Health Matters is a podcast hosted by Daniel Martin that covers a wide range of health topics. Each episode brings together experts to help listeners make sense of the latest health news. The show aims to provide clear and reliable information on matters of health and wellness.
Episodes
What will the Vision Academy offer
Guest: Cheryl Yeo, Head of Rehabilitation Services, Singapore Association Of The Visually Handicapped (SAVH)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who should consider Genetic Testing for Breast or Ovarian Cancer?
Guest: Dr Saumya Jamuar, Director of the Centre for Precision Health & Paediatrics, and Program Director, Precision Medicine Hub, Mount Elizabeth Hospital. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Actress Christina Applegate MS Misdiagnosis, and why MS is often misdiagnosed in 15-20% of all cases
Guest: Dr Sarah Hasnor Abu Hassan, Consultant, Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience InstituteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Bangkok, ‘Asia’s Turkey’? Singaporeans travelling for Hair Transplantation.
Guest: Dr Harold Ma, Medical Director, Freia Medical. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ebola; more than 5000 dead in this ongoing outbreak in the Congo. Is it out of control?
Guest: Professor Lim Poh Lian, Group Director of Communicable Diseases Programmes, Communicable Diseases Agency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is Psychological First Aid, and why are youths potential important administrators of it during an emergency?
Guest: Dr Diong Siew Maan, Director of Psychological Research at MHA's Home Team Psychology DivisionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Haze, Eczema and JAK Inhibitors
Guest: Dr Tan Siew Kiang, Consultant Dermatologist, The Dermatology Practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hearing Loss Pt.2/2 - Hearing Aids bring Next-Gen Sound
An audiologist reveals how modern hearing aids became sleek tech powerhouses, plus what to expect during the initial adjustment period when everything suddenly sounds louder. On Health Matters, Daniel Martin spoke to Mandy Mak, Audiologist at Hearing Partners Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How goes the War on Diabetes? Diabetes Singapore speaks on their on-the-ground work
Guest: Priscilla Gan, Executive Director, Diabetes SG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You’ve been prescribed an inhaler for the first time, during Haze. Are you now an Asthmatic?
You’ve never needed an inhaler. You don’t have asthma or normally experience breathing difficulties. But during this hazy period, after seeing a doctor for breathing difficulties and throat irritation, you’re prescribed one – probably the blue inhaler. Why? Does this mean you’re asthmatic? Daniel Martin spoke to Dr Alvin Ng, Respiratory Physician and Intensivist at O2
#HazeHealth: A psychiatrist’s advice on coping with anxious and uncertain feelings or ‘Haze Anxiety’
It’s more than your throat, eyes or heart health. Coping with the anxiety of worsening haze conditions brings anxious feelings for many. This includes a fear of health implications, uncertainty with unplanned cancellations and changes (eg: to School’s & Exams) and finally just the physical nature of the discomfort like physical side-effects and the seclusion this period brings. Dan
How healthcare regulation changes can benefit the patient and society
Guest: Associate Professor Chan Cheng Leng, Group Director, Health Products Regulation Group, Health Sciences Authority (HSA) SingaporeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hearing Loss Pt.1/2 - Recognising what it 'sounds like'
An audiologist explains how it’s not just about volume… age-related hearing loss can also result in the patient not being able to “understand” what is being said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Making healthcare more accessible for Persons with Disabilities — Understanding Singapore's upcoming 'Health Communication Passport' for PWD's
How will an upcoming ‘Health Communication Passport’ for PWD’s can improve health outcomes, and normalise clinic-visit experiences? Health Matters welcomed Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health, Ms Rahayu Mahzam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Haze’s Impact on year-end exams; how Parents can’ pass on the Strength and not the Stress
Guest: Dr Geraldine Tan, Director and Principal Psychologist of The Therapy Room.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A respiratory physician’s advice, when air quality levels hit Unhealthy
Guest: Dr Steve Yang, Consultant Respiratory Physician, The Respiratory Practice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Healthy Longevity Institute tackles quality of life as you age
Guest: Prof Lim Wee Shiong, Co-Director of the Healthy Longevity Institute (HELI) and Senior Consultant and Director, Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, NHG Health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Haze & your Skin: Should you stop Exfoliating?
