SATA CommHealth conducts Continuing Medical Education (CME) talks for healthcare professionals

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1 A Quarterly Newsletter For Enriching Your Health MIC (P) 028/10/2013 December 2013 SATA CommHealth conducts Continuing Medical Education (CME) talks for healthcare professionals SATA CommHealth started organising CME talks for its own staff and the general practitioners (GPs) in the community since 2012 to promote learning and update on latest practices and developments in healthcare. These talks have been well received by GPs. SATA CommHealth is also encouraging other healthcare professionals in the community to attend these talks. Two of the most recent CME talks are featured in this issue. Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland. It is common for men to experience enlargement of the prostate gland as they get older. Enlarged prostate gland blocks the urethra and leads to difficulty of passing urine and pain (painful micturition). Dr Gerald Tan speaking to GPs and staff at the CME talk. Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition of the muscular tube where food passes through the pharynx before reaching the stomach. Eosinophilic esophagitis can be very difficult to distinguish from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as the symptoms are identical. Eosinophilic esophagitis affects everyone, usually more men than women. A CME talk on Uncommon diagnosis of Reflux Symptoms was exclusively organised by SATA CommHealth for external GPs and its staff on 22 November 2013 at its auditorium in Bedok. Dr Andrea Rajnakova, Consultant Gastroenterologist from Andrea s Digestive, Colon, Liver and Gallbladder Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre was invited to give a talk on the topic. Dr Rajnakova previously practiced at National University Hospital, Singapore (NUS) and received her PhD in gastric cancer from NUS. She shared her experiences on the treatment of Uncommon diagnosis of reflux symptoms SATA CommHealth organised the Continuing Medical Education (CME) talk on Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) exclusively for external general practitioners (GPs) and its staff on 9 October 2013 at the Jurong Country Club. Dr Gerald Tan, Consultant Urologist and accredited Robotic Surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, was invited to present the talk on the Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. The talk gave me new insights and I understand more about the condition now, commented a participant after attending the talk. Dr Rajnakova sharing her experiences on GERD with the audience. eosinophillic esophagitis which may be triggered by allergic response to certain food or environmetal factors in predisposed individuals. Patients with this condition may present with reflux symptoms not responding to standard anti-reflux therapy. These patients need to undergo gastroscopy with biopsies in order to establish the diagnosis, she commented. q SATA CommHealth is one of the shortlisted nominees for the President s Challenge 2013 Social Enterprise Award. (Read more on pg 2) Wishing everyone a blessed and joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2 2 HealthLine December 2013 ABOUT US Since its inception in 1947, SATA CommHealth has evolved over the years to become a one-stop primary healthcare organisation. It provides a comprehensive range of health screening and general practitioner services at its four Medical Centres, three X-ray buses, a Doctors-On- Wheels mobile clinic and a Mammo-On-Wheels mobile mammography service. VISION To be the leading charity for the advancement of lifelong health in the community. MISSION Promoting lifelong health, serving the community. CORE VALUES C - Compassion R - Respect E - Excellence A - Accountability T - Teamwork E - Empowerment SERVICES GENERAL CONSULTATION FOR: Acute ailments, chronic diseases SPECIALIST SERVICES: Cardiology, radiology, respiratory medicine, physiotherapy HEALTH SCREENING SERVICES: Pre-employment, social visit pass, visa application, work permit PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES: Health screenings, vaccinations DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SERVICES: Fluoroscopy, mammography, ultrasound, X-Ray SPECIALISED TESTS: Audiometry, ECG, echocardiography, industrial tests, spirometry, treadmill, Bone Mineral Densitometry scan PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES Only at Bedok and Woodlands LABORATORY SERVICES Available at all Medical Centres MEDICAL CENTRE LOCATIONS BEDOK 351 Chai Chee St Singapore ANG MO KIO Blk 715 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6 # /4010 Singapore JURONG Blk 135 Jurong Gateway Rd # Singapore WOODLANDS 900 South Woodlands Dr #04-01 Woodlands Civic Centre Singapore EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR: Andrew Yap SUB-EDITOR: Esther Kong ADVISOR: Dr K Thomas Abraham Social Enterprice Nomination Nominee for President s Challenge Social Enterprise Award Launched in March 2012, the President s Challenge Social Enterprise Award is the only award conferred by the President s Office within the social enterprise sector in Singapore. It aims to honour and recognize outstanding social enterprises for their contributions made to the local community. The objectives of the 2013 President s Challenge Social Enterprise Award are: - To recognize successful and sustainable social enterprises which operate and create social impact in Singapore; - To inspire aspiring social entrepreneurs and youths to develop innovative and sustainable social enterprises; and - To enhance public awareness of social enterprises by sharing best practices and success stories of award winners. The 2013 President s Challenge Social Enterprise Award consists of three Award categories: Social Enterprise of the Year: For social enterprises who have incorporated or operated for more than 2 years (as of 1 May 2013) Social Enterprise Start-up of the Year: For social enterprises who have incorporated or operated for 2 years or less (as of 1 May 2013) Youth Social Enterprise of the Year: For social enterprises founded and managed by youths aged under 35 years old (as of 1 May 2013) SATA CommHealth was selected to be among the final three nominees from 17 entrants for the Social Enterprise of the Year Award in Upon being nominated for the award, Dr K Thomas Abraham had this to add We were glad to have been recognised for this illustrious award. We are both encouraged and thrilled that our community efforts were recognised further through the President s Challenge Social Enterprise Award nomination this year. We will strive harder to expand our community service to help more disadvantaged groups in Singapore. q Cancer Awareness Participation Certificate of Appreciation from Singapore Cancer Society Singapore Cancer Society personnel (first and third from right) and SATA CommHealth CEO (second from right) and operations staffs with the certificates. Cervical cancer ranks tenth among the cancers diagnosed in Singaporean women 1. A total of 911 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed and 360 deaths from cervical cancer were reported between 2008 and The disease is preventable and curable with early detection. month 2013, SATA CommHealth participated in providing free Pap smear screening for ladies aged between during the Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign organised by Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) in May SATA CommHealth was presented with the certificate of appreciation from SCS. q 1 Reference: Singapore Cancer Registry Interim Annua Registry Report 2 Reference: In support of the cervical awareness

