Health & Living

Everybody’s buying their mother flowers and chocolates to celebrate Mother’s Day this month, but are we stopping to ask Mum, “How are you doing?” Licensed counsellor Heeran Kaur steps into Counsellor’s Corner to answer questions on everything related to maternal mental health, including parenting stress, postpartum depression, and the burden of care work.

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To commemorate World Malaria Day, which was observed on 25 April, Prof Dr Balbir Singh and Dr Timothy William discuss how zoonotic malaria has become an emerging threat in Malaysia, how to think outside the box to eliminate this form of transmission, and the significance of Malaysia hosting the International Congress for Tropical Medicine & Malaria (ICTMM 2024) from 16-23 September 2024.

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Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Malaysia among men and women, and is predominantly diagnosed in the late stages. On this episode of NCD Chronicles, we hear two very different stories of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer: Choo Mei Sze, who celebrates her 10th-year cancer-versary this year, and Norazri, who is still undergoing treatment. Contact National Cancer Society of Malaysia or Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Society Malaysia (CORUM) for information on patient support.  

NCD Chronicles is a series about people living with NCDs, going beyond the diagnosis to explore their personal experiences, their challenges, as well as the impact of their health condition on their loved ones. These stories reveal the importance of understanding the unique struggles and needs of the individuals behind the disease, in our response to the NCD epidemic.

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Malaysia’s healthcare system, skilled workforce, and diverse population presents an attractive proposition for global pharmaceutical companies looking to conduct multicentre clinical trials. In 2023, Malaysia ranked second in the Southeast Asian region in terms of the number of global industry-sponsored studies. How do we maintain our potential as a regional hub for clinical trials, especially moving up the value chain to focus more on Phase 1, or first-in-human, clinical trials? Dr Akhmal Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of Clinical Research Malaysia, and Dr Mohamed Elwakil, Country President of Novartis Malaysia, join Dr George Lee to discuss.

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Consultant developmental paediatrician Dr Rajini Sarvananthan joins us on her monthly show to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day, in a conversation with Nik Didi, a parent to two autistic girls. We explore the joys and challenges of parenting neurodivergent children, and find out more about the support that parents need.

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For a long time, dengue fever is often diagnosed among populations living in tropical and subtropical climates because that is the environment where the Aedes mosquitoes - the vector of the virus - thrives in. But as climate change causes temperatures the rise, the mosquitoes are now able to live and thrive in more temperate countries, exposing more people to the virus. Will this be the wake-up call that the world needs to better address dengue fever - which has yet to have an effective treatment? Joining me to share her insights and what it would mean for dengue to be seen as a global health threat, is Dr Dinu Guruge, an epidemiologist and consultant for the Global Dengue Program under the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative.

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If you have diabetes, don’t take your vision lightly. Diabetes can cause damage to the eyes, if you don’t control your blood glucose levels well. In fact, one of the major diabetic eye diseases, diabetic retinopathy, is a leading cause of blindness in Malaysia. But is loss of vision inevitable if you have diabetes? Dr V. Gayatri Devi, Ophthalmologist and Eye Surgeon (and Medical Retina sub-specialist), joins us to shine a light on preventing diabetic eye diseases, and managing the progression of vision loss.

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When you hear about Kiwanis Malaysia, the first (or only) thing you may think about is their work to help children with Down Syndrome. The Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation has been running for 34 years, and is one of the most well-known initiatives by the service club. District Governor Michael Chiew and District Secretary Dato’ Stewart LaBrooy join us to tell us more about how Kiwanis Malaysia supports children with Down Syndrome, as well as children with other special needs, through their various centers and special projects around the country.

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Each year we celebrate a number of disability days, such as World Autism Awareness Day in April, International Day of Persons with Disabilities in December, and many more. These are commemorative days that are aimed at increasing the visibility of people with disabilities and their rights, and are often celebrated along with statements and promises to improve support and services for people with disabilities. Consultant paediatrician Dato’ Dr Amar Singh joins us to delve into whether real progress has been made for the community, and why we need more transparency and accountability from government ministries when it comes to policies, plans and services for people with disabilities.

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Diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke - get three or more, for the price of one. People with diabetes have a higher risk of other cardiorenal metabolic diseases, and this is cause for alarm, considering the high prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia. What is the link among these diseases, and how do we disrupt this deadly cluster? Dr Feisul Mustapha, Director of the Perak State Health Department, and Prof Dr Rohana Abdul Ghani, President of the Malaysian Obesity Society, joins Azrul Mohd Khalib on the Public Health series.

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More than 55 million people live with dementia globally, and dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people. Yet, there remains a stigma towards dementia, affecting their ability to still lead dignified lives. How can we break past that stigma to ensure that care partners are able to support both the person living with dementia and their care partner? Do we need a different approach to dementia care? We find out from dementia care expert Teepa Snow, who is in Malaysia for a visit from the U.S.

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When was the last time you slept so well that you felt entirely refreshed and ready for the day ahead? How often do you find yourself waking up on the wrong side of the bed? Sleep and mental health are closely interlinked: poor sleep can negatively impact your mental health while mental health disorders can also affect your sleep. On this episode of Mind Matters, consultant psychiatrist Dr Ravivarma Rao Panirselvam joins us to dive into the relationship between sleep and our mental health, and how we can - hopefully - stop sleep procrastination.

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In our open clinic segment, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Somasundaram Sathappan joins us to answer all your questions on face lifts, Botox injections, liposuctions and more. Dr Somasundaram also addresses important questions, like how do you know if you need these procedures, and who is the right expert to see?

