Health & Living
Health & Living delves into the endlessly fascinating inner universe of the human body. The podcast features conversations with experts, Nobel laureates, cancer survivors, and healthcare workers who share unique perspectives on wellness, living, and the latest medical research. It aims to enlighten and inform listeners about health, medicine, and the human condition.
Episodes
Spotting the Signs Before a Child Turns Violent
It feels like the world is becoming increasingly unsafe for children, even among their own peers, with more reports of school and peer violence among children and teenagers. Are children’s relationships today breaking down? We ask consultant developmental paediatrician Dr Rajini Sarvananthan and consultant child psychiatrist Dr Anita Codati what social-emotional skills children are lacking today,
Humans of Healthcare: The Neonatologist
Who cares for a baby in the first critical minutes if the baby is born too soon or has a serious condition no one expected? On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to Associate Professor Dr Azanna Ahmad Kamar, Consultant Neonatologist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, about the demanding, highly technical world of neonatology. She traces her path from wanting to be an astronaut to bec
Mind Matters: Mandating Mental Health At Workplaces
The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is moving to make mental health protection a statutory requirement for employers. What does it mean for employers and employees now that psychosocial risk assessment and management is now an employer’s legal duty under the Occupational Safety and Health Act? Why should companies invest in this, and how should they go about it?This discussion
Women’s Chronic Pain - Important But Ignored
If you’re a woman in your 40s and 50s, and have some form of chronic pain, you may have learned to just suffer in silence. These could include long-term migraines, joint and muscular pain, or vaginal pain, which can’t seem to be traced to other causes. The theme of World Menopause Day 2026, ‘Chronic Pain At Midlife’, recognises this pain as part of a syndrome that should be identified and managed,
Are Home Insemination Kits Safe?
A recent report in The Star revealed that unregistered home insemination kits are being sold through online platforms, allegedly providing convenient and cheaper alternatives to intrauterine insemination, or simply pressure-free alternatives to sexual intercourse. Fertility specialist Dr Sumithra Devi Valiapan, joins us to explain what couples need to know about using these DIY insemination kits f
Healthy Ageing: Maintaining Functional, Natural Teeth Matters
Here’s a number you might not have heard of: 6020. It’s a campaign to encourage Malaysians aged 60 and above to retain at least 20 functional natural teeth. Now, many of us think that it’s quite normal to lose your teeth as you age, so what can actually be done to keep your teeth instead? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we’ll be discussing that and more with prosthodontist Assoc Prof Dr Yew Hsu
Beyond The Diagnosis #43: From Hand Injury to Returning to Work
A hit-and-run after work hours left Sutrisno bin Saimin with severe hand injury that would impair his daily routines, both at home and at work. But with access to rehabilitation through PERKESO’s Lindung 24 Jam scheme, Sutris shares what his recovery journey was like, how he’s adapting to life with impaired mobility, and why having a round-the-clock social safety net matters. We also hear from occ
Robotic Surgery Advances Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Malaysian women, yet too many are still diagnosed at later stages when treatment becomes more challenging. Prof Dr See Mee Hong, a consultant breast surgeon at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, discusses advances in breast surgery, including robotic and oncoplastic techniques that aim to remove cancer safely whilst preserving quality of life. Rosa
Budget 2027: What’s In It For Healthcare?
Budget 2027 is in and the Ministry of Health has been allocated RM47.7 billion out of the RM459.8 billion federal budget. But with this being the smallest increase the Ministry has received throughout the Madani administration, what does this mean for the operation, expansion and modernisation of our healthcare system? We unpack this and more with Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of the Galen Centre for Hea
Ask A Psychiatrist: Why Can’t I Sleep?
Do you often toss and turn in bed trying to fall asleep, or wake up at odd hours? Are you kept up at night because of a racing mind, or do you sometimes struggle to get out of bed because you feel too sluggish? On this month’s open clinic show, consultant psychiatrist Associate Professor Dr Rusdi Abd Rashid helps us peep into the mind to better understand how sleep affects mental health, and vice
Suicide Postvention Is Prevention: Why The New Registry and Guidelines Matter
Three years after suicide has been decriminalised in Malaysia, the work to strengthen suicide prevention is still ongoing. The Ministry of Health recently launched the National Suicide and Fatal Injury Registry Malaysia as well as the Postvention Services Clinical Guideline, both of which are initiatives that mental health advocates have been calling for, even before the decriminalisation of suici
Empowering Rural Communities To Tackle Childhood Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a growing problem among our children, and along with poverty, it creates a vicious cycle that can’t be fixed by simply telling families to eat better. Especially for families living in rural areas or in poverty, addressing malnutrition is more than just knowing what to do but having an environment that helps make those food choices easier. To unpack this, we speak to Ang Zheng Feng
Finished Breast Cancer Treatment? What Next?
