Are hair woes giving you a mane problem?

Are hair woes giving you a mane problem?

We know that not everyone is blessed with a headful of thick, luscious locks. It takes effort to maintain one’s crowning glory despite having a head of hair. Fortunately for those who desire their once hair-proud days, help is possibly at hand. Firstly, let us understand how hair loss occurs.

How do we lose hair?

Hair loss is a gradual development and both men and women suffer similar fates. As we all know hair takes time to grow and unless there are “miracle drugs” invented, we wouldn’t have to be content with just approximately 1 centimeter per month of growth. About 10 percent of the scalp is in a resting phase and new hair is regenerated after 3-4 months. It is normal to shed hair each day. However, some people may experience excessive hair loss. Alopecia is the medical description for loss of hair from the head or body, occasionally to the extent of baldness. Losing 80 to 100 hairs per day is normal.

Having a “root” shock?


If you are starting to count the number of hairs you have been shedding recently and it’s making you worry, losing up to 100 hairs a day is normal but it can be worrisome for some. Let us understand the difference between male and female hair loss.

Male hair loss

Male hair loss, also known as Androgenic Alopecia or male pattern baldness, is caused by increased sensitivity to male sex hormones (androgens), and is passed on from generation to generation. Androgens shrink the hair follicles and disable the follicles from replacing lost hairs. Men will then begin to notice a receding hairline with hair at the top gradually thinning out, and finally end up with two balding areas that form a typical U-shape around the back and sides of the head.
Female hair loss

Fortunately for women hair loss tend to occur at later ages. They may not have apparent heredity association or the noticeable thinning over the top of the scalp. Likewise for women, the usual suspect for hair loss is Androgenic Alopecia albeit without the typical true balding pattern males develop. In this form of hair loss, the hair can become thin over the entire scalp.

Different stages of hair loss, with the left being the most early.
(C) http://ipaki.com/content/html/16/149.html

What causes excessive hair loss?
There are a plethora of reasons why hair is being lost each day. If you still are unsure if you’re indeed shedding hair due to certain reasons, you may wish to seek professional help and get advice. Some reasons for hair loss are: 

• Improper hair cosmetic use or improper hair care
• Diseases like diabetes, lupus and thyroid disorders
• Poor nutrition
• Medications
• Shampooing, combing and brushing too often
• Genetic
• Scalp conditions like dandruff or psoriasis
• Aging/menopause
• Stress
• Iron deficiency

What treatments are available in the market?
Currently, only two treatments have proved effectiveness against hair loss. Propecia (Finasteride) and Minoxidil (Growell) when used together, produce significant improvement in treating hair loss. Propecia is an oral medication that stimulates hair growth and is prescribed to males only. Minoxidil is topically applied to the scalp and is generally more effective in women than in men.  Both treatments are medically approved by the FDA.

How can you care for your hair?
To keep the hair you have strong and healthy, try these tips before if you haven’t decided to engage professional help just yet.

• Take extra care when washing thinning hair. Avoid aggressive scrubbing. Instead, gently massage a mild, volumizing shampoo into the scalp and followed by a light conditioner. Gently towel dry.
• Look for a plastic brush with rounded tips when choosing a brush for thinning hair.
• Protect hair and scalp from UV exposure. Use UV protectant styling products or wear a hat when out in the sun.
• Eat a balanced diet and take multi-vitamin every day. Choose high protein foods (fish, eggs, beans and yogurt).

With the right treatments and self-care, you can still get to keep most hair on your head. Our team of specialists from Medical Aesthetics will be able to prescribe treatments for both male and female pattern balding. Success rates for hair growth, ranges between 60-75% with medical intervention. For enquiries you may contact us directly for after office hours (any time from 9am to 9pm) at 93387432.

The A's and B's of Hepatitis

The ABCs of Hepatitis

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Commonly, it can be caused by a viral infection. With the infection, it can reduce the liver’s ability to cleanse blood normally. Being infectious, it can be passed onto others under various circumstances. The common types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. There are also other viruses like the Hepatitis C. With Hepatitis B being the more severe infection, it is classified as endemic in Singapore. 1 out of 35 people are carriers. However, infection can be prevented by vaccination.


