Sunny Health

http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/boost-adult-immunisation-rates-doctors-suggest-free-flu-vaccines-and-targeting-patients

(Picture from Pixabay)

The year end is rainy and cold, and in low temperatures, it is when the flu bug comes out to play. Influenza isn't caused by the drop in temperatures. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the flu virus forms an outer coating in cold weather than enables it to fly through air. And as influenza is an air-bourne disease, this propagates the virus to spread more easily and inhaled by people. It is also theorised that people spend more time indoors due to the cold and rain, and that increases human contact with each other and thus, the spread of germs.

These days, perhaps due to poor lifestyle habits that lead to poor immune system, or flu viruses getting more resilient than before, a patient can be plagued by the virus for up to 3 to 4 weeks. Imagine feeling lethargic, having achy muscles and headaches for almost a month! It's certainly not something you want to experience in the upcoming holiday season.

Flu spreads easily through social contact, so one of the key things is to avoid close contact with people who are down with the flu. Sharing food and dining utensils, along with any other actions that could result in the exchange of saliva, are almost sure ways to contract the flu virus.

The virus spreads through air and transitional surface contact as well. Washing your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces (e.g. canteen table top, door knob, lift button, ATM machine) helps reduce direct exposure to the virus.

If you have to visit the hospital or take someone to the clinic, wear a mask, practise good hygiene habits and change your clothes and take a bath when you get home.

Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth where the virus is able to enter your body directly.

Strengthen your immune system. Get sufficient sleep, drink lots of water, consume healthy food like fruits and vegetables, exercise and manage your stress. People who are prone to stress tend to have a weaker immune system.

If you have to be in close contact with sick people e.g. family member or colleague, encourage to practise good habits, such as wearing a face mask to avoid the spread of saliva. They should cough and sneeze into a tissue, and dispose the tissue properly.

Consider antiviral medication, especially if you generally have a weaker immune system. Tamiflu and Relenza are prescription-only medications for the prevention and treatment of influenza. With school holidays coming up, you definitely want to consider packing some for your trip!

In olden day local dramas, a common dramatic death would feature a character hacking blood into his handkerchief on his deathbed, possibly surrounded by crying family members. Indeed, if one were to get tuberculosis in the past, that was essentially a death sentence.

Tuberculosis used to be a common and fatal disease in the 60s in Singapore. Due to medical advancements, heightened sanitation standards, and the Singapore Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (STEP) launched in 1997, this is now a fairly rare disease. However, it has seen a resurgence in recent years. Last year, several children contracted tuberculosis from a nurse in NUH, while just last week, it was reported that a cluster of six individuals in a HDB block in Ang Mo Kio were reported to have gone to Tan Tock Seng Hospital to seek treatment for tuberculosis. Thanks to the astuteness of Dr Cynthia who identified the connection between the patients, as well the patients’ own timeliness in seeking treatment, the situation is well under control.

Although tuberculosis is highly treatable these days, it can result in health complications and even be fatal if the treatment is delayed or denied. It is important to get diagnosed and receive treatment before the disease spreads.

Tuberculosis is air-bourne, and spread through droplets released into the air by someone who has active tuberculosis, usually by actions such as sneezing, coughing, talking etc. Unlike the flu/cold which is spread by similar means, tuberculosis is much less contagious. You are far more likely to contract tuberculosis from someone you come into close contact with on a daily basis, such as a co-worker or family member, rather than a stranger who sneezed next to you on the train.

Anyone can get tuberculosis, but the immune system is a major factor in fighting the tuberculosis bacteria. Those with a weaker immune system would be more susceptible to the disease. This includes people with HIV/AIDs, diabetes, severe kidney disease, some cancers, those who are receiving cancer treatment, on certain types of drugs, or who are suffering from malnutrition. Very young children and the elderly also have weaker immune systems. People with HIV/AIDS, in particular, are encouraged to go for regular tuberculosis screening in case they have Latent Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis has two forms:

Latent TB: The bacteria are an inactive state in the body. It is not contagious, and presents no symptoms. However, it can eventually turn into active TB, a process that can take a few weeks to a few years, and the probability is increased with a weakened immune system. It can be discovered through tuberculosis screening, and treatment at this stage is ideal to control the spread of the disease. Latent tuberculosis is contracted when infected by people with active tuberculosis.