As breast cancer treatment becomes more advanced, more women today will be able to see a horizon much further in the distance. There is hope for women to pick up the threads of their life they had put on hold to undergo treatment. But women shouldn’t have to navigate the post-treatment phase of their lives alone. We get the perspectives of the Breast Cancer Welfare Association and National Cancer
Are More Young Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is typically diagnosed among women after the age of 50, yet we seem to be hearing about more women who are being diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age. In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, more commonly known as Pink October, we speak to clinical oncologist Dr Nisha Shariff and genetic counsellor Yoon Sook Yee to unpack the risks that younger women face and how
Your Guide To Dealing With Stress
We’ve all been stressed before, and for some of us, it’s just part and parcel of our daily lives. So how do you know when you’re coping well or barely treading water? Licensed and registered counsellor Rozy Khalid joins us to help us unpack when stress is good or bad, as well as offer tips on how we can learn to cope with stress and when you might need to set clear boundaries.Image Credit: Shutter
Opportunities For Budget 2027 To Reform Healthcare
The last year has seen the Ministry of Health attempting to implement long-term systemic reforms, while addressing acute crises, all amid a war in the Middle East. Together with Dr Tharani Loganathan, Associate Professor of Global Health, from Universiti Malaya, we look at how the upcoming Budget 2027 could be an opportunity to continue healthcare reforms, and how we need to look beyond funding al
Public Health: Why Bidayuhs Have The Highest Rate of NPC In The World
The Bidayuh in Sarawak have among the highest rates of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) in the world. It is also the most common cancer among Sarawakian men. What are the factors that increase the risk of NPC among the Bidayuh community, and what are the systemic barriers to addressing early diagnosis and comprehensive care of NPC? We explore with Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of the Galen Centre for Health &
Beyond The Diagnosis #42 (Part 2): An Organ Donation Saved My Life
Malaysia has one of the lowest organ donation and transplantation rates in the world, despite being an early pioneer of organ donation in the 1970s. Where did we go wrong, and how can we catch up with countries like Spain, whose organ donation rate is 50 times higher than ours? Kidney transplant survivor Manvir Victor and transplant nephrologist Dr Mohamad Zaimi Abdul Wahab moot the idea of a Nati
Should the MMR Vaccine Be Split? (& Other Questions About Childhood Vaccines)
Last month, American president Donald Trump signed an order to limit childhood vaccines and to split the mumps, measles and rubella shots for children in America. While this is just a guidance, and not a mandate, having such recommendations coming from the U.S. president can have a significant influence, not just in the U.S. itself but the rest of the world as well as many countries have tradition
Supporting Social Workers To Help Vulnerable Children
The newly-passed Social Work Profession Bill aims to introduce stricter standards for the field of social work, and regulate the activities of social workers in Malaysia. What does this mean for the thousands of children who depend on social workers, especially those living in vulnerable situations? We speak to Dr Rajini Sarvananthan, Consultant Developmental Paediatrician, and Amy Bala from the M
Why Secondhand Smoke Still Harms Billions of People
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health found that in 2023 alone an estimated 2.7 billion people globally were exposed to secondhand smoke, including 767 million children under 15. After decades of anti-smoking campaigns and awareness-building about the dangers of secondhand smoke, why are billions of people still breathing in contaminated air? In conjunction with World Lung Day on th
Because Feelings Matter #54: Speaking Up About Suicide Loss
Maya (not her real name) lost her loved one to suicide more than a year ago. She still grapples with the grief, anger and guilt today, but she’s come a long way in processing and learning to speak about her loss. In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, we speak to Maya about the support that suicide loss survivors need. This discussion will touch on topics of suicide