Modes of disease transmission

Hepatitis A:

• oral fecal route of infection
• poor food handling hygiene
• contaminated water or food (especially raw and semi-cooked shellfish e.g. oysters, cockles, clams)
• contact with carrier's fecal matter or blood
• sexual contact with an infected partner

Did you know: A popular Singaporean dish, boiled cockles or "see hum" puts us at risk of contracting Hepatitis A if not cooked properly?

Hepatitis B:

• blood borne or body fluids mode of infection
• sexual contact with an infected partner
• blood contact
• sharing contaminated needles
• infected mothers to newborn

Symptoms

The tell-tale signs of both types of Hepatitis are similar. Hepatitis A, however, is acute, more severe and takes a shorter period to recover from. In contrast, Hepatitis B is chronic and may lead to prolong liver damage resulting in problems such as liver hardening, failure or even cancer. The risk of liver cancer in a Hepatitis B carrier is almost 200 times more compared to a normal person. A good analogy for viral hepatitis is Hepatitis A is comparable to pneumonia and hepatitis B is to Tuberculosis.

Some symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or distention
• Dark urine and pale or clay-colored stools
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss

It may also be possible for one to be without symptoms.

Preventive measures

• proper hygiene such as regular hand washing
• proper food cooking, heat up water and cook food thoroughly
• avoid drinking untreated water in developing countries
• safe sex
• avoid sharing personal items and needles

The most effective way to get protection from the disease is to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B. Today, vaccines for Hepatitis A and B are known to be very effective and Central 24-HR Clinic Group has affordable Hepatitis A&B screening and vaccination packages for you. Hepatitis A vaccines will require an initial dose followed by a booster 6 months later while Hepatitis B vaccines will require an initial dose followed by 2 boosters, 1 month and 6 months later.

Remember, while you can enjoy your lifestyle habits in moderation, it is also equally important to be insured against the possible perils of Hepatitis A and B. Why take the risk when it is fairly convenient to get vaccinated? Feel free to check our convenient and fuss-free locations at http://www.centralclinic.com.sg/locations.php

The not so sweet truth about Diabetes

The not so sweet truth about diabetes

Ever wondered if all the sugary foods and drinks in your diet all this while may pose possible health issues? Have you been spending too much time on the couch? If you think the chances of contracting a disease is low just because you have had clean bills of health, then you need to think twice. Today, we bring to you the cold and hard facts of diabetes.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition in which the blood glucose levels remain persistently higher than normal. In Singapore alone, it affects 8.2% of the population aged 18 to 69 years and is the seventh most common cause of death. The likelihood of mortality caused by diabetes-related complications is also significantly higher. Diabetes can be due in part to the process of aging, unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

The two most common types of diabetes are as follows:

Type 1 (Insulin absence)

• no insulin is produced due to damaged pancreatic cells
• usually diagnosed in children or young adults although it can occur at any age
• insulin injection is needed for treatment
• complications are sudden and life-threatening

Type 2 (Insulin resistance)

• insulin produced is not enough or not effective (insulin resistance)
• occurs more frequently in people over 40 years old, particularly those who are overweight and physically inactive
• more younger adults and children are developing Type 2 Diabetes
• can be controlled with proper diet and exercise but most diabetics also need oral medication

The last type of diabetes occurs in pregnant women (gestational diabetes). Women who are not diagnosed to have diabetes previously show high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Such cases require specialized obstetric care to reduce serious complications to the unborn baby.

For those unfamiliar with insulin, insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas (islet cells) that pushes sugar in the blood to the cells so they fuel the body. Without insulin, one can eat lots of food and actually be in a state of starvation since many of our cells cannot access the calories contained in the glucose very well without the action of insulin.

Signs & Symptoms

Now that we have understood what diabetes is, these are some of the common symptoms one should look out for.

