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In 2019, Singapore saw its worst dengue outbreak in over three years, with 16,000 cases and 20 deaths. Assistant Professor Vincent Pang, Director, Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research (CIDER), said there is likely to be a similar outbreak in the middle of the year. This is especially so if many residents choose toRead more

A healthy diet remains the primary means to prevent chronic diseases among those with prediabetes. Dr Raymond Lim, Senior Lecturer, and Associate Professor Wong Mee Lian conducted a study with 433 pre-diabetic patients to assess factors associated with fulfilling the Health Promotion Board’s My Healthy Plate recommendation, and to explore reasons for their behaviour. It

The number of men who smoke and use tobacco is on the decline for the first time, marking a significant shift in a global epidemic that has killed tens of millions of people over past decades, according to a newly released World Health Organization (WHO) report. The change in global smoking trends also demonstrates how government-led

The recent news report (17 Dec) of a case of active tuberculosis (TB) found earlier this month at a PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Sparkletots preschool in Bukit Batok took some members of the public, who were under the impression that the disease has long been eradicated in Singapore, by surprise. Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang, Infectious

Over the last 50 years since its founding, the Singapore Cancer Registry (SCR) has captured data on all cancers by histological diagnosis, as well as notification by doctors through clinical assessment. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, SCR published a commemorative monograph dedicated to its founder, the late Emeritus Professor Kanagaratnam Shanmugaratnam. Hailed as Singapore’s

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) recently announced that a long term study it conducted has led to over 100 patients a year being taken off antibiotics after just a day, resulting in shorter hospital stays of about a week and cost savings of close to S$11,000 per patient. Associate Professor Hsu Li Yang, Infectious Diseases Programme Leader,

Singaporeans currently lead the world in life expectancy, with an average life span of approximately 85 years. This, along with an ageing population, has increased the need to identify and take measures to prevent the development of common conditions associated with old age such as cognitive impairment and dementia. A healthy diet comprising high intake

It was recently reported that a teenager in the United Kingdom became blind after years of living on junk food. The boy, who was described as a ‘fussy eater’, lived on food like french fries, potato chips, white bread, ham and sausages. The lack of nutrients from his diet led to visual impairment, and the

Researchers from Changi General Hospital (CGH) reviewed the quit rates of smokers from the hospital’s inpatient smoking cessation programme in relation to habits and sociodemographic factors. They found that smokers who were older, married and less dependent on nicotine were more likely to be successful in quitting. The study also found that smoking motivations (such

Congratulations to Associate Professor Fong Ngan Phoon on receiving the Wong Hock Boon Society–SMA Charity Fund (WHBS-SMACF) Outstanding Mentor Award 2019. The award recognises A/Prof Fong for his effort and dedication in guiding his students through their research work. Medical student Joshua Chia Chin Howe, who was the student group leader for the Community Health