Healthy Ageing: Living Well With Osteoarthritis
Most of the people living with osteoarthritis are older but that doesn’t mean that osteoarthritis is an “older person’s disease” and something that just happens as you age. So can you prevent your cartilage from breaking down? And if you have osteoarthritis, how can you still lead a full life? We ask these and more with Assoc Prof Dr Fariz Yahya, consultant rheumatologist at Universiti Malaya Medi
UTIs, Incontinence and Prostate Problems Explained
The bladder is a remarkably forgiving organ, designed to hold up to 500cc of urine without discomfort, yet most people take it for granted until something goes wrong. From managing different types of urinary incontinence and preventing UTIs to prostate problems and bedwetting, consultant urologist Dr George Lee joins us for a frank, practical guide to keeping your urinary system in check.See omnys
Malaysia's RM1 Billion Plan to Digitalise Healthcare
Malaysia's healthcare data remains deeply fragmented, with patient records scattered across disconnected clinics, hospitals, and paper files, even within the public system. Armed with a total allocation of RM1 billion and a target to fully digitalise all public healthcare facilities by 2028, the Ministry of Health is racing to turn that reality around, with 500 primary care clinics and 300 dental
Ask An Ophthalmologist: How We See
How often do we think about how complicated it can be for us to see what is in front of us? On this month’s open clinic show, we’ll be uncovering what happens within our eyes - and the brain - to help us see the world, how to keep our eyes functioning at their best, and how to pick up problems when your eyes start declining. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in
Are MND Patients And Caregivers Getting the Care They Need?
It is estimated that over 2,000 Malaysians live with motor neurone disease (MND), a chronic condition that is progressive and life-limiting. As the disease increasingly affects the muscles that are needed for movement, speech, swallowing and breathing, patients and families need a lot of support. But are they accessing the care they need? We find out more from the Chairman of MND Malaysia Ahmad Nu
What To Do About A Fatty Liver
Fatty liver is a little-known consequence of the high rates of diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol in Malaysia. Without intervention and management, fatty liver can eventually lead to liver cancer. We speak to Prof Dr Ida Normiha Hilmi, President of the Malaysian Society of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Dr Lau Su Yin, Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, about why fatty liv
How Frontliners Respond To A Suicide Crisis - Part 2
When someone is facing suicidal ideation or crisis, how frontliners respond can make all the difference. In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day, we’ll be unpacking the role that frontliners play, who exactly they are, and why how they respond during and after a suicide crisis matters not just for the individual in crisis but for other vulnerable individuals as well. This is the seco
How Frontliners Respond To A Suicide Crisis - Part 1
When someone is facing suicidal ideation or crisis, how frontliners respond can make all the difference. In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day, we’ll be unpacking the role that frontliners play, who exactly they are, and why how they respond during and after a suicide crisis matters not just for the individual in crisis but for other vulnerable individuals as well. This is the firs
Hospice Klang’s 30 Years Of Community Care
Since 1996, Hospice Klang has been providing free palliative care to patients, caregivers and families in the community in Klang. We speak to its chairperson, Dr Sheriza Izwa Binti Zainuddin, who’s a senior consultant for palliative care in Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, to find out more about how Hospice Klang started and how its changed the lives of patients and families in need of palliative
Humans of Healthcare: The Paediatrician & Clinical Geneticist
From figuring out what’s causing a rare condition in a child to helping that child thrive into adulthood, the profession of a paediatrician and clinical geneticist can be pretty challenging. We speak to Prof Dr Thong Meow Keong, who was Malaysia’s first board-certified clinical geneticist back in the 1990s, about his career as a clinical geneticist, why it shouldn’t be a paediatric subspecialty, a
Is The Haze Making Your Asthma Worse?