  (Credits: http://www.xtend-life.com/healthconditions/Diabetes.aspx)

As Type 2 diabetes develops slowly, some people with high blood sugar have no symptoms. In contrast, symptoms of type 1 diabetes develop over a short period of time. Hence, it is important to go for annual health checks as the medical condition may be advanced by the time they are diagnosed.

Complications

Diabetes is not merely an acute condition. It can turn into a chronic disease when not managed well or need long term treatment. Some long-term complications of diabetes include:

• coronary heart disease such as angina, heart attack
• stroke
• eye disease
• kidney disease
• foot disease such as numbness, ulcers and even gangrene
• nerve disease which can lead to problems such as impotence and diarrhoea

Prevention & Screening

• Exercise – Exercise is known to be extremely important in preventing diabetes. It is recommended to have at least ½ hour of exercise a day. 
• Weight – A healthy BMI is also key in the prevention of diabetes. Over 80% of diabetics are overweight and research has shown losing weight to be one of the key factors in preventing diabetes 
• Diet - Eat sugary, oily or fried foods in moderation. Also, it is recommended to have at least 2 portions of fruits and vegetables daily
• Health Screening - As mentioned, Type 2 diabetes can often develop with little to no symptoms. Hence, it is recommended to do regular health screening on an annual basis.

Central Clinic offers a basic screening package priced at $25 at all of its clinics. The health screening package screens for  diabetes, cholesterol screen, gout, kidney function, liver function and urine test. You may also purchase your health screening voucher online here. For further information, you may wish to drop us an email at enquiries@centralclinic.com.sg.

Total skin wellness with Medical Aesthetics

Total skin wellness with Medical Aesthetics

Have you ever flipped through beauty magazines and desire to have the perfect complexion that models do? Indeed, to achieve healthy skin one would require a proper diet, a balanced lifestyle and most importantly, a proper skincare regime. But is that enough to maintain youthfulness? Sometimes it is but more often than not, additional and specialist care is frequently sought after by individuals who wish to look their very best possible. Medical Aesthetics has had many years of experience in successfully beautifying patients. In this article, we bring to you more information on Medical Aesthetics' range of affordable and effective Laser and IPL treatments which will have you glowing with radiance.

Medical Aesthetics provides 3 kinds of Laser and IPL treatments as follows:

CO2 Fractional Laser

The anti-aging breakthrough of the decade is a skin-resurfacing treatment known as CO2 Fractional Laser Therapy. Combining the effectiveness of traditional carbon dioxide lasers with a new application technique, it delivers powerful results without the traditionally harsh side effects. Laser resurfacing uses beams of energy light to bore tiny holes in the skin, which stimulates skin regeneration. Skin tightening and textural improvement is visible in one week. Cell regeneration continues to improve up to six months so it progressively takes several years off your appearance with just a few days of downtime. There may be some minor redness and swelling during recovery time.

Recommended for:
• Wrinkles
• Facial Lines
• Skin Pigmentation associated with photogaging, surgical, acne scarring

Carbon Laser Peel

The treatment helps diminish the appearance of imperfections on the skin’s surface by rejuvenating the skin and reducing effects of the sun. Carbon is applied onto the face, and a NdYag laser beam is then shot on the skin surface with the carbon on. This is known to be effective for pores treatment, wrinkles, improving the skin tone and also for photorejuvenation. There may be some minor redness, swelling, burning sensations and itchiness which will usually last less than a day.

Recommended for:
• Wrinkles
• Acne Scarring
• Enlarged pores
• Improving skin tone

Intense Pulsed Light

The treatment uses a specific wavelength of the visible light to treat pigment, acne, reduce hair, reduce small capillaries and also helps with photorejuvenation. Improvements are gradual, with no downtime. There may be some minor redness and swelling during the recovery time.

Recommended for:
• treat pigmentation or acne problems
• reduce small capillaries
• reduce hair

With the affordable and effective variety of laser treatments Medical Aesthetics has, your skin will feel rejuvenated than before. Now you too can have magazine-worthy skin. For enquiries you may contact us directly for after office hours (any time from 9am to 9pm) at 93387432.