For those who have been infected by someone with extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR TB), the latent TB will turn into the same kind of TB, which is difficult to treat via the normal medication for TB. The probability of fatality is higher. That’s why it is particularly important for people have been in frequent contact with TB bacteria carriers to go for screening, even if they don’t exhibit any symptoms of tuberculosis.

Among the most notable symptoms of tuberculosis include coughing up blood, prolonged coughing that lasts three weeks and beyond and pain in the chest, during breathing and/or coughing. Other typical symptoms of health problems may also present, including weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats and loss of appetite.

Because tuberculosis can affect various parts of the body aside from your chest, signs and symptoms may vary depending on the organs involved. Tuberculosis in the spine can give back pain, while tuberculosis in the kidneys may cause blood in the urine.

One should definitely consult the doctor as soon as possible if they exhibit symptoms of tuberculosis. Otherwise, irreversible damage could occur in the form of complications like spinal pain, joint damage, headache and changes to mental wellness (this is due to meningitis, or swelling of membranes that cover the brain), liver or kidney problems, and in rare cases, heart disorders.

Sources: Mayoclinic, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Promotion Board

• mild pain or discomfort in chest that may come and go
• pain in shoulders, neck, and jaw
• perspiring
• nausea or vomiting
• lightheadedness or fainting
• breathlessness
• feeling of "impending doom"
• severe anxiety or confusion

• pain, squeezing sensation, pressure in the chest that could vary in intensity or frequency
• Discomfort in any parts of the upper body, including your arms, left shoulder (nearer to the heart which is on the left), back, neck, jaw, stomach
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Feeling of indigestion
• Shortness of breath, even when resting
• Dizziness or feeling like you're going to pass out
• Breaking out in a cold sweat

• unusual fatigue lasting for several days or sudden severe fatigue
• sleep disturbances
• anxiety
• lightheadedness
• shortness of breath
• indigestion or gas-like pain
• upper back, shoulder, or throat pain
• jaw pain or pain that spreads up to the jaw
• pressure or pain in the center of your chest, which may spread to the arm

• severe chest pain
• pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• rapid or irregular heartbeat
• sweating

Symptoms of possible silent heart attacks include:

• mild discomfort in your chest, arms, or jaw that goes away after resting
• shortness of breath and tiring easily
• sleep disturbances and increased fatigue
• abdominal pain or heartburn
• skin clamminess

Silent heart attacks are more common among diabetic people and those who have had previous heart attacks. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to compare those who have had previous heart attacks to a ticking time bomb.

• Age; the risk increases once you are over 50 years old.
• Chronic diseases, notably diabetes and high blood pressure
• Being Asian and Afro-caribbean
• Eye injuries
• Severe nearsightedness
• Family history of glaucoma
• Use of steroids

Swollen calves are a challenge for the wardrobe; they look unflattering in mini skirts, shorts and leggings with funky prints, and that sucks if you're a fan of those. More importantly, they could be the cause or sign of underlying health problems. This is especially so if the rest of your body is average-sized or even slim.

Thick calves could be hereditary (check out your family members' pins). Usually this means that fat has a higher tendency to get stored in that area, which causes the area to become, well, fat. In fact, swollen calves tend to be more prominent in women because fat is more commonly stored in the lower body.

But swollen calves are also a sign of water retention or blood circulation problems. Sitting or standing too long is unhealthy, and a cause of swollen calves as well. Poor circulation problems can eventually lead to varicose veins, which is a much more unsightly and stubborn problem than swollen calves. Reducing swollen calves can consequently rectify some impending health issues, and of course, broaden your wardrobe choices.

Regardless the cause of your large calves, the following tips are designed to help you achieve better wellness overall and healthier legs:

Wear compression stockings

If you have a job that requires you to frequently stand or sit, these are a godsend. Used as a treatment device for varicose veins, they reduce the diameter of distended veins (veins that bulge out), causing an increase in blood flow in the veins and valve effectiveness. It is a safeguard measure against a variety of venous disorders like edema (severe water retention) with the benefit of relieving tired, aching legs. It should not be an excuse against being active.