The worsening haze has caused a 250% surge in asthma cases in recent weeks. The link between poor air quality and respiratory diseases is clear, but people with asthma and COPD should not wait for the haze to trigger a serious episode before taking preventive action. Consultant respiratory physician Dr Helmy Haja Mydin is here with reminders about how to keep asthma under control, especially durin
Why Cancer Care Needs To Look At The Heart Too
Once, a cancer diagnosis was thought to be the entire book on its own. But as cancer patients live longer today, there’s more to the story than just (that phase of) completing cancer treatment. Heart health is also an increasingly important focus in cancer survivorship, including addressing certain risks associated with cancer and preventing the same cardiovascular diseases that the rest of the po
Repurposing Drugs for Cancer Saves Cost & Improves Access To Treatment
For low and middle income countries, the high cost of novel treatments can be a significant barrier for the people who need these medicines the most - especially when it comes to cancers and rare diseases. This is where drug repurposing can offer a more affordable yet still innovative option that could lead to better access to treatment. So why aren’t we investing more into this? And is it safe to
Most IVF ‘Add-On’ Treatments Actually Don’t Add Much
Today, many IVF packages offer optional ‘add-on’ treatments that claim to boost a couple’s chances at a successful pregnancy. But a recent study found that it’s not obvious if most of these ‘add-ons’ actually help, even if it doesn’t have clear negative effects. So what should couples seeking IVF know before making that decision? We speak to Dr Sarah Lensen, the lead author of that study as well a
Merdeka 2026: Leading The Way in Breast Cancer Support
In 1986, the mission for setting up the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) was clear: a volunteer or a trained breast cancer survivor uses her experience to help another woman recovering from breast cancer. 40 years later, BCWA has become the country’s leading breast cancer support organisation, while holding on to its core mission of being there for the next woman diagnosed with breast canc
Mind Matters: Independence Or Isolation For Uni Students?
For a young adult entering university, the idea of independence is thrilling and liberating. But the excitement can also mask the anxiety and struggle to balance responsibility and expectations. We discuss what mental health and peer support should look like for students in tertiary education, and hear this month’s impact story about how a corporate leadership programme is supporting students’ men
We Are Blind To The Healthcare Needs Of Visually Impaired
Almost 70,000 people in Malaysia are registered with the Department of Social Welfare as having blindness or visual impairment. The healthcare needs of this community often go unnoticed, and many people living with blindness and visual impairment still struggle to have their rights recognised, including equitable access to healthcare. We speak to the Malaysian Association for the Blind to find out
Beyond The Diagnosis #42 (Part 1): I’m A Transplant Survivor And I Can Climb Mountains
There are 55,000 people in Malaysia on dialysis and the number is expected to double by year 2040. Dialysis keeps patients with end-stage renal disease alive, but unwell. Leelavathi K. Ragu and Manvir Victor from Wira Transplant Malaysia describe the physical and financial burden of haemodialysis, while Dr Mohamad Zaimi Abdul Wahab delves into why a kidney transplant is still the best treatment fo
What Is DENV-3 And Why Is It Causing Dengue To Spike?
Malaysia has recorded more than 54,000 dengue cases and 36 deaths as of August this year. One of the factors for the increase in cases is the shift in DENV-3 serotype as the dominant circulating virus. In conjunction with World Mosquito Day on 20 August, we’re exploring what the serotype shift means, and whether Malaysia’s dengue strategy is adequate to protect those most likely to develop serious
Ask An Endocrinologist: GLP-1 and Peptides
GLP-1 medications and peptides have grown exceedingly popular in recent years, with many celebrities claiming them as effective in helping with weight loss. Are they really as miraculous as they seem, or are there potential side effects that could alter your health for the worse? We speak to Dr Lim Quan Hziung, consultant endocrinologist, to find out more. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.
What Exercise Looks Like During Pregnancy
Expecting mothers often hear conflicting opinions on the effects of exercise during pregnancy. How often do you need to exercise during different trimesters? What are the potential risks that can affect your baby? Joining us on the show to answer these questions are Dr Doris Ng, consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist, Dr Arvin Raj, consultant sports medicine physician, and Juli Joe, prenatal
How Neurodivergent Talents Bring Strengths To The Workplace
When a workplace wants to welcome more neurodivergent employees, what does this mean? Is it about meeting a hiring quota? Or is it about having a structure that recognises and supports the unique strengths of each employee? We find out how two neurodivergent individuals view their roles within a corporate organisation like PETRONAS, how the company developed its Neurodiverse Centre of Excellence,
Preparing Grassroots Sports For Medical Emergencies
Last month, a 12-year-old boy collapsed and died while taking part in an Under-12 football tournament in Johor Bahru, highlighting the reality that a medical emergency can happen at any time, even during sporting events involving children and amateurs. We speak to Dr Ahmad Munawwar Helmi Salim, consultant sports medicine physician from the National Sports Institute, and Dr Mohd Hafyzuddin Md Yusuf
Should Doctors Rely on AI Scribes During Consultations?
