Health & Living

In conjunction with World Mental Health Day in October, we look at the role that occupational therapy plays in the treatment and support of people with various mental health conditions. Aifah Jamaludin, Exco of the Malaysian Occupational Therapy Association, and Zurairah bt Senin, Occupational Therapist, join us to explore the principles and interventions of occupational therapy within the context...

Depression and psychosis turned Amornthep Sachamuneewongse from an outgoing extrovert, into a reclusive person who no longer found joy in his life. On this episode of ‘ Because Feelings Matter ’, Amornthep - known to his family and friends as Sanju - shares how he battled a difficult journey of diagnosis and treatment, and found a new vocation in mental health advocacy, running the Sati App Founda...

The spine has a normal curve, which helps to distribute your weight evenly and allows your body to withstand all kinds of stresses due to daily movements and activities. However, what happens when the spine develops an abnormal curvature, in a condition known as scoliosis? Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Rajesh Singh sets the story straight on scoliosis, and addresses some common myths and misco...

What do women with breast cancer really want, after they have been diagnosed? Is a long survival time most important to them, or is it good quality of life and cost-effective care? Healthcare providers may assume that they know the needs of their patients, but in true patient-centred care, there should be a systematic method of assessing patients’ needs and incorporating them into their care. For...

For many older adults, ageing in place at home is the ideal as it provides a sense of familiarity and helps them to maintain their independence for as long as possible. But it can be challenging for older adults who have mobility or even cognitive challenges as they age, which is where technology can step in. On this episode of Healthy Ageing, Prof Dr Teh Pei Lee, Director of the Gerontechnology L...

The 2023 Rugby World Cup is in full swing across France with quarter-final matches having happened over the weekend. We check in with Asst Prof Dr Wazien Wafa, emergency medicine specialist as well as medical trainer with World Rugby on the importance of pitchside medicine in collision sports like rugby and how these sports can be made safer for all athletes. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Victor Velt...

On the Health & Living segment, we look at the allocations in Budget 2024 for health, and what tone the budget is setting for the health reform agenda outlined in the Health White Paper.  Professor Dato' Dr Syed Mohamed Aljunid, Professor of Health Economics, Policy and Management, joins us for this discussion.  He is also on the exco of the Malaysian Public Health Physicians’ Associ...

When we think about the causes of violence, abuse, and dysfunctional behaviour, we have to look deeper at the trauma that might have occurred generations before. Adverse childhood experiences can lead to intergenerational trauma, if left unaddressed over the years. However, if trauma can be passed down intergenerationally, can you also foster intergenerational healing? We discuss with Dr Elena Qui...

Awareness of psoriasis as a debilitating and chronic autoimmune disease, rather than just a skin disorder, has been slow in building up. People with psoriasis live with chronic and painful skin problems, characterised by flare-ups that are triggered by stress or illness. Among the different types of psoriasis, generalised pustular psoriasis is a rarer form, but causes a tremendous amount of pain a...

In this episode of The Heart of Medicine, we sit down with consultant cardiologist Dr Kannan Pasamanickam, to discuss the role of empathy in healthcare, how empathy transforms the patient-provider relationship, and the challenges healthcare practitioners face in maintaining empathy amid a high-stress environment. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do psychiatrists equip themselves with the skills and training to help people cope with the increase in mental health problems and diagnoses? In conjunction with World Mental Health Day on 10 October, this month’s episode of Humans of Healthcare features a psychiatrist, Dr Ravivarma Rao Panirselvam, to help us understand the training pathway to become a psychiatrist, and the various roles that...

Nicotine replacement therapy in the form of gums was first approved for use in smoking cessation in 1984, in the United States. Fast forward almost 40 years later, we now have several types of NRT in the market, many of which are available here in Malaysia as well. But as we continue to grapple with tackling the prevalence of smoking, how accessible is NRT to smokers who want to try and quit? We s...

It tastes good and it’s often affordable. Ultra-processed food is everywhere and most of us consume some form of it every day. But can it really be that bad for our health if we’ve been eating it for years? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by nutritionist Dr Wong Jyh Eiin from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to unpack what exactly is UPF and how we can all be more mindful of what we eat...

For some women with breast cancer, a mastectomy is a lifesaving procedure. Yet, it can also have a big impact on the woman’s self-esteem and body image, which is where breast reconstruction surgery comes in. In conjunction with Pink October, learn more about what the whole process looks like from end-to-end from the perspective of both a surgeon and a patient. We speak to consultant breast surgeon...

When we think of a strong person, many of us automatically think of someone who’s visibly muscular. But is that what strength really means? Why does strength training matter and how can we start? Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Harjeet Singh joins us to share whether building muscles should be the ultimate goal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to women's sexual and reproductive health issues, there are pressing needs that have not received enough resources or attention. Funding sexual and reproductive health services is an investment that saves the lives of women and children, while also strengthening families and communities. We'll be shining a spotlight on what healthcare and gender rights experts want to see in Budget 2...

Consultant clinical psychologist Paul Jambunathan joins us to shed light on the question of what makes us laugh, and what are the effects of laughter and humour on our mental and physical wellbeing. Find out your humour style in this self-questionnaire . Image Credit: 123RF See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s Midterm Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan has a specific focus on improving the wellbeing of the aged population as one of the key strategies in empowering specific target groups. In conjunction with International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, Professor Nathan Vytialingam, Advisor to the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society, and consultant geriatrician Professor Dr Shahrul Bahyah Kamaru...

An injury or health condition that causes temporary or permanent disability can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to work. However, this doesn’t mean the end of your career and livelihood. Occupational therapy plays an important role in rehabilitation following an injury or medical condition, in order for you to return to work. We explore how the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO...

Throughout her childhood, university studies and early working years, Teng Yan seemed to live the perfect life. From high-performing student to model employee, she thought she had everything under control. But one day, her skin began to break out in painful, debilitating rashes and wounds. For years, none of the physical therapies helped, until she decided to address the years of cumulative mental...

Trim, fit and active, Farid Emran does not look like your average heart patient. And yet, at the age of 49, he discovered that he had five blockages in his arteries, and was given the choice of open-heart surgery or angioplasty. In conjunction with World Heart Day in September, this episode of NCD Chronicles features Farid’s story of how he came to terms with this shocking diagnosis, his family hi...

Over the past week, the government has tabled, debated, and passed the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review in a special parliament sitting. With two more years to go before the 12MP is up in 2025, we take a look at how we’re doing now, with a special focus on healthcare accessibility for low-income groups, and whether current programmes such as the Madani Medical Scheme and the PeKa B40 are enough...

As our population continues to become an ageing population, frailty among older adults is emerging as a serious public health problem. Frailty leads to a higher risk of adverse health events like falls, disability, and even mortality. But are we picking up on frailty in the community and what are we doing about it? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we’re joined by Dr Ahmad Munawwar Helmi Salim, f...

Did you know that there is a two-way connection between your gut and your brain? A troubled gut can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to your gut. But just how much do we know about what influences this two-way communication? And how much can our actions in our daily lives influence this relationship? Neurogeneticist Dr Azlina Ahmad Annuar is back on the Brain Wa...

On this month’s episode of Ask A Doctor, we speak to consultant respiratory physician Dr Azza Omar on all things related to your respiratory health and how we can stay healthy amidst the ongoing haze season.   Image Credit: 123RF/abdulrazaklatif See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.