health Archives | Page 2 of 7

Toxins Lurking in Your Home: A Guide to Common Consumer Products in Singapore

As consumers, we place a great deal of trust in the products we use in our homes. We expect them to keep us and our loved ones healthy and make our lives easier. However, in Singapore, we must be aware that many of these products contain harmful toxins that can cause harm to our bodies and the environment. The thought of unknowingly exposing ourselves to such harmful chemicals can create feelings of fear and uncertainty, but it’s important that we educate ourselves on these risks to protect ourselves and our families.

It’s worth noting that not all chemicals are bad, and we can find unsafe substances in other products like food, furniture, and medicine. However, even tiny amounts of questionable chemicals can build up over time, especially if we use multiple products containing them. Let’s take caution to minimize our exposure and prioritize our well-being. Start by identifying which chemicals are worrisome!

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Over 100 consumer products may contain chemicals linked to cancer or reproductive and developmental problems, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. For example, diethanolamine (DEA), which is classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, was listed as an ingredient in forty items, including soaps, lotions, hair products, and household cleaners. It’s crucial to know which chemicals to avoid to protect our health.

Secondly, you can consult the Health Sciences Authority’s database (HSA). HSA is a statutory board under the Ministry of Health that ensures the safety, effectiveness, and high quality of health products in Singapore. It regulates and oversees medical devices, cosmetics, supplements, e-cigarettes, and other products. You can access their website at hsa.gov.sg for information on licensed dealers, product regulations, and health news.

Finally, it’s essential to consider how you use the products. Personal care items like shampoos, soaps, and lotions are known to contain toxic chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, which can cause hormone disruption, cancer, and other health issues. I remember having allergic reactions due to using shampoo containing phthalates and sulfates. The itching and red spots on my scalp caused me to find organic shampoos and other alternatives. It’s also crucial to note that skin lightening and anti-aging creams may contain dangerous levels of mercury, as found by researchers.

Pesticides used in gardening and pest control can contain harmful chemicals such as organophosphates, pyrethroids, and carbamates, which can cause acute poisoning. Long-term exposure to these chemicals has been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental delays.

Furthermore, certain types of air fresheners and scented candles can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals into the air, causing headaches, nausea, and other health problems.

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In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the toxic chemicals present in common household products and take steps to avoid or minimize exposure. Choosing safer and natural alternatives or reducing the use of these products can help protect our health and the environment. As consumers, we have the power to make informed decisions that can benefit ourselves and others around us.

Sources: 1 & 2

How to Save Money on Healthcare in Singapore

When it comes to healthcare costs, we are wired to believe that things cost the way they do. If you have an insurance provider, chances are, you are paying a premium on a regular basis. If you are uninsured, you might be avoiding visits to the nearby clinic or hospital.

You can still save money on healthcare! To get the most value for your dollar, follow these money-saving tips.

#1: PRACTICE PREVENTIVE CARE

Do not get sick! One of the best things you can do to limit your healthcare costs is to establish a healthy routine that incorporates good nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management. Choose a wellness routine that works for you. When you nourish your body and spirit, you can have a meaningful impact on your future health and prevent healthcare costs.

#2: SELECT A SUITABLE HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance aids you in paying for your medical expenses when you get sick, get injured, or become disabled. Although all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are covered by Medishield Life, you may face some restrictions to your uses and claims. Payouts correspond to the prices for the Class B2 and C wards in public hospitals. So, you must be prepared to pay a large amount of money if you want to stay in a Class B1 or A ward. You can combat this by enhancing your health insurance coverage with an Integrated Shield plan.

#3: OPT FOR GENERIC MEDICATIONS

Brand-name medications are more expensive than generic brands. From a medical standpoint, previous literature has shown that generic medications seem to perform in the same manner as brand-name medications. Instead of poking a hole in your pocket, you can opt for generics to reap its benefits.

For instance, you can pay S$11.50 for 100 tablets of Paracetamol (500 mg) instead of paying S$10.50 for 20 tablets of Panadol.

#4: DROP BY YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY

For mild conditions, you can visit your local pharmacy to ask for advice. According to Unity’s website, their pharmacists can assist you with advice on minor ailments, medication concerns, travel medication, and so on.

For instance, you can consult their pharmacists if you have questions on your medications for your constipation. If you are experiencing mild ailments such as constipation, you can skip the clinic queues and go straight to the pharmacy. However, you must see a doctor if you are certainly unwell.

