Health & Living

Be Fit Malaysians: I Have A Sports Injury - Who Should I See? 

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Picture this: you’ve had an acute injury from a sport - say playing football or badminton - who should you see to help you along your recovery journ...

Heart of Medicine: COVID-19 and The Heart

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Heart of Medicine, virologist Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr Lam Sai Kit and infectious diseases consultant Dr Timothy Williams join...

Why A New TB Vaccine Is An Investment Worth Making

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been more than 100 years since the BCG vaccine was first introduced as a significant tool in our fight against tuberculosis. While the BCG vacc...

Life Doesn't Pause #4: Is The Perimenopause Brain OK?

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling a bit more brain fog than usual? Getting forgetful, but chalking it up to stress and fatigue? If you're a woman in your 40s, there could be an...

Screening for Colorectal Cancer

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The idea of undergoing a colonoscopy can be daunting, but it is one of the tools we have for picking up colorectal cancer early, as the disease often ...

NCD Chronicles #17: “I Want To Survive…For My Family”

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you go from being an active 44-year-old, to suddenly discovering you have end-stage kidney disease? On this episode of NCD Chronicles, we get a...

Doctor in the House: Are Private Hospitals Liable for Medical Negligence? 

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Federal Court recently ruled that private hospitals can also be held liable for medical negligence, meaning that not all the responsibility falls ...

Weight Matters – Tackling the Obesity Epidemic in Malaysia Together

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 shows that 1 in 2 adults are either overweight or obese, and 1 in 2 adults have abdominal obesity, which...

Because Feelings Matter #28: “I Was A High Achiever, But I Felt No Joy”

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anita Abu Bakar had always been a high achiever. But throughout childhood, and her early career as an investment banker, she describes feeling an emot...

Mind Matters: Systemic Struggles of Children with ADHD

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Malaysia, it is estimated that between 1.6% and 4.6% of children have ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactive disorder. But statistics do not tell u...

Life Doesn't Pause #3: What Women Need To Know About Sex and Relationships in Perimenopause

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Women conform to different societal norms as they go through various phases of life, and the perimenopause years are no different. With menopause on t...

Doctor in the House: A Critical Shortage of Organ Donors - And Organ Transplants

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Organ donation offers a new lease on life for recipients of organ transplants. But in Malaysia, we have a critical shortage of organ donors and thus l...

Public Health: Chronic Kidney Disease - The Monster Under Our Beds

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Almost 50,000 people in Malaysia live with end-stage renal disease. The Ministry of Health has warned that by the year 2040, there could be more than ...

Brain Waves: Cognitive Reserves & Memory Loss

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some people remain so sharp as they age, while others are less resilient to the effects of memory loss and dementia? Why are some still able to...

Humans of Healthcare: The Anaesthesiologist

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you undergo surgery, the anaesthesiologist plays a very important role in ensuring your safety and comfort before, during and after surgery. This...

Life Doesn't Pause #2: Mental Health During Perimenopause

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The midlife can be both thrilling and terrifying for women in their 40s - this is the time for major changes, such as children going into adolescence ...

International Women’s Day: Gruelling Journeys to Hospital, and Other Challenges For Breast Cancer Survivors In Sabah

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In conjunction with International Women’s Day on 8 March, Health & Living is exploring the barriers that women in underserved communities in Sar...

International Women’s Day: Targeting Breast & Cervical Cancers in Sarawak

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In conjunction with International Women’s Day on 8 March, Health & Living is exploring the barriers that women in underserved communities in Sar...

Life Doesn't Pause #1: The Identity of the Perimenopause Woman 

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The fabulous 40s are a phase of life for women to look forward to, but what happens when their hormones have a somewhat different idea? Perimenopause,...

Understanding Diastasis Recti, And The Role of Fascia

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The abdominal muscles - where your six-pack is (or should be) - are two flat and parallel muscles separated by a connective tissue called linea alba. ...

Picking Up Hearing Loss Among Newborns & Children

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What is it like to grow up without being able to hear sounds and speech? Picking up hearing loss among babies and children is crucial to ensure that t...

Doctor in the House: Caring For The Health And Well-Being Of Migrant Workers

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the last two months, several developments involving migrant workers have put a spotlight on their right to fair living and working conditions. In o...

Because Feelings Matter #27: “Tak Ada Peluang Langsung Untuk Bernafas”

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Parenting is already hard enough; raising a child with a rare disease? Most of us can’t even begin to imagine the challenges, sacrifices, and heartb...

Preparing for Disease X

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, recently reiterated that the next pandemic is not a matter of if,...