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When we see a doctor, we share a story, starting with our description of the symptoms to our doctor (“this is the problem I’ve been having”), followed by the doctor’s delivery of a diagnosis (“this is what you have”), and prescription of therapy (“this is what you need to do”). However, patient care doesn’t depend on this linear narrative alone - doctors seek to explore a deeper understanding of their patients’ suffering, informed by their own relationships and experiences. But do healthcare providers today have the time or the skills to explore the nuances and contexts of patients’ stories? Amid what seems like a highly transactional environment of healthcare, we dive into how narrative-based medicine can help healthcare professionals better understand their patients’ stories and experiences.

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As the name suggests, sports medicine physicians often work with professional and amateur athletes to ensure that they are always able to play at their level best. But what exactly do sports medicine physicians do? Do they only work with athletes? And does being a sports medicine physician mean you have to be extremely fit and athletic as well? On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to Dr Arvin Raj to find out the answers to these and more.

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In January, Elmo tweeted: “Just checking in - how’s everybody doing?” What resulted was the Internet letting loose, with responses ranging from “I’m sad” to expressions of self-harm and existential dread. Yet, Malaysia was ranked the 5th happiest country in the world in the 2023 Mental State of the World Report. On Counsellor’s Corner, licensed counsellor Rozy Khalid joins us to ask you how you’re feeling, and to address your questions about being happy.

This conversation may bring up difficult topics like suicide and self-harm. If you need to talk about your mental health problems, look for local support within your community, or call helplines like: Talian HEAL at 15555, MIASA's 24-hour helpline at 1-800-1800-66, or Befrienders KL at 03-7627 2929.

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Around the world, women and girls make up half of the people living with HIV. But in Malaysia, women make up a much smaller proportion of the people living with HIV, as the ratio stands at 1 female to every 7.5 males diagnosed with HIV. What does this mean for women living with HIV in Malaysia? How does this affect policies targeted at people living with HIV, especially women? We speak to infectious diseases physician Dr Anjanna Kukreja about the unique circumstances of women living with HIV. 

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There is increasing recognition of neurodivergence in our society, and greater demand for interventions to support children with special needs, such as children with autism. Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) is commonly practised in interventions for children with autism, but is also a controversial issue in the autism community. Dr Neil Martin, Director of International Development, Behavior Analyst Certification Board, joins us to shed more light on ABA, how practitioners are trained and certified, and what are its applications beyond autism. 

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Picture this: you’ve had an acute injury from a sport - say playing football or badminton - who should you see to help you along your recovery journey? What speeds up that process without compromising on your ability to return to play? Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Harjeet Singh joins us to walk you through questions about what to do and who to see. 

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On this episode of Heart of Medicine, virologist Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr Lam Sai Kit and infectious diseases consultant Dr Timothy Williams join consultant cardiologist Dr Kannan Pasamanickam, to explore the impact of COVID-19 infection on cardiovascular health. They also debunk myths about the COVID-19 vaccine and the heart, and discuss why the false messaging around COVID-19 vaccination continues to persist. 

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It’s been more than 100 years since the BCG vaccine was first introduced as a significant tool in our fight against tuberculosis. While the BCG vaccine is still widely rolled out today, it is largely only effective among infants and young children, leaving adolescents and adults still vulnerable to developing TB. Worldwide, TB is one of the deadliest infectious diseases and leaves millions suffering from extended periods of ill-health and disability, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We speak to Dr Allison Portnoy, Assistant Professor of Global Health at the Boston University School of Public Health, to find out what difference a new TB vaccine could make, and how we can convince governments and pharmaceutical companies that this is an investment worth making. 

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Feeling a bit more brain fog than usual? Getting forgetful, but chalking it up to stress and fatigue? If you're a woman in your 40s, there could be another reason - perimenopause. Hormone changes can have an effect on the brain, but are these effects permanent over the longer term? We talk about whether menopause brain is real, even in the years preceding, and whether dementia is a risk that perimenopausal women need to be concerned about.

Want to know more? Listen to other episodes in the series, Life Doesn't Pause, here.

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The idea of undergoing a colonoscopy can be daunting, but it is one of the tools we have for picking up colorectal cancer early, as the disease often has no symptoms in the early stages. So how often should you have a colonoscopy? How do you know if you need one? And is that the only screening option for colorectal cancer? Find out from Dato’ Dr Meheshinder Singh, consultant colorectal surgeon from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

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How do you go from being an active 44-year-old, to suddenly discovering you have end-stage kidney disease? On this episode of NCD Chronicles, we get a glimpse into Ezi’s life with chronic kidney disease, and how home-based peritoneal dialysis has given him the freedom to continue living a normal life. Consultant nephrologist Dr Azrini Binti Abdul Aziz weighs in to highlight innovations in peritoneal dialysis that have improved the monitoring and support for patients remotely, but also calls for renewed attention on the prevention of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease.

This episode of NCD Chronicles is brought to you by Baxter Healthcare Malaysia: The Kidney Care Journey in the Modern Era.

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The Federal Court recently ruled that private hospitals can also be held liable for medical negligence, meaning that not all the responsibility falls on the doctor alone. What does this mean for the private healthcare system and thus on patients’ healthcare experiences in the private sector? We find out from Charlaine Chin, medico-legal lawyer and Treasurer of the Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia. 

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The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 shows that 1 in 2 adults are either overweight or obese, and 1 in 2 adults have abdominal obesity, which causes various metabolic problems. Prof Dr Rohana Abdul Ghani, Consultant Endocrinologist, and President of the Malaysian Obesity Society, joins us to unpack the multifactorial ecosystem that affects people with obesity, and how to better support them in managing their weight.

