IMC has joined forces with CFC to provide health screening for CFC schools in Siem Reap.  Here’s an update on progress:

IMC’ Support for Caring for Cambodia Reaps Rewards
A year ago, IMC became involved with the Caring for Cambodia (CFC) charity, which supports 10 schools in Siem Reap. IMC and the Health and Dental Committee (H&D) of CFC have chosen two health related initiatives to work on which includes Visual Screening and First Aid. The most recent visit to Cambodia in July 2011 was our third trip, and it included eight volunteers from IMC comprising of nurses, administrative staff, and other CFC members. The results of this trip were very rewarding. Approximately 800 students in two different CFC schools were screened, and of these, 23 children were referred to the Angkor Hospital for Children for further testing. Our volunteers also educated the CFC teachers on how to take heights and weights of the students.
      CFC is a non-profit, non-governmental, charitable organization that provides free education for over 5,800 impoverished children in 10 schools spanning pre-school to high school. CFC professionally trains its teachers, and provides everything a child needs to succeed, including food, water, uniforms, school supplies, computers, transportation and basic healthcare. CFC is run entirely on volunteer support, which ensures that every dollar raised directly supports the education of a child. Visit www.caringforcambodia.org or International Medical Clinic www.imc-healthcare.com for more information.

IMC’s Dr Robin M Janke discusses the importance of breast screening for detection and prevention of breast cancer in its early stages.

Dr Robin M Janke MD MPH (USA)
Dr Janke trained in family medicine in St Paul, Minnesota and in preventive medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She also earned a Master’s degree in Public Health and served as a medical officer in the United States Air Force

IMC’s Dr Michael Rodger educates and recommends inoculation against deadly infections for safe and healthy holiday travel.  

In 1796 Gloucestershire doctor Edward Jenner noticed those who contracted cowpox – the cow’s equivalent of smallpox – rarely caught the deadly human version. To test his theory, Jenner deliberately infected an eight year-old boy with the pus from a cowpox sore. The boy became ill but recovered. He then infected him with smallpox and as suspected, the previous cowpox infection protected the boy from smallpox. This gave birth to modern vaccinations.

Dr Michael Rodger MBChB MRCGP (UK)

Taking a trip with little ones becomes a lot less daunting with these top tips from IMC’s resident paediatrician Dr Mark Loh.  

Planning ahead when travelling with children can determine the success of a trip. Remember:

 Dr Mark Loh Paediatric Specialist

IMC’s Dr June Tan explains osteoporosis, its effects and how to prevent this deadly disease.

Osteoporosis occurs when a loss of calcium causes your bones to become porous, weakening them over time – making them more likely to break or fracture.
     Fractures typically occur in the hip, spine and wrist, although any bone can be affected. Spinal fractures can cause loss of height, back pain and deformity. A hip fracture typically requires hospitalisation and major surgery and can impair your ability to walk unassisted – leading to permanent disability. One in four people aged 50 years and above with hip fractures die in the year following the fracture. And one in five of those able to walk unaided before their hip fracture require long-term care afterwards.
     Osteoporosis is a silent disease – you can’t feel your bones getting weaker. Spinal (vertebral) fractures may at first be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or a hunched back. But in many cases, a vertebral fracture occurs with no pain.

Are you at risk? Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men.Women have less bone mass, tend to live longer, consume less calcium and need the female hormone estrogen to keep their bones strong. The more the following points apply to you, the higher your risk.
• Menopause before the age of 48
• Surgery to remove ovaries before menopause
• Smoker
• Insufficient calcium
• Insufficient exercise
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Alcohol abuse
• Thin body and small bone frame
• Fair skin (Caucasian or Asian race)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Long-term use of oral steroids

Tests & treatments Talk to your doctor about risk factors and ask for the bone mineral density (BMD) test, which assesses your hip and spinal bone density. There’s no cure for osteoporosis, but several types of medication can help reduce the risks.

Maintanin good bone health
Consume calcium and Vitamin D Women below 50 years should take 1,000 milligrams a day, women above 50 years 1,500 milligrams.
Diet Eat good sources of calcium: non-fat and low-fat dairy products, beans, nuts, broccoli, spinach, canned sardines with bones, calcium-fortified cereal, tofu made with calcium and calcium-fortified soy beverages.
Regular weight-bearing activities Walking, running, aerobics and muscle-strengthening exercise helps strengthen bones.
Avoid cigarettes and excessive alcohol intake.

Dr June Tan MBBS MMed (Family Medicine)

Dr Tan is a family physician with special interests in chronic disease management, women’s health, paediatrics and musculoskeletal conditions. She earned her Masters degree in Family Medicine in 2002 and has served as a senior family physician in a local primary care institution.