Be active

Exercise is essential for overall well-being. Walking and long distance running are great ways to tone your legs while reducing body fat and improving circulation.Just look at the legs of marathon runners; they're muscly but slim. Certain types of exercises, especially high impact activities like sprinting, do build up calf muscles, which is probably not what you want if you're looking at this article. Low-impact activities that train your endurance are the way to go, and they're suitable for most age groups.

Walk correctly

We may have been walking since we were toddlers, but not everyone grows up walking in the correct manner. Poor posture when walking can lead to swollen ankles and calves along with a myriad of posture-related issues.

The right way to walk is to keep your back straight, head up. Looking down puts your head down, and your spin follows. This puts pressure on your back and neck, which can eventually cause pain in those areas. Yet another reason to put away your phones while walking!

When you walk, your knee should take the lead in putting your leg forward, not your foot. Leading with your foot causes the body to tilt backwards.

Here is a graphic on the correct way of walking:




Reduce amount of time in high heels

Sorry ladies, although high heels appear to elongate the legs when worn, constantly walking on the balls of your feet can build calf muscle, leading to thick calves. Furthermore, long-term wearing of high heels can cause many health problems, including permanent reshaping of leg muscles, causing pain when walking, and is therefore not much of a loss.


Use a foot pillow at night

Lie with your back on the bed (it's the best sleeping position!), and your feet on pillows 10 to 15 cm off the bed. If your knees feel uncomfortable, placing a bolster underneath helps. Elevating the feet above heart level helps to promote venous drainage and reduce swelling. If this sleeping position is impossible for you, just elevating your feet for 20 minutes is a great help.

However, this method is not suitable for people who have moderate to severe Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) who become short of breath when lying flat, or those with moderate to severe Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) who will experience pain in the feet when elevating their legs.


Daily Lymphatic massage

1. Starting from ankles working your way towards your knees, lightly massage legs. Avoid putting too much pressure into the massage, i.e. be gentle.
2. The back of your knees is where lymph ducts from legs (lymph node) accumulate, so apply pressure lightly in this area; it is sensitive.
3. Be sure to massage the area around your kneecap where swelling may be most prominent.

Repeat on both legs, 10 times for best results

If you have a bath tub, the best time to do this is during your bath time, when your blood circulation is best due to the warm water. If not, before bed time is good too when you're relaxed.

If your legs are visibly swollen, especially on one side, or if you experience pain and redness, you should seek a diagnosis from a doctor.

In this globalised era, it doesn't matter whether the disease originated from or where it is currently wrecking havoc in. People of diverse backgrounds cross borders all the time, being potential carriers of other viruses. Banning travel is obviously not a practical solution. We should not let our guards down, but we should not panic unduly either.

Preventing MERS is very similar to protecting yourself from flu. It all boils down to good sanitation practices and personal responsibility.

Observe good hygiene

Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after handling food, after going to the toilet, after touching shared surfaces that get plenty of human contact everyday, such as the handle bars and grab poles on the public transport and before coming in contact with the vulnerable such as babies and elderly.

If you have to cough, sneeze or spit, do so into a tissue, then throw the tissue into the bin. Wear a surgical mask if you are coughing and sneezing intermittently.

Avoid close contact with people who have influenza or respiratory problems. Avoid contact with stray animals, especially camels and bats, which are thought to be the original carriers of the disease. If contact has been made, sanitise your hands thoroughly with soap.

Go to the doctor if you exhibit symptoms

Symptoms are somewhat similar to the flu and you may be tempted to dismiss them, but considering that MERS has an almost 50% fatality rate, it would be unwise to be careless. Fever, cough and breathing difficulties are common symptoms.

The incubation period of the MERS virus is up to 14 days. If within 14 days you return from a MERS affected country and experience the symptoms, go to the hospital immediately. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Get vaccinated if you are in the high-risk group 

People in this group include frequent travellers, those aged 65 above and/or have chronic medical conditions. There is no vaccination against MERS. However, the influenza vaccination will help to protect against various flu strains which have the potential to cause serious pneumococcal infections. Many clinics offer influenza vaccinations, including the polyclinics. Those in the high-risk group may use their medisave to pay for the vaccination. Do not wait till the eleventh hour to get vaccinated if you’re travelling, as it takes 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination. Children who have not been vaccinated previously against influenza will require 2 doses with the interval of 4 weeks. For adults, only 1 dose is required.