#5: SCREEN FOR LESS

Screen for Life is a national screening program that encourages Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents to go for regular health screening. Singaporean citizens only need to pay S$0 to S$5 per screening visit*. While Permanent Residents can check with their CHAS GP clinic on the screening test rates offered under the said program. The doctor consultation will be charged accordingly by the respective CHAS GP clinics.

Note: *Rates apply only at Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) General Practitioner (GP) clinics

#6: GO TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD POLYCLINIC FOR AFFORDABLE DENTAL CARE

If you are looking for a dental option for regular check-up and oral maintenance, search no further than the neighborhood polyclinic. Neighborhood polyclinics offer subsidized dental treatment and care. Both SingHealth and National Healthcare Group polyclinics have dental services, and it is easy to make an appointment online.

Alternatively, you may utilize the company dental and health screening benefits. Check with your employee handbook or ask your Human Resources department to know which medical benefits you are eligible for.

#7: FREE VACCINATIONS AT POLYCLINICS FOR INFANTS

The National Childhood Immunization Program offers immunization against certain diseases, which are fully-subsidized. Full subsidies* for vaccinations under this program are available for Singaporean children at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics.

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Note: *This is applicable for certain vaccine brands. Refer to go.gov.sg/vaccine-list for the list of the latest subsidized vaccine brands.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Singapore’s Total Number of Monkeypox Cases Grew to Four

Infection with the monkeypox virus causes the rare disease called Monkeypox. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus, and cowpox virus. This disease, which can cause serious skin rash, appears to be spreading via direct contact with the skin or saliva of an infected person.

LOCAL SPREAD

On July 8, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported one more imported case of Monkeypox in the country. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to four since June. The country’s Monkeypox cases consist of one local infection and three imported ones. The fourth case is a 30-year-old patient who lives in Singapore and had recently returned from Germany.

The man experienced rashes in the groin area last June 30 and had a fever a week later. He sought medical treatment and was taken to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases on July 7. He tested positive for monkeypox on July 8 and is currently in a stable condition, according to MOH. Contact tracing is ongoing.

CURRENT SITUATION IN AFRICA

Health authorities in Africa are treating its expanding Monkeypox outbreak as an emergency. To avoid the immense problems seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are exhausting their resources and are asking for other leaders to share the world’s limited supply of vaccines.

Monkeypox has been spreading in parts of Central and West Africa for decades, however the weak surveillance and the lack of laboratory diagnosis contribute to many cases being left undetected. Currently, countries in Africa have reported more than 1,800 suspected cases including 70 deaths with only 109 of them being lab-confirmed.

Ahmed Ogwell, the acting director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control, said:
“This particular outbreak for us means an emergency. We want to be able to address monkeypox as an emergency now so that it does not cause more pain and suffering.”

GLOBAL UPDATES

The World Health Organization said that the expanding monkeypox outbreak was worrying but did not yet warrant being declared as a global health emergency. The U.N. health agency said it would reconsider its decision if Monkeypox continued spreading across more borders, began infecting vulnerable groups, and showed signs of increased severity.

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Worldwide, more than 5,000 cases of Monkeypox have been reported in 51 countries (in time of writing). The majority of these cases are in Europe and no deaths beyond Africa have been reported.

Sources: 1,2, 3, & 4

Health Benefits of Chocolates

Here at Money Digest, we shared a variety of deals on chocolate. Its goodness does not stop there!

Did you know that the history of chocolate dates back to 2000BC? At the time, Mayans were the first to discover cacao fruit. They made chocolate out of it and drank it as a bitter fermented beverage mixed with spices of wine. It was readily available to all Mayan households.

To this day, chocolate is enjoyed as a dessert and a beverage all over the world.

#1: PROTECTS YOU FROM SUN DAMAGE

Dark chocolate has many health benefits. The bioactive compounds found in dark chocolate may be great for your skin. You see, flavonols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow, and increase skin density and hydration.

#2: GOOD SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Dark chocolate has a high ORAC (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity) score. It reflects the measurement of the antioxidant activity in food. Dark chocolate is loaded with compounds such as polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins. All these are great antioxidants, which are crucial in assisting proper brain functioning.

#3: MINIMIZES HEART DISEASE RISK

According to research, compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In the long run, it can help reduce cholesterol clogging arteries in the body.

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Cocoa was found to minimize the risk of death from heart disease by 50% over 15 years, according to a study of 470 elderly men. Another study showed that eating chocolate two or more times per week lowered the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries by 32%.

