|
Anxiety & StressAnxiety can manifest in numerous ways. We all experience anxiety from time to time, feeling stressed and tensed are manifestations of anxiety. Anxiety is normal and as said, we all have times where we feel very nervous and thus make us feel anxious. Anxiety is a system in our body that helps us adapt to danger in our surroundings. Our body’s “fight flight freeze” (adrenaline rush) is triggered when we experience anxiety. When we think that here is danger, then response is great when there is actual danger not when we are nervous when we give speeches/riding a roller coaster. Anxiety’s manifestation differ from one person to another, some of them are:
Anxiety is first manifested through thoughts and actions. After our brain processes the “danger” information. Then it manifests in our body like the ones mentioned above. Usual anxiety are normal and are short term in nature. However, in some cases anxiety becomes a problem when: • Danger reacting if there is no actual danger • Anxiety disorder – includes phobias • Causes panic attacks • Psychological effects • Negative impact on relationships and day to day life Managing anxiety is relatively easy. When stress is experienced, one should relax and calmly think of positive and peaceful things. Different people have different ways to calm themselves and to remove fear from thoughts. However, in some severe cases, specialists/doctors offer services than can cure such disorder. Some of them are health programs like assertiveness training to help you fight fear, therapies for the mind, medications and guiding you to a healthier and stress free lifestyle. Where can you find more information about anxiety and stress? Contact Faith Medical Group at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics! |
|
Body Fat Measurement & AnalysisNowadays, measuring body fat has been a prevalent method of analyzing ones health condition. By regularly measuring body fat percentage, one can adjust his/her training and manage their weight and health accurately. With this, by measuring body fat, one can know the percentage of muscles, bone, organs etc. as well. For instance, a man that has unhealthy fad diet, most often loses more muscle than fat and thus weighs lighter (muscle is heavier than fat). One more advantage of measuring body fat is in terms of sex. Men and women differ in their standard percentage of fat. Women, naturally has a lot more than men, since women require more fat for reproduction purposes. Another use for body fat is when you can determine the real health condition of a person. A person can look fabulous in the outside but can be really unhealthy on the inside (as explained by fad diets).
It is very important to accurately measure your body fat. There are several ways to measure it. Skinfold caliper – this is a device used manually, which means it measures the fold on the skin and assumes that it measures the underlying layer of fat. It applies pressure on the skin and has scale on its device in millimeters. Determining muscle loss- this method requires a weighing scale and some computations. A person’s weight is multiplied by the % of the body fat. This will yield the total pounds of body fat. Once subtracted from the weight, we will get the weight of the lean mass. By doing a before training and after training computation, we will know whether we gained lean mass or just fat. Determining weight and fat proportions – Once weight and fat are known variables, we can now determine what the proportion body fat is for a specific person. Here is how we do it. [ (100 - %body fat) / (100 - desired body fat %) ] x present weight = weight for the desired % of body fat. In the end, we should always consult our specialists/doctors to accurately determine our body fat and our ideal percentage for this. Where can you find more information? Contact Faith Medical Group at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics! |
|
Weight Loss ProgrammeTired of trying all sorts of weight loss program and still see no results after cutting down your calories? Well there are many factors affecting a person’s weight. The first and foremost critical step towards achieving proper weight loss is through analysis and identification of a proper weight loss program for your body type.
Where do we start? First, you talk to your health care provider, they would know best which diet program would suit your body type. It is important to consult with your specialist and be open with him/her so that accurate measures are taken. It is also helpful to write down your questions in advance, invite a friend/family member with you for support and discuss your goals. What should you look for in a programme? It should be fully noted that a program should have a successful LONG term benefits and not just another crash diet wherein you get fast and instant results and drastically decrease weight. Safe and effective weigh loss should have a plan for the long-term, proper guidance of physical activities and development of healthy eating habit and lastly, ongoing feedback, monitoring and evaluation of progress and changes. What questions are usually asked? Your specialists should be able to answer all your questions. Your health specialist should also present the risks involved in the diet suggested. The doctor/specialist should also present to you the costs of this program such as fees for weekly visits, meal replacements, medicines or dietary supplement, and diagnostic tests. In the end, proper weight loss is largely dependent on the way you see the program. If you personally want to improve your health and life a healthier lifestyle, then you will succeed. Otherwise, if you do not treat this program seriously, then money will jut be put to waste. Always remember that being healthy should be part of your life and not just a short-term goal of looking better on the outside. Being healthy will give you better you, inside and out. Contact Faith Medical Group at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics! |
|
Eating DisorderHave you ever looked at the mirror and see yourself 10x more weight than you actually weigh? Do you often call yourself fat when all your friends and family tell you that you need to eat more? Many women nowadays, with the pressure of media and the accompanied stress at work/school, develop eating disorders to maintain a thin physique, sometimes too much. Below is a list of the most common eating disorders of women.