Depression and Anxiety during and after Pregnancy

Depression and Anxiety during and after Pregnancy

Contrary to common belief, pregnancy is not a protected time for mental health problems. About half of all women with postnatal depression experience antenatal depression as well. Depression affects how well a woman takes care of her health, leads to poorer obstetric outcomes, affects the chances of bonding well with her baby, and increases the chance of the child developing behavioural problems and depression later on.

Work-life balance: a delicate balancing act

It’s difficult to survive on a single income when raising a family in Singapore, and more than half of Singaporean women work. This creates work-life balance issues for the parents, with mothers still assuming the primary caregiving role, at least while the children are very young. Every mother needs increased practical and emotional support during this time, be it from the father, extended family, a domestic helper or childcare centre. Finding and coordinating all this can be highly stressful.

Is what I’m feeling normal?

There will be ups and downs during any life event, and pregnancy is no exception. Things to look out for may include: feelings of intense distress, such feelings lasting more than 2 weeks, or if others notice that you are not your usual self. Symptoms include:

•    Irritability
•    A persistently low mood on most days
•    Decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
•    Frequent anger attacks
•    A lack of motivation
•    Persistent guilt or self-blame
•    Poor concentration

Self-help and Seeking Help
Prioritize taking care of yourself and your marriage first. Most parents forget that with the increased demands that the newborn brings! Don’t be afraid to ask for help: as they say, it takes a village to raise a child; trying to do it by yourself is a major risk factor to exhaustion and poor mental health.

Finally, too many women seek help too late or not at all for various reasons. Medications can be very helpful in some instances, and it’s important to see a professional who is well-versed with their use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Don’t delay seeking help, it could be the best thing you could do for yourself and your baby.

Some helplines you can call
NUH: Women’s Emotional Health Service:    6772 2037
KKWCH: Mental Wellness Service:         6294 4050

Dr Cornelia Chee, Consultant Psychiatrist
Currently practising in NUH

Medical Aesthetics Double Campaigns Go Live!

In the month of June, our affliate Medical Aesthetics has launched two sites to help educate users on the common dos and donts in:

• Effective weight loss
• Acne scars management

They are live today at www.weight-loss.sg and www.acne-scars.sg! Please visit them and feel free to let us know your feedback at centralclinicsg@gmail.com.

A Breast Cancer Awareness Guide : Share this with someone you love today

In Singapore, approximately 1 in 17 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer can afflict people of all age and most commonly affects women within the 50-59 age group. It can be painful when we see our loved ones afflicted with breast cancer and hence it is prudent . The survival rates and efficacy of treatment will always increase when the condition is detected early.

Here are some symptoms to look out for:

	A persistent lump or thickening in the breast or armpit area
	Changes in the colour or skin of the breast, areola or nipple
	Newly retracted or inverted nipple
	Bleeding or discharge from the nipple
	a change in size or shape of the breast

Here are some risk factors to look out for:

1. Age - About 7% of all breast cancer cases happen to women below the age of 40. However, breast cancer can strike anyone at any age, and hence it is recommended that women be kept aware of symptoms and where possible, to do a annual health check up and mammogram
2. Family history of breast cancer
3. Defects in genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 (which are also known to increase risk to ovarian and colon cancers)

 What you can utilize in Singapore for health checks:

1. Subsidized $40 Mammogram at NHG Diagnostics if you meet the following conditions

• Aged 40 years and above
• Have not gone for mammography in the last 12 months ( for women aged 40-49 years old)
• Have not gone for mammography in the last 24 months (for women aged 50 years old & above)
• Have no breast symptoms such as breast lumps or nipple discharge
• Have not been breastfeeding for the past 6 months
• Is not pregnant
• Come to Central 24-HR Clinic Group for referral

2.  Use our Annual Central Health Screening Packages, which combines the most common and required health screenings for Singapore, at very reasonable rates. You may click here to find out more.


We hope you share this article with your loved ones and friends to help increase the awareness of breast cancer. Please click on the Share or Tweet link today!