In popular culture, zombies have always been associated with undead man-eating monsters that can induce fear alone with their rotting, bloody visage. Of course, they are also regarded as subjects of fantasy by most sane people. Although zealous fans would make themselves up as zombies and participate in zombie walks, organized public gatherings of people who dress up in zombie costumes for good, clean (subject to debate) fun.

On the other hand, there is a group of people who may not only move like zombies, but think they are somewhere between life and death. Before you laugh them off as maniacs, their condition is a real psychiatric problem known as the Cotard’s Syndrome, or the “Walking Corpse Syndrome”.

In 2003 report in the journal Neurology states that this condition is marked by “the fixed and unshakable belief that one has lost organs, blood or body parts” or has no soul.

In an interview with New Scientist , Graham, a victim of this condition, shared about his condition. He felt that he had lost his sense of smell and taste. He did not eat, and he rarely spoke as he felt that anything he did was meaningless. His teeth had turned black because he did not brush them, further convincing him that he was dead. Life became a nightmare as he struggled to find pleasure in life.

Graham was lucky to live to tell the tale. Victims of Cotard’s syndrome have reportedly died of starvation as they did not realise the need to eat. Others tried to use acid to get rid of their bodies in a bid to break free of their zombified state. They are indeed left for dead if they do not receive medical and social support.

It is not known how one ends up in such a state of mind, but some of the symptoms sufferers exhibit, such as lack of appetite, losing interest in things that used to pleasure them, and feeling that life is meaningless, do seem heavily associated with depression. Graham himself had been suffering from depression and attempted suicide by bringing an electrical appliance into the bath with him. The suicide attempt failed, but eight months later, he believed he had fried his brain in the bath.

PET scans of his brain activity were equally befuddling for the doctors, as they resembled that of someone who has been anaesthetised or is asleep.

Fortunately, the condition is not fatal if medical attention is received early. With plenty of psychotherapy and drug treatment, as well as attention from his brother and carers, Graham is on his way to recovery and no longer thinks he is dead. Cotard’s Syndrome is not at all common, but depression, which is far more common, has the potential to lead to fatal problems like Cotard’s Syndrome, and should be addressed early. Never underestimate the complexity and bizarreness of the human mind.

The next time someone tells you, without any tinge of humour, that they feel they are better off dead, don’t be too quick to brush them off.

In the 9 pm Mediacorp Drama "Life is Beautiful", a 25-year-old man fell victim to stroke which paralysed half of his body. Almost everyone who knew was in disbelief. How is it possible for a strong, healthy youth who was not overweight, to be hit by an "old person's sickness"?

The sad truth is, many youths these days are no longer as healthy as their ancestors in their younger days were. Many of them lead stressful lifestyles, do not eat healthily, and do not get sufficient quality rest and sleep. The 25-year-old in question was a chef who worked irregular hours, had a penchant for sugary things and slept only two hours a day.

These days, the three highs, or 三高 as the Chinese call it - high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high sugar level, are no longer "privileges" of the elderly population. Heck, even young people are getting dementia these days, but we'll discuss this in the next post. The point is, age is not an immunity, and we must not take our youthful bodies for granted by ruining our health with poor lifestyle habits.

Age remains a risk factor for stroke, but around the world, there have been cases of stroke occurring in infants, children, adolescents and young adults. In fact, the rate of stroke has been increasing for young and middle-aged people between 20 and 54 years of age. In children, stroke is still rare and usually caused by underlying health problems like infections, trauma, heart disorders, sickle cell disease, and dehydration, according to everydayhealth.com

And while young people do take a shorter time to almost complete recovery, as compared to an elderly stroke patient, the effects are devastating and often life-changing. It could mean financial problems especially if the person is a breadwinner or has a family to support, major disruptions in life, be it in your career, social life etc. It is especially crushing for an independent adult to develop a long-term disability out of the blue.