Guest: Dr Angeline Yong, Dermatologist & Medical Director, Angeline Yong Dermatology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robotic Colorectal Surgery
Guest: Dr Calvin Ong, Senior Consultant General Surgeon at Farrer Park Hospital See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Exercising or high intensity activity in haze raises heart attack/stroke risk
Guest: Adjunct Associate Professor Raymond Wong, Head of Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Caffeine-Overboard: Are youth treating ‘energy drinks’ as soft drinks and mixers?
Guest: Jaclyn Reutens, Clinical and Sports Dietitian at Aptima Nutrition, and an accredited Dietitian with the Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association (SNDA). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robotic Urologic Surgery ~ Is the Robot Better than the Surgeon?
Guest: Dr Png Keng Siang, Senior Consultant Urologist, Farrer Park HospitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sleep Special (2/2): Do you need less Sleep as you Age?
Guest: Dr Jared Ng, Medical Director, Psychiatrist, Connections Mind HealthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How missing teeth affect what older adults can eat, and how long they remain independent?
Guest: Dr Ho Kok Sen, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Specialist Dental GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#HazeHealth: Why are my eyes teary and itchy?
Guest: Professor Louis Tong, Senior Consultant, Corneal & External Eye Disease Dept, SNECSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sleep Special (1/2): Real, Healthy Sleep is more than just 6-7hrs in bed
Guest: Dr David Teo, Deputy Medical Director, PsychiatristSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Faecal Incontinence
Guest: Clinical Assistant Professor Cherylin Fu, Senior Consultant, Colorectal Surgery & Director, Pelvic Floor Disorders Service, SGHSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everything you need to know about the influenza vaccine
Guest: Dr Leong Hoe Nam, Infectious Disease Physician, Rophi Clinic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dolly Parton’s Cancer Journey
Guest: Dr Wong Seng Weng, Medical Director & Consultant, Specialist in Medical Oncology, The Cancer Centre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can you tell if formaldehyde is coating your fruits & veggies?
Guest: Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran, Deputy Director and Head of Glycemic Index Research Unit at Temasek PolytechnicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Haze: Will some “feel” it before others?
Guest: Dr Steve Yang, Consultant Respiratory Physician at The Respiratory PracticeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
DigitallyUs Launch: filling in the gap between Tech & Mental health for Parents & Youth
Guest: Andrea Chan, Group Head of TOUCH Counselling & Psychological Services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Disease X ~ WHO expert on importance of strengthening collaboration between health systems
Guest: Dr Gina Samaan, Regional Emergency Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western PacificSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: More Than Just Snoring?
Guest: Dr Soon Sue Rene, Senior Consultant Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) surgeonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adult Hikikomori cases on the rise here?
Guest: Dr Patrick Lin, Associate Professor in Psychology, James Cook University (Singapore)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singaporeans are living longer (83.9 years), but are they living better? What is longevity?
Guest: Dr Tan Min-Han, Founder, CEO and Medical Director of Lucence. His medical career has involved positions as a consulting medical oncologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HYROX & sports injuries: are you training smarter or just harder?
Guest: Dr Tan Shi Ming, Orthopedic surgeonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Measles at highest local rates since 2020 (40 cases). Is this a tipping point?
