can help and the importance of getting and giving an a...

While varicose veins on one's testicles may not sound very sexy, they do in fact have an impact on one's sex life and possibly fertility! On a day that celebrates rebirth and regeneration, Dr. George Lee discusses varicocele, treatments and effects alike.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In one's post-partum zeal to lose weight and 'bounce back', there are some factors that may go unconsidered. One such condition is diastasis recti, a painless parting of the outermost abdominal muscles during pregnancy. While most of the time, this will heal on its own, sometimes it can cause pooching or doming of the stomach, making a new mother appear to be still a few months pregnant. Carolyne...

Perfect use of a condom has one of the highest success rates of contraception - but how many of us really know how to use a condom perfectly? For that matter, for women wading through the mire of birth control medication, unsure of what will have side effects and what will be convenient, it can be difficult and confusing trying to understand contraception. Dr. Helena Lim addresses these concerns a...