Description: AI scribes are no longer just taking meeting minutes, but helping doctors take notes during clinic consultations. On the one hand, it can be seen to reduce the administrative tasks a doctor has to do. On the other hand, who takes responsibility if a patient’s medical history is inaccurate and leads to medical malpractice? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by Dr Ezam Mat Ali
Public Health: We Need A School Nutrition Programme That Works
This month, the Selangor state government is rolling out a free breakfast programme in all public schools statewide. This has sparked fresh debate about whether Malaysia needs a universal school feeding programme, especially in light of worrying malnutrition issues among children in Malaysia. We speak to Dr Tee E Siong and Teo Choon Huey from the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM) about its schoo
Brain Waves: How AI Is Changing Your Brain
We’ve all heard that overreliance on technology can affect the brain - and not in a good way. So in a world where many of us use AI every day, and offload cognitive tasks to these LLMs, what does it actually do to our brain? We unpack this with neurogeneticist Dr Azlina Ahmad Annuar. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Humans of Healthcare: The Paediatric Endocrinologist
When hormones don’t work as they should as a child grows, that’s where a paediatric endocrinologist comes in. On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to consultant paediatric endocrinologist Dr Azriyanti Anuar Zaini about how she helps children with hormone-related disorders and illnesses, and why she sees this as a calmer medical career path. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Healthy Ageing: Travel Tips For Seniors
Traveling with older adults requires a different kind of itinerary—one that prioritizes health and safety without sacrificing fun. Whether you’re travelling when you’re older or with older family members, planning the trip is more than just what happens during but how you prepare for it too. For this guide to stress-free travel with seniors, we speak to Prof Dr James Koh, consultant infectious dis
Here’s How You Can Fix Your Sperm
Spermageddon. That’s the word that has been used to describe the allegedly drastic decline in male fertility in recent years. But is this just fearmongering or is there truth to this? And if men are worried about their fertility, what can be done about it? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by Allan Pacey, Professor of Andrology at the University of Manchester to unpack this.Image Credit
Don’t Be A Sore Loser. Here’s How To Be A Better Loser.
No one likes to lose, especially if you’re prepared or trained as much as you can to succeed and win. Just think of how Argentina were labelled as ‘sore losers’ after their defeat at the recent Men’s World Cup finals. So why do some of us take losing well, and others don’t? How can we be a better loser and learn from our mistakes? We unpack this with licensed & registered counsellor, Justin Ya
Kangaroo Mother Care Saves Babies’ Lives
Mother kangaroos carry their babies, or joeys, in their pouch for eight to 10 months after birth to keep them safe and help them grow. Scientific evidence now shows that human babies carried by their mothers in a similarly fashioned pouch can be beneficial for breastfeeding, and can even be life-saving for preterm babies. We dive into kangaroo mother care and how mums (and dads as well as extended
What It’s Like To Live With Atrial Fibrillation
An irregular heartbeat isn’t just an annoying symptom - it is a sign of a heart that has an abnormal rhythm and isn’t able to pump blood properly throughout the body. Atrial fibrillation is a common cause of abnormal rhythms, and can cause an increased risk of stroke, if it is not well-managed. We hear from Dr Adleen Binti Che Ani about her personal experience of being diagnosed with atrial fibril
In Healthcare, Patients Are Becoming Consumers
Management consultants Bain & Company’s 2026 report on healthcare trends and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, revealing widening tensions across the healthcare system. We speak to Vikram Kapur, Head of Global Healthcare & Life Sciences from Bain & Co to break down the survey’s findings about patients’ expectations, clinicians’ challenges and AI trends in healthcare.Image Credi
How The HPV Vaccine Cuts Deaths From Cervical Cancer