It’s Time Malaysia Expands Newborn Screening for Rare Diseases

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For many parents of children with rare diseases, the journey from discovering their child’s symptoms to finding a definite diagnosis is often long a...

NCD Chronicles #16: My Son Was Born With a Hole in His Heart

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The heart is one of the most vital organs in our body, working day and night from the moment we are born to pump blood throughout our body. But for a ...

Doctor in the House: A New Vaccine For Dengue Approved!

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Drug Control Authority has recently given conditional approval to Qdenga, a dengue vaccine that could be given to those aged four and above. With ...

What Happens After A Prostate Cancer Diagnosis?

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Prostate cancer is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can develop without any symptoms. In fact, almost 70% of cases in Malaysia ...

When Your Child Can’t Communicate Well, Is It A Language Disorder?

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When a child is significantly quieter than their peers, we say the child is shy or a wallflower. When a child stumbles over their words when telling y...

Mind Matters: How Teens Feel & Think About Their Bodies 

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a society which highly emphasises outward appearances, it can often be easy to be dissatisfied with our body image. For adolescents, this pressure ...

Ask A Doctor: From The Vagina To The Ovaries

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In our open clinic segment, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Shilpa Nambiar joins us to shed light on the female reproductive system, from...

Shortage of Specialists: Why We Need The Parallel Pathway Programme

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For patients seeking care in public hospitals, especially beyond Klang Valley, the chances of being able to see a specialist immediately are usually s...

Angioplasty vs Bypass: Which Is For Me?

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bypass surgery and angioplasty are two of the most widely-used treatments for coronary artery disease, and they have a long track record in medicine. ...

Healthy Ageing: The Lowdown on Low Blood Pressure

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We often hear about how high blood pressure among older adults leads to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke, among other th...

Humans of Healthcare: The Pharmacologist 

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do we know if a drug will cause adverse reactions in a patient or if it will even work for different individuals? Understanding how drugs interact...

Doctor in the House: I’ll Be There For You - Cancer Survivors Band Together

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Cancer, as a life-altering diagnosis, brings with it not only physical but also emotional and psychological challenges. As patients try to cope with t...

Public Health: How Will Our Nursing Profession Recover?

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Malaysia’s nurses are a silent force in the healthcare system. They are responsible for the seamless and meticulous delivery of care to patients, no...

Counsellor’s Corner: Dating and Relationships

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is your love life in a rut, on the rocks, or in ruins? Are you having trouble navigating the emotions and expectations of dating? With Valentine’s D...

Social Prescribing: When Medicine Alone Isn’t Enough

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you’re ill, or in need of healthcare, this is probably the process you go through: you see a doctor, they identify a biological cause, you get ...

It’s Time We Take Indoor Air Quality More Seriously

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As Malaysians, we’re often used to complaining about the terrible outdoor air quality, especially during the haze season. But COVID-19 has taught us...

Doctor in the House: Petaling Jaya Hopes For A New Public Hospital

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recently, Bukit Gasing state assembly member Rajiv Rishyakaran called for the Ministry of Health to construct a new general hospital for Petaling Jaya...

Autism: Who Supports The Adults?

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism. However, this logical assumption is not reflected in reality. Adults with autism often face man...

How Do We Uphold Health As A Human Right?

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

“The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, relig...

NCD Chronicles #15: Undefeated By Cervical Cancer

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

‘Twas the night before Christmas when Selina Yeop Jr’s world turned upside-down. Her doctor had just told her that she possibly had cervical cance...

Doctor in the House: How The Tobacco Industry Influences Public Health Policies in Asia

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s an open secret that the tobacco industry strongly lobbies governments on public health policies linked to tobacco control, but just how much of...

The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Is At “Catastrophic Levels”

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More than 25,000 Palestinians have been killed and 1.9 million - more than 85% of Gaza’s population - has been displaced since Israel began its late...

Because Feelings Matter #26: “I Know There Is A Place For Me In This World”

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Confident, independent, adventurer and explorer: these are the words Izzat Zaid uses to describe herself. But it has not always been easy for her to b...

Healthy Ageing: How To Eat Well As You Age

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

“Make sure the food has less salt. Consume more fibres. It’s fine that they have a lower appetite.” These are some of the things we hear being s...

Doctor in the House: Cannabis As An Antiviral?

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

SARS-CoV-2, HIV and Hepatitis C - what do these viruses have in common? They can be targeted with antiviral medications, which have changed the way we...

Be Fit Malaysians: Physiotherapy Can Also Help With Injury Prevention

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Would you see a physiotherapist if you had little to no pain or if you don’t have an injury? Many of us often think of physiotherapy as something th...