This is a disease awareness message brought to you by Novo Nordisk Pharma Malaysia. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional in the event of any medical query or emergency.

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Anita Abu Bakar had always been a high achiever. But throughout childhood, and her early career as an investment banker, she describes feeling an emotional void. Instead, she would frequently experience anxiety, panic and loneliness. It was only a matter of time before she reached breaking point. On this episode of ‘Because Feelings Matter’, Anita Abu Bakar describes the excruciating pain that came with hitting rock bottom, and how she clawed her way back up to eventually set up a mental health NGO, the Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association of Malaysia (MIASA Malaysia).

Every mental health struggle has a story behind it. ‘Because Feelings Matter’ is a series that brings you the stories of people and their mental health issues. This series is produced in collaboration withThrive Well.

This segment talks about self-harm and suicide, and may be a difficult topic for some listeners. If you need to talk about your mental health problems, look for local support within your community, or call helplines like: Talian HEAL at 15555, MIASA's 24-hour helpline at 1-800-1800-66, or Befrienders KL at 03-7627 2929.

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In Malaysia, it is estimated that between 1.6% and 4.6% of children have ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactive disorder. But statistics do not tell us the reality of the struggles faced by these children, when it comes to managing their daily routines, making friends, coping with school, and being accepted by people around them. We speak to Nik Norezreen Nik Adnan, a parent of a primary-age child with ADHD, about the systemic barriers that present challenges to children and their caregivers. In the same conversation is Liana Mohd Nawi, Director of Clinical Services, Thrive Well, to share thoughts on how we can better support families, when it comes to assessment and professional support. 

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Women conform to different societal norms as they go through various phases of life, and the perimenopause years are no different. With menopause on the horizon, women in their 40s are forced to set aside their sexual desires and needs, and are not able to talk about sexual dysfunction in their relationships. In this candid conversation with consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Hoo Mei Lin, we discuss how sex and relationships are affected by perimenopause, and how to create a safe space for women to acknowledge their sexual health issues with their partners and healthcare professionals.

Listen to other episodes in the Life Doesn't Pause mini-series here.

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Organ donation offers a new lease on life for recipients of organ transplants. But in Malaysia, we have a critical shortage of organ donors and thus low transplantation rates. Dr Mohamad Zaimi Abdul Wahab, a transplant nephrologist from Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Vice President of the Malaysian Society of Transplantation joins us to dive into the challenges in raising organ donation and transplant rates in Malaysia and how a programme targeted at university students aims to change this.

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Almost 50,000 people in Malaysia live with end-stage renal disease. The Ministry of Health has warned that by the year 2040, there could be more than 100,000 Malaysians on dialysis if nothing is done to stop the rising cases of kidney failure in the country. In conjunction with World Kidney Day, we revisit the burden of chronic kidney disease in Malaysia.

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Why do some people remain so sharp as they age, while others are less resilient to the effects of memory loss and dementia? Why are some still able to function normally even when their brain shows that there is damage or pathology that could lead to cognitive decline? It might come down to something called cognitive reserve, and that’s what we’ll be exploring on this episode of Brain Waves, with neurogeneticist Dr Azlina Ahmad Annuar. 

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When you undergo surgery, the anaesthesiologist plays a very important role in ensuring your safety and comfort before, during and after surgery. This is the medical doctor who specialises in anaesthesia, pain management, and critical care medicine. Consultant anaesthesiologist Dr Gunalan Palari Arumugam joins us to share why he chose this career path, and what he has learned about patient care from his role by the operating table.

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The midlife can be both thrilling and terrifying for women in their 40s - this is the time for major changes, such as children going into adolescence or university, changes in relationships or careers, or the death or illness of parents. We look at how the perimenopause period affects women's mental health, and why it's important for women to have a strong support system, including her partner and family, to help her navigate this phase with empathy and compassion.

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In conjunction with International Women’s Day on 8 March, Health & Living is exploring the barriers that women in underserved communities in Sarawak and Sabah face in the context of cancer care. We speak to Stage 3 breast cancer survivor Jacqueline John, Vice President of the Kinabalu Pink Ribbon (also known as the Kinabalu Breast Cancer Support Association), who overcame tremendous personal barriers to undergo surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Jacqueline also shares more about the pervasive challenges of increasing breast cancer awareness, access to care, and survivorship support for women in Sabah. 

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In conjunction with International Women’s Day on 8 March, Health & Living is exploring the barriers that women in underserved communities in Sarawak and Sabah face in the context of cancer care. Breast and cervical cancer are common cancers among women that can be detected early and yet doctors on the ground in Sarawak still see many women being diagnosed in later stages, especially in underserved communities. We speak to Dr Yolanda Augustin, clinical oncologist at St George’s, University of London, and Dr Melissa Lim, Lecturer, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) about their efforts to reach this community of women and how we can improve healthcare in Sarawak.

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The fabulous 40s are a phase of life for women to look forward to, but what happens when their hormones have a somewhat different idea? Perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause, has its own hormonal, physiological and psychological effects, which means that women go through an extended transition where they struggle with physical symptoms and emotional ups and downs, for several years. In the first episode of this mini-series throughout March, we look at how societal norms shape the way women view their identity as a pre-menopausal woman - mother, wife, daughter, career professional? Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Premitha Damodaran joins us for this chat.