Anorexia Nervosa It is a disorder that is characterized with a refusal to eat and denial of hunger. Delusion of being fat, avoidance of food, obsession with weight loss and consistent body dissatisfaction. It also includes extreme fear of gaining weight, in taking calories and the like. Most women who have this disorder are very skinny, almost bone-like structure. They have hollow faces and looks very mature due to the lack of nutrients in their body. They have constipation, dry and yellowish skin, extreme hair loss, weak immune system (sickly) and severe muscle weakness. Anorexia Nervosa, when left untreated will ultimately lead to death. Anorexia though very common can be cured. 1. See your doctor immediately. 2. Seek help in gaining weight 3. Treating physiological issues 4. Use of medication Bulimia Nervosa Bulimia is similar to all other eating disorders where one prevents the intake of calories to avoid weight gain. It is usually characterized by unusually frequent eating of meals and consuming large amounts of food (binge eating). After eating a lot, purging or vomiting voluntarily is done by the person to withdraw all the food he/she has eaten. People with bulimia can be described as having normal weight for their age. Since purging is done to withdraw the food consumed people who have eating disorders such as this have inflamed throat, increasingly sensitive teeth and decaying due to the acid from the stomach, reflux disorder and dehydration from purging of liquids. Bulimia can be cured by 1. Seeking your doctor’s help 2. Behavioral therapy 3. Improving physiological disposition 4. Proper Medication Binge Eating Unlike the previous eating disorders, people who have this kind are usually obese. They have low self control and tend to eat more than enough. They experience guilt/shame and hopelessness, which can lead to more binge eating. Binge eaters may be experiencing distress/physiological problems that lead them to this habit. People who have such disorders are described as overweight, have heart problems, organ failures and the likes. Binge eating can be cured by 1. Seeking your doctor’s help 2. Behavioral therapy 3. Improving physiological disposition 4. Proper Medication and diet Where can you find more information about eating disorders and the likes? Contact Faith Medical Group at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics! |
|
Weight & DietSeeing the scale go up the number system or point to a higher number, may mean different things. Adding more pounds does not necessarily mean that you have gained more fats, it can mean that you have gained more muscles which we all know is heavier than fat. However, not everyone of us experience this circumstances.
More people are adding the few extra pounds due to numerous reasons. Weight gain can be caused by stress-eating, eating unhealthy foods/junk foods or fast foods. It also means that there is more calorie intake than calorie expenditure. Looking good, having a proportion body mass index as well as eating right can make a big difference in your life. Not only physically but also emotionally and mentally. According to the New England Journal of Medicine (2011), specific dietary and lifestyle changes are directly proportion to long-term weight loss. Which mean that changing lifestyle should not only be temporary but a way of life. In addition, crash diets and drastic weight loss can lead to future binge eating and may increase the risks of getting eating disorders. We will be discussing specific eating disorders and its symptoms in the next few articles. Here are some ways to cut a few calories. A little extra step can make a difference in the long run. Walking more often. Instead of taking the escalator or elevator in malls, why not try using the staircase to burn more calories. Switch your daily white carbs consumption to wheat and fibrous carbs. Avoid juices that give you complex sugars that are harder to convert to energy thus harder to burn. Pack your snacks and bring them to work/school (ingredients that are healthier) than buying fast food outside. Drink lots of water. Hydrating your body will help increase your metabolism and flush out toxins. Snacking fruits and vegetables are way better than munching on chips. Avoid eating in front of the television since you get to lose track of the amount of food you eat. Yes eating salad is a good start but watch out for that dressing, you might end up consuming around 600 plus calories on just your dressing. Oil based dressings are favorable than the creamy mayonnaise based ones. Consult your doctors regularly to make sure that you are healthy inside and out. And that you are doing the right thing in keeping your lifestyle healthy. Where can you find more information about menstrual cramps and the likes? Contact Faith Medical Group at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics! |
|
Nutritional CounsellingSome of us maybe new to children. We may be first-timers on being a parent and despite all the advices of our relatives and family as well as their help, we may still find it hard to do it as it is, on our own. With the help of researches and other books, we may at least have a wider knowledge on the nutritional needs of our child.