All information contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician or a medical professional with respect to your medical condition or questions. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any physician. There is no replacement for personal medical treatment and advice from your personal physician

Have you checked your blood pressure yet?

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels, and is one of the principal vital signs. During each heartbeat, BP varies between a maximum (systolic) and a minimum (diastolic) pressure

A person's blood pressure is usually expressed in terms of systolic pressure over diastolic pressure, for instance 140/90.

What is a healthy range for me?

Recommended levels should be from 140 to 90 for the systolic pressure, and 90 to 60 for diastolic pressure.

How can I measure my blood pressure? 

You may seek our friendly doctors for consultation at our clinic for an annual health check, or you may also choose to purchase a blood pressure monitor which you may use in the comforts of your own home.

What if my blood pressure is too high, or too low?

You are deemed to have the condition hypertension if your blood pressure is too high or to have hypotension if your blood pressure is too low. Hypertension is a common condition that is known to most Singaporeans who have reached middle age.

Depending on how severe your condition may, you may be required to take medication to control your condition.

If you have hypertension, you may be also more vulnerable to the following conditions:

• Blood vessel damage
• Brain damage
• Congestive heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Heart attack
• Pregnancy complications
• Stroke
• Vision loss

What can I do to lower my blood pressure if it is too high?

• Exercise
• Reduce your salt intake
• Maintaining a healthy weight and waist line, ensuring your BMI is ideally below 23
• Maintain a low stress and active life style
• Stop, or limit your smoking
• Stop, or limit your alcohol intake

In summary...

You are certainly advised to go for a simple health screening at one of our clinics if you are above 40 years of age. The most effective way of maintaining a healthy blood pressure level is by having an active, non-sedentary lifestyle and to be watchful of your dietary intake.

With lifestyle modifications and a proper work-lifestyle balance, many can expect to have healthy blood pressure readings and also better health.

All information contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician or a medical professional with respect to your medical condition or questions. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any physician. There is no replacement for personal medical treatment and advice from your personal physician

How does a health screening help me?

What is health screening?

A health screening is basically a periodic evaluation of one's body system to assess the state of health with the use of tests, physical examinations or other procedures. Examination techniques can range from a physical examination to a series of blood tests.

Why should I go for a health screening?

Health screening can help to detect many possible underlying conditions, even when you are feeling well without any signs or symptoms. Early detection of most conditions will allow you to seek early treatment and will increase the likelihood of taking control of your health and getting better outcomes.
 


How often should you have a health screening?

Health screening needs will vary according to different individuals. Each individual may have higher risk factors due to a known family history of a certain condition. You should consult your family doctor to assess the needs of a health screening thoroughly to fully evaluate your options.

As a general thumb of rule, we advise individuals above 40 years of age to do a health screening annually.

What options are available to me?

Central 24-HR Clinic Group currently has 3 health screening packages: Central Basic Package, Central Special Package and Central Comprehensive Package, which are specially designed and catered for Singaporeans.

Our Central Basic Package will include blood tests for the following:

• Cholesterol Screening
• Diabetes
• Gout
• Kidney Function
• Liver Function

This package currently costs $25/-. You may click here to read the details of our health screening packages.

All of our health screening packages will also require you to fast for 10 hours for accurate results. If you feel you require a custom tailored package, please feel free to discuss your condition in detail with our friendly doctors over at Central 24-HR Clinic Group. You may also use this contact form here.

All information contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician or a medical professional with respect to your medical condition or questions. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any physician. There is no replacement for personal medical treatment and advice from your personal physician

Medical Aesthetics - Special Trial Price from March 2011 to June 2011

Special trial price for the following treatments from March to June!

1) Radio Frequency Skin Tightening and Firming (Face, Neck, Eye Bags, Arms etc)

2) Kavita Ultracavitation (Waist, Abdomen, Buttocks etc)
3) IPL Hair Removal (Armpit, Bikini, Arms, Legs, Upper lips)

4) Laser Soft Peel Face
5) Vitamin C Iontophoresis Facial

Call us at 93387432 to enquire more with our clinic. You may also enquire more through our enquiry form or book now through our booking form.