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The abdominal muscles - where your six-pack is (or should be) - are two flat and parallel muscles separated by a connective tissue called linea alba. Some people - for instance, women post-delivery - find that their linea alba can become separated, in a condition called diastasis recti. Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Rajesh Singh joins us to take a peek at the linea alba, and to help us understand how fascia forms in our body, their functions, and consequences of their dysfunction.

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What is it like to grow up without being able to hear sounds and speech? Picking up hearing loss among babies and children is crucial to ensure that their development is not affected. In conjunction with World Hearing Day, we speak to Dr Farah Liana Lokman, an ENT specialist, and Fatimah Sazari, an audiologist, both from Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM to understand hearing loss among children and how universal hearing screening for newborns can help.

To read the full transcript of this podcast, click here.

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In the last two months, several developments involving migrant workers have put a spotlight on their right to fair living and working conditions. In one case, it was revealed that several hundred Bangladeshi workers had been left stranded and jobless after being duped by their recruitment agency. Separately, the Negri Sembilan and Johor governments have also announced that migrant workers in their respective states have to be housed in registered Centralised Living Quarters (CLQ), and not in residential areas. On top of that, rarely a month goes by without a news report about migrant workers getting injured - sometimes fatally - while on the job. On the show, we look at how migrant labour policies, as well as occupational and environmental health practices, should prioritise the health and well-being of foreign workers.

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Parenting is already hard enough; raising a child with a rare disease? Most of us can’t even begin to imagine the challenges, sacrifices, and heartbreak that the parents go through. In conjunction with Rare Disease Day, we speak to Dr Nurul Izzaty Hassan about her daughter’s diagnosis of neurofibromatosis and her own journey of balancing her daughter and family’s needs with her own mental well-being. 

Every mental health struggle has a story behind it. ‘Because Feelings Matter’ is a series that brings you the stories of people and their mental health issues.

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The Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, recently reiterated that the next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. His warning was merely the latest of what experts have been saying for years that pandemics will only become more common and that we must be prepared for the next Disease X, a new pathogen that we have yet to discover. On today’s show, I’m joined by Assistant Professor Dr Ruklanthi de Alwis, a viral immunologist and the Deputy Director of the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness in Singapore to find out what this means and how countries - especially in Southeast Asia - can prepare ourselves before the next outbreak hits. 

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For many parents of children with rare diseases, the journey from discovering their child’s symptoms to finding a definite diagnosis is often long and arduous. Parents often go from doctor to doctor to figure out what is happening to their child, and because of the nature of these diseases, most doctors aren’t able to quickly pick up on the nature of the disease. But what if we can introduce screening policies to help detect some of these cases much earlier, even before the child shows symptoms? Ahead of Rare Disease Day (29 February), we speak to consultant paediatrician & clinical geneticist Prof Dr Thong Meow Keong, and genetic counsellor Yoon Sook Yee for their thoughts.

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The heart is one of the most vital organs in our body, working day and night from the moment we are born to pump blood throughout our body. But for a small number of individuals, from the moment they’re born, their hearts don’t work like they should because the structure of the heart is abnormal. These individuals are diagnosed with congenital heart disease. On this episode of NCD Chronicles, we hear from Jennifer Lim about her son Thaddeus’ diagnosis of congenital heart disease and the agonising wait for life-saving surgery.

NCD Chronicles is a series about people living with NCDs, going beyond the diagnosis to explore their personal experiences, their challenges, as well as the impact of their health condition on their loved ones. These stories reveal the importance of understanding the unique struggles and needs of the individuals behind the disease, in our response to the NCD epidemic. 

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The Drug Control Authority has recently given conditional approval to Qdenga, a dengue vaccine that could be given to those aged four and above. With dengue continuing to be a threat to the Malaysian population, will a vaccine be the game changer that we need? What do we know about the safety of this vaccine and will we face challenges with vaccine hesitancy this time around? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by Dr Ravindran Thayan, Head of the Virology Unit at the Institute of Medical Research to find out more. 

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Prostate cancer is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can develop without any symptoms. In fact, almost 70% of cases in Malaysia are only diagnosed in the late stages. What does this mean for men who receive a prostate cancer diagnosis? How far have we come in treating the cancer itself but also supporting these men with their mental health? Find out from consultant urologist Dr Peter Ng and registered counsellor Kelly Lai from Subang Jaya Medical Centre.

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When a child is significantly quieter than their peers, we say the child is shy or a wallflower. When a child stumbles over their words when telling you about something that happened in the playground, we smile indulgently, and simply help the child finish their story. In these two scenarios, we could be missing out on important signs that the child has a developmental language disorder. Consultant Developmental Paediatrician Dr Rajini Sarvananthan, and Speech and Language Therapist Iffah Rashida Mazlan, join us to explain how DLD affects children in their communication and literacy, schooling, as well as social interactions. 

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In a society which highly emphasises outward appearances, it can often be easy to be dissatisfied with our body image. For adolescents, this pressure can feel immense as their bodies also go through rapid physical changes during puberty. On top of that, with rising peer pressure and the influence of social media, are our teenagers growing up in an environment where they find it harder to love their bodies as they are? Consultant child psychiatrist Dr Anita Codati from Hospital Tunku Azizah weighs in on this episode of Mind Matters. 

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In our open clinic segment, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Shilpa Nambiar joins us to shed light on the female reproductive system, from the vagina to the ovaries, and everything in between. We explore periods, discharge, vaginal hygiene, infections, cysts and fibroids, and much more. 

