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
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
Support for Motor Neurone Disease Patients
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. Image Credit: Sh
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
NCD Chronicles #42: 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
How Skilled Surgeons Are Saving Children In Malaysia
Every day, many children could be struggling with a medical condition that may need urgent, life-saving surgery for them to survive and thrive. Yet, there are still children in Malaysia who are not able to access these highly specialised surgical services. We find out how the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Surgery helps to improve children’s access to surgical care, especially those from unde
What Can Malaysia Learn From Australia’s Social Media Ban?
Malaysia has implemented a ban on social media accounts for children under 16, starting 1 June. We look to how Australia has fared six months into their own ban, and whether there’s been real-life impact in terms of children’s access to these platforms. Find out how to get a copy of Makchic’s book ‘The Society of Online Superheroes: A Super Smart Guide to Internet Safety’ here.Image Credit: S
Healthy Ageing: How The Arts Help Older Adults To Connect
Music and dance can be a great way to connect people and get them out of their shell. So what happens when these elements are brought to a community of older adults? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we dive into how arts-based interventions can help to improve the well-being of older adults, particularly their cognitive health. To do that, we speak to Peny Chan, the co-founder of ArtsProud, a so
Will ‘Hospitals-At-Home’ Work in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has recently confirmed that they are looking into potential sites to build a hospital to serve the Petaling Jaya-Subang Jaya-Puchong corridor, an area which does not currently have a government hospital. But discussions are ongoing and construction will take years, so in the meantime is there another solution to help overburdened hospitals? That’s where the concept of
What Malaysia Needs To Step Up In Dengue Management
We’ve been warned that the El Nino phenomenon could lead to an increase in dengue cases due to higher temperatures. In light of the constant threat of dengue, we ask Dr Nor Fariza Ngah, Deputy Director-General of Health (Research and Technical Support), Ministry of Health and Co-Chair of the Dengue Alliance about what’s working and what’s not when it comes to Malaysia’s dengue prevention strategie
What Would a National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme Look Like?
Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer among men, and second most common among women in Malaysia, but almost three-quarters of cases are diagnosed at late stages. Is there anything we can do to detect the cancer much earlier and intervene meaningfully? Is Malaysia long overdue for a national colorectal cancer screening programme, and what will it take to get one underway? Image Credit: S
How The ‘Warm Glow’ Feeling Gets People To Donate Blood
Donating blood is one of the easiest acts most of us can do to save lives. Yet, Malaysia, like many countries around the world, struggles to get people to do so. In conjunction with World Blood Donor Day, which was observed earlier on 14th June, we’ll be exploring what exactly drives people to donate blood and why capitalising on the ‘warm glow’ that blood donors feel could prove effective. Joinin
Ask An Orthopaedic Surgeon: How We Swing A Racquet (Or Paddle, Golf Club, etc)
On this month’s open clinic, consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Harjeet Singh joins us to answer your questions about the shoulders - how these joints support our daily arm movements, how our love of badminton and pickleball could lead to shoulder injuries, and when it’s dangerous to shrug off these problems.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mind Matters: Helping Parents Feel Less Alone (Part 2)
Parents and caregivers in the rare disease community often feel alone, overwhelmed and stressed in the journey of caring for their loved ones. This is the second part of a conversation where we find out about the mental health needs of caregivers in this situation, and why parental support is crucial. This conversation touches on suicide and self-harm. If you, or someone you know, needs emoti
Heat & Injuries At The Football World Cup
The FIFA World Cup kicks off today! Anticipation is high for all 104 matches but there are also concerns over the welfare of athletes and fans alike, as this could be the hottest World Cup on record. So how will the extreme heat affect an athlete's well-being and performance? On top of that, what kind of injuries become more likely during a tournament like this? For some insights, consultant urolo
Public Health: Malaysia’s Cigarette And Vape Tax Story
After a more than 10-year stagnant tobacco tax rate, Malaysia’s cigarette excise duties went up by only 2 sen per stick in Budget 2026. We explore the discrepancies between our tobacco taxes and the national health expenditure to treat smoking- and vaping-related diseases, and what should be a meaningful rate of tobacco tax to change smoking behaviours.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/
Brain Waves: What Does It Take To Be A Super Ager?