What you should know about Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women and every year, tens of thousands of women worldwide are diagnosed with this form of cancer while thousands die from it. Statistically, 100% of all cervical cancer deaths can be prevented with regular cancer screening and early detection. At times, cervical cancer may present itself in the form of vagina bleeding while most of the times, symptoms are totally absent till the advanced stages of cancer.

Here are several signs and symptoms that should raise a red flag:

• Vagina bleeding
• Unusual vaginal mass
• Moderate pain during sexual intercourse
• Vaginal discharge 
• Contact bleeding 

You are in a higher risk group when you:

• have past Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections
• have past infections of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), such as herpes and chlamydia, in conjunction with HPV infections 

How does detection work, and how often should one go for a check up?

A pap test, or a pap smear, gathers cells from the inner and outer walls of a woman's cervix which will be sent to a pathologist for detailed examination.

Experts also recommend that women age 21 years old and above, who have been sexually active, should go for annual routine pap smears.

There is prevention, fortunately..

Fortunately, there are vaccinations for prevention. One of this vaccine is known as Cervarix. Cervarix provides protection against two different types of HPV: types 16 and 18. These strains of viruses causes about 70% of all cervical cancer cases.

CentralClinic currently provides a vaccination package for Cervarix (3 doses) at $325. You may use our Contact Form to enquire more about our services.

All information contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician or a medical professional with respect to your medical condition or questions. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any physician. There is no replacement for personal medical treatment and advice from your personal physician

Watching out for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

Incidence

Colorectal cancer (CRC) or cancer of the large intestine is the leading cause of cancer death in developed countries. In Singapore, it is the most common cancer and number one cause of death. The risk of CRC in the general population is 1 in 20 Singaporean. 

The age-standardised rates for men from 2003-2007 was 40.5 per 100,000 per year and for women it was 29.0 per 100,000 per year. However, it is largely preventable and highly curable if detected early. Most CRC develop from adenomatous polyps. Therefore, removal of adenomas by colonoscopy reduces the risk of CRC.  

Early screening and polypectomy is the key to prevention and may improve survival significantly. Colonoscopy is the most effective way to reduce risk of CRC and mortality.

Causes & Risk Factors

While the majority of CRC are sporadic, genetic causes or predispositions are more commonly cited as risk factors.These are risk factors:

• Age > 50
• Race: Chinese>Malay>Indian
• Male show a slight predominance over female
• Family history of polyps or cancer
• Personal history of polyps or cancer
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease ( ulcerative colitis & Crohn's disease)
•  Tobacco consumption
• Alcohol consumption
• Physical inactivity/Obesity
• Diet high in red meats & animal fats
• Low fibre diet
• Inheritable genetic conditions:
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
• Hereditary NonPolyposis Coolorectal Cancer (HNPCC)

Symptoms & Signs

Usually, colorectal polyps and early cancers do not cause any symptoms until they have become quite large or advanced. The common symptoms are bleeding, change in bowel habit, alternating constipation and diarrhoea. Late symptoms include loss of weight and appetite and abdominal bloating and pain.

Screening and Prevention

Primary prevention of CRC includes lifestyle changes as well as medical intervention. Since most  cases of colorectal cancer are sporadic in nature, changes in diet and lifestyle may contribute to a diminished risk. In the low risk individuals, moderate physical activity and a diet high in fibre and low in red meat and animal fat may be protective.

There are multiple screening tools available.  Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) is the easiet and simplest screening method. But this test has some limitations eg: false positive and false negative results. The combination of flexible sigmoidoscopy and FOBT is felt to be a better approach to improve the result of detection of polyps or cancers. However, recent data has shown that a single FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy may miss up to 30-40% of all significant tumour proximal to the splenic flexure. Therefore, currently, colonoscopy is still considered the best option, especially for high risk individuals.

Who Should Go for Colonoscopy?

Individuals who are or has:

Above 50 years old.

Family history of Colorectal Cancer or Polyp

Personal history of Colorectal Cancer or Polyp

Change in bowel habit

History of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

How is Colonoscopy performed?

