While there’s plenty of fitness and health news that just seems like it’s designed to scare the pants off us, there’s also plenty that we need to pay attention to. Our monthly health hub in print and online will answer a few questions and give you health news that’s relevant to keeping you fit and healthy.
Fertility & Mental Health
Infertility doesn’t just affect your ability to conceive. It can also impact your emotional health, mental wellbeing and overall quality of life, with stress, anxiety and uncertainty taking a toll on both body and mind. Thankfully, you don’t have to face this journey alone. Fertilityconnectz understands the journey to parenthood can be emotionally complex, with certified and dedicated counsellors offering compassionate fertility coaching, a strong support system and expert guidance to help you navigate the ups and downs with strength and clarity.
Quote “ELIVF25” to book an IVF Support Package for $388 (UP $540) until the end of April.
Health Help – Readers’ Questions
“I see bunion pads, toe spacers and splints being sold everywhere – do they actually work? Can they stop my bunion from getting bigger or are they just temporary pain relief?”
Bunion pads, toe spacers and splints can help relieve discomfort, but they do not stop a bunion from worsening. Since a bunion is a structural deformity of the foot, these aids may provide temporary comfort but cannot correct bone misalignment. These devices can help reduce pain and pressure, especially when wearing shoes, by redistributing weight away from the bunion. Pads provide cushioning to prevent friction and calluses, making shoes more comfortable. A splint or spacer may temporarily improve toe alignment, but once removed, the bunion remains unchanged.
However, these solutions cannot prevent a bunion from progressing. Since the deformity is in the bone structure, no external device can permanently straighten or shrink it. For individuals with severe bunions, these aids will not be enough to stop further misalignment or provide long-term relief. For mild cases, wearing well-fitted shoes or using custom orthotics may help manage discomfort. However, if bunion pain persists or affects daily activities, consulting a specialist is the best course of action. In some cases, surgery may be the only effective way to realign the toe and provide lasting relief.
Dr Tang Zhi Hao, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Farrer Park Medical Centre:
#07-16 Connexion, 1 Farrer Park Station Road
6859 0138 | 9661 9837 | enquiries.fp@ajo.com.sg
From Gums to Gut
Your smile isn’t just about looking good – it’s about feeling good too! According to the team from dental clinic Aesthete Smilestudio (50 Raffles Place, #03-01A Singapore Land Tower), neglecting your teeth and gums can do more than cause cavities; it can put your overall health at risk. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes complications and respiratory infections. Gum disease, for example, triggers inflammation throughout the body, increasing the risk of chronic illness. Meanwhile, bacteria from unhealthy gums can enter your bloodstream, contributing to cardiovascular problems. Even untreated cavities can weaken your immune system.
Many dental issues start silently, without pain or discomfort – until they become major problems. That’s why early detection is key. The good news, according to the clinic, is that prevention is simple: regular check-ups every four to six months, daily brushing and flossing and a balanced diet can protect your smile and body.
6438 3811 | aesthetesmilestudio.com
Health Help: Readers’ Questions
“My partner and I are young and healthy. Why is it so hard to get pregnant?”
Trying to conceive can be frustrating when you’re young, healthy and doing everything right. While most couples conceive within a year, fertility is influenced by multiple factors, making conception more complex than it seems. Infertility isn’t just a female issue – both partners play a role.
Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, hormonal imbalances or blocked fallopian tubes can make conception more difficult. For a successful pregnancy, a woman needs to have:
- Regular ovulation – consistent menstrual cycles indicate egg release
- Balanced hormones – oestrogen and progesterone regulate reproductive health
- Unobstructed fallopian tubes – essential for egg and sperm to meet
- Healthy uterine lining – necessary for embryo implantation Low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology or blockages in the reproductive tract can all impact fertility. For the male, he must have:
- Healthy sperm production – adequate count, movement (motility) and shape (morphology)
- Balanced hormones – testosterone and other hormones regulate sperm production
- Have no blockages to sperm transport
For about one in 10 couples, all standard fertility tests appear normal, yet pregnancy still doesn’t happen. This is known as unexplained infertility. Possible underlying causes may include:
- Subtle egg quality issues undetectable through routine testing
- Problems with fertilisation due to the egg’s outer layer
- Sperm abnormalities that standard tests don’t detect
- Implantation issues preventing the embryo from attaching
- Undiagnosed immune system factors affecting pregnancy
The silver lining? Couples with unexplained infertility often have higher success rates with fertility treatments. This suggests that even small obstacles can often be overcome with the right approach. If you’ve been trying for one year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, it may be time to consult a fertility specialist for a screening to help identify any underlying concerns and determine the best path forward through lifestyle adjustments, medication or assisted reproductive treatments.
Dr Yeong Cheng Toh, Medical Director at IVF(SG)
#06-04 Scotts Medical Center @ Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road
6817 5731 | WhatsApp 8511 4633 | ivfsg.com.sg
Ready to Take on HYROX?
HYROX, the world’s fastest-growing fitness race, returns to Singapore on 28 and 29 June. Blending running with functional exercises like sled pushes, wall balls and burpee broad jumps, it’s about endurance, strategy and strength. The key to race-day success? Training smart, say the fitness experts at Body Fit Training (BFT) Singapore. Aside from building endurance and stamina in your runs, focusing on muscular endurance to lift repetitively over longer rep targets will help you to get past your HYROX stations during the race. With the higher intensity expectations of the race, training at threshold at least once a week is one of the best boosts for performance while sharpening efficiency. Don’t overlook recovery – hydration, mobility work and proper nutrition are essential, especially in Singapore’s heat.
bodyfittraining.com/club/bukittimah
Women’s Health Workshops
Feeling drained, bloated or out of balance? It’s not just ageing – it’s hormones, gut health and stress working against you. This May and June, functional medicine practitioner Jo Brownlow is hosting exclusive workshops to help midlife women reset, rebalance and reclaim their energy. These expert-led sessions explore how nutrition, exercise, lifestyle tweaks and targeted supplements can combat fatigue, stress, weight gain and gut issues – without restrictive diets or medication. With a personalised, root-cause approach, Jo empowers women aged 40-plus to uncover hidden health imbalances and create tailored wellness strategies that deliver real results.
Ready to Push Your Limits?
UFIT is now an official HYROX Training Club! Whether you’re chasing a personal best or taking on your first HYROX race, UFIT has everything you need to get race-ready. With expert coaching, assessments, and specialised training programmes, UFIT ensures you’re prepared for peak performance. Their Advanced Running Consultation analyses your biomechanics to refine technique and prevent injuries, while the Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Assessment measures VO2 Max and Resting Metabolic Rate, helping you optimise training and nutrition. UFIT also offers HYROX-specific group classes, including track sessions to build strength and endurance.
Want more personalised coaching? Try Group Personal Training for focused 2-1 coaching (with free access to classes included), or their 12-week Ignition Programme, which combines personal training, health assessments, classes, and nutrition guidance for a comprehensive prep plan.
This health hub of fitness and health news first appeared in our monthly Expat Living magazine. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue! Or head over to our Health & Fitness section for lots of great full-length features.
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