Helping Mothers Manage High-Risk Pregnancies

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pregnancy is a time of anticipation, but also one of anxiety. After all, the expecting mother is preparing for her life to change with the arrival of ...

Mind Matters: Mental Health in the Shadows of Conflict and Crises

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Global geopolitical events have weighed heavily on our minds in the last few months. The impact of wars, the climate crisis, natural disasters, and di...

Ask A Doctor: Skin Health

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back with our monthly Ask A Doctor segment and to kickstart the year we will be focussing on skin health. Here to answer your questions from s...

Doctor in the House: Ensuring Responsible Regulation of Dietary Supplements

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In 2022, sales of vitamin and dietary supplements in Malaysia were valued at RM4.89 billion. But as the demand for supplements grows, so does the pres...

Public Health: Invisible Barriers to Accessing Healthcare

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some people skip medical checkups, treatments or follow-up care, even when the services are available for them to access? In Selangor, it has b...

Brain Waves: Is Sleep For the Weak?

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, everyone needs sleep. But, do we adults really need 7 hours of sleep a day? Why do some people get away...

Humans of Healthcare: The Neuropsychologist

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The brain is a complex organ, and any physical trauma to the brain or neurological disorders can have an impact on your cognition and behaviour. On th...

Is Malaysia On Track To Eliminate Cervical Cancer?

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On 30 December 2003, Cantopop singer Anita Mui passed away from cervical cancer, amid an outpouring of grief from her fans. Thirty years later, this d...

Doctor in the House: Should You Buy Medical Devices On E-Commerce Platforms?

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Medical devices are a billion-dollar industry, and are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in healthcare. They’re also becoming increasingly high-stake...

Alzheimer’s Disease - Caring for the Individual and the Caregiver

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

According to the Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia, by 2050, the number of older adults in Malaysia living with dementia will rise to 825,000. A...

The Time for a Mental Capacity Act Is Now

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Every day, we make small and big decisions in our lives. But what if one day, we find ourselves in circumstances where we are no longer able to make t...

Gut-Joint Axis: The Connection Between The Gut Microbiome and Rheumatoid Arthritis

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body, causing inflammation and painful swelling o...

Health & Living Live 2023 Panel 3: Save Like You'll Live Forever

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#instalife doesn’t last forever. How you live today changes how you age tomorrow. At BFM’s Health & Living Live 2023, we looked at ways to dis...

Health & Living Live 2023 Panel 2: Grey (Cells) Are The New Black

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#instalife doesn’t last forever. How you live today changes how you age tomorrow. At BFM’s Health & Living Live 2023, we looked at ways to dis...

Health & Living Live 2023 Panel 1: #lifegoals - Move It Like Michelle Yeoh

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

#instalife doesn’t last forever. How you live today changes how you age tomorrow. At BFM’s Health & Living Live 2023, we looked at ways to dis...

Doctor in the House: Affordable Healthcare Solutions in ASEAN For All

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While we’ve made leaps and bounds in cancer research, not all diagnostic tools and therapeutics are accessible to all, especially to those in low- a...

Public Health: Managing Malaysia’s Low Fertility Rate

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Malaysia's fertility is dropping drastically. In 2022, the fertility rate was 1.6 children per woman, the lowest that the country has recorded in 50 y...

Public Health: Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s Top Priorities

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Following the recent Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Poli...

Heart of Medicine: When Did Cardiovascular Disease Become An Occupational Health Hazard?

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On the latest episode of Heart of Medicine, occupational health physician Dr Abed Onn joins consultant cardiologist Dr Kannan Pasamanickam to dive int...

COVID-19: Why Seeking Prompt Treatment Matters

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As COVID-19 cases climb once again, it’s more important than ever to remain vigilant. What precautions should we take, and especially for those who ...

Planning for Contraception

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to the National Health & Morbidity Survey 2022 on Maternal and Child Health, only less than half of women of reproductive age or their p...

Vapes Will Now Be Regulated, But The GEG Is In Ashes

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Last week (on 30th Nov), the long awaited Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 was passed by the Dewan Rakyat, to address the lacun...

Ask a Psychologist: The Year in Rearview

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, as we wind down, take our holidays, and spend time with family and friends. It’s also the time whe...

Surviving Childhood Leukaemia

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cancers among children are rare, but leukaemia is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among children. While it is a devastating diagnosis for the famil...

COVID-19 Cases Are Spiking, How Worried Should We Be?

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Ministry of Health recently reported a 57.3% spike in cases of COVID-19, from the week of Nov 19 to 25 compared to the week before. Paired with in...