Cleansing of colon, by drinking diluted Oral Fleet 2 bottles.

Intravenous sedation will be given, so there is no pain during the procedure.

Procedure takes about 10-15 minutes.

Result is instant.

No hospitalization is needed.

Some examples of growth within the colon:

Colonic Polyp     
 

















Colon Cancer 

You may speak to our friendly doctors at CentralClinic to enquire more about a colonscopy. Click here to use our enquiry form.

All information contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician or a medical professional with respect to your medical condition or questions. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any physician. There is no replacement for personal medical treatment and advice from your personal physician

Pigmentation Problems ; Causes and Solutions

Pigmentation problems are common in all ages. Uneven pigmentation can cause dark and uneven patches on the face. Unwanted pigmentation can cause distress for many people.

There are usually two causes for pigmentation problems, namely hormonal changes and excessive sun exposure. While one has no control over hormonal changes, avoiding excessive sun exposure is crucial for people with pigmentation problems.

Some simple tips to avoid pigmentation problems include:

1) Avoiding excessive sun exposure
2) Using a sunblock with at least 30.
3) Using right facial products to maintain the skin's tone and colour

Getting rid of pigmentation is no easy feat, it usually takes time to yield visible results. In some people, pigmentation can be recurrent.

Fortunately, there are safe and proven treatment to help reduce pigmentation.

Our associate, Medical Aesthetics, is dedicated to treating aesthetic concerns with its healthy and balanced approach.

Depending on one's condition, the doctor will assess and decide on the various modalities of treatment which might include:

1) Oral Supplements
2) Various skincare products and creams
3) Various Procedures like Laser, IPL, Chemical Peels and Micro-Dermabrasion.

For more information, you may choose to do a quick enquiry with one of our friendly doctors at Medical Aesthetics. Our friendly and helpful staff and doctors will be most pleased to answer your queries.

Medical Aesthetics charges $39 for Vitamin C Iontophoresis treatment if you book online through our booking form. Please visit our Medical-Aesthetics website today!

All information contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician or a medical professional with respect to your medical condition or questions. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any physician. There is no replacement for personal medical treatment and advice from your personal physician

Beautifully hair-free with IPL

In this edition of A Better You, we bring an already popular and well known treatment called Intense Pulse Light to your attention! 

Quickly speaking, what is IPL?

Intense Pulse Light, also commonly known as IPL, has gained widespread popularity as the benefits heavily outweigh the risks. It uses different spectrum intense light to treat specific problems such as unwanted hair, fine lines and pigmentation

It is used commonly for permanent hair reduction and at the same time, facial hair on upper lips, chin, neck areas can be treated. IPL can also remove hair from armpit, forearms, thighs, legs and even for bikini lines.

IPL is safe and has very little downtime post-treatment. Short-term potential side effects include very minor swelling and redness. It is usually possible to return to daily activities immediately after treatment.

In addition, IPL can also be used for skin rejuvenation to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be used for treating pigmentation on face and even acne.

Please try our associate, Medical Aesthetics, for IPL treatment. Medical Aesthetics charges $39 for Vitamin C Iontophoresis treatment if you book online through our booking form. Please visit our Medical-Aesthetics website today!



All information contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician or a medical professional with respect to your medical condition or questions. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any physician. There is no replacement for personal medical treatment and advice from your personal physician

Brighten UP with our skin brightening procedures!

As the much awaited festive season arrives, everybody is rushing to get dolled up - we all buy new clothes, lose weight, or even get the latest hairstyle all in keen anticipation of the once a year affair where we reunite and conjugate with family, relatives and friends alike.

Ladies also avoid the sun in the hopes of a fairer skin tone and gentlemen hit the gyms faithfully with the dreams of a nicer body.





From a purely aesthetic point of view, looking good fuels our confidence and allows us to shine both inwardly and outwardly. Our team has thus decided to introduce two of our very own treatment services, from Medical Aesthetics, that will help you to improve your skin condition, and prepare you for Chinese New Year!

