WORDS LIM TECK CHOON The 2015 Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey found the prevalence of mental health problems has increased from 10.6% in 1996 to 29.2% in 2015. The prevalence is highest among those aged 16 to 19, with 18.3% having depression and 10% having suicidal thoughts. Some of the factors associated with this increase include: Unemployment Financial difficulties Family and relationship problems Poor coping skills Insufficient social support WHAT IS KEEPING OUR YOUTH FROM SEEKING HELP? Barriers that are keeping young adults from seeking help include: Poor understanding o ..read more

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON HEAT WAVE AT A GLACE The official definition of a heat wave in Malaysia is a period when the daily maximum temperature is higher than 37ºC for 3 consecutive days. As of 12 May 2023, the Ministry of Health has recorded a total of 14 cases of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke (4 cases), heat exhaustion (4 cases) and heat cramps (6 cases). The Ministry expects the number of such cases to increase until August 2023! Heat awareness at a glance, courtesy of International SOS. Click for a larger, clearer version. Dr Chan Yanjun tells us: “Heat waves can lead to heat e ..read more

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON On May 17, 2023. Malaysian digital health and e-prescription provider DOC2US and the Malaysian AIDS Council officially launched the first ever Virtual HIV Clinic in this country. Associate Professor Dr Raja Iskandar Shah Raja Azwa, President of the Malaysian AIDS Council, said, “It is great to see a significant increase in telemedicine and virtual platforms available for medical consultations for persons with or at risk of HIV post-COVID.” ABOUT THE VIRTUAL HIV CLINIC It provides accessible, equitable, and inclusive healthcare to people living with HIV and key populations ..read more

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON To the Chinese, 2024 marks the auspicious Year of the Dragon. The dragon symbolizes courage, wisdom, and success—qualities that most couples would like to hope for their child. Hence, many would plan to have a ‘dragon baby’ come the next year! “Planning for parenthood however, requires a lot more than just jumping into the process of baby-making,” says Dr Chong Kuoh Ren with a laugh. As it is never too early to plan, he offers some tips for parents to have a healthy pregnancy and baby in 2024. START WITH A PRE-PREGNANCY HEALTH CHECK “A preconception checkup is a good idea ..read more

WORDS IRIS CHIN Malaysia’s healthcare system is underinvested, overburdened, and has faced increasingly urgent calls for improvements to our national healthcare policies and strategies. While public concern surrounding COVID-19 has largely fizzled out, the pandemic has brought to light the fractures in our public healthcare system. This includes specialist shortages, chronic under-funding, and the need to future-proof our health infrastructure to alleviate the burden borne by hospitals. BUDGET 2023 YET TO ADDRESS POLICY FOCUS IMBALANCE Budget 2023 has allocated RM36 billion to strengthen the ..read more

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON Alpro Pharmacy has announced the first dedicated scholarship for pharmacy students in the country called the Alpro Prestige Scholarship. SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS It offers up to RM600,000 per year, Each recipient will receive RM20,000 financial support. The amount is divided into RM10,000 each year for their third and fourth year of studies. Upon graduation, there will be a guaranteed placement for Pre-Registration Pharmacist (PRP) training followed by a job offer as a professional community pharmacist with exclusive remuneration package. WHO CAN APPLY The scholarship is open ..read more

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON “For most, Mother’s Day is the one Sunday a year where mothers from all walks of life are especially honoured for their dedication, love and sacrifice. At the same time, the celebration can be a painful experience for those coping with infertility,” says Dr Liza Ling Ping, a fertility specialist. She adds that for women facing infertility issues, the constant reminders of the joys of motherhood during that day may affect them mentally, physically, as well as emotionally. START WITH SELF-COMPASSION Be kind and shower care to yourself, the same kindness and compassion that ..read more

WORDS PROFESSOR DR CHRIS GIBBINS & PROFESSOR TING KANG-NEE On Earth Day, observed on 22 April and themed ‘Invest In Our Planet’, we would like to call your attention to the pressing matter of microplastic pollution. Did you know that Malaysia is ranked third (after The Philippines and India) in the list of countries contributing most to marine plastic pollution? Dutch academic Lourens JJ Meijer highlighted these rankings in a paper published in 2021, and the position of Malaysia should be enough to cause us to reflect on our contribution to the global problem of plastic waste. WHAT ARE MI ..read more

WORDS DR NIZAR ABDUL MAJEED KUTTY People with diabetes are living longer now, which is incredibly exciting. Still, they are vulnerable to accelerated muscle loss or sarcopenia, an often-overlooked condition that occurs in people with type 2 diabetes. MUSCLE LOSS IS NORMAL WHEN WE AGE It is normal for individuals to lose 3% to 8% of their muscle mass per decade beginning at age 30, and the rate of decline is even higher after the about age 60. Muscle strength declines even more rapidly; at a rate of 3% to 4% per year in men and 2.5% to 3% per year in women by the age of 75. HOWEVER, PEOPL ..read more

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON WHY DOES MY CHILD HAVE ECZEMA? Dr Melanie Majaham explains that: Eczema usually happens in a child that already has a tendency for dry skin. The child’s skin becomes inflamed and very itchy when they are exposed to triggers such as chemicals, sweat and heat. Red, dry, itchy patches form on the skin as a result of the inflammation. Because of the itch, the child will constantly scratch their skin, which can lead to further damage to the skin. Blisters, oozing, crusting, and sores are some possible consequences from the constant scratching. Such damaged skin leaves the chi ..read more