Preventing strokes in young adults

Go for annual body check-ups to identify underlying health problems.

Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases risk levels for stroke, along with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, all potential triggers for stroke. You should see a doctor for help with effective weight management.

Recognise symptoms of and control diabetes. It is important to go for regular check-ups if there's a history of diabetes in your family.

Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods. Avoid food high in saturated fat.

Stay away from drugs and smoking. Alcohol should only be consumed on an occasional basis, and in moderation. Yes, beer too. Beer contains lots of empty (useless) calories!

Get sufficient sleep, at least 6 to 8 hours a day.

Take it easy and don't let the stress get to you. Look at the bigger picture. Partial paralysis is a much more serious problem than a screaming customer.

Make time for your favourite past times that will help you relax. Yoga and meditation are tried and tested methods that help to empty the mind and calm your body, promoting overall wellness.


Good health management in your youth will lead to a healthier and more productive silver age. On the other hand, poor health management in your younger days, will snowball into much more serious issues in the old age. Would you rather spend the silver years enjoying fresh air and a walk in a park, or bed-ridden in a stale room? The choice is surely not hard to make.

If you're travelling this end of year, perhaps you may be concerned about the spread of Ebola which has already extended beyond Africa.

Fears of the deadly Ebola virus, previously only rampant in Africa, have revived fears when Patrick Sawyer, a plane passenger died from the virus. His sister had succumbed to the virus weeks ago, and he had boarded a flight from Liberia to Nigeria. Health workers are now frantically tracing all the people he had contact with on the flight.

With travel becoming more frequent today, illnesses are no longer contained in their source country, and such worries are not unfounded.

The virus is hard to detect in early stages, as symptoms can take from 2 to 21 days to appear. Issuing travel advisory to the sick is therefore virtually unhelpful as the victims may not even be aware that they have been infected by the virus in the first place. According to WHO, this illness is often characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.
There is currently no cure or immunisation for it. Depending on the type of strain, some victims are able to make full recovers while others die from it.

That is not to say that one should get all panicky about it. The disease is only transmitted through close contact, via blood, secretions and other bodily fluids and discharge, including urine and faeces. Patrick Sawyer had been vomiting and having diarrhoea on the plane, which led to concerns of transmission. But most people are usually not in any real danger of contracting the virus unless they are health care workers or researchers who are often in close vicinity of the victims or their samples.

To reduce risks of contracting this disease:

- Avoid travel if you exhibit any of the above symptoms, even if you feel well enough. Your immunity is low when you're not in top form, and that increases the risk of falling ill.

- See a doctor  if you exhibit any of the above symptoms, and avoid close contact with others. With people going places these days, even if you yourself have not travelled, you may meet someone who has travelled to the affected region and is a potential carrier of the virus. Be responsible to yourself and your loved ones.

- Practise good basic hygiene, including washing hands, wearing a mask when sick, covering your mouth when sneezing, and use of protective equipment when advised or when necessary.

- When abroad, avoid close bodily contact when possible, especially with people you don't know. Take a leaf out of the Obamas' books and fist-bump instead of shaking hands. Avoid touching animals too. Fruit bats are considered natural hosts of the Ebola virus.

But perhaps the only things that can truly prevent this disease from wrecking havoc in its African host countries, brings hope for a cure or vaccination against this virus are intangible things like education, communication and research. If you're like to support the cause, Doctors Without Borders is one reputable organisation helping to battle humanitarian emergencies.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month in America, during which campaigns and events grow more prolific in raising awareness on stroke and how to prevent it. In Singapore, we may not have such a national campaign as of yet, but it is important that we promote awareness about it, considering that stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and accounts for more than 10 per cent of deaths in Singapore.

There are several risk factors and symptoms for stroke, but one commonly overlooked one is daytime drowsiness. Considering that many Singaporeans complain about a hectic, overworked lifestyle that may require working till late, daytime drowsiness is brushed off as something inevitable. Yet a new study published in PLOS Medicine reveals strong indications that sleep problems, marked by daytime drowsiness, may be an indication of a potential threat, and one of the reasons why many heart attacks and strokes come suddenly without symptoms.