The following treatments are Vitamin C Iontophoresis and Microdermabrasion.

1) Vitamin C Iontophoresis

In simple term, this treatment simply allows us to infuse your skin with a dosage of Vitamin C with the help of ultrasonic waves. Iontophoresis introduces various ions into the skin through the means of a mild electric current. The end results allows Vitamin C to be infused into the deeper layers of the skin. You will see a natural glow and a fairer skin tone

This treatment is suitable for:
• Improving skin texture and tone

2) Microdermabrasion

Diamonds are a girls' best friend, even on the skin. Microdermabrasion is the ideal way to smooth and polish your way to perfection. The treatment is performed using wands covered with tiny diamonds to perform skin exfoliation whilst at the same time vacuuming the dead skin cells away.

This is a non-invasive procedure and has no downtime after treatment. This gentle treatment deeply exfoliates the skin, helping to restore its natural luminosity and is ideal as pick me up for tired and stressed skin.

This treatment is suitable for:
• pigmentation
• improving skin tone
• reducing facial and back acne marks

Medical Aesthetics charges $39 for Vitamin C Iontophoresis treatment if you book online through our booking form. Please visit our Medical-Aesthetics website today!

All information contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician or a medical professional with respect to your medical condition or questions. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any physician. There is no replacement for personal medical treatment and advice from your personal physician

New Year Resolutions – Lose The Extra Pounds

Happy New Year 2011! Many people have made resolutions – how about you? Each year, people resolve to improve various aspects in their lives that range from their physical appearance to their emotional wellbeing. Popular resolutions include spending more time with loved ones, eating healthy, and most notably – shedding the extra pounds.

Unfortunately, many of these resolutions fail and never make it through. People can be hasty at times and make unrealistic plans that are doomed to fail from the start. Fret not, because in this article, we aim to share with you various proven methods of how to keep to your New Year Resolution of losing weight!

The 3 Golden Tips to achieving your Weight Loss Resolution

      1) Planning a realistic strategy

Healthy dieting and proper eating habits have always been the recommended standards for losing weight naturally. However, a strategy that emphasizes on speedy results without allowing sufficient time for execution usually ends in failure.

For instance: If you have not been exercising frequently and you decide to start your exercise regime, you should avoid a drastic change to your routine activities. As the adage goes, old habits die hard and change should always be gradual.

If you have not been working hard for extended periods, start off with 2 light jogs weekly and over a span of a month’s time – increase the frequency to 4 to 5 times weekly and adjust the physical intensity accordingly.

      2) Keeping to your strategy

A plan can only be useful if there is execution. However, self-discipline is often cited as the most common factor where resolutions give way to apparent laziness. Most successful people, however, report that self-discipline is not what they possess, but rather what they naturally utilize and make use to accomplish what they have set out to.

Research also shows that men tend to achieve their New Year resolutions more, as they set smaller measurable goals that precede the bigger plan in mind. For instance, losing half a kilogram a week beats an ambiguous goal of simply stating ‘lose weight’. Also, women succeeded more when they made their goals public and had support from friends.

  

           3) Enjoy your favourite foods

Total abstinence from your favourite foods will most likely result in rebound eating. Instead of omitting your favourite foods altogether, continue to enjoy your food. Do it the right way  – in moderation. Buy a smaller portion of your favourite candies instead of an entire box. The occasional treat should always be available and acceptable as long as there is moderation.

Last but not least, we hope this article renews your drive in setting a measurable and achievable New Year Resolution. Start slow, move steady and finish gracefully where you deserve to be!

Our associate, Medical-Aesthetics (http://www.medical-aesthetics.sg) has specialized weight loss management plans to help each and every individuals lose weight effectively and safely. You may also choose to read about our weight loss tips at (http://www.weight-loss.sg)

Medical Aesthetics charges $39 for Vitamin C Iontophoresis treatment if you book online through our booking form. Please visit our Medical-Aesthetics website today!

All information contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition.

We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician or a medical professional with respect to your medical condition or questions. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any physician. There is no replacement for personal medical treatment and advice from your personal physician