3 3 HealthLine December 2013 Staff Focus A Day With the Centre Manager SATA CommHealth has been serving the community over the years beginning from a small tuberculosis (TB) treatment unit six and a half decades ago to its current four well-equipped medical centres that provide general healthcare services today. Ever wondered how it s like to manage the operations of a medical centre that attends to an average of 100 patients each day? Let s tag along with Mr William Hoo, the Centre Manager for SATA CommHealth Uttamram Medical Centre located in Bedok and take a sneak peek into one of his work days. 0800hrs: 0815hrs: 0830hrs: William has to meticulously plan and prepare the information that he needs for instructing his team before the medical centre opens its doors for the day. William gathers his staff for a short meeting. He needs to highlight the outstanding issues that require necessary action and attention from his team. He also needs to inform them on what to expect if there are new updates from Headquarters. In addition, he must ensure that each staff is aware of the duties he/she should be covering for that day. William unlocks the glass door of the medical centre to welcome patients with his warm smile. For the rest of the day, William continues to cover the following duties: Checking of Clinic Facilities As the person in charge of the medical centre, William has to make sure that all equipment (e.g. air conditioner, washroom flashing system and X-Ray machines) are in good working condition. Part of his duties is to report any faulty devices to the Property and Facilities Department and to seek their assistance to resolve the issue in the shortest time possible. Handling of Complaints / Feedback In order to create a pleasant experience for each patient, William has to attend to any patient who has an issue to raise be it due to negative or positive feedback. If the issue can be resolved within his jurisdiction, he will do his best to offer a fair solution to the patient. However, if a more thorough intervention is required, such cases will be referred to SATA CommHealth s Quality Management Department for further investigation and communications. Assist staff and doctors when help is needed William s team at Uttamram Medical Centre consists of 13 staff and two doctors. He is always on the move within the centre, guiding his staff and assisting the doctors whenever help is needed. Handling of enquiries from the Customer Service Centre SATA CommHealth Uttamram Medical Centre receives up to ten enquiries from SATA CommHealth s Customer Service Centre each day. William goes through these enquiries and sends replies to the customer directly via phone calls or s. Ensuring that all patients are attended The SATA CommHealth Uttamram Medical Centre stops operating at 5.00pm every weekday. Before calling it a day, William will be going around the centre to check on the waiting patients, making sure that all are being attended to. Having joined since February 2012, William has been the winner of SATA CommHealth s Service Excellence Achiever Award several times and was even awarded with an inaugural Champion for Excellence Award in recognition of being a Service Excellence role model of the year during SATA CommHealth s 65th Aniversary Celebration Dinner in October q