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For patients seeking care in public hospitals, especially beyond Klang Valley, the chances of being able to see a specialist immediately are usually slim. For years, Malaysia has been plagued by a shortage of specialists across various disciplines, and unequal distribution throughout the country. The former is related to the training of specialists, and seems to be on increasingly precarious ground with recent news that the parallel pathway programme is facing problems. We dive into a 101 on the parallel pathway programme with Professor Dr Rosmawati Mohamed, Master, Academy of Medicine Malaysia.

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Bypass surgery and angioplasty are two of the most widely-used treatments for coronary artery disease, and they have a long track record in medicine. Bypass surgery was first done in 1960, while the first coronary angioplasty was done in 1977. What are the differences between these procedures, and how do doctors determine which procedure is more suitable for individual patients? We discuss these with Dr Jayakhanthan Kolanthaivelu, Consultant Cardiologist, Cardiac Vascular Sentral KL.

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We often hear about how high blood pressure among older adults leads to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke, among other things. But what happens when the blood pressure goes too low? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, consultant geriatrician Prof Dr Tan Maw Pin joins us to dive into the dangers with low blood pressure and how to manage it well for a better quality of life.

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How do we know if a drug will cause adverse reactions in a patient or if it will even work for different individuals? Understanding how drugs interact with our biological systems is crucial to ensure that the medicine that is developed is both effective and safe for us among humans. On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we dive into the role of a pharmacologist with Prof Dr Wong Pooi Fong, from the Department of Pharmacology, at Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Medicine. 

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Cancer, as a life-altering diagnosis, brings with it not only physical but also emotional and psychological challenges. As patients try to cope with the overwhelming thoughts and feelings that come with their diagnosis and treatment, they may find themselves on a lonely journey that few others understand. In conjunction with World Cancer Day on 4 February, we explore the role of cancer support groups in fostering shared experiences, mutual encouragement, and emotional support.

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Malaysia’s nurses are a silent force in the healthcare system. They are responsible for the seamless and meticulous delivery of care to patients, not only in terms of clinical treatments, but also in ensuring the administrative procedures of health services. They play a key role in understanding patients’ needs, and providing comfort to them and their family members. But the nurses in our public and private hospitals are at a critical crossroads, facing challenges and increasing pressure amid a strained healthcare system. On our Public Health show today, Dr Siti Khuzaimah Ahmad Sharoni, Head of the Centre for Nursing Studies at UiTM, joins us to unpack the question of why there are insufficient nurses in our healthcare system, and what we need to do to train and recruit more skilled nurses.

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Is your love life in a rut, on the rocks, or in ruins? Are you having trouble navigating the emotions and expectations of dating? With Valentine’s Day beckoning, licensed counsellor Heeran Kaur joins us in the Counsellor’s Corner to offer advice on relationships and dating, in the context of emotional and mental health.

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When you’re ill, or in need of healthcare, this is probably the process you go through: you see a doctor, they identify a biological cause, you get a medical prescription, and hopefully you recover. But what if you weren’t prescribed medical therapy, but instead, art classes, heritage visits or housing support? What do these recommendations - known as social prescribing - have to do with your medical condition? We find out more, in our conversation with Dr Bogdan Chiva Giurca, Global Lead and Clinical Lead with the National Academy for Social Prescribing.

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As Malaysians, we’re often used to complaining about the terrible outdoor air quality, especially during the haze season. But COVID-19 has taught us that it’s just as important to pay attention - and do something - about the air quality inside our homes and buildings. We speak to Dr Jenny Su Huey-Jen, Distinguished Professor of Environmental Health at the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, on her work studying indoor air quality and how we can improve things here.

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Recently, Bukit Gasing state assembly member Rajiv Rishyakaran called for the Ministry of Health to construct a new general hospital for Petaling Jaya, pointing out that Universiti Malaya Medical Centre alone is not enough to support the public healthcare needs of the city’s residents. We invite YB Rajiv on the show, along with former Health Minister and Co-Chair of the Health White Paper Advisory Council Tan Sri Dr S. Subramaniam, to discuss how the government should assess a community's needs when it comes to healthcare facilities, and how the needs are weighed against considerations like funding and staffing.

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Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism. However, this logical assumption is not reflected in reality. Adults with autism often face many barriers, ranging from getting a diagnosis, to accessing adult-centred services, and dealing with discrimination. Dr Cheah Boon Eu and Ch’ng Bao Zhong - autistic professionals working in healthcare - join consultant developmental paediatrician Dr Rajini Sarvananthan to discuss the challenges faced by autistic adults in the domains of diagnosis, support, and stigma in the workplace.

For full transcript, click here.

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“The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition." - Excerpt from the World Health Organization’s Constitution

It only takes a look around our own country, sometimes no further than our own communities, to see that there are far too many people falling ill who shouldn’t, and far too many whose health needs are not being provided for. As crises and conflicts deepen worldwide, there are concerns that the fundamental right to health will only be increasingly eroded. To strike a hopeful note for the year, we speak to Rajat Khosla, Director of the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH), for his reflections on the need to rethink and reimagine human rights in global health.

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‘Twas the night before Christmas when Selina Yeop Jr’s world turned upside-down. Her doctor had just told her that she possibly had cervical cancer, a disease that previously had only belonged in the periphery of her consciousness. In conjunction with Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, Selina shares her journey from diagnosis to remission, and how she persevered through the therapies. We also check in with consultant gynaecological oncologist Prof Dr Woo Yin Ling to find out more about the burden of cervical cancer, and how screening, diagnosis and access to treatment needs to improve to meet the World Health Organization’s targets in order to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. 