Guest: Dr Leong Hoe Nam, Senior Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician, Rophi Clinic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Debunking the misconceptions of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Guest: Dr Tang Hak Chiaw, Cardiomyopathy and Cardiac Imaging Cardiologist, at Novena Heart Centre See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A psychiatrist’s take on newly released SOS report, and spike among 30 to 39 y/o suicide rates
Guest: Dr Jared Ng, Medical Director, Psychiatrist and Senior Consultant of Connections MindHealthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Guest: Dr Tang Hak Chiaw, Cardiomyopathy and Cardiac Imaging Cardiologist at Novena Heart CentreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Breaking the Eczema Flare Cycle – Ep 2 of 2
Guest: Dr Lynn Teo, Dermatologist at The Dermatology PracticeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Post-surgery patients got more sleep and constant vitals monitoring, thanks to a smartwatch
Guest: Dr Lim Tian Zhi, Associate Consultant, Department of Surgery, National University HospitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can vending machines help lower Colorectal Cancer risk? Click to find out how
Guest: Clinical Associate Professor Tan Ngiap Chuan, Director of Research and Primary Care Research Institute (PCRI), SingHealth PolyclinicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is no "Quick Fix" for Eczema - Ep 1 of 2
Guest: Dr Lynn Teo, Dermatologist at The Dermatology PracticeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gynaecological Qns and the tough questions that need to be asked
Guest: Dr Felicia Chin, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Hospital, SingaporeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Evolution of cancer care
Guest: Dr Khoo Kei Siong, Deputy Medical Director, Medical Oncology, Parkway Cancer CentreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NHCS-developed AI platform could quantify heart damage, quickly
Guest: Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor Tan Ru San, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiology, National Heart Centre SingaporeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How AI will transform the nursing profession
Guest: Muhammad Hafashah, Board Member of the Singapore Nurses AssociationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Anxiety and Depression and new local research
Guest: Senior author Professor Eric Finkelstein, Executive Director of the Lien Centre for Palliative Care at Duke NUS Medical SchoolSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Battling Dengue is almost like dealing with 4 different viruses
Guest: Professor Ooi Eng Eong, Emerging Infectious Diseases Signature Research Programme, Duke-NUS Medical SchoolSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
COVID-19: a 59% increase in cases as of May 21
Guest: Dr Loh Jiashen, infectious diseases specialist at Farrer Park HospitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ebola: How soon could this rare strain have global impact?
Guest: Dr Loh Jiashen, infectious diseases specialist at Farrer Park HospitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are we pushing children to be athletes, far too young?
Guest: Dr Zackary Chua, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon from ACME OrthopaedicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Korean AI 'brain gym' trial; will it prevent dementia?
Guest: Clinical Associate Professor Tan Ngiap Chuan, Director of Research and Primary Care Research Institute, SingHealth PolyclinicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) – A Parent’s Guide
Guest: Dr Karen Nadua, Paediatric Consultant, Infectious Disease Service, KK Women's and Children's HospitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The hidden risk behind illegal cosmetic contact lenses
Guest: Dr. Val Phua, Director of Cataract & Refractive Surgery & Comprehensive Ophthalmic Services, Eagle Eye Centre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the ground shifts: the silent link between balance and brain health
Guest: Dr Teo Ke Jia, Senior Consultant, Precision Neurosurgery Singapore at Mount Elizabeth Medical CentreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cardiologist tells us if you can trust a heart reading off your smartwatch
Guest: Dr Pipin Kojodjojo, Cardiologist, Electrophysiologist, Farrer Park MedicalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No immediate threat to Singapore's general population, but Andes Hantavirus is bad news ~ Dr Loh Jiashen, Infectious Diseases Specialist
Guest: Dr Loh Jiashen, Infectious Diseases Specialist, Farrer Park Hospital See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Awareness of Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Guest: Dr Karen Nadua, Consultant, Infectious Disease Service, KK Women's and Children's HospitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A (NEW) Mother's Day Special ~ Breastfeeding 101
On this special Mother’s Day episode, Daniel sits down with a lactation consultant to tackle a key message: struggling with breastfeeding is not a failure. Daniel explores why every mother's journey is unique, why latching challenges are normal, and how seeking support can transform feeding into a positive experience for both parents. You’re not alone, and with the right guidance, you
Is there a doctor on-board?