For the first 6 months – your baby only needs breastfeeding. The baby and the mother would have a mutual bond and closeness. Also, the baby would also get nutrition from the mother, in that, the latter has to eat a well-balanced diet and should be healthy at all times (please ask your doctors for specific meal plans/foods that should and should not be eaten). Breastfeeding should also be done on demand, both day and night at about 8 to 12 times a day to increase milk supply. After 6 months, the baby should be having complementary food aside from the breast milk. Baby food, vegetables and etc. should be given. With this, it is very important to consult with your doctors on what should and should not be given. Consulting with your pediatrician about your baby’s health is also a must. He/she would be giving medications, vitamins and food instructions for the baby. In addition, your doctor will also keep track of your baby’s weight and height, any abnormalities and vaccinations. On the personal note, you should also keep a personal medical record of your baby to keep track of his/her progress, sickness, vaccination record and the likes. At the end of this all, everyone just wants their baby to be healthy, as they say, health is wealth! Where can you find more information? Contact Faith Medical Group or drop by at our clinics! |
|
Cough & ColdThe usual connotation would be that cough is a sickness. But truthfully, cough is a defense mechanism of our body to clear out secretions from our airways. In addition, the body has this defense mechanism due to respiratory tract infection. However, cough can be a common symptom of infection, just like asthma having cough as its symptom. Today, we will be discussing more on the infections of the respiratory tract that has a common symptom of cough.
Respiratory tract infection is one of the most frequent sicknesses of children as well as adults. While most infections caused by viruses usually go away soon with over the counter medicines or antibiotics, some do not. Infections involving throat, lungs and main airway of your body are collectively called infections on the upper tract infection. Some of its symptoms are, as mentioned, cough, accompanied by fever, head ache, having hard time to breath and pain on the chest. For some, it may even involved having colds which affects our nose. The peak of the cough where there is mucus/phlegm would range from 2-3 days. However, to clearly clear the airways and cough, it may take 2-3 weeks. Doctors may prescribe you paracetamol for fever and head aches. Drinking lots of water to help clear and ease the airway. Some antibiotics and nebulizer if necessary. It should be noted that cough may sometimes be just little infection but it can also be a symptom to other illness. It is best to consult with your doctor to find out the root cause of the cough. Unfortunately, preventing respiratory tract infection is difficult. But here are some tips that can minimize your chances of getting infected. Do not get close to infected people Wash your hands with soap and water often Do not share towels or handkerchiefs Do not share toys (for children) Exercising and keeping your body active and healthy Drinking a lot of water and vitamins Getting enough sleep For more information, feel free to send in your enquires /contact us at +65 6444 8019 /drop by our clinics. |
|
Health Hazards of RunningEveryone tells us to be physically fit and active. The first thing that usually pops out of people’s minds is to run. Running is the most basic form of cardio exercise. Kids to adults run, during family gatherings, marathon running, competition or even just simple jogging in the park. Well, it is undeniably the simplest form of exercise. However, due to its familiarity to people, there are also increased accidents that happen because of this. While running outdoors are better for over-all health, there are some health risks we need to watch out from.
You may opt to run during the day to avoid stepping on things, you may follow trail runners to ensure safety, you should wear proper gear to prevent any injuries. Lastly, make sure that you are in the right condition to run whether it is a marathon or just actively exercising. Where can you find more information? Contact Faith Medical Group or drop by at our clinics! |
|
Sport InjuriesWe are always encouraged to do sports to keep our bodies healthy and to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Men usually are exposed to rowdy sports that may often cause injuries. Many people of different ages get injuries from the sports they play. From basketball, volleyball, football, hockey to cycling and the likes. Some of the common ones are:
Find out more by visiting our doctors. Contact Faith Medical Group at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics! |
|
Foreign Worker Medical ExaminationAccording to the Ministry of Manpower, requirements, along with medical examination are deemed necessary for a work pass in Singapore. In the past years, Singapore’s foreign workers have grown. In 2012, the total foreign workers was approximately 1.2 million, whereas for resident labor was approximately 2.1 million. Singapore encourages the maintenance of two kinds of workers.
