For a long time, dengue fever is often diagnosed among populations living in tropical and subtropical climates because that is the environment where the Aedes mosquitoes - the vector of the virus - thrives in. But as climate change causes temperatures the rise, the mosquitoes are now able to live and thrive in more temperate countries, exposing more people to the virus. Will this be the wake-up call that the world needs to better address dengue fever - which has yet to have an effective treatment? Joining me to share her insights and what it would mean for dengue to be seen as a global health ..read more

If you have diabetes, don’t take your vision lightly. Diabetes can cause damage to the eyes, if you don’t control your blood glucose levels well. In fact, one of the major diabetic eye diseases, diabetic retinopathy, is a leading cause of blindness in Malaysia. But is loss of vision inevitable if you have diabetes? Dr V. Gayatri Devi, Ophthalmologist and Eye Surgeon (and Medical Retina sub-specialist), joins us to shine a light on preventing diabetic eye diseases, and managing the progression of vision loss. Image credit: 123rf ..read more

When you hear about Kiwanis Malaysia, the first (or only) thing you may think about is their work to help children with Down Syndrome. The Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation has been running for 34 years, and is one of the most well-known initiatives by the service club. District Governor Michael Chiew and District Secretary Dato’ Stewart LaBrooy join us to tell us more about how Kiwanis Malaysia supports children with Down Syndrome, as well as children with other special needs, through their various centers and special projects around the country ..read more

Each year we celebrate a number of disability days, such as World Autism Awareness Day in April, International Day of Persons with Disabilities in December, and many more. These are commemorative days that are aimed at increasing the visibility of people with disabilities and their rights, and are often celebrated along with statements and promises to improve support and services for people with disabilities. Consultant paediatrician Dato’ Dr Amar Singh joins us to delve into whether real progress has been made for the community, and why we need more transparency and accountability from govern ..read more

Diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke - get three or more, for the price of one. People with diabetes have a higher risk of other cardiorenal metabolic diseases, and this is cause for alarm, considering the high prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia. What is the link among these diseases, and how do we disrupt this deadly cluster? Dr Feisul Mustapha, Director of the Perak State Health Department, and Prof Dr Rohana Abdul Ghani, President of the Malaysian Obesity Society, joins Azrul Mohd Khalib on the Public Health series. Image Credit: 123RF ..read more

More than 55 million people live with dementia globally, and dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people. Yet, there remains a stigma towards dementia, affecting their ability to still lead dignified lives. How can we break past that stigma to ensure that care partners are able to support both the person living with dementia and their care partner? Do we need a different approach to dementia care? We find out from dementia care expert Teepa Snow, who is in Malaysia for a visit from the U.S ..read more

When was the last time you slept so well that you felt entirely refreshed and ready for the day ahead? How often do you find yourself waking up on the wrong side of the bed? Sleep and mental health are closely interlinked: poor sleep can negatively impact your mental health while mental health disorders can also affect your sleep. On this episode of Mind Matters, consultant psychiatrist Dr Ravivarma Rao Panirselvam joins us to dive into the relationship between sleep and our mental health, and how we can - hopefully - stop sleep procrastination. Image credit: Shutterstock ..read more

In our open clinic segment, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Somasundaran Satthapam joins us to answer all your questions on face lifts, Botox injections, liposuctions and more. Dr Somasundaram also addresses important questions, like how do you know if you need these procedures, and who is the right expert to see? Image credit: 123rf ..read more

When we see a doctor, we share a story, starting with our description of the symptoms to our doctor (“this is the problem I’ve been having”), followed by the doctor’s delivery of a diagnosis (“this is what you have”), and prescription of therapy (“this is what you need to do”). However, patient care doesn’t depend on this linear narrative alone - doctors seek to explore a deeper understanding of their patients’ suffering, informed by their own relationships and experiences. But do healthcare providers today have the time or the skills to explore the nuances and contexts of patients’ stories? A ..read more

As the name suggests, sports medicine physicians often work with professional and amateur athletes to ensure that they are always able to play at their level best. But what exactly do sports medicine physicians do? Do they only work with athletes? And does being a sports medicine physician mean you have to be extremely fit and athletic as well? On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to Dr Arvin Raj to find out the answers to these and more ..read more