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FEBRUARY 23, 2022
Recent Post
FEBRUARY 23, 2022
Men’s Health Checks: What And When?
There is nothing more important than your health.
The health of males in the family is not only a concern for the men themselves, but it is also a concern for the women who care about the health of their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers. While the life expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, men should not let their guard down when it comes to paying more attention to their bodies. Several things tend to work against men: they tend to smoke and drink more than women; they don’t seek medical help as often as women; some men define themselves by their work, which can also add on to stress. There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and low testerone. Other health risks that men face – such as colon cancer or heart disease – can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests are used to detect diseases early, especially when it is easier to treat, thus avoiding future complications or even death. That is why it is important to have regular checkups and screenings.
A health screening or awareness event is the first step in helping men become more aware and involved in achieving and maintaining good health. Screenings provide a friendly and informative atmosphere and can easily be worked into anyone’s hectic schedule. Depending on your budget, you can start with a small men’s health screening targeting one or two specific health areas, or you can have a more comprehensive package focusing on a multitude of men’s health areas. Comprehensive health checkups can be of great benefit to many men.
Many conditions don’t reveal themselves and can go undetected for many years with harmful effects. Conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol usually don’t cause symptoms until they are advanced or severe. Other common diseases such as diabetes and the effects of alcohol, smoking and excess weight often go undetected until irreversible damage is done. The purpose of health screenings is to give a snapshot of a man’s health status and to advise and manage health and lifestyle problems before they become serious. This involves a full medical history and examination, investigations that include blood, urine and stool tests. The results can indicate whether certain areas need to be addressed sooner rather than later or just monitored over time.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and strokes. Have your cholesterol checked regularly starting at the age of 35. If you are younger than 35, have your cholesterol level checked if you smoke, have diabetes or high blood pressure or if heart disease runs in your family.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a major risk factor for developing heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Screening should start from age 40 onwards or earlier if one or both parents or a sibling has diabetes, or if you are obese (BMI>30).
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in Australian men after skin cancer. Around 18,700 new cases are diagnosed in Australia every year. It is recommended that the following groups should be screened with a blood test:
- Men at 50 years of age with no family history of prostate cancer
- Men at 40 with a family history
Low Testosterone
Low levels of testosterone affect a man’s sex drive, physical features, mood and cause erectile dysfunction. Low levels can be caused by some diseases or it can just be an effect of aging. Men in their 50’s should have their levels checked because low testosterone can be treated with hormone replacement therapy.
Osteoporosis
In Australia, one in three men over 60 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis. This is a rate similar to that of women, which is generally estimated worldwide as one of three for women over 50. Risk factors for osteoporosis in men include: older age, low body weight, weight loss, physical inactivity, previous fractures not caused by substantial trauma, low-calcium diets, and ongoing use of certain drugs, such as corticosteroids like prednisone or drugs that are sometimes used to treat prostate cancer. Screening for osteoporosis should start from the age of 60 years with a DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan or earlier in the presence of any of the above risk factors.
There is nothing more important than your health.
The health of males in the family is not only a concern for the men themselves, but it is also a concern for the women who care about the health of their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers. While the life expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, men should not let their guard down when it comes to paying more attention to their bodies. Several things tend to work against men: they tend to smoke and drink more than women; they don’t seek medical help as often as women; some men define themselves by their work, which can also add on to stress. There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and low testerone. Other health risks that men face – such as colon cancer or heart disease – can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests are used to detect diseases early, especially when it is easier to treat, thus avoiding future complications or even death. That is why it is important to have regular checkups and screenings.
A health screening or awareness event is the first step in helping men become more aware and involved in achieving and maintaining good health. Screenings provide a friendly and informative atmosphere and can easily be worked into anyone’s hectic schedule. Depending on your budget, you can start with a small men’s health screening targeting one or two specific health areas, or you can have a more comprehensive package focusing on a multitude of men’s health areas. Comprehensive health checkups can be of great benefit to many men.
Many conditions don’t reveal themselves and can go undetected for many years with harmful effects. Conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol usually don’t cause symptoms until they are advanced or severe. Other common diseases such as diabetes and the effects of alcohol, smoking and excess weight often go undetected until irreversible damage is done. The purpose of health screenings is to give a snapshot of a man’s health status and to advise and manage health and lifestyle problems before they become serious. This involves a full medical history and examination, investigations that include blood, urine and stool tests. The results can indicate whether certain areas need to be addressed sooner rather than later or just monitored over time.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and strokes. Have your cholesterol checked regularly starting at the age of 35. If you are younger than 35, have your cholesterol level checked if you smoke, have diabetes or high blood pressure or if heart disease runs in your family.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a major risk factor for developing heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Screening should start from age 40 onwards or earlier if one or both parents or a sibling has diabetes, or if you are obese (BMI>30).
