Shedding Festive Pounds: A Comprehensive Guide to Post-CNY Weight Management
Chinese New Year is a time of joy, celebration, and often indulgence in rich foods and drinks. As the holidays come to an end, many find themselves facing the challenge of shedding the extra pounds gained during this period. To effectively manage post-festive weight gain, it's essential to adopt a holistic approach that focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes. The Power of Proper Hydration Water is fundamental to our...
Transform Leftover Mandarin Oranges into Delicious and Healthy Remedies
The Lunar New Year often brings an abundance of mandarin oranges, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. However, as the celebrations wind down, many households find themselves with an excess of these citrus fruits. Instead of letting them go to waste, why not transform them into delicious and health-boosting remedies? Here are three creative and nutritious ways to repurpose leftover mandarin oranges, inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. Mandarin Orange Jam:...
Understanding the Seriousness of Influenza: Lessons S’poreans can learn from Barbie Hsu’s Tragic Passing
The recent passing of 48-year-old Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu (徐熙媛), also known as "Big S," due to influenza-related pneumonia during a trip to Japan, has shocked many and brought attention to the often-overlooked dangers of influenza. Her tragic death highlights the potentially fatal consequences of the flu, a disease that is frequently dismissed as a minor seasonal illness. For Singaporeans, this serves as a critical reminder of why influenza should...
The Importance of Understanding Ketones in Diabetes Management
Managing diabetes involves constant vigilance over blood sugar levels, insulin usage, and overall health. One crucial aspect of diabetes care that is often overlooked is understanding ketones—byproducts of fat breakdown in the body. While ketones are a natural and necessary part of metabolism, for people with diabetes, they can become a sign of serious trouble if not managed properly. Understanding ketones is key to managing diabetes effectively and avoiding life-threatening...
Watch those calories! Know exactly what you’re eating during CNY!
Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time of joyful reunions, traditions, and, perhaps most notably, feasting. Homes are stocked with an array of snacks and treats, each carrying symbolic meanings of prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. While these festive bites are delicious and integral to the celebration, many of them come with hidden calories, sugar, and fat. Let’s dive into the details of these secretly sinful treats and how to...
The Silent Signs of Diabetes: How Early Detection Can Save Lives
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, yet many individuals remain undiagnosed until complications arise. Early detection is critical in preventing long-term health issues, but the early signs of diabetes are often subtle and easy to overlook. Understanding these warning signs and taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in managing the condition and improving overall health outcomes. [caption id="attachment_12292" align="alignright" width="429"] Photo by Claudia Wolff...
The Hidden Key to Managing Diabetes and Blood Sugar
Have you ever wondered why some foods leave you feeling energised for hours while others make you crash soon after eating? The answer might lie in something called the Glycaemic Index (GI). If you have diabetes, are at risk of developing it, or simply want to improve your health, understanding the GI can make a big difference. [caption id="attachment_12261" align="alignleft" width="300"] Photo by Mark Patterson on Unsplash[/caption] Let’s break it down in...
The Blood Sugar Rollercoaster: How Alcohol Impacts Glucose and Insulin Sensitivity
The festive season brings joy, celebration, and the occasional festive indulgence. With Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year all being so close to each other, the celebratory mood is strong, and the temptation to indulge in festive drinks even stronger. For those managing their blood sugar levels, however, navigating alcohol consumption can be tricky. Alcohol affects not only your blood glucose levels but also your body’s insulin sensitivity, making it...
Lowering Blood Pressure Can Be As Easy As Breathing (Literally!)
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a silent epidemic in Singapore. The 2023 National Population Health Survey revealed that 15% of adults aged 18 to 74 suffer from this condition, with prevalence increasing to 47.7% among those aged 70 to 74. Hypertension significantly raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. As the population navigates the challenges of fast-paced urban living and its associated stressors, finding effective yet simple ways...
You Can Be Diabetic And Still Enjoy Christmas In Singapore Without Compromising Your Health
The Christmas season is a time for celebration, family, and festivities, but in Singapore, as in many parts of the world, it also brings health challenges. From indulgent feasts to disrupted routines, the festive period can have detrimental effects on physical well-being. While the allure of seasonal treats brings joy, they also pose risks that Singaporeans should address proactively. Christmas in Singapore is synonymous with decadent buffets, rich desserts, and holiday...