While there’s plenty of health news that just seems like its designed to scare the pants off us, there’s plenty that we need to pay attention to, too. This monthly update will answer a few questions and give you news that’s relevant to keeping you fit and healthy in Singapore.
Say Yes To Sleep!
Sleep is a lot more significant than you might think to our overall health. Not only can poor sleep impair a whole lot of functions in our body – from concentration, creativity and problem-solving abilities to our memory and infection-fighting abilities – but a lack of shut-eye has also been linked to the development of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to the CDC. That said, if you’re dreaming of optimal health, you’ll want to make a habit of getting a good night’s sleep.
It’s not only about the number of hours we snooze, but also the quality of zzz’s we get. In honour of World Sleep Day (19 March) this month, here are three ways you can improve your sleep hygiene for a better night’s rest:
#1 Set the scene for a restful night
Make sure your bedroom is set up for rest and comfort. A dark room may help you get to sleep more easily, and earbuds may be just what you need to block out any noise. You’ll also want to choose a proper mattress (memory foam might be helpful for some, and natural latex for better air circulation), pillows with proper neck support and adequate firmness, and sheets in breathable fabrics.
#2 Separate your sleep and work spaces
Especially if you’re working from home, keep your workspace out of your bedroom if you can. This will allow you to wind down for the day and avoid associating the space with work (and everything on your to-do list!).
#3 Cut down on pre-sleep screentime
Electronic devices can seriously screw up your sleep cycle, as they emit blue light, which breaks down melatonin (the chemical that controls your sleep-wake cycle) levels in your body. Plus, powering down your devices before bedtime will minimise distractions that stimulate your brain and keep you awake.
Holistic Hubs
As one of the largest health, fitness and sports communities in Singapore, UFIT is known for its holistic approach, offering an array of wellness services to complement its personalised training programmes. In fact, each UFIT hub (locations at Club Street, One-North, Orchard and City Hall) is a one-stop shop for helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals more easily – with access to experienced health and fitness professionals all in one place for a truly streamlined experience.
This year, UFIT has made it even easier to support your health holistically by integrating its one-on-one services to offer Singapore’s first Holistic Personal Training Programme. Now, any personal training (PT) sessions purchased as part of a package can be interchanged with other one-on-one services in UFIT’s “Circle of Care” – such as physiotherapy, massage therapy, nutrition consultations, Pilates, or even health and performance screening – at no additional cost and at any UFIT location. The team will even help you map out the services you need to support your individual goals, and book you in with the relevant professionals.
What’s more, UFIT’s newly launched coaching app makes the process even more seamless, giving you a direct line of communication to your coach and the professionals collaborating on your programme, plus fitness tracking capabilities, and shared access to your progress and data all in one place. Learn more at ufit.com.sg/fitness/personaltraining.
Health help: My child has suffered a jaw injury and knocked out some teeth while playing sport. What should I do?
Dr Eric Lye Kok Weng, specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery
This type of traumatic injury can be minor to severe depending on the mode and force of impact. There are two main areas of concern here: the teeth, and the jaw and face.
Traumatic impact can cause injuries to the teeth and the supporting gums and bone. The teeth can be fractured in the crown or root, and may need fillings, crowns, root canal treatment or even removal if they cannot be salvaged. The force can also affect the underlying supporting area, resulting in the bruising, loosening, shifting or complete loss of teeth.
Here’s what to do immediately: Any fragments or teeth that were knocked out should be recovered and quickly brought to a nearby dental surgeon or dental specialist. If it looks like the entire tooth has fallen out, it should be placed in milk or saline while being transported with the patient to the dental clinic. The dental surgeon or specialist can then determine if the tooth can be reimplanted back into the supporting bone. Any loose or displaced teeth may also have to be splinted in the correct position to reduce mobility and allow healing.
Medical attention is also needed for trauma to the jaw and face, which can result in soft-tissue injuries like swelling and bruising, skin abrasions, lacerations or even tissue loss. Internally, the jaw and facial bones can have cracks or even complete fractures. A dental surgeon will likely refer this type of injury to a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, who can properly assess and provide the necessary treatment.
#11-55/56 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, 38 Irrawaddy Road | 6737 1649 | omfp.com.sg
Natural Healing in a New Location
Osteopathic Treatment Centre, one of the original osteopathic treatment centres in Singapore, has moved from its long-time Tanglin Shopping Centre location to Orchard Towers (#09-01, 400 Orchard Road), just up the road. For nearly four decades now, renowned osteopath Dr David Tio and his multifaceted team have used a range of natural healing modalities to treat everything from body aches and pains, foot problems, common ailments and chronic degenerative diseases to behavioural and developmental problems in children, addiction and depression, among other conditions.
At the new Orchard Towers centre, clients can expect the same natural, drug-free, holistic care – including osteopathy and cranial osteopathy, therapeutic massage, applied kinesiology, chiropody and podiatry, hypnotherapy, energy healing, Ayurveda, rolfing, naturopathy, psychotherapy, clinical nutrition and more.
6734 6440 | WhatsApp 9152 9245 | osteopathy.com.sg
This article first appeared in an edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