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in Australian men after skin cancer. Around 18,700 new cases are diagnosed in Australia every year. It is recommended that the following groups should be screened with a blood test:
- Men at 50 years of age with no family history of prostate cancer
- Men at 40 with a family history
Low Testosterone
Low levels of testosterone affect a man’s sex drive, physical features, mood and cause erectile dysfunction. Low levels can be caused by some diseases or it can just be an effect of aging. Men in their 50’s should have their levels checked because low testosterone can be treated with hormone replacement therapy.
Osteoporosis
In Australia, one in three men over 60 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis. This is a rate similar to that of women, which is generally estimated worldwide as one of three for women over 50. Risk factors for osteoporosis in men include: older age, low body weight, weight loss, physical inactivity, previous fractures not caused by substantial trauma, low-calcium diets, and ongoing use of certain drugs, such as corticosteroids like prednisone or drugs that are sometimes used to treat prostate cancer. Screening for osteoporosis should start from the age of 60 years with a DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan or earlier in the presence of any of the above risk factors.
Recent Post
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr. Lisa Ho obtained her medical degree from the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom in 2013. Upon return to Singapore, she entered the Singhealth Emergency Medicine residency programme where she rotated through various emergency departments, surgical and medical specialties in the public restructured hospitals. Dr. Ho has a keen interest in musculoskeletal medicine and graduated with a Masters in Sports and Exercise Medicine from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland and a Post graduate diploma in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound from University of East London, United Kingdom. She completed the Singhealth Sports and Exercise medicine staff registrar training programme in 2022 and was responsible for setting up protocols for the ultrasound guided injection service in Sengkang General Hospital. She was also a team physician for the 2023 South East Asian Games in Cambodia. Dr. Ho is passionate about helping patients lead their best life with preventative medicine, through general health and musculoskeletal screening and exercise prescription. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family and dog, practicing her Japanese and doing pilates. |
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Introduction
Aesthetic Physician Dr. Elendrus Teo graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and also holds a NUS Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine. Dr. Teo firmly believes that looking good helps to empower an individual to exude the best possible version of themselves, giving them the opportunity to further their confidence and success. Dr. Teo possesses both clinical and surgical competencies, having had previous rotations in general surgery, family medicine, and ENT. His interest in aesthetics was piqued while spending several years of training in the facial plastics team within the ENT practice. Through the interactions and experiences with patients over the years, Dr. Teo decided to venture into aesthetic medicine, helping patients build their confidence and self-belief by looking their best. To keep himself at the forefront of aesthetic medicine technologies and treatments, Dr. Teo continually attends relevant local and overseas courses and conferences, notably with the renowned Dr. Mauricio de Maio. He also attended several aesthetic medicine graduate workshops held at the Singapore National Skin Centre and other prestigious centers. He has completed various courses on facial fillers, Pigment Lasers, Lasers for skin resurfacing, Fractional Lasers, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, Lasers, and IPL for hair removal, Chemical Peels, and Devices for Skin Tightening and Body Contouring. Friendly and approachable, Dr. Teo is a family-oriented man who provides both confidence and assurance to his patients. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, football, and other sports. |
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Introduction
Aesthetic Physician Dr. Eileen Lew obtained her medical degree from the prestigious University College of London (UCL) in the United Kingdom. Since then, she has accumulated extensive surgical experience in both Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and Kandang Kerbau Hospital (KKH) where she underwent training in obstetrics and gynaecology, general/breast surgery and internal medicine. During training, she has received numerous accolades from her peers and patients for her dedication towards patient care, awarding her the Best Housemanship award in her year. In her quest for excellence to better treat her patients, she has had the privilege to experience the distinguished mentorship from renowned tutors in the USA and the acclaimed Harley Street in London (UK). Dr. Lew’s focus is on safe, modern, minimally invasive treatments, and she believes that when it comes to aesthetic procedures, less is most certainly more. Dedicated to attaining the best results possible whilst maintaining a philosophy of safety first, the look of satisfaction on her patient’s faces and the rebuilding of their confidence is what drives her on. Always keen to keep abreast of medical advancements, Dr. Lew has presented in various surgical conferences and published in acclaimed scientific journals. In addition to obtaining a Diploma in Practical Dermatology from the distinguished University of Cardiff (UK), she also possesses a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM), and is currently an active member of the AAAM. She is fully accredited in aesthetic procedures such as Botox, fillers, chemical peels, lasers and light therapies. Her passion lies in treatment and management of scars, in particular keloidal scars. Outside medicine, she finds joy in spending time with her family including an active child, and passion in crafts and food. |
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Introduction