4 4 HealthLine December 2013 Annual Event SATA CommHealth Di The ladies attending to guests at the reception area. A guest arriving at the event dropping in her lucky draw slip. Guest-of-Honour, M for Manpower welc Chairman Mr Ang H Chairman, Prof Ho Dr K Thomas Abrah The magic show entertains the audience. SATA CommHealth Chairman Mr Ang Hao Yao presenting token of appreciation to Acting Minister for Manpower Mr Tan Chuan Jin for his presence at the event. Staff performing during talent contest. Audience watching and waiting anxiously during the lucky draw segment.

5 5 HealthLine December 2013 inner and Dance 2013 Mr Tan Chuan Jin, Acting Minister comed by SATA CommHealth Hao Yao (second from left), Vice Yew Kee, (first from left) and CEO ham (second from right). A/Prof Mak Yuen Teen (first from left), who retired as SATA CommHealth Chairman in June 2013, receiving a token of appreciation from Guest-of-Honour, Mr Tan Chuan Jin. Looking on is current Chairman Mr Ang Hao Yao in the centre. Staff and guests getting ready for the event. Long service certificates awarded to the staff by SATA CommHealth CEO Dr Abraham and Chairman Mr Ang. Medical Centre Updates Lucky draw presentation by Vice Chairman Prof Ho. Presentation of first prize by Mdm Lai Choy Kuen. Winner of staff talent contest on stage with SATA CommHealth management and Board Members.

6 6 HealthLine December 2013 Health Knowledge Healthy Lifestyle Slows Down Ageing Ageing is an organic and inevitable process in everyone s life. People are often prepared to attempt everything possible to stay more youthful and decelerate the aging process. If at all possible, we would like to have the elixir vitae which will maintain life indefinitely. The more realistic people would like to approach their golden years with good health and yearn to live comfortably without pain and suffering. A recent study announced in September this year, has revealed that positive lifestyle changes may reverse aging on a cellular level. The lifestyle changes include adopting a whole foods plant-based diet, moderate exercise, stress management techniques (such as meditation and yoga) and greater intimacy and social support. Professor Dean Ornish from the Preventive Medicine Research Institute and the University of California carried out this pilot study comparing two small groups of men diagnosed with low risk prostate cancer and who had not undergone conventional treatments with surgery or radiation. A study group of 10 men were asked to make comprehensive lifestyle changes as opposed to a control group of 25 men whose lifestyles remained the same. They used state-of-the-art scientific measurement techniques to assess the value of a low-tech intervention: the researchers measured the length of the participants telomeres at the start of the study and after 5 years. In the group who made comprehensive lifestyle changes, telomere length increased significantly by an average of 10%, but in the control group, telomere length decreased by an average of 3%. Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes at the end of chromosomes that directly affect how quickly cells age they protect the ends of chromosomes and help them remain stable like the tips of shoelaces that keep them from fraying. As telomeres become shorter and their structural integrity weakens, then cells age and die more quickly. Telomere length is an indication of biological age. Professor Ornish said, The implications of this small pilot study may go beyond men with prostate cancer. If validated by large-scale randomized control trials, these comprehensive lifestyle changes may significantly reduce the risk of a wide variety of diseases and premature mortality. Our genes, and our telomeres, are a predisposition, but they are not necessarily our fate. Shorter telomere length is associated with an increased risk of premature death and age-related diseases, like many forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, vascular dementia, obesity, stroke, osteoporosis and diabetes. The study by Professor Ornish is very interesting as it does show how we can slow down the aging process by making lifestyles changes. Other researchers have highlighted the importance of genetics which has a role in the ageing process. Also, removal of toxins, antioxidants, sleep, immunization, immune stimulants and supplements have been quoted by other researchers as useful for slowing down the aging process. Notwithstanding all the research that has been done or are ongoing for slowing the aging process, it is imperative that we take care of our bodies to maintain good health and prevent illness. As the old adage goes, Prevention is better than cure, we should always monitor our health and manage our lifestyles, to live a long and healthy life. q Dr K Thomas Abraham References: Chan, A., How Changes To Your Diet and Exercise Regime Could Transform Your Cells And Your Life, Medscape web site, September 17, 2013; Ornish, et al., Effect of comprehensive lifestyle changes on telomerase activity and telomere length in men with biopsy-proven low-risk prostate cancer: 5-year follow-up of a descriptive pilot study, The Lancet Oncology, Early Online Publication, September 17, Image source:seniorcarecorner.com INTERACTIONS Write To Us Community Events Update Have you attended any Community Health Day events organised by SATA CommHealth? Keen to know when and where will our next community event be held? us your contact details (name, contact / mobile number and mailing address) at health@sata.com.sg. We will keep you in the loop of all our upcoming events such as Community Health Days where you get to enjoy complimentary health screening services at SATA CommHealth Medical Centres. q