NCD Chronicles is a series about people living with NCDs, going beyond the diagnosis to explore their personal experiences, their challenges, as well as the impact of their health condition on their loved ones. These stories reveal the importance of understanding the unique struggles and needs of the individuals behind the disease, in our response to the NCD epidemic.

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It’s an open secret that the tobacco industry strongly lobbies governments on public health policies linked to tobacco control, but just how much of an influence do they have? Launched in November last year, the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance’s 4th Asian Tobacco Industry Interference Index measures the extent to which 19 Asian countries are protecting their health policies from tobacco industry interference. Joining consultant urologist Dr George Lee to share more about the Index and what can be done to stop the meddling of the tobacco industry is Dr Mary Assunta, senior policy advisor with SEATCA.

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More than 25,000 Palestinians have been killed and 1.9 million - more than 85% of Gaza’s population - has been displaced since Israel began its latest assault on Gaza on 7th October. In fact, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in crisis levels of hunger and starvation, with UN agencies warning of famine and disease, even as the Gazan healthcare system struggles to cope with the injuries inflicted on Palestinians by the war. We speak to Regidor Javier Esguerra, a registered nurse and healthcare worker with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), who has been assigned to Gaza five times since 2018, including during this latest conflict, on what he’s seen and why we need a ceasefire now. 

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Confident, independent, adventurer and explorer: these are the words Izzat Zaid uses to describe herself. But it has not always been easy for her to balance these traits against society’s conventions and expectations, especially in the high-pressure environment of university studies and work. On this episode of Because Feelings Matter, Izzat shares how being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult gave her the lens through which to view her unique differences, and also to figure out where she would fit in a largely neurotypical world.  

Every mental health struggle has a story behind it. ‘Because Feelings Matter’ is a series that brings you the stories of people and their mental health issues. This series is produced in collaboration with Thrive Well.

If you need to talk about your emotional problems, do look for local support within your community, or call helplines like: Talian HEAL at 15555, MIASA's 24-hour helpline at 1-800-180066, or Befrienders KL at 03 7627 2929.

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“Make sure the food has less salt. Consume more fibres. It’s fine that they have a lower appetite.” These are some of the things we hear being said about older adults and their dietary habits but what should and shouldn’t they do? How do their nutritional needs change as they age? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we speak to dietitian Prof Dr Winnie Chee for some practical advice on how we can maintain a healthy - and tasty - diet as we age. 

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SARS-CoV-2, HIV and Hepatitis C - what do these viruses have in common? They can be targeted with antiviral medications, which have changed the way we’re able to manage these diseases, as well as prevent and control their spread. As we face the possibility of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, as well as the increase in antimicrobial-resistant strains, major questions arise when it comes to the viability of developing new antiviral agents. We explore whether cannabis compounds may offer promise, with food scientist Associate Professor Choo Wee Sim and molecular virologist Associate Professor Sharifah Syed Hassan.

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Would you see a physiotherapist if you had little to no pain or if you don’t have an injury? Many of us often think of physiotherapy as something that’s needed in those contexts but there’s more to physiotherapy than that. Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Harjeet Singh is back to share his perspective on this, and he’s also joined by Luke Lango, a physiotherapist and personal trainer.

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Pregnancy is a time of anticipation, but also one of anxiety. After all, the expecting mother is preparing for her life to change with the arrival of her baby, while hoping for a safe and healthy delivery. If the pregnancy is a high-risk one, there are even more fears over the well-being of mother and baby. Dr Muniswaran Ganeshan, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, joins us to explain more about managing high-risk pregnancies, and how he helps to keep mothers and their babies safe.

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Global geopolitical events have weighed heavily on our minds in the last few months. The impact of wars, the climate crisis, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks, seem to be relentless and inescapable, no matter where we are. What is the mental health impact on people who have witnessed or experienced disaster, or for the rest of us, the constant exposure to distressing events on social media? We explore how mental health issues unfold in the shadows of conflict and crises, with Dr Muhammad Haniff Bin Abdullah, President, International Association for Disaster Mental Health, and Liana Mohd Nawi, Clinical Psychologist & Director, Professional Services, Thrive Well. Find out more about Thrive Well’s BRAVE workshops and therapy services here or call/WhatsApp 018-900 3247.

If you need to talk about your emotional problems, do look for local support within your community, or call helplines like Talian HEAL 15555, MIASA's 24-hour helpline 1800-1800-66 or Befrienders KL 03 7627 2929.

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We’re back with our monthly Ask A Doctor segment and to kickstart the year we will be focussing on skin health. Here to answer your questions from skin care to skin conditions is Dato’ Dr Noor Zalmy Azizan, a consultant dermatologist.

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In 2022, sales of vitamin and dietary supplements in Malaysia were valued at RM4.89 billion. But as the demand for supplements grows, so does the pressure on the industry and consumers to guard against the sale and consumption of counterfeit supplements. Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by Dr Rajen Manicka, President of the Malaysian Dietary Supplement Association (MADSA), to explore the increasing trend of supplements consumption among Malaysians, and the industry’s role in ensuring that consumers have access to safe and effective products.

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Why do some people skip medical checkups, treatments or follow-up care, even when the services are available for them to access? In Selangor, it has been reported that time constraints and transport problems are the primary reasons that residents in the state do not go for follow-up screenings or consultations despite the detection of abnormalities in health screening programmes. In the first Public Health show of 2024, we explore invisible barriers that make it difficult for people to seek healthcare, and why patient navigation programmes are important to ensure that patients don’t fall through the cracks.