First is the highly skilled foreign talent and the other, low-skilled foreign worker who would do the dirty and risky jobs. It should be noted that at this era, a lot of people from third world countries would seek opportunities abroad for better living. With the increased outflow of foreign workers in Singapore throughout the years, the Singaporean government, together with local clinics should help in ensuring that all foreign workers are free from any diseases that can spread in Singapore. This is a checklist for present and historical medical information. For the latter, diseases like mental illness, epilepsy, tuberculosis, chronic asthma, hypertension and the likes are asked. For the present medical condition, cardiovascular and respiratory systems are checked, mental state, chest x-ray, blood and HIV diseases are checked. (Please see MOM website to get full details on the medical examination for foreign workers in Singapore). It should be noted that Singapore would require certain duration from the time of application/arrival in the country. It is best to consult a clinic/a physician that is aware of the requirements of MOM to avoid further complication of the application/completion process. It should also be noted that one should only go to authorized and legitimate clinics for medical check-up to ensure that accuracy of the results. Lying about your medical conditions has consequences both from the Singaporean government and from yourself, as one would not be able to detect any early symptoms of diseases and to cure it as soon as possible. Some of other medical requirements such as renewal of driver’s license, pre-employment requirements are also offered in clinics together with foreign worker’s medical check-up. Where can you find more information? Contact Faith Medical Group at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics! |
|
Traveler's KitWe all love to see the world. For most, travelling is fun and adventurous and an exciting new experience. Going to other countries or across town are both fun and engaging. Most of us, with all the excitement and brought clothes and toiletries, we tend to forget one of the most important one, that is, our traveller’s kit for any emergencies. First. Check with your doctor or travel clinic if you aren’t sure what you may need for the trip.
Some basic medicine and products are listed below. • Analgesic (pain reliever) • Paracetamol – for headache/fever • Antihistamines – tablets and/or cream • Motion sickness tablets • Vitamins (C and/or multivitamins) • Antiseptic solution (betadine)/alcohol – for wounds • Medical patches, bandages, band-aids • Insect repellant sprays • Diarrhea medicine - loperamide • Antacid- for stomach acidity • Eye drops – lubricant for eyes, for irritated eyes • Sleeping tablets • Sunscreen, wipes, sunburn cream etc. • Thermometer • Gastrolyte – rehydrating solution • Prescription medicines These are only basic items that we can bring. Although, it is still best to consult your travel clinic/doctor to get a proper list for our individual needs, specially if you’re going on a long trip abroad. Your specialist will first determine which suitable kit you should bring for your specified trip and assess your medical conditions for your personalized prescription medicines if necessary. Your doctor will assess when you’re travelling with children, pregnant women, disabled person and people with sensitive cases. Always make sure that you do not forget your safety and health and you do not compromise them from adventure, fun and cheap travelling packages (less baggage count). Where can you find more information? Contact Faith Medical Group at +65 6444 8019 or drop by at our clinics! |
|
Maintain and not gain…
Weight has been an important part in nutrition. Too much weight gain or being underweight may lead to various health complications that may affect you in daily lives. Let's start with the bare minimum of nourishment. Who doesn't want to be slim, right? Nutritional deficiency, commonly known as a lack of nutrients, does not appear to be a healthy thing either. When the body doesn't absorb or get enough of a nutrient from diet, it's called a nutritional deficiency. Deficiencies can cause a wide range of health issues. Here are some common health issues caused by Nutritional Deficiency: -Digestive Issue -Skin Disorders -Stunted or defective bone growth -Dementia So… what about being overweight or obese? How is overweight or obese defined? Someone is considered overweight or obese when they consume more calories than they burn. The calories will then be stored as fats. Putting on a few additional body fat does not put one in danger, however, when one kept consuming more calories than they should, the body fat accumulates and this is when health problems keeps kicking in. Here are some common health issues caused by Weight Gain:
Consult our experts if you are eating less or more than you should be. They will guide you through a healthy lifestyle and dietary advice. |
