Health & Living

Obesity is one of the biggest health issues as we advance in the modern world and has reached epidemic proportions globally. With more than 1 billion adults overweight, at least 300 million are clinically obese. Are we looking at a glum future burdened heavily by chronic disease and disabilities? Find out more as Dr Pravin Praba outlines the severity of obesity, especially among women in Malaysia....

Internal medicine deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases, of which diagnosis is a challenge at times. Though innovations such as the MRI and CT scan help in the process, there are cases in which diseases are difficult to identify. This time, Dr. George Lee, Consultant Urologist cites such a case, the actual diagnosis and how to survive failure of one kidney.  See...

During the holy month of Ramadhan, fasting alters dietary patterns and the daily lives of Muslims. For those who are avid exercisers or athletes, is it advisable to carry on with their workout and fitness regime? If so, how do they alter their activities to ensure they do not strain themselves instead? Noel Chelliah, Head Coach and Program Director of Body Transformation Camp and a fitness blogger...

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon from Germany, Dr. Stefan Hellinger, is an expert in minimally-invasive spine surgery.  He joins us to talk about this breakthrough procedure, which, with no incision except for 'keyholes', is an option that promises a quicker healing and recovery time, as opposed to traditional open surgery. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hypnotherapy has undergone tremendous amounts of scientific testing and developments in modern times. It is known to alleviate pain for those who seek treatment, apart from many other benefits.  How can hypnotherapy benefit those in pain and who should also consider this form of treatment apart from delving into technique and ethics? Sheila Menon, Principal of the London College of Clinical H...

The mere mention of 'Ramadhan' and one almost immediately associates it with 'ayam percik', 'murtabak' and 'bubur lambuk'. In a deeper sense, Ramadhan is the month of fasting, blessing and forgiveness. It is of great significance in Islam and is one of the five pillars of the religion.  Dr Farouk Musa enlightens us about the true concept of Ramadhan as well as lifestyle adjustments for Muslim...

A patient experiences an acute retention of urine and undergoes an operation leading to negative outcomes. Though rectification was sought, the patient expresses regret for going through the process in the first place. Thus, such operations result in psychological stress, apart from physical pain and discomfort. Was the unfortunate experience a result of complications arising from the operation or...

Chiropractic treatment and massages are alternative treatments known to relieve and realign one's posture, spine and total musculoskeletal system. Currently, there is another form of treatment picking up popularity globally. This form of corrective treatment is called Structural Integration (also known as Rolfing).  Developed by Dr. Ida Rolf in New York, during the 1940s, Structural Integrati...

Love on Wheels refers to post-hospitalisation care for patients at their homes. This concept brings thoughtful medical attention to our doorstep. As this interview unfolds, find out how Love on Wheels operates to "bridge the gap for continuous healing", the examples of services offered, plans to make their services accessible to Malaysians at large with the rising costs of healthcare and how they...

This week our resident 'Doctor In The House' Dr. George Lee goes where many fear to tread - he tackles the topic of abnormally small penises - also known as micropenis or microphallus. He gives us the 411 on this medical condition, and how to live with it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Lim Wye Keat, a consultant ENT specialist, talks about vertigo and dizziness, clarifying the differences and similarities between the two. Focussing on vertigo, Dr. Lim examines the symptoms we should look out for, treatment options available and how to live with this sometimes debilitating condition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host of the UK-based TV show, Grow Your Own Garden, ethnobotanist James Wong talks about all the natural remedies that are available in your own backyard. Malaysian-raised James, who recently won the Gold medal at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show in the UK, enlightens us on how plants can be solutions in life, and not merely pretty backdrops to it. See omnystudio.com/listener...

Recent studies have found that running barefoot is better for our feet - that we were born to run free, sans shoes. To tell us more about this study's findings and whether we can all start to ditch expensive footwear, are Consultant Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Dr Khairul Faizi Mohammed, and barefoot runner Pete Perreira. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new breakthrough treatment strategy has emerged, which can reduce the risks of blood clots and strokes, called 'left atrial appendage occlusion'. Two Malaysian patients have been implanted with this new device, called the Left Atrial Appendage. Dr. Razali Omar, Consultant Electrophysiologist at the National Heart Institute (IJN), who was part of the team who performed these milestone surgeries,...

No one likes to be the recipient of bad news - but being the bearer of these ill-tidings is not that easy either. When our resident doctor-in-the-house, urologist Dr. George Lee, is faced with the task of informing an otherwise healthy patient he has cancer, this sets off questions about good bedside-manners and how best to soften very hard blows. How does one do this? See omnystudio.com/listener...

Consultant on Aesthetics, Antiageing & Rejuvenation Medicine, Dato' Dr. Nor Shahidah Khairullah, talks to us about issues concerning weight, dieting and fitness for women. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Zainal talks to us about the various postpartum mood disorders that can afflict women - postpartum blues, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis - discussing the differences between them. He also explains the predisposing and bio-sociological factors that can cause these mood disorders, and the ways to identify and subsequently deal with the problem. See...

When it comes to getting into shape, most people tend to look for the quickest and easiest schemes to achieve their goals, instead of making more permanent lifestyle changes. This often results in short-term results and yo-yoing weight and self-esteem. Instead of quick fixes, Noel Chelliah, Head Coach and Programme Director of Body Transformation Camp and Daily Muscle blogger, advocates a complete...

This week, our resident Doctor in the House Dr. George Lee discusses two separate cases, both which involves patients getting and then ignoring their doctor's diagnoses, choosing instead to follow their own pre-conceived personal diagnosis. Dr George questions patients who run away from their doctor's diagnoses - are they in denial? Why see the doctor at all then? Look out also for discussions on...

It used to be that Caesarean sections were reserved for difficult or complicated births, but more women today are opting for C-sections for various reasons, including 'vaginal conservation'. Consultant obstetrician Dr. Premitha Damodaran discusses both natural (vaginal) and caesarean births, talking about the options available to women. She lists out the risks and complications that may come with...

Are you lying next to your partner, but in reality are miles apart? Falling in love is very easy, but staying and living in love, especially for the long haul, is a whole different game. Dr. Huang Wei-Jen is a clinical psychologist who deals with issues regarding marriage and family. He explains the many challenges that modern relationships face, touching also on what can make or break a relations...

A member of parliament was recently hospitalised after overindulging at a durian and goat-meat carnival. Too much of two very good things? Dietitian Datuk Farah DiBa Khan explains the finer intricacies of 'heaty' and 'cooling' food, it's effects on our bodies and gives more advice on proper eating habits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teh tarik, mamak, yum char - many of Malaysians social activities centre around eating and drinking. Doctor in the House, consultant urologist Dr George Lee discusses a patient case where a 40-something seemingly healthy Japanese expat - and self-proclaimed teh tarik fan - suffers a mild heart attack. As Dr George's own alarm bells start ringing, he discusses Malaysians love affair with food, and...

Sirocco Secrets Dance's Sherlyn Koh, bellydance instructor, performer and choreographer extraordinaire sheds some light on this ancient danceform, explaining how it has transformed into a fun and popular method for women to keep in shape. She lists the many health benefits bellydancing provides and why women shouldn't feel afraid or self-conscious to try it out.   See omnystudio.com/listener...

Malaysia is the tenth largest consumer market for alcohol in the world. Facts indicate that this consumption pattern is growing each year. Subsequently, find out about the effects of alcohol abuse here in Malaysia with Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Philip George.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.