Maternal Tdap Vaccination To Protect Newborns

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In 2024, the Ministry of Health will provide Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis) vaccination to all pregnant mothers at all government ...

How AI Can Help Doctors Have More Time

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone’s talking about how AI can change how we live our lives and make things just a bit easier for us, including in medicine. One of those poten...

Doctor in the House: Let Communities Lead HIV Prevention

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

To end the AIDS epidemic, community-based action must be an integral part of the process. But what does that look like here in Malaysia? In conjunctio...

How To Talk To Neurodivergent Children About Their Diagnosis

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Parenting neurodivergent children is both a challenging and rewarding journey. One of the pivotal moments in this journey is discussing the diagnosis ...

Ask A Doctor: About Poo

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Ask A Doctor, consultant gastroenterologist Dato’ Dr Mahendra Raj joins us to answer all your hard questions about poo and your g...

Because Feelings Matter #25: World Children’s Day Special (Part 1)

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

World Children’s Day is celebrated on the 20th of November every year, to remind us all that children’s voices matter. On this special episode of ...

Because Feelings Matter #25: World Children’s Day Special (Part 2)

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

World Children’s Day is celebrated on the 20th of November every year, to remind us all that children’s voices matter. On this special episode of ...

NCD Chronicles #14: “Tomorrow is Another Day To Do More” (Living With Heart Failure)

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Yong De Jun’s life seemed to be mapped out - a bright young man with a promising career in surgery, and a desire to help others. Then came an une...

Doctor in the House: We Don’t Want A Post-Antibiotic World

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) is commemorated every year from 18-24 November. The theme for WAAW 2023 is "Preventing antimicrob...

The Health Agenda Under Malaysia Madani #4: Health Financing Needs Urgent Reforms

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are approaching the one-year anniversary since Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as the tenth Prime Minister of Malaysia on 24th November las...

The Health Agenda Under Malaysia Madani #3: A Malaysia For Older Persons

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are approaching the one-year anniversary since Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as the tenth Prime Minister of Malaysia on 24th November las...

Early Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer Gives Hope

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We don’t usually think of pancreatic cancer with optimism, but there is hope for better outcomes if the cancer is diagnosed early. Consultant clinic...

The Health Agenda Under Malaysia Madani #1: From “Sick Care” to Health Care

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we approach the one year anniversary since Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as the tenth Prime Minister of Malaysia on 24th November last ye...

The Health Agenda Under Malaysia Madani #2: A Sustainable Future for Healthcare Workers

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are approaching the one year anniversary since Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as the tenth Prime Minister of Malaysia on 24th November las...

Brain Waves: The Nervous System in Our Gut

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The enteric nervous system is found within our gastrointestinal tract and is able to function independently of our brain and spinal cord. On this epis...

The Unchecked Vaping Crisis

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While vapes and e-cigarettes were initially marketed as a potentially safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, vaping has given rise to a new...

Can You Detect Lung Cancer Early?

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lung cancer has a long and difficult history in our society. It bears the stigma of being associated with men who smoke, and is still thought to be th...

Humans of Healthcare: The Genetic Counsellor

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Every second Thursday of November is dedicated to Genetic Counselor Awareness Day, to raise awareness about how genetic counsellors work in a healthca...

Kidneys Under Pressure #2: Keeping Diabetes Under Control

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a bitter pill to swallow - Malaysia has the highest rate of diabetes in the Western Pacific region and one of the highest in the world. In just...

Doctor in the House: Why Is One Dose of The HPV Vaccine Enough?

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

2023 marks the 13th year of HPV vaccination in Malaysia’s national immunisation programme, where 13-year-old girls in Form 1 receive the vaccination...

Public Health: Why We Should Care About The Care Economy

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Malaysia has said a lot about being prepared for an ageing society. But are we headed for an ageing crisis instead, with older adults continuing to be...

Be Fit Malaysians: Finding Mobility and Movement

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What does having good mobility mean? Is it simply about being flexible or about the way you move whether you’re simply going about your daily routin...

Ask A Psychologist: Teaching Children Emotional Intelligence

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’ll be celebrating World Children’s Day on 20 November, and as we look towards upholding children’s rights, consultant clinical psychologist P...

Healthy Ageing: When Cancer And Ageing Collide

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is challenging for anyone, but it can be especially so for older adults who are already living with other medical and cog...

Doctor in the House: Being Prepared For Stroke Rehabilitation

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A stroke is a severe and sudden medical condition that can have profound consequences for survivors and families. Rapid treatment, as well as proper s...