#4: BOOSTS MOOD

If you are looking for a mood booster, search no further than chocolates. Thanks to their flavanol, chocolates are known to help improve mood. Cocoa has been linked to feelings of calmness and contentment. Moreover, dark chocolate contains compounds that stimulate the feel-good chemical endorphins.

#5: ELEVATES YOUR ENERGY

Apart from being mood boosters, chocolates can elevate your energy to help you fulfill your daily tasks. As an energy-rich food, it contains about 550 calories per 100 grams. Be sure to carry a bar of chocolates when you do physical activity!

Sources:1 & 2

Frequently Asked Questions On COVID-19 Booster Shots

A booster shot is a supplementary dose of an immunizing agent administered as an injection. In particular, the COVID-19 (coronavirus) booster vaccine shot helps improve your protection after receiving your first two doses of the vaccine. It aids in providing long-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

Before getting your booster shot, it is best to educate yourself about the frequent questions surrounding it. On that note, here are the answers to the frequently asked questions on COVID-19 booster shots.

1. WHO CAN GET THE BOOSTER SHOT?

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the following people are recommended to receive a booster shot of a PSAR-authorized mRNA vaccine after completing their primary series.

a. People aged 30 years and above,
b. Residents of aged care facilities*,
c. Healthcare and frontline workers*, and
d. People and staff in institutionalized settings*

Note: *Must be 18 years old and over.

2. WILL PEOPLE BELOW THE AGE OF 30 BE OFFERED THE BOOSTER SHOT?

At the time of writing, individuals aged 29 and below are not yet recommended to receive the booster shot. However, there are exceptions to this. People who are 18 years old and over are recommended to receive the booster vaccination if they are healthcare workers, frontline workers, or if they belong to institutionalized settings. Exceptions were given to people who are at high risk of infection.

Alongside EC19V, MOH states that it will continue to monitor data and will update the recommendations when necessary.

3. HOW CAN YOU REGISTER FOR YOUR BOOSTER SHOT?

The booster shot or booster dose is recommended to be taken from six months after you have received the initial two doses of your COVID-19 vaccine. People who are eligible for booster shots will be gradually invited to receive their vaccination through SMS. An SMS with a personalized link will be sent to your handphone number. Please use it to book for an appointment on vaccine.gov.sg.

Eligible seniors aged 60 years and above (i.e., have met the recommended window of about six months after their second dose) will be able to walk into any Vaccination Centre or participating Public Health Preparedness Clinic (PHPC). They can step inside these establishments without a prior appointment to receive their booster shot. People who belong to this category are recommended to get a booster shot as the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age.

4. DOES YOUR BOOSTER SHOT HAVE TO BE OF THE SAME BRAND AS YOUR FIRST 2 DOSES?

According to Singapore’s director of medical services Kenneth Mak, taking a different brand of mRNA vaccine as a booster will lead to an equally effective outcome as receiving the same brand of COVID-19 vaccine. He assured the public of its safety by speaking from his personal experience. At a press conference last November 8, he shared that he was able to receive the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for his first two doses and the Moderna vaccine for his booster dose.

He said: “This is perfectly safe and provides adequate continued protection against COVID-19. If you are eligible, get your booster vaccinations within the range of vaccines available that the expert committee has recommended.”

5. WHAT IS THE DOSAGE USED FOR THE BOOSTER VACCINATION?

The dosages for booster vaccinations differ per type. For instance, the booster dose of the Moderna vaccine is 50 mcg. It is less than the dose given to the first two doses. On the other hand, the booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the same as that used for the first two doses. Recipients of this booster will get a dosage of 30 mcg.

6. DO YOU NEED TO RECEIVE A BOOSTER SHOT IF YOU ARE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED?

People who are immunocompromised are already required to receive three doses as part of the primary series. According to MOH, they are recommended to receive a booster dose of PSAR mRNA vaccine. They must receive the booster dose from six months after the completion of their three-dose enhanced primary series.

7. ARE YOU RECOMMENDED TO RECEIVE A THIRD DOSE IF YOU ALREADY RECEIVED TWO DOSES OF SINOVAC/SINOPHARM?

Individuals who received two doses of Sinovac/Sinopharm are recommended to receive a dose of the PSAR mRNA vaccine as a booster. This is only if the individuals are not contraindicated to receive the mRNA vaccines.

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Sources: 1 & 2

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