Guide to Weight Loss Medications
Examine weight loss medications and the clinics offering them in Singapore. Find practical programs and meet knowledgeable weight management doctors.
November 12, 2024
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In Singapore, women often find themselves juggling multiple roles—from being a career woman to a homemaker. But in the midst of this hectic life, it’s crucial not to overlook the most important asset—health.
Regular female health screening is a proactive approach to maintain one’s health and detect potential health issues at an early stage. In this article, we’ll share what are some of the major issues women in Singapore should look out for and other relevant information.
Cancer is a dreaded disease but it is not an inevitable death sentence. Detecting cancer early, especially breast cancer for women, can pave the way for more effective treatments, thereby improving survival rates and significantly elevating your quality of life. Regular screenings, including mammograms, can significantly enhance early detection rates.
During health screenings, one essential element to consider is your family medical history. Certain types of cancer can be inherited, so it is important to identify what particular risks you have.
Cervical cancer can be treated effectively if detected early. Cervical cancer is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV)-- HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide.
During a cervical cancer screening, a doctor will gently use a brush to collect cells from the neck of the cervix to send for testing. If you are 25 to 29 years old, a Pap test will be done to detect any abnormal cells. This screening is recommended to be conducted once every 3 years. If you are 30 years old and above, a HPV test will be done to check for higher risk cancer-causing strains of HPV as this is a more effective way to assess your risk of cervical cancer. This is recommended to be done once every 5 years.
Even if you have received your HPV vaccination, it is still vital to go for regular cervical cancer screening as HPV vaccinations can only provide protection against 70 to 90 percent of high-risk HPV strains. So, regular cervical cancer screening remains the most effective choice to detect cancer-causing strains early and protect yourself.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Singaporean women, so it particularly calls for vigilance among women. All women have a risk of developing breast cancer but this increases after the age of 50. That’s why it’s recommended that women 50 and above go for a mammogram at least once every two years.
There are various risk factors for breast cancer including a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, late menopause, early onset of menstruation and having your first child past the age of 30. If you have any of these risk factors or concerns, our doctors will be happy to advise you of if there is a need for earlier screening or further assessment.
During a mammogram, the radiographer will compress your breast between two plastic plates in order to capture a clear X-ray. While there might be some discomfort, the compression is important to get an accurate image.
In addition to the mammogram, it is important to do a monthly breast self-examination to detect any abnormalities early.
Often overlooked, bone health significantly contributes to a woman’s overall well-being.Osteoporosis is a common condition which results in low bone mass. For many women, this occurs after menopause, when estrogen, a female hormone that maintains bone mass, naturally decreases. When this occurs, bones are thin and weak, and prone to fractures which may occur even after a minor fall.
Health screening can help identify potential issues related to bone density and overall health. The Dual Energy X-ray Absorbitary (DEXA) is a commonly used diagnostic technique that utilises X-rays to measure the bone density in a specific section of the bone.
Other common risk factors for osteoporosis include gender, nutritional deficiencies, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, regular consumption of coffee, tea and alcohol, loss of height, small-framed, family members with osteoporosis and fair skin. Certain medical conditions for example hyperthyroidism and some medications also predisposes one to osteoporosis.
Early diagnosis allows for intervention before the complications arise. Simple changes to lifestyle to include more weight bearing exercises, and to consume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D rich foods can improve bone health. Medications may also be introduced to treat osteoporosis.
Heart disease is often undiagnosed or undertreated in women and it has been shown to be deadlier in women as compared to men. Regular health screenings play a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart disease as they help identify risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking early, all of which can lead to the accumulation of plaques that may result in heart attacks and strokes.
It is generally recommended for women to maintain*:Blood pressure readings below 130/85120/80 mmHgTotal cholesterol below 5.2 mmol/L LDL cholesterol less than 3.4 mmol/LHDL cholesterol higher than 1.0 mmol/L
*Please speak to your doctor regarding your blood pressure and cholesterol targets as these varies between individuals.
Beyond detecting current health issues, health screenings also set the groundwork for preventive measures. Vaccinations, such as the HPV vaccine, are generally advised for women to safeguard against 70-90% of the causes of cervical cancer and also some genital warts.
Implementing appropriate dietary choices, participating in consistent physical activity, and abstaining from unhealthy behaviours can notably enhance the health of women after a screening, decreasing the likelihood of specific cancers.
Health screenings do more than just offer early detection and preventive measures—they also serve as educational opportunities. By participating in health screenings, individuals gain knowledge about:
A healthier life begins with health screenings. But what happens after the screening? At most clinics, once you’re done with your health screening, the presiding doctor will provide you some tips and, if your results warrant it, a referral to a specialist. At Lifestyle Medical Clinic we do that and more, taking on additional in-depth steps, like health coaching, to empower you to improve your health. These include:
It is recommended for women to undergo regular health screenings. The frequency of health screenings is influenced by age and risk factors.
For the general population, cardiovascular risk screening involving body mass index, blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol monitoring should start at the age of 18. Women who are 25 years and above, and are sexually active are advised to go for regular cervical cancer screening, and those aged 50 and above are advised to undergo breast cancer screening with mammograms once every 2 years.
Those with additional risk factors (e.g. medical conditions, family history) should discuss with their doctors what are the most appropriate tests for them and when these tests should be done.
A health screening is a commitment to your health. That being said, each individual’s needs can vary, and the costs differ based on the exact tests necessary. At Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we’ve different packages ranging from our basic LMC Lite package, which costs $48, to our intensive LMC 360 Female package,which costs $908.
Women have various health needs and Lifestyle Medical Cleaning is committed to providing a suite of packages to meet these needs. We have also designed our packages to cater to different budgets. If you have any queries about any particular test of health concern, you can contact us today.
Prior to a health screening, it is advisable to ensure adequate rest by going to bed at a reasonable time the night before and following the fasting and diet recommendations of your doctor.
The duration of a typical health screening for women may vary based on the specific tests being conducted, ranging from a few hours to a full day, depending on the number and complexity of the tests
Health screenings generally have few or no risks. The only exceptions would be mammograms, which involve exposure to radiation, and biopsies, which can cause slight discomfort or bleeding. But even in these cases, the risks are minor and your doctor will guide you on what you should know before and after the tests.
While some self-screening tools, like blood pressure monitoring and breast self examination, exist, these are often supplements to professional screenings. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for accurate screenings.
Yes, preventive health screenings are essential even for individuals who feel healthy. Many health conditions don't show obvious symptoms initially, and screenings can detect issues early on, allowing for timely interventions.
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