We know how effective the HPV vaccine can be at preventing 90% of cervical cancer cases. Now a new study from the UK shows that women who receive the vaccine as a teen have virtually zero risk of dying from the cancer before they turn 30. How does this add to what we already know about the benefits of a HPV vaccination? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by consultant gynaecological onco
Why Hyrox Is The New Functional Fitness Craze
When you picture people waiting in front of their computers to buy tickets, you would usually think it's for a pop star's concert. Not anymore. Hyrox and other similar gamified fitness events like Redline have surged in popularity in Malaysia and around the world, with people waiting to buy tickets to participate in an event that they spend months training for. What’s driving this functional fitne
Paying Off The World Cup Sleep Debt
The World Cup has wrapped up, ending the 3am matches and hordes of bleary-eyed Malaysians dragging themselves to school and work. While we assume that we can simply rewire our biological clocks by catching up on sleep afterwards, are there hidden effects of the sleep debt on our bodies? We speak to Dr Julius Goh Liang Chye, Consultant ENT Surgeon about the physical and mental health risks, and how
Because Feelings Matter #53: “My Mission Is To Live Like Others”
One moment, Fasha Ishak could be feeling on top of the world, but in the next, she could find herself completely drained of energy. These are the realities of living with autoimmune disorders. But while her medical conditions may have affected her physically, Fasha ensures that they haven’t robbed her of the ability to live her life. On this episode of Because Feelings Matter, Fasha takes us throu
Beyond The Diagnosis #41: Children With Ichthyosis Were Hidden Away - Firdaus, Survivor
Ichthyosis is a rare, genetic condition that causes a person to have dry, scaly skin. But this textbook definition fails to capture the persistent misconceptions and stigma faced by people with ichthyosis. On Beyond The Diagnosis, Mohd Firdaus Mehat, Chairman & Founder of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Pesakit Ichthyosis Malaysia (PEKIM), joins us in a candid conversation about the realities of living w
What You Didn’t Know About Liver Damage
Our liver is a true workhorse, performing more than 500 functions in the body. But we often take our liver for granted and many of our lifestyle practices can be detrimental to our liver health. In this conversation, we’ll address common beliefs and clear up misconceptions about liver disease, as well as how to maintain good liver health. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener
Picky Or Sensitive? Decoding Sensory Processing Difficulties
When your child seems overly sensitive to loud noises, refuses to wear socks, or is fussy with food, is he/she being difficult? Or are these behaviours due to differences in how your child's brain processes sensory information? We discuss how sensory processing difficulties can appear as behavioural problems, and how parents can support children without labelling every difference as a disorder.Ima
When A Nose Job Isn’t Just For Aesthetics
We often think of a nose job or rhinoplasty as a surgery that’s done for cosmetic purposes, but there are circumstances in which it is needed to improve how you breathe. To help us understand what those circumstances are and when a rhinoplasty is a need instead of a want, is consultant ENT surgeon Dr Hardip Singh.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Private Hospitals Help Reduce Medical Inflation?
The Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) report on rising healthcare costs revealed a number of issues related to private hospitals’ charges, which can potentially contribute to an unsustainable healthcare system. Dr Kamal Amzan, CEO of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, joins us to discuss private hospital billing practices, the causes behind increasing medical inflation and the PAC’s recommendations for impr
Building Flood-Resilient Communities
Flash floods are so common that they seem like part and parcel of life now but with them comes the increased risk of infectious diseases. That might seem like the least of people’s worries when it floods but water- and food-borne diseases is a public health issue that needs to be addressed. So how can we empower communities to be more aware and resilient? Here to help us unpack that is Dr Rafidah
Are You At Risk of Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Syndrome?