It’s not just about living longer these days, but maintaining the cognitive and physical capabilities that’s comparable to someone decades younger. So what does it take to be a superager? What’s actually happening in their brain? We speak to neurogeneticist Dr Azlina Ahmad Annuar from Universiti Malaya, and research fellow Dr Kiirtaara Aravindhan from the Dementia Research Centre Singapore. Image
Humans of Healthcare: The Geneticist
Genes are the blueprint for our bodies. Passed down from generation to generation, they influence a variety of traits from how we look to our health. Our genes can also help us learn more than just about human health but about human evolution as well. On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to a geneticist, Dr Maude Phipps, to learn more about her field of work and what it takes to becom
When Anatomy Meets Art
The human anatomy is more than just two-dimensional drawings in a medical textbook. It is a living, breathing and constantly evolving study of what makes us human - in health, in sickness and even in death. Could we enhance our knowledge and appreciation of the human condition by viewing anatomy through an artistic lens? We explore what happens when an anatomy professor meets an art curator.Image
Are We Changing Behaviours With Our Anti-Smoking Strategies?
Malaysia has made great strides in its tobacco control strategies, including new legislation that regulates the sale, promotion and packaging of cigarette and vape products, as well as public smoking places. However, are these laws and policies achieving changes in people’s behaviours and choices? What’s missing in the last mile of our anti-smoking strategies? We speak to Prof Dr Jamalludin Rahman
Is The Supply Crisis Affecting Medicines At Retail Pharmacies?
On a recent show, Health & Living looked at the impact of the Middle East crisis on local pharmaceutical manufacturers. We extend the conversation today with a look at whether retail pharmacies are seeing any shortages in medicine supply and whether consumers should be worried about the prices of their medicines increasing. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
PCOS Is Now PMOS: What Does This Mean for Women?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome now has a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome or shortened to PMOS. Led by Professor Dr Helena Teede, an endocrinologist and professor of women’s health with Monash University Australia, this change finally happened after years of advocacy and consultation with doctors and people living with the condition. Here to tell us more about why this is a landmark
Local Medicine Manufacturing Amid Middle East Conflict
From rising shipping and energy costs to disruptions in the sourcing of raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients, how vulnerable is Malaysia’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector the impact of the Middle East war? We speak to the Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries about the pressures local manufacturers are facing, and what this could mean for medicine supply, cos
Do Kids Today Get Enough Sleep?
Bedtime is often when battles are waged at home. Why is sleep such a point of contention between parents and children? How much sleep do kids really need, and how can everyone in the family have healthier sleep habits? We speak to Dr Rajini Sarvananthan, Consultant Developmental Paediatrician.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Because Feelings Matter #51: The Fight For My Children To Be Malaysian
Every mother dreams of giving her child every opportunity in the world, starting with the inviolable security of a citizenship. This is more than just a birth document or a passport - it is an undeniable stamp of assurance that her child has a land to call home. However, Malaysia is one of 25 countries globally with gender discriminatory citizenship laws - here, women are denied the same right as
Beyond The Diagnosis #39: A Childhood Defined By Dystonia
Six-year-old Dhia Amanda was born with GNAO1 neurodevelopmental disorder, an extremely rare genetic condition that causes severe dystonia – uncontrollable twisting, stiffening and violent spasms brought on by electrical storms in the brain. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Suriana Welfare Society and Free Malaysia Today, Amanda was able to undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, which pr
What Having A Family Doctor Means
Is having a family doctor that you see from childhood into your golden years a thing of the past? In conjunction with World Family Doctor Day, observed annually on 19th May, we speak to Dr S. Kaviyarasan, president of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia, to understand what the role of a family doctor should be and why it matters for population health.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystud
Diabetes & The Heart
People often think that diabetes is just about controlling your sugar intake and taking care of your kidneys, but it’s more than that. What we don’t talk about is how uncontrolled diabetes could also damage other organs, including your heart. We speak to consultant cardiologist Dr Mohamed Nazrul Mohamed Nazeeb and consultant endocrinologist Dr Chiew Ken Seng, both from Subang Jaya Medical Centre,
Healthy Ageing: Survey Shows More Older Malaysians Have Dementia
The Ministry of Health recently released the National Health & Morbidity Survey 2025, focusing on older adult health. One of the most striking numbers from that survey found that 10% of Malaysians aged 60 and above have dementia, which is up from 8.5% in 2018. How concerning is this rise and can we stop the number from going up? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we speak to consultant geriatr
Mind Matters: Helping Parents Feel Less Alone (Part 1)
When a child is diagnosed with a rare disease, parents have to navigate more than just medical therapies and hospital visits, but also the deep emotional toll. We explore the mental health impact experienced by parents in the rare disease community, and listen to this month’s impact story on the role of parental support in helping families feel less alone.Image Credit: Malaysian Rare Disorders Soc
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