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Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, everyone needs sleep. But, do we adults really need 7 hours of sleep a day? Why do some people get away with less and others need more? We find out more about why sleep matters for our cognitive health, together with neurogeneticist Dr Azlina Ahmad Annuar, and Prof Dr Michael Chee, Director of the Centre for Sleep and Cognition at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.

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The brain is a complex organ, and any physical trauma to the brain or neurological disorders can have an impact on your cognition and behaviour. On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to clinical neuropsychologist Dr A Padmassini to find out more about how the specialisation of neuropsychology is vital as we see a rise in neurological disorders and mental health issues, and what it takes to be a neuropsychologist.

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On 30 December 2003, Cantopop singer Anita Mui passed away from cervical cancer, amid an outpouring of grief from her fans. Thirty years later, this disease is still the fourth most common cancer, and continues to kill one woman every two minutes. The World Health Organization has laid out a strategy to eliminate cervical cancer worldwide as a public health problem, where all countries reach an annual incidence rate of four cases per 100,000 women or less. But how is elimination possible, when HPV vaccination is still uneven, screening uptake is low, and there are barriers to accessing treatment, including gaps in insurance coverage? Professor Dr Woo Yin Ling, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist from University Malaya Medical Centre, and Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Managing Director of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, join us discuss what Malaysia needs to prioritise to achieve the elimination agenda along with the rest of the world.

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Medical devices are a billion-dollar industry, and are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in healthcare. They’re also becoming increasingly high-stakes - such devices are costly, but they do very precise jobs and slight errors in usage can result in serious consequences. And yet, you increasingly find medical devices being sold on e-commerce platforms to the public. How do consumers judge the safety and authenticity of the devices that are available? Just because you can add a ventilator or a medical laser to your cart, does that mean you should? We find out from Eric Woo, Regional Director of ECRI Asia Pacific.

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According to the Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia, by 2050, the number of older adults in Malaysia living with dementia will rise to 825,000. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, usually accounting for 60-70% of dementia cases. There is currently no cure for this neurodegenerative condition, and many people living with Alzheimer’s are cared for by family members, with spouses or adult children being the primary caregivers. What challenges do caregivers face, as they support the individual while the disease progresses? Consultant Neurologist Dr Sherrini Bazir Ahmad, and consultant Psychiatrist Dr Wan Izwin Wan Hassan, join us to shine a spotlight on the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on families, as well as the immense efforts contributed by caregivers and how to better support them.

Find WHO’s training and support manual for carers of people with dementia here.

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Every day, we make small and big decisions in our lives. But what if one day, we find ourselves in circumstances where we are no longer able to make those decisions for ourselves, especially on things like health or even assets? How can we ensure every individual’s wishes and autonomy is respected even when they can’t voice it? Here to talk to me about what it means to have the mental capacity to make such decisions and the need for a mental capacity act in Malaysia are Anit Kaur Randhawa, vice president (legal) and Dr Mark Tan Kiak Min, vice president (medical), of the Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia.

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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body, causing inflammation and painful swelling of the joints. Research suggests that an imbalance in the gut microbiota may play the role of environmental triggers of arthritis. Together with consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Rajesh Singh, and professor in microbiology and molecular biology Prof Lee Learn Han, we traverse the gut-joint axis to better understand rheumatoid arthritis and its underlying inflammatory pathways.

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#instalife doesn’t last forever. How you live today changes how you age tomorrow. At BFM’s Health & Living Live 2023, we looked at ways to disrupt ageing - from maintaining brain power, to staying fit, and being financially prepared. On the third panel session, licensed financial planner Stephen Yong covered the Business, Finance, and Money questions, when it comes to planning your wealth for your health.

This is an edited replay of BFM's Health & Living Live 2023.

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#instalife doesn’t last forever. How you live today changes how you age tomorrow. At BFM’s Health & Living Live 2023, we looked at ways to disrupt ageing - from maintaining brain power, to staying fit, and being financially prepared. In the second panel session, consultant geriatrician Dr Seenikatty Abdul Haki and neurogeneticist Assoc Prof Dr Azlina Ahmad Annuar discussed what happens to the brain when there is too much stress and too little sleep, and how to keep those neurons healthy.

This is an edited replay of BFM's Health & Living Live 2023.

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#instalife doesn’t last forever. How you live today changes how you age tomorrow. At BFM’s Health & Living Live 2023, we looked at ways to disrupt ageing - from maintaining brain power, to staying fit, and being financially prepared. In the first panel session, we covered plenty of ground when it comes to being fit, strong, flexible…and looking great. The speakers on the panel were Dr Arvin Raj, sports medicine physician & strength and conditioning specialist; Dr Harjeet Singh, consultant orthopaedic surgeon; and Charmaine Ang, yoga instructor.

This is an edited replay of BFM's Health & Living Live 2023.

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While we’ve made leaps and bounds in cancer research, not all diagnostic tools and therapeutics are accessible to all, especially to those in low- and middle-income countries. The International Affordable Diagnostics and Therapeutics Alliance (IA-DATA) aims to close that gap and improve healthcare access in ASEAN countries, including Malaysia. Here to tell us more about it are Prof Dr Sanjeev Krishna and Dr Yolanda Augustin, both co-founders of the Centre for Affordable Diagnostics & Therapeutics.

