Nerissa Ng

Pre-emptive pharmacogenomics (PPGx) involves testing an individual’s genes beforehand to identify genetic variations that raise the risk of negative reactions to specific medications. This proactive testing can expedite drug selection in emergencies by identifying suitable medications based on a patient’s genetic profile.

A pilot study funded by Precision Health Research Singapore (PRECISE) and led by the NUS Medical Organization, including the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, aims to incorporate pre-emptive pharmacogenomics (PPGx) into routine clinical practise.

In 2023, the number of seniors aged 65 and above living alone increased significantly to 78,135, up from 58,000 in 2018. Among those who are married, some may have children who have migrated abroad or live separately from their parents. Additionally, many seniors express their desire to live independently.

With these trends, the question arises: who will take care of seniors, and where will they go?

The World Economic Forum reported that #climatechange is likely to cause an additional 14.5 million fatalities and $12.5 trillion in economic losses worldwide by 2050.

Climate change can directly and indirectly impact public health, exacerbating half of #infectiousdiseases and affecting both air and water quality.

Hear from Assistant Professor Yann Felix Boucher as he delves into the innovative use of data and technology to drive climate change research and discusses the impact of climate change on vulnerable countries.

On 28 March 2024, the Centre for Environment and Occupational Health (CEOH) collaborated with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) to host a Practice Exam Workshop at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.

Led by Professor David Koh and Professor Anselm Su, the workshop provided comprehensive preparation for the Membership of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine Objective Structured Practical Examination (MFOM OSPE). It featured case scenarios, patient interactions, report writing exercises, and personalized feedback from experienced professionals. The workshop served as an invaluable resource for candidates taking the MFOM exams, empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed.

The COVID-19 pandemic showed the detrimental consequences of the lack of understanding of public health measures. Throughout the pandemic, governmental measures such as lockdowns, social distancing, and mask requirements were met with scepticism, doubt and unwillingness to comply.

Yet, it was also an opportunity to observe the correlation between the prevalence of public health education and compliance with public health measures. Hence birthed the creation of a card game as an easy and fun way to educate the public about the effectiveness of public health measures in tackling the pandemic and the importance of global cooperation.

Hear from Associate Professor Yann Felix Boucher and Dr Anna Szucs as they share more about the Lockdown! Card game in a webinar hosted by the American Society for Microbiology.

The Centre for Occupational & Environmental Health (CEOH), led by Associate Professor Ng Wee Tong, welcomed a delegation of 22 occupational health nurses from the Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, on 9 April 2024.

Their visit was part of a comprehensive study trip aimed at enhancing their knowledge and skills in occupational health. During the trip, they also visited Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Natsteel.

It’s through meaningful exchanges like these that we foster global collaboration and advance the field of occupational health. Here’s to many more fruitful exchanges in the future!

Climate change has a profound effect on the risk of contracting diseases.
Studies conducted locally suggest that higher humidity elevates the risk of melioidosis and #respiratorydiseases, while warmer conditions decrease the likelihood of respiratory infections and dengue, among other illnesses.
Hear from Assistant Professor Seow Wei Jie as she sheds light on the findings from 14 environmental epidemiology studies, which examined how environmental changes affect the relative risk of disease contraction.

Singapore’s tuberculosis (TB) cases have decreased slightly to 1,201 in 2023, primarily affecting the elderly and males, including two cases of multi-drug resistant TB. Despite a slight decline, TB remains endemic, with 220 new diagnoses in early 2024.

There is thus a need for more updated guidelines and better ways to control and treat the disease. Hear from Prof Hsu Li Yang, Vice Dean (Global Health), SSHSPH, who was involved in the updated guidelines, as he shares how the revised guidelines aims to be more patient-centric while supporting Singapore’s goal of TB elimination.

At a recent seminar organised by the Social Service Research Centre, Assoc Prof Mythily Subramaniam, emphasised the critical role interpersonal relationships, regular exercise and good eating habits in building mental resilience amongst youths. Gracing the event, Senior Minister of State for Health, Dr Janil Puthucheary, also called for Singapore to pivot its focus to early prevention and detection, including identifying relevant risk factors and cultivating psychological resilience from a young age, in order to progress further in efforts tackling the increasing mental health challenges adolescents face.

The ‘Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes’ (GUSTO) study—a collaboration between A*STAR’s Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, KKH, NUHS and NUS—has brought to light a health concern, that is, 18% of children in Singapore are on the path towards unhealthy lifestyles, marked by minimal physical activity, excessive screen time, and a love for ultra-processed foods. This has led to a troubling trend, with them being likely to develop pre-hypertension and elevated diastolic blood pressure – issues that could usher in a host of health challenges later in life.