7 7 HealthLine December 2013 Homecare Service Excellence Appreciation for Excellent Home Care Service Tan Wee Tai, a Nurse Executive from SATA CommHealth s Homecare Services department, was assigned to attend to a patient, Mr Chong Boo Seong, who required wound dressing for stage 4 pressure ulcer at sacral region. His condition deteriorated after two weeks and his family was advised to admit him to the hospital. After a family discussion, Mr Chong s daughter, Miss Chong Yen Lim, declined the advice and understood the consequences. Wee Tai advised the family to consider end of life CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY care for Mr Chong and they agreed. Arrangement was made with Metta Hospice Care to co-manage Mr Chong s condition. The 75 year old elderly passed on peacefully 4 weeks later. In appreciation of Wee Tai s absolute care and advice, Miss Chong donated $300 to SATA CommHealth. q Wee Tai (middle) with daughter of late Mr Chong Boo Seong, Miss Chong (first from left) and Mrs Chong. Initially I was surprised and hesitant that a young man was assigned to attend to my father. However, I am grateful to have him share his knowledge in healthcare service and unreserved advice after what we went through said Miss Chong. Health Screening Package Have A Healthy Valentine s Day Prevention is better than cure. Take charge of your health together with your loved ones. SATA CommHealth has several extensive health screening packages that provide different health tests and screenings at your needs. Check out the packages that suit you and your other half best. Packages may change without prior notice. Terms and conditions apply. For more details, please call us at or visit q Medical Transportation Services Subsidised rates are also available for the needy. Having difficulties to travel to your doctor or medical centre for treatment? SATA CommHealth offers a new medical transportation service for those who are incapacitated due to age or illness to travel by public transport. This service also caters to the wheelchair bound to travel to SATA CommHealth Medical Centres or a centre of your choice for medical consultation and treatment. To make an appointment, call or visit

8 8 HealthLine December 2013 SERVICES Medical Services at Your Doorstep SATA CommHealth s Homecare service aims to augment the current shortage of homecare services in Singapore. With an ageing population, this new service will also be a boon to the elderly and needy in the community. It reaches out mainly to immobile, physically impaired, post-surgery / illness and aged sick who are incapable of performing activities of daily living by addressing their medical needs. The needy will be accorded discounted services. Under the homecare service, SATA CommHealth covers: Wound care and dressing Stoma care Change of nasogastric / feeding tubes Tracheostomy care and suctioning Changing of urinary catheter Medication packing and review Removal of stitches and staples Intramuscular / subcutaneous injection Blood pressure / blood glucose monitoring Nebulisation Periodical diagnostics e.g. venepuncture Homecare Service For more details, please call SATA CommHealth offers a range of medical services at your doorstep, including home nursing, home medical, home care supplies and other medical equipment rental (e.g. wheelchairs, walking aids and nebulisers). Copyright 2013@SATA CommHealth. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored on a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the written permission of SATA CommHealth. SATA CommHealth, the publisher and printers will be indemnified against the loss of expenses resulting from claims or suits from libel, violation of right of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of SATA CommHealth, the editor, and publisher. While every reasonable care and effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this publication, the editor and publisher cannot be liable for loss incurred in any way whatsoever by any company or individual relying on the information herein. For serious conditions, readers are advised to seek professional advice and assistance.