3 local doctors on a plane sprung into action, when a passenger experienced a life-threatening cardiac arrest. Daniel Martin speaks with one of the doctors to learn about the steps anyone can take to save a life; and CPR plays a pivotal role. Guest: Dr Michael Fung, Senior Consultant, Accident & Emergency, Department, Khoo Teck Puat HospitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All about hernias
If a lump seems to pop out, and there’s no pain - tune in to find out why pushing it back in isn’t necessarily a good idea.Guest: Dr Kan Yuk Man, Senior Consultant in General Surgery, Farrer Park Hospital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why foreign experts are shocked Singapore still has asthma deaths
We know the treatment. We know the management. We have the data. And yet, 638 asthma-related deaths are projected to occur between 2023 and 2040 here. Why are patients stumbling or holding back from regular inhaler usage to control their asthma, and why are they willing to increase their risk for decreased lung capacity in future? Daniel Martin finds out more from Dr Alvin Ng, Consultant Respirato
Could your kids soon “visit” dentists via their smartphones?
Guest: Associate Professor Catherine Hong, Vice Dean (Research, Innovation and Enterprise) at NUS Faculty of Dentistry and Senior Consultant, Division of Paediatric Dentistry, National University Centre for Oral Health Singapore (NUCOHS)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) - Taking control: Treatment & new advances
Guest: Dr Mark Tang, Consultant Dermatologist, The Skin Specialists and Laser ClinicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) - More than "just a rash"
Guest: Dr Lynn Chiam, Dermatologist, Dr Lynn Chiam Children and Adult Skin Hair Laser Clinic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New(er) approaches to weight loss (Pt. 2): What next? Will it return?
Guest: Dr Tham Kwang Wei, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist & President, Singapore Association for the Study of Obesity (SASO)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
World Tuberculosis Day Special; Around a thousand cases here every year
Guest: Dr Deborah Ng, Director, National TB Programme (NTBP), Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Obesity and the new(er) era of weight-loss medications
Guest: Dr Tham Kwang Wei, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist, Woodlands Hospital and the President of the Singapore Association for the Study of Obesity (SASO)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3 Steps to fight cancer: Know your personal risk, go for the right screening and prevention, prevention, prevention
Guest: Dr Tanujaa D/O Rajasekaran, Medical Oncologist, Parkway Cancer CentreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
War Weary: Can overexposure to big global issues trigger genuine mental health concerns?
Even though we’re barely two weeks into the U.S-Israel war on Iran, it has been one major issue after another - from global tariffs to a Greenland ultimatum, AI microchip challenges, strained Japanese-Chinese ties and the still looming Russia-Ukraine conflict. Sometimes, it may seem like too much. Could this seemingly never ending flow of international uncertainties weigh so heavily on you t
Role of technology in orthopaedic care - AI, Robotics, 3D Printing
Guest: Dr S.S. Sathappan, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Farrer Park Hospital See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer care has evolved from advanced, personalised treatments to multi-disciplinary support for better outcomes. Daniel Martin learns more from Dr Sabrina Ngaserin, General Surgeon (Breast), Mount Elizabeth Hospitals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is your smartphone giving you pain: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Guest: Dr Mohammad Mashfiqul Arafin Siddiqui, Senior Orthopaedic and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon at Mash Spine and Orthopaedics clinic at Farrer Park HospitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why are 7 to 11-month-old infants at greater risk of measles?
Guest: Dr Loh Jiashen, infectious diseases specialist at Farrer Park HospitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Leong Hoe Nam remembers what it was like to have “miserable measles”
Guest: Dr Leong Hoe Nam, infectious disease physician, Rophi ClinicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inside the New Digestive Health Centre: Ulcer, Liver, Colorectal health and more
Guest: Adjunct Associate Professor Lee Guan Huei, Centre Director, National University Centre for Digestive Health, National University Hospital & Head and Senior Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Staying healthy during festive feasting
Daniel Martin learns about the importance of maintaining proper hygiene during festive gatherings, common hygiene practices people may overlook, and foodborne diseases — their transmission patterns and preventive measures individuals can take to avoid illness. He spoke with Lalitha Kurupatham, Director of Food and Vector Borne Division, Communicable Diseases Agency.See omnystudio.com/listene
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