Aesthetic Physician Dr. Tiffiny Yang is a fully qualified medical doctor who previously practiced medicine and surgery in various hospitals before joining International Medical Group, a medical practice with primary focus on medical aesthetics. She can converse fluently in English and Mandarin. Dr. Tiffiny Yang habitually attends international courses and conferences outside of Singapore to keep herself updated with the latest global developments in medical aesthetics practice. These include, amongst others, the annual Minimally Invasive Facial Aesthetics Surgery conference in Japan, where she obtained deep insights into Japanese medical aesthetics techniques. She was also appointed as a trainer for certain courses conducted by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. In the last 10 years of her practice, Dr. Tiffiny Yang had personally administered botox, facial fillers, medical lasers and various other aesthetic procedures to countless patients, attesting to the breadth of her experience. Her practice methodology is centred on the philosophy that every patient is distinctly different from the other, for which the best beauty solutions need to be curated & tailormade. After more than a decade of medical aesthetics experience, Dr. Tiffiny Yang has managed to codify the various tailor-made solutions specially curated by her for the benefit of each unique individual. Dr. Tiffiny Yang’s curated & tailormade aesthetics methodology has seen many satisfied patients who have been with Tiffiny Yang Aesthetics for many years. A key plank of Dr. Tiffiny’s methodology is to know and understand the key principles of achieving youth and beauty, then applying them adeptly to the many facets of her practice and skincare range. |
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Introduction
Consultant Radiologist Clinical Interest & Subspecialty: Neuroradiology (Brain, Head & Neck, Spine) and Neuro-intervention Dr. Santhosh Raj is a Consultant Radiologist with 20 years of experience in radiology. He graduated from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2002 and obtained the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (U.K.) in 2008. Upon completing the Advanced Specialist Training (AST) in Singapore in 2013, he joined the Neuroradiology subspecialty team at Singapore General Hospital. In 2015, he completed his training in Neuro-intervention at the National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences in Budapest, Hungary, through the SingHealth Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowship. In addition to his routine work, Dr. Santhosh also reports MRI Brain Volumetry scans that are used to assess structural brain degeneration, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). He also reports Ultra Low-Dose (Submilisievert) CT Lung, which allows lung screening at doses lower than routine lung screening CT scans. Other innovative imaging scans that he developed in the past include Intracranial Vessel Wall Imaging (3T MRI), an optimized CT Arterio-Venography (CTAV) of the brain, and an optimized Multiphasic CT Angiography of the Neck and Brain (acute stroke management). His past appointments include Deputy Director of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (SGH), and Director of Radiology Training (SGH). He was also Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS), and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Duke NUS. Dr. Santhosh is particularly interested in imaging informatics and artificial intelligence (AI). He is passionate about teaching and developing innovative imaging scans. He also loves to walk and spend quality time with his family. |
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Introduction
Consultant Radiologist Dr. Eugene Low was awarded the Singapore Armed Forces Medical Scholarship in 2001 to study Medicine at the National University of Singapore and attained his MBBS in 2006. Dr Low then trained and obtained his post-graduate qualifications in Diagnostic Radiology FRCR (UK) and MMed (Spore) in 2012. In 2016, he was awarded the Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowship by the Singapore Armed Forces to train in Musculoskeletal and Interventional Radiology at Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Columbia in Canada. Under the mentorship of Prof Peter Munk, Prof Bruce Forster and Prof Hugue Ouellette, the fellowship centred on advanced musculoskeletal imaging, sports imaging and musculoskeletal interventions. Upon his return to Singapore and during his tenure as Consultant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, he started several interventional programmes for tumour ablations (for both palliative and benign), vertebroplasties, hydrodilatation clinics for adhesive capsulitis and other musculoskeletal ultrasound-guided procedures. |
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr. Chua Boon Suan graduated from the National University of Singapore. Upon graduation, Dr. Chua has worked in various major restructured hospitals in Singapore, including the Emergency Department of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, General Medicine and General Surgery Departments of Singapore General Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She was part of the SARS taskforce in TTSH and tended to ill patients with suspected SARS during the outbreak. Following these rotations, she spent the large part of her medical career in primary care in NHG polyclinics. For the last fifteen years, she has been seeing her patients in the Health Screening and Wellness Centres of various hospitals, including TTSH, Mt Alvernia, National University Hospital and Farrer Park Hospital. From her years of experience in primary care, she has developed a special interest in health screening and chronic disease prevention. She believes that patients should understand the potential health issues and identify them before they become symptomatic and difficult to treat. She also takes interest in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Dr. Chua is fluent in English and Mandarin, and conversant in Hokkien and Teochew. |
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr. Shirley Lee graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1998. She was awarded the Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine in 2007. Her clinical experience includes rotations across major restructured hospitals in Singapore. Dr. Lee is a Family Physician, who has interests in Health Screening and Preventive Medicine. Dr. Lee believes in a holistic approach to care for her patients that encompasses physical and mental well-being. Dr. Lee always advocates forming strong collaborative partnerships with her patients to achieve good health outcomes. Dr. Lee is fluent in English and Mandarin, and conversant in most dialects. |
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr Elizabeth Heah graduated from the University of Manchester in 2018. She has since been practicing in Singapore, with experience from Singapore restructured hospitals in the departments of General Surgery, Internal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is passionate about preventative medicine and adopts a holistic approach to healthcare. Outside of medicine she enjoys practicing yoga, interior design and pottery. |