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Malaysia's fertility is dropping drastically. In 2022, the fertility rate was 1.6 children per woman, the lowest that the country has recorded in 50 years. What is the impact of low fertility on the population? And if we want to address decreasing fertility, how do we increase access to affordable, high-quality fertility care for those in need, without compromising on family planning and contraception? We discuss with Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of the Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy, and Dr Gitau Mburu, a scientist for sexual and reproductive health and research with the World Bank Special Programme - HRP, World Health Organization (WHO).

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Following the recent Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy, joins us to look at the appointment - or rather, reappointment - of Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad as Minister of Health, and what are the urgent priorities for the new Minister.

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On the latest episode of Heart of Medicine, occupational health physician Dr Abed Onn joins consultant cardiologist Dr Kannan Pasamanickam to dive into the importance of occupational health and safety, and how cardiovascular disease intersects with the workplace today. With the rise of cardiovascular disease among working-age adults, we explore work-related CVD risk factors, and how organisations can create a more conducive environment for healthy lifestyle practices.

Look out for more of Dr Kannan and Dr Abed’s reflections on changing healthcare trends, in ‘Beyond The White Coat’, along with writings from 20 other veteran medical professionals who graduated from the class of 1973/78, from the Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya. Updates will be posted here.

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As COVID-19 cases climb once again, it’s more important than ever to remain vigilant. What precautions should we take, and especially for those who are at high-risk, when should you seek medical treatment if your symptoms worsen? We speak to Dato’ Dr Chow Ting Soo, infectious disease physician, on how to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

This interview is brought to you by Pfizer Malaysia.

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According to the National Health & Morbidity Survey 2022 on Maternal and Child Health, only less than half of women of reproductive age or their partner use any contraceptive methods in Malaysia. What is the impact of low contraceptive use on the health and well-being of women and their families, and what are the unmet needs for family planning? Dr Lavitha Sivapatham, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, provides an overview of modern contraceptive methods, and addresses common fears and concerns over the use of contraception.

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Last week (on 30th Nov), the long awaited Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 was passed by the Dewan Rakyat, to address the lacuna in the law following the exemption of liquid nicotine from the Poisons Act back in April, among others. But this bill has been criticised by healthcare professionals and policymakers on both sides of the divide for omitting the generational endgame smoking ban. Will this be enough to tackle the growing problem of vaping and smoking among young adults - and even children?

We find out from Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, MP for Kuala Selangor and the current Chairman of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health, as well as Assistant Professor Dr Farhan Rusli, public health medicine specialist from IIUM.

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, as we wind down, take our holidays, and spend time with family and friends. It’s also the time when people typically pause and reflect upon the year that has passed. Consultant clinical psychologist Paul Jambunathan joins us for his annual conversation on self-reflection, exploring different areas of our lives that would benefit from introspection.

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Cancers among children are rare, but leukaemia is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among children. While it is a devastating diagnosis for the family, with early diagnosis and effective treatment, children diagnosed with childhood leukaemia have a good outlook. Here to tell us more about that are Dr Chan Lee Lee, a consultant paediatric haemato-oncologist at Subang Jaya Medical Centre, and Ethan Ryan, a cancer survivor himself.

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The Ministry of Health recently reported a 57.3% spike in cases of COVID-19, from the week of Nov 19 to 25 compared to the week before. Paired with increasing anecdotal evidence that more people are falling ill, many Malaysians are worried if this signals a comeback for the coronavirus. To help us understand what’s happening and what can be done about it, we speak to Dr Victor Hoe, Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health & Public Health Medicine Specialist, Universiti Malaya.

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In 2024, the Ministry of Health will provide Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis) vaccination to all pregnant mothers at all government primary health clinics. The vaccination is aimed at protecting newborn babies against the three highly infectious and serious diseases. Prof Dr Nazimah Idris, President of the Obstetrical & Gynaecological Society of Malaysia, joins the show to explain why it’s important for pregnant women to protect their infants with this vaccination, and to address any concerns about the safety of the vaccine.

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Everyone’s talking about how AI can change how we live our lives and make things just a bit easier for us, including in medicine. One of those potential areas is in radiology, where research is being carried out about how AI could help in different areas such as diagnoses as well as to generate datasets. But does this necessarily mean AI will take over the role of our doctors? Here to offer some insights into what AI can offer in radiology and medicine as a whole, is Dr Evelyn Ho, consultant clinical radiologist and the immediate past-president of the Asian Oceanian Society of Radiology.

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To end the AIDS epidemic, community-based action must be an integral part of the process. But what does that look like here in Malaysia? In conjunction with World AIDS Day, which is commemorated on the 1st of Dec, consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by Raymond Tai, acting Chief Operating Officer of PT Foundation to find out more.

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Parenting neurodivergent children is both a challenging and rewarding journey. One of the pivotal moments in this journey is discussing the diagnosis with the children themselves. As parents, how and when do you approach the conversation? And how do you help children understand their diagnosis and the interventions, while celebrating their strengths and uniqueness? We discuss with consultant developmental paediatrician Dr Rajini Sarvananthan, and Dr Choy Sook Kuen, a parent of a neurodivergent child and founder of Oasis Place.

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On this episode of Ask A Doctor, consultant gastroenterologist Dato’ Dr Mahendra Raj joins us to answer all your hard questions about poo and your gastrointestinal health.

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World Children’s Day is celebrated on the 20th of November every year, to remind us all that children’s voices matter. On this special episode of Because Feelings Matter, the kids are getting behind the microphones to tell us what matters to them, and how their perspectives should challenge adults to see the world through their eyes. In the first part of this episode, 13-year-old Branden Lim talks about spinal muscular atrophy, painting and his cat. Visit Frienden Arts and Branden’s personal website to view and purchase his artworks.

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