IMC’s Dr Katherine Rainbow reveals common health issues related to swimming.

Swimming is a favourite pastime for many in Singapore. But while the health and physical benefits are many, it can also be associated with sports-related injuries, skin conditions and infectious diseases.  
Water safety is of utmost importance. Ensure children are supervised at all times. Take care when swimming in areas where there are currents. Do not swim when judgement may be impaired by alchohol or Gastrointestinal illness occurs after ingesting contaminated water and can be caused by viral or ba cterial infections. Viral infections are self limiting, but bacterial infections caused by Salmonella, Giardia, Shigella, and E. coli, can be treated with antibiotics. 
Ear conditions Swimmer’s ear – otitis externa – is an infection of the ear’s outer canal, causing itch, pain and ear discharge. Avoid it by applying alcohol-based eardrops after swimming. More resistant cases will require eardrop or aural antibiotics. 
Excessive sun exposure Ultraviolet radiation can harm your skin and cause sunburn – ranging from mild redness to blistering – or premature skin cancers. Babies, children, fair-skinned people, those with albinism or skin cancer survivors are most vulnerable. Certain medications such as tetracycline also increase photosensitivity. Avoid the midday sun and wear waterproof sunscreen of SPF 40 or above.
Hot-tub rash is an infection of the skin (dermatitis) or of the hair follicles in the skin (folliculitis), caused by contact with contaminated water. Most cases are caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, resulting in itchy skin or itchy bumps on the skin, forming tender red nodules which may contain pus. Hot-tub rash generally resolves on its own in days and medical treatment is rarely necessary. Avoid it by frequently testing water in pools and hot tubs and controlling disinfectant and pH levels.
Eczema is the most common skin condition affecting children. It’s usually aggravated by swimming due to irritation from chlorinated water or other contaminants. Treat eczema with specific moisturisers and topical steroids.

- Protect yourself in the pool
- Ensure water is clean and clear with no offensive odour.
- Refrain from swimming if you have diarrhoea.
- Avoid swallowing water.
- Shower before and after swimming.
- Do not change diapers at the poolside and thoroughly clean the diaper changing area after use.
- Use an effective waterproof sunscreen and reapply regularly.

  

Dr Katherine Rainbow MBBS, FRACGP
Dr Rainbow graduated from the University of Adelaide in South Australia in 1995 and completed a diploma in child health while working at the city’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, she worked in private practice in Adelaide and Melbourne, before moving to Singapore. She has a graduate certificate in sexual and reproductive health from Family Planning Australia and a Certificate of Women’s Health with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

IMC’s Dr Alex Hoyes-Cock explains common medical practices in the LionCity.

It’s important to understand the intricacies of Singapore’s healthcare system, particularly if you have chronic health problems, or young children. The good news is medical practice in Singapore is of a very high standard. Loosely modelled on the British system, all doctors have recognised university degrees and hospital training. Specialist doctors usually undergo further training in the United Kingdom, North America or Australia. 

     When you first arrive, be proactive and establish a relationship with a General Practitioner (GP). On your first visit, bring your past medical history, including details of vaccinations. The GP will ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date and advise you of any health screenings appropriate for your age and background such as PAP smears, mammograms and cardiovascular or cholesterol checks. In Singapore, medications are readily available and conveniently dispensed at your GP’s clinic so you don’t have to submit a prescription at a pharmacy. But the brand name may be different, so always use the generic name when mentioning your medication to your GP.

     In Singapore, it’s not compulsory to get a referral from a GP or family doctor should you wish to see a specialist. But as many specialists today have various sub-specialty interests, it is advisable to ask your GP or family doctor to recommend the specialist most suited to your needs.

     In an emergency, a call to 995 requests a government ambulance, which will arrive within 10 minutes to take you to the Accident and Emergency department of the nearest government hospital. Depending on the stability of your condition, you may then transfer to the hospital of your choice.

     To understand more about medical situations and procedures in Singapore visit International Medical Clinic (IMC). Experienced doctors can recommend appropriate vaccinations, advise you of any effects of the tropical weather on your general health and wellbeing, family screening procedures, the safe foods to eat and advise on any health issues concerning your domestic helper. You can also learn more about illnesses such as Dengue fever and Mycoplasma infection. Call for an appointment, or pick up a copy of IMC’s useful Newcomers Health Guide.

 

  

Dr Alex Hoyes-Cock
Dr Alex Hoyes-Cock trained in anaesthetics and emergency medicine at the Singapore General Hospital for five years before moving to Singhealth polyclinics where he worked for 14 months, before recently joining IMC. He has a special interest in pain management, tropical medicine and endocrine disorders.