A community screening programme has led to the alarming result that almost 9 in 10 individuals have at least two cardiovascular-renal-metabolic risk factors. On top of that, of the individuals who were overweight and pre-diabetic, more than 86% didn’t know about it, highlighting a problem with undiagnosed non-communicable diseases. The question now is: what can we do about this? Here to help us un
Humans of Healthcare: The Orthopaedic Surgeon
Orthopaedic surgeons have been dubbed as the ‘carpenters’ of the human body. Why is that so? And how much does that actually describe the work that they do? On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to Prof Dr Azlina Amir Abbas, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon about the job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Public Health: Parliamentary Body Reviews Insurance and Healthcare Costs
The increases in healthcare costs and medical insurance premiums are being felt by more and more Malaysians, and piecemeal debates are no longer enough to address the problems. The Public Accounts Committee recently released its report on the causes of rising insurance premiums, their impact on consumers, and recommendations to ensure healthcare and insurance pricing remains fair, transparent, and
Friendships & How To Keep Them
Let’s be honest: maintaining friendships requires work, even when it seems effortless. So in a time when we’re all glued to our screens, how have friendships changed? What does it take to keep friends and show them that we care? We speak to licensed and registered counsellor Rozy Khalid to find out.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Healthy Ageing: No, Sleepless Nights Are Not Normal As You Age
It’s commonly accepted that the older you get, the fewer hours of sleep you need. But is that really the case? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we speak to consultant psychiatrist Dr Wan Izwin Wan Hassan about common myths and misconceptions about sleeping well as you age, and how you can get a good night’s sleep.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All You Need To Know About Family Planning
Family planning isn’t just about preventing pregnancies. It's about planning life and making sure that if you want children, you and your spouse are in the best place to do so. In conjunction with World Population Day, we’re taking this opportunity to cut through the misinformation and answer all the questions about contraception and family planning that you’ve thought about but not asked. We spea
Dealing With Chronic or Recurrent Tonsillitis
When is a sore throat not just a sore throat? Painful inflammation of the tonsils may not always be a benign, short-lived infection. What happens when episodes of tonsillitis keep coming back, or when there is chronic, long-term inflammation? When is surgery to remove the tonsils necessary? We explore with consultant ENT surgeon Dr Hardip Singh.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener
Should Chatbots Become Therapists Or Companions?
According to OpenAI, over 1.2 million users discuss suicide on ChatGPT every week. When we read yet another news report of AI encouraging suicidal thoughts or developing emotional relationships with its users, how alarmed should we be about mental health entering an untested and unregulated realm? We speak to Assoc Prof Dr Rebecca Brendel, Director, Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical Scho
Ask A Dermatologist: How We Sweat
On this month's open clinic show, we look at how and why we sweat, and what causes sweating disorders like hyperhidrosis or prickly heat conditions. We also explore anti-perspirants, deodorants, creams and more.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are Refugees Overwhelming Public Healthcare Facilities?
Anti-refugee sentiment has sharply increased in recent weeks. Among the claims that have made the rounds is that refugees are taking advantage of our public healthcare system, thus taking limited resources away from Malaysians. But is that really the case? We speak to Dr Susheela Balasundaram, community-based protection officer with UNHCR. Dr Junaidi Ismail, country CEO with Qualitas Medical Group
How Supermarkets Shape Your Food Choices
When you walk down the aisles at the supermarket, do you notice if the way food products are placed or packaged attracts your attention? Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by nutritionist and public health researcher Dr Sameeha Mohd Jamil from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to dive into how our food environment influences our food decisions and how food retailers can play their part in m
Primary Immunodeficiency: Survival Depends on Early Diagnosis
For children born with a primary immunodeficiency (PID), a delayed diagnosis can have devastating consequences. We find out why newborn screening and early diagnosis are critical, in a conversation with Bruce Lim, a parent advocate and president of Persatuan Pesakit Imunodefisiensi Primer Malaysia (MYPOPI). Bruce is also a parent to a child with XLA (X Linked Agammaglobulinemia), a type of PID.See
How Do We Pick Up Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Children?
Over 46% of children aged five and below have anaemia in Malaysia, higher than the global average of 40%. It’s a condition that often goes unseen, but it can have a significant impact on children’s health and wellbeing beyond their childhood years. To dive into this condition, particularly iron-deficiency anaemia, we speak to Prof Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, consultant paediatric endocrinologist
Because Feelings Matter #52: An Educator’s Advocacy For Her Grandchildren
As a professor of education, Dr Ratnawati Asraf’s professional calling had never seemed more meaningful than when her own grandchildren were discovered to be neurodivergent. Terms like dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD and autism were no longer textbook concepts, but realities that changed the trajectories of her grandchildren and children’s lives. On this episode of Because Feelings Matter, she shares
Beyond The Diagnosis #40: An Ignored Breast Lump That Became Breast Cancer
Decades of awareness campaigns have equipped women with the knowledge of how to notice suspicious breast lumps and when to get mammograms done. But what happens when your healthcare workers keep reassuring you that your lump is “nothing to worry about”? Juliet Lau shares how a breast lump she’s had for over a decade became a rare and aggressive cancer, and why she is using this opportunity to also
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