According to a study in the American Heart Association journal, people with insomnia have a 54 percent higher risk of stroke.

Age isn't a defining factor for stroke, and young people aged 18 - 34 with insomnia are eight times more likely to suffer a stroke than those who have sufficient quality sleep.

By the way, children and babies get strokes too.

Here are some reasons why poor quality sleep can be a warning sign of impending stroke:

Increased blood pressure: Blood pressure drops by 10 to 20 percent when asleep. The longer one stays awake, the higher the average blood pressure. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke.

Resistance to insulin: Previous studies show that sleep deprivation causes dramatic change in insulin levels. Insulin resistance is one of the main causes of heart attacks.

Increase in food and calorie intake: Not sleeping increases the levels of appetite-regulating hormones. That is why you may have a craving for a snack if you're still up at midnight, and this leads to packing on excess calories, which is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and consequently, stroke.

Increased inflammation: Inflammation in the arteries can increase the threat if Cardiovascular disease, as well as trigger heart attacks and strokes.

It is important to note that daytime drowsiness does not cause strokes, but insufficient sleep, along with the myriad of chronic diseases associate with it, does. If you feel that you're constantly sleepy, don't panic and assume the worst, but try to solve the problem by exploring possible causes and rectifying them. Avoiding late night usage of electronic gadgets like your computer, phone and ipad, going to bed at a regular schedule preferably by 11pm, and using relaxing rituals like sniffing lavender essence and listening to soothing music may help to improve your sleep.

If you are still experiencing daytime fatigue, or are not sleeping well or sufficiently, get a diagnosis from a doctor.

With that said, here is a short and simple-to-remember list on identifying symptoms of stroke that many American stroke awareness organisations swear by:

February is a month that symbolises love, but did you know that it is also Heart Month in America? The heart is often seen as a symbol of love, and therefore, the Americans have assigned it to the month of love, as a reminder to show yourself love and to keep your heart healthy for the sake of yourself and your loved ones.

Fortunately, heart disease, also known as CVD or Cardiovascular Disease, as several risk factors that can be controlled by yourself. Have some self-discipline, and it isn't all the difficult to keep your heart healthy.

Eat Healthily
Consume fresh fruits and vegetables in ample amounts. A healthy adult should have at least five servings a day. Sodium, saturated fat and trans fat, and bad cholesterol are risk factors for high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, which are in turn, risk factors for CVD, so steer away from them as much as possible!

Have a healthy weight
Obesity is a risk factor for CVD. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is an effective indicator of whether your weight lies in the healthy range.Use HPB's BMI calculator to determine if your weight is in the healthy range. If it isn't, it is time to look into adjustments in your diet, exercising more, and perhaps even engaging a dietician to help you.

Exercise more
Exercise not only helps you to lose weight, it also strengthens your heart muscles, and helps to release stress, a significant cause of high blood pressure and conversely CVD. A brisk walk in the park can help to take your mind off things that matter less than your health.

Don't smoke, limit alcohol use
Both vices are risk factors for CVD, so avoid them as much as possible. According to HPB, men should drink no more than 2 standard drinks a day, and women, no more than 1. A standard alcoholic drink is defined as can (220 ml) regular beer, 1 glass (100 ml) wine or 1 nip (30 ml) spirits.

Get enough good quality sleep
Let your heart have optimal rest to repair itself.

Get friends and family involved
It's a lot of easier and fun to pick up healthy habits when you have company for your exercises, sports, healthy dinners etc. Spread the awareness on the importance of a healthy heart, it's a great way to show your love and appreciation for their presence in your life!

Already down with CVD-related illnesses? (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes)
Don't despair. You can keep your condition under control if you practice good health habits as discussed above. Above all, make sure you're getting medical help. Work closely with your health care team and follow their advice. Monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, have your cholesterol checked regularly, and take your medicine as instructed.

In today's budget speech, a slew of medical benefits were announced for elderly Singaporeans:

The Pioneer Generation (those who were at least 16 years old in 1965 and citizens by 1987) will get an additional 50% off their net subsidised bills at SOC and polyclinics and extra outpatient subsidies in 3 areas.